Author Notes: Here's the White Day fic I promised y'all. Thank you for being so patient.

This is set during Act I's off-season. It's set a little before White Day and on White Day.

This is part of my Summer Sky series, but you don't need to read the other parts to read this part.

I hope y'all enjoy it!

That Longing Winter Sky

Eijun dashed down the street, a worried look on his face.

He was late.

And he hated arriving late to his dates with Mei.

Lately, practice had been more intense than usual, Boss pushing their bodies to the limits.

As Koushien was only a couple of weeks away.

Boss wanted to make sure everyone was ready and had them preparing for every type of situation they could encounter.

And he… was thrilled.

He couldn't wait for Koushien to start, hoping he would get a chance to try out his new pitches.

Especially against the top teams in Japan.

Of course he was looking forward to winning the whole thing.

But he was also looking forward to competing with his teammates and helping his team win.

He wasn't up to Mei's level yet, but he was looking forward to getting his name out there.

(Maybe if he did well enough, they would give him some cool nickname like they did with Mei.)

Which had made him more enthusiastic than usual.

And eager to practice his pitching.

… But he was a little too eager and ended up practicing much longer than he normally did.

He cursed, shivering as the cold wind blew and moving out of the way before he bumped into someone.

His eyes lit up as he spotted the familiar café in front of him.

He almost sprinted over, quickly opening the door and making his way over to where Mei was sitting in a red armchair.

Mei looked up at his footsteps, eyes lighting up.

But unfortunately, it didn't last long.

Mei huffed, sipping his warm drink and looking away from him.

… Ah.

Maybe it was because he was late?

He bent over, panting and trying to catch his breath. "Sorry… I'm… late…"

"Catch your breath first, idiot. Then apologize."

He almost winced at his curt words, taking off his winter coat and gloves before sitting down in the armchair opposite him.

Those few moments of catching his breath were some of the longest moments in his life.

Mei didn't look at him.

Even once.

He hated the way those blue eyes refused to look at him.

It was as if he had… upset him.

… Of course he did.

He was late, wasn't he?

Once he caught his breath, he reached out, tentatively touching his hand. To his relief, Mei didn't pull his hand away, allowing him to hold it. "I'm sorry I'm late."

"Do you know how long I've been waiting?"

He winced, tempted to rub the back of his head. "I lost track of time. I'm sorry."

"Doing what?"

He blinked a few times, distracted by Mei giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "Eh?"

Mei finally looked at him, but he almost flinched at seeing those icy blue eyes. "What's more important than me?"

"Pitching!" he blurted, causing Mei's eyes to widen.

Mei furrowed his eyebrows. "You lost track of time… pitching."

He nodded a few times, squeezing his hand gently. "I was practicing my pitching." He frowned. "Well, actually, I was shadow pitching. Koushien is almost here." To his relief, Mei's eyes softened. "Cap doesn't want me to practice my pitching too much. So I've been shadow pitching every day after practice."

Mei sighed, shaking his head. "I should've known it would be something like that. I didn't even think about Koushien."

"You forgot about Koushien?"

Mei frowned. "I didn't forget. I guess I was… thinking about something else."

… That sounded like he had forgotten.

Eijun tilted his head. "What were you thinking about?"

To his surprise, Mei flushed. "… That doesn't matter right now." Eijun frowned, about to argue. "So you're late because you practiced longer than usual?"

"I'm really sorry, Mei." Eijun's frown deepened. "I promise I'll—"

But Mei shook his head, giving him a disapproving look. "Don't."

He blinked a few times. "Eh?"

"Don't make promises you can't keep. Besides…" Mei's eyes softened, giving him a soft look. "We promised each other not to let our relationship affect baseball."

He knew that, and yet…

He sighed, looking down at their joined hands. "I know we did. And baseball will always be important to me. But…" He squeezed his hand gently, looking up at him, Mei's heart clenching at the sad look in his eyes. "You're just as important to me."

Mei tugged him closer, kissing his forehead, eyes soft. "Isn't that why we make the most of the time we do get to spend together?"

"Which is why I feel horrible for making you wait."

Mei scoffed. "Are you stupid? You shouldn't feel horrible." Eijun furrowed his eyebrows. "Yeah, you're a little late. But it's not like you forgot about me or our date."

"Never!"

Mei gave him a soft look at his immediate answer. "See? That's why… I forgive you."

He frowned deeply. "But aren't you upset you had to wait?"

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't upset." Eijun winced. "But you're here now."

Eijun gave him an amused grin. "That's so sappy."

"Shut up." Mei flushed, shooting him a dirty look when he snickered. "I'm actually surprised." Eijun blinked at his cheeky grin. "It sounds like you're taking practice seriously."

He glared. "I always take practice seriously! Especially since Koushien is almost here!"

"I'm just kidding." Mei grinned at his glower. "I know you always take practice seriously." He smirked, causing him to blink. "You have someone close to you who's your inspiration. And your goal."

Eijun grinned devilishly. "You're right." Mei blinked at his immediate answer. "I look up to this person a lot. And…" His eyes softened. "I want to hurry up and catch up to them."

"It sounds like you care about this person a lot." Mei's smirk widened. "Like they're always on your mind."

He nodded, giving him a serious look, causing Mei's mouth to dry up. "They are. I think about them as much as I think about baseball. Maybe more."

Mei flushed, looking away briefly before looking back. "Well, I'm sure the person you're thinking about thinks about you just as often." Eijun flushed, but he also beamed at him, causing him to clear his throat. "So… Who is this special person?" he waggled his eyebrows.

"Special…" Eijun almost laughed at seeing him waggle his eyebrows. "You're right. They're very special to me." He grinned devilishly, almost smirking. "I have learned a few of their pitches after all."

Mei's eyes lit up, a mischievous gleam in them. "Oh, really? And who is this special pitcher you like so much?"

"Yakushi High School's Sanada-san!"

Mei's jaw dropped, causing him to laugh. "Eijun!"

He shivered, giving him his devilish grin. "It's the truth. I really look up to him."

"Stop lying!" Mei pouted, almost making him snicker. "There's only one person who is that special to you! And it's not… him!"

He almost shivered at those dark blue eyes. "Will you relax? I'm just kidding." He gave him a soft smile, squeezing his hand gently. "Of course I'm talking about you, idiot."

"That's what I thought!" Mei huffed, pouting again. "Everyone pales in comparison to me!"

He snickered, almost shaking his head. "I'm pretty sure most people don't have as big of an ego as you do." He grinned devilishly. "Like Sanada-san."

Mei gave him such a betrayed look that it made him laugh loudly.

"… Honestly, what's wrong with him today? I thought he would be happy to see me," Mei muttered, causing him to roll his eyes good-naturedly. Mei gasped, his eyes widening a few moments later, causing him to blink a few times. His eyes lit up, gleaming mischievously. "So you did learn more of my pitches!"

Shit.

Eijun laughed nervously, looking away from that smirk. "Did I say that?"

"You did."

He looked at him, trying to give him his devilish grin. "You know I was talking about Sanada-san, right?"

Mei shook his head, giving him a serious look, causing him to almost gulp. "We were talking about me, and you know it."

"… Fine. I did learn more of your pitches." Eijun narrowed his eyes at his smirk. "But I'm not telling you anything."

Mei's jaw dropped again, causing his lips to twitch despite himself. "But why? You can trust me."

"If you mean I can trust you to go back to your teammates and tell them which pitches I have, then yeah," Eijun said, snorting. "I agree."

Mei pouted, leaning in closer to give him the full effect of it. "But Eijun!"

He glowered, hating the way he shivered and almost gave in, especially at the sight of that pout. "I'm not telling you anything."

Mei huffed. "Fine. I'll stop asking."

"Finally."

Mei clicked his tongue, giving him an irritated look. "So rude."

"I don't want to hear that from you."

Mei rolled his eyes, but before he could say anything else, Mei's eyes softened, catching him off guard. "It really is good to see you again. Don't feel bad about arriving late." His eyes darkened. "I've done it so many times I'm surprised…"

"Don't be stupid." Eijun scoffed, reaching out and poking his shoulder. "Of course I forgive you for all those times. Besides…" His eyes softened, giving him a soft look. "I know you regret it. And you've been working hard at becoming a better boyfriend than you were back then."

Mei gave him a small smile. "How am I doing?"

Eijun almost had to look away from his cute hopeful look. "You're a much better boyfriend now than you were before." He grinned devilishly, causing him to blink a few times. "There's actually a way for you to show it again. And it's coming soon."

"Trust me. I've already picked out an amazing present for you," Mei bragged, giving him a confident smirk.

Eijun laughed softly, squeezing his hand gently. "Then I'm looking forward to it."

"What about my present?"

Eijun hummed, tapping his chin for a few moments before giving him a confident grin. "You'll definitely love it!"

Mei snorted. "You and your confidence." Eijun shot him a dirty look, causing him to snicker. "But yeah." He gave him a soft look. "I'm looking forward to it."

Eijun gave him a bright smile.

Mei tugged at his hand, causing him to give him a confused look. "I know you're hungry. But we need to do something else first."

As if on cue, his stomach grumbled loudly, causing him to flush and Mei to laugh. "Oh, really? And what could be more important than eating?" he grinned devilishly.

Not that he needed to ask.

When Mei tugged at his hand again, he got up, walking around the table.

But before he could kneel next to his armchair like he had been planning to, Mei reached out, pulling him into his lap, causing him to gasp and hold onto him so that he didn't fall.

Mei snickered at his dirty look, pulling him closer.

He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, leaning in and making their lips touch.

It was a short and chaste kiss, causing him to whine despite himself when Mei pulled away.

Mei smirked at him, those blue eyes taunting him.

And although he didn't like it whenever Mei was smug, this was one taunt he would always fall for.

No matter the time or place.

(… Well, maybe not always. Mei wouldn't do it in front of either of their families. Something he felt grateful for.)

He leaned back in, his eyes lighting up when Mei met him halfway.

Now this…

This was what he had been waiting for all day.

Whenever they had a date after practice, he always felt so impatient to see him again.

Already imagining what it would feel like to kiss him again.

To see that soft look that was only for him.

And to… enjoy their time together.

Because of their schedules, they didn't get as much time together as they would like sometimes.

But that was why they always tried to make the most of the time they did spend together.

He grinned into the kiss when Mei's tongue darted out and licked his lower lip, his grin widening when Mei whined a few moments later. When Mei's tongue licked his lower lip again, he parted his lips, allowing his tongue inside his mouth.

He moaned when Mei's tongue touched his own, shivering despite himself when those warm fingers of his tightened their grip around his waist and pulled him closer.

Mei's exploration of his mouth was making him lightheaded, causing him to press closer, not wanting the kiss to end yet.

And as Mei kept kissing him, he knew this was Mei's idea of revenge for making him wait.

(Not that he was complaining.)

Several moments later, he pulled away, breathing heavily, causing Mei to smirk.

Mei let go with one arm to cup his cheek, his smirk turning into his soft smile as he turned his head and kissed it, his own hand reaching up to hold it in place.

"There." Mei gave him a soft look. "Now that we've greeted each other, we can order."

Eijun gave him a soft look of his own. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of our greetings to each other."

"Right?" Mei gave him a cheeky grin. "With how much you enjoy kissing me, I knew it would be the perfect greeting for us."

Eijun narrowed his eyes, poking his shoulder with his free hand. "You enjoy kissing me just as much I do, and you know it!"

Mei's eyes softened, taking his breath away. "Did I ever say I didn't?" Eijun shook his head, unable to speak for some reason. "Because you know I do."

"That's…" He cleared his throat, wondering why his voice sounded hoarse. "Well… That's good."

Mei rolled his eyes good-naturedly at his intelligent response, kissing his cheek before letting go. "Come on. Let's order. I don't know about you, but I'm starving." Eijun's stomach grumbled loudly, causing Mei to laugh. "Never mind. I guess you are."

Eijun was starving.

But he also didn't want to let go of Mei just yet.

Not when he knew he had to leave him at the end of the night.

He whined, nuzzling his neck, smiling when Mei laughed again.

"You do know we're in public, right?" Mei whispered into his ear.

He hummed, kissing his face a few times before laying his head on his shoulder, turning his head so that he could see his face. "Like that's bothered you before."

"Oh, I'm not bothered." Mei wrapped his arms around his waist, Eijun letting out an approving sound as he pulled him closer. "Normally, you'd be embarrassed, though."

Eijun hummed again, tightening his grip around him. "I think I'm getting used to it." Mei laughed softly into his ear, almost causing him to shiver. "Is that a bad thing?"

Mei shook his head, tightening his grip around him almost possessively. "Depends on your definition of bad. But if you ask me…" He kissed the top of his head. "I'm actually enjoying it."

"Of course you are."

Mei snickered before giving him a soft look. "Seriously, is something wrong?" He gestured to their position. "This is the first time you've not wanted to let go while in public."

Eijun closed his eyes briefly. "Nothing's wrong. I just…" He gave him a soft look of his own. "I don't want to let go yet. Not when I know…"

And although he never finished what he was saying, Mei nodded, as if he knew what he was trying to say. "I know what you mean. We never get enough time together, huh?" Eijun hummed in agreement. "Alright, just a little bit longer. Then we can order something."

"Sounds good to me."

Eijun knew he would have to let go eventually.

(And he will because he was starving.)

But for right now, all he wanted was to stay close to Mei.

And think about how lucky he was that Mei chose him.

ZZZ

Eijun whined, punching his pillow before burying his face into it.

He had a great date with Mei the other night.

And he couldn't wait to see him again for their date on White Day.

Mei had told him to dress up, saying that he was going to bring him to a nice restaurant for dinner.

And at first, he had thought Mei was talking about one of the fancy restaurants they went to sometimes.

But apparently, Mei was talking about a nice restaurant.

Not a fancy one.

(Was there even a difference between the two?)

He had even told him he didn't need to wear a suit.

… Which didn't help.

If he wasn't wearing a suit, what was he supposed to wear?

But unfortunately, that wasn't even his biggest problem.

He whined, tempted to punch his pillow again.

What was he going to do?

"I'm probably going to regret asking this, but what's wrong with you?"

He perked up at the familiar voice, rolling over to look at Kuramochi-senpai who was sitting at his desk, working on something.

Maybe homework?

… Did he have homework?

He almost shook his head.

Homework wasn't important right now.

He had something more important to worry about.

He pouted. "Kuramochi-senpai, Cap won't let me practice my pitching."

Kuramochi-senpai rolled his eyes before looking back down at his work. "Because you've been overworking yourself lately, idiot."

"But he even banned me from shadow pitching." Eijun waved his arms. "Shadow pitching, senpai."

Kuramochi-senpai clicked his tongue. "We don't want you to hurt yourself before Koushien."

He huffed, getting up from his bed. "But that's just it! Koushien is almost here, and I should be practicing my pitching! Not lazing about here!"

"Don't you have something else you could be working on? Like… homework?"

He let out a loud huff, starting to pace by his bed. "I can't think about that right now! I've got something more important to worry about!"

Seriously, what was he going to do?

This was bad.

Very bad.

"Alright, fine!"

Eijun stopped pacing, looking back at him, startled.

Kuramochi-senpai got up from his chair and stood in front of him, giving him an irritated look. "Tell me what's wrong." He opened his mouth to speak, but Kuramochi-senpai gave him a dirty look. "And don't you dare start whining about pitching again."

He turned around to face him, huffing. "I wasn't." He almost pouted when Kuramochi-senpai rolled his eyes. "It's just… White Day is in a couple of days."

"I'm surprised you remembered."

He gave him a dirty look at his smirk. "Of course I remembered, senpai! It's pretty difficult to forget!"

"Uh huh. So?"

He sighed, causing Kuramochi-senpai to raise an eyebrow. "I promised my boyfriend a really special present. I even promised him that he would definitely love it."

Kuramochi-senpai blinked a few times, as if he had forgotten he was dating someone. "Right." He furrowed his eyebrows. "And why are you worried about that?"

"Well…" Eijun rubbed the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. "I actually haven't bought his present yet."

If it were any other situation, he would've felt amused by Kuramochi-senpai's jaw dropping. "You what?"

Eijun's sheepish smile remained on his face. "I don't have a present yet?"

"Are you stupid!"

Eijun winced at his volume. "It's not my fault!" he protested. "I've been busy. And besides, he asked me about his present. I couldn't tell him I didn't have one yet."

Kuramochi-senpai sighed, rubbing his temples. "I knew I would regret this," he muttered, causing him to glare at him. "If you don't have one yet, how can you promise that… he'll definitely love it?"

"Because I know him." Eijun gave him a determined look, causing him to blink. "I might not have a present yet, but I know that whatever I do pick out, he'll love it."

Kuramochi-senpai gave him a scrutinizing look, as if he were trying to see how serious he was.

He hoped Kuramochi-senpai could tell he was really serious about this.

He was always serious when it came to Mei.

Several moments later, Kuramochi-senpai let out another sigh, walking over to grab a coat that hung on one of his bedposts. "Then let's go."

"Go?" he furrowed his eyebrows.

Kuramochi-senpai glared at him. "You still don't have a present, right? I'll come with you and help you look." He shrugged. "Kantoku canceled afternoon practice, so we can go today."

His eyes widened. "You will?" He furrowed his eyebrows. "But weren't you working on something? I can go by myself, senpai."

"Just… accept my help, idiot." Kuramochi-senpai rubbed his temples again. "If I let you go by yourself, I won't be able to concentrate. Besides, you'll probably get lost or something."

His eyes lit up. "You're worried about me?" When Kuramochi-senpai pursed his lips, he gave him a bright smile. "Thank you very much! I think this is one of the nicest things you've ever done for me, Kuramochi-senpai!"

"I'm going to put you into a chokehold if you don't shut up."

Eijun gave him another bright smile before turning around and grabbing his coat, missing the way Kuramochi-senpai's cheeks flushed.

It didn't take long for them to leave Seidou, heading into the city.

"So, where are we going?" Kuramochi looked at Sawamura.

Sawamura tapped his chin, causing him to blink a few times despite himself, as he had never seen Sawamura do that gesture before. "A store?"

Kuramochi felt his eye twitch, tempted to hit him. "What kind of store, you idiot?" When Sawamura hummed, he gave him an incredulous look. "You seriously don't have any idea?"

(He was starting to feel sorry for whoever Sawamura was dating.)

"It's not that I don't." Sawamura furrowed his eyebrows. "It's just…"

He raised an eyebrow, curious why he stopped talking. "What?"

"What am I supposed to get for a guy who has everything?"

He scoffed. "Like that's true." When Sawamura gave him a serious look, he felt tempted to clear his throat for some reason. "You're seriously dating a guy like that?"

Sawamura nodded.

He almost couldn't believe Sawamura was dating someone that rich.

But to be fair, it wasn't as if he had asked him about the guy he was dating before now.

(The guy Sawamura was dating was probably arrogant. Not that he was surprised Sawamura was attracted to this guy, considering who Sawamura had a crush on when he first came to Seidou.)

He huffed. "But you're his boyfriend. He would have to be stupider than you if he didn't like whatever you gave him."

"But I still want to give him something good. Something he'll like."

His heart clenched at the thought of Sawamura putting in this much thought into his mysterious boyfriend's present. "Then let's go to a mall. You should be able to find something there."

Sawamura furrowed his eyebrows. "There's a mall around here? I didn't know that."

"That's because you don't know Tokyo, Sawamura." When Sawamura gave him a dirty look, he gave him an amused grin. "It's actually closer to Inashiro than it is Seidou, and I normally wouldn't suggest something that far away. But…" He shrugged. "This sounds important to you."

Sawamura gave him a bright smile, almost blinding him. "Thank you very much, Kuramochi-senpai! I won't forget this!"

"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled, looking away and hating the way his cheeks flushed.

Much to his irritation, they had to take a bus to a bus stop outside Inashiro, Kuramochi regretting his suggestion of taking the bus and wishing he had suggested that they walk instead.

(Even if it meant going the longer way.)

He gave the school gates a glower before looking at Sawamura.

To his surprise, Sawamura… wasn't with him, causing him to blink and look around.

But before he could start worrying, he saw Sawamura a few steps behind him, staring at Inashiro for some reason.

Was that a… longing look in his eyes?

… No, that was probably just his imagination.

And even if it were a longing look, Sawamura was probably thinking about playing Inashiro again and getting his revenge.

He walked up to him, the sound of his footsteps causing Sawamura to blink and look at him. "If we're lucky, we'll be getting our revenge in the spring tournament. But first…" He poked his shoulder. "Let's concentrate on Koushien."

To his confusion, Sawamura sighed, giving the Inashiro gates one last look before walking away. "Okay, Kuramochi-senpai."

He quickly caught up to him, raising an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

"… Nothing's wrong." He furrowed his eyebrows. "We promised to put baseball first after all."

Kuramochi frowned deeply. "You're allowed to have a life outside of baseball, Sawamura." He nudged him. "And anyone who tries to get in the way of your happiness will have to answer to me."

To his relief, Sawamura gave him a small smile. "You really do care about me, don't you, Kuramochi-senpai?"

"Well, you are my kouhai," Kuramochi pointed out, looking away so that Sawamura didn't see his flushed cheeks. He cleared his throat before looking back at him. "We should get to the mall soon. Start thinking about ideas because I refuse to walk around the mall a hundred times because you can't decide on something."

Sawamura gave him a confident grin. "Don't worry! I'll know it when I see it!"

"… That's not reassuring at all," Kuramochi grumbled, looking away from him.

He missed the way Sawamura looked behind him at Inashiro longingly before nodding to himself, looking determined.

Thirty minutes later, he had the beginning of a headache.

Sawamura was so damn picky.

He had asked him for more information about his boyfriend, wanting to know what kind of person he was so that he could help him.

But Sawamura refused to tell him anything.

Which was really strange.

Sure, Sawamura never struck him as the type of person to rub it in other people's faces that he was dating someone.

But he thought Sawamura would've told the rest of the team (or at least him) some details about his boyfriend.

And the strange thing was that Sawamura never did.

Sure, they had never asked him any questions.

But he thought Sawamura being the type of person he was, he would've told them something.

Without them even asking.

It made him wonder not for the first time who Sawamura was dating.

(Was Sawamura dating a guy he thought the team wouldn't like? Was he really that concerned about how he and the rest of their teammates would react once they found out?)

He had already tried multiple times to point at something or pick up something, thinking it would be a great present.

But Sawamura would always shake his head and respond with the same thing.

I'll know it when I see it.

He huffed, watching as Sawamura walked around the department store they were at.

He was beginning to regret coming along.

Clearly, Sawamura wasn't going to listen to him.

And sure, he understood that Sawamura wanted to choose his boyfriend's present himself.

But then why the hell did he come along?

He probably could've asked Haruichi (or even Miyuki for that matter) to accompany Sawamura if he was worried about him getting lost.

… But that was it, wasn't it?

The part of him that liked Sawamura wanted to hang out with him.

(Even if Sawamura would be thinking of someone else the whole time.)

He had wanted to accompany Sawamura.

And he wouldn't let anyone else take this chance away from him.

He did like Sawamura.

But Sawamura was clearly… happy.

And while he did feel jealous and wanted Sawamura to look at him instead, he would never want to ruin Sawamura's happiness.

Seeing him happy was… enough.

He couldn't help but remember what he said earlier.

"And anyone who tries to get in the way of your happiness will have to answer to me."

Right now, that and looking out for him like a proper senpai should was all he could do for him.

So although he felt impatient and annoyed Sawamura couldn't make up his mind, he would keep quiet.

Taking his jealousy and annoyance out on Sawamura wasn't right.

It wasn't Sawamura's fault he liked him after all.

(He didn't accompany him to make him unhappy.)

Sawamura's excited yell brought him out of his thoughts, causing him to blink and look around for him.

To his surprise, Sawamura bounced over to him, beaming at him. "I found it, Kuramochi-senpai! The perfect present!"

He raised an eyebrow, curious despite himself at what Sawamura picked. "You finally found it? What kind of present is it?"

And for a few moments, he thought Sawamura would keep it a secret and not want to show him.

But to his surprise, Sawamura immediately showed him the object in his hands.

He blinked a few times, looking at the object. "This is your perfect present?"

"Yeah! Isn't it perfect!"

He couldn't help but bop him lightly on the top of his head, causing him to wince. "Why are you asking me? I don't know who you're dating, remember?"

Sawamura pouted. "But what do you think? If someone gave this to you, would you be happy?"

If it came from you, yes.

He almost coughed at what he was thinking. "Yeah, it looks like something I would wear." Sawamura's eyes lit up. "But your boyfriend might have a different opinion than me, you know."

Sawamura shook his head, giving the object a soft look, causing his heart to clench. "I know him. He'll love this."

"… Then it sounds like you found your present."

Sawamura gave him a bright smile. "Thank you very much! I'll go pay for this!"

And before he could say anything else, Sawamura dashed off to find the nearest cash register.

Why did Sawamura thank him?

He didn't even do anything.

But…

His eyes softened, watching as Sawamura patiently waited in line, giving the object in his hands multiple soft looks.

It was good Sawamura was happy.

And he hoped Sawamura's boyfriend will like the thoughtful present.

ZZZ

Mei whined, kicking the red loveseat cushion in front of him.

"What's wrong with Mei?" Carlos raised an eyebrow. "Did Eijun not text him today or something?"

Shirakawa clicked his tongue. "If he hasn't, our idiot ace probably deserves it."

Mei whined again, causing everyone to roll their eyes and look at each other, wondering who would take one for the team and ask their ace what was wrong.

"Mei-san, what's wrong?" Itsuki asked several moments later, almost rolling his eyes as everyone else looked at him, relieved.

Mei huffed, kicking the cushion in front of him again. "Everything!"

They rolled their eyes at the dramatic reply, used to it by now.

"Did something happen with Eijun, Mei-san?" Itsuki asked, concerned.

Mei hummed. "White Day's tomorrow, you know?"

Everyone blinked at the seemingly random comment.

Was their ace worried about White Day for some reason?

(…Well, it was his first time taking it seriously. That could be why.)

"I bragged about how I picked out an amazing present to Eijun."

They almost rolled their eyes again.

That definitely sounded like their ace.

Itsuki leaned in closer, curious. "What did you get him, Mei-san?"

"… I haven't decided yet."

Everyone froze, looking at their ace in disbelief.

Did he really just say what they thought he said?

Itsuki blinked a few times. "You… You haven't decided yet?"

Mei whined, waving his arms. "I haven't thought that far ahead yet."

"Then why did you brag about it to Eijun?"

Mei huffed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I had to tell him something! And it would've been uncool if I told him I didn't have a present yet!"

Shirakawa clicked his tongue. "And you think it's cooler to lie about it?"

Mei glared at him. "It's not a lie! I know Eijun!" His eyes softened. "I know he'll love any present I pick out." He puffed his chest out. "Besides, any present I pick out for him will be amazing."

"Then what are you still doing here?" Yoshizawa glared at him. "You should be out there, looking for that amazing present!"

Mei let out a loud huff, getting up. "Don't mock me! You'll see! Eijun will love my present!"

And then he left the larger common room, his coat billowing out behind him like a supervillain cape, causing them to roll their eyes at his dramatics.

Mei huffed, grumbling under his breath about his teammates as he walked toward the Inashiro gates.

"Mei-san, wait!"

He blinked, stopping in his tracks and turning around.

To his surprise, Itsuki was running to catch up to him.

He raised an eyebrow once Itsuki stopped before him a couple of moments later. "Itsuki? Do you need something?"

"I'll come with you, Mei-san!"

He blinked a few times. "Come with me?"

"I know what Eijun likes. Maybe I can help you pick out a present."

He knew Itsuki only thought of Eijun as a close friend.

And he knew he had nothing to worry about.

But something about the way Itsuki worded that rubbed him the wrong way.

He narrowed his eyes. "I know Eijun best!"

Itsuki frowned. "I wasn't saying that I did." When he only huffed, Itsuki gave him a hopeful look. "Does that mean I can come with you?"

"… Fine. But I'm the one who will choose Eijun's present."

Itsuki beamed. "Of course, Mei-san!"

Itsuki was happy Mei-san allowed him to come with him.

And while he would, of course, let Mei-san pick out Eijun's present, it would be nice if he could help out somehow.

(Especially if Mei-san didn't have any ideas.)

They exited Inashiro grounds, Itsuki looking over at Mei-san to ask him where they were going.

But to his surprise, Mei-san… wasn't with him, causing him to blink and look around for him.

He blinked a few times at noticing Mei-san a few steps behind him facing Inashiro and looking at something.

He walked up to him, furrowing his eyebrows. "Mei-san?"

Was that a… longing lookin his eyes?

"Eijun always waits for me around here." Mei-san sighed. "I want to see him."

… Ah.

Of course.

He raised an eyebrow. "You want to see him now?"

Mei-san clicked his tongue, shooting him a dirty look. "Of course I do! If there was some way we could meet today, I would do it!"

"No, that's not what I meant, Mei-san." Mei-san furrowed his eyebrows. "Do you want to visit Seidou right now and see him?"

They did have a rare afternoon off from practice after all.

So he wouldn't be surprised if Mei-san decided to go and see him.

Mei-san pursed his lips before nodding several moments later.

But to his surprise, Mei-san walked past the bus stop, causing him to blink a few times.

"Mei-san? You're not going?"

Mei-san huffed, clenching his fists. "Of course I want to, Itsuki. But Eijun's probably practicing right now. I can't be selfish and interrupt his practice." He looked down at the ground, his heart clenching at the sad look in his eyes. "We promised to put baseball first after all."

He quickly caught up to him. "I'm sure Eijun would love to see you even if you did interrupt his practice."

"… I know he would. But…" Mei-san huffed again. "I can't. Not when Koushien is almost here."

He didn't like the sad look in his eyes. "Well, at least you'll see him tomorrow."

Mei-san's eyes widened. "White Day." He nodded to himself for some reason. "Alright, time to pick out a present he'll love."

"By the way, Mei-san…" Itsuki tilted his head. "Do you have any idea what to get him?"

Mei-san scoffed. "Who do you think I am? Of course I have a few ideas!" He hummed, tapping his chin. "The mall should have something good."

"I thought you said you have a few ideas."

Mei-san clicked his tongue. "So impertinent. I'll know it when I see it."

Thirty minutes later, he resisted the urge to sigh.

They kept walking from store to store, Mei-san turning his nose up at everything he tried to show him.

(Mei-san kept telling him that whatever he showed him didn't have that… spark he was looking for. And although he looked irritated, Mei-san kept repeating that he'll know it when he sees it.)

Of course he understood why Mei-san was so picky.

But he was beginning to wonder if Mei-san had lied about having a few ideas.

He finally decided to stay out of his way and let Mei-san take his time examining everything.

He really hoped Mei-san was able to find the perfect present for Eijun.

As he knew Eijun had probably picked out the perfect present for Mei-san.

And he wanted both to be happy, especially on White Day.

As he watched Mei-san walk around the department store they were at, he couldn't help but wonder about Mei-san's feelings for Eijun.

He knew Mei-san really liked Eijun.

(That much was really obvious. Even to him and the rest of his teammates, although his teammates never showed as much support for his relationship as he did.)

But there were moments (like right now and earlier) when he wondered if Mei-san's feelings for Eijun ran deeper than he suspected.

Was it possible Mei-san… loved Eijun?

If he did, Mei-san clearly hadn't realized it yet.

(Not that he was surprised, considering how long it took him to realize he liked Eijun.)

But what about Eijun?

Did Eijun love Mei-san back?

They kept telling him (in their own way) that they were never breaking up.

But had they even thought that far yet?

(He really wouldn't be surprised if they hadn't. They were idiots after all.)

Mei-san's excited yell brought him out his thoughts, causing him to blink and look around for him.

To his surprise, Mei-san beamed as he ran over to him. "I found it! The perfect present!"

"That's great, Mei-san." Itsuki smiled softly. "What did you decide on?"

Mei-san immediately showed him the object in his hands. "It's perfect, isn't it! Eijun will love it!"

He looked at the object in his hands, blinking a few times.

Somehow, he hadn't been expecting for Mei-san to choose something like this.

But as he looked closer at it, he understood why Mei-san had chosen it.

"I agree. Eijun will love it," he said, beaming.

Mei-san puffed his chest out. "I already know that. I know him. He'll think this present is amazing." He gave the object a soft look. "I can't wait to see his face when he sees this."

Itsuki watched as Mei-san dashed off to find the nearest cash register.

It really was the perfectpresent.

Something Mei-san would definitely give Eijun.

He already knew Eijun would love it.

And that Mei-san was going to brag about it to the rest of the team later.

ZZZ

Eijun adjusted his collar nervously, tempted to check the time again.

He couldn't help but look behind him, still a little in awe.

When Mei had told him they were going to a nice restaurant, he certainly hadn't expected it to be inside a hotel.

(Mei had said he didn't need to wear a suit. But now he was beginning to wonder if he should've. Especially when he walked past that sign that said this hotel was a 5-star hotel.)

The imposing hotel overlooked Tokyo Bay, most of the rooms offering a beautiful view if people were high enough. The hotel had white walls and blue windows, causing him to roll his eyes good-naturedly.

Despite overlooking the bay, though, the hotel had some impressive greenery on the land in front of it. It was still winter, so all the greenery were brown. But he could already tell it would look beautiful in spring, the bright green adding color to the roads and tree-lined pathways in front of the hotel.

Was he really at the right place?

Maybe he should check the directions Mei texted him again?

"Eijun!"

He perked up at the familiar voice, looking around eagerly.

When he finally caught sight of Mei walking toward him a couple of moments later, his jaw dropped.

Mei wore a dark brown unzipped leather jacket over a royal blue V-neck sweater. He wore a light blue tie and a white long-sleeve dress shirt under the sweater. He also wore dark brown dress pants and dark brown dress shoes.

He looked so attractive.

So sexy.

He had never seen Mei wear a leather jacket before.

But it looked really good on him.

And that soft smile on his face just made him look more handsome than he already was.

His breath hitched as Mei stopped close enough where he could reach out and touch him.

(Would Mei complain if he kept kissing him and never let go?)

"Good, you're here." Mei gave him a relieved smile. He grinned cheekily a couple of moments later. "I was a little worried you would get lost even with the directions."

Unfortunately for Mei, he couldn't stop gaping at his good looks, his words not even registering in his head.

Noticing where his eyes were, Mei smirked, striking a pose, taking Eijun's breath away.

Mei looked like a model.

"See something you like?"

He knew it would only boost that massive ego of his, but…

He nodded, unable to stop himself from looking him up and down.

Mei's smirk widened. He reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "I already knew I looked good, but I'm glad you think so, too." He gave him a soft smile. "You look very handsome tonight."

Eijun flushed, looking down at his outfit.

He wore a black unbuttoned topcoat over a dark red V-neck sweater. He wore a dark red tie and a white long-sleeve dress shirt under the sweater. He also wore black dress pants and dark brown shoes.

He felt relieved and really happy Mei thought he looked handsome.

As he had wanted to look nice.

Not just because they were going to a nice restaurant, but he had also wanted to look nice for Mei.

"Thank you, Mei." Eijun gave him his soft smile. "I'm happy to see you."

Mei flushed, his soft smile still on his face. "I'm happy to see you, too." He tugged his hand, grinning cheekily. "I think we've waited long enough."

Eijun laughed softly, stepping closer and kissing him.

It was a soft and gentle kiss but also very short (much to his disappointment), Mei pulling away a few moments later.

He huffed, pulling him by his collar and causing Mei to laugh as he kissed him again.

He almost smiled into the kiss when he felt Mei wrapping his arms around his waist, his own arms wrapping around Mei's back.

Wanting to deepen the kiss, he licked his lower lip, whining when Mei didn't immediately part his lips.

When he licked again, Mei parted his lips, allowing his tongue inside his mouth.

He explored his mouth for a little bit, almost grinning when Mei moaned as their tongues touched.

He pulled away several moments later, giving him a bright smile.

Mei rolled his eyes good-naturedly, letting go to poke his nose. "I'm getting back at you later."

"Is that a promise?" He waggled his eyebrows.

Mei smirked, pulling him close and nipping his ear, causing him to cry out. "No, it's a threat. One only I can make."

Eijun's breath hitched at his dark eyes. "Well, I'm not scared." He grinned devilishly.

Mei bit his bottom lip, his arms tightening around him as he moaned. "You should be."

Mei kept staring at his lips, probably thinking about kissing him again.

Unfortunately, his stomach chose that moment to grumble loudly, causing Mei to laugh.

"Come on." Mei let go of him, holding out a hand. "Let's continue our date."

He gave him a quick kiss before taking his hand and beaming at him. "I won't leave your side."

"That's good." Mei grinned cheekily. "I'm worried you'll get lost in a hotel this big."

He pouted as they made their way into the lobby. "I'm not that bad."

"Keep telling yourself that." Mei snickered at his dirty look.

Eijun knew he should be looking around and admiring what the inside of the hotel looked like.

But his eyes refused to look away from Mei.

He was so handsome.

But more importantly, he was here.

With him.

Words couldn't describe how much he had wanted to see him again.

And when he had went shopping with Kuramochi-senpai, and they had taken the bus to Inashiro, that feeling only grew more.

He had felt tempted to leave Kuramochi-senpai behind and visit him.

Even if it meant he would be interrupting Mei's practice.

And Kuramochi-senpai would find out who he was dating.

But he knew that while Mei would be happy to see him, he would also remind him about their promise to not let their relationship affect baseball.

That promise was important to him.

So although he had wanted to see him again, he had reluctantly walked away, knowing he would see him again on White Day.

A hand on his forehead brought him out of his thoughts, belatedly realizing they were in an elevator now.

(When did that happen?)

Mei frowned, placing his palm against his own forehead. "I knew it. I can't tell if I do it this way."

Eijun blinked a few times, about to ask something.

But only a gasp escaped his mouth as Mei pulled him closer, resting his forehead against his own.

"That's much better." Mei hummed, closing his eyes. He opened his eyes a few moments later, still frowning. "You don't have a fever." He pulled away, giving him a disapproving look. "What are you thinking about when I'm here with you?"

And Eijun… was never the best at keeping secrets. "You."

Mei's eyes widened before lighting up. He leaned in closer, smirking. "Oh, really? What about me?"

"I was at Inashiro a couple of days ago."

Mei's eyebrows furrowed. "Wait… What? You were?"

"We didn't have practice."

Mei blinked before giving him a suspicious look. "Why were you at Inashiro?" He huffed. "You didn't even let me know!"

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You were at practice, idiot. Of course I wasn't going to let you know."

"But still!" Mei huffed again. "That still doesn't answer my question, you know!"

Shit.

Eijun almost gasped, belatedly realizing what he was telling him. "Never mind. I just remembered I shouldn't tell you this."

Really?

Why did he say that for?

Predictably, Mei wasn't pleased to hear that, narrowing his eyes. "Is that so? It's a secret, huh?"

He nodded furiously. "It's nothing bad, I promise."

"Why can't you tell me?"

He winced at his accusing look. "I said it's nothing bad."

"Then why can't you tell me?"

He glared. "I thought you trust me."

Mei sighed, his eyes softening, causing him to blink. "I do trust you. It's just…"

He reached out with his free hand, cupping his cheek and almost smiling as Mei held his hand there. "What?"

The elevator dinged, its doors opening, causing them to blink.

He let go of Mei's cheek, disappointed they couldn't continue.

"We'll continue this later." Mei kissed his forehead, giving him a soft smile. "And that's a promise."

He breathed a sigh of relief, although he wasn't sure if it was because he wanted to tell Mei the truth or because he wanted to hear Mei's answer. "Sounds good to me."

Mei gave him one last soft look before grabbing his hand and tugging him out of the elevator.

When they finally arrived at the restaurant a few moments later, he couldn't help but gape in awe.

The restaurant had glamorous brown velvet walls and shiny silver chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Decorative flowers adorned each of the white tableclothed tables, and the wide windows offered a picturesque view of Tokyo Bay and the city across the bay. The room looked wide enough to fit a hundred people.

Maybe two hundred?

And the restaurant was, unsurprisingly, crowded. Almost every seat in the restaurant was occupied, most of them occupied by what looked like couples, although he did notice a few families.

After Mei told the employee at the desk his name, a waiter came to take them to their seats.

To his surprise, the waiter led them out of the restaurant and onto a private balcony.

Where two unoccupied seats sitting on either side of a white tableclothed table greeted them, causing him to blink.

They sat down, the waiter bowing to them and telling them to enjoy their stay before walking away.

His eyes widened at the view.

Sitting here gave them an amazing view of Tokyo Bay and the large bridge that connected Tokyo and Chiba.

The lights from the city and the bridge made everything sparkle like jewels.

Mei snickering caused him to look back at him and shoot him a dirty look. "What? I'm not allowed to appreciate the view?"

"Of course not. It's just…" Mei gave him a cheeky grin. "You've had your mouth open this whole time. I can't help but worry that a bug will fly into it."

Eijun huffed, looking down at his menu. "Very funny," he grumbled, causing Mei to snicker again. He furrowed his eyebrows as he remembered something, looking at him. "How did you even manage to get a reservation here?"

Mei shrugged, looking down at his menu. "You know my family's rich."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it."

Mei looked at him, narrowing his eyes. "I had to ask my family for help. Are you happy?"

He rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "But today of all days?" He reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "That had to be expensive. Especially these seats."

"I thought you would appreciate some privacy."

His eyes softened. "You know I do. But you also know how I feel when you spend a lot of money on me."

Mei flushed. "I wanted to do something nice for you." His voice was so soft he was surprised he heard it.

And although he disliked it when Mei pulled these… rich people surprises on him, he did appreciate the gesture.

As it made him feel special.

"Asking your family for help must have hurt your pride."

To his surprise, Mei's flush darkened, causing him to blink. "Actually… It wasn't that bad. They were really enthusiastic about the whole thing."

His heart melted at how cute he was right now.

And how Mei admitted it didn't hurt to lower his pride.

Because he was doing it for him.

From what he remembered, Mei's family had approved of him.

So he wasn't surprised they had helped with this.

(He would have to thank them later.)

"Really? Because they approve of me?"

Mei looked away from him. "It wasn't just that." He took a deep breath before looking at him again. "They… They thought I was going to propose to you."

Eijun squawked, face turning as red as a tomato. "P-Propose? What…?"

Mei laughed softly, squeezing his hand gently. "Don't worry. I told them it wasn't going to happen."

"Why would they even think that?" Eijun's face turned a darker red as he remembered what Mei's parents had told him. "Never mind. I think I know why."

Mei gave him an embarrassed smile, squeezing his hand again before picking up his menu.

He was about to do the same, but then he remembered something Mei had said earlier.

"Wait…"

Mei looked up, giving him a confused look.

"If you wanted us to have privacy, couldn't you rent out the whole restaurant?"

Mei scoffed. "I tried, but they wouldn't let me. Said something about how they would get a lot of money on a holiday like today."

He nodded, sipping his water.

That made sense.

"I could've rented out the whole restaurant on a normal day, though."

He almost choked on his water.

It was a little cold, as they were sitting outside.

But they were dressed warmly.

And Eijun's heart felt very warm with Mei sitting opposite him, giving him soft smile after soft smile.

During dinner, Mei flirted with him and told him anecdotes about something that happened at school or with his team.

He even tried to ask about his present, pouting when he refused to tell him anything.

In return, he told him everything that had been going on recently.

Even how Cap had banned him from shadow pitching.

Mei, of course, found that hilarious and laughed uncontrollably, slapping the table with his right hand.

Once he calmed down, Mei had scolded him for overworking, reaching out and rubbing comforting circles into his left hand before kissing it tenderly, causing him to flush.

He didn't know why, but Mei scolding him always hurt worse than when someone else did it.

(Maybe because Mei was his rival? Or maybe because he was his boyfriend?)

And it always made him regret whatever he did.

Determined not to do it again so that Mei wouldn't scold him again.

The only silver lining was that whenever he apologized, Mei always forgave him with a kiss.

They were in the middle of eating dessert when Mei's eyes lit up.

"You like strawberries, right?"

He blinked at the seemingly random question before nodding. "You know I do."

Mei held out a bite of his blueberry cheesecake. "This hotel has a strawberry dessert buffet going on right now. We should go sometime."

He leaned in, opening his mouth. His eyes lit up at the taste and at his suggestion. "That sounds like fun!" He gasped, eyes widening as he thought of something. "But won't it be expensive?"

"Actually, I've already checked out the price."

Eijun tilted his head.

"And it's not that expensive. Even you should be able to afford it."

Eijun hummed, holding out a bite of his chocolate gateau. "Then I suppose we can go."

Mei leaned in, opening his mouth. His eyes lit up at the taste. "That's great!"

"When can we go?"

Mei hummed, holding out another bite. "I'll have to double check our schedules. But if you want to go, I think the only day we can do it is in a couple of days."

Eijun blinked a few times. His eyes widened. "Eh? That's the only time we can go?"

"Well, you're going to be at Koushien for a while." Mei smirked, watching as he leaned in and opened his mouth. "Well, if Seidou keeps winning, that is."

He glowered at him once he finished eating the bite. "We will! We'll become the number one team in Japan!"

"You and your confidence." Mei winced as he kicked his shin. "And even after Koushien, we'll be busy for a while. What with school and the spring tournament."

He almost facepalmed.

With Koushien coming up, he had completely forgotten about school and the spring tournament.

But more importantly…

He sighed, causing Mei to give him a concerned look. "Which means we'll be too busy to meet up."

Mei's heart clenched at his sad look. "We can still go out on evening dates, you know."

"Those aren't the same, and you know it."

Normally, he would tease Eijun about wanting to see him that badly.

But he… couldn't.

Not when he felt the same as him.

He reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "It'll be alright." He gave him a reassuring smile. "School and baseball might keep us busy, but we've always found ways to meet up before. We can do it."

Eijun gave him a hopeful look, giving his hand a gentle squeeze back. "You think so?"

"I know we can." He gave him a confident grin. "Because it's us!"

If it were anyone else he was talking to, that would probably come across as arrogant.

… Okay, maybe it was arrogant.

But he meant what he said.

They had come this far balancing baseball and their relationship.

And they were going to continue doing it.

If anyone could do it, it was them.

Eijun immediately lit up, giving him one of his brightest smiles. "Yeah! I know we can do it, too!" He gave him his smile. "Because it's us."

He knew that would cheer Eijun up.

"Because it's us." He kissed the top of Eijun's hand, as if he were sealing a promise.

Eijun flushed, but he repeated the gesture, still smiling his smile.

They finished dessert not long after that, Eijun giving him the last bite of his chocolate gateau.

(Which he eagerly took him up on and thanked him for with a long but very sweet kiss.)

The sun had set a couple of hours ago, the cold wind making him shiver once they stepped out of the hotel.

He quickly zipped up his jacket, about to tell Eijun to button up his topcoat.

But when he looked over at him, Eijun had already done so, giving him a pleased grin.

He shook his head fondly, holding out his hand and smiling as Eijun took it.

It was getting late, as the hotel was pretty far from both their schools.

(But he didn't regret it. Not when he knew how much Eijun had enjoyed it.)

And he still needed to give Eijun his present.

So he took him back to Inashiro, hoping he could convince Eijun to stay the night.

As he didn't want to let him go.

Not tonight of all nights.

They walked past the larger common room on the way to his room, Mei about to glower at his teammates and remind them (once again) that Eijun was his.

But to his surprise, no one was in the room, causing him to blink.

It was late, but it wasn't that late.

He shrugged, deciding not to think about it anymore.

If anything, this was a good thing, as it meant they could walk straight to his room without any interruptions or unnecessary comments.

When he looked over at Eijun, though, his heart clenched at his disappointed look.

His teammates were so annoying sometimes, especially when they didn't seem to understand that Eijun was his.

And would always be his.

But he knew Eijun really liked them and liked hanging out with them.

(And, he had to admit, his teammates really did care about Eijun and his happiness. Something he felt grateful for. Not that he would ever tell them that, though.)

So he pulled him close and kissed his forehead, letting his lips linger for a few moments before pulling away and giving him a reassuring smile.

To his relief, Eijun nodded, giving him a soft, grateful smile and a kiss on the cheek.

And the first thing he did once they got to his room (after locking his door, of course) was to pull him close and wrap his arms around him, laying his head on his shoulder and breathing in his scent.

He almost sighed as he felt Eijun's arms wrapping around his back and Eijun's head on his shoulder.

He wasn't sure why exactly.

But lately, he found himself wanting to see Eijun more and more.

It had only been three days since he last saw him.

And yet, his heart wanted to see him.

Talk to him.

Spend time with him.

He almost huffed at himself.

He was the one who had suggested they promise each other not to let their relationship affect baseball, as he knew how much baseball meant to both.

But now, here he was almost… not caring about their promise.

Especially if it meant he got to see Eijun again.

But he knew Eijun wouldn't be pleased and would scold him if he let their relationship affect baseball.

So as much as it hurt not to see him (even after a short time), he knew he had to settle for the relationship that they did have.

He tried not to think about what he would do when the season started back up again.

He had reassured Eijun earlier, but Eijun did have a point.

They would be too busy to meet up a lot of the time.

And… evening dates really weren't enough.

Usually, he could convince him to stay the night whenever they had an evening date.

Something he always looked forward to (and made him smug).

But he knew once the spring tournament (and especially the summer tournament) started, Eijun probably shouldn't spend so much time with him.

He didn't want to distract him from baseball.

(Even though his heart clenched and cried at the thought of not seeing Eijun.)

Eijun nuzzled into his neck, tightening his grip around him, causing him to smile and tighten his own grip.

He knew.

Knew Eijun felt the same as him.

But they could do it.

They knew going into this relationship how difficult it would be.

And yet, they were still together.

(And if he had his way, they would always be together.)

So they were obviously doing something right.

All they had to do was keep doing what they had been doing.

He pulled away several moments later, giving him a soft and gentle kiss, Eijun smiling into it.

Eijun pulled away a few moments later, beaming at him, causing him to give him a soft smile.

He led him over to his bed, waiting for him to sit down before joining him and giving him a serious look.

Eijun blinked a few times, reaching out and holding his hand. "Is something wrong?"

"I just… wanted to talk to you about earlier."

Eijun furrowed his eyebrows. "Earlier?" His eyes widened, as if realizing what he was talking about. "Oh, right."

Mei sighed, squeezing his hand gently. "I do trust you. Let me say that first."

"Then why did you react like you didn't earlier?"

He closed his eyes briefly. "I was… hurt. And confused." Eijun's eyes widened. "I mean, can you blame me? You told me you came to Inashiro a couple of days ago, and you didn't even let me know."

Eijun frowned deeply. "But you had practice. I thought you would've been happy I was obeying our promise."

"I am. But…" He almost sighed again. "There's a huge difference between interrupting practice to come see me and not letting me practice." He gave him another serious look. "You know that, right?"

Eijun tilted his head. "But… But wouldn't you be distracted?"

"I wouldn't be that distracted." He gave him an irritated look. His eyes softened. "Besides, if you were there, I would practice harder and show off my pitching."

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Of course you would."

He snickered, giving him a smirk. "What? I can't help it. Especially when I know how much you love it whenever I pitch. And I am the prince after all."

"… I hate it when you're right." Eijun flushed.

He almost snickered again. "And I love it when I'm right." His smirk widened at his dirty look. He squeezed his hand gently, giving him a soft look a few moments later. "But seriously, next time you don't have practice and are near Inashiro, come see me. I won't get angry, I promise."

Eijun's eyes widened before giving him a hopeful look. "Even if you're in the middle of practice? Or a practice game?"

"Even then." He frowned, realizing something. "Well, if I'm in the middle of a practice game, I probably won't respond to your texts or be able to hang out with you right then." He gave him another soft look. "But if you stay long enough, we can hang out as long as you like."

Eijun beamed, giving him a long kiss. "I'll remember that! Thank you!"

"I'm glad." He raised an eyebrow, Eijun giving him a confused look. "So? Why were you at Inashiro a couple of days ago?"

Eijun flushed, looking away from him. "You'll tell me I'm an idiot."

"But I normally do that."

Eijun looked back at him, huffing. "You'll make fun of me."

"Depends on what it's about." When Eijun glared at him, he chuckled, squeezing his hand gently. "I'm kidding."

But instead of telling him, Eijun pursed his lips, looking unhappy.

"Just tell me." When Eijun still didn't answer several moments later, he let out a huff of his own, impatient. "Tell me now, Eijun."

Eijun shivered, shooting him a dirty look. "It's not fair how you play dirty," he grumbled, causing him to smirk. Eijun sighed, causing him to give him a confused look. "I actually wasn't at Inashiro because I wanted to see you."

He blinked a few times. "You weren't?"

"I… Do you remember on our last date when you asked about your present?"

He nodded automatically. "Of course. You promised I'll definitely love it."

"… The truth is, I didn't have a present for you yet."

His jaw dropped. "You what?"

He almost couldn't believe Eijun did the same thing as him.

… No, wait.

Considering Eijun's personality, he could believe it.

Eijun glared at him. "Don't make fun of me, you jerk. I said I hadn't bought your present yet when you asked me about it."

"Then why didn't you tell me that?" His eyes softened. "You really thought I would make fun of you?"

Eijun continued glaring. "You definitely would've. Because you're a jerk."

He pouted. "I'm not that bad."

"Yeah, you are."

He huffed at the automatic answer. "I wouldn't make fun of you or tease you if it was something important." His eyes softened. "You know that, right?"

Eijun flushed, clearing his throat. "Yeah, I know."

"That's good."

Eijun blinked a few times, giving him a suspicious look a few moments later. "You're not going to make fun of me? Or call me an idiot?"

"Why?" He rubbed the back of his head. "To tell the truth, I did the same thing as you. So I'm not in any position to make fun of you or call you an idiot."

Eijun's jaw dropped. "You what?"

Mei flushed, narrowing his eyes. "You heard me."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He almost winced. "Well, you asked about it. And it would've been uncool if I told you I didn't have a present yet."

To his irritation, Eijun laughed softly. "That's what you were worried about?"

He huffed, almost letting go to cross his arms in front of his chest. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

His mouth almost dried up at his determined look. "You like it whenever I'm cool. So…"

"So you always try to be cool whenever you're with me?" Eijun raised an eyebrow.

He huffed again, looking away from him. "See? I knew you wouldn't understand."

"You're the one not understanding something."

He looked back at him, glaring. "What did you just say?"

Eijun gave him his smile, taking his breath away. "I do like it whenever you're cool. But there's times when you won't be. And I already know that."

"I'm not cool to you?"

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "That's not what I'm saying." He pulled him close to kiss his forehead. "I want you to show me every side of you. Not just the cool side of you."

His eyes widened. "And I'll still be cool to you? Even when I'm vulnerable or showing you one of my ugly sides?"

Eijun raised his eyebrows. "Are you kidding?" He gave him a soft look. "You're the coolest guy I've ever met. And that'll never change."

He smirked. "Well, I am the prince. I'm not surprised you think that." When Eijun rolled his eyes again, he laughed softly, giving him a soft smile. "But… thank you. I'm glad you think so. I'll remember that."

They smiled softly at each other for several moments before snickering.

"I can't believe we did the same thing." Eijun snickered again. "We really are idiots."

Mei snickered again. "I know, right? I think I've been hanging out with you too much." When Eijun gave him a dirty look, he laughed softly, poking the spot where his heart was. "I'm kidding. And I agree. I'm just as much of an idiot as you are."

Eijun snorted. "I never thought I'd hear you say you're an idiot."

"Well, I did mess up." He gave him a soft look. "Besides, you know I'm your idiot, right?"

Eijun's whole face turned pink, almost making him snicker. "Yeah, I know." He cleared his throat before giving him a soft look of his own, taking his breath away. "And I'm yours."

Mei almost moaned, wanting to ask if it was alright that they waited to do presents.

Because he had something else on his mind.

"Tell me that again," he demanded, leaning in closer.

Eijun laughed softly for some reason. "I'm yours."

He gave him such a long and hard kiss it made Eijun moan.

And he would've smirked if it weren't for Eijun's tongue darting into his mouth and touching his tongue, causing him to moan.

He wrapped his free arm around him, pulling him closer, Eijun letting out an approving sound.

He pulled away several moments later, grinning at his whine.

But his grin didn't stay on his face long as Eijun pulled him back in to give him a long and hard kiss of his own, causing him to moan again.

He let out a whine of his own as Eijun pulled away a few moments later, breathing heavily.

With an annoyingly smug grin on his face.

"I'm getting back at you later."

Eijun shivered, but whether it was because of his low voice or dark eyes, he didn't know. "You keep saying that." He grinned devilishly. "When do you plan on doing it?"

He gave him a heated look, nipping his ear and causing him to cry out. "Oh, you'll know, trust me."

"Well then, I'm looking forward to it."

He squinted, trying to decide if he was being sarcastic. "Are you trying to trick me?"

Much to his confusion, Eijun only laughed loudly, giving him a soft look.

He almost shrugged.

He'll think about that later.

For now, he wanted to concentrate on Eijun's present.

He picked up a gold medium sized gift bag from the floor, smiling softly as Eijun's eyes lit up at the sight of it. "I think we've waited long enough. Here's your present."

"But I thought you like going first." Eijun frowned, accepting the gift bag.

His soft smile remained on his face. "I do. But I've been waiting all day to see your reaction." He shrugged. "I can wait."

"So you can be patient." Eijun grinned devilishly.

He snorted. "If it's for something or someone I care about, then yeah." He almost had to look away when Eijun gave him one of his brightest smiles. "Go on. Open it."

Eijun pulled out a black medium sized jewelry box, furrowing his eyebrows.

Mei wasn't disappointed when Eijun opened the box, his eyes widening at what was inside.

"Mei… This is…"

He gave him a reassuring smile once Eijun looked at him. "I know you're not used to it when I spend a lot of money on you. Don't worry. I didn't have to spend a lot for this." He gestured to the box. "I saw it in a department store and thought you'd love it."

Eijun pulled out the dark red and white braided leather bracelet, his mouth open. The leather bracelet had a black stainless steel magnetic clasp on it.

Nothing had spoke to him like this leather bracelet did.

And when he saw the colors, he had to buy it for him.

Sure, Eijun wouldn't be able to wear it whenever he had practice or a game.

(Or even at school for that matter.)

But he could wear it whenever he had to go out on an errand.

Or whenever he was on a date with him.

Or even just hanging around the Seidou and Inashiro dormitories.

That would show his teammates and Eijun's teammates who Eijun belonged to.

The only other thing he could think of that could really show them was if he marked Eijun.

But Eijun wouldn't let him do that.

(For now. He hoped Eijun was comfortable with it one day.)

So the next best thing was this leather bracelet.

He gave him a hopeful look. "What do you think? Do you like it?"

But to his confusion (and irritation), Eijun laughed. He looked at the leather bracelet again before laughing again, this time for much longer.

Why was he laughing?

Mei huffed. "What's so funny? I thought carefully about your present, you know."

"No, I swear it's not that." Eijun chuckled, shaking his head. But before he could press him, Eijun gave him his smile. "Thank you, Mei. I love it."

He cleared his throat, tempted to look away for some reason. "I'm glad." He furrowed his eyebrows. "Why were you laughing?"

"You'll see when you open your present."

What kind of answer was that?

He gave him a suspicious look. "You didn't get me a prank present, right?"

"I'm hurt you'd think that." Eijun grinned devilishly.

He huffed again. "So you did get me one. You little—"

Eijun kissed him, causing him to let out a surprised sound.

To his disappointment, Eijun pulled away a few moments later. "Now who's the idiot? You know I wouldn't get you a prank present." Eijun's eyes softened. "Especially not on a day as special as today."

"Then why were you laughing?"

Eijun gave him another devilish grin. "You'll see when you open your present."

"What kind of answer is that? Just tell me."

Eijun laughed softly. "What happened to being patient?"

He narrowed his eyes. "I don't care about being patient anymore. Especially when you keep laughing at the present I gave you."

"I promise it's nothing bad." Eijun shrugged. "You'll probably laugh when you see what I gave you."

He shook his head, giving him a fond look despite himself. "You're so impertinent."

"Speaking of your present…" Eijun held up the leather bracelet to him in his right hand, holding out his left hand. "Put it on me?"

He swore he almost shivered at his soft request, already reaching out and grabbing the leather bracelet. "I'd be happy to." He undid the magnetic clasp, carefully placing the bracelet around Eijun's left wrist before letting it close.

Eijun's eyes lit up. He raised his left arm, looking at the bracelet on his wrist before looking at him and giving him a bright smile. "It's perfect! It's like I've got you with me now!"

He smirked, smug Eijun loved his present. "That's the idea."

"Thank you, Mei!" Eijun held out his left hand again, showing off the bracelet on his wrist eagerly. "What do you think? Does it look good?"

He reached out, gently touching the bracelet and Eijun's left wrist. "It looks really good on you." His smirk widened as Eijun flushed, his smile brightening. "But you know I love it whenever you wear Inashiro colors."

Eijun's flush darkened. He reached out with his right hand, touching both the bracelet and his hand. "I'll wear it whenever I can, I promise."

"That would make me very happy." His smirk remained on his face as their fingers interlocked. "Show it off to my teammates as much as you want. Your teammates, too, for that matter."

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Such a possessive boyfriend."

"You know you like it."

Eijun gave him a fond look. "Yeah, I've always liked that about you."

His eyes widened. "You have?" His eyebrows furrowed. "You've never told me."

"Well, part of it is because I didn't want your ego to get any larger." Eijun chuckled at his dirty look. "But… It's mainly because I felt embarrassed."

He gave him a soft look, kissing his forehead. "You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed to share your feelings with me." He rubbed his hand with his thumb. "And if I ever made you feel like you couldn't, I'm sorry."

"Thank you, Mei." Eijun gave him a gentle kiss before smiling his smile. "I'll remember that."

He nodded, tempted to clear his throat. "Good." He gave him an expectant look a few moments later. "Where's my present? I can't wait any longer."

Eijun laughed softly, letting go to pick up a blue medium sized gift bag from the floor and holding it out to him. "Then I better not keep the prince waiting any longer. Here."

"It's good you remember who I am."

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly, gesturing for him to take it.

He accepted the gift bag, eyes lighting up as he looked inside.

To his surprise, he ended up pulling out a familiar black medium sized jewelry box, causing his eyebrows to furrow.

Was it possible…?

He looked up at Eijun, Eijun gesturing for him to open it with an amused smile on his face.

True to Eijun's prediction, he laughed when he opened the box and pulled out a blue and white braided leather bracelet. The leather bracelet had a gold stainless steel magnetic clasp on it.

"Great minds think alike, huh?"

He looked up at Eijun, lips twitching at his devilish grin. "What are the odds?"

Eijun snickered, holding out a hand for the bracelet. "Do you understand now why I was laughing?"

"It is pretty funny." He shook his head fondly, handing him the bracelet. He watched as Eijun carefully placed it on his left wrist, raising his arm to look at it when he finished. He smirked, belatedly noticing the colors and looked at him. "Seidou colors, huh?"

Eijun shrugged. "I thought you'd like it, seeing as you're so possessive." He pointed at the magnetic clasp. "You keep telling me how my eyes turn a golden color sometimes. So…"

"Now who's the possessive boyfriend?" he teased, enjoying the way Eijun flushed. To his delight, Eijun didn't even try to deny it. His eyes softened. "I love it, Eijun. Thank you."

Eijun shivered, giving him a bright smile. "I'm happy you love it!" He reached out, touching the leather bracelet and his wrist. "It looks really good on you." His flush darkened. "Especially with your jacket."

He smirked, picking up his jacket. "Oh, this? I actually wanted to ask you about that." His eyes gleamed mischievously. "Did you somehow know I was planning on wearing this tonight? Because I don't remember texting you a selfie."

"That was a coincidence. I didn't even know you own a leather jacket."

That made sense.

He hadn't taken any leather jackets with him to Inashiro, choosing to leave them at home.

But he had wanted to look handsome while feeling warm at the same time.

So when he had gone back home to ask his parents for help with the hotel restaurant, he had grabbed a couple of his leather jackets to take back to Inashiro.

He felt very smug (but also very happy) he had decided to wear one of them tonight.

As Eijun had loved it.

(He would have to wear them around him more often.)

He put his jacket down, touching the bracelet and his hand. "I really do love it." He gave him a soft smile. "I'll wear it whenever I can, I promise."

Eijun smiled his smile. "I'm happy to hear that." He gasped, eyes widening, as if he remembered something. "We're still going to the strawberry dessert buffet on Sunday, right?"

"Yeah, that was the plan. Why?" he furrowed his eyebrows. "You didn't have plans, did you?"

His heart clenched at the thought of not getting to see him on Sunday.

Especially since it would be one of their last dates before Eijun had to leave for Koushien.

Eijun shook his head, giving him a reassuring smile. "I don't have any plans. I just wanted to make sure we're still going."

He almost breathed a sigh of relief, his heart rejoicing at getting to see him again.

Especially so soon.

"If we go early enough, we could probably go somewhere else afterward."

Eijun tilted his head. "Like what?"

He hummed. "We could go to the park? Or maybe the movies?"

Eijun furrowed his eyebrows. "Are there any good movies out right now?"

"We can check." He grinned cheekily. "Or we could just go there and pick something that sounds interesting and hope it's good."

Eijun laughed softly, squeezing his hand gently. "That sounds like something we'd do."

"So is that a yes?"

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly, kissing his cheek. "Of course it is. You know I enjoy spending time with you."

He gave him a soft smile. "I enjoy spending time with you, too." He gave his hand a squeeze back. "Are you staying the night?"

"I wish I could." Eijun sighed, causing him to give him a concerned look. "Tomorrow's graduation, you know? We don't have practice, but Boss wants us to attend the ceremony."

He scoffed. "Is that all? That's no big deal. Just set an alarm like you always do."

"But…"

He raised an eyebrow. "So you don't want to stay the night?"

"That's not what I said, and you know it."

He shrugged, pulling him closer. "Then what's the problem?" His eyes softened. "I don't know about you, but I really don't want to let you go. Especially not tonight."

Eijun's eyes widened before softening. "I don't want to leave yet either." He wrapped his arms around his back.

"Then stay." He gave him a cheeky grin, wrapping his arms around him. "And if you somehow sleep through your alarm, which I doubt it, but if you do, I'll wake you up."

Eijun snorted. "Oh, you'd love that, wouldn't you? Not only would you get to tease me about it, but you would also get to wake me up however you want."

"I do like the sound of that."

Eijun gave him a quick gentle kiss. "You probably already know how you'd wake me up."

"Honestly?"

Eijun raised an eyebrow.

"I haven't thought that far ahead yet."

They laughed, giving each other soft looks a few moments later.

"Does that mean you're staying?" Mei gave him a hopeful look.

Eijun's soft smile remained on his face. "Yeah, I'm staying."

"You can't get enough of me, can you?" Mei smirked.

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly, grabbing his collar to pull him closer and kiss him, probably hoping to kiss the smirk off his face.

Their relationship wasn't easy.

(It was never easy if he were being honest.)

But it was worth it if he got to keep this human sun to himself.

And he knew things would only get more difficult, especially with school and the season starting back up again.

Which meant he probably wouldn't get to see Eijun as much as he wanted to.

And while his heart protested and cried at the thought of not seeing him, he knew they would be alright.

Because it was them.

And the best part?

He knew Eijun felt the same as him.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Author Notes: I hope y'all enjoyed this fic.

Reviews/favorites/follows are appreciated.

Funny story about this fic… I had no idea what Eijun and Mei were going to give each other at first. But when StarMaiden commented on my That Surprising Winter Sky fic and told me how their friends gave them origami flowers, crystal figurines of their favorite animals, and their favorite chocolates on White Day, my brain just went 'omg leather bracelets!' and the rest is history. Hahaha, I don't even know why my brain came up with leather bracelets after reading that, but after thinking it over, I started liking it? Thank you very much for the idea, StarMaiden!

Oh, Kuramochi… I'm really sorry about your feelings for Eijun. Honestly, I was just going to have him look out for Eijun and help him out as his friend and senpai. But I do have a soft spot for the Kuramochi and Eijun pairing, and I'm thinking Kuramochi having feelings for Eijun can actually help with my series? Especially when Miyuki finally realizes his feelings for Eijun.

By the way, the hotel Eijun and Mei went to is actually a real place. It's called InterContinental Tokyo Bay. It is pretty far compared to where Seidou and Inashiro are supposed to be. But I really liked the idea of Mei taking him there and treating him to dinner. And the strawberry dessert buffet they're going to is real, too.

See y'all next time!