Chapter Text
He was an idiot. Miyuki Kazuya was an actual idiot and Kuramochi wasn’t sure why he even bothered to put up with the guy. He hated that smug look that Miyuki often gave him when Kuramochi would question his behavior. He despised the way that he laughed and the way he was so casually talented. Kuramochi hated all these things and yet…he cared for the catcher so damn much. But right now, Miyuki Kazuya was a damn fool.
"You always do this,” he yelled, clenching his fists at his side.
“Do what?” Miyuki asked, grinning as he did. Kuramochi was so close to yanking his shirt and punching him.
“Deflect me!” he growled. Miyuki sighed and folded his arms in front of the shorter boy.
"Well I’m deflecting you right now because you’re being absolutely ridiculous,” he scoffed. “You’re acting like I cheated on you!” Miyuki hissed out, glaring at Kuramochi. His features softened and he sat down on the bed. “Though I guess I should be happy that my boyfriend is so jealous over me, huh,” he sighed, smiling as he stared at the other. The shortstop blushed and froze where he stood. He still wasn’t quite used to Miyuki calling him that; His boyfriend.
They had happened by accident; Kuramochi’s feelings for Miyuki. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for the catcher, Kuramochi never would’ve even considered that he could have feelings for another boy and yet here he stood staring at the boy he had been falling for over the past few months. Miyuki was special in many ways, too many for Kuramochi to actually list. Miyuki Kazuya was a pompous jerk, a cocky ass hole and yet, he was so damn humble and awkward. He didn’t usually brag about his talent, it was simply obvious to anyone watching him play. Miyuki was aware of his skill and he knew how to use it…he was confident on the field. It was these traits that had made him the perfect candidate for captain and Kuramochi hadn’t been surprised when Miyuki had been picked.
However, it wasn’t simply Miyuki’s skills that drew Kuramochi to him. The boy was an idiot, a total clown, but damn did Kuramochi have fun with him. He wasn’t about to admit that to the bespectacled catcher. There was no need for the shortstop to stroke Miyuki’s ego even more, but he was certain there was no one out there who made him laugh as much as Miyuki did. The way they laughed in class together, making fun of each other or how they both would play video games together, large smiles on their faces. Kuramochi adored the sound of Miyuki laughing from the pit of his stomach when Kuramochi teased Eijun. Sometimes he would be yelling at the other…and he’d have to stifle his own laugh because Miyuki’s face was so damn stupid looking. He always acted like such a teasing ass hole, but Kuramochi knew that the catcher cared for the first year pitcher.
Nothing compared, however, to the laughs they shared in their most private, intimate moments. Lying in bed together, Kuramochi was convinced he had heard laughs from Miyuki that no one else had. The way he laughed through a yawn while wishing Kuramochi “Good night.” The way he sleepily chuckled ‘Good morning,’ every time they woke up together. The way he laughed while panting and begging as Kuramochi moved above him. The way his lips turned up into a gentle smile whenever they lay in bed together and Kuramochi called him, “Kazuya.”
If he thought about it, he could hear each sound echo throughout his ear…all these things made Miyuki absolutely perfect. Flawless in Kuramochi’s mind, though he knew Miyuki didn’t share his sentiments. So many times had Kuramochi forced the catcher to express his fears to him. He knew Miyuki was terrified of being captain…scared that he wouldn’t be able to lead the team the same way that Tetsu had. Yet Kuramochi had reassured him that he was going to be great at it. Miyuki was beyond smart…genius actually, when it came to baseball.
It was all these things that made Kuramochi fall in love with Miyuki Kazuya, though he wasn’t quite ready to admit those words to him or himself.
“And at the very least, I believe in you.”
That’s what Kuramochi had told him. And he really had believed in him. With how much he believed in Miyuki, it was hard to believe he struggled to believe in himself. Why Miyuki liked him was a bit beyond him…Kuramochi wasn’t really anything special, not in the same way that Miyuki was. Nor did he have the pretty boy looks like Miyuki. But if it hadn’t been for Miyuki they never would’ve gotten together in the first place. Kuramochi never would’ve even considered it.
Yet, as he stared at the boy in front of him now, he wasn’t sure if he could say those words again. It was stupid really and if Kuramochi took the time to think about it, it really had nothing to do with believing Miyuki’s words.
“…” Staring the other’s sitting form, Kuramochi re-clenched his fists. “Is this some kind of joke to you?!” Kuramochi snapped, letting his anger take control of his body as he lunged forward and grabbed Miyuki’s shirt.
"No, it’s not, calm down Youichi,” Miyuki whispered, his fingers wrapping around Kuramochi’s wrist, trying to calm him.
“Then you were deflecting again! And don’t try and tell me you weren’t, you damned idiot,” he snarled, glaring at the catcher.
“So what do you want Youichi? Do you want me to apologize for looking at Narumiya Mei?”
Jealousy was an ugly human emotion. Kuramochi knew it was technically a natural thing to feel jealous, everyone had their ugly moments. But it didn’t change how much he absolutely hated the feeling. Still, he hated the way Miyuki had looked at Narumiya Mei and he hated how the blond had draped his arms around Miyuki’s shoulders, calling him Kazuya with his annoying, whiney, bratty voice. The ace of Inashiro was probably one of the most annoying guys Kuramochi had ever encountered. He had rolled his eyes through their entire interaction. Miyuki laughing and teasing the blond pitcher…he knew they had some sort of history, according to Miyuki. Something about Narumiya trying to gather talented players to all attend the same high school to create some sort of unshakable team. Of course, Miyuki had rejected the offer, attending Seidou instead.
Even with this knowledge, it didn’t change the fact that Kuramochi absolutely hated how close Narumiya acted to Miyuki. Had they really known each other long enough to be on first name basis? Though Narumiya was the kind of guy who did whatever the hell he wanted to, so maybe he had never even asked Miyuki. Kuramochi wasn't sure why it mattered so much. But it bothered him, making his eyebrow twitch a bit every time he heard the blond coo out Miyuki’s first name.
“Kazuya~!” he’d whined and Kuramochi had to crack his knuckle to distract himself from the brat’s irritating voice.
Maybe it was because Kuramochi was only really given that liberty when the two of them were alone…and even then they used their first names so rarely. It was sort of a special thing between the two and Kuramochi had never realized it was such a bit deal until he heard that stupid pitcher calling Miyuki so informally. Both Kuramochi and Miyuki had agreed that they were going to keep their relationship private from the rest of the members on the team, mostly due to Kuramochi’s request. He wasn’t quite sure how the rest of the team would respond to them being actually together and he wasn’t ready to find out. Miyuki had insisted that the team would most likely not care, but the catcher had agreed to follow Kuramochi’s wishes. Really the shortstop wasn’t really used to the idea of being in love with his best friend…in that way.
But when Miyuki kissed him…damn. He knew, at the very least, he couldn’t argue with his feelings towards that. It had become their favorite game. Finding new places to kiss…finding places that were a little daring. Sometimes Miyuki would kiss Kuramochi in the locker room behind the dugout. He’d intertwine their fingers and press his lips up against the shortstop’s for a brief moment. Sometimes Kuramochi would lag behind after video game evenings in Miyuki’s room, just to kiss him on the bed, their legs locking, both of them wanting more. Occasionally Miyuki would fake needing to talk to the shortstop about Vice-captain things or team things…though this backfired on them one time when Zono offered to come help too…Miyuki had been forced to make up some strange problem with Sawamura, which of course Kuramochi had teased Miyuki about to no end once Zono had left them alone.
Miyuki was damn addicting and Kuramochi couldn’t get enough. He would’ve skipped a whole day of practice if it meant getting to spend the day with Miyuki, just kissing the idiot would’ve been fine. They had ventured beyond kissing, but there was something so damn special about pressing his lips to Miyuki’s. It was so special that he didn’t want anyone else to know how good it was. Especially not someone like Narumiya Mei.
“You should’ve come to Inashiro, you could’ve been a part of an all-star team!” Mei had laughed obnoxious. Miyuki folded his arms and shook his head.
“You wish, Mei-chan,” Miyuki grinned, laughing obnoxiously in the pitcher’s face. Kuramochi had hated that even more…Miyuki was his normal, teasing self with the blond. How could he be so casual about all this? And yet, it was so like Miyuki to be like this…he could tell from the glint in his eye that he was enjoying every moment of teasing the ace pitcher.
“I do wish! You’d be such a better catcher for me!” he had pouted and Miyuki shrugged.
“Sorry Mei, I like Seidou.” Those words should’ve been enough for Kuramochi, enough to let him know where Miyuki’s heart lay. Both with the games on the field and with the two of them…but Kuramochi’s mind couldn’t stop reeling. Miyuki loved being a catcher and Mei was the ultimate pitcher. He knew Miyuki enjoyed the challenges that Sawamura and Furuya provided him, but he could only imagine what sort of thrill Miyuki would’ve gotten from catching the pitches of Inashiro’s Ace.
It didn’t help that Kuramochi had noticed the way their eyes locked when Miyuki was batting…like they were facing each other in an epic match. It had made Kuramochi even more frustrated.
Miyuki had noticed Kuramochi was upset almost immediately as they made their way back…but he chose not to speak about it. If Kuramochi had a problem, he would probably bring it up…and that he did. Once they were alone in Miyuki’s room, Kuramochi had called Miyuki out on his flirtatious behavior with the Ace, to which Miyuki had laughed it off and here they now stood.
Kuramochi’s eyes narrowed as he stared into Miyuki’s golden hues. He gripped his shirt harder, his hand shaking.
“Just…tell me what you want ‘Mochi,” Miyuki whispered. Kuramochi wasn’t sure why the catcher was being so agreeable. Did he realize how frustrated Kuramochi was? Though he couldn’t admit it, Kuramochi was mostly frustrated with himself…and because of this, he couldn’t stop himself from lashing out.
“I don’t know!” he yelled in the other boy’s face. “Maybe you should have just gone to Inashiro!” After hearing the words come out of his mouth, Kuramochi immediately wanted to take them back. He slowly watched Miyuki’s eyes widen and his mouth drop a little bit.
“Ah…’Mochi-chan, you don’t mean that…” Miyuki replied softly. Kuramochi had never seen so much hurt on Miyuki’s face, usually the boy was guarded with his feelings, especially when it came to deeper emotions and sadness…yet this time, Kuramochi could see the boy’s hurt as clear as day. He had to apologize. He had to and yet…he was silent. He let his hands slip from Miyuki’s collar.
He couldn’t find the words to say as he stared into Miyuki’s eyes, he could only hear the sound of his own breathing and the light thumping of his heart in his ears. How could he have even said that? It was like telling Miyuki he didn’t want him here anymore.
“Well you’d probably be a lot happier, heh,” he scoffed, staring at the ground. “Catching for that guy, winning all the time…it’d be better wouldn’t it? It’d be better in the long run for your career too,” Kuramochi mumbled softly. He wasn’t sure where these words were coming from. Every fiber of his being was screaming at him, telling him to stop, but the words poured out anyway. He’d never expected Miyuki to actually want to leave…and even with all his teasing, he knew it was Kuramochi that Miyuki cared for.
“Is that really what you think?” Miyuki frowned, snapping at the shorter boy. He couldn’t believe that after everything…Kuramochi was actually asking something so outrageous.
“I don’t really know what I think,” he sighed out. Miyuki hadn’t even done anything and Kuramochi knew he was overreacting.
“Look Youichi,” he said softly, “I think you’re maybe overreacting a bit,” Miyuki said. “All we did was talk, I want nothing to do with Inashiro…Seidou is my team.” Kuramochi frowned and pursed his lips.
“Fine, whatever. I’m just saying if you chose that guy or whatever, I would get it.”
“That’s not what I want though?” Miyuki replied, tilting his head confused.
“Whatever, I saw the way you teased him…you’d probably be better at a place like Inashiro anyway, they’re all friggin’ ass holes, ” he snapped. He stormed out of the room, not turning to look back or give Miyuki the chance to answer.
He made his way back to his room, feeling rather guilty for the whole exchange…but Miyuki had been the one to flirt with Mei! It was his fault. Stupid ass hole. He grumbled, climbing up into his bed…eventually he’d apologize to Miyuki, when he felt like it. Right now he was just going to sleep and attempt to sleep off the anger he felt.
~
“…’Mochi-senpai…Kuramochi-senpai!” Kuramochi groaned hearing the loud first year call him.
“Shut up Sawamura, I’m sleeping in today,” he scoffed through his tired yawn.
“E-Eh!? But Kuramochi senpai! We have to get up, the practice game against Inashiro is today!” Eijun exclaimed loudly. Shooting his eyes open, he started into Eijun’s golden hues.
“Wait what? We just played them yesterday…” Eijun shook his head.
“Uh…Senpai…did you have a weird dream? …you’re the captain you’re supposed to remember these things!”
“Vice-captain,” Kuramochi corrected and Sawamura narrowed his eyes.
“Are you making fun of me, Kuramochi-senpai?!” he asked, pouting hard. “I know you’re not Zono-senpai,” he grumbled, a pout forming on his lips.
“I’m not making fun of you, you’re acting weird!” Kuramochi laughed loudly, stepping down from the bunk. “Alright, alright…I’ll run to Miyuki’s room and see you at the game,” he said, grabbing his clothes to change.
“Eh…what?” Sawamura began to protest, but as usual Kuramochi was far too fast as he dashed out of the room, leaving the young pitcher behind.
Maybe he had dreamed up the whole fight. Sometimes he had stressful dreams before a big game. Sighing, he went to knock on Miyuki’s door, surprised when there was no answer.
“Damn that idiot getting up so early,” he said quietly, rubbing the back of his neck as he made his way back towards the field. The game was in a few hours so Kuramochi thought it best to warm up. He could speak with Miyuki when they were done.
However, Kuramochi was a little surprised when he didn’t see Miyuki on the practice field. He hadn’t been in his room…and now he wasn’t even on the field? Though, he didn’t see Sawamura or Furuya, so perhaps they were warming up together in the bullpen? That wasn’t exactly unusual. Kuramochi was just feeling overly sensitive after their stupid fight…or maybe dream fight. He wasn’t quite sure anymore. It had certainly seemed real, but why would Sawamura lie about playing Inashiro today? There was no way he would make something like that up and he’d looked so serious. Sawamura wasn’t that good of an actor.
Licking his lips, Kuramochi focused on running and the upcoming game. Games against Inashiro were important, whether they were practice ones or not. The team always made Seidou a bit nervous after what had happened in the spring. But this time things were going to be different. They would never let something like that happen again. After his run, Kuramochi made his way back to the locker room to pick up his batting gloves. Jogging by Sawamura, the young boy smiled and waved.
“It looks like you’re feeling a lot better Kuramochi-senpai!” he said.
“I…wasn’t feeling bad?” he shrugged.
“Oh, well, you seemed really confused this morning,” Eijun said, narrowing his eyes at the shortstop . Kuramochi slowed his gait and stopped in front of the pitcher.
“Ah yeah, that was a bit strange. I guess I just slept poorly,” he muttered. “But hey, look, have you seen Miyuki? I was hoping to talk to him before the game. You know…Captain-vice Captain stuff,” he muttered, rubbing the side of his arm. Sawamura stared at him like he had grown another head.
“E-Eh? Kuramochi-senpai…are you talking about Maezono-senpai? I…I don’t know who…you’re talking about?!” Eijun said, confusion on his face. Kuramochi glared. Was this some kind of prank? Had Miyuki been so frustrated with him, he got Sawamura involved in some sick joke to pretend he didn’t exist or some bullshit.
“Funny, funny Bakamura,” Kuramochi scoffed. “Tell me where Miyuki is. Our captain…your catcher?”
“…Kuramochi-senpai, are you sure you’re not sick?” he asked. “YOU’RE the captain. And Maezono-senpai is your vice-captain…” Eijun explained, his features filled with worry. Blinking, Kuramochi took a step back from the pitcher.
“You’re not…lyin’” he whispered. The boy looked genuinely concerned, as though he had no idea where the hell the other boy was. “I gotta…go,” he said quickly and dashed away from the first-year pitcher. Though Sawamura called after him, Kuramochi did not turn around.
What the hell? He had to be dreaming. He had to. The Inashiro practice game had been yesterday and he was going to wake up and he was going to apologize to Miyuki for their stupid fight. That was the only thing that made sense…because this strange world certainly didn’t. It wasn’t like people could just up and disappear from existence and even if Miyuki had disappeared, or run away, people would at least remember him! And for some reason Kuramochi was captain!? That was a big joke. Where the hell was that ass hole?! When he did find him, he was going to punch him in the face.
“Kuramochi!” Making his way to the locker room he saw Nori stepping out, getting ready for his own warm-up.
“Ah! Kawakami, you wouldn’t lie to me,” Kuramochi huffed out, finally happy to see a person who would never be involved in such a stupid prank like this.
“Eh? ‘Mochi-kun?” Nori replied looking rather shocked at the shortstop’s outburst. “Lie to you about what?” he asked softly.
“Miyuki. Miyuki Kazuya. Second-year, Captain, first-string catcher. Where the hell is that bastard?” he snapped. Nori furrowed his brow.
“E-Eh…who…exactly?” Nori asked slowly. He could tell Kuramochi seemed mad and the relief pitcher didn’t want to set the boy off even more.
“Miyuki…Kazuya! He’s our damn captain!” Kuramochi yelled and Nori jumped back.
“Ku-Kuramochi…you’re the captain…and I don’t know who you’re talking about…I swear…” he muttered, his face looking rather concerned for the shortstop.
“Dammit!” he yelled, brushing past the second-year pitcher.
“Kuramochi! Where are you going? The game starts soon, Inashiro just got here!” But Kuramochi didn’t answer as he dashed back out the door. What the hell was going on? People didn’t just disappear. He was sure he looked like an idiot, running all about, but he either needed to find Miyuki or wake up, whichever one happened first.
He dashed out onto the field, seeing people filing off of the Inashiro bus. He recognized Narumiya right away, that damn blondie, however, the last person he had expected to step off the bus was Miyuki Kazuya, wearing Inashiro’s jersey, a large smile on his face.
At the very least, Kuramochi had found him?