That Sincere Summer Sky

by Brave orange blossom

It's been over a week since the Seidou and Inashiro game, and Eijun's still waiting for Mei's apology. When he starts getting attention at Summer Koushien, Mei decides to take advantage of it and uses their relationship to get attention. Eijun wants a special apology that will tell him that Mei's sorry and still likes him. Post-Canon. Set during Summer Koushien. One shot.

Author Notes: Things got to get worse before they get better, right?

This is set during Act II. It takes place during Summer Koushien. Technically, this is post canon, as canon's still in the middle of the Seidou and Inashiro game.

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

I hope y'all enjoy it!

That Sincere Summer Sky

"I know we said we wouldn't interfere with Sawamura's relationship anymore, but…"

"I know, right? I don't like seeing Sawamura like this either."

"Stupid Narumiya! I swear I'm going to kill that guy the next time I see him!"

Kominato turned around from where he sat next to Sawamura, shooting them a dirty look before speaking to Sawamura in a low voice, causing Sawamura to nod.

Kazuya wouldn't admit it out loud, but he… had trouble concentrating on the newspaper.

It was annoying, but he kept looking up from it to glance at Sawamura.

Thankfully, no one else seemed to notice, although that could be because everyone paid more attention to Sawamura than him.

… Well, except for Kuramochi.

Whenever Kuramochi didn't look at Sawamura, he gave Kazuya scrutinizing, almost suspicious looks.

(Damn that observant cheetah.)

Could Kuramochi blame him, though?

Sawamura wasn't acting like himself.

He kept smiling fake smiles or laughing fake laughs.

(They were at Summer Koushien right now. Sawamura shouldn't be smiling fake smiles or laughing fake laughs.)

Whenever they had a game or practice, he concentrated on baseball, his familiar determined look returning to his face.

(Kazuya wouldn't admit it out loud, but he had caught Sawamura giving his bag longing looks in between innings. It was always a quick look, though, and Sawamura never let what happened affect his pitching, so Kazuya kept quiet about it.)

Whenever they had free time or a day off, though, Sawamura stopped smiling.

Stopped laughing those obnoxious laughs of his.

He always looked down at his smartphone, a gloomy aura surrounding him.

Like dark storm clouds covering the sky, blocking the sunlight.

Whenever Sawamura caught them looking or someone said something, he always smiled a fake smile and reassured them.

It had been like this since the summer tournament finals game.

Since… their game with Inashiro.

Like the idiot that he was, Sawamura had decided to meet up with Mei after the game.

(Even though they had just seen each other on the field.)

None of them knew what happened, of course, but they could all guess that Mei… hadn't been happy about Inashiro's loss and took it out on Sawamura.

Someone had said something about that to Sawamura, but Sawamura had quickly defended Mei and told them that Mei would apologize.

Kazuya still didn't understand why Sawamura continued to date Mei.

Why he continued to forgive him and give him chance after chance.

Didn't Sawamura realize that Mei would only hurt him?

Sawamura still believed like the optimistic idiot that he was that Mei had changed.

That Mei… cared about him.

Kazuya still remembered what Sawamura looked like when he climbed aboard Seidou's bus.

Sawamura's eyes had been puffy and red. His eyes looked dark with sadness. His red lips stood out against his tanned skin. His jersey looked unbuttoned, revealing his bare stomach and the ice pack on his chest.

More importantly…

Many of their teammates had gasped at the bite mark on Sawamura's collarbone.

Whenever he remembered it, Kazuya clenched his fists, his eyes darkening.

Mei's teeth left visible marks on Sawamura's skin. The mark itself looked angry red.

What the fuck?

Why did Mei think it was alright to bite Sawamura?

(Who did he think he was? A vampire?)

Not only that, but the bite mark looked red, as if his teeth broke skin.

Sure, it had probably stopped bleeding a while ago, but…

What the fuck?

Sawamura had shot them a warning look before avoiding their eyes and walking to the back of the bus where Kominato had saved a seat for him.

(When he had walked by Kazuya's seat, Sawamura had looked up at him, shooting him a warning look, his eyes flashing dangerously. That had been uncalled for, really. Not only was he Sawamura's senpai and captain, but Kazuya wouldn't have said anything anyway.)

Kazuya looked at the side of Sawamura's neck, frowning.

Like everyone else, Sawamura wore his Seidou practice uniform, his long-sleeved compression shirt hiding the healing bite mark from everyone.

Remembering what Sawamura looked like after he met up with Mei…

… No, knowing that that bite mark was still there…

He scowled, looking down at the newspaper and tightening his grip on it, missing Kuramochi's knowing look.

Mei being possessive wasn't surprising.

Not only because they had all seen the hickeys on Sawamura's neck and collarbone before, but it made sense considering Mei's selfish and egocentric personality.

(Kazuya didn't know why, but whenever he saw those hickeys, he had felt… angry. He had felt himself becoming even angrier whenever he remembered how Sawamura proudly displayed those hickeys, as if… liking that Mei marked him.)

Mei probably felt smug whenever he gave Sawamura hickeys, knowing that those were his marks.

Biting Sawamura's collarbone hard enough to leave visible teeth marks and make it bleed, though…

Wasn't that going too far?

The only times Sawamura acted like his normal self was whenever the reporters wrote articles about his pitching.

Like Mei, Sawamura had been annoying during interviews, flushing and looking pleased with himself.

Several of them had bet on Sawamura being nervous during the interviews, especially during Sawamura's first interview, but Sawamura had surprised them by responding in that flowery formal language of his.

(Disappointing, but not that surprising. Whenever Sawamura turned to face the rest of the field and spoke to them, he had always been eloquent.)

While it was annoying to watch Sawamura enjoy the attention, it also felt… nice.

Sawamura had been pitching well for a long time now, and he deserved all the praise and acknowledgement.

(Kazuya hoped Sawamura didn't let the attention and praise go to his head.)

Sawamura had told them that Mei would apologize for what happened.

Did that include the bite mark?

Speaking of apologizing…

It had been over a week since it happened.

Judging from Sawamura's state, Mei hadn't apologized yet.

… Not that Kazuya felt surprised.

Mei hated apologizing and didn't normally apologize to people.

Sawamura had claimed that Mei had apologized to him after their fight after the Inashiro and Ugumori game last fall, but had that been a sincere apology?

If Mei really liked Sawamura as much as he claimed to, why hadn't he apologized yet?

Was he still angry about Inashiro's loss?

Still that bitter?

"In the next piece of news… Narumiya Mei, who had been refusing interviews since the West Tokyo Prefecture Qualifying Tournament finals game, finally agreed to an interview."

Kazuya looked up at the television, noticing how everyone (even Sawamura and Kominato) looked at the television.

Kuramochi narrowed his eyes as the television switched to Inashiro grounds, the screen showing Mei talking to some reporters. "What's that guy want now?"

Shirasu, who sat next to Kuramochi, frowned. "I saw some rumors online that he might be announcing his future plans."

Sawamura tensed at that, his head bowing for several moments before lifting his head up and looking at the television.

Kuramochi clicked his tongue. "Seriously? Why does he have to do this now? Koushien's still going on!"

Accepting an interview during Koushien…

That sounded like Mei.

He had done this on purpose.

What an attention seeking brat.

"Narumiya-kun, since you agreed to this interview, that means you're ready to talk, right?"

Mei smiled a fake apologetic smile. "Actually, if you don't mind, I want to use this time to talk to someone important to me."

"Someone important to you?"

Sawamura stood up, his chair falling over and crashing to the floor, causing everyone to look at him. He paled, grabbing the front of his practice uniform for several moments. "No… He can't be…"

Kazuya had a bad feeling about this.

Mei grinned cheekily. "Everyone knows how Seidou beat Inashiro and is at Koushien right now. What they don't know is that my boyfriend is on that team."

Sawamura's hands started shaking. "He… You…" He pointed at the television. "Don't you dare!" His voice cracked.

Honestly, if Sawamura's boyfriend was someone other than Mei, Kazuya would've felt sorry for him.

(Sawamura didn't deserve this, especially after Mei already hurt him.)

Sawamura's boyfriend was Mei, though.

Kazuya didn't feel sorry for Sawamura, as he should've seen this coming.

Mei listening to someone and being unselfish?

Yeah, right.

Mei hadn't changed a bit.

He only cared about himself, and Sawamura would finally realize that.

"Your boyfriend? I didn't know you were dating someone, Narumiya-kun. Not only that, but you're dating someone from Seidou? Your enemy?"

Mei's grin widened. "That's right! He's been doing well lately, and I wanted to show my support in the biggest way possible!"

Sawamura let out a pathetic whine, holding the sides of his head. "He promised! Mei promised me!" He ignored Kominato, who tried to calm him down and tug him back down to his seat, pointing at the television again. "Stop that right now!" He turned to look at them, eyes pleading with them. "It's going to stop soon, right? He'll… stop talking, right?"

Unfortunately, no one had an answer for him, as everyone (even Sawamura) knew it was a live interview.

"You mean you're rooting for your boyfriend, the same one who ruined your chances of going back to Koushien? Your attitude's so admirable."

Kazuya made a face.

Was that reporter a fan of Mei's?

The reporter was blunt but also knew when to compliment him.

Mei flushed, laughing a few moments later, causing Sawamura to turn back to the television. "No, no, that's normal. Seidou's the West Tokyo representative after all." He looked straight into the camera. "I and the rest of my teammates want Seidou to do well." He smiled a fake smile.

Bullshit.

"So? So? Who's your boyfriend? What's your message for him?" The reporter sounded excited.

… Not that Kazuya blamed them.

With news like this…

The reporters would have a field day.

Mei took a deep breath, smiling a fake smile at the reporters before looking straight into the camera. "Sawamura Eijun, I heard you've been doing well. I want you to know that I, yourboyfriend, am rooting for you and the rest of Seidou. I'll see you when you get back." He winked before blowing a kiss (much to Kazuya's disgust).

Sawamura's jaw dropped. His eyes narrowed. His body kept trembling. He pointed at the television, his mouth opening and closing several times.

Sawamura must be livid.

The interview ended shortly after, Mei refusing to answer any more questions.

The television screen switched back to a newscaster looking straight into the camera.

"We weren't expecting that, were we? Narumiya is quite bold. I'm sure—"

Someone turned off the television, Kuramochi clicking his tongue.

Everyone looked at Sawamura, some of their teammates looking nervous or concerned.

Sawamura pointed at the black screen of the television, his body still trembling. "That… That guy…!" he managed to splutter several moments later. "He… He…" He let out a prolonged, enraged yell, causing several people to jump. "That guy…! He promised me!" He took out his smartphone, storming off.

Kazuya knew he shouldn't.

(He didn't want his relationship with Sawamura to worsen after all.)

As he watched Sawamura jab buttons on his smartphone, though, he… couldn't stop himself. "Looks like I was right, huh, Sawamura?" He didn't sound (or even feel) smug. He was matter of fact.

Sawamura's relationship had nothing to do with him, but… he had warned him.

Several of his teammates inhaled sharply, looking at Kazuya.

"You…! What are you saying?" Kuramochi glowered at him.

Zono narrowed his eyes. "Miyuki, you…!"

Okumura growled at him.

Kominato glared at him, causing a few of his teammates to back away from him. "Miyuki-senpai, that's going too far."

Several more of his teammates scolded him, but Kazuya only had eyes for Sawamura.

Sawamura, who had frozen at Kazuya's words, started trembling again. He looked down at the floor, his hair hiding his eyes. He gritted his teeth, clenching his fists and tightening his grip on his smartphone.

Kazuya picked up the newspaper, looking back down at it. "I warned you, Sawamura. I told you he would hurt you."

Sawamura muttered something, the sound of his voice causing him to look up.

Sawamura turned to look at him, several of his teammates flinching at his furious brown eyes. "Shut the fuck up, Miyuki Kazuya." His voice was dangerously low, a huge contrast to his normally booming voice. He stormed off, jabbing more buttons on his smartphone before holding it up to his ear and leaving the room.

For once, the normally noisy lounge was… quiet.

Sawamura had left the door open, so they heard the faint sound of the lobby music and the murmur of voices.

Kazuya's heart clenched as he remembered the hurt flashing in Sawamura's eyes.

He felt and noticed the way everyone slowly looked away from the door to glower at him. He looked down at the newspaper, flipping a page.

"What the fuck?"

That sounded like Kuramochi.

"You went too far. I know I keep saying this, but do you want Sawamura to hate you?"

Zono, Kominato, and a few others agreed with him in loud voices, scolding him.

Maybe it was a bad idea to say that to Sawamura, but he had felt annoyed with both Sawamura and Mei.

Kazuya had kept warning Sawamura that Mei would hurt him, but Sawamura refused to listen.

Sawamura kept letting his feelings for Mei blind him.

Knowing that Sawamura really liked him and kept dating him…

Kazuya didn't know why, but it annoyed him.

He wouldn't feel this way if Sawamura chose to date someone else.

(… Right?)

Plus…

So what if Sawamura hated him?

As long as Sawamura still listened to him and obeyed his signs, it didn't matter if Sawamura hated him.

He was used to antagonizing people and making them dislike him.

He… would be alright.

It didn't bother him.

Not one bit.

If anything good came out of this, Kazuya hoped it was that Sawamura finally realized what kind of guy Mei was.

Sawamura was an idiot, but even he wasn't stupid enough to forgive Mei again.

This time, Mei went too far.

ZZZ

"What the fuck? Seriously, what the fuck was that?"

Mei wasn't stupid.

He knew how Eijun would react after he told everyone about their relationship.

He cleared his throat. "Eijun, I—"

"Don't call me Eijun, you asshole."

Mei drew back, pulling away to stare at his smartphone with wide eyes.

It felt like Eijun slapped him.

Eijun…

Eijun just…

He had never done that before.

Even when Eijun had been furious with him, he had never told him to stop calling him by his given name.

(Eijun loved it whenever he called him Eijun.)

His heart twisted uncomfortably.

After reading the newspapers about Seidou's success at Koushien and watching Eijun's interviews on television, he had felt jealous and bitter.

All that attention should be his.

He should be at Koushien right now.

Not Seidou.

Not Eijun.

He and Eijun had promised to tell everyone about their relationship together.

(A promise he had been planning on keeping.)

He had never wanted to trample on Eijun's trust.

(Just the thought of someone trampling on Eijun's trust made him want to snarl.)

Some part of him, though, couldn't take it anymore.

Mei… wanted attention.

The reporters always wrote articles about him and his pitching.

Sure, he didn't like all the articles they wrote, especially the ones in the gossip magazines.

They still wrote about him, though.

Ever since Inashiro lost to Seidou…

… No, ever since Koushien started, all the media focused on Koushien, Seidou, and… Eijun.

Eijun deserved all the attention and praise he had been receiving.

He had been pitching well at Koushien.

Mei believed in him and felt proud of him.

(If he hadn't felt so jealous and bitter, he would brag constantly about him to anyone who would listen. His teammates would've hated that.)

It wasn't a matter of Eijun not deserving it.

Mei wanted attention.

It felt like the media (and everyone else in Japan) had forgotten about him.

How dare they forget the king!

Sure, he (and Inashiro) might've lost, but that didn't mean they should forget about him.

Everyone's eyes were on Koushien right now, so Mei decided to take advantage of that and take advantage of Eijun's rise to stardom.

By telling everyone about their relationship.

The interview with the reporters made him smug, as he knew everyone would talk about him and his relationship with Eijun from now on.

No one would forget about the king again.

Eijun might not believe him, but he had… immediately regretted it.

Mei didn't think he hated himself more than that moment.

He probably should've continued the interview and answered some of the questions, but he… had felt sick with himself.

(Something that didn't happen often, as he loved himself.)

It felt like the self-loathing he felt after he let everyone down at Koushien when he was still a first year.

After he caused Inashiro to lose during the fall tournament.

After he… snapped at Eijun and bruised his hands.

… No, this felt worse than that.

Not only did he hurt Eijun again, but he had… trampled on his trust.

Something he had sworn he would never do.

All because he wanted attention.

"What's wrong with you? I thought you of all people wouldn't…"

Mei's heart ached.

Eijun…

Eijun still expected better from him.

Like he had… never considered the possibility of Mei trampling his trust.

Was Eijun stupid?

He knew Mei wasn't a good guy.

Sure, Mei wanted to change for Eijun and had changed for him, but he hadn't changed that much.

He wasn't a good guy and probably didn't deserve someone like Eijun.

… No, not probably.

After how much he had hurt him, especially recently, he didn't deserve someone like Eijun.

Eijun still wanted him, though.

He still wanted to date him.

Mei was selfish and wanted to keep Eijun to himself.

Away from Kazuya and everyone else who had feelings for him.

That was why…

As long as Eijun still wanted him around, he wouldn't leave.

Contrary to popular belief, he had worried over the possibility of Eijun breaking up with him before.

Of course, it had never happened, and Eijun always reassured him that he wouldn't.

(Eijun was such an angel. Such a sweet guy. He didn't even know people like Eijun existed before meeting him.)

Now, though…

"Do you know what everyone's saying? What my teammates are saying about you?"

Oh, he had a guess.

Most of Eijun's teammates, especially Kazuya, still didn't approve, much less like him and his relationship with Eijun.

Kazuya probably felt his suspicion of him and his feelings for Eijun were warranted.

Because he ended up proving Kazuya right.

Mei had hurt Eijun.

Again.

This time, though…

Maybe he had gone too far?

"What am I… How am I supposed to…"

Mei bowed his head, ashamed.

What was he supposed to say to Eijun?

How was he supposed to prove that he still liked him?

Eijun wanted…

No, Eijun deserved a sincere apology.

He wanted to apologize to him.

… Would Eijun even accept his apology, though?

Eijun let out a loud, frustrated sound, causing Mei to wince. "Why aren't you saying anything, Mei? Answer me!"

"I…" Mei glanced around his dorm room, wiping his sweaty hands on his pants. "Eijun, I—"

A loud thump sound made him jump. "I said don't call me Eijun!"

It sounded like something fell or…

Knowing Eijun, he probably…

"Are your hands alright?"

Eijun scoffed. "Oh, now you care about me?"

Mei winced.

He deserved that.

"I know I… messed up." He felt his heart race. "I need… No, I want to apologize. I know it doesn't seem like it, but…" He ran a hand through his hair. "I still like you, and I—"

Eijun sighed, Mei's heart clenching at how tired it sounded. "Mei, a simple apology isn't good enough anymore. Do you realize what you did? How you hurt me?"

It almost sounded like…

Mei shoved that thought away, not wanting to think about it. "What… What do you want me to do? Accept another interview and apologize—"

"Don't you dare."

Mei shivered, although he couldn't tell whether that was because of the air conditioner in his room or because of Eijun's cold tone and dangerously low voice.

(Some part of him not focused on what was going on couldn't help but notice that sounded like his dangerously low voice. Was he rubbing off on Eijun that much?)

"What part of you thought that would be a good idea after what you just did?" Eijun laughed an incredulous laugh. "You think something like that would be good enough?"

No.

Of course not.

Mei felt like hitting himself.

Him and his big mouth.

Why was he making things worse?

He shook his head, belatedly realizing Eijun couldn't see him several moments later. "I'm sorry. I spoke without thinking. Tell me." He gulped audibly. "What can I do to make things better?"

Please.

Silence on the other line answered him, causing his eyes to widen.

He quickly pulled his smartphone away from his ear, breathing a sigh of relief when he saw that Eijun hadn't ended the call.

Waiting for Eijun's reply felt like torture.

Mei didn't think he had ever felt this anxious before. He ran a hand through his hair, tempted to say something.

… No, he better not.

No need to make things even worse.

He got up, pacing in his dorm room, tempted to run his hand through his hair again.

What would he do if Eijun decided he… didn't want to give him another chance?

That decision of telling everyone about their relationship…

He would regret it for the rest of his life.

He really liked him.

Didn't want him to leave.

His angel…

His human sun…

Eijun's made such a large impact on his life with his light and kindness.

His life… wouldn't be the same without him.

"Come here."

Mei blinked, looking up from the ground, stopping in place, his heart jumping hopefully. "Eh?"

"I said come here."

Mei blinked again, furrowing his eyebrows. "You… want me to come to Koushien?"

"To our hotel, you idiot."

Eijun probably rolled his eyes like the impertinent brat that he was.

Mei frowned. "Right. I still don't…"

"If you're serious about wanting to apologize to me, I want you to come here and apologize in person."

… Oh.

Mei nodded, forgetting again that Eijun couldn't see him. "Yeah, I… I'll come and apologize in person." He frowned deeply. "Is that all you want me to do? What about my apology?"

"Figure it out yourself."

… He should've expected that.

"I'm serious, Mei. I don't want a simple apology. If you can't do that, then…"

Mei tensed, tempted to rub his arms. "No, I'll… I'll do it. I won't…" He stood up straight, trying to project confidence even though Eijun couldn't see him and even though he didn't feel confident. "I won't let you down, I promise."

… Why did it feel so cold in his room all of a sudden?

(He didn't remember turning down the air conditioner in his room that much.)

Eijun didn't speak for several moments. "I'll be waiting, Mei." The line clicked as the call ended.

Maybe he… hadn't ruined things?

Eijun liked him enough to give him another chance.

(Maybe his last chance.)

Mei… didn't feel confident.

He didn't know how to make his apology special.

What was he supposed to do to make it special?

Take Eijun out somewhere?

Promise something?

… No, he had done those things before.

Maybe…

He hated the thought of it, but maybe he should… ask for help?

(Would Eijun even accept his apology if he learned Mei had to ask for help?)

This… was for Eijun, though.

If it was for Eijun and their relationship, he would do anything.

Even ask them for help.

ZZZ

Back when Mei dated a lot of people and didn't care about their feelings, he knew his family disapproved of what he did and felt disappointed in him.

Back then, he… hadn't cared what they thought of him.

It didn't matter what his family thought.

He would continue doing whatever he wanted.

He hadn't felt remorseful or ashamed of what he did.

(During his first year at Inashiro, he hadn't visited home that much on the excuse of being busy with school and baseball. His real reason, though, had been because he hadn't wanted them to lecture him again and try to change his mind. They had been annoying.)

Why should he care about other people's feelings?

They should feel grateful he chose to date them in the first place.

Everything changed, though, when he started dating Eijun.

Early on into their relationship, he never liked it whenever Eijun looked sad or whenever he hurt him.

… Of course, that didn't stop him from hurting him and disrespecting him many times after that, but still.

(It was the thought that counted, right?)

When he realized his feelings for Eijun and decided he wanted to change for him, everything changed.

Mei still thought highly of himself and enjoyed all the attention.

(Eijun had told him himself that he didn't want Mei to change.)

He just… thought about Eijun more.

… Well, more and more.

Enough to the point that he cared about Eijun's feelings.

Eijun had… always been different.

Mei didn't want to feel this way about someone else.

Only Eijun.

Which was why he would do anything for him.

(Seriously, Eijun was so lucky. Only he could make the king weak like this.)

Mei had been planning on returning home for a visit after the Seidou and Inashiro game.

It wouldn't be long.

Maybe a day or two long.

He had thought he would have free time after winning the game.

Of course, Inashiro ended up losing, and he got into that fight with Eijun.

His family had told him that they would attend his game, but he didn't know if they had heard about his fight with Eijun.

He had kept putting off the visit because he didn't think his family would understand this jealous and bitter feeling.

Now, though…

He had to visit home whether he liked it or not.

Hopefully, it wouldn't take long.

He would ask for their advice and then leave.

Simple as that.

Except nothing was ever simple with his family.

Mei winced as his older sisters yelled at him about hurting Eijun.

(… Well, older sister. Asami-neechan was the type to speak in a quiet voice how furious she was with him and how disappointed she was in him.)

Asami-neechan and Akari-neechan told him about how they had sat with Wakana and Eijun's family during the game.

Hearing that had caused him to pale.

Was Eijun's family furious with him?

Asami-neechan and Akari-neechan had let him sweat while they yelled at him, ignoring him whenever he tried to defend himself or asked about Eijun's family.

(Eijun had told him once that his sisters were just like him. Mei never understood what he meant by that. He and his sisters were nothing alike.)

Asami-neechan and Akari-neechan had gone to the player's entrance with Wakana to wait for Eijun to congratulate him.

… Which meant they saw what Eijun looked like after their fight.

"We… couldn't call out to him." Akari-neechan looked pained. "He looked so gloomy."

Mei's heart clenched at the thought of a gloomy Eijun.

Asami-neechan gave him another disapproving look. "Plus, that bite mark… What were you thinking?"

Mei's mouth opened and closed a few times. "You… You don't understand! Everyone was touching him, and Eijun didn't even care about me! I had to do something!"

"So you decided to bite him?" Akari-neechan raised her eyebrows. "We could see your visible teeth marks on his skin, you know."

Asami-neechan snorted. "I think everyone could see it."

Mei knew it was wrong and that it wasn't the time or place, but… he felt smug.

Smug that everyone, including Eijun's teammates, saw his mark on Eijun.

He yelped as Akari-neechan hit his head with a rolled-up magazine. "Ouch! That hurt!" He rubbed the top of his head, pouting. "What are you…?"

"Now isn't the time to feel smug, you idiot!" Akari-neechan remained standing, placing her hands on her hips.

Asami-neechan scoffed. "I'm not surprised. He hasn't changed a bit."

Mei glowered at her. "I've changed! You know that, Asami-neechan!"

"When you act like this or like how you reacted after your game, it's hard to believe you have."

Mei frowned. "That's because…"

Because Eijun didn't want him to change.

Akari-neechan sighed, causing him to look at her. "So? What are you going to do?"

Asami-neechan gave him a serious look. "Are you going to apologize? Ei-chan's expecting one, isn't he?"

Mei furrowed his eyebrows, looking confused. "How did you…?" He gasped as a thought came to him. "He didn't…!"

Asami-neechan rolled her eyes. "No, you idiot. He didn't tell us anything. We only know because we know Ei-chan well."

Mei narrowed his eyes, looking suspicious. "How well? I'm the one who knows him the best."

His older sisters had given Eijun their phone numbers, but he had assumed that Eijun never talked to them, as he never mentioned it to him.

Maybe Eijun had been talking to them, and he didn't tell him?

"Will you stop being jealous for five seconds!" Akari-neechan let out a frustrated sound. "I know you said Ei-chan likes your jealousy, but it's not cute or cool when you let it consume you!"

… She was right.

Of course she was.

Mei still remembered all those times Kazuya had hurt Eijun out of jealousy and dislike of him.

(Seriously, he hoped Kazuya realized his feelings for Eijun as soon as possible. He didn't like that Kazuya had feelings for Eijun and kept hurting him.)

Mei frowned deeply. "I know, okay?" His voice was quiet. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but I've been… working on my jealousy and possessiveness."

His older sisters snorted, clearly not believing him.

Honestly, he deserved that, especially after how he bit Eijun.

He glanced around the living room. "Anyway, are you guys done yet? I need to talk to Tou-chan and Kaa-chan."

Asami-neechan narrowed her eyes, looking suspicious. "Why? It's not like you'll listen to what they say."

Akari-neechan stomped her foot. "I'm not done yet! What were you thinking, telling everyone about your relationship with Ei-chan? You know, you—!"

"That's enough, you two."

Mei looked away from his older sisters, noticing Tou-chan and Kaa-chan walking into the room from the kitchen.

Had…

Had they been listening this whole time?

He flushed, avoiding their eyes, especially at seeing the disappointment in their eyes.

Why did that bother him so much?

A couple of years ago, he wouldn't have cared if they felt disappointed in him.

… No, he knew the answer.

Because this was about Eijun.

Someone he… might want to spend the rest of his life with.

(Might because he didn't… love Eijun yet. At least, he didn't think he did.)

"Asami-san. Akari-san. Could you leave us alone with Mei?"

Mei tensed despite himself at hearing Tou-chan's stern voice, looking up at them a few moments later.

Akari-neechan huffed before storming off. "Only because you asked me to, Tou-chan!"

Asami-neechan clicked her tongue before leaving the room.

Once they were alone, Tou-chan and Kaa-chan sat next to him on the couch.

"You wanted to talk, Mei?"

Mei blinked, furrowing his eyebrows and looking at Tou-chan. "You… You're not going to scold me?"

Tou-chan exchanged an amused look with Kaa-chan. "I think your sisters scolded you enough. I can't think of anything to say that they haven't already said."

"You're… alright with that?" Mei frowned at them. "I thought…"

Kaa-chan reached out, holding his left hand. "I had a lot of things I wanted to say to you, Mei, but they all disappeared when I saw you."

Mei resisted the urge to take his hand back. "What do you mean?"

Kaa-chan smiled softly. "I can tell you feel horrible about what happened. Besides…" She exchanged a knowing smile with Tou-chan. "You came home for a reason, didn't you?"

"I… What are you…!" Mei flushed. "How did you…!"

They knew.

How?

Kaa-chan let go of his hand, tapping the tip of his nose. "We are your parents."

Tou-chan grinned cheekily. "I know you like to pretend otherwise, but we know you well."

"That…!" Mei's flush darkened. "I don't do that on purpose!"

Tou-chan smiled softly. "We know you don't." He smirked. "We also know that you wouldn't come home just to receive a scolding."

Mei frowned deeply at the couch, guilt slithering around in his stomach. "I'm sorry."

Unlike a lot of people at Inashiro (or Seidou for that matter), he lived close enough to visit home every weekend.

He always put off the visits by telling them school and baseball kept him busy.

(Besides, he always made sure to call them and message them.)

What Tou-chan said, though…

It made him feel guilty that he hadn't visited enough.

This time, too, was only because he had to.

He couldn't stay long.

Eijun was waiting for him.

"Mei, you're here for Ei-chan, aren't you?" Kaa-chan's voice was soft.

He nodded. "Eijun… He said he's expecting an apology."

Tou-chan snorted. "I don't blame him. I would want one, too, if I was in his shoes."

Mei winced despite himself.

"Kenji!"

Tou-chan let out a sheepish laugh. "Sorry, sorry."

Mei shook his head, looking up at them. "No, I… deserve that. He deserves an apology." He grabbed the front of his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "A sincere one."

"Are you going to apologize?"

Mei gave them a serious look. "I've already decided that I'll apologize to him." He ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know how he'll react or if he'll accept it, but I…" He tightened his grip on the front of his shirt. "I need—no, I want to do this."

Kaa-chan smiled softly. "How does that make you feel?"

… Seriously?

She wanted to know?

She probably already knew.

Mei took a deep breath. "It's… I'm scared. Scared of so many things that might happen. So many possibilities. I don't want…" He made a face. "I'd deserve it, but I don't want what I did to ruin my relationship with him."

Kaa-chan reached out, holding the hand gripping the front of his shirt. "Then that's what you should tell him, Mei. I know you already know this, but a sincere apology works best when you're honest. About everything."

"But that's…" Mei let out a frustrated sound. "That's part of the problem. He… He said he doesn't want a simple apology." He looked at Kaa-chan then at Tou-chan. "I'm supposed to make it special."

Tou-chan raised his eyebrows. "Oh? A special apology? I'm liking Eijun more and more."

Kaa-chan clapped her hands, smiling a bright smile. "That sounds like something Ei-chan would think of!"

"Not helping, you guys!" Mei groaned, letting go of his shirt to rub his temples. "I've been thinking seriously about this, you know!"

Tou-chan hummed. "And you came to us because…?"

"Because…" Mei managed not to huff at the knowing glint in Tou-chan's eyes. "Because I don't have any ideas. I thought you guys might have some."

Someone giggled outside the room. "He's setting aside his pride for Ei-chan! That's so cute!"

Someone else clicked their tongue. "Our idiot brother is finally doing something right."

Of course they would eavesdrop.

(They probably wanted to listen to Tou-chan and Kaa-chan scolding him.)

Tou-chan shot the living room doors an amused look. "You don't have any ideas?"

"None." Mei ran a hand through his hair. "All I can think of are ideas that I've already done before. Those aren't special."

Tou-chan hummed, exchanging a knowing look with Kaa-chan. "Have you heard the phrase 'actions speak louder than words'?"

Huh?

"What are you…?" Mei furrowed his eyebrows, looking confused.

Kaa-chan gave Tou-chan a fond look. "Back when we were still dating, Kenji really hurt me." She smiled a teasing smile. "I'll spare you the details of our fight, but I wanted Kenji to prove that he still likes me and that he's sorry."

That…

That sounded like what was going on right now with him and Eijun.

"What did he do?" Mei glanced at Tou-chan, who rubbed the back of his head.

Kaa-chan smiled fondly. "I still remember to this day. He bought some flowers, knelt on one knee, and—"

"Wait, he…" Mei's face turned red. He looked from Kaa-chan to Tou-chan and back again. "He proposed to you?"

Tou-chan laughed his booming laugh, patting his left shoulder. "Listen until the end, Mei."

Mei's face darkened. "S-Sorry."

So embarrassing.

"Anyway…" Kaa-chan smiled softly, amusement in her eyes. "He bought some flowers, knelt on one knee, and apologized." She held a finger up to her lips. "What you don't know, Mei, is that Kenji used to be a lot like you."

Mei's eyes widened. He looked at Tou-chan, who winked at him. "Eh? Really?"

If Tou-chan had a large ego like him, why did he keep scolding him about it?

Because he was his father?

"Seeing him setting his ego and pride aside like that to kneel before me and apologize like that…" Kaa-chan sighed like a lovesick maiden. "There's no way I couldn't not accept his apology after that."

It was… weird, seeing Kaa-chan act this way, but he didn't feel that surprised.

Mei knew his parents still loved each other deeply.

Mei furrowed his eyebrows, looking confused. "Wait… You… want me to do the same?"

Tou-chan laughed again. "While that would be a great way of showing you're sincere, you don't have to do everything I did." He winked. "I recommend buying some flowers, though."

Flowers, huh?

Mei never bought flowers before.

He wasn't that type of guy.

"Remember what Kenji said, Mei? Actions speak louder than words." Kaa-chan held his hand again. "Flowers are a great way to do that. If you do that, I'm sure…" She exchanged a knowing smile with Tou-chan.

Mei couldn't read Kaa-chan's mind, but he had a feeling he knew what she meant to say.

He hummed, frowning at the couch. "Flowers, huh."

Was Eijun a flowers kind of guy?

He… didn't know.

(Eijun might read shoujo manga and be a romantic, but that didn't mean he liked receiving flowers.)

Right now, though, he didn't have any other ideas.

Asking his parents for advice was annoying and embarrassing.

He didn't regret it, though.

This was for Eijun after all.

ZZZ

Eijun felt like he sat on a seesaw.

His emotions kept going up then down.

Up then down.

It was exhausting, really.

Up…

He had been enjoying the attention at Koushien, and he felt like he acted like himself whenever a reporter asked for an interview.

(The first time that happened, Eijun had assumed they had been talking to Furuya, who stood behind him, and turned around, about to give them some room. It was only when the reporter asked again for an interview with him that he realized they wanted to interview him. Not Furuya.)

Cap and the rest of his teammates didn't like how he responded to the attention.

They had nothing to be worried about, though.

Eijun wouldn't let the attention go to his head.

He wouldn't become Mei.

Speaking of Mei…

Down…

He always felt depressed whenever he remembered that Mei… still hadn't apologized.

Mei was still dwelling on Inashiro's loss?

How long did he have to wait?

Maybe…

Maybe Mei's ego and pride were more important than him.

They hadn't talked in over a week, and he… missed him.

Loved him.

It made him wonder if Mei would apologize.

Every time he thought that, though, he shook his head, shoving that thought away.

Mei would apologize.

He believed in him.

Up…

Eijun still enjoyed pitching and playing baseball.

It felt… nice that everyone, especially the reporters, acknowledged his pitching.

(Did Mei… Was Mei… proud of him?)

Everyone finally acknowledged his hard work.

Furuya still got attention and interview requests, especially whenever he pitched a whole game by himself.

It made him jealous, but he… also understood.

Furuya had been pitching well recently, and he had always received attention, even during their first year.

It felt good, though, that everyone acknowledged him.

Furuya wasn't the only pitcher at Seidou.

Eijun hadn't wanted to live in Furuya's shadow the whole time, and it felt great that he finally got some time in the light.

It was so bright.

(No, not the camera's lights, although those were bright, too.)

He had never thought it would be this bright.

Down…

All that light disappeared whenever he thought about Mei and their relationship.

How Mei reacted after the Seidou and Inashiro game…

How Mei trampled on his trust and told everyone about their relationship…

It hurt.

Like Mei reached into his chest, pulled his heart out, and stomped on it.

That same heart that belonged to him.

Several times, when the pain got too much, he had cried in bed late at night, holding a hand over his mouth so that he didn't wake up anyone.

(Not only would Kuramochi-senpai not understand, but he would probably get annoyed with him. It got a little better at Koushien, as he shared a room with Haruichi and Furuya, but he still didn't want to wake them up.)

Mei… wasn't a good guy.

Eijun already knew this, but he had still… believed in him.

Believed in… his feelings for him.

Thought no matter how jealous and bitter Mei felt, he wouldn't hurt him again.

Wouldn't trample on his trust.

Like… many others had done before him.

Up…

Mei…

Mei had promised him.

Promised him that he would apologize.

Sure, Eijun practically forced him to choose, but Mei had agreed to come and… apologize.

Mei knew him.

He knew that Eijun wouldn't accept an insincere apology.

If Mei truly felt as regretful as he sounded over the phone, then…

A simple apology wouldn't be good enough this time, though.

He wanted something special.

Something to prove that Mei felt regretful and still… liked him.

Mei had messaged him earlier, letting him know that he needed to visit home first and that he would come apologize to him after that.

Why did Mei need to visit home first?

Maybe he needed to talk to his family about something?

It had been a while since Mei had last seen them, so that made sense.

If that was the case, Eijun could be patient.

Down…

Mei telling everyone about their relationship…

Neither of them could've predicted what everyone's reactions would be.

Of course, they had been hoping that most of them would react positively, but they had prepared for the possibility of people disliking their relationship.

According to his teammates, many people online couldn't believe the news.

They kept saying that Mei would've said something before.

That Eijun would've said something in his interviews.

To be fair…

During one of his interviews, one of the reporters had asked if he looked up to anyone, and he had been thinking about mentioning Mei.

(Sure, he still wanted Mei to apologize. Sure, he still felt disappointed in and angry with him. He still looked up to him, though.)

He had finally decided against it, not wanting them to misinterpret it and think that he had a crush on him.

Eijun also knew his reactions during all the interviews that occurred after Mei told everyone… wasn't helping.

It annoyed him, though.

Before, all the reporters would ask him questions about the game and his pitching. They also asked some personal questions, but they had never gone too far with those.

Now, though…

"Sawamura-kun, is it true you're dating Narumiya-kun?"

"Sawamura-kun, what do you think about Narumiya-kun's bold gesture?"

"Sawamura-kun, what's it like to date Narumiya-kun?"

"Sawamura-kun, how did it feel to beat your boyfriend?"

Every single fucking question was about his relationship with Mei.

… Okay, that wasn't fair.

A couple of reporters still asked questions about the game and his pitching.

(He appreciated them and those questions so much. He wished he could just accept interviews from those reporters.)

They were in the minority, though.

The question that made him want to yell until he was hoarse, though…

"Sawamura-kun, you're… not really dating Narumiya-kun, right?"

What the fuck?

Eijun didn't care what they thought about him or his relationship with Mei, but…

How dare they!

Who were they to doubt their relationship?

He didn't deserve Mei.

Was that what they thought?

They thought Mei deserved someone better than him.

Was this about his personality? His pitching?

Just thinking about that question made him want to punch something.

(With his nondominant hand, of course. He wasn't that stupid.)

It made him want to scratch his head over and over until that question left his brain.

What was he supposed to do?

Would they believe him if he told them the truth?

He didn't…

He didn't know what to do.

Sure, Mei couldn't have known this would happen, but…

This was his fucking fault.

If he had just waited to tell everyone with him, things… would probably be different.

… Dwelling on the past wouldn't make things better.

Eijun needed to figure out what to do from now on.

How did he want to respond?

How could he prove that Mei liked him and didn't want anyone else?

Mei…

Maybe seeing Mei would give him an idea.

He hoped Mei would come soon.

Because he… didn't know how much more he could take.

ZZZ

Mei strode down the street, occasionally glancing around him. He wore a blue hoodie, white skinny jeans, and white and black sneakers. He also wore a plain baseball hat on his head and black sunglasses.

At first, he had wanted to drop by his dorm room to change clothes, but he had to give up on that after seeing the reporters waiting for him outside Inashiro gates.

(Didn't they have anything else to do? They were so annoying.)

Deciding against trying to sneak inside, he had grabbed some clothes from his room at home.

His parents had suggested that he travel by plane instead of the Shinkansen, as the flight wouldn't take as long or cost as much as riding on the Shinkansen.

They had even paid for his plane ticket despite his protests that he could pay for it himself.

"Let us do this, Mei. It's worth it, especially if it helps you kiss and make up with Eijun sooner."

He flushed, pulling his hat down to hide his flushed cheeks.

His parents were so embarrassing sometimes.

(He appreciated it, though, and made sure to thank them and promise them that he wouldn't let them or Eijun down.)

Early this morning, he had boarded his flight to Osaka International Airport.

… Of course, he had to travel to Narita International Airport first.

It was a good thing he was used to waking up early for morning practice, or he would've felt tired.

(He had thought about sleeping for an hour during his flight, but he couldn't sleep. He ended up thinking about Eijun for the whole flight.)

After he arrived at Osaka International Airport, he had to take a train ride to the station closest to Koushien.

It was now the middle of the afternoon.

Thankfully, no one had recognized him yet.

(All thanks to his brilliant disguise, of course.)

He had a lot of time to think about what he wanted to say to Eijun and about everything his parents told him.

The sun felt hot as he walked down the street to Eijun's hotel.

He still didn't know if Eijun was a flower person, but… he decided to listen to his parents.

Maybe the flowers would help.

Like… what happened with Tou-chan and Kaa-chan.

(Just the thought of buying flowers for Eijun, though, made him want to hide his face. Eijun might give him a strange look, but he didn't care. He had already decided to give him flowers.)

Pulling out his smartphone, he searched for the closest flower shop.

Fortunately, he found one further down the street.

The bell on top of the door rang as he opened it and stepped inside.

"I'll be right with you!" a young girl's voice called from the back of the shop.

Mei glanced around the shop, noticing he was the only customer, before taking off his sunglasses.

He didn't know anything about flowers, and he felt like hitting himself when he belatedly realized he could've asked his parents.

The flower shop itself looked a bit strange.

(Not that he was an expert on what flower shops looked like, but still.)

Potted white daisies and some other flowers he didn't recognize adorned the front of the shop. Inside the shop, flowers of all different kinds and colors surrounded him. Vases of all different shapes and colors lined the back wall of the shop. Pictures of flowers and other plants adorned the walls.

The strangest thing was the large fake tree near the front of the shop.

At first glance, it looked real.

It towered over him like a real tree, the sun's rays peeking out from some of the branches near the windows. Someone even covered the area around the tree in real dirt. The tree looked as real as all the flowers around him.

(If he had been walking by this flower shop and noticed the tree, he would've thought that a real tree grew inside it.)

The texture and colors of the leaves and branches, though…

They didn't match.

They matched the fake plants Kaa-chan liked to decorate the living room and terrace with.

"Welcome!"

Mei blinked, looking away from the fake tree and in the direction of the back of the shop.

A short young girl (maybe an elementary schooler) walked into the shop, wearing a dark green apron and dark brown boots. "Sorry for the wait, Onii-chan! What are you looking for today?" She smiled a bright smile, her Kansai dialect pleasing to the ears.

… She didn't recognize him?

Sure, he wore a plain baseball hat, but other than that, he looked like himself.

Why didn't she recognize him?

Every girl (and probably every guy) knew who he was.

(Inashiro had played at Koushien last year. She had to have seen him in the newspapers or on the television.)

He was the king.

… No, wait.

This was a good thing.

Besides, he was here for Eijun.

Mei looked around the shop. "I… don't know yet." He rubbed the back of his head, careful not to dislodge his hat. "I don't know anything about flowers."

"No problem!" She walked over to him, stopping an appropriate distance away. "Are these flowers for yourself or for someone else? The more that you can tell me, the better."

Mei hummed, his eyes lingering on the sunflowers. "They're for my boyfriend. He's… as bright as the sun."

The girl smiled a knowing smile. "You really like him, don't you, Onii-chan?"

Mei flushed. "Look, you…! I…!" He frowned, looking around the shop as he thought of something. "Where are the owners of this shop?"

… That probably should've been his first question.

The girl smiled an apologetic smile. "Papa and Mama are out grocery shopping." She smiled another bright smile. "Don't worry, Onii-chan. I've been helping for as long as I can remember." She placed her hands on her hips, puffing her chest out. "I'm confident that I can help you."

This girl…

She reminded him of Eijun a little bit.

(Only a little.)

If the girl's parents trusted her to look after the store while they left to take care of errands, maybe it would be worth it to trust her.

"Right, so about my boyfriend…"

The girl beamed. "Leave it to me! I'll pick out the perfect flowers for you!" She frowned a few moments later. "Are these for a special occasion?"

… Mei didn't want to tell her what happened.

He felt ashamed and embarrassed.

This girl didn't even know him or Eijun.

(If she didn't recognize him, the king, she wouldn't recognize Eijun.)

This… was for Eijun, though.

He bowed his head, eyes dark with regret. "I recently hurt him, and my parents suggested that I apologize with flowers."

"I like your parents."

Mei's lips twitched despite himself. "I'm sure you do. I just…" He sighed, looking at the sunflowers again. "I can't stop thinking about him. How I hurt him."

The girl hummed. "Would you say you can't live without him?"

What was she…?

Mei furrowed his eyebrows, looking at her again, looking confused. "Yeah, I guess you can say that. He means a lot to me." He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this."

She laughed softly, seemingly not offended. "Don't worry, Onii-chan. You're just like the rest of our customers. Plus…" She placed her hands on her hips, puffing her chest out. "Now that you've told me everything, I know the perfect flowers."

"You do?" Mei's heart jumped hopefully.

She winked, giving him an okay sign. "Yeah, so wait here, okay? I'll be right back with your flowers."

Much to Mei's embarrassment, she walked straight over to the sunflowers. "Do you like sunflowers, Onii-chan? I noticed you looking at them a lot."

"I don't know if I like them, but…" Mei looked away briefly. "They remind me of him."

The girl beamed at him. "Then I should grab one for you!" She picked one out before walking around the shop, picking out some more flowers. "What do you think, Onii-chan?" She walked back over, showing him the flowers. "I picked out a sunflower, some purple pansies, some purple hyacinth, and some primrose."

Mei never heard of those flowers before, but he trusted her.

"Those look good. I'll take them." He frowned. "How am I supposed to hold them? They look…"

She giggled. "I can arrange them into a bouquet for you."

… Oh, right.

Mei supposed he could've asked for that in the first place.

"Right." He hated the way his cheeks felt warm. "Do that then."

She saluted him, grinning a bright grin. "Roger that, Onii-chan!"

Mei looked around the shop as he waited, tempted to pull out his smartphone and message Eijun.

Not about the flowers, of course, but that he had arrived and was on his way.

The flowers would be a surprise.

The girl walked over to him, holding up the bouquet. "How does this look?"

The sunflower stood out in the middle of the bouquet like the sun, the purple and white flowers surrounding it like the planets in the solar system.

It looked… pretty.

Mei cleared his throat. "Looks good." He forced himself to grin cheekily. "I knew I could trust you."

The girl gave him a skeptical look. "Uh huh." She walked with Mei over to the front counter, wrapping the bouquet in light purple wrapping paper. "Do you want a bow, Onii-chan? I can pick one out for you, or you can pick one out."

"Whatever's fine." Mei scoffed. "I don't have a preference. The flowers are…" He caught sight of baseball ribbon, causing him to furrow his eyebrows.

The girl followed his gaze, smiling a knowing smile. "You want this one?" She picked out the baseball ribbon. "You made a good choice, Onii-chan."

… He didn't even know baseball ribbon existed.

"Why do you even have that?" Mei frowned.

The girl beamed. "Koushien's going on right now, right? I thought it'd be fun to give our customers this choice."

… Wait.

She knew about Koushien.

If she knew about Koushien, why didn't she know him?

(Maybe her father was the one interested in high school baseball?)

Eijun… would probably like the baseball ribbon, though.

"Alright, fine. I want that one. Hurry up."

The girl giggled. "Of course, Onii-chan." She cut the ribbon before tying it into a bow near the bottom of the bouquet. "Here you go."

After paying for the bouquet, Mei put on his sunglasses and left the shop, the girl bowing and thanking him for his patronage.

He took out his smartphone, messaging Eijun that he was almost there before pocketing it.

It was stupid, especially since he already bought it, but…

Maybe this was a bad idea.

Sure, this had worked for Tou-chan, but that didn't mean it would work for him.

Was Eijun even a flower person?

He had half a mind to throw them away.

Trample on them.

Mei shook his head, eyes darkening.

He didn't want to hurt another sun.

Didn't want to trample on anything or anyone's feelings anymore.

Besides, even if Eijun wasn't a flower person, he felt confident that Eijun would appreciate the gesture.

… Well, if he believed Mei's apology, that is.

The reporters waited outside the hotel, causing him to click his tongue.

(Seriously, didn't they have anything else to do? Were they that bored?)

If he wasn't here to apologize to Eijun, he would've walked up to them and basked in the attention.

Noticing a car dropping some people off, he pulled his hat down before hiding behind the pillars, waiting for his chance before hiding behind the guests' luggage.

Thankfully, none of the reporters waited in the lobby.

(Maybe thanks to Eijun's coach?)

Eijun…

Where was he?

He had told him he would come get him, but he didn't see him anywhere.

Catching sight of the lounge doors, he made his way over, hiding the flowers behind his back.

It wasn't until he opened them and saw Eijun's teammates inside that he realized something he had forgotten.

Eijun… hadn't come to Koushien alone.

He had come with his teammates.

With the rest of Seidou.

Oops.

"Ah! What are you doing here!"

So much for leaving without being spotted.

Mei looked around the room, frowning at not spotting Eijun.

Maybe he was in his room?

Many of Eijun's teammates got out of their seats and walked over to him.

Mei smirked. "It sounds like you guys have been doing well this time. You know, unlike last time."

"What was that!"

"We don't want to hear that from you!"

"You're such a sore loser!"

Kazuya gave him a warning look. "You didn't come here just to antagonize us, right?"

Of course Kazuya ruined his fun.

Mei frowned, looking around the room once more. "Where's Eijun?"

"Why do you care?"

"Don't you realize how much you hurt him?"

"You asshole! I swear I'll kill you!"

Kuramochi cracked his knuckles as he approached him, his eyes gleaming dangerously. "You've got a lot of nerve showing up here."

Kazuya stopped him before he got too close, shooting him a warning look before looking at Mei. "What, finally here to apologize? Took you long enough."

Mei huffed, ignoring the sharp pang of guilt. "I don't have to explain myself to any of you. Eijun's what's important here."

"You don't deserve Sawamura!"

"He should break up with you!"

Mei somehow managed not to flinch.

"We knew you would hurt him!"

Mei scoffed. "Oh, like you guys don't?"

Kazuya shot his teammates a warning look before looking at him. "We're not dating him." He narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists, almost causing Mei to smirk. "You already realize it, don't you? That you don't deserve Sawamura's forgiveness?"

(A large part of Mei wanted Kazuya to realize his feelings for Eijun and get over him as soon as possible, but he also… enjoyed seeing Kazuya jealous. Eijun belonged to him. Not Kazuya.)

Stupid Kazuya.

Of course he already realized that.

Did that change his mind, though?

Not one bit.

Mei smirked, standing up straight, trying to portray confidence, not allowing his fear or regret to show on his face. "Maybe I don't, but that's his choice, isn't it?" He sneered, disgust in his eyes. "You guys don't get to decide who Eijun dates." Venom laced his words.

Kominato glowered at him before looking at something behind him, his eyes widening. "Eijun-kun…"

Eijun?

Mei turned around, his heart racing at seeing Eijun standing near him. "Good, you're here. I've been waiting—"

"Don't you dare finish that." Eijun gave him a warning look, his brown eyes dark with anger. He grabbed Mei's wrist, pulling him along. "Come on."

Did…

Did Eijun see the flowers?

Mei stuck his tongue out at the rest of Seidou, almost smirking when most of them glowered at him. He blinked, belatedly realizing something as they walked through the lobby. "Hang on… This isn't the way to your room."

Eijun didn't even look at him. "I've got something to clear up first." He tugged him in the direction of the front of the hotel.

They… were going outside?

Was it possible Eijun wanted…?

Mei's eyes widened at the sight of the reporters. He looked around the lobby before setting the flowers down on a side table near the entrance.

As they walked outside and over to the reporters, Mei smiled a fake smile.

Eijun let go of his wrist, holding his hand and squeezing it gently.

He just…!

Mei's heart jumped hopefully. He squeezed Eijun's hand.

Maybe that was a good sign.

The reporters noticed them several moments later, many of them gasping before turning on their cameras and recording devices, others holding a pen and notepad.

Eijun stopped in front of them, smiling a fake smile. "Good afternoon."

What… was Eijun up to?

Feeling him squeeze his hand, Mei kept his fake smile on his face. "Good afternoon."

It was weird, following Eijun's lead.

Normally, Eijun followed his lead.

"Sawamura-kun! Narumiya-kun! Just the people we want to talk to!"

"Does this mean you two are ready for an interview?"

"This relationship isn't fake, right?"

… What the fuck?

Why would they think that?

"Sawamura-kun, is it true you're dating Narumiya-kun? It still seems… unbelievable."

Seriously, what the fuck?

What did they mean by that?

Were they…

Were they implying Eijun didn't deserve him?

It was the other way around.

(He didn't deserve Eijun!)

These reporters surely knew about all the rumors surrounding him.

Who were they to judge who he liked?

Mei somehow managed to keep his fake smile on his face, glancing at Eijun when Eijun tightened his grip on his hand.

Eijun cleared his throat, causing everyone to look at him. "Unfortunately, we're not here for an interview. I just wanted to clear up something." He turned to face Mei, causing Mei to do the same. He stared into Mei's eyes for a few moments before… kissing him, causing Mei's eyes to widen.

The reporters let out a surprised sound, taking pictures (and probably filming it).

What the hell?

Why did Eijun kiss him in front of the reporters?

That didn't make any—

… Oh.

Oh.

Now he understood.

Mei smirked into the kiss, letting go of Eijun's hand and wrapping his arms around him, pulling him closer, causing Eijun to let out a surprised sound.

He finally got to kiss Eijun again.

Might as well enjoy it, right?

Eijun wrapped his arms around him, kissing him again, causing him to groan despite himself.

The kiss felt possessive yet demanding at the same time.

Mei didn't think he rubbed off on Eijun that much, but he liked it.

He responded to the kiss, kissing him as hard as Eijun kissed him, causing Eijun to groan. He tightened his grip around Eijun's waist, wanting everyone to see his arms around him.

Eijun let go of his back, reaching up to run his hands through his hair, causing him to let out a pleased sound. He bit his lower lip several moments later, causing him to let out another pleased sound and open his mouth.

Eijun's tongue darted into his mouth, exploring it for a few moments before touching his tongue, causing Mei to moan.

Mei touched his tongue and swirled it around his own, feeling smug when Eijun moaned.

Eijun pulled away several moments later, smiling a fake smile, causing him to blink. He turned to face the reporters again, causing Mei to smile a fake smile and do the same.

A lot of the reporters… had flushed cheeks, some even covering their eyes (much to Mei's amusement). Their eyes gleamed with excitement.

Oops.

They might've gotten… a little carried away.

(It was totally worth it, though.)

Eijun held his hand again, holding up their joined hands so that the reporters could see. He narrowed his eyes, his eyes gleaming dangerously. "Mei's my boyfriend. We're staying together no matter what you guys think."

Mei shivered, although he couldn't tell whether it was because of Eijun's possessive tone or because of Eijun's dangerously low voice.

He knew Eijun was still angry with him, but…

Damn.

The way Eijun didn't hesitate to kiss him in front of the reporters…

The way he didn't hesitate to be his honest self and practically pick a fight with them…

He couldn't get enough of it.

Moments like this made him realize all over again how lucky he was to have him.

No one else made him this excited.

This smug.

This happy.

This… turned on.

(Yes, he realized now wasn't the time, but he couldn't help it.)

He smiled his fake smile, his eyes gleaming dangerously. "What he said. You guys better not cause trouble for my boyfriend." He narrowed his eyes, tightening his grip on Eijun's hand. "Or you'll regret it."

Some of the reporters flinched, drawing away from them, causing him to feel smug.

Good.

They deserved it.

Eijun glanced at him before bowing to them. "We'll take our leave now. Thank you for your time." He smiled another fake smile.

Mei almost snickered at the bewildered looks on the reporters' faces. He bowed briefly. "Excuse us. I need to reward my boyfriend for all the excellent pitching he's been doing recently." He turned to look at Eijun, almost smiling a genuine smile at his flushed cheeks. "I'm so proud of him."

He hoped Eijun knew this wasn't an act.

He meant what he said.

Eijun pulled him back to the hotel, Mei waiting until he knew the reporters couldn't see them anymore before letting his fake smile drop from his face.

That was fun.

Exhausting but fun.

His eyes lit up at seeing his flowers on the side table.

Good.

No one took them.

He picked them up, inspecting them and noticing nothing looked out of place, almost causing him to breathe a sigh of relief.

Mei waited until they reached the elevator before he couldn't take it anymore.

He snickered, his snicker turning into loud laughter when Eijun looked at him.

Eijun shot him a dirty look, clearly trying to portray that he was still angry with him. His flushed cheeks and the amusement in his eyes gave him away, though.

Several moments later, Eijun laughed with him.

It sounded… happy.

Like his normal laughter.

Maybe Mei hadn't ruined things?

They kept laughing even as the elevator kept moving.

They laughed so hard and for so long that they had to hold onto each other to remain standing.

"My sides hurt!" Mei laughed one more time, burying his face in Eijun's neck. "That was so hilarious!"

Eijun laughed again. "I know, right? Did you see the looks on their faces?"

"I can't believe you planned that!" Mei pulled away to look into his eyes, shaking his head, amusement in his eyes. "They call me bold? Now that was bold!"

Eijun's flush darkened. "I… Uh, I… didn't plan that." At Mei's confused look, he rubbed the back of his head with his free hand. "I kind of… came up with it on the spot after seeing you."

Seriously?

That…

"That sounds like you." Mei gave him a fond look.

Eijun grinned sheepishly. He gasped a few moments later, narrowing his eyes at him. "I haven't forgotten, you know." He scowled.

… Yeah, he should've expected that.

"I…" Mei stepped closer, squeezing his hand gently. "Eijun—"

Eijun shivered, glowering at him and jabbing his chest. "Don't call me Eijun, you asshole."

This again?

"Why?" Mei huffed. "That's your name. What—"

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

Eijun shot him a warning look before tugging him after him, causing Mei to click his tongue.

He wasn't stupid.

He wouldn't continue their conversation in the hallway.

They arrived at Eijun's hotel room a few minutes later, Eijun letting out a frustrated sound as he tried to open the door, his hand trembling.

Mei stepped closer, causing Eijun to glance at him. He reached out, holding Eijun's hand steady and helping him unlock the door.

Eijun flushed, kissing his cheek before entering his room, causing Mei's lips to twitch.

Mei followed him into his room, closing the door behind him and setting the flowers on a side table near the door. He walked over to Eijun, stopping close enough to touch him.

Eijun, who stood by the windows, shot him a dirty look, stepping backward and creating some space between them. He crossed his arms in front of him. "So?"

"Eh? What?" Mei frowned at the space between them before looking at him. "Eijun—"

Eijun shivered, glowering at him. "I told you not to call me Eijun."

"That's your name." Mei let out a frustrated sound. "What do you want me to call you then? Ei-chan?" His tone was sarcastic.

Eijun growled. "Don't call me that either."

… He hadn't been planning on it.

Eijun might like his old nickname and allow his older sisters and mother to call him it, but for Mei…

He always called him by his given name.

That was his right as Eijun's boyfriend.

"I don't understand why you're being so—"

Eijun's eyes gleamed dangerously. "Call me Sawamura."

… Huh?

He… wasn't serious, right?

"You…" Mei frowned deeply, his heart clenching. "That's… Do you know what you're saying?" He raised his eyebrows. "I haven't called you that in a long time. You're telling me you want me to call you by your family name again?"

Regret flashed in Eijun's eyes. His eyes hardened a few moments later. "Maybe we should go back to calling each other by our family names."

Mei inhaled sharply, his eyes widening.

Was he…?

… No, he couldn't be.

Did he realize what he said?

How… that could be taken?

His heart twisted uncomfortably over and over like someone wringing out a cloth.

"I… I know I messed up, but…" Mei ran a hand through his hair. "About you… I still—"

Eijun scoffed. "What, you still care about me? You still like me?" He stepped closer, jabbing his chest. "You have the nerve to say that after telling everyone about us?"

A loud thudding sound in the hallway caused Mei to glance behind him.

Someone probably dropped something.

Eijun was more important.

Mei bowed his head, eyes darkening with regret. "I immediately regretted doing it. I still regret it." He looked up at him, almost wincing at Eijun's hard gaze.

"How am I supposed to believe you?" Eijun gave him a suspicious look. "Haven't you heard of the saying 'actions speak louder than words'?"

Mei flinched, hearing a click behind him.

His parents… had said the same thing.

They said it about his apology, though.

Eijun thought that because of what happened, he…

Mei wiped his sweaty hands on his pants, his heart racing. "You… You don't… I…"

"I thought you of all people wouldn't…" Eijun clicked his tongue, disgust in his eyes. "Not that it matters anymore."

Oh no.

Eijun wasn't…?

Someone clicked their tongue in the hallway. "… He finally gets it."

Another person shushed them. "Do you want us to get caught?"

Mei took a deep breath. "You… What do you mean by that?" His heart dropped as Eijun avoided his eyes. "Did I… ruin things?"

Another person scoffed. "Why does he sound like that? He doesn't even like him."

… Hang on.

That sounded like…

Someone else shushed them. "Why are you trying to get us caught, Miyuki-senpai?"

Knew it.

A large part of Mei felt annoyed that Eijun's teammates, especially Kazuya, was listening in on their private conversation, but…

Right now, Eijun was more important.

(He would get his revenge later.)

Eijun continued looking away from him. His mouth opened then closed a few moments later. He sighed sometime later, looking at him again, Mei's heart clenching at the hurt in his eyes. "What do you want me to say, Mei? You… You haven't changed."

Mei winced.

It hurt how he couldn't deny that.

"I'm not… I won't… I mean, I…" He ran a hand through his hair. "That's true, but you're important to me." He gave him a serious look. "I'll prove it right now."

Eijun furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you…?" Hope flashed in his eyes. "I told you I—"

"Don't want a simple apology, I know." Mei walked over to the door, grabbing the bouquet before walking back over to Eijun.

He had thought a lot about what his parents said.

Setting aside his ego and pride to apologize to Eijun would… hurt, but…

It would hurt a lot worse if he allowed Eijun to walk out of his life like this.

Please don't leave.

Mei took another deep breath before kneeling on one knee and holding up the bouquet.

Eijun inhaled sharply, his eyes widening. His face turned red. His mouth opened and closed a few times. "I… This…" He reached out with a shaking hand, briefly touching the wrapping paper. "What… What are you…?"

Someone gasped behind him. "What's that guy doing?"

Another person squeaked. "Is… Is he… proposing?"

Another person let out a disgusted sound. "Gross! Who would want to marry him?"

Mei's hands twitched.

They were so annoying.

He felt like punching them.

… No, he needed to focus.

Eijun first.

Revenge later.

"T-These… are for you." Mei's voice quavered with nervousness. He cleared his throat. "I… I didn't know how to make my apology special, so I…" He gestured to the bouquet with his eyes. "I got help."

Eijun's eyes widened again before softening. "I can see that." He gasped a few moments later. "Is that why you went home?"

Eijun knew him well.

(Those soft eyes gave him hope.)

"I asked Tou-chan and Kaa-chan for advice. They told me… to apologize with flowers." Mei flushed. "I forgot to ask which flowers would be best, but the girl at the flower shop helped pick some out for me."

Eijun looked at the bouquet again, his face turning a darker shade of red for some reason. "You… You picked these out? For… me?"

Did Eijun like them?

Mei couldn't tell at all, and it bothered him.

Eijun kept staring at the bouquet, and his face looked dark red.

Did he feel as embarrassed as Mei felt?

Mei grabbed the front of his hoodie, feeling his racing heartbeat. "For you. I…" He grabbed the bouquet with both hands and held it up higher, bowing his head. "Only you can make me do this. Make me feel this way. I'm…" He looked at him again, regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry. Really sorry. For everything."

Eijun's eyes softened. He reached out with one hand, gently touching the flowers.

"I should've never…" Mei closed his eyes briefly, wincing. "I should've never trampled on your trust like that. Those things I said after our game…" He gave him a pleading look. "I swear I didn't mean them. I'm sorry I said them. I'm sorry I…" He tightened his grip on the bouquet. "I'm sorry I went too far and mentioned all that stuff about Furuya."

Someone scoffed behind him. "He's not actually believing this, is he?"

Someone hummed. "I don't know. He sounds… sincere."

Another person let out a surprised sound. "I've never seen him act like this before."

Mei struggled to keep his gaze on Eijun and not shoot a dirty look behind him.

Eijun first.

Revenge later.

Eijun frowned, his eyes dark with sadness. "Yeah, I already knew you didn't mean it. I knew you only said it because you lost."

Of course Eijun already knew.

"I felt jealous and bitter." Mei avoided his eyes, eyes dark with regret. "I… wanted attention again." He looked up at him. "Even if that meant—"

Eijun sighed. "Telling everyone. Using me."

Mei's eyes widened with horror. "I didn't use you!" He frowned. "It's true I took advantage of all the media attention you've been getting, but I didn't use you."

"You took advantage of our relationship, though." Eijun's eyes hardened. "You trampled on my trust and my feelings. You only cared about yourself." He huffed. "As usual."

… Never mind.

Mei didn't know what to think anymore.

He thought Eijun might accept his apology, but now…

His eyes darkened with regret. "You're right. I… did all those things. I… went too far." He took a deep breath before giving him a serious look. "I won't ask you to forgive me or even accept my apology, but… Please." He grabbed the front of his hoodie with one hand, feeling his heartbeat. "Please believe me when I say I'm sorry for everything. That I still like you and want you in my life."

Someone snorted behind him. "He doesn't deserve it."

Another person shushed them. "Not now, Miyuki-senpai!"

Someone else gulped audibly. "Sawamura… Will he… accept his apology?"

Stupid Seidou.

(Didn't they have anything better to do?)

Mei already knew he didn't deserve Eijun's forgiveness and didn't deserve to… stay in his life.

He should know better, especially after everything that happened, but a large selfish part of him didn't want Eijun to go.

Didn't want to let go of him.

Please don't leave.

Eijun's eyes softened several moments later. He reached out, gently accepting the bouquet and raising it to smell the flowers. "You must've thought about me a lot on your way here."

… Huh?

Where did that come from?

Mei blinked, furrowing his eyebrows. "Y-Yeah, I couldn't stop thinking about you." His eyes darkened with regret. "How I hurt you. How much I like you."

Eijun hummed. "Mei, do you know anything about hanakotoba?"

… Hanakotoba?

"It's…" Mei scrunched his face, trying to remember what Kaa-chan told him. "It's the language of the flowers, right?"

What was he…?

Eijun smiled softly, causing Mei's heart to flutter. "Yeah, that's why I…" He shook his head several moments later, smiling a knowing smile. "… No, it doesn't matter right now." He grinned devilishly. "Maybe I'll tell you later."

… What the hell?

"Then why did you bring that up?" Mei furrowed his eyebrows.

A large part of him felt hopeful at seeing Eijun's normal devilish grin.

Seeing that and that soft smile meant for him…

Did that mean…?

Eijun laughed loudly before kneeling on one knee and holding out a hand to him. "Come on. Let's get you off the floor." He grinned devilishly. "As much as I like seeing the king kneeling before me, I like it a lot more when you're standing next to me."

Mei's eyes widened. He reached out with one hand, his hand shaking. "You… You…" His voice was soft. He shivered as their hands touched, tightening his grip on Eijun's hand. "Does that mean…?"

"Thank you for the bouquet, Mei. I never thought you'd buy me one." Eijun's grin widened. He smiled softly a few moments later, tightening his grip on Mei's hand. "Your apology was very special. I accept your apology."

Forgetting about the bouquet, Mei tackled Eijun to the floor, hugging him, causing Eijun to laugh. "Thank you," he murmured, not wanting the rest of Seidou to hear. He reached out with his free hand, cupping Eijun's cheek. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

Eijun's eyes softened. He let go of his hand, holding his hand in place. "Believe me. I think I do." He turned his head, kissing his hand, causing Mei's heart to flutter.

They stayed like that for several moments before Eijun grinned devilishly.

"As much as I don't want to ruin the moment, I think we're crushing the bouquet."

Mei's eyes widened with horror. He quickly moved away from Eijun, looking for the bouquet. "Where is it? I can't believe I…!" He ran a hand through his hair. "If I crushed it, I swear I'll—"

Eijun snickered, reaching behind him and holding up the bouquet. "Relax. It's right here."

Mei moved close, inspecting the bouquet and breathing a sigh of relief. "Good. It looks the same." He furrowed his eyebrows. "Hang on… That means…"

Eijun snickered again, standing up. "I didn't know you like the floor so much, Your Majesty."

That little…!

Mei stood up, flushing. "What's wrong with you?" He glared at him. "Those are important, and I—"

Eijun set the bouquet on the windowsill before grabbing the front of his hoodie and kissing him.

Eijun's teammates groaned behind them.

Mei almost flipped them off, distracted when Eijun started pulling away. He pulled Eijun close, kissing him and wrapping his arms around him.

Eijun let out a pleased sound, moving his hands up to his hair.

Unlike the kiss outside in front of the reporters, this kiss felt… softer.

Like Eijun wanted him to know how he felt about him.

"You…" Mei pulled away several moments later, kissing his forehead. "You're such an impertinent brat."

Eijun laughed softly, shivering when Mei touched his warm skin with his cool hands. "Admit it. Our relationship wouldn't be the same if we didn't tease each other." He kissed Mei's cheek before winking.

"Teasing each other is alright, but…" Mei kissed him again. "You should know not to go too far." He kissed the side of Eijun's mouth, causing Eijun to whine.

Eijun grinned devilishly. "Was that going too far? I didn't know you cared about the bouquet that much." He let go of his hair to tap his chin. "Maybe I should start calling you the King of Flowers."

King…

King of Flowers?

Mei narrowed his eyes. "Absolutely not! I'm the king!" He pinched Eijun's waist, causing Eijun to yelp. "Just king!"

Some people snorted behind him, muttering something about his ego.

"Alright, alright." Eijun laughed loudly. "I know, okay?" His eyes softened. "I'm sorry. Your feelings mean a lot to me."

Mei huffed, almost pouting. "Doesn't seem that way to me."

Eijun kissed his forehead before gesturing to something behind him with his eyes. "Do you… want to sit down? Or maybe lie on my bed? I…" He wrapped his arms around him, closing his eyes briefly. "I don't want to say goodbye yet."

Mei's heart fluttered at his soft eyes. "Let's lie on your bed." He gave him a serious look. "We're not done talking yet after all."

Hope flashed in Eijun's eyes. "Yeah!" He gasped a few moments later. "The bouquet!" He glanced behind him, worry in his eyes. "Will it be alright?"

"It should be alright for now." Mei hummed, glancing at the bouquet, his chest warm. "If you want it to last longer, though, you should find a clean vase and put them in some water."

Eijun snickered as they let go of each other. "As expected of the King of Flowers."

Mei shot him a dirty look, tempted to pinch him again. "Did you say something?"

"I didn't say anything." Eijun grinned innocently, holding up his hands, causing Mei to snort.

Eijun turned around, picking up the bouquet. "Let's at least put these by my bed."

Mei smirked. "What, you want to see them when you wake up or go to bed?"

"… Is that bad?" Eijun flushed, walking around him and over to his bed.

Mei turned around, smiling softly at his back. "No, not at all. In fact, I was going to suggest that." He noticed the slightly open door, causing him to narrow his eyes. He glanced at Eijun before walking toward it.

Time to get his revenge.

Someone let out a disgusted sound behind the door. "I can't believe Sawamura accepted his apology."

That sounded like Kazuya.

Someone else hummed. "I don't blame him. He must like him a lot. Plus…"

Another person let out a surprised sound. "His apology sounded sincere."

(Huh. Maybe not all of Eijun's teammates were as stupid (and jealous) as Kazuya.)

Mei approached the door from an angle, not allowing them to see him. He glanced at Eijun before quickly grabbing the doorknob and… shoving the door forward, smug at hearing yelps, flinches, and curses. He closed the door, locking it for good measure.

They deserved that.

"Mei?"

He turned to face Eijun, grinning cheekily. "I forgot to close the door the whole way."

Eijun snorted, setting the bouquet on his nightstand. "That sounds like something you'd do."

He clearly believed his lie.

Mei walked over to his bed, pouting. "I'm not that forgetful. I was distracted by you."

"… Well, that's…" Eijun flushed, looking away briefly. He gestured to the bouquet. "There. I'll see that when I wake up or go to sleep at night."

Mei smiled softly, almost smirking when he heard Eijun's teammates clomping down the hallway. "That's a perfect place, Eijun." He gasped, his eyes widening as Eijun shivered. "Sorry, I didn't mean—"

"Say that again."

Mei blinked. "Huh?"

Eijun pulled him close. "Call me Eijun, Mei."

Mei's jaw dropped. He wrapped his arms around him, furrowing his eyebrows. "It's… It's alright?"

His heart jumped hopefully.

"Say it, Mei."

In that case…

Mei's eyes lit up. "Eijun." He grinned cheekily as Eijun shivered again. "I love saying your given name."

Eijun gave him a fond look. "I know you do."

They took off their shoes, Mei taking off his hoodie before climbing onto Eijun's bed next to him.

Eijun moved close to him, nuzzling his neck before wrapping his arms around him.

Mei let out a soft approving sound before hugging him back.

Several moments passed, the low hum of the air conditioner the only sound in the room.

"This is a nice room." Mei closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of the cool air brushing his clothes and skin and basking in Eijun's presence.

Part of him still couldn't believe this was real.

That Eijun accepted his apology.

Eijun hummed. "I know, right?" His voice was soft. "We stayed at this hotel for Spring Koushien, too."

"It's much better than the hotel Inashiro stayed at last year." Mei snorted. "We stayed at a traditional Japanese hotel."

Eijun let out a confused sound. "You don't like them?"

"It's not that." Mei frowned. "It just…" He scrunched his face. "It didn't fit my image."

Eijun snickered. "Right. Because you're the superstar pitcher, Narumiya Mei. You'd rather stay in a hotel like this one. A large hotel to go along with your large ego."

Mei opened his eyes, smirking at him. "I'm glad you understand."

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

Mei hummed, kissing Eijun's clothed shoulder. "We should go to one sometime." At Eijun's confused sound, he grinned cheekily. "A traditional Japanese inn."

"What are you…?"

Mei's eyes lit up. "We can go to one that has hot springs. That would be fun, wouldn't it?"

Eijun snorted. "When will we have the time?"

… Right.

Eijun still had baseball practice.

(Lucky kid.)

"Sometime after we graduate from high school?"

Eijun inhaled sharply, pulling away enough to look him in the eyes. "That's… You're alright with it?"

Mei furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

Why did Eijun look surprised?

He seriously thought Mei would break up with him after the Seidou and Inashiro game?

Maybe even after high school?

Eijun let go of him, sitting up. "You…" He frowned at the bed. "You've never…" He gritted his teeth.

Mei sat up, sitting across from him. "I've never what?" When Eijun didn't say anything for several moments, he reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "Tell me, Eijun."

Eijun shivered. "You've never…" He blinked furiously, as if trying not to cry. "You've never mentioned my name in your future plans."

Ah.

Now he understood.

No wonder Eijun thought he might break up with him.

"I'm sorry." Mei bowed his head, kissing the top of Eijun's hand, causing Eijun to flush. "I didn't want to assume things about our relationship. I didn't…" He ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't want to make you commit to something this early."

Eijun gave him an unhappy look. "What do you mean by that? I keep telling you I'm not going to leave you."

Mei's chest felt warm. He reached out with his free hand, cupping Eijun's cheek. "Unlike me, you don't know anything about your future and have a lot of time to figure it out. I told you after our game, right?" He caressed his cheek, his eyes soft. "Take your time thinking about your future."

"But I—"

Mei gave him a serious look. "That includes if you want to play with me. If you want to play with me, that's great. If you don't…" He made a face. "I'll… respect your choice."

Eijun snickered, closing his eyes briefly at his touch. "You really want me to play with you, don't you?"

Of course he did.

Didn't Eijun understand why he wanted him on his team?

"… It's your choice." Mei frowned, almost pouting. "I won't influence your decision."

Eijun snorted. "Like I believe that."

"That… goes for our relationship, too." Mei squeezed his hand gently, feeling his heartbeat race. "If you decide you… want to see other people…" His heart clenched. "I'll leave you alone. That's what I meant by not wanting to make you commit to something this early. I—"

Eijun leaned forward, hitting his head with his own, causing Mei to yelp.

Did…

Did Eijun just… headbutt him?

Mei winced, touching his head. "What was that for!"

Eijun copied him, whining. "Ouch, that hurt!"

"Of course it did, you idiot! Did you think it wouldn't!"

What the hell was Eijun thinking, headbutting him?

Eijun glared at him. "You're the idiot, idiot!"

"Hah? What's that supposed to mean!"

Eijun huffed. "You're an idiot if you think I'm going to leave you! I lo—!" He gasped, quickly covering his mouth with his hands, eyes wide.

Come to think of it…

This happened after their game, too.

Eijun had told him he would tell him eventually.

'I lo—'

What did that even mean?

(It sounded familiar for some reason. Like it was something he heard every day.)

Mei felt that temptation to demand that he tell him again, but this time, he pushed it away, ignoring it.

He would trust Eijun.

(He had hurt him enough recently. He would… prove to him that he didn't make a mistake accepting his apology and giving him another chance.)

"What do you mean you won't leave me?" He furrowed his eyebrows, looking confused. "What are you…?"

His heart jumped hopefully.

Did that mean…?

Eijun blinked a few times before looking relieved for some reason. He smiled a soft grateful smile, reaching out and kissing the top of his left hand, causing Mei to flush. "Exactly what it means. I never planned on leaving you."

Mei's eyes widened. "You mean…?"

"You're right that I haven't thought about my future as much as you have." Eijun frowned before grinning a proud grin. "I know two things about my future, though."

Mei grinned. "Let me guess… One of them is about baseball."

"Good guess." Eijun grinned a bright grin. "I know that I want to play baseball in my future. Whether that means at the university level or professional level, I don't know yet. I want to keep playing for as long as possible."

That sounded like him.

Mei grinned cheekily. "You're going to need to work a lot harder to reach the university and professional level." He pointed at himself. "And you'll need to work a lot harder than that if you want to catch up to me."

Eijun shot him a dirty look, causing Mei to snicker. "I know that, you ass, but…" He grinned a confident grin. "I won't give up. I'll work hard so that I can play for as long as possible."

"Oi, what about me!" Mei gave him a betrayed look. "You don't want to catch up to me?"

Impossible.

Eijun had always looked up to him and wanted to catch up to him.

Eijun grinned devilishly. "The second thing that I know—"

"Oi, don't ignore me, Eijun!"

Eijun shivered. "The second thing that I know is that…" His eyes softened. "I want to continue dating you." He smiled softly as Mei's eyes widened. "No matter what."

If Eijun had told him this before he hurt him, he might've felt smug.

(… Which was a lie, of course. He felt smug, knowing that Eijun wanted to continue dating him.)

Now, though…

Mei frowned, looking away briefly. "Is that… Are you alright with me? I might…" He took a deep breath, forcing himself to say it. "I might hurt you again, you know."

He hated the thought of hurting Eijun again.

The scary thing was… that it might happen again.

"I know, and I'm alright with that." Eijun smiled a reassuring smile. "It would be weird if we never argued or hurt each other." He poked Mei's chest, laying a hand over his heart. "The important thing is to know how to apologize and communicate. If we do that, our relationship will grow stronger and stronger."

Mei stared at him for several moments. "When did you get so wise about relationships?"

… He hadn't expected that at all.

That sounded like something… Tou-chan and Kaa-chan would say.

"You…! That's…!" Eijun flushed. "You're not supposed to say that!"

Mei laughed softly. "Sorry, it's just… It sounds like something my parents would say."

Eijun's flush darkened. "Oyaji and Kaa-chan told me that."

Ah.

That makes sense.

"I thought something was strange." Mei grinned cheekily at his dirty look. He gave him a serious look a few moments later. "You're… really alright with me?"

Eijun grinned a bright grin. "I don't want anyone else." He frowned several moments later, his eyes darkening with sadness. "Mei, I… I don't want to think about a life without you. If you're alright with it—"

Mei leaned in, kissing him, causing Eijun to let out a surprised sound. He tightened his grip on Eijun's hand, reaching out and pushing Eijun closer by the back of his head with his other hand.

This time, he gave Eijun a possessive and demanding kiss.

Eijun groaned at the hard kiss, kissing him as hard as he kissed him, causing Mei to groan. He tightened his grip on Mei's hand, reaching out and running his fingers through his hair, causing Mei to let out a pleased sound.

Mei pulled away several moments later, causing Eijun to whine and lean in again. He kissed Eijun again, this time softer, moving the hand from the back of his head to his cheek and cupping it.

Eijun's cheek felt as smooth as velvet. He tilted his head, still kissing him, leaning into his hand.

Mei pulled away again, kissing up and down his neck, causing Eijun to moan and tilt his head, exposing more of his neck.

Mei let out an approving hum, pulling down his long-sleeved compression shirt and kissing further down his neck. He froze at seeing his bite mark on Eijun's collarbone.

It… hadn't healed yet?

Eijun whined when he didn't continue. "Mei!"

Mei's mouth opened and closed a few times. He didn't look away from the bite mark. His eyes darkened with regret.

He would be lying if he said he regretted biting Eijun.

(That was his mark. Everyone should stay away from him at seeing his mark.)

The thing he regretted, though…

A hand gently touched his chin and cheek, forcing him to look up.

Eijun's eyes widened before softening. "It's alright, Mei. I'm alright."

Mei closed his eyes briefly. "I don't regret doing it, but I regret that I hurt you. That I bit you hard enough to make it bleed."

"I'm alright, Mei." Eijun's voice was soft. "It's slowly healing. I would've said something or pushed you away if I didn't want you to mark me."

Mei huffed, although he couldn't tell whether he did it at himself or Eijun. "I was being possessive, you know."

"I know, you idiot." Eijun's brown eyes looked as brown as soil. He gave him a fond look. "You know I like it whenever you're possessive."

… Seriously, how did he get so lucky?

How was one guy this kind?

This understanding?

(He hurt him. What was he thinking, hurting this kind and understanding guy?)

Mei flushed, looking away briefly. "I'll work on it, I promise. Same with my jealousy."

Eijun smiled softly. "I know you will. Just like I know you'll work on forgiving yourself."

Mei's eyes widened. "You… How did you…?"

He knew Eijun wasn't talking about their fight last fall or forgiving himself for the bite mark.

"We've been dating for over a year, Mei." Eijun smirked. "I'd like to think that I know you well." He blinked, letting out a surprised sound. "Oh, right. I almost forgot."

Mei furrowed his eyebrows. "What?"

Eijun smiled softly, causing Mei's heart to flutter. "I forgive you, Mei."

… Seriously?

Mei supposed he should've expected it, as Eijun always forgave him.

He hadn't expected that Eijun would forgive him this soon, though.

After hurting him as deeply as he did, he thought Eijun might need some time to forgive him.

Kazuya was right.

Mei didn't deserve Eijun's forgiveness, but…

He leaned in, nuzzling his neck, causing Eijun to giggle. "Thank you for forgiving me. I promise this won't happen again."

"It better not." Eijun gave him a stern look, his tone forceful.

Mei winced. "I promise I'll… learn from this." He reached out, laying his hand over Eijun's heart, his eyes soft. "This heart… I don't want to hurt it again. I don't want to trample on your trust or any of your feelings again. If you still want me, then… I won't leave you."

"You…" Eijun blinked a few times. "You mean…?"

Mei smiled softly. "We're not breaking up anytime soon. I still want you in my life, and I don't want to share you with anyone else."

He would promise Eijun that they would stay together forever, but that…

That sounded like a… proposal.

(He wasn't ready to propose yet! He didn't even… love Eijun yet!)

Eijun tackled him to his bed, causing him to yelp. "I'm glad!" He pulled away to look Mei in his eyes, his eyes softening. "I'm glad, Mei. Really."

Mei smiled another soft smile. "Me too. I'm glad we got to talk and that you're happy."

"I'm so happy right now." Eijun kissed him softly for several moments before pulling away and burying his face in Mei's shoulder, wrapping his arms around him.

Mei wrapped his arms around him, kissing the top of Eijun's head. "Me too. I'm glad we're alright and that things won't change between us."

He knew that he would have to let go of him eventually.

(His parents probably wanted to know how it went, although he wouldn't be surprised if they already knew.)

It had been over a week since he last saw him, though.

He didn't want to let go of him anytime soon.

He closed his eyes, briefly tightening his grip around Eijun's waist. He smelled Eijun's ocean breeze shampoo and Eijun's unique scent of traditional tatami flooring.

(His sunshine smelled so good. He couldn't get enough of Eijun's scent.)

The air conditioner blew cool air into the room, brushing their skin and causing goosebumps to form.

Mei didn't feel as cold with his warm human sun in his arms, though.

He would need to thank his parents.

Eijun loved the flowers and his sincere apology.

Actions spoke louder than words, huh?

He had always tried to show Eijun how much he liked him and cared about him, but…

Now more than ever, he felt determined to show Eijun how much he liked him and cared about him.

Eijun wouldn't regret forgiving him and giving him one last chance.

This time, Mei wouldn't blow it.

He wouldn't let Eijun down again.

He wanted Eijun to stay in his life for a long time.

If it meant that Eijun never left him, then he would…

He would be sincere as much as possible around him.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

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

Reviews/Favorites/Follows are appreciated. Constructive Criticism is also appreciated.

What do y'all think? Was Mei's apology good enough?

I admit, I didn't think this fic would end up as long as it did. Before I started writing this fic, I already planned on which scenes I wanted to write and in what order. A lot of them ended up a lot longer than I thought they would, though. I did my best with this fic. I tried some things out with my writing that I haven't done before. I'm hoping everything flowed well and made it easy to read.

When I started thinking about this plot bunny, I already knew I wanted Mei to tell everyone about his relationship with Eijun. I've been building up to that moment in all my past fics. I thought Mei would feel jealous and bitter enough to take advantage of all the attention Eijun had been getting. He ended up hurting Eijun badly, though, and he knew it. He also knew he needed (and wanted) to apologize to him.

I had fun with Mei's apology. I kept thinking about what would be a good one and how Mei would act, as I didn't want him totally out of character. One of the things I had decided on before starting this fic, though, was the flowers. I always knew I wanted Mei to apologize to Eijun with flowers in this fic.

By the way, for those who don't know, hanakotoba is the Japanese form of the language of flowers. I'll list the flowers and their meanings for y'all:

Sunflowers: adoration

Purple pansy: "you occupy my thoughts"/"you're always in my mind"

Purple hyacinth: "i'm sorry"

Primrose: "i can't live without you"

Special shout out and thank you to my friend, Ketlin! She picked out the flowers for me and helped me out with the hanakotoba. I really appreciate all the help. It describes Mei's feelings perfectly! Flowers might show up in a future fic, too 😉😉😉

Speaking of future fics… I already know what my next fic will be about. My next fic will be set after Summer Koushien. Seidou will probably get a couple of days off after that, so it feels like a good time to write a beach fic. Y'all will get to see some more jealous Mei and jealous Eijun, some Eijun and Inashiro interactions, and some Eijun and Mei's family interactions. A special guest will also show up 😉😉😉

See y'all next time!