All That Glitters

by DeadlyCaribbeanMidget

Miyuki Kazuya always lived and breathed baseball. So why nothing turned out to be the way he expected it to be, when he is playing professional baseball like he always dreamed of? Miyuki Kazuya X Reader. Pro!AU for MiyukiWeek 2020.

Baseball. Baseball was everything for Miyuki ever since he discovered the sport as a young child. So naturally, when he was presented with the chance to play baseball at a professional level he jumped at it. After all, how many people could say that they got to pursue their passions for a living? He knew it was rare and especially considering how not everyone had the chance to play a sport professionally. So he cherished the opportunity and considered it a blessing. A blessing that he thought that he would always be grateful for.

Miyuki didn't think much of how his future would be once he started playing professionally. He just figured that it would be just like always. Just like when he was in high school and then in college. Granted, the exception would be the level of plays and higher stakes. But that didn't daunt him since he was always up for a challenge. It was in his competitive nature and his goal was to become the star catcher of the Tokyo Giants.

Like every challenge in his life before he started playing professionally, he overcame them and with time he started gaining more attention in the team with his aggressive plays. He showed everyone his skills and quickly became a valuable member of the team. Leading to all the national attention towards him as the new young talented catcher. At first, the attention didn't bother him since it was something that he was already used to. That time around it was just on a broader scale, but it was manageable so he didn't let it distract him. However, with time the media attention just became more and more frantic. Things became worse when his team won the World Series thanks to his home run during the final inning just when he was at the old ripe age of twenty-three. After that, it was not only the sports media but also the tabloids and every single news station in Japan.

In the beginning, Miyuki felt overwhelmed. Never being one to like having attention directed towards him. Even in high school, he would be so awkward around the reporters whenever he was approached by one. But this was a totally different ballpark. Once the shock wore off, Miyuki dismissed the national attention and maintained his feet firmly planted on the ground. Baseball was the only important thing to him and he became a professional player to play the sport. Everything else was just noise.

His friends would tease him about being a "big star" and not to let fame go to his head because his arrogance was already too much to handle for them. Miyuki would only roll his eyes and tease them right back.

Fame was not something that Miyuki wanted nor was looking for. The only thing that he wanted was to play the sport that he was passionate about for a living. He initially thought that if he didn't pay attention to it then the press would get bored and then move on from him to another player. Someone that would be interested in playing along with their little game.

If only it would have been that easy.

With his newfound fame, everyone around him wanted to take advantage of it. Starting with his agent who was getting all kinds of offers for endorsements. Needless to say, Miyuki was not interested in any of them. He just wanted to play baseball. But his agent slowly but surely made him cave and Miyuki gave in. At first, he just thought that it would be only one time and that it would be an interesting experience for him. But one endorsement soon turned into multiple endorsements. And every single one of them was always deemed as a "great opportunity" and "too good to pass up."

Before he knew it, Miyuki Kazuya became a full-fledged celebrity. The star catcher of the Tokyo Giants and one of the most famous names in Japan with millions of followers across all social media platforms.

Him, popular on social media? Miyuki couldn't even take a decent selfie.

Soon he found out what people in the entertainment industry meant by "I'm going to have my people call your people." He had "people." it was no longer just his agent, then he got a publicist, then a personal assistant to keep up with his new hectic life, and ultimately a personal shopper since his personal style was lackluster at best. It was not strange to have bodyguards at times to deal with frantic fans if he was out in public at special events, or having a driver taking him to places, or a housekeeper to keep his place clean when he was out on away games.

He became a brand and ceased being a person. Nobody really talked to him anymore like a regular human being. Everyone approached him with adulation, screaming, and a cellphone in tow to sneak in a picture. Usually without his permission. He had forgotten what was the last time he struck up a conversation with anyone just saying "Hi, how are you?" When he was not playing baseball or training, then he would be at a photo shoot or giving an interview. His life was constantly on the move and he rarely had a moment to just breathe. Usually, he didn't mind being very busy since he liked it. It meant that he didn't have too much time to dwell on his actual feelings. He also not just enjoyed playing baseball but also meeting his fans when he had the chance to. Even though his life didn't turn out like he thought it was going to, he didn't want to be ungrateful and really appreciated them from the bottom of his heart. He also appreciated the chance that he got to be in his position in life and always tried to make a difference whenever he could if it would be through charitable opportunities or volunteering. His favorite pastime was when he would coach underprivileged children. He felt that was what truly mattered and felt in his element.

However, that didn't mean that it didn't get any less lonely.

Loneliness was something that Miyuki was used since he grew up with an emotionally neglectful father. But this was something that was out of his depth. Not even his rough upbringing mentally prepared him for his new life in the public eye. This loneliness was worse because at least before he had his teammates from Seido who gradually became his actual genuine friends. Fame had unintentionally alienated everyone he had grown to cherish. Not only was he always busy, leaving him with little to no time to spend time with anyone. But fame also created ambivalent feelings towards him. No one knew how to approach him anymore since he was the Miyuki Kazuya now. Which upset him to no end. Fame hadn't changed him. It had however changed everyone around him. He was still that same socially awkward cheeky catcher from high school. But with time people had more of a hard time believing that to his dismay. Leaving Miyuki feeling more lonely than ever for the last three years.

The catcher craved companionship, affection, actual conversations, just an overall human touch.

'Is that too much to ask for?' Miyuki mused to himself.

"Another one?" a masculine voice interrupted the catcher from his deep thoughts.

Miyuki looked up and his brown eyes met a middle-aged man with short-cropped brown hair, wearing a black shirt with matching black pants with an apron tied around his waist. He was the bartender of his favorite bar.

The catcher gave him a sheepish smile as he looked down again to his empty glass. "Yes, please," he replied.

The bartender nodded and started to prepare the drink.

Miyuki briefly looked around the bar. It was a quaint dark quiet bar that he liked to frequent due to how discreet it was. No one would think to find him there since most people would expect him to find him at a swanky upscale bar in Roppongi which the catcher appreciated. He mostly liked coming after the season was over. It was a place where he could quietly have a drink and be around people without being disturbed.

"Another gin and tonic," the bartender said as he placed the drink in front of the catcher.

"Thanks."

"Cheer up," the bartender offered with a smile. "You should be happy."

The catcher raised an eyebrow. "Should I now?"

"Of course," the bartender exclaimed. "It's not every day that you win the Japan Series," he whispered in the last part. The bartender knew who Miyuki was, but was always very discreet. He figured that the catcher needed a place where he could be just a normal person and Miyuki appreciated that.

"The Giants won the Japan Series," Miyuki said with a smirk.

"You know what I mean," the bartender gave him a dismissive wave. "You should be celebrating."

The catcher gave him a bitter chuckle. "I already celebrated a bit with the team," he said. "Now I need a break from them," he joked. "Don't you think so after spending most of the year with them?"

The bartender lightly chuckled at his joke. "I guess that's a good point," he said, with traces of skepticism lingering in his tone.

Miyuki knew that he was not convinced which made him feel a lot worse than he was already feeling. Was he really that weird for not celebrating with his teammates? For not being over-enthusiastic about winning the Japan Series? He was starting to feel guilty. As if he was taking all for granted. He hoped that the bartender wasn't thinking that. It wasn't his fault. It really wasn't. It was just that numbness was all he could feel. Just numbness. Lately, he hasn't been able to feel anything.

What the hell was wrong with him?

"Kombawa," he heard a feminine voice greet. "Can I have a gin and tonic please?" she asked, sitting next to Miyuki.

"Coming right up," the bartender said with a nod and started working on the drink.

Surprised at the coincidence of her ordering the same drink as her, Miyuki slightly turned to her to get a good look at her. His brown eyes traveled from her hands on the counter, up to her arms covered with the sleeves of her black leather jacket, then her neck, and then he was met with the most beautiful e/c eyes.

Miyuki felt his breath hitch in his throat.

She noticed his eyes on her and gave the catcher a small smile. "Hi! It seems like we're having the same drink," she noted while glancing at his gin and tonic.

"Huh?" Miyuki muttered and then blushed in embarrassment when he noticed that he was caught staring. "Oh yes, I was just thinking that it was a coincidence," he said with an awkward laugh.

"Here is your gin and tonic," the bartender announced, placing the drink in front of her.

"Thank you," she said in gratitude before the bartender left to tend to another customer.

"So cheers?" she asked, raising her glass up to him.

The catcher startled in surprise but quickly recovered. "Cheers," he said, raising his glass.

"To having impeccable good taste," she said, before toasting.

Miyuki chuckled while taking a sip of his drink. He appreciated a good sense of humor. He also appreciated the sight before him. She was truly a beautiful woman with her h/c h/l hair, her e/c eyes, and her beautiful smile. She was wearing a cream sweater, dark blue jeans, and a black leather jacket. It didn't matter that she was wearing casual simple clothes her beauty shone through regardless.

"I've never met a girl who liked the same drinks as me before," the catcher began, continuing the conversation. It's been a while since he actually spoke to a stranger.

It was nice.

The young woman hummed. "A guy like you probably only dates girls who drink fruity cocktails," she teased.

He raised an eyebrow. "A guy like me?" he asked in curiosity.

"Well, you're definitely handsome," she complimented. "Like insanely handsome. You probably didn't even have an awkward stage like the rest of us lowly mortals. So you must be very popular with the ladies and even some guys too!" she exclaimed. "That crowd usually likes fancy fruity cocktails."

Miyuki laughed at her comment. "Well, that's not exactly true."

She knitted her eyebrows in confusion. "What's not exactly true?"

"I did have an awkward stage," he confessed. "When I was in junior high, I was the shortest guy in my class. Puberty didn't hit me until I was in my last year," he said in faux embarrassment.

She rolled her e/c eyes. "So you were what? 14/15? Oh poor you," she mocked. "Some of us don't blossom until our last year of high school… Or ever for that matter," she said and then let out a dramatic sigh. "Beauty is wasted on the beautiful."

"I think that saying goes 'Youth is wasted on the young,'" Miyuki cheekily pointed out.

"Yes, but that doesn't fit into this conversation," she retorted.

"True, but then it would mean something else," the catcher began.

"Something else like what?"

"Then it would mean that you're flirting with me," he said with his trademark smirk gracing his lips. "You did call me insanely handsome," he added, with air quotes.

She flashed him a small grin. "What if I say that it's just the gin and tonic talking?"

"You haven't even finished your first drink so you can't use that excuse," the catcher pointed out, his smirk growing wider.

"Maybe I'm a lightweight?" she offered with a sheepish smile.

Miyuki shook his head in disbelief. "You have an answer for everything don't you?"

Her cheeks flushed slightly. "It's in my DNA," she replied. "I can't help it. Even when it has gotten me into trouble in the past."

"It's okay," the catcher said, his tone suddenly husky. "I happen to like girls who have an answer for everything," he said smoothly with his honey brown eyes growing darker. "Just like I like girls who drink gin and tonic."

Miyuki noticed how she gasped and slightly widened her eyes in surprise. She was not expecting the conversation to take a turn such as this. But Miyuki couldn't help it. He was tired of feeling numb and this was the first time in a long time that he was actually feeling something.

"I guess you're in luck then," she began slowly. "I happen to like pretty boys who drink gin and tonic."

The catcher smirked at her last sentence starting to feel conceited. He lustfully gazed at her eyes, then looked at her lips, and back at her eyes again as she followed his gaze.

"Do you want to get out of here then?"

She nodded while not taking her eyes away from him.

"Then let's go."

He needed to celebrate after all.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

You stir in your sleep as you feel a ray from the sunlight hit your face. Groggily you rub your eyes tiredly while you rise from the bed. A cold chill runs through your spine as you feel the cold air hit your exposed chest. You take the covers to shield yourself from the cold.

'Where am I?' you think to yourself, looking around the room. It was certainly not your room. It was a large bedroom with white walls, the king-sized bed that you were currently sitting on was facing an expansive window with a great view of the city, the grey curtains hadn't been drawn, there was a dresser on the far right of the room. Next to it, there was a small hallway that seemed to lead to an en suite bathroom and a walk-in closet.

"Impressive," you whisper, as your eyes scanned the room and then they zeroed in on the sleeping figure next to you.

You smirked.

How would have you forgotten? It's not every night that you hook up with a loving gin and tonic pretty boy.

The man next to you was sleeping peacefully and you watched his chest rise slowly as he inhaled and exhaled. His chest was exposed as well and you were certain that he was completely naked. Which is why you thought it was funny how he was wearing a black sleeping mask.

'He still manages to look cute wearing that,' you mused, getting up from the bed, slowly since you wanted to be careful and not wake him up. You get your bra and underwear that were tossed aside on the floor and start sliding up your black underwear to your waist and snapping your bra on. Satisfied, you tip-toe out of the room and close the door behind you.

You walk down the hallway and you soon enter the living room/dining room area. You suppress a shiver that you go from the light wood floors. There was a huge dark blue L-shaped sofa with matching cushions, a bamboo coffee table, a huge plasma TV hanging on the wall, and then a small dining table of four off to the side. Massive long windows stretched throughout the living room, showcasing more of the spectacular views that downtown Tokyo had to offer. There were not a lot of decorations, just hanging circular mirrors on the walls. You turned to your left and there was the open concept large kitchen. There was a marble countertop, the cabinets were white, along with silver steel appliances. You were surprised at how homey the apartment looked as opposed to sterile and ultra-modern like a lot of apartments and condos you've seen on TV.

"This apartment is huge and must cost a fortune," you said in awe. "Who is this guy?" you wondered and then blushed in embarrassment.

You just realized that you didn't even ask his name.

And that you didn't even give his name.

'How shameless I've become?' you think to yourself. You've had one night stands before but you at least have asked your previous partners for their name before. You weren't even drunk so you can't use that as an excuse.

Did you even try asking him?

Well, in your defense, the mystery hottie didn't even give you a chance.

You were both desperately kissing as you entered his apartment. Neither of you was unable to keep your hands off each other. Miyuki pinned you against the doorframe after closing it once inside. His big hands were around your waist while you ran your fingers through his toned torso, before trying to remove his leather jacket.

Miyuki tossed the jacket to the side along with his shirt, before he started working on undressing you. The mystery man tugged at your sweater and helped you remove it, exposing your black lacy bra. He starts to massage your breasts while he captures your lips in another heated kiss, and you feel your nipples get hard with his touch. Your arms circled his neck as you kissed him back, your tongue prodding at his entrance which he didn't hesitate in letting you in. He fumbled with the button of your jeans and managed to get them off from you. Wantonly, you moaned into the kiss as he picks you up on the door and you wrap your legs around his waist. With a devilish grin, he twists one of your nipples which made you moan a little louder than you wanted.

"Don't you have a room?" you asked teasingly, kissing his earlobe and giving him a playful nip.

"Didn't want to make you wait," he teased back with a smirk. "You seem like the inpatient type."

You gasped and narrowed your eyes at him in disapproval. Feeling offended by his deduction. However, before you could even protest, he picked you up by your waist and carried you towards his bedroom.

"What are you doing just randomly standing there?" a masculine voice asked you, startling you.

A deep shade of red covered your cheeks in a blush as you locked eyes with your mysterious hook-up buddy who was across from you.

He had removed his black satin sleeping mask and replaced them with his black-rimmed glasses, he was leaning on the wall with his arms across his chest, just wearing his black boxers leaving little to the imagination. His toned chest and chiseled six-pack abs fully exposed, along with his muscular and equally toned thighs and legs. His underwear didn't do a good job of disguising the outline of his cock, sending you tingles below your waist with the flashbacks of last night's activities. Needless to say, he was sculpted like a Greek god and he certainly didn't skip out on leg day.

Or out on any other day for that matter.

Boy, aren't you a lucky girl?

"Now, you're just going to gawk at me?" he teased again with a cocky smirk.

You scoffed as you crossed your arms indignantly. "I'm not gawking, you just startled me," you clarified.

"Is that so?" his smirk widened.

"Yes, before you crept up on me, I was actually looking for my clothes," you explained with a small huff.

"And did you find them?" he asked with a playful tone. He was obviously enjoying seeing you flustered.

You took a small step back as you discreetly scanned across the room with your peripheral vision. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw both of your clothes laying by the entrance.

"It happens to be by the front door because someone couldn't wait to take me to his bedroom to start undressing me," you replied in a matter-of-fact tone. You swiftly turned around on your heel and started walking down the hall towards the entrance to grab your clothes. There you see his black leather jacket, his shirt, your sweater, and your jeans. You grab your sweater and quickly put it on. Then you grabbed the rest of the garments and walked up again to where he was on the opposite end of the other hallway.

"There you go," you say, placing his clothes on the sofa and keeping your jeans.

"Aren't you a good guest Miss...? he trailed off when he realized that he didn't know your name.

"(Last Name/First Name)," you said with a grin while putting on your jeans. "And I try to be," you replied, buttoning up your jeans. "And what is your name?"

"Miyuki Kazuya," the now not so mysterious hottie replied but then widened his brown caramel eyes in shock.

"What?" you laughed at his sudden expression and demeanor. "Let me guess… You just realized that we didn't know each other's names? I probably had a similar expression just a few moments ago."

He let out an awkward laugh as he ran his fingers through his brown locks. "Yeah, I was just thinking that," he confessed. "It's not something that I typically do," he explained, averting his gaze from you.

Your expression softened. "Neither do I," you replied. "But I had a great time… I'm really glad that I went to that bar last night."

He gave you a small smile. "I feel the same way," he said with a nod. "We should do it again."

"Sure!" you exclaimed a little too eagerly which made you feel a bit embarrassed since you were trying to act as cool as possible. "As long as again doesn't mean now since I actually have to go," you joked, pulling your cellphone from your front pocket. You grimaced at the time. Crap. You were already late for work.

Miyuki chuckled. "Want to exchange contact information?" he offered while he walked towards you. He grabbed your cellphone from your hands without waiting for your response.

You playfully huffed. Pretending to be annoyed. "I didn't say yes, y'know?" you teased.

Miyuki scoffed while he was putting down his contact information on your phone. "Please, who are you kidding?" he asked, giving your cell phone back to you.

You smirked at him. "Have you ever been told that you're insufferable ?"

He smirked right back at you. "Ever since I was eight years old," he replied in a cocky tone. "I take pride in being insufferable."

You giggled at his comment. "For some strange reason, I'm glad that I met you, Miyuki Kazuya."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

One of the things that Miyuki takes pride in is for being an independent person. He had never been one to be dependent on anyone in any category. Much to his friends' chagrin. Not to mention that had been one of the traits that his previous partners have complained about. The one thing that drove everyone crazy. His inability to put his trust in others and be vulnerable in front of other people. His bad habit of putting up walls so no one can see the real him has prevented him from forging real meaningful relationships. Especially real meaningful romantic relationships. He can't even be bothered with keeping up with constant communication with people. And he can't say that he has been one to wait eagerly for his significant other to text or call him back. He typically doesn't care regardless.

So someone please tell him why he was acting like a teenager who just lost his virginity after having a one night stand?

Ever since that night, he couldn't stop thinking about (last name/first name). It was almost as if he was obsessed with her and he didn't know why.

Well, that's not true.

He did know why.

It was because she treated him like a real person. Like a regular guy. He had underestimated how much he truly wanted to be treated like a real person and not like a celebrity. Which to him was nothing but an object. She laughed at him and with him, she joked around like it was nothing, and most importantly she didn't fawn over him.

His heart dropped the moment he carelessly introduced himself with his full name to her that morning. He had been in such a good and relaxed mood that he forgot he was trying to keep his identity under wraps for as long as he could. But relief washed him over once he realized that she didn't know who he was. She didn't even stop to think if that name even sounded familiar. It seemed as if she didn't keep up with celebrities and he couldn't be more grateful.

That meant that he could keep talking to her and enjoy her company. He would text her from time to time and for the first time ever, he actually waited eagerly for her to reply back. He would even get irritated when she would take hours to respond. Was this how his exes felt whenever he took a long time to reply back to any of their messages.

Well, karma was a bitch.

It also didn't help that throughout the years he had become more and more impatient. He usually didn't ask for much, but when he did, he never had to wait. People were always more than eager to comply with his requests. One of the perks of being famous.

And also one of its curses.

No one says no to you and no one makes you wait.

He didn't expect to be in the shoes that he was currently in.

'This is pathetic,' the catcher thought to himself while he paced back and forth in his room. 'I shouldn't get this upset. People have lives.'

Why do people have lives? Why don't their lives stop just like his when he is in the off-season? She can be busy all she wants after March. Were a couple of months just too much to ask for?

Miyuki let out a deep sigh, running his hand through his caramel locks. 'Now, I'm just being ridiculous.'

Miyuki has always been a little antsy during the off-season due to all the free time that he had. Having free time for himself was not something that he was accustomed to since he hardly had it. He disliked it, always preferring to be busy. Having free time meant that he didn't have anything to distract himself with. And when he doesn't have anything to distract himself with, loneliness creeps in. He always hated the off-season. But now it was different. Now, he has met someone with whom he wants to spend his free time.

He felt his phone buzz in his hand.

From: Last Name/First Name
To: Miyuki Kazuya

'I can come to your place Friday night,'

He read the message and he immediately felt the corners of his mouth turn into a smile. His anxiety and loneliness dissipated and he felt his heart calm down again. He was probably smiling hard like a fool and he was grateful that he was in his room alone and not with someone, such as Kuramochi. The shortstop would certainly not let him live it through.

'Sounds like a plan,' he typed back.

Yes, he was certainly whipped.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

'Thank god it's Friday,' you thought with a smile to yourself. You were currently on your way to see Miyuki Kazuya, formerly known as mystery hottie, for your rendezvous. Needless to say, you were giddy with excitement. Not only was he attractive, but he was funny, his equally irritating and irresistible smirk made you weak in the knees, and you enjoyed his company.

What's not to like?

It was not every day that you met a guy like him. This sort of thing happened in the movies or to other girls. Not to you. You were not used to getting attention from guys like him and certainly not hooking up with them. You've always seen this happen to your friends instead. Much like everything good in life happens to them instead of you. Life hasn't been easy for you and that still hasn't changed much.

Your father had passed away when you were a young child, leaving you and your mother alone to fend for yourselves. You grew up poor and always had to work hard to help your mother out and get up to this point in your life. Fortunately, your studies paid off and you were able to attend a great private high school on a scholarship. College, however, was a whole different story. Your mother couldn't afford to send you to school and you've only managed to secure a partial scholarship. You had to find a job right after and save up money to go to school which led you to have a "late" start. Even with a part-time job and save up the money you still struggle, and you work odd jobs here and there. Not to mention that you still have to help out your mother, particularly now since her health has taken a toll.

Nevertheless, you loved your life. You loved your mother, your friends, your school, and your job.

But… Life was stressful. Really stressful and you were always under pressure. This is why you were glad that you met Miyuki and didn't pass up on the opportunity of seeing him again. You desperately needed a distraction and just had a good time with someone. Without thinking about work, school, your responsibilities. Just let loose and forget about everything.

Even if it was just for a little while.

'I'm going to make every minute count,' you mused, as the elevator doors opened on the twentieth floor of Miyuki's building. You walked down the corridors of what it resembled a fancy five-star hotel with its marble floors, high ceilings, expensive artwork on the walls, and chandeliers.

You reach Miyuki's apartment door and smooth down your emerald green sweater dress and your hair before ringing the doorbell. Suddenly, your heart started beating fast in your chest. Adrenaline was rushing through your veins. It had been a few weeks since you've seen Miyuki and the anticipation was killing you. You started tapping your foot in mild irritation. Where. Was. He?

As if he was reading your mind, you heard the doorknob click and soon the figure of the bespectacled brunet appeared.

"Hi there," he greeted with a grin. "You're right on time."

You grinned back at him as you took in his figure. He was wearing a black V-neck T-shirt, showcasing his toned arms and pecs, paired with light grey joggers that hung low on his hips. Such a simple outfit but yet made him look so attractive. You had to watch yourself before your mouth started to water in awe.

"I didn't want to make you wait," you replied. "I know how impatient you can be," you flashed him a teasing grin.

"I'm the impatient one?" he teased back while you wrapped your arms around his neck.

You nodded. "Yup."

Miyuki just let out a chuckle before dragging you inside his place and closed the door behind you. It seemed to you that he quickly looked down the hall as if to see someone was outside that could see you but you quickly dismissed it as him taking a security measure.

"Do you want something to drink?" he offered, circling his arms around your waist. "I don't want to seem like a bad host."

"No, thank you," you replied, shaking your head. "I don't need anything now. Maybe after we're done?" you asked in a playful tone before pressing your lips to his own in a small but forceful kiss.

"Oh, you're most definitely going to need one," Miyuki said, his lips curving into his trademark smirk. "Shall I lead the way?" he asked in a low husky tone, motioning towards his bedroom.

"I thought you'd never ask," you replied, suppressing a small shiver that ran down your spine at the sound of his seductive voice.

Miyuki captured your lips in a passionate kiss. His lips moved with decisiveness and forcefulness against yours, making it hard for you to keep up with his movements. He picked you up and you wrapped your legs around his waist as he walked down to his bedroom. Once there, he kicked the door open and laid you down on his bed.

Your back hit the softness of the mattress and the silk sheets. His hungry lips find yours again in a passionate liplock, his tongue soon forces his way in your mouth which made you moan into the kiss. You soon started to feel light-headed as the lack of air started to affect you, making you part from his lips. Unfazed, Miyuki's lips just went down to your jawline while he placed sloppy kisses down to the side of your neck, making you both moan squirm in pleasure.

Miyuki caressed the contours of your curves while making it down his way from your neck to your collarbone where he placed small kisses. Then he started tugging at the hem of your sweater dress.

"This is in the way," he pointed out in a mildly irritated tone.

"That can easily be resolved," you quipped, and in a swift second you removed your dress and tossed it aside. Leaving you clad in your lacy black bra and matching black underwear.

Miyuki flashed you a smirk. "Now, that's much better," he said, in a low darker tone with lustful eyes while he let his eyes roam through your chest. He lowered his mouth down to your chest to kiss the uncovered part of your right breast while massaging the other one making your back arch in pleasure. You were already feeling the tingling sensation going down to your core where you felt yourself getting wet. Wanting to feel him closer, you circle your arms around his back and start lifting up his T-shirt up to his shoulders and then he takes care of the rest and removes it. He then unhooks your bra before removing it.

"Now, that's much better," you moaned while he groped your breasts. His large calloused hands felt so good and warm against your skin which made you squirm. After placing a final kiss on your breast, he licked the valley between your breasts and then went down leaving a trail of sloppy kisses until he reached the spot just below your navel. There he pressed a small, soft kiss before starting to massage your core through your soaked underwear which made you moan out his name a little louder than you intended.

"Don't tease me too much," you pleaded while panting.

Miyuki grinned in response. Obviously taking pleasure in seeing your flushed face. "But that's the fun part," he teased. Soon after, he pushed your underwear to the side and slipped one of his fingers inside of you causing your thighs to tremble in pleasure. "Why would I cut that part short?" he retorted, twisting and thrusting his finger even deeper into your soaked walls.

"You're not fair," you managed to complain in between pants.

Miyuki let out a dark chuckle. "Life it's not fair," he cheekily replied, flicking your clit. He circled your clit with his finger for a few more moments, before sliding your underwear down to your knees, and then completely removing them leaving you completely naked.

The bespectacled male took a moment to admire your nude figure. "This is how I like you the best," he said with a small and sincere smile. He went down between your legs again and soon you felt a wet foreign sensation prodding at your clit. He teased you like the cheeky bastard that he was by giving you slow, painful, licks but then he started to suck on your clit which made your thighs tremble with more force. You started to feel the waves of pleasure building up inside of you and you can't help but feel giddy with anticipation. The anticipation of you reaching your climax. Once he starts sucking with more force and a faster pace, you start to experience your sweet release that came with more intense waves than you expected.

Soon after, Miyuki releases you with a loud sound. Even though you were trembling from your orgasm, you already long for him, wanting him to come back and be between your legs. It was as if he belonged there. He stared at you with his usual cheeky grin, his dark molten brown eyes, and his swollen and glistening lips which made your heart race. How can someone look so good at any time? He was definitely not an ordinary man.

"Did you already have your fun?" you asked, still recovering from your orgasm.

"Not yet," Miyuki replied with a smirk while he loosened his sweatpants and started to remove them. "We still haven't reached the grand finale."

You opened your mouth to tease him back but couldn't say anything as soon as you watched him starting to remove his pair of black underwear. Your mouth started to water when you noticed his clothed throbbing erection and a twinge of shock went down to your core. You felt like a child at a candy store. Excited and eager to have him. More precisely, have him inside of you.

You started to feel wet again when he was finally as naked as you were and his throbbing cock was leaking with pre-cum making you feel excited for the grand finale as he just stated.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

You eagerly nodded as you grabbed his hardened cock and palmed his erection. "Yes, I'm more than ready," you replied with a cheeky smile of your own. Miyuki then reached over to your left, where his nightstand was. He opened the drawer and pulled out a condom. He quickly unwrapped it and put the condom on. Once it was on, you licked your lips with anticipation.

You placed your arms around his broad shoulders as you felt him roughly entering you without warning. You moaned, feeling the familiar heat spread throughout your body. You waited for this moment to happen again for the last couple of weeks. You clenched your walls around his throbbing member in response to him thrusting inside of you.

Miyuki was thrusting at a slow and steady pace so you could get used to him. You could tell that he was already in ecstasy. He continued to kiss you tenderly as he was inside of you. Soon you started moving your hips in the same motion and rhythm as him and after a couple of more minutes, you two were in complete synchronization, experiencing and riding the same waves of pleasure together.

Miyuki grinned at you when you moaned loud in his ear. He started picking up the pace since he couldn't contain himself anymore. You wrapped your arms behind his back to bring him closer to you and buried your head in the crook of his neck. You clenched your walls around his length which made Miyuki groan in pleasure.

Sweat was beading on Miyuki's forehead and his breath was becoming more ragged as he went faster and harder. Just like you. The pleasure was starting to get unbearable for both of you. You were feeling as if you were losing your mind since you couldn't even form a coherent thought. All you could think about was how good Miyuki felt inside of you. You wrapped her legs around his waist trying to get him closer to you.

Miyuki groaned in approval. "You feel so tight around me." He whispered huskily in your ear which made you smile.

Your moans became louder as he went faster and you started desperately gasping for air. Miyuki was thrusting deeper and harder into you and she loved every single minute of it. You dug your nails into his back which made Miyuki groan in pain a little. You soon felt the familiar pressure of the incoming wave of your orgasm building up. " More, please… I'm so close," you whined in pleasure.

Miyuki smirked at your request. He increased his pace to comply with your wishes. He pumped into you a few times and you screamed his name as you were hit by the waves of your orgasm. He came moments after you and you felt him shudder. You unwrapped your legs from around Miyuki's waist and they felt like jelly. You were both desperately panting for air as they were beginning to bask in the glow of their orgasm.

Miyuki lifted himself up and rolled over next to you, still struggling for air.

"That," you breathed out. "Was amazing," you said, turning to him with a satisfied smile.

Miyuki returned your smile with a weary satisfied smile of his own as he was panting. "It really was," he replied in agreement. "We should do it more often."

You nodded in content, covering yourself with the white silk sheets. "I could certainly get used to it," you said, still trying to regain your breath. "But the truth is that we couldn't since I don't have a lot of free time."

Miyuki's eyes hardened. "Why not?" he asked, sitting up on the bed, the sheets sliding down to his waist.

You let a humorless laugh. "Because I have to work and I'm finishing up school too," you replied. "So I don't have a lot of free time."

"Because of work?" he asked, narrowing his brown eyes at you.

You giggled and nodded. "Yes, work," you reiterated. "What don't you work? Don't tell me that you're some trust fund baby."

You noticed how a small blush crept on his cheeks while he averted his gaze from you. He cleared his throat. "Not exactly. I didn't grow up rich."

You grinned at him. "Something that a rich person would say," you teased.

Miyuki rolled his eyes in response. "I'm not a trust fund baby," he maintained in mild irritation which made you giggle.

"Sure, sure," you kept teasing.

He ignored your childish teasing. "What if you didn't work?" he asked in a rather serious tone.

You snorted. "Then I'd be broke and possibly homeless."

Miyuki let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't mean that," he said. "I'm saying that if you didn't work then you would have more free time?" he clarified.

"Well… Yes," you replied while giving him a weirded out look.

"Well then, what if you didn't-"

"I already told you that I can't not work," you cut him off, annoyed this time.

"And I could take care of you?" he finished, unfazed by your interruption.

You narrowed your eyes in confusion. "Huh? Take care of me?"

"Well, since your job takes up too much of your time and adds more stress to your life then I can help you," he proposed.

You shot up from your lying position and sat up to meet his eyes. "What are you talking about?" you asked for clarification while wrapping the sheets around your chest. "Take care of me how?"

Miyuki laid back on the headboard. "What do you mean how?" he asked with a hint of humor in his tone. "You work to get money because you need it right?" he continued. "I can help you out with your expenses so you don't have to work that hard and have more free time to spend with me."

You gave him a perplexed look. "Why?"

"We're friends aren't we?" he replied with a question of his own.

"With benefits," you corrected.

"But friends nonetheless," he replied in a matter-of-fact tone. "And that's what friends do. We help each other out."

You were still unsure. "I thought you said you weren't rich."

"No, I said that I wasn't a trust fund baby," the brunet reminded her.

"I don't know… It just feels weird," you trailed off.

Miyuki raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Weird?"

"And wrong," you continued.

"Wrong?" he echoed.

"I'd feel like I was taking advantage of you," you replied. "I've never taken money from anyone before."

"There is nothing wrong with that," he assured her. "There is nothing wrong with accepting help from time to time. It would ease your burden and it could allow you to concentrate more on your schooling," he added. "Besides… You'd be helping me too."

You cocked your head to the side. "Helping you how?"

He averted his gaze and then returned it with a more softened expression. "Well," he began, lightly clearing his throat. "I'm not really busy at the moment and I will have a lot of free time now for the upcoming holiday season. So you can make me company."

"Company?"

"Yes," he nodded.

"Now that certainly sounds wrong," you squeaked, covering your face with your hands in embarrassment.

"Wrong how?" Miyuki asked, alarmed.

You removed your hands from your face and gave him a tentative look. "You're basically saying that you want to be my sugar daddy," you pointed out with a small blush.

Miyuki scoffed. "You don't have to say it like that."

You scoffed back. "Say it like what? Like exactly how it is?"

"It's not that big of a deal," he said. "I'd like to help you out. I can tell you're hard-working so you deserve it," Miyuki continued. "There is no reason to be stubborn. Yes, I'm rich. But I'm not stingy. I'm not going to take my money with me when I die, so why not help out someone in need?"

You watched him intently as if you were hanging on to every single word he said. You had to give it to the man. He was convincing. "It's just that I'm not a prostitute y'know? So forgive me if this is weirding me out a bit here," you said, sarcasm dripping from your tone.

"I never said that you were," he replied, taking your small hand into his larger calloused one. "I'm never going to make you do anything that you don't want. I'm not that kind of person," Miyuki said in a bare whisper, brown eyes boring into your own. "It would be just like it is now. Nothing would change."

"Really?" you asked.

Miyuki nodded. "Yes, I promise."

"And if I want to stop?" you wondered.

"Then we would stop," he replied as if it was obvious. "No one is here to force anyone. That's not my style."

Even though this took an unexpected turn, you were actually considering the idea. It was actually not a bad idea. You could reduce your hours down to part time, have more free time to study and be with Miyuki to make him happy. Not to mention that would give you extra cash that would greatly help you and your mother back home.

Yes, this could actually be beneficial.

Weren't you always complaining about going through hardships alone in life? Perhaps, this was the lifeline that you sometimes dreamed about.

"Okay," you said in a barely audible whisper. "I accept your proposal."

Miyuki widened his eyes in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes," you nodded.

Miyuki replied with a big sincere beautiful smile. The most sincere smile that he had given you so far and that made your heart leap with joy. To be able to make him smile like that and you wanted to have the chance to see him smile like that again.

"You won't regret it," he said before pressing a small kiss to your lips.

'I hope so.'

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Miyuki doesn't know how on Earth he pulled that off considering how he never had a… Sugar baby but somehow he did. Even the phrase made him feel uneasy- something that he would never admit out loud, especially after he convinced (y/n) that it was totally not strange at all. He got familiar with the arrangement after he started playing professionally since a lot of his teammates have sugar babies. Even multiple ones in different cities where they play. He never saw the appeal and just brushed off their suggestions. Which is why it caught him by surprise the moment he started to propose it to (y/n). He didn't even think about it before he spoke. All he could think about was how she told him that she wasn't going to be able to see him much due to her job and schoolwork. He got impatient and the idea of waiting weeks or even a month to see her again just made him utterly distraught.

And the next thing he knew he had a sugar baby… And he was a sugar daddy?

It was still bizarre.

Nevertheless, he had to say that he was actually enjoying the arrangement and now he understood his teammates better. This was such a better alternative. Instead of going through the hardships of dating, he already had (y/n) who was more available now to see him. He didn't have to worry whether he replied to her text soon enough or whether he was being romantic enough or not. There were less pressures and less of a commitment. They just had to both hold up their end of the bargain. She had to be available when he wanted to and he just had to help her out with her expenses.

It was a win/win.

Not only was he not feeling as lonely as before, but he also ceased feeling as if he was just going through the motions. He was actually living for a change. Something that he didn't feel often, especially during the off-season where he feels lost and aimless.

He was actually happy for a change and he liked it very much.

He just hoped that it would last for a while.

There shouldn't be a reason why it shouldn't last for a while. Everything should be fine as long as (y/n) doesn't find who he truly is.

"Can I have that?" a masculine voice asked, interrupting his thought.

"Huh?" the catcher exclaimed, confused. He looked over to his side and saw his best friend, Kuramochi who had a scowl on his face sitting next to him on his couch.

"Were you not paying attention?" the former shortstop asked annoyed.

"Leave him be," a feminine voice chimed in. "He's been distracted all week," she added, in a teasing tone.

Miyuki pouted in annoyance as he turned to the woman who was holding a wine red bomber jacket in her hands. Her name was Machi and she was his stylist/personal shopper. The woman looked chic as ever with her black hair in a pixie cut, a white crisp dress shirt paired with black satin slacks. She went to his apartment every other month or so with new clothes for him to try on. A lot of them were also gifts from high-end designers who wanted him to wear his stuff for free publicity. He would pick what he wanted and then send back what he didn't want.

Yes, being rich had its advantages. He always hated going shopping so hiring Machi was one of the best ideas his manager ever gave him. Kuramochi particularly liked this part of Miyuki's life and he crashed his place whenever she came over.

"Don't give him any ammunition, Machi-san," the catcher scolded in a playful tone and then turned to Kuramochi. "What were you saying?"

Kuramochi let out an exasperated sigh. "I was asking if I could have the bomber jacket she is holding."

Miyuki glanced at the bomber jacket and then shrugged. "Sure, you can take it."

The other male shot him an incredulous look. "Really? Just like that? You usually put up more of a fight just to be an asshole and annoy me."

"Are you sure?" Machi interjected. "I think this color looks divine in you," she added, putting up the bomber jacket in front of him. "It even matches your joggers," she said, motioning to his outfit. He was wearing a cashmere cream-colored paired with wine red slim-fit joggers.

"I'm sure," the catcher said with a nod. "Sharing is caring," he added with the most sincere smile he could muster.

"Since when are you this nice?" Kuramochi scoffed.

"I told you that he's been acting weird all week," Machi said with a teasing smile. "He didn't even put up a fight when his agent was telling him about booking a new ad campaign for Pocari."

Miyuki narrowed his eyes at the stylist who just giggled.

"Well, I'll stop questioning it since I'm getting free stuff," Kuramochi said, getting up from the sofa and making his way to where Machi was. She handed the bomber jacket over to him. He gladly accepted it and put it on over his grey shirt. "What do you think?" he asked, posing for both Miyuki and Machi.

"It looks good on you," the stylist complimented him. "I think it looks nice with your hair color and it helps that this is definitely your style."

"It would probably look better on me," the catcher chided with a smirk.

Kuramochi scowled at the catcher. "Shut up!" he exclaimed. "You already gave it to me so don't try to take it back."

"I was not-"

"You're just jealous because I can pick up a new girlfriend with this new jacket and now you can't," Kuramochi cut him off.

Miyuki rolled his eyes. "Oh please," he said with a dismissive tone. "I don't need that jacket to get a girlfriend. My personality wins them over," the catcher added jokingly.

"Your personality is what scares them away," Kuramochi spat and then a devilish grin graced his features. "Don't tell me that you already have a girlfriend and that's why you've been in such a good mood?" he asked with a smug tone and then he turned to Machi who had a similar expression.

"Of course, how could've we taken this long to figure out?" she mused while tapping her chin in a disappointed tone.

"Right? When it's so obvious?" Kuramochi continued with the teasing.

Miyuki stiffened and fought the urge to curse under his breath.

'That damn Kuramochi!' he mentally cursed instead. 'Why is he always so damn observant? He should be a fortune teller."

The catcher scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. I don't have a girlfriend," he said as composed as he could to play it off.

Technically, the catcher wasn't lying but he couldn't let his guard down since Kuramochi could always tell when something was off.

"How would that be ridiculous?" Machi asked. "You're one of Japan's hottest eligible bachelors."

"Because this hot eligible bachelor doesn't have time to find a girlfriend," Miyuki replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

Kuramochi made a noncommittal sound, giving him a skeptical look. "I guess if you were dating someone the press or one of your crazy fangirls would've found out by now. Nothing escapes them," he said which almost made Miyuki sigh in relief. "But that doesn't mean that I'm not watching you! You're not off the hook yet!"

Miyuki massaged his temples, feeling irritated. "Get a life Kuramochi."

'Seriously, because the truth is so much more complicated.'

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

At first, the idea that Miyuki proposed to you made you feel uneasy. She didn't want to engage in anything remotely close to prostitution being the goody-two-shoes that you were, but Miyuki managed to convince you. And much to your dismay, it didn't take long for you to enjoy the perks of being Miyuki's sugar baby. You changed your shift at work down to part-time hours which did wonders for your stress levels. Not to mention the more free time you had more. It gave you more time to study and concentrate on your classes. And with the money that Miyuki was giving you, you could become a full-time student next semester and finish college faster.

You also held up your end of the bargain with Miyuki and were available to him as often as he wished. Which was not hard at all. You truly enjoyed Miyuki's company and felt more comfortable with him every day. Which sometimes worried you since it could potentially mean that you could start liking him more than a friend.

You hated how good it felt to have some of your burdens lifted off your shoulders as strange as it sounded. Perhaps it was because you needed someone else's help and you didn't do it on your own. Miyuki always maintained that you shouldn't worry about it because most people need and get help at some point in their lives to reach where they are at. That sometimes made you feel better.

But sometimes it didn't and you wished that you could dislike being with him, so you could feel that your morals were intact.

But that couldn't be further from the truth.

It was difficult to dislike being with Miyuki. The two of you had great chemistry and always had a great time together. When you were having sex, when you were talking on the phone, or just watching T.V. together. Whenever you were with him you didn't feel the usual burden on your shoulders and allowed yourself to be carefree. What you always wanted.

Getting addicted to that feeling would be a dangerous thing since you didn't know for how long the arrangement would last. What if Miyuki got bored of you and decided to stop it? What if he found another girl? A prettier girl who was more fun? Was she his first sugar baby? Did he make a habit of offering the same deals to other girls?

Now, you were questioning Miyuki's habits. Which was strange considering how it's been two months ever since that fateful night. But it just occurred to you that you didn't ask him any of those questions. It also dawned on you that you didn't know much about him. He was always mysterious whenever you asked him questions about his line of work or any in-depth personal questions. All you knew about him it's that he was rich enough to throw money at you.

"Who exactly is Miyuki Kazuya?" you asked out loud to no one in particular since you were alone in your bedroom. You plopped down on your bed, face down, and grabbed your phone. Maybe he was part of the imperial family or the son of an important family in Japan. The possibilities were endless.

"Google might be able to tell me," you said, while you type out his name on the search engine. "Miyuki Kazuya catcher?" you read the first suggestion.

Out of curiosity you clicked on the first suggestion and gasped when you read the headlines.

"Miyuki Kazuya, star catcher of the Tokyo Giants," you read, amazed. "Oh my goodness, he is an athlete," you gushed. "No wonder he is in such good shape and can also afford to live in that huge apartment."

With childlike wonder, you scrolled through the pages and saw all sorts of pictures of him. There were pictures of him from childhood and from his adolescence. It seemed as if he went to a prestigious baseball team in high school. There were also pictures wearing his uniform, playing baseball, pictures of him at charity events, magazine photoshoots. He even was on the cover of Vogue Japan. You wouldn't believe it. Your dorky gin and tonic loving pretty boy was a bonafide celebrity.

You let out your best impression of an evil manic laugh.

"I'm so going to tease him next time I see him."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"So where do you want to go?" Miyuki asked while he was preparing some green tea in the kitchen. You were watching him from the comfort of his sofa wearing his old purple sweatshirt from his Meiji University days. You saw it laying around in his room and teased him, saying that it would probably look better on you. He just smiled and dared you to prove it to him. A small part of you hoped that he just wanted to see you wear his clothes just as much as you wanted to try them on.

"Can I really pick just like that?" you wondered in disbelief. The two of you were discussing winter vacations and he offered to take you out on a trip. He seemed quite serious. You even brought up that it was probably impossible to book anything now due to being so close to the holiday season but he was unfazed by it.

You guessed that he probably had a personal assistant who would move mountains to make it happen for him and that's why he didn't care.

"I just said that you could, didn't I?" he retorted with a smirk while the tea was brewing. "So where do you want to go? Do you want to stay in the country or go overseas?"

You gasped. "International is an option?" you gushed. "I've never traveled overseas before."

Miyuki casually rolled up the sleeves of his red baseball shirt that he paired with his black sweatpants. "If you've never traveled outside of the country before then that probably means that you don't even have a passport?" he pointed out with a cocky smirk.

You pouted at him. "Maybe…," you replied, averting your gaze from him, feeling embarrassed.

"So I guess overseas is not an option," he said, pouring the tea into two white ceramic mugs. "We gotta stay in the country."

You just shrugged. "I'm fine with that," you said, getting up from your laying down position. He was approaching you with the two mugs in hand.

"There you go," Miyuki handed you your tea. "Be careful it's hot," he quickly warned you.

"Don't worry mom," you teased him before blowing on your tea.

He just made a disapproving sound and sat next to you on the sofa. The catcher just quietly sipped on his tea and you joined him in the comfortable silence. You watched him as discreetly as you could from your peripheral vision. Even his profile was attractive. His sharp jawline, defined cheekbones, his soft kissable lips on the mug were all over you not even an hour ago. You couldn't help but smile to yourself, being giddy from just being in his presence. Even his musky masculine scent intoxicated you now more than ever since you were wearing his sweatshirt.

You were certainly getting used to this.

"So is there somewhere that you want to go visit?" Miyuki asked, turning to you.

His question startled you and made you jump out of your daydreaming but you quickly recovered. "Hmmm," you mused out loud while tapping your chin. Doing your best to play off the fact that you were totally checking him out. "Oh, I know! I want to go to the hot springs!" you exclaimed.

Miyuki raised a skeptical eyebrow while fighting off the urge to laugh. "The hot springs? Really? That's where do you want to go?"

You nodded. "Yes! I've never been to one and it's the perfect winter activity. Think about it! What else could be better?" you started to ramble.

Miyuki laughed at your enthusiasm. "It seems like you're easy to please," he said, stifling his laughter. "But if that's what you want then we'll go to the hot springs. I'll start with the preparations."

"Really? We're going to one? I can't believe it!" you beamed and then you started to panic. "Unless you don't want to go. We don't have to do something that you don't want to."

"That's my line, y/n-chan," the catcher teased which made you frown. "I don't have a preference so that's why I rather you pick the place. So don't worry I'm fine with that."

You stay quiet for a few seconds, trying to find anything that betrayed his expression. But it seemed that he was saying the truth. That he did not mind at all. "Well… If you say so!" you beamed again.

The catcher quietly chuckled. "Now, that's more like it," he said, putting the mug down on the coffee table.

"I bet that you travel a lot," you quipped.

Miyuki took a pause before responding. "Why do you say that?"

"Well, you're rich aren't you?" you replied as if it was obvious, waving your arms around to show your surroundings.

"Oh that," he shrugged. "Yes, I guess I've traveled to a number of places," he said nonchalantly.

"Well, that's to be expected," you continued. "You probably travel a lot because of your job don't you?" you asked with a teasing knowing smile.

Miyuki stiffened. "What do you mean?" he asked in a nervous tone.

"That you're some big shot catcher for the Giants," you replied with a small laugh. "I saw your pictures on the internet," you continued, setting your mug aside. "I couldn't believe it when I saw it! Why didn't you tell me? You're like an actual celebrity with a Wikipedia page," you exclaimed. "It's so cool that you're a professional athlete. I mean once I saw that it made total sense since you're in perfect shape and-"

"(Y/N)," Miyuki cut you off in a rather serious tone.

"Oh, I'm rambling right?" you asked in an apologetic tone, not picking up on his sudden change of demeanor.

"Since when do you know this?" he asked in a quiet tone, avoiding eye contact with you.

You shot him a confused look once you noticed that his mood had changed. "A few days ago or something like that. I can't remember the exact date, why?"

"So you've known all along?" he inquired again, this time turning to you. However, his expression was different. He was no longer looking at you with his warm honey brown eyes that you've grown to like so much. Instead, his brown eyes had darkened and narrowed at you.

"All along? How do a few days equal to all along?" you scoffed, not appreciating his sudden change in demeanor.

"The point is that you brought it up now instead of right after you found out," Miyuki argued. "How do I know that you're not lying?"

"Are you serious?" you asked in disbelief. "This is the first time I see you since I found out," you explained. "And why would I even lie?"

"I don't know, you tell me," he shot up from his seat on the sofa. "Maybe you knew way before that?"

"I already told you that I didn't," you reiterated in annoyance. "I don't keep up with the tabloids and celebrities. I don't have the time. I was always working and when I wasn't working, I was studying."

"So I'm just supposed to buy that?" the catcher deadpanned. "You probably pretended not to recognize me that night at the bar," he accused. "What's your plan?"

You gasped in disbelief. Feeling half annoyed and half offended. How did a little teasing turn into this? "Again, why would I lie about something like that?"

"People are not themselves when it comes to celebrities," he replied while running his fingers through his hair in exasperation. "You could be a crazy obsessive fan for all I know."

"It's not fair that you're-"

"It's better if you leave," Miyuki angrily cut you off.

You widened your eyes in surprise. "What?"

"You need to leave," he repeated in a stern tone. "Now."

You opened your mouth in response and then closed it when you decided it was not worth it. You just let out a humorless laugh instead. "Fine, I'll leave," you conceded, sparing a glance at him. Your eyes started to water and your lips quivered before you averted his gaze from you.

So much for getting used to being happy and carefree.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

At first, Miyuki couldn't believe it. How could he have been so foolish? He was so desperate for companionship that he actually let his guard down around (Y/N) and he had no one to blame but himself. Deep down he should've known that it was too good to be true and that (Y/N) was not as innocent as she portrayed herself to be.

Those were the thoughts that were racing through his mind when (Y/N) told him that she found out who he was. He couldn't use rhyme or reason while she was trying to explain herself to him. All he could feel was panic coursing through his veins since he no longer could pretend that he was someone else when he was with her. He dreaded that she was going to be just like everybody else and treat him differently.

How could he have been so foolish?

And such a jerk?

After he calmed down a couple of days after he kicked her out of his apartment he realized that he had overreacted. Something that Miyuki kept kicking himself over. First, because he hated to admit when he was wrong. Second, because he knew that he terribly hurt (Y/N)'s feelings and that made him feel horrible. She didn't deserve that. At the very least, he should've heard what she had to say before shutting down like that and kicking her out. Even though that didn't mean that he didn't have any reservations about his relationship with her at the moment, he knew that he had to apologize. Regardless of his insecurities, doubts, and suspicions, that was the right thing to do.

The catcher tried calling her after he realized his mistake to apologize. But she never picked up any of his calls. Then he tried texting her multiple times with no response as well. It was discouraging and he didn't know what to do. He had to rectify his mistakes but she wasn't even giving him a chance.

What he was supposed to do?

"Are you spacing out again?" Miyuki heard Kuramochi who was in the kitchen ask him.

Miyuki didn't respond for a moment and just stared into the distance. He was standing in front of his window, watching the city lights that illuminated the dark Tokyo sky. It was interesting how he had grown to enjoy this view. He remembered how at first he refused to live in a fancy high-rise building because that wasn't him and that wasn't part of the Tokyo that he loved. He eventually caved in when his team convinced him that it was the best for his safety since he had some overzealous obsessive fans. He had ambivalent feelings about the place he now called home. This place made him feel lonely because it made him feel as if he was a prisoner locked away in a tower. But at times it was also his safe haven precisely because it was like a tower to him. A place where he could watch everyone from above and no one could hurt him from where they were. It definitely also felt more like home to him thanks to (Y/N) with whom he had shared happy memories within the short span of time he spent with her. But now…

Gosh, since when was he this complicated?

"Just enjoying the view," the catcher flatly replied.

"Yes, you look like you're bursting with joy. Don't have too much fun," Kuramochi deadpanned.

Miyuki could see his friend sporting a sarcastic expression in the reflection of the mirror. "Is there a reason why you're here?"the catcher asked, ignoring his jab. He turned away from the window to face Kuramochi. "Other than to rummage through my food?"

The former shortstop rolled his eyes as he opened his beer and took a swig of his drink. "Relax," he said, walking towards the living room and taking a seat on the sofa. "It's just a beer. You still have plenty left in your fridge."

"Correction, it's just your first beer," Miyuki pointed out with a half-hearted grin while he made his way to Kuramochi. "Which you love coming here for."

"What's the point of having rich friends if I don't drink your fancy beer and hang out in your fancy apartment?' Kuramochi asked in sarcasm.

"You wound me, Mochi," Miyuki deadpanned. "But at least you're honest," he added, taking a seat on the opposite end of the sofa.

"Which wouldn't kill you, y'know?" Kuramochi pointed out, taking another swig out of his drink. "So what's up? You were spacing out the last time but you at least looked happy and were in a good mood. Now, you look like someone ran over your puppy," he explained. "Wait, don't tell me. Is it your girlfriend? And don't tell me that you don't have a girlfriend!" Kuramochi warned at the end.

"I don't have a girlfriend," the catcher replied nonchalantly.

"Mi-yu-ki," Kuramochi said through gritted teeth, fuming at the star catcher. "Stop lying!"

"I'm not lying," Miyuki maintained. "Technically, I don't have a girlfriend."

Kuramochi raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Technically?"

Miyuki nodded. "Yes, and that might be part of the problem."

"Do you like someone?" Kuramochi pressed, still confused at how vague Miyuki was being.

The catcher sighed as he sat back on the sofa. "I think I do."

Kuramochi put his drink on the coffee table while he scratched his head in confusion.

"You need to use a coaster," Miyuki mildly chastised.

"Shut up about your damn coaster and just explain to me what the hell is going on with you!" Kuramochi angrily demanded. "You're confusing me. Who is this girl and what is your relationship with her?"

Miyuki averted his gaze while he fought off a small blush spreading across his cheeks.

"We don't have all night!" Kuramochi explained.

"Fine, fine," Miyuki said, exasperated. "I met (Y/N) at a bar back in October when we won the Japan Series," he began to explain. "I was not feeling like myself and then I met her there and she made me feel… Something."

"Something?"

"Yes, something," Miyuki said with more conviction. "We hooked up that night and then decided to swap our contact information the next morning. I was happy and I felt as if I was walking on air. I got addicted to the feeling pretty quickly since I haven't felt like that in a long time. I wanted to see her all the time but I couldn't because she had to work and she also goes to school," Miyuki said, complaining.

"Work?" Kuramochi spat. "How dare she earn a living?" he said in sarcasm.

Miyuki narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "Shut up," he chastised before resuming. "I wasn't mad at her for working. I was just frustrated because I wanted to see her more often. So I offered her what I thought was a simple solution."

Kuramochi glanced at him in suspicion. "Which was what?"

"I told her that I would help her out with her expenses so she didn't have to work as much and have as much free time as possible," Miyuki revealed.

"So a sugar daddy?" Kuramochi asked. "Your solution was to be her sugar daddy? Are you serious Miyuki?" he yelled.

Miyuki gulped a thick lump down his throat. "What? It didn't seem like a bad idea at the time," the catcher said in his defense.

"Not a bad idea? Not a bad idea?" Kuramochi mocked. "You couldn't just ask the girl out on a date like a normal human being? No, I bet you couldn't because that's too fucking normal for you. You just had to go and take the complicated route for shits and giggles? That's just so like you."

"Well, that's my problem, Kuramochi," Miyuki exclaimed. "I'm not fucking normal. There is something wrong with me. There's always been," he said the last part in a defeated tone.

Kuramochi's eyes softened at the sudden outburst of the catcher. "What's your problem, Miyuki? Tell me."

Miyuki looked down, feeling ashamed. He was not expecting the conversation to take this turn. It seemed as if nowadays nothing happened as he expected it to go like. "I've been feeling lonely and depressed," Miyuki confessed in a quiet tone still looking down. He was not able to face Kuramochi just yet. "Ever since I became famous everything has been so different. Everyone treats me differently and at times I feel like I'm not in control of my own life. No one treats me like a normal person anymore and I hate it."

Kuramochi took a deep breath as he looked away. "Miyuki…"

"The reason why I was so happy when I met (Y/N) at the bar was that she treated me like a regular person," he continued. "She didn't know who I was at all. She just talked to me like any normal person, she flirted with me, she joked around me, she teased me," he went on. "And it was great. That's exactly what I wanted."

"So what happened?"

Miyuki let out a deep sigh. "She found out who I was and told me about it," he replied. "She told me in the most innocent way and thought it was funny while I was dying on the inside."

"You seriously didn't believe that she would've never found out?" Kuramochi asked in disbelief.

"No, but I just didn't think it would be that too soon."

"I didn't think it happened quick enough," the former shortstop quipped.

The catcher pouted at him. "Anyway," he continued. "Needless to say I freaked out and acted like a complete-"

"Jerk?"

"Yes," Miyuki answered, hanging his head in shame. "I accused her of being a liar and a crazy fan."

Kuramochi glared at him. "No, you didn't."

"And then I kicked her out."

"Why?"

Miyuki rubbed his temples tirelessly. "I already told you," he said. "I freaked out when she told me that she knew I was a professional athlete."

"Yes, but I still don't understand why!" Kuramochi insisted.

"Because all I kept thinking about was that she was going to be like the rest and treat me like an object," Miyuki explained frustratedly.

"Did she ever show you any indication that she was that type of person?"

Miyuki averted his gaze from his best friend. "No," he finally replied.

"Then why did you jump to that conclusion?" Kuramochi asked him.

"I don't know…" Miyuki trailed off. "I already told you that there's something wrong with me. I expect the worst from anyone. There are a lot of people in the industry that are like snakes so I always have my guard up. You never know with anyone. You can't trust anyone. Anyone can stab you in the back."

"I can understand that you're guarded because a lot of people that you encounter are phony," Kuramochi conceded. "But you're going overboard. Not everyone is out to get you."
Miyuki crossed his arms across his chest without saying anything.

"Either way," Kuramochi continued. "I'm sorry. I had no idea that you felt that way."

The catcher looked up surprised at his friend's apology. "Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault."

Kuramochi took a deep breath before speaking. "Because I'm guilty of what you're accusing others of doing to you," he admitted. "I have to confess that at times it's difficult for me to approach you. Especially at the beginning when you became the Miyuki Kazuya, a household name. I was somewhat intimidated by everything. By the amount of people surrounding you, willing to do anything for you, how difficult it was to reach you, how sometimes in order to see you I had to speak to your personal assistant so she could schedule me in your busy agenda," Kuramochi confessed, feeling ashamed. "You were a star. Out of my reach… And that made me feel… inadequate."

Miyuki just sat there looking at him intently.

"I know that a lot of our friends felt the same way but we never said anything because we were happy for you," Kuramochi said. "If someone deserves all of the success of the world, it's you, man. You always lived and breathed baseball."

"I had no idea that anyone felt like that."

"And I had no idea that you were feeling like this," the former shortstop said, softening his expression. "And for that I'm sorry. I've been trying to rectify my past actions in the last year hoping that it would be enough before it was too late. But it seems like it was already too late. I should've realized sooner that all the bells and whistles surrounding you didn't make you any less you if that makes sense."

Miyuki's lips curled into a warm and sincere smile. "It does make sense."

"You're still the same cheeky socially inept baseball idiot bastard that I met back in high school," Kuramochi said, returning his smile.

Warmth spread across Miyuki's chest as he heard Kuramochi's words. "Oddly enough it makes me very happy to hear that."

Kuramochi flashed him a genuine smile. "I'm glad," he said. "I don't want you to feel like you're alone because you're not. I'll always be here."

"Sometimes I love how much of a sap you can be," Miyuki teased.

Kuramochi's apologetic expression suddenly changed to one of anger and scowled at him. "Shut up!" he yelled. "I'm just trying to make you feel loved and appreciated so you don't feel the need to buy people's affections."

Miyuki quietly chuckled. "I know," he said. "And for that, I'm eternally grateful."

"So, we're good?" he asked, raising his closed fist to him.

The catcher grinned at him. "We're good," he raised his closed fist as well to bump fists with Kuramochi.

"Good," Kuramochi quipped. "So, are you going to fix things with this mystery girl? I don't think she is the devil that you painted her to be. "

Miyuki's expression fell as he gave Kuramochi a sad smile." The more I think about it, the less I think so. I know I was wrong," he said. "So I've been trying," he replied. "But she is not answering my calls or my texts," he said, feeling deflated.

Kuramochi snorted. "Of course she is," he said in a matter-of-fact tone. "You accused her of being a liar, a crazy fan, and then kicked her out. Why would she talk to you?"

"You're not helping," the catcher deadpanned.

"I'm just being honest!"

"I tried everything!" Miyuki insisted. "What else can I do if she doesn't want to talk to me?"

Kuramochi snorted again. "Really? Everything?"

"Yes!"

"You know what, Miyuki? I hate breaking it to you, but no you did not. You haven't tried everything," Kuramochi said firmly. "All you've done is mope around and do the bare minimum. I don't hold against you for feeling lonely and depressed and I never will. But you have to take some accountability for your actions. She never gave you a reason for you to think of her as an opportunist. Just because you're going through some issues doesn't give you the right to treat people badly," Kuramochi scolded him. " You fucked up with her big time and just trying to call her a few times won't cut it. You need to step it up!"

Miyuki didn't say anything as he absorbed Kuramochi's words. Kuramochi was right. He had spent more time sulking than thinking about how to make it up to (Y/N).

"It seems like you're on a roll tonight because you're right."

Kuramochi puffed out his chest, feeling conceited. "As always."

Miyuki just playfully rolled his eyes. "Thanks to you, now I know what I have to do."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Miyuki shoved his fists into the pockets of his dark green parka jacket as he stood outside of (Y/N)'s two-story run-down apartment building. He didn't know whether it was due to the winter cold since he was only wearing his light denim jeans and a white T-shirt underneath his jacket, or due to the fact that he was nervous as hell.

He forgot the last time he was this nervous. Perhaps he hadn't felt this way since he made his debut as a professional player.

Actually no… This was way worse.

'C'mon, don't chicken out now,' the catcher mentally chastised himself.

With renewed determination, he walked up to the metal stairs leading to her apartment. He hoped that (Y/N) was home so he could talk to her. Assuming that she would let him in of course. Once he reached the second floor, he walked down the hall, reading all the mailboxes of the tenants who lived there until he reached (Y/N)'s apartment.

'Here goes nothing,' the catcher thought once he reached her apartment door and apprehensively pressed the doorbell.

"Who is it?" he heard her voice asked from the other side after a few seconds passed.

"It's me," Miyuki replied back trying to keep his voice steady.

A moment of silence that seemed like an eternity followed.

"Miyuki?" he heard her ask again.

The catcher looked to both his right and his left before he spoke. Although luckily for him, Miyuki was a common last name, he didn't want to run the risk of anyone recognizing him. "Yes, it's me."

He heard the door click and the doorknob twist. "What are you doing here?" (Y/N) asked, opening the door and revealing her figure.

Miyuki gave her a sheepish smile, taking in her figure. She was wearing a red hoodie with ripped jeans. He was glad that he got to see her again. Not to mention that she actually opened the door for him as well.

"Can I come in?" Miyuki replied to her question with a request of his own.

She huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "Why should I?" she sneered at him. "I thought I was a crazy obsessed fan. Why would you want to come in?"

"(Y/N) please," Miyuki pleaded. "It will only be for five minutes."

She narrowed her eyes at him in a glare without saying anything. She averted his gaze from him and then quietly glanced back at him. "Fine," she conceded. "Come in," she motioned for him to come in.

"Arigatou," Miyuki said before going inside. Once inside the apartment, she closed the door behind them as he removed his white sneakers. He took a quick look around. It was a small and cozy apartment. Down the hall he could see a small all-white kitchen, off to his side there was the bathroom, and her bed was neatly in the center of the apartment.

"I only let you in because I took your Meiji sweatshirt by accident and I wanted to return it," she said. "I wanted to also return the last deposit you made into my bank account. I don't want anything from you," she added with disdain.

Miyuki recoiled at her tone but then quickly recovered. This was to be expected. "I'm okay with getting my sweatshirt back," he said. "But you don't need to return the money. We had an arrangement."

"Yes, but I haven't seen you in almost two weeks," she argued.

"It doesn't matter," the catcher replied, shaking his head. "Neither of us specifically said that the arrangement was over."

"You kicked me out," she reminded him.

"It doesn't matter," Miyuki maintained. "That doesn't have anything to do with me being a jerk."

(Y/N) scoffed. "I'm glad that you recognized it," she said. "Even though there might be other words that I would use to describe you right now."

"Asshole."

"Yes."

Miyuki nodded. "I deserve that," the catcher admitted. "I was an asshole to you and I'm deeply sorry for the way that I treated you," he sincerely apologized.

(Y/N) didn't say anything as she bored her eyes into his brown ones.

"Why did you act like that?" she finally asked. "I don't think I did anything wrong," she added, her lips quivering.

"You didn't," Miyuki gave her a sympathetic look. "I was the only one who did anything wrong."

"I still don't understand," (Y/N) said, shaking her head. "I know that we haven't known each other for a long time but still… I… I… I thought that you trusted me," she stammered at the end. Tears threatening to come out of her eyes.

Miyuki gulped a thick lump down this throat. It was heartbreaking to see her like that. It was not his intention to make her cry. "Don't take it personally," he said. "I hardly trust anyone. It's in my nature and being in the limelight just made it harder for me to trust people."

"I truly didn't know who you were that night at the bar," (Y/N) said, wiping a tear from her eye.

"I believe you," he said without hesitation. "I didn't believe you back then because I was too busy freaking out. The thing that I most enjoyed about our relationship was that you didn't know who I was," he confessed. "It made me feel like I could pretend that I was just a regular guy. I thought that once you knew who I was, you were going to treat me differently like everybody else does."

"Differently? You thought that I was suddenly going to gush all over you? Wait on you on foot and hand? Worship the ground that you walk on? Use you for money and fame ?" she asked, raising her voice with every question.

Miyuki shifted uncomfortably on his spot. "Yes to all of those."

"Baka!" she insulted him which startled Miyuki.

"Huh?"

"I never cared for celebrities and I won't start caring for them now," she huffed. "And that includes you. I don't care how famous or good looking you are."

"But-"

"I don't care how rich you are either," she continued. "I would've still kept on hooking up with you even if you were not rich and living in a fancy apartment. I would've still kept on hooking up with you without our arrangement. You wanna know why?"
"No," Miyuki replied timidly.

"Because I like you for some strange reason," she confessed with tear-stained eyes. "Not because of your money, your fame, or your looks. I started liking you before I even saw your pictures on Google," (Y/N) said. "I liked your sense of humor, how attentive you are even though you pretend you're not, how you're a good listener and a bunch of other things that I won't even mention because you don't deserve to hear them and I'm still mad at you!"

"I- I didn't know you felt that way about me," Miyuki stammered with a small blush across his cheeks.

"That's because you're always thinking the worst from people!" she accused.

The catcher looked away sheepishly. "Yes, I've been told that."

"I know that I probably made the wrong impression on you when I accepted being your sugar baby," she said. "But I only accepted it because I liked spending time with you and how carefree I felt whenever I was with you. I mean, don't get me wrong. The money helped me tremendously and I liked getting help from you because it lifted a heavy weight from my shoulders. But I primarily accepted because of you… Us… Not for the money."

"I like you too (Y/N). You didn't make any bad impressions," Miyuki confessed, glancing at her with soft honey brown eyes. "I was just too scared. I've never been good at navigating relationships and I thought that this was the easiest way for us to be together. I was so lonely that I couldn't bear the thought of being away from you so I became desperate and came up with this arrangement. That way I figured that we wouldn't have the pressure of being in a relationship and still get all the perks of one. I'm sorry for everything."

"I was feeling lonely too which is why I guess I accepted your offer," (Y/N) said.

Miyuki let out a humorless laugh. "It seems like we were both looking for the same thing."

"If only we would've just been honest since the start."

"It was my fault," the catcher said. "I should've just asked you out on a date like a normal fucking human being."

She laughed. "Yes, probably."

"So?" he asked.

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow in inquiry. "What?"

"Would you like to go out on a date with me?" Miyuki asked. She lightly gasped before giving him a small smile. "I don't know," she said nonchalantly. "My sugar daddy was supposed to take me to the hot spring so I might not have the time."

"What if I take you as my girlfriend instead?" the catcher offered.

"Well, then I guess I can make an exception for you," she accepted with a teasing smile.

Miyuki returned her smile.

He didn't know what the future had in store for them and for the first time the uncertainty in a relationship didn't scare him. All he knew that he was not going to feel numb with her by his side anymore. And that was more than enough for him.