The Catcher and the Pitcher
Chapter Eight (Part III)
Masuko Tooru bit his lower lip as he walked back to the field, deep in thought and mind circling in complete chaos. He witnessed something he shouldn't have. No, more like, he saw something so… so… well... so sweet? So illicit? NO. So… so— uh… yes! So unbelievingly heart wrenching and so wonderfully cute it might just cause him to get killed. Or he and Miyuki both.
Crap. Now what? What is he going to do? Should he inform the others about what he saw? Wait, no, no. It's Sawamura and Miyuki's business. It's not a situation he could just meddle with. But then, should he keep silent about it? No, no, no. Jun and Tetsu will kill him if they ever found out that he didn't say anything. Actually, scratch that, everyone would probably kill him!
Although he's not sure if it's because they care, or they just want something to gossip about. Well, at least they will have something to say about it, in pure horror no less.
Mince meat. Jun will turn him into mince meat. Masuko's shoulders slumped in defeat, totally stressed out.
Why? Why did he even decide to follow Sawamura-chan and Haruichi-chan after he and Kuramochi-chan talked? He should have chosen another pathway!
'Well, what choice did you have? It's the nearest path to go back.'
But still—! He should have gone in opposite direction! He wouldn't have seen anything at all!
'Well, weren't you scared to face Tetsu if he ever found out that you were late to get back to practice?'
That's true! But still—! He should have gone back when he saw the drama unfolds right before his eyes! He didn't need to watch!
'Yeah well, you really thought it wouldn't last that long.'
But—but— but—still—!
'And yeah, aren't you late now that you dashed in opposite direction in panic as soon as Miyuki and Kuramochi-chan nearly caught you watching the scene? So it actually beats the purpose of choosing that path in the first place! Masuko, Good Job!'
He's dead. He's so, so dead.
Masuko sighed dejectedly. What the hell is he going to do? His head's already spinning in confusion. And on top of that, he's starting to go crazy. Who answered their own inner monologue anyway?
'Everyone, obviously. Ahou.'
Gaaaaaaahh!
Well, it's not his fault! And besides, it was Miyuki and Sawamura's fault! Why were they even being all lovey-dovey in broad daylight? Though admittedly, what he witnessed was far from being lovey-dovey at all. Masuko was still in a state of wanting to smash something with his fist (preferably Miyuki's nose) when he saw his first-year roommate in near tears. But he honestly had no intention to overhear them at all! No, none at all! Promise!
"Oi, kura, Masuko. What are you mumbling to yourself over there?"
"Eek!?" The third-baseman nearly jump out of his skin and turned to look at his back, surprised. He gulped when he found most of the third-years sauntering towards him, some of them chattering among themselves while the others were looking at him like he sprouted an afro over his head. Tetsu raised his eyebrows in confusion while Jun frowned back at him, a tad suspicious. It was only Tanba who was staring at him with worry.
Masuko's eyes widened. Another Good Job! Just the very people he least wanted to see at the moment!
Tetsu raised a brow, watching his teammate almost shuffling on his feet, fidgeting. "What's wrong Masuko? You're already late for practice. It's been almost an hour since Coach asked you to call Kuramochi." Tetsu stopped-short, and he stared back at him sharply. "You're not skipping practice, are you?"
Masuko shook his head fervently.
"Then why are you loitering around here, huh?!" Jun paused, watching the other flinched from the question. "Wait, that reaction! You're hiding something aren't you teme? What is it?! Spill it out!"
"It's n-nothing!" Masuko squeaked (very manly, of course) in response, his voice coming out like a strangled frog. He flushed deeply when most of his teammates gaped back at him in disbelief, while the others started sniggering under their breaths.
"Uh… Masuko?" Tetsu gaped.
Masuko coughed, trying to calm his cheeks from reddening any more than they already do. "I-I mean, it's nothing. It's nothing really. I'm actually on my way back."
Jun glared. "Then why are taking the long way, huh?" Suddenly his eyes widened when he came into a 'realization', his reaction swiftly turning livid and horror-struck. "Don't tell me—! It's a girl isn't it?!" He stomped towards the other and grabbed his shirt, shaking the bigger man wildly on his feet.
"Masuko teme! It's a girl isn't it! I knew it—!"
"I-it's not!"
"—that's why you're being secretive aren't you?! You have some nerve you bastard! Meeting a girl behind our back! Teme, I'm so envious!" Jun gritted the last word under his breath, his eyes burning green with envy.
Tetsu flinched, while his other teammates strained their ears in the conversation, secretly interested (and secretly pissed off) that Masuko's hiding a girlfriend.
Jun is still on the roll. "Tell me! Who is it?!"
"Like I said—!"
"Her name! What's her name?!" Jun persisted, unaware of a looming storm brewing behind his back. Tanba, blessed his (probably strong survival instinct) realized the looming danger and immediately took several steps away from the group, his eyes fixed to his captain warily, while his other teammates watched him in confusion.
"Tanba? What are you—?"
"Jun."
Everyone who stood behind Tetsu froze, including Tanba who were still in a middle of his escape.
Oh shit.
Suddenly, an ominous aura burst in all direction, making them all shudder from where they stood. Everyone hurriedly scrambled away, Tanba mysteriously nowhere in sight, while Jun on the other hand, was still too preoccupied strangling Masuko that he didn't even heard his name being called.
The aura intensified. Tenfold.
Everyone gulped and they all took several steps away in alarm. They watched in dread as their captain approached the two idiots in a deliberate stride, his footstep slow and silent, while everyone tried helplessly to get their attention, waving their hands frantically. Unfortunately for them, Masuko and Jun were still both completely oblivious in the middle of their 'raucous' discussion.
They're dead.
Jun was still in the middle of his furious inquiry when he finally realized something is wrong. He saw one of his teammates at the corner of his eye flailing his hands, motioning for him to look at his back. Jun stilled, his senses suddenly heightened in dread.
Something's burning. Behind his back. And so alarmingly familiar. Eyes widening, he looked up at Masuko and they exchanged apprehensive looks.
Yeah. They're so dead. Crispy and juicy.
Masuko and Jun nearly squeaked in surprise and they both jumped inches away from the ground when a hand clamped down on each of them out of nowhere. One on Jun's nape whiles the other on Masuko's head, both hands tightening threateningly around them.
"You two—" They both looked up and gulped when they met their captain's cold smile. "—have a lot of explaining to do. Ne?" Tetsu narrowed his eyes, daring them to protest. All they can do is to nod in so much eagerness it didn't even occur to them they practically had no idea what kind of explaining Tetsu was talking about. Masuko looked at his scattered teammates for help, but they all shook their heads fervently, terrified.
"Good. Then, why don't we start with Jun?" Tetsu turned to smile at him so sickly sweet it stamped the brewing objection from Jun's mouth, and it nearly made him swallow a whimper. "Tell me— why are you so interested to learn if ever Masuko really skipped practice—" Masuko started to utter a weak protest at that, but he snapped his mouth shut instantly when Tetsu shoot him warning glare.
"—just to meet a girl, huh, Jun?" Tetsu turned his attention back at him. "Explain."
Jun felt his throat turned dry and he swallowed audibly, his cheeks' reddening a bit. "N-Nothing. Just a bit curious."
"Hooo?" Tetsu raised his brow, eying him suspiciously. "I don't think so. Try again."
"Well what do you think is it then?!"
Tetsu's eyes turned fierce, moving his hand away from his nape and grasping his elbow tightly instead. "Jealous?"
"Wha—? No! Jealous of what?!"
Tetsu just gave him a stare. And although his Captain didn't say anything, the ominous silence made Jun squirmed even more.
"The hell! I'm not, teme! I'm just—!" Jun snapped his mouth shut, suddenly unable continue. Well, just how in hell is he going to explain it anyway? That he's been irritated this past couple of days because Tetsu's been busy with all the meetings and training and they hadn't been able to… uh… ahem—be together alone? Jun can already feel the horror of embarrassment it will cost him if he ever admits it. Just trying to imagine that bastard's smirk from hearing that reason makes him want to punch him right on his smug (and very handsome) face!
"Just?"
"Nothing!"
"I'm really curious, so tell me what it is."
"It's nothing! You're pushy!"
Tetsu can already feel a surge of jealousy flowing into his veins. Suspicious. Very suspicious. Looking at his vice-captain face, he was about to growl out disbelievingly when he stopped short, eyes fixed on Jun's face.
Jun is blushing. And fidgeting. And looking so seductively guilty he looked absolutely delicious.
Shit..
Suddenly feeling his stomach knotting uncomfortably, Tetsu coughed, stamping the heat Jun's expression caused inside of him. He shifted his eyes away from the sight and swallowed his unexpected discomfort. "W-Well, we'll talk about it later."
Jun eyed his captain, now a bit confused from the sudden cease of argument from the other. As he watched, he saw Tetsu cleared his throat like he was trying to regain his composure. Jun shot him a look of full of suspicion and uncertainty. Tetsu looked back at him and their eyes met, silently communicating with each other. Jun glared.
"What the hell, oraaaa?!"
Masuko saw his chance. Tetsu is too busy with his attention directed at his vice-captain that he didn't even notice his grasp slipping from Masuko's head. Trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, the third-baseman slowly turned and walked away from them in tip-toe, moving from the 'loving' scene as fast as he could. He'll be dead in so many ways if he stayed any longer! (Diabetes mainly the cause). That scene almost made his tooth aches.
Now's the chance!
He was already a few steps away from the two when Masuko looked at his right and paused, watching one of his teammates waving at him in frantic. Masuko blinked and tilted his head in question.
Eyes widening, his teammate's waving turned even more frenzied, pointing something at Masuko's back. Masuko's face lightened up and he gave him a thumbs-up, thinking that the other was encouraging him for his successful escape. He shot him a smile, signaling that it was okay and he'll be with him in a minute.
His teammate's eyes widened in panic, now practically jumping on his feet as he insistently pointed at him.
Masuko blinked.
Nani—?
All of a sudden, two set of hands clamped on each of his shoulder and Masuko froze, his own eyes widening as he watched his teammate from the other side palming his face dismally.
Oh no.
Masuko yelped when both hands tightened around his shoulder threateningly and he was suddenly yanked back so fast he nearly fell on his ass. His throat turned dry when looked up and saw Jun and Tetsu looming at him, both smiles ominously evil.
"And where do you think you're going huh, Masuko?"
"E-Eh?"
"Baka yaro, we're not finish with you yet." Jun's smile turned sadistic. "You can't escape from us."
"Well, let's just forget about Jun being suspicious for now—" Tetsu ignored Jun's yell of 'Oi!' and moved closer to Masuko. " –and tell us what you're hiding, huh, Masuko?"
"N-No, L-Like I said—"
"Huh?! I can't hear you!" Jun exclaimed.
"I-It's nothing, really—"
"Don't you dare lie to us kura or you'll be dead!"
"Masuko—" Tetsu spoke in a deceivingly calm voice and smiled. Masuko had the sudden urge to cover his eyes. He doesn't know why, but he had the feeling he will be screwed more than with his sadistic vice-captain.
Tetsu moved closer to him. "—If you dare lie to me, I'll—" Tetsu moved his lips close to his ears and whispered something. Jun frowned when Masuko's eyes widened in horror and his face turned suddenly pale.
"Well?" Tetsu asked, a small smirk playing on his lips. "What's the girl's name? I won't allow you to have fun while some of us were sweating our ass off and couldn't even go on dates. So who is she Masuko?" Tetsu crossed his arms.
Silence.
"Eh?" Masuko blinked, looking up at Tetsu with a dumbfounded look on his face.
Jun gaped, and everyone who heard sweat dropped.
'Ara. So that's what he really he wants to know, after all?'
Jun felt a vein popped on his forehead, his eyes twitching in annoyance. "T-E-T-S-U. What the hell, you bastard! So you were bothered about that too!"
Tetsu gave him a deadpanned look, his voice coming out like he was even baffled Jun was asking such a stupid question. "Obviously. After the amount of time we couldn't spend together, like I would allow anyone doing whatever they want." He huffed. "They need my permission before anyone can go on dates. Hear? PERMISSION."
"H-Huh?!" Jun sputtered. "That doesn't make any sense at all, teme!" He flared, while the others could only shake their heads in bemusement.
Tetsu shrugged, looking nonchalant. "So? What are you really hiding Masuko if it's not a girl? Do you have love problems too?"
"N-No, of course not." He sputtered.
His captain raised his brow. "Then, teammates? Did one of the kouhai give you problems?"
Masuko blanched, remembering the scene he witnessed just a while ago. Problem? Oh, yes, but not his.
He paused. Wait, that's true. It's not his problem at all, but that doesn't mean he couldn't help, right? Right! But wait, wait. Then isn't it better if he tells the others about what he had seen earlier? The more who could help, the better!
No, no wait. He couldn't exactly tell them about Sawamura and Miyuki's scene earlier, so he could just tell them what Kuramochi told him. Yes, that's it! No need to make them angry and execute Miyuki! They could just get rid of the cause! That girl—Uh— what's her name again?
Jun strode and stopped beside Tetsu, his arms crossed in warning. "Oi kura, so which is it?"
He looked at the two of them, thoughtful. Help. Their kouhai, especially Sawamura needs help. He couldn't stand seeing the loudmouth pitcher being that desperate again. Masuko nodded to himself, coming to a decision. Yosh! Good job, Masuko! Nice idea!
Masuko motioned them to come close, looking around them acting all sneaky. Everyone exchanged looks of confusion, while some of them shrugged in response. Tanba, who mysteriously turned up again out of nowhere, sided beside them, intrigued. Some of his teammates shot him accusing stares, but he merely shrugged it off.
"Actually…." Masuko started. Everyone circled around him, some puzzled, some secretly eager, some buzzing in excitement for whatever secrets or gossip they may hear.
And then—
—Weeeell…. After hearing Masuko's information, let's just say everyone's expressions changed dramatically. Most of them are that of disbelief, some indignant, some vindictive and well, some terrified of Jun's sudden burst of evil cackling.
Masuko sort of regret it later that he ever said anything at all.
...
Krrrrnnnnggg…! Krrrrngggg….!
"Ugh…"
"N-Nani…?"
Krrrrrnnggg…..
"Ugh… Hey… Miyuki…"
"Senpai…"
"Off… turn that off…
"Senpai…. hey…"
"H-Huh?" Miyuki jolted from his bed and groaned in protest as he realized what had had disturbed his sleep. Yawning, he grabbed his phone under his pillow and turned his alarm off, all the while fighting his senses from going back to sleep. He flipped his phone open, confirming the time.
Five in the morning. Ughhh….
It can't be helped. Better do it earlier than later on. He couldn't exactly say it aloud with a lot of his teammates present during morning practice, especially with his senpais. This'll be the only time he could grovel on his knees without anyone's looking and his pride still remained intact. Or at least he hoped. Miyuki sighed dejectedly.
Stretching both his arms over his head, Miyuki moved out of his bed, looking for his jacket to fight off the cold and at the same time rehearsing inside his head what he should say; any words that could probably alleviate the anger and disappointment he knew he had to face later on. His explanation needs to be perfect or, God help him, there'll be hell to pay.
One of his roommates, his senpai, looked from the other side of the room with bleary eyes, looking like half of his consciousness was still happily traipsing all over his dreams, his drool coming out sleepily from the corner of his mouth. He blinked, also fighting to stay awake.
"E-Eh? N-Nani? W-Where are you going Miyuki? What time is it?" He yawned, fighting his eyes from closing itself.
"It's still 5 o'clock, senpai. You can still go back to sleep." He replied, tying the lace of his shoes.
"Hmm… I see… five o'clock… huh…"
Pause.
…..Five o'clock?
Huh? Huh?
'HUUUUHHHH?!'
Suddenly, his senpai jerked from his bed, eyes wide in disbelief. Gawking at his kouhai, he stammered as he shot him incredulous look. "F-f-fi-fi—five o'clock! It's still five o'clock?! Are you fucking kidding me?! Then what the hell are you doing out of your bed?!"
"I'm going out. Got something to do." Miyuki said simply.
His senpai blanched, looking stricken. Oi, oi, oi, oi. What the hell—! What is this? End of the world? Is it end of the world? Miyuki's awake at five o'clock in the morning! He can feel his head spinning.
'Oh God, didn't see that coming. What an unexpected ending. I hadn't been able to call back at home at all! So fast! Not even a girlfriend to brag about in afterlife!'
He clutched his heart dramatically, stunned. "W-What a tragic short life."
"Senpai…. you're loud. Stop being an overdramatic idiot and go back to sleep." Their other kouhai, a first-year, mumbled to his pillow and was back asleep within seconds, snoring loudly.
Despite himself, Miyuki sniggered as he stood and walked towards the door. "I'll be going then."
"Oi, kura Miyuki! No, wait— are you really Miyuki?! You're possessed! Pray before you go—!"
Miyuki slammed the door shut before he could hear the rest of his senpai's outlandish words, shaking his head in amusement. He was greeted with a cold breeze, the smell of grass wafted past to where he stood. Suppressing a shiver, Miyuki stretched a little and started to jog sluggishly towards the second field, glancing about to make sure no one was already awake hanging around beside him. Miyuki smiled; satisfied that he didn't see anyone.
As he was nearing his destination, his smile softened when he saw the purpose of his early day. There he is, his figure crouching on the ground as he stretched. Miyuki walked towards him quietly, trying not to gain his attention.
Moving stealthily behind him, Miyuki sneaked close, snickering in silent as he listen to the other's muttering obscenities under his breath, grumbling his protest about Furuya stealing his tire yet again.
Ah geez, he's pouting.
Miyuki felt his heart skipped a bit, his breath clamping up on his chest. 'He's just too cute.'
Miyuki smirked. Well, that won't do. Sawamura's not allowed to pout about another man or any other man for whatever reason.
'This deserves a punishment.' His smirked turned devilish after an idea came to him, chuckling silently just imagining the other's reaction. Moving as silent as he could, Miyuki crept close, just a little bit closer, a bit more close… and then—
He pounced, tackling the unsuspecting pitcher to the ground. "Wah!"
"GYAAAAAAHHH!" Sawamura shrieked; His eyes wide in terror and his face white ashen, extremely shocked. The sight made Miyuki laughed out loud, slumping over his pitcher as he struggle breathing between his laughter.
That reaction was just superb, although Sawamura's loud yell almost rendered him deaf.
"Shhh…! You're loud." Miyuki shushed in his chuckles, using one of his hands to cover Sawamura's mouth while the other nursed one of his abused ears. Sheesh, that shout could probably wake the dead and unfortunately, including their still sleeping teammates.
Sawamura struggled from his hold, wrenching the hand away from his mouth. "Wh—?! Miyuki?! Teme! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"I'm just playing around. And lower your voice, oi!" He looked around, confirming that they were still alone.
"Playing around? That's not playing around, you bastard! Are you trying to kill me?!" Sawamura pulled his body away from the other, but Miyuki's hold merely tightened around him. "Let go!"
"That should be my line. Are you trying to kill me from that shout just now?"
"Whose fault do you think was that?!" He hissed, minding the volume of his voice despite himself.
Miyuki merely gave him an annoying grin. Sawamura felt a vein popped on his forehead. Looking down at the arms circling around him tightly, Sawamura tried to ignore the sudden racing of his heart and desperately kicked his foot from the ground, trying to use the momentum to escape. The catcher didn't even bulge from his position and Sawamura nearly gaped in disbelief. Was Miyuki really that strong?
Miyuki smirked from his futile attempts. "Just give up. I'm not letting you go."
"Miyuki!"
"Fu,fu,fu." Miyuki tightened his clasp around his waist and pulled the pitcher close to his chest, almost to his lap, and smiling lightly when he saw Sawamura flushed from the intimate gesture, his resistance lessening a bit.
"O-oi, what are you doing?" He stammered.
"Hm? Snuggling?" Miyuki emphasized his words by hugging Sawamura tighter, his one hand rubbing the other in content circling motions.
"Wha—? Let go!" Sawamura's blush deepened, looking around them nervously in case someone saw them in their current position, all the while trying desperately not to react from the tingling sensation caused by Miyuki's hand on his skin.
Miyuki laid his head on Sawamura's shoulder, looking up at the other with a raised brow, eying him slyly. "Why?"
"W-Why? Because it's embarrassing, stupid! Someone might see us, you know!"
"Hmmm…" Miyuki hummed, burying his face at the crook of Sawamura's neck, inhaling his intoxicating scent contentedly. "Everyone's still asleep." He mumbled.
Sawamura could feel the heat from Miyuki's breath fanning over his neck, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine. He bit his lower lip nervously, his heart pounding loudly on his ears and the heat radiating from Miyuki's solid presence at his back raced throughout his body, pooling up to his cheeks. Sawamura swore if he blushed more than he already was, he'll melt in a pile of goo.
"O-Oi, Miyuki." He called in a tentative voice, although he wasn't sure if he was hesitant from Miyuki's actions or from the thought of stopping what the other were doing. The catcher acted like he didn't hear anything at all and simply snuggled close.
If Sawamura thought the situation couldn't get any worse, Miyuki slid one of his hands to his cheek and tugged gently, the side of his face now pressing at Miyuki's. Sawamura felt like he was burning from all over. Miyuki's breathe felt like furnace on his skin.
Hot. Miyuki feels so hot.
"T-Teme…" He fidgeted. "…Y-Your getting—"
"Getting what?" Miyuki whispered. He smirked gently as he watched Sawamura's flustered stuttering. Miyuki snickered and the other glared back, face still flushing red.
"I—uh— y-you're too close. M-Move away a little."
"Don't want to."
"You—!"
"It's because you're acting so cute that I want to stay like this with you. I couldn't possibly let go, could I?" Miyuki squeezed him tighter, grinning. "Let's stay like this for a while, na?" He whispered huskily, bumping his nose close at the back of his ear. This time, Sawamura's blushed could be considered an alert level five burning. Miyuki could practically feel the heat radiating from the other.
"Wh—! Y-You— H-How could you say something so embarrassing!" Sawamura hid his face on his hands, feeling like he was going dizzy (or crazy) from the teasing. This bastard! That's not fair! Miyuki's been always a shameless bastard, but how could he say something like that with such a straight face?
Ahhhh! I'm burning! I'm burning! Water please!
Sawamura moved his face away from Miyuki, trying desperately not to show him his embarrassment, and unintentionally—
— his nape was now suddenly fully exposed for Miyuki's eyes. Sawamura's sweaty, scrumptious nape.
Miyuki froze.
White. So smooth. So supple. So…so… beautiful. His mouth went dry as he watched a bead of sweat rolled along Sawamura's nape down to his back, sending his imagination in haywire as he tried to picture the sweat rolling down to different places of his pitcher's body. Miyuki inhaled sharply and couldn't take his eyes away from the delectable sight. Suddenly, he felt a different kind of burning of his own.
Ah, shit.
Miyuki slumped over Sawamura, pressing his forehead on his shoulder in his attempt to hide his own flushing face. "Geez, how can you be so unguarded, you adorable idiot." He muttered under his breath, squeezing Sawamura's body closer. "You're really trying to kill me, aren't you?"
Sawamura blinked back at him, confused as he finally able to come out of hiding his face behind his hands. "Huh?"
Miyuki didn't utter another word. Acting out on pure impulse, Miyuki tugged Sawamura's head on the other side, exposing his neck further to his gaze. He ignored his pitcher yelped of surprise and pounced, sucking on the white skin eagerly, enthusiastically.
Sawamura froze, his eyes widening, and his body was suddenly assaulted of different sensations all at once. What the—?!
"M-Miyu—! Ah!" He bit his lower lip shut, stifling a whine that nearly came out. Shit! He felt a shudder rocked his body as Miyuki sucked a bit deeper, stronger. "B-Baka! Stop!"
The catcher acted like he didn't hear anything. Sawamura tried to push him away, trying to ignore the tingling sensation racing on his veins, but Miyuki merely sucked more.
"Miyuki—!"
Miyuki suddenly pulled back from his 'entertaining' activity and licked his lips, smirking in satisfaction as he watched the mark he left starting to show itself.
"Good."
"Teme! What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Sawamura glared, wriggling in his position and panting slightly from the surge of heat still engulfing his body. His face flushed red.
Miyuki narrowed his eyes as he watched Sawamura's flustered expression, an irritated small vein popping on his forehead. What's with that luscious look? If he'd ever show that kind of face to anyone else, I'll—! Ah geez! "That's a punishment for being so clueless." He hissed.
"Huuuhh?!"
"Stop showing that kind of face, will you?" Miyuki muttered under his breath.
Sawamura scowled, trying to will his body to calm down. What is he talking about? Punishment? Clueless? This bastard—! Doing something so- so—ugh—so unthinkable—so—
How could he do something like that?! Sawamura could still feel the eerily combination of pain and softness caused by Miyuki's lips on his nape. Oh god. Miyuki's lips. He smoothed it with his fingers, trying to trace the mark he knew was quite visible to everyone who knew what they were looking at. Kuso, it's a—a—
'It's a kiss mark.'
"MI-YU-KI…" He growled. Sawamura struggled from Miyuki's embrace. "I'm going to kill you!"
"Hai, hai."
"Teme—!"
"Ah. And it's a punishment for yesterday as well." Miyuki huffed, his hands snaking on his waist a bit tighter to still the other's squirming. "Remember?"
"I don't care what you're saying; I'm still going to kill you!"
"Heee… So you forgot about yesterday huh?" The catcher narrowed his eyes.
"Huuh?! Yesterday was—"
Sawamura halted in his struggles, suddenly a bit apprehensive. Ah, shit. He totally forgot about that. That's right; Miyuki said yesterday that they will talk again. And honestly, he was a bit jumpy last night during dinner in case Miyuki suddenly brought out the subject. Fortunately, the catcher didn't even pry further, so Sawamura really thought he had already forgotten about it.
But it's not like he had any intention to tell him about what happened yesterday, right? Miyuki didn't need to know about him meeting her yesterday. It hurts, but Sawamura already decided that he will wait for Miyuki to explain everything to him.
But that doesn't deserve any punishment at all! They're both the same. Sawamura is keeping secrets, but so does Miyuki! The nerve of this bastard—! As he thought, he's really going to kill him—!
"Mah, Well, I think I deserve some punishment as well." Miyuki send him a small smile, his eyes dulling a bit and his embrace slacking a little.
Sawamura frowned, his anger temporarily forgotten. Miyuki's moods are bouncing all over the place. He sighed, shifting from Miyuki's hold a bit and turning from the embrace to look up at the other. "What are you talking about this time?"
If Sawamura knew any better, he could have swear Miyuki looked a bit guilty a he shifted uncertainly from his position, pushing his glasses uncomfortably as he looked sideways, not meeting his eyes. Sawamura suddenly felt uneasy, feeling an impending bad news heading his way.
"Well—uhh—" Miyuki coughed to clear his throat. Shit, this is really hard. He didn't want to see the disappointment on his pitcher's face. And to make it worse, he was the one who invited Sawamura in the first place. It's like he was doing something really terrible to their already delicate relationship.
He'd been trying to find a solution about it last night, even thinking of letting Chris-senpai go to watch the match alone. But he couldn't possibly do that right? Not only will he disappoint Chris-senpai, his Coach would probably hang him upside-down, grilled him and sautéed him with Jun-senpai's lectures and Tetsu-san's burning aura. Just the thought sent shivers over his spine. Although he didn't know what he was more wary of at the moment, their wrath or Sawamura disappointment.
"I'm sorry, Sawamura but— we need to cancel our date this Sunday." He mumbled, totally uneasy. He cursed in silent as he felt the first-year stiffened in his hold. Miyuki waited his reaction in bated breath, readying himself from any tantrums the first-year may subject him to and of course, how to grovel in earnest that when Sawamura spoke in quite a voice, Miyuki almost didn't hear.
"Why?" Sawamura asked silently, hesitatingly. "Did—did you already change your mind?"
If he wasn't clinging close to Sawamura, Miyuki wouldn't have been able to hear the hint of worry in his voice. Miyuki felt like smacking himself from being an idiot. Delicate relationship, geez. Kindly explain?
"Of course not! Is that what you really think of me? Are you an idiot?!" He gritted out, feeling a slight betrayed from Sawamura's doubt.
This time, the first-year turned rigid, and Miyuki realized what he had said. Ah shit. His stupid mouth. Forget about smacking himself, he should just bury himself alive from being stupid. He's the one at fault here; he should just shut his mouth and grovel for all his worth.
"Excuse me?" Sawamura bit out and glared, his eyes blazing. "What did you say?"
"No, I mean—"
The first-year wretched himself away harshly from Miyuki grasp, making the other felt bereft in the process, and stood facing the catcher from the ground, his body's trembling in fury.
"You— You—I'm just asking why—I—" Sawamura couldn't find the words to express what he's feeling at the moment. He was just asking! And yes he was feeling doubtful! But not because he didn't trust him. He was just thinking that he was probably in Miyuki's way. That's all!
Sawamura felt the need to punch something really hard and he shot the other a fierce glare. A really, really fierce glare. Miyuki flinched.
"No, wait—"
"You—you— Grrrrrrr... Just DIE!" And Sawamura proceeded to stormed away from the field, boiling in anger.
"Hey, Sawamura—!" Miyuki called out, but the pitcher merely sprinted away, leaving him in morning dust.
"Wha—" Miyuki watched Sawamura's figure running out of sight and he let out a resign sigh. Sagging back on the ground, Miyuki covered his face in frustration and inwardly cursed, berating himself.
"Che. Aren't you the one being an idiot here? You big idiot."
…
Needless to say, everyone noticed the two of them acting strange the entire morning practice. Miyuki keeps on following around Sawamura, trying to coax the other into conversations, using any existing charm and exaggerated praises he could think of that a lot of his teammates started to feel sorry for him, sending him pitiful looks. Naturally, those looks were answered with death glares from Miyuki, making most of his teammates cower from where they stood.
But the entertainment didn't end there, of course.
They had to give it to Sawamura. They don't know if the first-year was starting to get immune from Miyuki's irresistible persuading charm, or if he was just really too aggravated this time, but any attempts coming from the catcher were blown away by a simple glare, making the other senpais' silently cheer for him. Every time Miyuki comes near the first-year, Sawamura either acted like he was going to blow up from the burning aura emitting from his body, or he acted like he couldn't see or hear anyone talking to him, nonchalantly evading and ignoring Miyuki's entire existence. Jun felt like pumping his fist from watching the scene with mocking glee.
Not everyone were amused with the 'Lover's Quarrel', though. Zono nearly exploded in rage when he innocently tapped Sawamura on his shoulder to inform him about their field practice, and the first-year growled back at him fiercely, mistaking him for Miyuki. Thank goodness someone in their right mind restrained their second-year teammate, or there will be bloodied bodies loitering around on their midst. Well, at this rate of increasingly tense atmosphere between Sawamura and Miyuki, bloodied bodies are the least thing they had to worry about. They just hope one of the bodies belonged to Miyuki, or else they wouldn't be able to rest in peace.
Coach Kataoka isn't happy either. Each time he looked at the bullpen where Miyuki and the others were supposed to be, he would found it empty, the other catchers and pitchers' nowhere in sight. Most of them were trying to avoid any looming disaster they could feel coming from the two quarrelling idiots, while some of them are secretly watching the spectacle in amusement. Unfortunately for Sawamura (and Coach Kataoka), Chris is one of them.
"Just what the hell happened with those two?" Jun frowned, watching Miyuki trying yet again to approach the first-year. Sawamura and Furuya are in a middle of their field practice and Zono is now watching the approaching catcher with a glower, acting like he was going to spit out fire towards Miyuki any minute now. Zono knows that the other was intending to disturb them again and he glared when Miyuki gave him an irritating smirk. Jun tried to stifle a grin from watching the scene.
"Miyuki-chan has a death wish, hasn't he?" Ryosuke smirked.
Jun grabbed Masuko from behind, strangling the third-baseman with his arm. "Oi, kura Masuko! What happened with those two, huh?! You know something don't you?!"
The other choked from tight hold over his neck, tapping Jun arm away in alarm. "I-I don't know! I already told you everything I know yesterday!" He lied. He gasped when the arm tightened around him.
"Really?!"
He nodded fervently. "Really! Really!"
"Then, it must because of it right? About that girl." Tanba wondered.
Tetsu frowned. From what they heard from Masuko, they found out that Sawamura already met the 'mysterious' girl yesterday, and he was greatly upset about it. Tetsu didn't know how upset the first-year was and didn't even bother to ask questions about it, but from watching the two interact during dinner last night, he was pretty sure Miyuki already talked about it with Sawamura, or at least reassured him about his real relationship with the girl. It was the main reason why they were both subdued last night, and Miyuki being extra attentive too.
Although Tetsu didn't voice it out loud, he knew Sawamura wasn't simply upset with his meeting with her; the pitcher was extremely upset and greatly feeling insecure about it that Masuko deemed to omit that information from them. It's just that Tetsu wasn't that easily fooled. And based on Chris' reaction last night when they informed him about it, the other catcher wasn't either.
Tetsu shook his head, tuning back in conversation and spoke. "Although they were acting strange last night, it wasn't this bad. How should I say this? Last night was a bit awkward, but they were still talking normally with each other. But now…" He looked at his two kouhai, Miyuki looking like a puppy siding beside his owner while Sawamura was still oblivious to his presence, preoccupied with his own practice.
"Now… the way I see it… I guess it's just a normal fight. Miyuki's trying to woo him back and Sawamura was just simply sulking in love. Huh? No, is it called pouting in love?" He tilted his head and nodded in conclusion; acting like he didn't just say something so incredulous.
Everyone paused and turned to gape back at him in astonishment, while Chris and Ryosuke almost choke in their attempt to hide their snicker.
"Huh?" Jun blinked back at him, dumbfounded, and then he doubled-over laughing, clutching his sides with hilarity. "Oh God, you didn't just say that Tetsu! That was fucking funny! Teme, and you were so serious!" he snickered, slumping over his captain's body in an attempt to control his amusement.
Some of the third years sniggered under their breaths, not from Tetsu's comment though, but from Jun's look of comic disbelief.
Chris tried to clear his throat as he spoke, keeping his own grin under control. "No. Although I won't say it the way Tetsu did, I think he's right." He said, a smile still lingering on his lips. "It's probably nothing too serious. It was just probably one of Miyuki's idioticmoments."
(Ha-ha. Bingo!)
"Ah." Tetsu nodded, circling an arm around Jun's waist and steadying him on his feet. "He probably said something like 'are you an idiot?' that made Sawamura really annoyed. Nothing we can about that."
(Ha-ha-ha. Double Bingo!)
Jun scratched his beard and grunted in agreement, finally a tad calm from his laughter. "Well, I did warn him about that stupid, arrogant mouth of his before. 'Guess still a bit too hard for that bastard to control."
(Triple Bingo!) As expected of senpais. Three list of accurate bull's eyes'.
The third years were suddenly interrupted from their conversation when a loud voice boomed around them, making them jump and snap their heads towards the commotion.
"Kura, Miyuki! Stop wasting your time around here and do you own practice somewhere else, bakayaro!" Zono finally exploded. Everyone was startled from his sudden yell, including the loud-mouth pitcher who was still unaware of the catcher dallying behind him.
"What are you talking about? I'm just here to watch them practice. I'm not doing anything. Na?" He winked towards Sawamura.
Sawamura's face immediately turned sour. Turning away from the catcher, he grabbed Furuya's arm rather forcefully beside him and pointed towards the running area, acting like he saw something so worth-looking.
"Are-re-re… Look, look, Furuya-kun~… Harucchi's running over there. Why don't we join him? You'd like to run too, right?" Sawamura smiled at the other pitcher sweetly, pulling the somewhat stupefied Furuya away from the field, and trying (not so subtly) to distance himself from his 'stalker'.
Miyuki started to utter a protest, which was drown out by Zono's another yell of complaint.
Furuya, on the other hand, abruptly stopped dead on his track and stared at his rival, his nonchalant mask slipping a bit from hearing Sawamura adding -kun to his name. His sudden pause made the other pitcher looked back at him.
Sawamura raised his brow. "N-Nani?" he asked, pulling on the other pitcher's arm insistently.
Looking stricken despite his deadpanned expression, Furuya spoke blankly. "You said Furuya-kun."
Sawamura blinked. "E-Eh? Well, yeah, I did, I guess. So?"
Silence.
"G-Gross." Furuya suddenly hugged himself, exaggerating a shudder. "T-That's c-creepy."
"Are you trying to piss me off?!"
"I'm begging you. Just call me Furuya. Just Furuya is fine. Or you can call me bastard if you prefer. I prefer it myself."
"Is that supposed to be funny?! It's not funny! I'm not laughing here!"
"Well, I'm not laughing either."
"You bast—!" Sawamura could feel his boy trembling in annoyance and he was starting to feel a headache developing between his eyes. Everyone was really aiming to piss him off today. Sawamura was so ready to throttle his friend just to vent out his increasing frustrations.
He was brought back from his irritated musing when he heard Furuya's voice calling out.
"What are you waiting for? Let's go already." Furuya called out. Sawamura glowered when he realized he was actually left behind and Furuya was already a few meters away walking towards their pink-haired friend, leaving him with his grumbles.
"I'm going to rip you eyebrows off, cook them and feed them to that stupid catcher if I ever get a hold of you, Furuya teme!" He exploded.
"Haaa… Scary, scary." Furuya answered back.
The third-years sweat dropped watching their two kouhai bickered as they walked, (Although it was only Sawamura's one-sided argument) and turned to look at Miyuki who is now being scolded by Rei-chan. Jun snickered when the catcher was pulled along by their assistant coach towards the office, probably about to be scolded by their Coach as well.
"Those brats are so troublesome." He shook his head.
"Kyahaha! Too bad. I only saw the last part of the show." Someone unexpectedly spoke behind them. They turned and found their shortstop heading their way. Ryosuke immediately smiled from the sight.
"You… you really enjoyed sneaking here, aren't you? Coach will scold you again."
Kuramochi simply grinned and it was Tetsu's turn to shake his head in resignation. Some of the other third-years asked the shortstop about his health while the others asked him why he was there.
"Ah, well, becau—" Kuramochi started to say.
Ryosuke interjected at once.
"It's because he wanted to see me so much, ne, You-chan~?" Ryosuke regarded him with a sly smile, making the shortstop remembered what happened yesterday. Kuramochi flushed red, while the others looked back and forth between the two of them.
"Hoho… is that so?" Jun asked, leering.
"Of course. You-chan's feelings and mine connected and became one yesterday. We became extremely close. I'm sure You-chan wouldn't forget about it too for a long time, right? I was worried I pushed your delicate body so hard yesterday." Ryosuke's smile turned devilish, amusement dancing behind his eyes. Kuramochi, however, felt his world started spinning out of control and he stammered in incredulity.
'What is he talking about?!'
Well, he did come because he wants to see Ryo-san so much. But he didn't need to announce what happened yesterday for all their teammates to hear!
Their teammates' reactions, though, were immediate. Tetsu lifted a contemplating brow, Chris gave a knowing smile, Tanba flushed, Masuko blinked in confusion, while Jun and the others nearly choked from the sudden burst of x-rated images assaulting their minds. Kuramochi wished there was a really big hole on the ground willing to eat him up at this very moment or he might just dig one himself just to bury his embarrassment.
"R-Ryo-san!" He protested indignantly, feeling hot all over.
"Y-You—you two—don't tell me—!" Jun stammered, looking at him in complete disbelief.
"No!" His hands flapped with alarmed denials.
Tanba, in contrast, looked scandalized. "K-Kuramochi! T-That's not something you should be doing right now! Y-You're still y-young!" Tanba screeched, sounding like he was on a verge of hyperventilating.
"Tanba-san…" Kuramochi sweat dropped and the others shook their heads at Tanba's virgin-like reaction.
Chris moved beside the third-year pitcher and rubbed soothing circles at his back, trying to calm him down. Chris moved his face close to the other's ear and whispered something, making Tanba shut his mouth and blushed so red all of them thought he was going to combust.
'Nani? Nani?! What did he tell him?! I really want to know!' Everyone sweat dropped.
Ryosuke chuckled as he stood beside his shortstop, grabbing the other close. "Mah. Mah. I was just joking. Everyone's being exaggerated. Geez."
Masuko blinked. "Really?"
Ryosuke only smiled, hugging his shortstop closer still. Kuramochi could only sigh dejectedly, looking sideways to hide his still flushing face.
Jun let out a sigh of relief. The others following suit, including Tanba.
X-rated images are scary.
"Anyway, what brought you here, Kuramochi?"
The shortstop cleared his throat, willing his flustered face to subside. "Masuko-senpai told me that he informed you about what happened yesterday."
Chris nodded in affirmation. "He did."
Kuramochi scratched his head. "Well, I was just wondering what do you plan to do about it?"
Chris shrugged, looking at his other teammates. "I honestly had no plans to do anything about it myself. I prefer them to do things their own way. Although if you had any plans, I won't say anything if it's good."
"It's not like it's a big deal." Jun piped in. "It's just a simple plan, really. Nothing too special."
Moving close to his senpai, Kuramochi bounced eagerly. "So what is it then?"
Jun smirked, looking proud. "Easy. Don't let the threat met her target. At least not until the target formed a strong relationship with his own target. Kekeke. Simple, right? It's not so hard to do!" He boasted.
Most of his teammates snickered at Jun's pompous attitude, while Tetsu and Chris simply smiled fondly.
"You just couldn't think of anything complicated. I should have known. Mah, well done, well done, I guess." Ryosuke muttered in sing song.
"What was that?!"
"Heeeh…" Kuramochi nodded to himself, thoughtful. Despite the simplicity, if could be effective.
That's true. Things between Miyuki and Sawamura will progress smoothly if Arashi-san presence ceased to be a threat for Sawamura. But for this plan to succeed, everyone needs to help. They couldn't let her to come close to those two.
Well, what about putting the other kouhai in it too? Like Haruichi and Kanemaru? They're the ones who are always around that idiot. They can just grab him away like Haruichi did yesterday. Kuramochi isn't sure about Furuya. There are times he was more thickheaded and denser than Sawamura, although there are also times that he was extremely sharp to read situations too. Mah, better than nothing, I guess.
Kuramochi was about to open his mouth and utter out his own suggestion when a loud voice calling out to them interrupted him. He turned and found Kanemaru running towards them. The third-years immediately shut their mouths, not wanting the first-year to hear anything important they're talking about (which is nothing worth-mentioning, really).
"Senpai!" Panting, the freshman stopped before Tetsu.
"What is it?"
Kanemaru straightened up and scratched his head, hesitating a little. He looked around and sighed in relief when his gaze landed at Sawamura, who is now talking animatedly with his two friends. "Well…"
"Is Coach looking for me?" Tetsu asked.
"Er—no."
Chris lifted his brow, remembering that Coach Kataoka asked him to go to the office after practice. Did the time change? "Is it about the meeting at the office? Am I the one being called?" he asked.
"Uh—not you, senpai."
"Huh? Then what is it?"
The first-year fidgeted. "Er—the—someone—"
Jun rolled his eyes impatiently. "Stop dallying and tell us what it is already! Or d'you like to find yourself running with Sawamura until this afternoon's practice, huh, kura?"
Kanemaru immediately flails his arm in panic, dreading the idea of spending any more time with their loud-mouth pitcher than he was already subjected to. "Hiiiiiiiiiii! No, no! Anything but that, senpai! It's just that— t-there's a girl there at the entrance! She said she was looking for Miyuki-senpai! I-I thought I should let you know before—! Geh! Senpais, your faces are scary!"
Everyone froze, their aura bursting all over the place.
Don't tell me—!
They all exchanged dumfounded looks, momentarily forgetting the first-year in their midst.
Chris was the first to recover. "That's—troubling, huh?"
All of them exchanged blanks looks.
"The plan—" Kuramochi started, trying to remind the others about it.
Their eyes widened and immediately, they created a circle, huddling close together like mothers of preschoolers in the middle of their gossip entertainment. Kanemaru could only blink with perplexity as they absentmindedly pulled him to their circle as well, watching his senpais' faces ranging in different reactions. Jun looked stupefied, Chris thoughtful, Tetsu nonchalant, and Ryosuke acting like he was watching something very interesting for his taste.
Jun fumbled with Tetsu's uniform, pulling on the hem of the shirt restlessly. "Oi! Oi!, Oi! Don't tell me—! Don't tell me— Don't tell me—!" He hissed, looking around them like he was expecting their visitor to just appear from thin air.
Oh, shit. Oh, oh, oh, oh shi—t!
"Ahahaha. For real?" Ryosuke smirked in amusement. His face says it all. He was enjoying this situation too much for everyone's peace of mind.
"This is no time for laughing, Ryo!"
"Jun, your over-reacting again. And didn't we expect this to happen?" Tetsu rolled his eyes, pulling the hem of his shirt away from the other's grip.
"Yeah I know! But it's too early! My heart's not ready yet!"
"Your heart has nothing to do with it, ahou. And besides, weren't you the one who came up with a plan? We'll just have to do it. Geez, who was the one acting so excited about it from the very beginning?"
"Yeah, well, why don't you do it then if it's so simple, huh, teme?"
Tetsu let out a sigh. Some of his teammates sweat dropped listening to their exchange, while the others stifled a grin. No one dared to correct their vice-captain that it was him who even gloated about the plan being so simple in the first place.
"Look—" Kuramochi tried to calm his senpai, his lips twitching in his attempt not to let out a snicker and trying to ignore Ryo-san giggling silently beside him. "It's not really that hard, ne, Jun-san? As you said, it's not exactly a complicated plan. We'll just have to send her away."
Jun narrowed his eyes. "Then, you do it. Make her go away."
"Ehhhh?"
"Got a problem with that? I'm your senpai. You listen to me. Go." He gave him a thumbs-up.
"Err… Don't want to… I don't like to meet her again…."
"Huuuuh—? Ah! That's right!" Jun exclaimed excitedly, coming into a realization. "You already met her yesterday! Ja, you're the perfect person to carry out the 'Get-rid-of-her- and-take-her-away-from-here-plan! Yosh—" Jun cuffed him over the back of his neck, wretched him away from Ryosuke's grasp, (which made the second-baseman extremely put off, by the way) and pushed Kuramochi out of their little cluster, shooing him away towards the entrance. "—Go, Kuramochi! We're counting on you!"
"Oi… oi…" Kuramochi sweat dropped. "I don't' want to, senpai! I'm no good talking to her!" He whined.
"I'm your vice-captain, I'm ordering you. Go!"
Ryosuke interfered, grabbing one of Kuramochi's arms back and hugging him close. He fixed Jun with a smothering glare, eyes fierce. "No one gets to order You-chan when I'm around. Find someone else." He narrowed his eyes threateningly, the amused expression earlier now completely gone.
Everyone shivered.
Jun coughed to clear his suddenly dry throat. "B-But who else is available?! He was the only one who met her before!" He complained in a whiny voice too. (Yes, yes. Such a bunch of macho baseball players. Geez.)
"As I thought, it should be Jun-chan, right?" Masuko urged, partially hiding his body behind Chris in case he was chosen for the job.
"Kura, Masuko!"
"Hey…" Tanba suddenly spoke, and they shifted their attentions towards him. "Isn't it only logical that the person she asked to get Miyuki will also be the one to make her leave? It'll be less suspicious that way."
Everyone gave him a blank stare. The person…..she asked….?
Huh?
Ahhhh… That's… true…
Uh—
Silence...
"Eh?" Kanemaru blinked back blankly when everyone slowly turned to look at him. "E-Eh?"
Everyone just stared.
Kanemaru face suddenly turned pale, his eyes widening in alarm. "E-Ehhhhhhhh?! Me?!"
Everyone nodded and simultaneously gave him a thumbs-up. Kanemaru shook his head fervently. "I-I refuse!"
"Hoooo... Why didn't I think of it before? Yes, yes. Of course. So true. So very true." Jun smiled evilly. "Yosh, yosh… that's a good boy….C'mere." Jun cracked his knuckles, his eyes glinting.
"Senpai!" Kanemaru protested. They're devils!
"Thank you so much for volunteering, Kanemaru." Tetsu smiled innocently.
Noooooo!
"Yosh…. Go, Kanemaru! We're counting on you!" Jun grabbed him and pushed him towards the direction of the entrance. "You better do a good job, teme or else…"
"Ehhhhh?! B-But—I'm not—"
"Take care!" Everyone brought out a white handkerchief and waved them off, sending him off happily. Too happily in his opinion.
Yeah. Let's just say, during his way back to the field's entrance, Kanemaru swore never to speak to any person looking for any of his senpais ever again.
…..
While the third years and Kuramochi were in a middle of their 'top secret' discussion on how to get rid of Miyuki's visitor, Haruichi was stuck with his two friends in their endless bickering. Eijun-kun is still moping when the pink-haired first-year sided with his friend as they ran, Furuya lagging behind them, looking tired from the arguing already.
"Ne, Eijun-kun?" He called softly.
"Hah? Nani?" Sawamura asked, still in a bad mood.
Despite his friend's sour disposition, Haruichi couldn't help but smile. Eijun-kun can be really cute when he's furious. It was probably one of the reasons why some of his teammates, including Miyuki-senpai, always riled him up. His cute expressions were worth watching. Too bad his loud voice couldn't be considered cute in normal standard.
"What did Miyuki-senpai did this time? I thought—" He gave a pause, not sure if he should bring out their meeting with Mika-senpai yesterday, since both of them acted normally last night. "—well, it's not about yesterday, isn't it?"
Sawamura slowed his pace, looking at the other direction in deep thought. He sighed. "No—It's not that. That's— we already talked about that… well, at least a bit."
Haruichi sighed with relief and smiled "Then, I guess, this time it's nothing serious, huh?" He said cheerfully. That smile was wiped out almost instantly when his friend's face suddenly turned dark, his aura now leaking out almost in par with their captain's.
"Hooooo…. Oh yes…. It's nothing. Nothing so important… heeeh… It's not like I'm looking forward about this Sunday ne? It's not like I'm really mad at Miyuki… What are you talking about Harucchi? Mou…" Eijun-kun shot him a twisted smile, his brow twitching with every word.
Haruichi sweat dropped. "No… I'm not talking about anything yet, Eijun-kun. I didn't even mention anything about Miyuki-senpai."
"Ah! That's right! That's right! Ahahaha! It's not like Haruichi knows about it huh? It's not like it was so important that a certain someone could even cancel it because of something more important he has to do. Right…. Of course, of course! I'm not even looking forward to it! Aha… aha… ahahaha…!" At this time, Eijun-kun isn't merely running ahead, he was stomping with his feet so hard Haruichi was pretty sure there are holes left on his wake. Haruichi moved a little away from his friend, afraid that he might get caught with his furious stamping.
One thing he was now sure of, whatever it is that should happen this coming Sunday, Eijun-kun was really, really looking forward to it. Very Much.
"Eijun-kun really likes Miyuki-senpai, ne?' He smiled at his friend softly.
Sawamura glared, his feet now digging deeper into the ground. "Who likes that bastard! I didn't say anything about liking anyone!"
"Ehhh? But you were really angry that he cancelled out on you right? I'm not really sure what is it, but Eijun-kun was really looking forward to it right?" Haruichi threw him a knowing smile. The pitcher stuttered indignantly.
"I'm not! I already changed my mind! No one likes anyone now! I'm angry! I won't forgive!"
Haruichi lifted a brow skeptically, his eyes shining with a devilish glint disturbingly close with his big brother's. "Then… you won't ever talk to Miyuki-senpai? Ever again? You're not going to take any desserts he'll give you? Ever again? Or help you fix your form during practice? Or maybe treat you to lunch occasionally? Or may—be…. " Haruichi smiled slyly. "—let him catch your pitches, ever, ever again? Na, Eijun-kun?" He grinned, already knowing who the victor is with their conversation.
"U-Ugh … T-That's—" Sawamura hesitated, feeling like he was losing against himself if he ever tried to argue back with those listings of Miyuki-is-with-him-benefits. Grrrrr…..
"T-That's u-unfair, Harucchi!"
Haruichi snickered under his breath. Winner, on the left side—Kuminato Haruichi!
"That smug face seriously pisses me off." Sawamura grumbled in a pout, averting his eyes away when his friend shot him a knowing look. "Ah, yes, yes, okay! I'm not really angry! I'm just—uhm—s-sulking a bit." He mumbled the last word out.
The pink-haired first-year rolled his eyes, a bit exasperated. "You are always sulking Eijun-kun. Especially about Miyuki-senpai. "
"Oi! Are you really my friend?!"
"Hai, hai. Eijun-kun can be really so troublesome sometimes, ne."
"Boo, Boo…" Sawamura pouted in response.
"And childish."
"Harucchi! You're really starting to hurt my feelings here!"
"Ahou… ahou… ahou…" Furuya ran passed, comically mimicking a crow with an extremely deadpanned expression on his face.
"This is not an anime, Furuya, teme! Stop listening in someone else's conversation!"
"Ahou… Ahou… Ahou…"
"I'm going to kill him!" Sawamura cursed, his pace quickening up a bit.
Haruichi shook his head as he watched his friends' antics, smiling a little now that Eijun-kun started to return back to his old loud-mouth self. Geez, Miyuki-senpai and Eijun-kun are so troublesome. He couldn't wait to see once those two finally became official. Miyuki-senpai will definitely go bald at this rate. He probably even had to grovel a lot before Eijun-kun forgave him about their wasted plans for this coming Sunday.
Haruichi blinked, slowing his pace a little.
Wait, this coming Sunday?
"Ah—! Ne, Eijun-kun—!" Haruichi called out to his friend. Scowling still, Sawamura shifted his attention back at him with a questioning frown. "— are you talking about the practice match this Sunday? Why, is it cancelled?" He asked innocently as he catch up to his friend.
Sawamura shot him a puzzled look. "Huh?"
Haruichi threw him a puzzled look of his own. "Eh? It's not? I thought you were talking about the practice match this coming Sunday? With Miyuki-senpai and the others?"
Sawamura suddenly stopped dead on his tracks, looking stunned, which in turn made his friend stopped on his run as well.
"Eijun-kun?" Haruichi called out, confused.
Eh? What is Harucchi's talking about? Practice match? There'll be a practice match? Where? When?
Wait, wait, wait! What practice match? No one said anything about any practice match to him! Could it be— is that the reason why Miyuki—?
Ah, shit.
"We—" Sawamura cleared his throat. "— we have a practice match this Sunday?"
"Huh? Ah, no, not us. But I heard Coach gave an order to Miyuki-senpai and Chris-senpai to watch a practice match this coming Sunday. They said one of the teams will be a formidable opponent this summer. Chris-senpai informed Furuya last night, and I was with him so I heard it too. He said the pitchers should come to watch as well. I thought Miyuki–senpai said he'll inform you today. Is it really cancelled? Is that why you're mad with—? E-Eh? Eijun-kun?!" Haruichi instantly rushed at his friend's side in panic, too perplexed when Sawamura suddenly flopped onto the ground, covering his now flushing face. "E-Eijun-kun—? What's wrong?"
Sawamura shook his head, his face still hidden behind his hands and his reddening now reaching up to his ears. "No, no. N-Nothing's wrong. I'm just— Ahhhhh… the hell?"
Haruichi crouched beside his friend, biting his lower lip worriedly. "What happened? Are you hurt? Is it stomachache?"
Sawamura could only shake his head. God. 'It's not because he changed his mind.'
There was really a reason. Miyuki didn't change his mind.
Ah, geez!
Why? Why didn't he say it earlier? It's not like he wouldn't understand if something like this came up! He's not that selfish!
But, isn't he at fault too? He didn't try to listen to Miyuki's explanation until the end. He was overcome with disappointment and he tried helplessly not to show he was really hurt that their plans were suddenly cancelled. Who's the idiot here, really?
Sawamura blushed, embarrassed with himself. It was just he was really looking forward to it. He really, really wants to go somewhere with just the two of them. So like an idiot that he is, he acted childish, not even bothering to hear him out.
"Ugghh….! I'm the worst." He mumbled, still flushing in shame.
Haruichi watched, confused, as his friend started to mope yet again.
'What is it this time, Mou…'
Shaking his head, Haruichi grabbed Eijun-kun's hand and pulled him up, steadying him on his feet when the other nearly stumbled. "Mah, mah. Whatever it is, I'm sure Miyuki-senpai wouldn't mind it one bit. He was trying hard to get you attention just earlier right? C'mon, let's continue with our run and you can think of a way to make it up with him."
Sawamura slumped. "Demo—"
"Let go catch up to Furuya-kun." Haruichi urged.
"Hm…" Sawamura started to jog after his friend sluggishly, feeling disheartened with himself. He was about to quickened his pace and followed Harucchi, when someone ran pass at the corner of his eye, gaining his involuntary attention.
Huh? Who—?
Ah… It's Kanemaru.
The other first-year looked as dejected as Sawamura felt while he jogged out of the baseball field.
What happened to him?
Sawamura frowned, slowing a little to look at his teammate, and eventually stopping to observe. If he didn't know any better, he'll think Kanemaru is suffering from rheumatism. The way he was dragging his feet towards his destination looks so funny Sawamura was tempted to let out a snigger despite his gloomy mood. Better give Kanemaru an ice pack later this evening just in case. It will compensate for his rude amusement.
Looking back at his teammate, his eyes widened when he saw the other approached someone at the opposite side of the field. He couldn't make out who is it, but he was pretty sure that figure definetly belongs to girl.
Oi, oi. Is that his girlfriend? Impossible. Kanemaru shouldn't look that conflicted if she is.
Confession? Sister? Classmate? Sawamura narrowed his eyes, squinting in an effort to identify her. Who's that—? Looks oddly familiar…
He didn't know why, but his heart started to pound a little faster, and he was now feeling a tad apprehensive.
'Wh-What is this? What's wrong with me?'
"Eijun-kun!"
Sawamura nearly jumped and he looked back towards Harucchi, clutching his uniform over his chest as he tried to will his heart to calm down.
"What are you doing, Eijun-kun? You're going to be left behind!"
"A-Ah…"" Sawamura turned to look back at where Kanemaru was. He saw his teammate bowing deeply, repeatedly, probably apologizing. Sawamura couldn't explain why, but he suddenly felt relieve.
"Probably just a confession, huh…." He murmured, feeling the conflicting emotions from earlier ebbing away. He started to jog after his waiting pink-haired friend, gaining more speed.
Obviously, the entire scene he saw now slowly easing out of his mind.
…..
Kanemaru, panting a little from his run, halted before the visitor and bowed, looking completely apologetic. (Although one of the reasons he's bowing so low is to hide his face just in case she may caught him lying.)
"I'm really sorry! Miyuki-senpai is in a middle of a meeting so he couldn't just leave. And he wouldn't be available for the entire morning either."
Mika blinked down at the first-year, her smile slipping a bit. Shifting her gaze towards the practice field in the distance, she took a peek at the ground secretly, her eyes roaming the players she could see.
The second field is closest to where she is now, but the main field is still a distance away. She couldn't even identify any of the players in her line of sight properly even if she squint her eyes, and there are no one in the second field close to her position. Just a few players doing their runs, and they were in the opposite side far from where she stood. She couldn't even tell if one of them is Kazuya. And she was pretty sure he wouldn't just expose himself just like that if what she suspected since yesterday is true.
He's avoiding her.
That bastard is running away.
'This is not good.'
Directly visiting the field during practice is out of question. And Mika couldn't risk moving any more closer to the field than she already is at her current position. Any more close and she might meet— What if he—?
Ugh!
She shook her head, pushing those stray thoughts away from her mind. Now's not the time for that. She just needs to talk to Kazuya. And that's what she intends to do.
Looking back at the freshman still bowing his head, Mika sighed, straightening her uniform as she tapped him on his shoulder. She narrowed her eyes when their eyes met. "You're sure Kazuya's at school today? Yesterday, Kuramochi-kun said he went out."
"A-ah, hai…" Kanemaru stammered, feeling slightly intimidated.
"Really. You're not lying aren't you?"
He shook his head fervently.
She smiled sweetly at that, almost too sweet. "Hmmm. I hate liars, you see, eto…ah— Kanemaru-kun, is it?"
"H-hai…"
Mika nodded, her eyes boring into him. "Well, I guess it can't be helped. Arigatou, Kanemaru-kun. Hope to—meet you again soon."
Kanemaru blushed, nodding back. "Ah, H-Hai…" The first-year wanted to smack himself. He was so tongue-tied that he could only respond with short syllables to her questions and statements. And he was stammering, no less! That was just smooth. He reprimanded himself inwardly.
And what does she mean soon? Is she really that confident that she'll meet Miyuki-senpai so soon? Jun-senpai sent him here so that won't happen! If the senpais ever found out that he failed and could only come up with 'Hai' as a means of conversation, He'll be dead!
"Ah, ano—!"
"Well then, you should go back to practice, Kanemaru-kun. It's not good if you miss anything important for your training, right?" Mika-senpai threw him a small smile. "Good Luck." She waved at him cheerfully.
Kanemaru didn't know what to do. It's obvious that she just wants him to leave. But could he really do that—? His life's at stake here, you know!
"Don't worry. I'm going to leave once you do. It seems rude to just leave without ensuring that you went back to practice, right?" She tilted her head, acting innocent.
No, it's not! It's the opposite! It's the opposite, senpai!
Kanemaru sighed in resignation. Well, he could just watch from afar if she ever did anything suspicious.
"Then—" He bowed, and high-tailed it back to the field.
Mika watched the first-year walking away, her mind deep in thought. She knew he was lying. It was pretty obvious. The question is why.
And the answer? That bastard Kazuya.
So this is how it's going to be, huh.
Looking back at the field one last time, Mika sighed. Guess there's no use staying—
Huh? Aree? Wait—
Mika took a step close and peered closely, looking at one of the players running at the second field. Is that—?
Huh.
It's Eijun-chan.
Oh yeah, he's in first-string too if she remembered correctly, right?
First-string. Like Kazuya. With Kazuya.
Hmmmm…
She smiled. Of course. Yes, yes, of course. There are other ways. More effective ways to meet him…
A more direct way…
….
Chapter Eight (Part III):The Dependable (Meddling) Senpais
End of Chapter…
A/N: *sighs* Finally! Like, finally! As always, thank you so much for all the comments and reviews, they were all very much appreciated! And I'll be always thankful for all who waited patiently. (Are there any at all?) And yes, I'm not going to say anything anymore. Everyone knows this post's already late… ( T _ T ) *sob* I just hope you enjoyed the 3rd and last part of this chapter… *hic*
Since chapter 8 consisted of 3 parts; prt I, Sawamura met Mika-chan, prt II, Miyuki found out that Sawamura finally met her, and lastly, prt. III, their senpais found out about it and tried to meddle and help; this chapter became too long! I hope I've covered everything important, geez.
So when's the next update?! Kekeke, sooner than you think… *booo… booo* (I'm being serious here, oi!)