Chapter 7: Hesitation

Reluctantly, Mei plugged in his earphones as he accepted a facetime call from Eijun. "What do you want? I'm getting ready for a video, can't you see?"

Eijun made a smug expression, his lips curling. "Heh? So you're working harder when I'm not active? Good job, second best porn star in Japan~"

The blonde cringed, a vein popping on his forehead. "Shut up."

"Oops, did I strick a nerve?"

"Is this the reason why you called me? If so, I'm going to hang up."

The brunette panicked, shaking his head. "No, no! I'm sorry! Please! Um, I have a serious question!"

"Serious?" Appealing to his tastes, Mei stopped brushing his hair and stared at his phone. "That's a first. Continue."

"Have you seen RaiRai lately?"

"You mean Raichi? I heard he was going to quit porn soon."

The pitcher gasped, surprised. "Eh?! You're kidding! We only met once last year; we barely got to know each other! That's not fair!"

Mei looked to his left, noticing the door to his room open. "Hold up." He removed his earphones. "What?"

Reiji gulped, pointing down the hall. "The CEO wants to see you."

"Are you fucking with me? He came to my house unannounced again?" The porn star turned back to Eijun. "I have to go now. You always call at the wrong time."

Eijun chuckled, waving. "Sorry, sorry. Bye."

"Whatever."

Mei walked into his humongous living room, arms folded. "Is there a problem? You came without telling me."

The CEO of EroPro, Baek Seung Jae, sipped his cup of tea. "Meiri," he said with a hint of a Korean accent. "You're working hard, aren't you?"

"If that's what you expect, then yes."

"Then why are you ranked number 2? Do you think that's what I want?"

"That's not something I can control." 'This is about me, not you.'

"Oh, yes it is. My expectations of you are high, Meiri. I scheduled plenty of events this week, so you'll be extra busy."

"I'm always busy. I'm used to it."

Seung Jae rose his brow. "Meiri, are you talking back to me?" he asked in Korean.

Mei turned around, heading for the hallway. "I don't speak your language. It's either Japanese or I'm not listening–"

"Do you want a repeat of what happened thirteen years ago?"

The blonde's eyes widened, his heart racing. He fell to his knees, panting. "W-What? No… No, I don't." 'Fuck it all.'

'What's going on?' Reiji thought, silently pressing his body against the wall, peeking his head into the room. 'I've never seen Meiri act so obedient. Did CEO Baek say something?'

Seung Jae smiled, caressing Mei's cheek. "That's what I like to see. I can tell you don't want to go back to those days. I am your father now, Meiri. You will respect me… since I'm all you have."

Storming out, Mei gritted his teeth, frowning. "How… how dare he threaten me with my own past! This is all Kazuya's fault!"

Ryosuke looked down at his right leg. 'It doesn't feel right… did I hurt myself? No, that's impossible.'

Kuramochi sat next to him in the dugout, chugging a bottle of water. "Ryo-san, it's fucking hot out there! Wait, are you alright?"

The third year changed the topic immediately. "I can see right through you. You really are jealous of Miyuki and Sawamura, huh?"

The shortstop wiped his face with a towel, sighing. "Yeah, yeah, and it's my fault for not confessing earlier. I deserve it."

"I don't know if I should be relieved or sympathetic."

"What was that?"

"N-Nothing. Let's get back to practice." As soon as Ryosuke stood, he felt pain shoot up his leg, causing him to lean against the wall. "Shit!"

Kuramochi stared at him. "Ryo-san! Are you sure you're ok? I'll get the coach–"

"You will tell the coach nothing. This pain is nothing compared to what I've been through in the porn industry. Got that?"

"Hai…" 'Wait, why am I worried all of a sudden? This isn't like me. Have I grown feelings for him?! Nah, I don't think so. I mean, he's my senpai and he's a porn star; there's no way…'

Miyuki grinned as he marked the days on his calendar. "Valentine's Day is coming up. I wonder what Eijun's gonna get me… well, I'm not getting him shit since wasting money is never a good idea. Gotta save your money! Savings!"

Kuramochi rolled his eyes. "Ha? You want me to help you?"

Eijun bowed even lower. "Please, Mochi-senpai! You are the only person who's close to Kazuya besides me and you must know a lot about him!"

'First of all, change are to were, thank you very much.' "He's your boyfriend; why you gotta ask me? I have my own shit to worry about."

"Please!" the brunette pleaded, bowing repeatedly. "I'll do anything, just please help me! What do you think Kazuya wants for Valentine's Day?"

'Anything?' the second year mused. 'If you could break up with Kazuya, that would be splendid.' "Hmm… chocolate and something expensive. He likes things that cost a lot. But heck, don't expect anything in return. He hates spending money."

The pitcher sweat-dropped, crawling to his bed. "For real? He better get me a card at least or else we're gonna have some problems! Goodnight!"

'Yasss, have some problems and break up so I won't be miserable on such a happy day~'