III. Unlucky

This Chapter is kind of a filler so beware.

I made this chapter extra long since it was late, enjoy.

Nanairō

We were all eating dinner in the cafeteria. "So Miyuki-kun. I heard you didn't have to try out for first string since Chris-senpai got injured in their last game." I heard a fellow first year as he moved to sit next to me, which I denied, since I got up and moved to the other end of the same table. That was the fifth time during dinner someone had asked the same question. Of course, there were rumors that I got my position in first string by default as well, but I quickly ended it.

Flashback

"Oi Nakatomi. I heard you got your spot by default. What'd you do? Pay off the coach and Takashima-san? Hey! Are you deaf or something? Answer-" I was on my feet in a split second and the second half of the second was spent when I grabbed him by the shirt and slammed him into the wall behind where I was sitting.

"Alright listen up retards, since you obviously can't take a hint that I'm ignoring your antics. I didn't get into First string by default or by some mistake. I've been playing baseball since I was 5. Meaning in contrast to most of you, I knew how to throw a baseball while you all were still trying to figure out how to use a toilet. I've worked for over ten years with professional baseball players on every skill I'd need. You all have no right to judge me or blame my early success on a mistake or call it a fluke. If anyone else has something to say about it then you can stand in the batters box and face my pitch head on, while Miyuki catches. Another thing, just because Miyuki became the first string catcher due to Chris-Senpai's injury, doesn't mean he isn't capable. It was no fluke that me, Miyuki and Kuramochi made first string, so next time I hear someone say something, you just remember you havent stood in the batters box while I've pitched and Miyuki has caught." Everyone in the cafeteria was silent as I dropped the boy and stepped out of the cafeteria, electing against eating breakfast.

Flashback End

The cafeteria went quiet for a few seconds and then resumed in volume. No one, not even Miyuki, had said anything to me since this morning because of my loss of composure. Nori came and sat across from me. I looked up at him. "Just because you had your fill of them talking about you, Miyuki, and Kuramochi, doesn't mean I'll just stop talking to you. You had a right to snap. That guy was all up in your face." I smiled at Nori. "Thanks, Nori. Not even Snake and Kuramochi have been talking to me. It's a relief that someone isn't acting like I'm a complete stranger." Nori smiled and nodded.

We had practice after dinner, so everyone left the cafeteria at about 7. Second string and third string didn't have practice, so everyone went their separate ways. I waved off Nori and walked after the rest of the first string. I noticed several sets of eyes on me, including my roommates and the partners in crime as well as Yuki Tetsuya. I sucked in a breath as someone opened their mouth to say something.

"FIRST STRING, START YOUR ALLOTTED RUN! GO!" We all took off running at the sound of the coach's voice. I was running faster than the others, so I quickly overcame Kuramochi who was also running fast. I was now infront of everyone and increasing the distance. I don't want someone to break my silent day just yet, so I should stay ahead of the others.

After about 10 laps, the others were getting tired but I wasn't really tired at all. The Seidō Alumni that worked with me made me run about 100 total laps around the field including the usual 60 and the additional 30-40 depending on if I made fielding mistakes since I turned 7. It was hard on my body at first, but now I can run for long distances and amounts of time comfortably. We still had another 30 laps to go and I was starting to feel bad for the others.

Kazuya

Everyone was panting and struggling to maintain speed. We were about 36 laps into our pre-run. The only one who never dropped in speed was the person leading the pack at an insane pace. Satōshi actually wasn't leading the pack at this point, he was leaving us behind. Kuramochi was most likely the only one able to decrease the distance between us and Satō, but he was getting tired. I caught up with Kuramochi and he slowed down, knowing I wanted to talk.

"Hey, shouldn't we talk to Satōshi? He's probably frustrated that no one would talk to him all day other than Kawakami-kun." Kuramochi looked at me and nodded. "I agree, he does seem frustrated, but isn't something about him... I don't know... Weird?" I glanced at Satō. "He's a rare breed, but I'm not sure 'weird' is the word to describe him. He's played Baseball since he was 5, but nobody knows about anything before that. In Junior High, he was an extremely good batter, with a record of 36 Home runs, two of which were scored in the game against my team.

"He was their team's pillar, being the captain, cleanup, starting pitcher, Ace and catcher along with someone who could flexibly play any position he was needed in. As a pitcher alone, he was formidable. He had a great sense when it came to catching too, having a record just as clean as mine with no passed balls, 25 pickoffs at second, and a total of 50 stopped runners coming home. It's like he was bred for Baseball."

"Kyaha! Sounds like you've done your homework Miyuki!" I snorted, realizing I probably just wanted about the oppressive skills of Satōshi. "Anyways, let's speed up and talk to him, think you have enough energy left?" Kuramochi nodded as we both started sprinting to close the gap. We were finally on Satōshi's heels after a minute of a full on sprint.

"Satōshi, thanks for this morning."

Nanairō

"Satōshi, thanks for this morning." I turned my head slightly and saw Tweedledee and Tweedledum on my heels. They looked about ready to collapse so I slowed down enough that they could jog to keep up. "Oh? Not going to ignore me like the rest of the team minus Nori?" I arched an eyebrow.

"Well, you have kind of been unapproachable all day." I have? I let a look of surprise voice my thoughts. Now that I think about it, I have been acting awfully since the incident this morning. "I'm sorry, I just can't help but feel heavy since our fellow first years run their mouths about the three of us for making First String."

I felt the two staring at me. "Oh, last lap." I looked at the two. "Thanks, for not ignoring me like the others, I mean." The two grinned. "Uh you owe me Satōshi!" I playfully elbowed Miyuki in the side at his response. "Oi, you ruined the moment, stupid Miyuki!" All three of us laughed as we finished up our laps, those two collapsing on the ground tired and I went and got the three of us water while we waited for the rest to finish.

I squatted near Kazuya and Youichi's faces and put a bottle of Ice cold water on the back of their necks, making them jolt up quickly. "COLD!" I snickered at Tweedledee and Tweedledum's reactions. "I swear, you two are either a couple or secretly brothers since neither of you have friends." I grinned.

"Oi! I do have friends!" Kuramochi argued. Miyuki said nothing so we both looked at him. He looked like he might be feeling sick, but he played it off with a shrug. "I know I don't have friends." Kuramochi started laughing while I shook my head. I stared at him for a second. He looks sick, but he did just finish running, I'll keep an eye on him.

"Miyuki, go warm-up Nakatomi in the Bullpen. Kuramochi, go warm-up throwing with the others. The other pitchers and catchers will meet you in the Bullpen later, I need to talk to them first." We all three nodded and complied. Miyuki and I split off from Kuramochi for the Bullpen. Miyuki was walking kind of sluggishly but I kept pace with him.

Miyuki, what's wrong? You're usually so loud and annoying but you're being really silent. I'm starting to feel worried for your health... Miyuki seemed to notice my staring at him. "Did you need something Satōshi?" I shook my head no and continued to walk with Miyuki.

We walked into the Bullpen where Miyuki put on his padding. "Let's warm you up pitching." I nodded as we started the light warmups. He really doesn't look well, I should say something if he starts looking worse. We continued the light warmups until we were both ready. He threw the ball back but it wasn't really a good throw since I almost had to jump for it. "Ah sorry. Let's start with a Forkball."

I nodded and picked my leg up high, before setting my foot back down facing the mound as I threw my arm down, but it was significantly weaker than it usually is because I knew something was up with Miyuki. He caught it and looked at me fore a second. "That was the lightest thrown ball of yours I've seen yet. Do you not trust me?"

I walked over to him. It's been almost twenty minutes since we were running, you shouldn't look this flushed... I took his mask off and set the back of my hand on his forehead. "As I thought... Miyuki you're burning up. Take off the gear, I'll go get Maezo-"

Before I could finish the sentence Miyuki shook his head in objection. "No! I'm fine." I gave him a face that showed I knew he was lying. "Give me the best pitch you've got, I'm fine." I sighed. He is too stubborn for his own good. I complied regretfully. "Whenever you're ready."

I bit my lip so hard it started to bleed. I picked up my right leg as high as I could still being unsure and slammed my foot towards the outside corner and swung my arm down hard and fast, making him flinch back as he caught the crossfire pitch. Then he fell backwards in his squat and struggled to sit back up.

I rushed over and took his glove, the ball and his face mask. "Miyuki you're done, you're hurting yourself and you're seriously going to pass out if you don't stop." He fell back again and he was making a pained expression, so I quickly took off his padding and knee guards. I put them in his bag sitting against the wall along with his glove and mine. I slung his bag on my back and picked him up.

I rushed out of the bullpen and ran over to the coach. "Coach! I'm going to take Miyuki to his room, he collapsed in the Bullpen, he has a temperature and he looks like he's in pain." Coach Kotaoka's eyes widened behind his shades slightly and he nodded. "You're dismissed from tonight's practice, take care of him." I nodded and started sprinting for the dorms.

I arrived at the dorms and started searching for Miyuki's dorm. I walked until I reached the dorm with his name under it. "Ah, it's 203!" I pushed open the door after looking at Miyuki to see him looking around in a nauseated expression. I walked in sideways so I wouldn't hit Miyuki's head on the doorway and slipped into the room before the door closed.

I gently set him down on his bed and set his bag on an extra bed. "I'll be right back, I'm going to get the med kit from the cafeteria and a bucket of water with a wet rag. Miyuki I'm going, so stay in here and don't move."

I walked out and jogged towards the cafeteria. After pushing the doors open, I rushed in and found the med kit. I checked it and saw bandaids, a thermometer, bandages, wraps, advil, medical tape and a few other things. I closed the med kit and signed it out (they made us do this to prevent confusion) before walking out with the kit to find a bucket. Luckily, among the other things, a wash rag was in the med kit. So all I needed was a bucket of Ice water.

I found the bucket in a storage shed near the bathrooms and the indoor practice facility. I found an outdoor faucet on the side of the building and I filled the bucket with freezing cold water. I picked up the med kit and the bucket and wandered back to Miyuki's room. I pushed the door open and made my way inside.

"I'm back." I set everything down on a table and flipped the light on. "Ugh turn the light back off." I sighed. "I can't, I need it on to see. Just endure it and let me check your temperature." He groaned but sat up. "Be still Miyuki." I grabbed the thermometer out of the medical kit. I sat on the edge of the bed and took his temperature.

"102.3. you're running a bad fever." I grabbed a rag and soaked it in icy cold water before squeezing out the access and walking back over to Miyuki and setting the rag on his forehead. In a quick reaction to the cold, he accidentally elbowed me in the ribs, where I had a huge bruise from jumping and catching a foul ball. I held in a groan of pain as I got the air knocked out of me.

I heard a clang as Nori hit a foul ball to left field. I quickly jumped to catch it and ended up flipping over the fence to catch it, which I did. When I caught the ball, the pole lining the top of the fence hit my ribcage along the 6th and 7th ribs, leaving a bruise in a diagonal line across my stomach, which I hid from the rest of the team.

I quickly swallowed down the pain when he let out a slight sigh. "Ok now you're going to have to sit up again to take an advil." He gave me an 'are-you-kidding-me?!' look. He complied with a grunt. I gave him the pills and a small cup of water. "I'm still feeling hot..." I looked at him. He still looks flushed. I nodded and grabbed another rag.

"You're going to have to take off your shirt so I can cool you down with a cool washrag." He looked at me like I was insane. "You think I'll enjoy it? Don't give me that look. It's not as if I'm a girl doing this." Thank God he took his glasses off earlier, because my face gets really red when I lie. "But-" I sighed. "You have to be willing to let me help, Miyuki." He let out a sigh but stood up. "No Homo?" I laughed. "No Homo."

Kazuya

I couldn't see Satōshi's face since I took off my glasses while he was out getting the med kit. I felt myself flush from both embarrassment and from my body over heating as I took off my shirt. When he got closer with the bucket and washrag, I could faintly see the details of his face. He looks almost as embarrassed as I am. I was then glad I was red from being sick, because I had an excuse to be red. Satōshi, however, looked like a blushing girl, which was weird considering he's a guy. He would be kind of cute as a girl... Wait, what am I thinking! Gah, I'm not gay!

I was snapped out of my thoughts when a cold rag touched my shoulder. "Ah, that feels nice..." I could tell Satōshi was relieved that I didn't accidentally hit anything with my elbow again. My elbow is slightly irritated from the last time. It shocked Satō before, because he let out a gasp, but I don't think I hit him. Satō squeezed excess cold water from the rag down my shoulders and chest.

After Satō finished, I felt relieved from the heat. He handed me my shirt, which I was blindly looking for and I slipped it back on because I was starting to get cold. "I know this is going to be awkward to ask for, but do you have any clothes I can change into? Mine are wet from the cold water and it's pretty chilly outside. Plus my roommates are probably sleeping."

I looked at him but put my glasses back on and dug around in my drawer and grabbed the smallest clothes I had, which included a long sleeve T-shirt that was baseball style with blue and a pair of black shorts. "Thanks. Do you um... Mind taking your glasses off while I change? Sorry I'm just kind of shy about it. I blinked but complied because he was slightly red in embarrassment. That is kind of a cute look... Wait no it isn't, Gah!

As I turned around, Satōshi slipped off his T-shirt and I could see a huge purple and black line covering at least two ribs worth his chest. That looks fresh... I can hardly see... I also noticed that just below the huge bruise, another bruise that was starting to form, halfway mixing with the later. So I hit him in the ribcage then... But why didn't he say something about a bruise this big? Or about me elbowing him?

The sight was quickly gone as he pulled my shirt on to cover it up. He then slipped off his pants and put on my shorts, which were almost like oversized caprees on him. "Ok done." I put my glasses back on and saw my clothes were way too big, it was almost like they were wearing him. "Now, you should lay down, Miyuki. You're shivering." He seriously looks cute in those... Ugh not again! "Ah, right, Trap-kun." I didn't realize I said Trap-kun until Satō turned his head at my nickname. He really is a trap though...

Nanairō

I hope he didn't notice the bindings around my chest or the bruises on my ribcage. I really just asked him to take off his glasses so he wouldn't see my bindings that I wear to help conceal my gender. Honestly, my boobs aren't that big, but if I have to change in a guy's bathroom, I can just say I have a shoulder injury since I wrap it that way.

His clothes were huge on me. The shirt was like a dress and the sleeves were too long. The shorts were so big they ended midway down my shins and were baggy. I'm sure I looked like a girl wearing her boyfriend's clothes, but I knew Miyuki thought I was a guy and he'd end up thinking he's gay before that happened.

Miyuki crawled back into his bed shivering and I turned the light out and grabbed the bucket to go dump the water out. I also grabbed the med kit to return it. "I'll go put these back and then I'll come back and stay until you fall asleep or curfew." I stepped out of the room and went to dump out the bucket first. I stopped infront of the faucet near the storage shed and dumped it out there before putting the bucket back. Then I walked into the cafeteria with the med pack and put it back where it goes. I signed it back in and reported what was used out of it.

After I finished with that I went and grabbed Miyuki a hot drink and me a strawberry milk. I walked back towards his dorm. "OI NAKATOMI!" I turned to see Azuma. "Hai, Azuma-senpai?" He towered over me. "You

lived in Kyotō when you were four right?" I turned my head at him. "Ah yes, but how'd you know?"

His demeanor changed to one that wasn't as fierce and hardcore but more of a softer mood. "Nanairō?" He whispered. My eyes widened. "So you're that Azuma then? I haven't seen you since I was what, 5?" He nodded. "I remember, you wanted to play Baseball with us but got sent home. But how are you here? Shouldn't you be in the Religious High that your parents had set?"

I shook my head. "I refused to become an Onmyōji. I chose Baseball over it. Anyways, I need to get back to Miyuki's dorm to watch over him. He's got a fever and coach told me to watch over him. Tell Spitz-senpai I'll be in there around curfew unless I fall asleep." Azuma nodded as I walked off, "Oh and please don't tell anyone my secret, Azuma-senpai." He nodded once again.

I returned to Miyuki to find him shivering under every blanket in the room. I squatted next to the bed and touched his skin and felt how cold it was. "Miyuki, I got you a hot drink, do you want it now or later?" Miyuki reached for it and I gladly handed it o him. "Thanks." I nodded. He held it for a moment and then drank it fast. He was still shivering.

Ugh, there's only one way to warm him up now... "Miyuki scoot over." He looked at me like I was crazy for the thousandth time since I brought him to his room. "Uh..." I sighed. "No Homo, you need body heat so you're going to have to live with it." He nodded and moved over enough for me to slip under the covers. "No Homo. And no one finds out this ever happened." I nodded.

He wrapped his arms around my waist tightly and pulled me closer to his chest so he could put his head in the nape of my neck. I felt his cold hands through the fabric of the T-shirt. His thumb skimmed the bruise from him elbowing me on accident. "Why didn't you tell me I elbowed you?" I felt my breath catch in my throat. He saw? "It was no big deal." I was lying, it was extremely painful.

"And what about your ribs, what happened there?" His thumb moved up to the long, big bruise across my ribcage. "I fell on a pipe." He snorted. "Liar, what really happened?" I sighed. "When I caught that foul ball this morning and flipped over the fence, my ribs slammed into the pole that runs across the top of the fence and that's it." He nodded.

His calloused fingers ghosted over the bruises and gave me a tingling feeling in my stomach and through. My heart was racing for whatever reason. Badump! Badump! Badump! I swallowed my spit and sucked in a deep breath when his hands stopped tracing the bruises. I was holding my breath without realizing. What is this feeling? Is he experiencing it too?

I turned slightly to look at him and noticed he didn't take off his glasses. I gently took them off and stretched to set them on the side table since he was clinging to me. No way he feels the same way... I started to doze off shortly after. I heard him breathing calmly as he was asleep. His breath tickled the back of my neck, which sent a shiver down my spine. Then I was next to fall asleep.

*Next Morning: 5:00AM*

I woke up in an unfamiliar setting. Oh yeah I stayed in Miyuki's room last night. I must've fallen asleep. I went to get up but felt a strong grip around my waist holding me down. I turned to face whoever was holding me down and saw Miyuki, who was peacefully sleeping. Ah dang it... He's making a cute face too... He had a peaceful expression that made his usual smirk look unnatural.

His mouth was not forming into a teasing grin, his mischievous attitude wasn't being expressed. He was just peaceful. It is strange to see a person who's usually being a snake sleeping with such an expression. I actually thought that smirk of his was a permanent feature for a while there. Although I didn't want the moment to end, I slipped out of his arms and put a pillow in my place. I grabbed my glove and my still wet set of clothes and made it look like I wasn't there in the first place. I also grabbed the rags and thermometer and left.

I didn't want him to remember that I was there. While he was asleep, I checked his temperature before I left and it was normal. Every time I think about what happened last night I get a strange feeling in my stomach. I wonder what that is... I threw away the two rags and the thermometer, which couldn't be recycled into a med kit again since he was sick and probably contagious, in the dumpster outside of the cafeteria. Thank you God for a strong immune system.

I walked into the cafeteria and saw everyone eating. I sat next to Nori, who strangely enough was sitting across from my roommates. I had grabbed just a bowl of rice for breakfast. As I started eating, the door to the cafeteria opened. Miyuki walked in with Kuramochi. Looks like Kuramochi probably went and woke him up. Miyuki looks like he's feeling better at least.

"So Satōshi, I saw you outside practicing your swing last night, I didn't know hotshot underclassmen like you did things like that." I looked at Azuma, who came up with a cover story for why I didn't show up at our room. "Ah yeah! I accidentally fell asleep in the field." That's when I realized I was still wearing Miyuki's clothes. Gah! I should have changed! "Really? That must be wearing those clothes since it was really cold out last night." I swallowed and nodded. "Yeah I also got my other clothes wet so I wore the oversized clothes I borrowed from my older brother a year ago." Azuma nodded. He knew I didn't have an older brother.

Jun and Nori were looking at the two of us like we caught a disease. I don't blame them, for the last two weeks we've lived in the same room, we've always been at each other's throats. "They're both acting kind of strange don't you think Isashiki-senpai?" Nori whispered over to Jun. I sweat dropped. We can hear you Nori... "OI, WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN YOU TWO?" I flinched back when Jun yelled although we were both sitting right next to him or across the table from him.

"Oi Isashiki! Don't shout! We're right next to you idiot!" Azuma cried. "Spitz-senpai, too loud." He had an irk mark now. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING SPITZ!" Everyone in the cafeteria was now snickering. "Oi, you're causing a commotion, Spitz-senpai." If it was possible for him to get louder, it happened. "WHAT! YOU DISRESPECTFUL LITTLE KŌHAI! WHO ARE YOU CALLING SPITZ!"

He put me in a headlock across the table. His arm wasn't tight enough to hold me in a headlock for long because I quickly reversed the roles with a tighter headlock on him. He slid his head down slightly and hit my bruise, which triggered me to give up a small grunt. "OKAY, OKAY! I GIVE UP!" I didnt realize I had tightened my hold enough to start making it a struggle for him to breathe until I let go and he gasped for air. "Sorry, I was making it too hard to breathe." Everyone laughed as Jun lounged across the table again and started one of our wrestling sessions in the middle of breakfast.

I felt two set of eyes on one which made me slip up and get pinned face down on the ground while Jun pulled on my leg. While he kept on pulling, he popped my leg, which was heard in an audible crack!, triggering sudden silence. "Did he just... break your leg?" I laughed. "Of course not!" Jun had kept pulling until my leg was awkwardly bent. "Are you done? My leg already popped, meaning it's probably bent really weirdly. I pulled my leg back the way it's supposed to be."

"That's not natural..." I heard Nori whisper. A few people came over to me and were giddy about my leg flexibility. I stood up and started joking around with a few people. I saw my roommates, Kuramochi, Nori, and Miyuki all having a conversation in the corner. This triggered worry that I had done something wrong. While everyone was distracted I slipped away from the cafeteria.

I stood outside for a second and inhaled a deep breath of cold morning air. I let a pained expression cross my face while I touched the spot on my shirt that was covering part of the huge bruise on my stomach. When Jun slammed me on the ground, he made it feel worse... and what's going to make it worse is that I have to catch morning and afternoon practices today since Miyuki is still a risk. Man I have bad luck.

I quickly jogged to my room with my glove, which I left at the door earlier, and changed into my own clothes. I took the ones I borrowed back to Miyuki's room, which was strangely unlocked, and left them in the drawer he got them from. Then I left his room and went back to my own to grab my baseball bag and then ran towards the field to wait on everyone else.

I only waited a minute before first string came to field A as second string went to field B with third string. I got ready for our morning run while waiting on orders. Our morning run only amounted to 15 laps, so I could run as fast as I felt like and still finish at least two laps before the rest. "FIRST STRING! MORNING RUN! 15 LAPS! MIYUKI YOU DON'T RUN, COME SIT ON THE BENCH!" In response to the coach's demand, we all took off running, with the exception of Miyuki.

We all watched as Miyuki went to the coach and talked to him, seeming to be acting stubbornly against sitting out. I ran faster than the rest, triggering them all to chase after me. "OI SATŌ! I WON'T LET YOU LEAVE ME IN YOUR DUST YOU DISRESPECTFUL KŌHAI!" I heard Jun yelling. I grinned and pushed my speed up a notch to make him and everyone else have to run faster to keep up. I laughed as Jun yelled and screamed for me to slow down.

Third Person

Kazuya watched as Satōshi motivated the rest to run faster to keep up. "But coach! I'm fine to play! There's no reason that Nakatomi-kun has to catch if I'm well!" The boys' coach just shook his head. "Miyuki, I don't want a repeat of last night. So for today, let Nakatomi catch. I also want to see just how good this genius player is. The Alumni of a this team from 10 years ago have high expectations of this boy. They, in fact, are the ones who trained him up to the way he is. So let him prove his skills. Yakushi will have a practice match against our first string this afternoon, so everyone needs to trust in him before then." Kazuya just nodded, suddenly understanding why someone he considered his friend, Satōshi, was so strong.

"I see, then it's alright." The Miyuki boy sat down on the bench and watched as Satōshi led the cheer said while running.

"-WHO SHED THE MOST TEARS!"

"SEIDŌ!"

"WHO HAS SWEAT THE MOST!"

"SEIDŌ!"

"SEIDŌ, WILL YOU FIGHT!"

"YEAH!"

"FIGHT!"

"YEAH!"

The cheering of the first string rang out through the surrounding areas as they ran. Nanairō felt pride for her team as they all ran behind her in a pack, cheering loudly until the finish.

"Nakatomi! Get on the gear!"

Time skip

Nanairō

We all were heading to the locker rooms to get ready, we had our first practice match and we all had to be ready to go before the bus arrived to take us to Yakushi's giant field. I, of course, had already put on my undershirt under my school uniform, since I was hiding my gender and a giant bruise.

I quickly changed into my baseball uniform before putting my usual clothes in my locker. I then grabbed my bag and walked back out of the locker room. I noticed the bus immediately and jogged over to it. "Nakatomi, you can go ahead and get on." I turned and saw Coach Kotaoka nearing me. "Alright Coach." I got on the bus and sat in the seat furthest in the back.

"How's the bruise?" I looked at the Coach, who was standing in the front of the bus, like he was crazy. "Ah, what bruise sir?" He just shook his head and stepped off the bus. How did HE find out? Only one who knows is Miyuki. Unless snake has been talking too much... I sighed as boys started to file onto the bus one by one.

Buzz Buzz. I opened my phone as someone sat next to me.

To: Nana and Satō

From: Ji YÅ«ko

Hey Nanairō and Satōshi. How is highschool? I know I haven't mailed in a while so I must have missed so much. Satō how is your relationship with Miyuki? Did you two become friends so you could form a strong battery? And how about you, Nanairō, how are things with Shun? Please mail me back when possible.

- Ji YÅ«ko

My heart sped up at the part where he asked about Miyuki and I's relationship - even if he was only asking about our friendship, not anything intimate. "Oh Ji YÅ«ko mailed you?" I looked up and swallowed hard when I saw Miyuki sitting beside me. I snapped my phone shut quickly. "Yeah. Did you need something Snake? Shouldn't Tweedledee sit near Tweedledum?" He laughed. "Yeah but I wanted to ask you about something."

I gulped slightly. Here it comes... "Why did you wear your undershirt all day?" I raised an eyebrow. "Oh that? I felt like I'd get ready faster if I did." He nodded. "You sure it isn't because of an injury or anything? Around right here?" He poked right into the huge and painful bruise from the fence. I let out a silent breath. "Ah no. I'm fine really." He tilted his head back slightly with a smirk. "Ah I must've been dreaming then." He then poked the spot where he elbowed me the night before hard. I forced myself to hold in a groan and let out an inaudible wheeze.

"You sure you don't have an injury, Trap-kun?" I shook my head, finding myself unable to talk. "Huh, I must've imagined you coming over to my room then." He turned his head away from me and his ears turned red. Is he blushing? I felt heat rushing to my cheeks as well. Ah! No! I'm getting all red! What's wrong with me! Part of the reason I was turning red involved my lying, the second being I felt embarrassed.

"Why were you wearing my clothes this morning if you weren't the one who took care of me?" I coughed. "Well... I um-" I was interrupted by Azuma's shouting. "OI MIYUKI! GET AWAY FROM MY KŌHAI BEFORE YOU SPREAD YOUR COCKY BEHAVIOR AND DISRESPECTFUL ATTITUDE TO HIM!" I looked at Azuma, who was sitting in the first seat and turned around shouting at us. "But Azuma-" I nudged Miyuki in the side with a grin. His eyes widened but he moved to another seat, beside Kuramochi. Hah, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. I can't help but wonder about this feeling in my stomach though... It's making me feel shaky and nervous. It's like my organs are going crazy whenever he's around. Heh, must mean his antics make me sick!

After the long bus ride, a few of the second string had to use the bathroom, so I was in charge of taking them to the bathroom. They all came along to watch us face off with Yakushi high. I took the group of 5 - including Nori - to the restroom. "Be fast guys." They all rushed into the bathroom while I stood outside of the door. I saw a Vending Machine about 5 feet away from the bathroom but still in the shaded area (it was covered by the over hang of the roof).

I went over towards it and looked at the options. "Hmm it looks like they don't have a sports drink oh well-" I turned around to walk back to the bathroom but wasn't paying attention when someone bumped into me. I opened my mouth, getting ready to snap until I saw the guy's face. He looked down at me and his eyes widened slightly. "Sorry, my fault..." I mumbled out an apology and walked away to where the boys were waiting to be led back to the rest of the team. "Come on, Coach is waiting." Number 18.

We just finished our warm up. I looked in the other team's dugout, but number 18 wasn't there. "Tanba-kun, let's go warm-up." He nodded. I walked with the pitcher. "So you're catching the whole game right?" I nodded. "Coach said you're going to pitch 7 innings and he'll put in Horn-kun." Tanba nodded. Coach also entrusted me with calls. This is the first time I've played catcher for this team and he already trusts me that much? He must really trust the Alumni.

"Ok Tanba-kun, be ready. It sounds like the other team's battery is in there so we'll have to warm up with them in there. Don't show any of your breaking balls. Coach told me your specialties, but just hold off for now." He nodded as I pushed open the door. "Oh, looks like there's no one in here." We both heaved a relieved sigh.

We went back to the dugout after warming Tanba up pitching. We were Batting first so we still had time, though I was Batting 3-hole. The lineup was the following:

1. Kuramochi Youichi

2. Kominato Ryosuke

3. Nakatomi Satōshi

4. Yuki Tetsuya

5. Tanba Kōichirō

6. Isashiki Jun

7. Masuko Tōru

8. Azuma Kiyokuni

9. Sakai Ichirou

I put my Batting gloves and helmet on and looked at Yakushi's starting line up as they took the field. So he's playing First base. I'll be sure to say something when I hit a home run. Kuramochi got in the batters box after the battery was ready. Kominato was in the warm up circle and I was waiting at the exit of the dugout.

"Go Kuramochi!" I heard Second-string shouting from the bleachers. Good for you, Kuramochi. Kuramochi then bunted, dropping the ball just down the third baseline and took off for first - which he easily made. I walked out of the dugout as Ryosuke approached home plate. He readied his bat as I took my place in the warm-up circle. And watched as Kominato hit a long ball to right field, which earned Kuramochi a spot on Third and him a spot on 2nd. I stood and walked towards the batter's box.

The air around me seemed to be sucking in everything positive and throwing it back at the battery as negativity. I stared down the pitcher as the catcher gave a signal. I watched the trajectory and noticed it was cutting inwards towards my chest. Be careful, I like inside pitches too! I adjusted my stance and hit the ball on the sweet spot of the bat, sending it over the center field back fence. Second string started cheering. As I jogged through first base I muttered something only Number 18 could hear. "Serves you right, Shunpeī." I saw his eyes widen as my foot touched first base and I took off full speed for second base, then third and eventually Home plate to finish up my leisurely run.

I got high fives from Kuramochi and Kominato as I stepped on home plate. I smirked at the first baseman. We all walked in the dugout and waited for our turn fielding, which came soon. I already had my gear on, so I put on my glove and mask and walked out on the field. I got in position and threw Tanba a ball.

Tanba threw a few pitches until the ump was satisfied and called for a batter. I looked up at the boy coming to the plate and saw he wasn't too big a threat. He had weakly built arms and legs and was shorter than I am. Ah I remember, he was their Right Fielder. He's probably a first year, poor thing. Too bad I'm merciless. I smirked at him and turned to Tanba. I gave him the signal for a curve ball low and inside. This kid probably runs fast, I'll just have to fire it in if we walk him. The ball curved as Tanba threw it, but the kid caught a piece of it and popped it up in a foul. I threw my mask off and backed up, eying the ball as it fell and catching it. I showed the ball to the Ump. "Out!"

I smirked as the kid walked back to the dugout and the next batter arrived. "You're a pretty good Catcher for someone so small." I turned my smirk aimedly at the boy. "You don't have to be tall to play Baseball. You're lucky Miyuki isn't out here, he's better than I am." The boy snorted. "That's not saying much." I just laughed. "We'll see about that." I looked at his build and determined how he'd be able to hit.

He was tall and well built, but his stance said everything: he couldn't hit past the right fielder with a grounder. There was always risk of a bunt, but Yakushi didn't seem like the school to do that. He might show a bunt, so I'll call for a ball too low for him to bunt for. I gave Tanba the sign. Just as I thought, the boy showed a bunt and tried for it, but I called for one on a bounce. You screwed up, and now we have one over you. I smirked at the boy who now had an aggravated expression. "Strike One!"

"Still thinking I'm below average?" I turned back to Tanba with a nod. Now he's frustrated, so let's play with him for a little bit, shall we Tanba? I called for a curve ball to the outside corner, which the idiot swung at like he was swinging for a Fastball. "Strike Two!" I hummed. Alright, now I want a high pitch near the middle. I know it's stupid to ask for one he can hit, but I know we can get an out.

I made the call, which caused Tanba to shake his head no. I frowned and insisted on the call. To my dismay, Tanba pitched the ball in the dirt, the boy swung since it dropped but now he had an unhappy catcher. "Strike three! Batter out!" I stood and threw the ball back at full strength, making a loud BAM! resonate when Tanba caught it. He made a pained expression with wide eyes. Do you get it now? I made that call for a reason and now I'm not happy. You can pitch wherever you want until you show you get the point.

"Hey... I wonder why Satōshi did that..." I heard someone in the bleachers mutter. "I don't blame him, Tanba ignored the call. He's lucky the guy swung or Satō would have had him pulled off the mound. If there's one thing about Satō you should know, it's that he won't take no for an answer when it comes to calls. Once in Junior High, his Pitcher didn't listen to his call, so he did the exact same thing he just did now only worse. The boy didn't catch the ball and it hit him in the stomach, he had to get stitches because the baseball left a deep imprint of the seams. He's definitely not someone to disobey."

What is Miyuki doing in the stands? He was in the dugout a minute ago. He must've gone and got water. I looked back at Tanba and waited on him to pitch without giving a call. If you won't listen, you can pitch however you want and face the consequences yourself. Tanba looked at me as if waiting on a call. I shook my head at him.

"Why won't Nakatomi give him a call?" I heard from the dugout. "Tanba didn't listen to his last call. This is his way of punishing him for it. If Tanba doesn't deliver the perfect pitch for the situation, Nakatomi will request I pull him off the mound in a heartbeat. Pitchers with no trust for their catcher's are useless in real game situations. You should go warm-up just in case." I heard Coach Kataoka explain to the relief pitcher.

I looked at Tanba. Did you hear that? After he didn't deliver the pitch for two minutes, I called a timeout and signalled everyone to the mound. As outfield arrived at the mound meeting, I looked at each of them.

"So Tanba, count how many people are standing here on the mound including yourself. There's 9 right?" Tanba hesitantly nodded. "Then why are you playing like you're alone?" His eyes widened. "I called for that pitch so that you'd realize how reliable the people behind you are as well as the one infront of you, but you disregarded it. If you think you can do this alone then get off the mound now, because you'll only hinder us. It's ok to walk someone, it's ok to let someone get on base, but if you ever pull what you did back there again, you can expect to be pulled of the mound early. You have 8 teammates on the field. So start acknowledging them." Tanba nodded.We all walked back to our positions and I took my place behind the plate.

After that confrontation, it wasn't until the Sixth inning, score 5 to 1 in Seidō's favor, that something major happened. At the top of the Sixth, they put number 18 on the mound, and I was up at bat. I hit a home run off of him on the first pitch, making it the third home run I had hit in one day.

Later in the inning, Number 18, now up as a pitcher making his spot in the lineup move, stood in the batters box. "If you think I'll just let you throw us around, you're wrong, Nana." I looked at him with a smirk. "My name is Satōshi, Shunpeī." He grinned. "Well then, let me show you some of our spirit here at Yakushi." My smirk was getting wider. "But in order to do that, you'd have to give up your grudge." That wiped the grin off his face. You still don't think of Baseball as a sport that will get you into college? Let me show you then, Shunpeī.

I made the call for a curve ball towards his chest. Tanba delivered the ball with a satisfying smack! as it arrived in my glove. "Ball!" Ah I got so excited, I forgot to frame it. But Tanba, I think it's time you threw the pitch Miyauchi and I taught you in the Bullpen this morning. It won't be too awesome but let's try it. It'll make them think youre a wildcard, Tanba. I gave the signal. Tanba raised his eyebrows slightly but nodded. "What is Satōshi planning?" I heard a whisper from the dugout. I looked at Miyauchi. He nodded. I turned back to Tanba and put up my glove.

Tanba raised his leg and threw the ball, and it was just what I asked for. A Forkball closer to the inside. I smirked at Shunpeī's bad habit of swinging level at low balls, he swung right over the Forkball, which was surprisingly just below my glove. "Nice pitch Tanba! That was good!" I threw the ball back and looked at Shunpeī to see him getting frustrated. "I know all of your bad habits, Shun. I don't have to guess. You should try being a wildcard." I smirked at him after rubbing his nose in the fact that I knew everything about where he liked his pitches and how he swung. I hope you're frustrated.

I called for a low pitch down the middle. But to my surprise, Shunpeī hit it clean over right fields head. He took off running. 1st base. They were picking up the ball. 2nd base. They panicked and over threw first. 3rd base. First base picked up the ball and threw it to me because he was coming home. I caught it and turned and looked at him. He is late on the slide!

Shunpeī slid right into my stomach. I wheezed but held the tag. The dirt he kicked up all settled back on the ground. "Out!" I fell back and sucked in a breath. I stood up shakily and threw the ball back to Tanba. "Satō!" I turned towards the dugout and saw Kataoka, Miyuki and the injured Chris running over. "I'm fine, we didn't collide too hard. I can play." Miyuki gave me a look of disbelief but Chris only nodded. "You can only keep playing if you keep getting them out and make good calls. If I see you're missing easy outs or making bad calls I'll pull you." I nodded.

I walked back to the plate and let out a quiet wheeze. I crouched as the next batter approached. I saw. Shunpeī walking back to the dugout with his head low. He must feel disappointed with what he did. He was running full speed when he slid into me. That was no easy collision, it was full on. I'm not okay, but I sure won't admit it. We struck him out at three pitches and the boy after him as well. We all ran back to the dugout and got our batters ready.

Miyuki sat down next to me but I didn't notice until he pushed into my stomach. I wheezed and found it hard to breathe. "You aren't okay are you?" I looked at him. "I'm fine Miyuki." I was uncomfortable. "You don't look fine. Somehow your words aren't convincing at all." I pulled his hand away from my stomach. "Well you wouldn't either if someone just poked into your stomach."

He sighed and leaned towards my ear and whispered. "If you're doing this for the team's sake, then wait until the game ends and then collapse." I looked at him and smiled. He gulped and looked away. When did Miyuki get so shy? It's cute. He's blushing. Wait, what am I saying! Gah! His ears were red at the tips. I pinched his ear and grinned. "Why are you so shy? That's a bit out of character." I was forcing down a blush myself, but it was fun to pick on him for once, and not the other way around.

Bottom of the Ninth, Two outs, a runner on third and the score was 8 to 7 in Seidō's favour. Samuel was closing the game. The batter showed a bunt, throwing Samuel off. He threw the pitch, which was ball four, but the runner coming home wasn't slowing down. he kept running full speed and caused a repeat of what happened only three innings earlier. He was still out. "Out! Ball game!" I held the score at my own expense. I stood up slowly. "Serves you right... I may be in pain, but now you've lost because you decided to come home while I was already waiting." The runner was looking at me like he saw a ghost. I walked back to the dugout like I was perfectly fine.

We all lined up and bowed to Yakushi and then I had to take 10 boys who didn't go to the bathroom before the game to the bathroom. I went in the bathroom myself to wash the dirt off my hands and arms. "I'm sorry I ran into you. I looked over and saw Shunpeī. "Don't be. I'm perfectly fine." He looked at me with an expression close to that of a kicked puppy.

He walked over and hugged me. My eyes widened and I looked at him concerned. "Shunpeī...?" He shook his head but kept clinging to me. "I'm sorry. About what I said four years ago. You didn't deserve it." It was lucky I went in the girl's bathroom. But why did Shunpeī come in here?

I heard the door open but I dragged Shunpeī into a stall so no one would see. "I... Why didn't you tell me?" He closed his eyes and sighed. "Because I was afraid you would just treat me like I was your enemy. We need to go now though, your school leaves in five minutes." I laughed and nodded. We both slipped out of the bathroom without being noticed. He walked the opposite way and pretended like nothing happened. "I'll text you!" I laughed. "You better!"

The boys all came out of the restroom and we caught up with the others. I didn't tell anyone what happened. We all bowed to Yakushi High before boarding the bus. Shunpeī winked at me, grinning. I grinned back as I boarded the bus.

I sat in the same seat as before but this time Kuramochi and Nori were infront of me and the Snake beside me. "Come to my room and I'll ice your bruise." I looked at Miyuki. "I think you meant to sit beside Kuramochi?" He smirked but shook his head and hung his arm over my shoulder. "Nope! I wanted to sit with my good buddy Satōshi!" I pushed him off with a disgusted expression.

"But in all seriousness, you should properly ice your stomach." He poked me in the stomach, which triggered me to cough and wheeze. "Would you stop doing that Miyuki! That hurts!" He smiled triumphantly. "So you finally admit it?" I sighed. "Yes, I'm in pain." He leaned closer to me. "Then I'll just have to fix my pitcher." I gulped and leaned away from him. "Come to my room after you shower." After that, he switched places with Nori.

I ate dinner before everyone else so I could use the shower at a decent hour rather than waking up at 3 AM to shower in private. Once everyone was at dinner, I snuck into the showers and made sure no one was in there. After I was sure, I locked the door and took an extremely fast shower. As I was showering I looked at the purple-black bruise that now covered my entire stomach. I frowned but then finished my shower and got dressed quickly.

As I walked out of the bathroom, I unlocked the door and felt my phone buzz. I flipped it open and saw a text from Shunpeī.

To: Satō

From: Shun

Hey, how are things over there?

I smiled at the message. I didn't have a chance to respond before a certain snake approached me. "O-ho-ho, got a text from your girlfriend?" I snorted and shoved him lightly. "I don't date-" I almost said I don't date people of the same gender, but I stopped myself. "Oh really? I don't either, but I am shocked you don't date." I snorted at him. No one is as cute as you... Ew. I'm having those weird thoughts again! He is kind of cute, but his personality is so... Twisted. Ugh I wish my heart would calm down.

We walked to his room and I noticed he already had a few ice packs on the table. "Ok Satō, take your shirt off." I jumped with blush creeping up my cheeks. "If you wanted to see me shirtless you could've asked." I smirked as he turned away blushing. I snickered and pulled my shirt up so it only covered my bindings. After Miyuki recovered from his embarrassment, he turned and looked at my stomach. I felt his calloused fingers ghost the bruise. His rough hands strangely felt relieving as he traced every inch of the discolored skin.

I watched his face as he carefully slid his fingers over the collection of four bruises that formed the huge bruise covering my entire abdominal area. I swallowed hard and my heart was pounding against my rig cage. I got a tingly feeling in my stomach that made me wonder if I was sick. I wondered if he could feel my heart pounding through my skin at the time. What is wrong with me? He makes me feel sick whenever he's around, but I like the feeling. It's like breathing after holding your breath for a long time, once you take a breath, it makes you want more air. His hair covered the edge of his glasses just barely. His mouth was pulled in a straight line and his jaw was set. It was like I absorbed every detail and aspect of him I could.

I swallowed again and looked down at his hands again as he pressed his hand against my abs. Stop, that's going to make me blush. Sure enough, heat creeped up my face so I looked away. Gosh I'm always flustered in front of him. I felt something cold press against my abdomen without warning, making me jump from the sudden cold against the throbbing skin. Miyuki snickered at my reaction. "Oi! That's not funny!" My face turned even redder. He started staring at me. Is something on my face? I turned my head at him. His face got slightly red. Am I wrong for thinking that's cute? What I thinking, of course it is! He thinks I'm a guy. He's not gay either.

I swallowed and we stared at each other for a while before I looked away, breaking eye contact. The sexual tension is heavy. We don't even get along so I don't understand it. Miyuki seemed to snap out of his daze and cleared his throat. "Ahem, ah lay down and I'll ice you now."

I complied silently. I feel so awkward around him. Was he always this cute though? No, it must be that I'm sick, I don't like him. I don't like him. I don't like him. Ugh, I don't sound convinced. I felt cold spread over my abdomen, and eventually the entire bruise was covered.

Miyuki and I talked for a while after he finished icing my bruise collection. I dozed off momentarily too, but when I caught view of his cute sleeping face, I found myself not feeling tired. I turned on my side and stared at his face for a while. I noticed he was wearing his glasses while sleeping. "Miyuki Kazuya, you're such a dork..." I whispered as I took his glasses off and set them in his case on the table.

He was sleeping with his head on his hands, leaning on the bed from the floor. I fought the urge of pushing his hair out of his face, since it'd be weird if someone who looked like a guy did it. "Someday I'll tell you about my situation and how I'm in trouble because of you."

I figured out what the feeling in my stomach was and why my heart was pounding around him all this time. I'm falling for Miyuki... God help us all. I stared at his lips for a moment, feeling heat rush to my cheeks before looking away. You make me crazy, but I can't say anything at all... It's torture, but I keep coming back for more. What's wrong with me, really? I stared at his face a bit longer before I started to fall asleep.

Kazuya

I woke up looking at Satō's face. He was sleeping on my bed comfortably at the moment, and what caught my attention first was the bruise that looked better than before. So I didn't imagine you coming in my room and taking care of me. If you've ever seen a cute girl you like sleeping with her oversized sleeves guarding her face making her look adorable, you know how I was feeling right then. Satō always looked like a girl, but when he was sleeping it seemed even worse.

His usually bright and happy eyes were closed, showing off his long eyelashes and perfect skin more. His lips, which usually carried a smirk or a smile of some sort, showed no signs of its' usual form. Since his face was motionless, you could really see just how much he looked like a girl. Why are you cute to me? Am I actually gay without knowing it? God you're such a trap but I think I'm attracted to you. Even your hair looks girly even though it's a shaggy boy cut. You're so cute and don't even realize it.

I examined his face before my eyes travelled to his lips. He looked like he had girly lips too. You MUST be part Korean. I sat there and stared at Satō for minutes before I reached out and pushed his hair out of his face. The only reason I can see you is because you're close to me. I bet you took my glasses off when you noticed I fell asleep earlier. You look slightly blurry and my vision sucks, but that can't be helped can it?

I fell asleep again, in that spot with Satō and for the first time, I felt like I was not at risk.

*Extra!: The Liar and the Bindings:*

Nanairō

"Satō." I looked up from my book. I was hanging out in Miyuki's room and overseeing his studying (even though I didn't study) when he broke the silence. "Yeah?" He cleared his throat. "Ah I'm ready for this question to be checked." I nodded and examined his paper. He was staring at my face before he finally said something. "Why do you have a wrap across your chest and shoulder?" I looked at him.

"Why is it important?" He grinned cheekily. "Because I'm dying of curiosity." I sighed. "Ah, it's because of a burn from when I was little, so I don't take it off. It used to disgust people." I saw his face saw slightly green. "Forget I asked." I snickered as he went back to doing his work.