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apparently-artless · 3 years

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The Other Way Around - 6th Chapter

A Daiya no Ace Fanfic

Warning: Not Beta Read, English Grammar Nazi be warned! ( `ε´ ) Summary:

What will Sawamura do when his big brother roommate who's always had his back is no longer around?

Note: Different settings and timelines for each character. Check out source below for AO3 version. Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Kuramochi Youichi, Miyuki Kazuya, Original Characters, Takashima Rei, Kataoka Tesshin, Kominato Haruichi, Kanemaru Shinji, Maezono Kenta, Okumura Koushuu, Asada Hirofumi

Chapter 6: Kuramochi Youichi

It was a sunny Monday and the heat of summer was still upon them – Seidou baseball club. With both Furuya and Sawamura leading the defense of the team during their finals match against Inashiro, for the first time in few years, Seidou finally managed to snatch the championship title away from their school arch-rival. And now, they are busy more than ever in preparing themselves for the Kōshien.

All the first-string members were especially enthusiastic with their practice. Although some of them were able to participate in actual matches, not everyone was given the same equal opportunities to play on the field. But being able to participate in the nationals gave them another chance to show them what they’ve got.

All members were on the field, all except for their captain and one vice-captain. They were late for practice because they had to finish their cleaning duties for their class.

“Miyuki! Hurry up! We’re late already!” Kuramochi called up, annoyed at his captain for having to turn down another confession and unable to help him half of the time he had to clean the room.

After they had won against Inashiro, Miyuki seemed to be getting more and more confessions almost on a daily basis. There were times he had to ask Kuramochi for assistance just so he can escape the girls confessing to him. “Just show them your true self, for sure, all of those girls head over heels for you will surely back out!” is what the vice-captain would always suggest whenever he would get caught up in Miyuki’s annoying situation.

“I’m just finishing something. You can go ahead if you want,” Miyuki responded, not looking at Kuramochi’s direction, busy writing something.

“Got it. Just don’t be too late, okay? For all we know, your pitchers might be doing some troublesome things again. It’s your job to keep those idiots in line,” Kuramochi said, his back towards Miyuki.

The captain just smirked at the thought.

Kuramochi was on his way to their dorms so he can change to his practice uniform. He was about to take a left turn when he heard some voices on the other side of the corridor. He shouldn’t have bothered himself with whatever’s happening over there when he heard a loud cry, a loud bang, and a shouting voice.

After few seconds, Kuramochi heard a thud, almost like a sound of a body falling to the ground. The shortstop paused for a while, he let out a deep sigh while scratching his head as he went straight to the other end of the corridor where he had heard the sounds. If his conclusion was right, someone was getting bullied.

He knew. He knew that getting involved might not do him any good. The national tournament was just a few weeks away and the last thing he wanted to happen is getting involved in a fight. He’s not stupid to forget about that time where he almost ended up not being able to play baseball again because all the schools offering him sports scholarships had backed out. Thanks to Takashima Rei, who was willing to overlook whatever bad deeds he’s done in the past, he was able to enroll at a prestigious school with a strong baseball team full of baseball dorks just like him.

Kuramochi continued walking towards the direction of the sound. And as he drew nearer, the sounds seemed to get stronger, confirming whatever he’s got on his mind.

As he reached the end of the corridor, he found three guys, who appeared to be third years, ganging up on a boy crouching on the ground. The younger boy looked like he was in pain as he tightly grasped his stomach, his eyes were closed as he trembled slightly.

“Oi,” Kuramochi started, his voice so low it reverberated on the lonely corridor. “What do you think you’re doing ganging up on a single guy younger than you? There’s a limit to how low you can get, you know.”

Kuramochi continued as he glared at his three fellow batch mates, his hands on his pocket. The three guys flinched upon seeing the shortstop. Sure, Kuramochi was, ahem, a bit short but that didn’t stop him from emitting his delinquent-like aura, enough to make the other guys cower in fear.

Phew. Thank goodness. They’re just a bunch of weak cowards. I didn’t have to lift a single finger so this should be fine, right?

Kuramochi thought to himself as he walked towards the boy who was still crouched silently on the ground.

“Hey, are you okay?” Kuramochi asked as he tried to reach out to the boy.

“D-Don’t touch me!” the boy shouted as he slapped Kuramochi’s extended arm.

The shortstop was almost ready to smack the boy on the head. Luckily he was able to hold back as he remembered that he had to behave so as not to be a problem to the team.

“You can’t even stand up. Stop being stubborn and learn to accept the goodwill of others, will you?” Kuramochi replied, trying to hide his annoyance as he grabbed the boy’s shoulders so he could properly stand up.

When the boy was almost steady on his feet, they heard footsteps coming from upstairs. After a few seconds, a petite girl appeared as she saw Kuramochi and the other boy and called ‘Nii-san!’.

Kuramochi was a bit taken aback and so was the younger boy.

So apparently, the scene that the girl saw was this – Kuramochi’s hands still holding the younger boy, the younger boy seemed in pain and had some bruises on his face and both the boys were shocked upon seeing her.

“You!” the girl shouted as she pointed her finger at Kuramochi’s way. “Just what do you think you’re doing to my brother?”

“Wha – “ Kuramochi was about to say something but was cut short when the girl forcefully removed his hands off the younger boy.

“I knew it! Someone’s bullying my brother! How could you, senpai?? Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? You really had to go and pick on someone weaker than you??” the girl exclaimed as she put herself in between the shortstop and her brother.

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Kuramochi asked, slightly taken aback by the accusation by a cute girl and smaller than him, no less. He couldn’t even look her in the eyes.

Rather than explaining further what’s on her mind, the girl simply faced his brother and grabbed his left hand.

“Let’s go, Nii-san,” the girl spoke in a soft voice.

And then she faced Kuramochi one more time.

“And you! Don’t even think you’ll get away with this!” the petite girl threatened.

The girl walked away, together with her brother, not even waiting for further response from the Seidou’s baseball vice-captain.

Kuramochi was dumbfounded. He just stared as the two disappeared from his line of sight.

“Wow,” Kuramochi finally spoke. “They must really be siblings, both of them don’t know how to respect their upperclassmen.”

Kuramochi sighed deeply and then went on his way to his dorm. He’s used to it, to be honest. Getting accused of doing bad things simply because he looked like a bad guy. But as far as he is concerned, this was the first time he was mistaken as a bully during his entire stay at Seidou.

Oh well, I guess it can’t be helped. I knew it. Nothing good comes with involving myself in these kinds of things.

Little did Kuramochi know, this small incident would turn out to be quite bigger than what he had expected.

******

The next morning, Kuramochi went to his room as usual. He talked for a while with Miyuki as they waited for their first class to start. When the teacher arrived, he seemed silent at first, and then he cleared his throat.

“Kuramochi-kun,” the teacher called, his tone was filled with a seriousness that the class had turned silent.

Miyuki was surprised, but so was Kuramochi.

“Yes, sir?”

“Can you come with me to the office? There’s something we would like to confirm with you,” the teacher explained.

Miyuki looked at Kuramochi with deep concern. This was the first time that his vice-captain was called out to the teacher’s office and his gut was telling him that it might not be something good.

It couldn’t be a problem with his grades, right? I mean, he’s not that smart, but he’s not an idiot either.

Miyuki thought to himself as he watched Kuramochi exit the room together with their homeroom teacher. He couldn’t help but think that there must be something wrong as they were advised to do some self-study while their teacher was not around.

Being the captain, and also Kuramochi’s friend (though he wouldn’t tell the guy), he couldn’t help but feel concerned so he tried to reach out to Takashima who might have an idea about Kuramochi’s situation. He sent the assistant coach an email but unfortunately, he did not receive an immediate response.

******

Meanwhile, Kuramochi and their homeroom teacher were on their way to the faculty office. They were both silent as they walked towards their destination. Kuramochi, in a way, already had an idea of what this is all about. He’s used to being called to the principal’s office due to his bad reputation back in middle school. But this time, he learned to behave himself, learned self-discipline. And as the vice-captain, he knew better not to get himself involved in troublesome situations that might put the entire baseball team in a predicament.

But here he was, already in trouble without even asking his side of things. For once, he tried to do a decent thing that not everyone has the guts to do so and he still ended up being on the bad side.

Kuramochi’s thoughts were interrupted upon reaching the faculty office. He was instructed to wait for a few minutes and then they went straight to the president’s office. When they entered the room, he was not so surprised to see the siblings he had met yesterday, Coach Kataoka and Takashima Rei already having a discussion with some of the members of the school staff.

“Are you sure it was indeed Kuramochi-kun who had done this to your son? As someone who had been witnessing the boy’s attitude on his training, I don’t think he’s the type who would do something harmful to his fellow schoolmates,” Takashima spoke in a calm but stern manner as he fixed her glasses up her nose.

“Are you saying that both my son and daughter were lying about this? What about my son’s bruises? Clearly, you can see that they’re not made up!” the other female shouted.

“Please, Asanuma-san. Calm down. That’s the reason we asked Kuramochi-kun to be here with us so we can clear this misunderstanding,” the assistant director interrupted.

The adults, including the siblings, looked in Kuramochi’s direction. He felt like he’s on trial as multiple pairs of eyes looked, as if ready to judge him guilty. All except Coach Kataoka and Takashima.

There was a silent pause and then the girl spoke.

“I saw that guy manhandling my brother yesterday,” the girl stated. “There’s no one around except him and my brother isn’t denying the fact that he’s the one who did this to him. What’s there to know? Are you saying that my brother is lying??”

The younger boy hadn’t spoken a word since Kuramochi had entered the room. He can’t even look him in the eye.

“Please calm down, Asanuma-san,” Kataoka finally spoke. “We’ve heard your side of things. And judging by what you’ve said, you only saw the two of them but you did not actually witness Kuramochi physically hurt your brother, am I right?”

“That’s true, but…”

“I have full confidence that Kuramochi is not the type of person who would do something to inflict pain on other people. He’s quite a feisty one but he would only show his tough love to people he knows who are capable of accepting it,” Kataoka added with a smile. “Am I right, Kuramochi?”

Kuramochi blushed at the coach’s statement. Clearly, he was referring to his idiot roommate and the team’s ace and sometimes to his partner, Haruichi. He did not know that the coach was fully aware of how he acts towards his underclassmen.

“So, what are you gonna do about this? Clearly, there is someone who was hurting my son in your school! You have to take responsibility for this! Until you have this resolved, I will not let my son stay in this violent environment!” the mother raised her voice once again, her daughter was nodding intently as well as she tightly grasped her brother’s hand. “If you’re not doing anything, I will make sure that this will be reported to the right authority.”

Some of the staff, especially the director was in a panic. Apparently, the parents of the siblings had contributed quite a lot to the school.

Damn. It must be tough, being an adult.

Kuramochi thought to himself. He was in a predicament, he was being accused of something clearly he did not do. But for some reason, he was calm. He did not fail to see how the boy flinched when his sister tried to ask him about the truth. He was afraid. He knew that the boy was afraid. He knew that even if the boy wanted to say something so badly, he couldn’t. Because he was afraid that the bad guys might come back and do something much worse to him.

What am I even thinking? I’m the one being put in a bad position when I didn’t even do anything wrong and I’m still thinking about the position of others? Did I get infected by Sawamura’s stupidity?

“Kuramochi-kun,” Takashima called the shortstop’s attention. “Can you tell us what happened? We want to hear your side of things.”

Kuramochi slightly scratched his head. For the first time since he met Sawamura, he wished he was as dense as his idiot roommate was. He wished he did not see the look on the boy’s face. He wished he did not understand why the boy was so adamant about not telling the truth. He wished he does not have the capability to sympathize. But he does. That’s how he is no matter how much he tried to deny it.

“I heard someone who seemed like in pain. I searched for the source of the voice and found him. He was on the ground so I tried helping him to stand up. That’s what happened,” Kuramochi explained.

The boy was shocked to hear that Kuramochi did not mention anything about the other guys who were ganging up at him. He felt relieved. But Kuramochi hated himself for feeling relief as well when he had read the younger boy’s expression correctly.

Man, I hate it when I’m right.

Kuramochi thought to himself. The mother was still infuriated claiming that Kuramochi had omitted some details on his story and that the boy was somehow lying. And oh he had omitted things alright. He didn’t even mention the actual perpetrators. He could’ve mentioned the other guys. But he was concerned that they might come back and do something bad to the younger buy. Unlike with his friends, or with his roommate for that matter, he won’t be able to protect the boy. And he knew he would hate himself for as long as he lives if he came to know that the boy was put in danger simply because he wanted to save his own ass.

The director had somehow managed to prevent things from getting out of hand. He promised to get to the bottom of things and had Kuramochi suspended on his club activities for now. He instructed Coach Kataoka and Takashima to have the shortstop under strict supervision.

Clearly, Takashima was not so happy about it. She knew about Kuramochi’s past. But she knew Kuramochi only did those things for his friends. Just like another idiot southpaw pitcher she had recruited two years ago.

Why are all my recruits so tough to handle? These idiots, really.

Takashima thought to herself as they watched the Asanuma family exit the room. They talked for a few more minutes with the director while Kuramochi was asked to wait outside. After their short conversation, Coach Kataoka and Takashima had joined Kuramochi. They went straight to the coach’s office so they could discuss the matters at hand.

“Kuramochi,” Kataoka started. “I got the feeling that there’s something you’re not telling us. I won’t force you to tell us right now. But I trust that you have a valid reason for doing so. Believe in your guts and make sure to do the things you think are right, so you can live with no regrets. In the meantime, you’re limited to activities inside the training rooms. You are not allowed to participate during field practices. We’ll do our best to resolve this matter.”

Kuramochi was surprised at what the coach had said. He was able to see right through him but he made him feel that his decision was by no means wrong.

“Yes, sir!” Kuramochi replied in a loud voice as he bowed at the coach and Takashima who was already smiling.

The older boy was about to exit the room when Kataoka spoke once more.

“Kuramochi, self-sacrifice is a noble thing. But do not forget to consider the people around you,” Kataoka said. “Just because you can handle yourself getting hurt doesn’t mean you can handle other people getting hurt because they care about you. You’ll be surprised to know how much they care.”

Kuramochi didn’t know what to say. He just bowed once again silently as he exited the room, trying to think about the coach’s last words.

******

It only took a day before the rumor spread like wildfire. Since the three students involved were in different years, it’s not surprising at all that the entire school was able to learn about the incident.

As for the baseball players, they received the news directly from the coach and Takashima. And they stated clearly that this was just a misunderstanding and that they would try to resolve the issue as soon as they can so as not to affect the team.

“There’s no way that Kuramochi-senpai would hurt someone! How dare they accuse him of doing something bad! While it’s true that he really looked like a delinquent and he would always practice his wrestling moves on me but he’s not the type to do it so casually on a complete stranger!” Sawamura exclaimed as soon as they were dismissed by their coach.

“Eijun-kun! I’m not sure now if you’re trying to defend him or you’re dissing him,” Haruichi replied upon hearing Sawamura’s statement.

Furuya, on the other hand, was just silent as he tried to close his eyes while he’s being dragged by Sawamura.

“I’m not dissing him! And Furuya! Walk on your own! The practice is just about to start, don’t slack off just because we won the championship!” Sawamura replied.

The team went on with their practice. But it felt incomplete somehow when there was no hyena laugh that can be heard across the field.

******

The next day after Kuramochi was called to the director’s office, some of his classmates were already talking behind his back. It’s a bit annoying on his part but he can deal with it.

“Just let them be. Give it a week and it will surely die down,” Miyuki spoke upon noticing Kuramochi’s reaction.

“I know that. You don’t need to tell me. Just don’t slack off in the field just because I’m not around, d’you hear me, Captain?” Kuramochi replied.

“Urgh. Leave me alone. I’ve had a lot of things to do right now thanks to the vice-captain not being around to do his tasks,” Miyuki teased the shortstop.

“Shut up! Now you know how much I’m trying to do now that I’m not around. Isn’t it fine if it’s just once in a while? Hyahaha!” Kuramochi replied as he finally managed to laugh.

“Yeah. Your presence to the team is really huge,” Miyuki genuinely smiled, looking at a scorebook. “So stop dilly-dallying and do something about this predicament you put yourself into, you stupid vice-captain.”

“Shut up! I’m not in this situation because I wanted to!”

Miyuki laughed at Kuramochi’s reaction but his face turned serious once more.

“But seriously, we need you back in the field right now. I think Sawamura’s trying to push himself again. He’s been doing some extra practices again. And if there’s anyone who can get through to him with Chris-senpai no longer around, that would be you.”

“You worry too much. I was suspended from club activities. That doesn’t mean I’m also suspended from being his roommate. Just leave it to me.”

“Yay! You really are a dependable senpai, Kuramochi-kun!”

“I really hate you.”

“Thanks!”

“Not a compliment!!”

The captain laughed once again as he had fun receiving the precious reaction of his vice-captain.

“For now, there’s a limit to how much I can do. So I’m leaving Sawamura to you when he’s on the field,” Kuramochi added when Miyuki stopped laughing as he did his best to hide his embarrassment. “Just make sure he wouldn’t restrain himself too much, ya hear me?”

“Yeah. Leave that part to me,” Miyuki replied with a smile as he continued studying the scorebook.

******

Meanwhile, Sawamura was in a bad mood since the start of his class. Everywhere he goes, all he can hear was people throwing negative comments about their vice-captain. And every time he would try to argue with some students, Kanemaru would pull him and literally shut him up but putting his hand on the pitcher’s mouth.

“Why are you stopping me, Kanemaru? Aren’t you frustrated that they get to say bad things about our senpai just because of these false rumors? It’s making me mad!” Sawamura bellowed as soon as Kanemaru released him.

“I understand how you feel. It’s pretty frustrating on my part too, you know. Kuramochi-senpai’s absence on the field is affecting our defensive performance greatly. And I think it’s somehow affecting Kominato, too.”

Sawamura frowned upon hearing his best friend’s name. Sawamura knows how Haruichi feels. Just like how much he wanted to play baseball with Miyuki as his battery partner, Sawamura knew that Haruichi too would like to play baseball together with Kuramochi now that the two senpais will be graduating. The only remaining time they can do so is during the Kōshien. And the current situation is not helping at all.

“Na, Kanemaru. Is there really nothing we can do to help Kuramochi-senpai?” Sawamura asked quietly while he looked at the sky outside their window.

Kanemaru was a bit surprised upon hearing the seriousness of the usually loud southpaw’s voice.

“I don’t know. It’s not like we can go and meet those siblings that accused Kuramochi-senpai of bullying,” Kanemaru replied as he scratched his head.

But the pitcher did not answer. He remained silent as he maintained his gaze at the blue sky.

“Oi, are you even listening to me?”

Their conversation was cut short when their homeroom teacher finally arrived.

Furuya and Sawamura ended up sleeping again for almost the entirety of the classes.

These two dimwits. Don’t come running to me during the examination period! Go fail your subjects for all I care.

That is what Kanemaru thought to himself, but he’d end up helping them any way.

******

It was already lunch, Sawamura agreed to eat lunch together with Furuya and Kanemaru.

“Oi, Sawamura. I’ll just go to the restroom. Wait for me. And don’t do anything stupid when I’m not around, okay?”

“Just what kind of idiot do you think I am??”

“An extraordinary idiot. That’s the kind of idiot you are I’m getting worried even just leaving you for five minutes,” Kanemaru replied matter-of-factly.

“I got it! I got it! Stop being a mom and go finish your business!”

Ignoring Sawamura’s last comment, Kanemaru went outside the room leaving the pitcher mumbling by himself.

“Geez. Just how much does he think how stupid I am? All of them just keeps on worrying too much about me.”

Sawamura’s mumbling was interrupted when some of his classmates went near him.

“Sawamura,” said one of his classmates.

“Yes?” Sawamura replied who was currently sitting on Kanemaru’s seat.

“We’ve heard about the rumors,” the boy continued. “About your senpai.”

Sawamura’s face turned serious as he put both his hands down on the desk while he paid full attention to what his classmates had to say.

“Isn’t he your team’s regular shortstop?” one of the guys asked hesitantly.

“Yeah?”

“Well, you see,” another guy continued as they exchanged awkward glances at one another. “We’ve heard the rumor that he physically abused someone.”

Sawamura, upon hearing the statement did not react but clenched both his fists tightly as he tried his best to remember Kanemaru’s warning not to do something stupid.

“We’ve noticed during the games that he also has a tendency to be violent towards you, so we were just wondering if the rumors were true,” added one of his classmates.

The southpaw pitcher tried. He tried his best not to blow a fuse. But the last statement had made his mind go blank. The next thing he knew, he was already standing, his hands placed flatly on the desk. Apparently, he had slammed his hands on the desk so hard that nothing but silence ensued in the entire room. He couldn’t even remember when he unclenched his fist.

“I don’t know about the rumors you have heard but from what I can see, clearly you heard wrong,” Sawamura responded in a cold voice, his usual aura was all gone. His golden eyes were almost blazing as he gazed intently at his classmates.

They knew at that instant, that they just made Sawamura angry. The last person they thought would get angry with anyone.

“Don’t talk about people you knew nothing about as if you already knew them. Kuramochi-senpai is a good person. He’s not the kind of guy who would hurt someone without any valid reason. He’s the most dependable senpai that I can rely on,” Sawamura added, his voice still as cold as ice.

He knew he’s doing something stupid again, but he couldn’t help it. All his pent-up emotions about the matter just suddenly erupted like a volcano. It’s been quite a while since he felt this angry. The last time was more than two years ago when he heard Azuma trash-talked Kawakami when he’s already feeling so down.

“What do you know about him? Do you really have to judge him just because of these stupid rumors? Don’t go labeling others when you didn’t even make an effort to get to know them first!” Sawamura blurted out.

The southpaw pitcher was clearly agitated. He never knew he had been holding back this kind of emotion. He knew that his classmates were just concerned about him but he couldn’t help himself from speaking what he truly feels. He can’t help it. He was born this way. Never sugar coating his words and always being honest to himself. He knew he ruined the atmosphere. But right now, he couldn’t care less.

Fortunately, Kanemaru already went back to the classroom. Just like their other classmates, Kanemaru witnessed Sawamura’s sudden outburst. Furuya who was previously sleeping so soundly on his seat was looking with wide eyes towards Sawamura’s direction.

“Oi, Bakamura. That’s enough. Go clear your head outside,” Kanemaru interrupted the deafening silence emanating from the room as he placed his arms around Sawamura who was still standing quietly in front of his desk.

Thanks to Kanemaru’s touch, Sawamura felt like he snapped out of his own thoughts. He stared at his surroundings and saw the bothered looks on his classmates’ faces. He may be an idiot but he doesn’t have to be smart to know that he did something bad to his classmates. He shouldn’t have vented his frustrations onto them like that.

Sawamura then smiled awkwardly and scratched his head.

“I apologize for my sudden outburst!” Sawamura shouted while bowing at his classmates. “I know you’re just concerned about me but I’m fine, really. And if anyone ever tries to ask you about Kuramochi-senpai, please, I beg you. Tell them that Kuramochi-senpai is not what they think he is. He’s someone I look up to, so...”

The entire class was taken aback when Sawamura stopped talking and tears suddenly started streaming at his face. Some of the girls were also on the verge of crying upon seeing Sawamura’s current state.

“He’s someone I look up to, so what do you think I would feel if you went ahead and say bad things about him?’ Sawamura finally managed to speak as he wiped his tears with his sleeves.

“Sawamura,” said the boy who was talking to the pitcher previously. “We’re sorry. We didn’t mean to –“

The boy was interrupted as soon as he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. Furuya silently swayed his head from left to right as if to tell his classmate that there’s no need to apologize and that Sawamura had already forgiven them. He also nodded in Kanemaru’s direction. Kanemaru just nodded back as they both escorted Sawamura outside the classroom.

Sawamura remained silent the entire time upon returning. Kanemaru advised the entire class to give the ace pitcher some space for now because the incident was somehow badly affecting him.

******

The ace pitcher went straight to his dorm room to change for practice. By the time he arrived at their room, Kuramochi and Asada were already there. After a few minutes, Asada excused himself so he can practice earlier.

There was an awkward silence between the two as the both of them tried to change clothes for practice.

Kuramochi let out a loud sigh and then faced Sawamura’s direction.

“Oi, Sawamura,” Kuramochi started. “I heard from Miyuki that you’re overstraining yourself again. You’re our ace so we need you in your best condition. Don’t go repeating the same mistake and ended up running your body. You’re reliable as you are now. No need to do things beyond what you’re capable of. Just be yourself.”

Sawamura did not respond but stopped whatever he’s doing.

“Oi! Are you even listening?”

“And what about you, senpai?”

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you frustrated with how things are?”

“Well, that’s... There’s nothing much I can do about it. And besides, it’s not like I’m slacking off. I may be off the field but I’m still practicing regularly, you know.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to point out!” Sawamura replied back, his voice louder than the last time.

“Then what are you blabbering about? Just tell it to me straight, since that’s the only thing you’re good at anyway.” Kuramochi responded, slightly concerned now about his roommate’s behavior.

“Aren’t you frustrated that people keep on saying bad things behind your back? You didn’t do anything wrong! So why do you have to be the one to suffer over some things that other people did?”

Kuramochi was about to say something when he saw Sawamura crying. It’s not even the first time he saw the pitcher cried. But this time, it hurts. His heart ached at the sight of Sawamura crying – at the sight of Sawamura getting hurt because of his situation. And that’s when he realized the meaning behind the coach’s words. He can handle the pain when he’s the one getting hurt. But as it turns out, he can’t handle when the people he cares about were also hurting simply because he himself was hurting.

He clenched his fist tightly as he tried to hold back his tears. His roommate was hurting because of him. He did not think this kind of consequence would occur when he had decided not to tell the truth. He can’t cry right now. He felt like he had no right to.

“You idiot, if you want me to be frustrated, then why are you the one crying?” Kuramochi asked as he ruffled the younger boy’s messy hair.

“Because…” Sawamura started as he tried his best to form his words behind his intense sobbing.

Kuramochi waited for a while, his hand still on the boy’s head. He can still see tears trickling down the southpaw’s face.

“Because you’re not crying! So I’ll be the one to cry on your behalf! If it hurts me this much that people are saying bad things about you, then it must hurt even more for you! So I’ll cry for you! Because you’re an idiot too and you’re as stubborn as hell!” Sawamura bellowed as tears flowed even more, like a river as he crouched down onto the ground.

Kuramochi’s heart ached once more as the southpaw pitcher broke down in front of him. He found himself kneeling to the ground as he followed Sawamura’s movements. The next thing he knew, the younger boy was already wrapped around his arms as he continued crying while Kuramochi was rubbing the back of the boy.

Sawamura’s crying went on for about five minutes. Both of them stayed in their position until there was nothing that could be heard but silence. The next thing he knew, he can already feel the southpaw’s even breathing. It seemed that all the stress from being the ace plus this incident had worn the boy down. He noticed that his younger roommate had been getting an indecent amount of sleep as he’s been practicing until late at night and getting up slightly earlier than usual.

“Sleep, for now, Bakamura. I’ll inform the coach that you need some rest for now,” Kuramochi whispered to the boy as he carried him towards his own bunk bed.

He was ruffling the boy’s hair once more when he heard someone knocking at their door.

“Kuramochi? You still there?” Miyuki asked behind the door, his voice seemed concerned. “Is Sawamura there with you? He’s not at the field. The coach is already looking for him.”

Kuramochi opened their room to let Miyuki enter.

“Yeah, he’s here,” Kuramochi whispered as he looked in Sawamura’s direction.

Following Kuramochi’s gaze, he noticed a brown-haired boy sleeping soundly on Kuramochi’s bed.

“So, his body finally gave up, huh?” Miyuki sighed at the thought of being unable to help his battery partner.

“He was crying for a while before you arrived,” Kuramochi mentioned, slightly feeling down upon remembering Sawamura’s face.

Miyuki was surprised but he didn’t say any annoying remarks. He might be a total asshole but he knows when to be one.

“I didn’t know it was affecting him that much,” Kuramochi admitted as he scratched his head.

“Because you’re a stupid senpai,” Miyuki commented upon realizing what Kuramochi was talking about.

“Hey!”

“He needs a reliable senpai on his back and there’s no one he relies on more than you,” Miyuki added, ignoring Kuramochi’s reactions. “I even lost count of how many times he would try to look at his back whenever he’s pitching. He got so used to the fact that you’re standing behind him. You being not around might have added some pressure on him.”

“That’s…” Kuramochi started. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect that this would affect him so much.”

“So? What’re you gonna do now, vice-captain?”

“Shut up! I’ll do something about it! Now that I realized that it’s affecting people around me, I don’t have the time to slack off, do I?”

Miyuki giggled quietly so as not to wake Sawamura.

“Want me to help you? As your captain ?”

“Shut up, you megane bastard! That’s the last thing I want to hear from you!”

Then Miyuki laughed some more.

“You two are really so fun to tease. Geez. Why am I surrounded by selfless people?”

“Like you’re one to talk! Don’t even think for a second that we have already forgiven you for trying to hide your injury last year!”

“Yes. Yes. I’ll do my best to pay my debts, Kuramochi-kun.”

“You really are the worst. I’m stuck with you and Sawamura for the rest of my high school life, aren’t I?”

“Thanks!”

“Like I said, NOT-A-COMPLIMENT!”

******

Miyuki and Kuramochi left Sawamura sleeping. They both informed the coach about the boy’s condition. Clearly, the coach had noticed and thought it’s best to let their ace rest for now. Miyuki went back to practice with the other pitchers. Okumura, upon hearing that Sawamura was sleeping volunteered to bring him his dinner later that night.

Kuramochi, on the other hand, finally managed to make his own decision. He asked permission from the coach to pause his indoor practice for now. He explained to him that he finally understood what he was trying to say. The coach just smiled slightly and allowed the vice-captain to do whatever he has to do.

******

Luckily, Kuramochi managed to ask the first-year managers about the Asanuma sister and the club she belongs to. So without wasting any second, he went ahead and go to the gym where the volleyball team is having their practice.

He waited for around 10 minutes when he saw Asanuma walking outside the gym.

“Yo, Asanuma-kun,” Kuramochi called out as he went near to the first-year girl.

The girl was surprised upon seeing the third-year guy she saw abusing his brother.

“You! What’re you doing here? Are you trying to have your revenge because I reported you to the school?” Asanuma responded with a loud voice as she backed out from the approaching senpai.

“Are you stupid or something? If that’s my intention, I would have done that from the get-go. Geez. You really like jumping to your own conclusions, don’t you?” Kuramochi replied. Surprisingly, he can talk easily with this girl.

“What are you saying? I know what I saw!”

“And I’m telling you, you saw it wrong ! I didn’t do anything to your brother.”

“Then who did that to my brother, if not you?”

“Listen, I can sense that you really care about your brother. But don’t you think it’s not doing him any good if you let him hide under your shadows all the time?”

“Huh? I’m trying to help my brother! I’m trying to be a good sister to him. He’s always getting bullied back in middle school so I had to look after him!”

“See? That’s what I’m talking about. You went ahead and establish your so-called fact that your brother is weak. As I said, don’t jump to conclusions! What you are thinking might not be what it actually is!”

“I don’t have time for this. You barely know me and you barely know my brother. I know him more than you so who are you to say something so high and mighty about us!”

The girl turned her back at Kuramochi as she wanted to avoid further confrontation with him. Kuramochi only sighed and said the last thing he least wanted to say to the girl. Well, fuck it. Truth hurts and she has to hear it now.

“It’s not me who’s looking down on your brother. It’s you! You went ahead and assumed he can’t do anything by himself. You think you’re protecting him from harm but you’re doing the opposite. You convinced him he was weak and that he needs protection from his own little sister. He trusted every word you said and now he thinks of himself as weak. He’s always hiding at your back he felt so helpless. If you really want to support him, do not stand in his way! Just stay behind him! At least in baseball, that’s how fielders support their pitcher!”

Asanuma was on the verge of crying. Every word that Kuramochi said stabbed her heart like a knife. And as if it’s not enough, Kuramochi went ahead and said the words she doesn’t want to hear – she doesn’t want to realize.

“During those times that you tried sending away those bullies right in front of him, has he ever thanked you with gladness?”

The girl went silent. This guy, who they had met just for a few minutes was able to recognize the ugliness of their sibling relationship. And it’s tearing her apart now that someone has so kindly pointed out that what she’s doing is not right.

And then she remembered. She remembered all the memories of her brother saying thank you to her – were all filled with sadness. The memories flowed through her mind the same way the tears had flowed on her cheeks. She wiped her face as she faced Kuramochi once more.

The shortstop panicked slightly upon seeing the sight of a crying girl in front of her.

“Thank you, Kuramochi-senpai! I’ll talk to my brother once more. I’ll help him in a way that I will not be a hindrance to his life,” Asanuma spoke with glee as she bowed towards him.

“Well, it’s good that my words went through to your thick skull,” Kuramochi replied, trying to hide his embarrassment, unable to look at the girl.

“Now that I think about it, you’re quite cute when you’re acting like that,” Asanuma commented with a blushing face as she stuck her tongue out and then run away from the older boy.

“Huh?” Kuramochi was left alone unanswered as he blushed at the girl’s compliment.

He scratched his head and then decided to go back to practice.

Geez. I really don’t understand girls.

******

It was already 12 midnight by the time Sawamura woke up. He slept straight for seven hours. He realized he was sleeping on Kuramochi’s bunk bed as he seated himself on the bed. He also noticed the food on top of his desk as some moonlight reached the room. It was completely silent and he had noticed that all of his roommates were sleeping soundly.

After about ten minutes of silence and pondering. Sawamura figured out the next thing he needed to do. He searched for his phone, picked up his jacket, put on his shoes, and went outside their room.

He then dialed his phone and contacted Yoshikawa. He dialed three times before the call went through.

“Sawamura-kun? Why are you calling so late? Did something happen?” Yoshikawa asked, slightly worried.

“Sorry, Yoshikawa. I know I’m being a bother right now but there’s something I really have to do and you’re the only one I thought of that could possibly help me,” Sawamura replied, bowing slightly despite the fact that Yoshikawa was not seeing him.

“Sure, if there’s anything I can help you with. I’ll be glad to do so, Sawamura-kun.”

“Thanks, Yoshikawa. I knew I can count on you. Actually…”

******

The next morning, the whole Seidou baseball team was in a panic. Kuramochi had announced to the team that Sawamura was nowhere to be found. According to him, his running shoes were not inside their room, and also his phone was nowhere to be found. He tried calling him but the number was currently unreachable.

Kuramochi was so worried about his idiot roommate that he ended up informing the coach and Takashima without consulting Miyuki. Of course, now that the coaching staff had known, there’s no way that Sawamura would go unpunished. But that’s not the time to think about it. Sawamura was nowhere to be found and they can’t reach him through his phone.

Coach Kataoka and Takashima requested a copy of last night’s record of CCTV and there they discovered that Sawamura had indeed sneaked out of the school grounds. He was wearing grey sweatpants, his Seidou jacket, and his running shoes.

Miyuki and Kuramochi, who also volunteered to check the CCTV together couldn’t help but curse At Sawamura’s stupidity.

“That idiot, just where does he think he’s going?” Miyuki whispered in a worried tone, his fist clenched tightly as he watched once again the footage of Sawamura trying to sneak outside the Seidou grounds.

As much as he’d like to think he already knew the boy so well, he was drawing nothing but a blank conclusion as to where Sawamura might be heading.

“A multitude of hours already passed, I think it would be better to inform the school and the authority about the boy’s disappearance, don’t you think?” said the security guard who had just barely started his shift.

Kataoka and Takashima looked at one another and they both nodded. I’ll talk to the director and call the police. Takashima, please contact Sawamura’s parents as soon as possible.

The talk of the school’s director, police, and Sawamura’s parents made Miyuki and Kuramochi flinch. The other guys, led by Zono, were still trying to search the entire Seidou grounds just in case Sawamura came back. All their phones are ready.

Oi, you idiot! What do you think you’re doing? Just hurry and show up!

Kuramochi felt helpless as he tried to pray to any gods who can hear him.

Please, just bring Sawamura back to us. I don’t care if I won’t be able to play baseball at Kōshien, just bring him back safely to us. That’s all I’m asking for.

And then with some sort of miracle, or the gods might have heard his prayer, Kuramochi’s phone rang. Miyuki suddenly went alert as Kuramochi immediately answered the phone.

“We found Sawamura! Asanuma’s family escorted him back to school! We’re in front of the school gate,” Zono bellowed. “Quick, inform Coach Kataoka and Takashima-san right now!”

Asanuma? Why them? Did that idiot go to their house or something to convince them that I’m not the culprit?

Kuramochi was dumbfounded, his knees felt weak. Fortunately, Miyuki heard Zono’s very loud voice that he ran in the direction of Coach Kataoka and informed Takashima on his way that Sawamura was already found. Thankfully, Takashima was just about to contact Sawamura’s family as it took some time to search for his emergency contacts.

Miyuki ran so fast he could give Kuramochi a run for his money. Upon hearing that Sawamura has returned and where he was right now, Coach Kataoka walked immediately towards the school gate.

The rest of the team was already at the front of the school gate when the coach, Miyuki, Takashima, and Kuramochi arrived. There was a car at the front gate and there they saw Zono and Ono trying to escort Sawamura out.

But clearly, there was something wrong. In the first place, why do they need to assist Sawamura when all he had to do is step outside the car… Unless…

Before Kuramochi could finish his thoughts, he ran towards the car to see for himself how Sawamura is doing. By the time he reached the car, Asanuma-san, the mother of the two siblings stepped outside and did something he least expect her to do.

When Miyuki, Kataoka, and Takashima arrived, Asanuma-san bowed her head politely.

“I apologize for the inconvenience that our family had caused you and your entire team. Sawamura-kun apparently went to our house late at night because he wanted to talk to my son. He convinced my son to tell me the truth and we had a proper talk. He already told me the truth that it wasn’t Kuramochi-kun who was bullying him.”

But clearly, that doesn’t explain the fact why Sawamura seemed out of it. When they tried to pull Sawamura outside of the car, he was unable to stand as he leaned his entire weight towards Zono. His breathing was uneven, his eyes closed and he was clearly in pain. Upon realizing the warmth emanating from Sawamura, Zono placed his vacant hand on Sawamura’s forehead.

“Coach! Sawamura’s burning up. I think he’s having a high fever,” Zono commented.

Upon hearing that Sawamura needed immediate medical attention, he asked Zono and Ono to take Sawamura to the school’s clinic. Takashima assisted the two as she tried to contact the school nurse ahead of time. Some of the team members took action as well. Miyuki instructed some of the members to follow Zono and the rest and check if there’s enough medicine in the clinic. He advised others to ask the cafeteria staff to prepare food for their ace. He also asked Asada, Okumura, and some of the first years to get his roommate some change of clothes for it might be possible that he will be staying at the infirmary for a while.

“Asanuma-san, I would prefer it if you will explain things to me in detail,” Coach Kataoka stated as he motioned her to follow him at his office.

“Kuramochi-kun,” Asanuma-san called. “I think it would be best for you to hear what we have to say.”

“We?” Kuramochi asked but he was answered when the two siblings stepped outside the car as well, bowing politely towards him.

Kuramochi just nodded and silently followed the coach and the Asanuma family. In all honesty, he’d rather be by Sawamura’s side. He‘d even forgotten about the fact that his name was finally cleared and that he can officially resume his club activities.

******

It took them 30 minutes to talk about what transpired since Sawamura’s disappearance. Both the Asanuma siblings, Shin and Akira, apologized at Kuramochi. He easily forgave the two and stepped outside the coach’s office as soon as he was allowed to go now.

Because of what transpired early that morning, the entire practice was canceled and had to be resumed in the afternoon instead. Kuramochi went straight to the school clinic without changing to his uniform. By the time he arrived, Okumura, Asada, Furuya, Haruichi, and Miyuki were still there.

The freshmen together with Haruichi were giving Sawamura an ice bath as they try to bring down his fever. Fortunately, the school nurse was already around. According to the nurse, Sawamura was suffering from a cold and fever.

“I’ve noticed that the boy seemed suffering from fatigue and lack of sleep. It might have lowered down his immune system, plus he stayed outside for long hours. No wonder he got sick,” the nurse explained as Okumura and the rest busied themselves in wiping the pitcher’s body with a cold towel.

“This kid! How much of an idiot can he be?” Miyuki sighed, he’s had enough stress encountered in a single day. “I’ll go tell the others about Sawamura’s condition. We only have half an hour before class starts. Furuya, just inform your teachers that this idiot will not be around for a few days.”

Furuya just nodded. Before Miyuki exited the clinic, he tapped Kuramochi’s shoulder.

“Stop blaming yourself. Sawamura did this on his own accord. You know how extreme he can be. You wouldn’t have known so stop making that face. He did this so you can go back to the field with us. Just… thank the kid for what he’s done, yeah? And maybe smack him in the head so hard he wouldn’t try to pull off this kind of stunt ever again. But do that when he’s better, okay?” Miyuki advised as he smirked slightly at the thought of Kuramochi trying all sorts of wrestling moves he learned the past few weeks.

Kuramochi was already thinking of the cruelest way he could punish Sawamura for worrying the entire team when Miyuki spoke by the time he was already at the door.

“Oh, by the way, Kuramochi-kun. I know you were really worried about your adorable roommate but you don’t have any intention to attend our class in that outfit, do you?”

The shortstop blushed as soon as he realized that he’s still wearing his sleeping outfit. Asada and Haruichi laughed a little bit when they saw Kuramochi’s reaction.

“Shut up! I was just checking the kid! I’ll change my uniform, what are you, my mother??” Kuramochi exclaimed as soon as he heard Miyuki’s annoying laugh.

******

It took 3 days for Sawamura to finally recover. He was finally able to get some sleep and he’s no longer pushing himself too much. In fact, Sawamura feels relaxed now that Kuramochi is back. The southpaw pitcher was loud and obnoxious as ever in the bullpen and his shout reverberated across the field. It’s surprising how perky Sawamura is considering he received a lot of reprimanding from the coach and Takashima. The captain and the vice-captains scolded him too. Even Nabe and Ono, who were usually forgiving of him pinched his cheeks at both sides for worrying the whole team.

Of course, he also had to face his best friend’s wrath that he had to sit in seiza sitting position as he listened to Haruichi’s complaints of his reckless behavior. Sawamura had to apologize multiple times.

But after Kuramochi scolded him as his vice-captain, Kuramochi apologized to the team also for causing them inconvenience. He knew quite well that this all started to begin with because of his nosy nature. He also shared some of Sawamura’s punishments especially the punishment from Haruichi. Clearly, the second baseman was sort of pissed with Kuramochi upon learning the truth. As for the punishment, “you don’t really need to know” is what the two would say whenever the other teammates would ask them what punishment the younger Kominato had given.

Right after practice, some of the first-string members were still hanging around the field when the Asanuma siblings approached Sawamura and Kuramochi who was busy performing his newly learned wrestling moves towards the younger.

“Kuramochi-senpai! Please stop! I give up! I give up!” Sawamura shouted as his upper and lower body bent in weird directions.

“You really should learn how to respect your senpai, you know!” Kuramochi commented, slightly proud of his new wrestling move.

“Ahem!” Akira cleared her throat to somehow remind the two roommates of their presence.

“Oh! Akira! Shin! What brought you here?” Sawamura beamed at them, still under Kuramochi’s grasp.

Kuramochi suddenly released Sawamura which made the poor pitcher fall to the ground.

“Y-Yo, imouto-san,” Kuramochi greeted awkwardly, his face slightly blushing.

Akira drew nearer towards Kuramochi as she tried to observe the older boy.

“Hmmm… I see. So you and Sawamura-senpai are close,” Akira said teasingly.

“Huh? No, we’re not! There must be something wrong in your head if you’re saying that!” Kuramochi shouted, his face blushing some more to which the girl simply giggled.

“So you’ve noticed. That’s right, Asanuma-san. Those two are indeed quite close. Almost like brothers, if you’d ask me,” Haruichi interjected.

“Wha – Haruichi!! What’re you talking about??” Kuramochi bellowed as he shifted his gaze towards the pink-haired boy while Miyuki sniggered in the background. “You four-eyes! You shut up, too!”

“Yes, I can see that Kominato-senpai,” Akira replied without hesitation. “I see. So the pitcher you’re referring to was Sawamura-senpai, huh?”

“That’s… I’m referring to the baseball game as a whole,” Kuramochi replied awkwardly.

“Sure. Whatever you say,” Akira added and laughed some more.

“S-So, what brings you here?” Kuramochi asked, trying to change the subject.

“Apparently, my brother here wants to say something to Sawamura-senpai.”

“Eh? What is it, Shin?” Sawamura asked, upon hearing what Akira had said.

“Uh… Thank you for helping me out! For telling me to be brave! I was really happy when you went to our house that day. I was glad I met someone like you,” Shin mentioned, his face was totally red.

Judging from Shin’s expression, it was very clear that the boy had a crush on Sawamura. But it’s the southpaw pitcher they are talking about. Of course, he’d be too oblivious to notice.

Sawamura just laughed as he wrapped his arms around the other boy’s shoulder. The boy’s face turned as red as a tomato and it was an awkward sight to see, especially for the first-string members. Akira and Haruichi, on the other hand, seemed to be having fun with the scene unfolding in front of their eyes.

“No need to thank me! I’m just glad you managed to find the courage to do what’s right. You should be proud of yourself!” Sawamura replied, his arms still on top of the boy’s shoulder.

There it is. Sawamura’s unimaginable incapability of reading the atmosphere.

...is what the rest of the team thought as the boy kept on fidgeting with his crush on his side and showing him a great smile.

And then a sudden thought crossed Shin’s mind. Since he gained courage through the help of Sawamura, he might as well use it to confess his feelings for him.

“E-Eijun!” Shin shouted as he escaped Sawamura’s touch and turned to face him.

‘Eijun’??

The first-string members flinched at the sight as they already had some sort of idea as to what was about to happen.

“I really like you. A lot. Please marry me!!!” Shin shouted with all his might as he grasped Sawamura’s left hand and put his other hand on the other boy’s hips.

And there was an awkward silence. Even Akira was left speechless upon hearing the bold confessions of her brother.

“Huh? What’re you talking about??” Sawamura blurted out, totally flustered as he tried to escape the boy’s sudden advance. “I can’t marry you!”

“If you’re concerned about the two of us being boys, we can get married in the US!”

“That’s not the point!”

Eh? So that’s not the point??

“Then, what’s the problem, Eijun?”

“I can’t marry you because I don’t like you that way!” Sawamura exclaimed, his face blushing more than ever as he tried to remove himself from Shin’s grasp. “Besides, we barely know each other, how are you even so sure that you love me? Get a grip, will you?”

Wait a minute!!

Miyuki, Kuramochi, Furuya, and Haruichi were already moving their way between the two. Sawamura was at a loss for words now. He probably didn’t expect Shin to be so straightforward. Meanwhile, Miyuki and Kuramochi were already in senpai mode, Furuya was emanating his aura while Haruichi is starting to awaken his dark angel mode.

“Shin-chan,” Haruichi started. “Aren’t you skipping a lot of steps there? Maybe you can try to start at the very bottom.”

“Y-Yeah,” Miyuki agreed awkwardly as he tried to pacify the situation, quite unsure why this was happening in the first place. “Sawamura’s quite busy with the upcoming Kōshien so he really shouldn’t be bothered with complicated relationships right now.”

“You sneaky bastard! You need to get over me first if you want to ask the hand of our idiotic ace!” Kuramochi added.

Furuya, too speechless to speak up, just ended up agreeing to whatever everyone has to say.

It took me almost two years to call him ‘Eijun’ and this guy just casually called him by his given name.

“Okay! Everyone!! Calm down!!” Akira shouted as she saw the chaos unfolding in front of her. “First, let me talk to this brother of mine. And you guys, check Sawamura-senpai. I think he might’ve crossed over the river of death.”

All the baseball dorks turned their gaze at Sawamura. He was still speechless, his face was totally red and he seemed unable to comprehend what just happened.

“Oh, crap! Sawamura’s head just short-circuited,” Kanemaru commented upon seeing the pitcher’s face.

“Oi. Sawamura, come back to us,” Kuramochi said as he swayed his hand in front of the pitcher.

The pitcher came back to his senses after a few seconds. Akira had already pulled his brother away from the team as she tried to talk some sense into him.

“Hey! Are you alright?” Kuramochi asked once again.

Sawamura was silent for a moment, his face showing anxiousness. Apparently, it was just a by-product of adrenaline’s rush that Shin had mistaken his admiration for Sawamura as a deeper attraction. He apologized to Sawamura for almost harassing him in front of his teammates.

That chaos that day became known within the baseball team but they’re thankful it didn’t result in something bigger. They had just dealt with Kuramochi’s suspension and Sawamura’s sudden disappearance. Quite frankly, another incident would be a pain in the ass.

******

“Kuramochi-senpai!!” Sawamura shouted as he flung himself on his roommate’s hips as soon as they arrived at their room. “Uwah!!! I was so scared!!!”

“Stop clinging to me, Bakamura!” Kuramochi replied annoyingly. “What’s your problem!?”

“If Shin had been serious about his feelings for me, I would’ve ended up hurting him, wouldn’t I?” Sawamura said, his face buried on Kuramochi’s abdomen.

“Geez. You’re the one who got almost harassed and you’re still thinking about his well-being,” Kuramochi whispered gently as he ruffled the boy’s hair. “You’re kind-hearted to a fault.”

“Hmm? Did you say something?” Sawamura asked as he lifted his head to look at Kuramochi, there were still some tears left in his eyes.

Really, what a troublesome little brother of mine.

“Want to play a game?” Kuramochi asked.

“Of course!” Sawamura just beamed in response.

#daiya no ace #dna #diamond no ace #ace of diamond #dna fanfic #daiya no ace fanfic #fanfic #anime fanfic #ao3 fanfic #artless #fluff and angst #fluff and comfort #sawamura eijun #kuramochi youichi #miyuki kazuya #furuya satoru #kominato haruichi #kanemaru shinji #sawamura eijun & kuramochi youichi

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kurr-dappya · 6 years

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Gosh wreckingball. I'm so inlove with the idea of Sawamura as a king candidate and knights pledging their loyalties to him.

THAT SCENE WHERE TOUJO AND AND KANEMARU KNELT BEFORE HIM WAS THE SHIT OMG. I FELT MY HEART SWELL.

#Miyusawa #diamond no ace #daiya no a #sawamura eijun #miyuki Kazuya #Toujo Hideaki #Kanemaru Shinji #Miyusawa wreckingball #fanfic #Miyusawa fanfic #Misawa

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queenofmoons67 · 6 years

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strike the match (let it all burn)

Hi everyone! I'm so happy to be back with another (much longer) addition to my "we are the challengers (plus ultra!)" verse! And by much longer, I mean this baby comes in at 5,677 words with another 3,267 in the omakes. If you would prefer to read it on AO3, you can find it here.

Thank you so much to @bookdancerfics for your help editing, it wouldn’t be what it is now without you.

Summary: Eijun, Furuya, Haruichi, and Raichi find themselves in the middle of a hostage situation.

A few things to know for those who haven't read the verse:

(1) it started as a list of quirks (basically superpowers) for DNA characters. that grew into a second list for Act II characters, as well as two short fics and a drabble. they can all be found under my "we are the challengers (plus ultra!)" tag.

(2) you do not need to have read the rest of the verse to enjoy this fic.

A few things to know for "strike the match (let it all burn)":

(1) quirks: Eijun (lion and house cat), Haruichi and Ryou (rose), Furuya (bonfire), Raichi (smoke and sparks), Kataoka (doberman), Kuramochi (cheetah camo), Miyuki (quirkless), Zono (oak tree), Toujou (rock), Chris (weakness reading), Asada (quirkless)

(2) this is the only fic for this AU so far that remotely qualifies as a crossover with BNHA, though the only two characters (Endeavor and Todoroki Shouto) only do so for a short while, despite being the reason this fic exists. if you aren't familiar with them, don't worry. all you need to know is: Endeavor is the number two hero and Shouto is his son. this fic takes place during a time that Shouto (usually attending a hero school) is doing field work with Endeavor at his hero agency near Tokyo.

I hope you all enjoy!

Raichi hummed under his breath as he bounced along to the restroom. One of the Seido managers had been kind enough to point him the right way, Yakushi was on a long winning streak even before the fall season started, and his dad had promised katsudon if they continued that streak with today's practice game. Life was good and, as he opened the bathroom door to find two of his favorite pitchers, he realized it was about to get even better.

"Furuya!" he exclaimed, eyes lighting up with glee to match the smoke now emanating from his palms in excitement. "And Sawamura! And -" Raichi frowned at the third Seido player. He looked familiar, with his rose petal hair, but he couldn't quite place him.

Rose Petal gave him a short bow, introducing himself with a quiet, "Kominato Haruichi, Todoroki-kun. Seido's second baseman."

Now Raichi remembered him.

"Devil boy!"

Sawamura and Kominato both choked, though for different reasons - the former was definitely holding back a laugh, which made Raichi beam even brighter than before. His cheeks were starting to hurt, but they always did during games. Sanada-senpai said it was because he was using his muscles.

Rose Petal - Kominato - opened his mouth to say something, but the door slamming open behind Raichi cut him off.

"Oi, boss," someone growled. "There are three other runts in here."

Ahead of Raichi, Kominato's eyes went wide and thorns began growing from his arms. Sawamura's tail was stiff, almost hiding behind him, while his ears laid back and his eyes became slits. A half threatening, half frightened rumble sounded from the pitcher's chest. Next to them, Furuya went completely still.

Faced with all of this, Raichi's smile fell, and he didn't want to turn around. He didn't get a choice. Thick fingers - the kind that came from pressing two hundred pounds a day - wrapped around his arm and spun him around.

"Hello, Todoroki brat," a second voice sneered.

Eijun just wanted a bathroom break. That was it. He didn't want yet another run in with an opposing player in the bathroom - honestly, was this a shounen manga or something? And he definitely didn't want three giant men bursting through the door, grabbing said opposing player, and roughly tying him up, all while pointing guns at him and his friends.

He could feel Harruchi's thorns pricking into his skin on one side, and the heat that came before Furuya's flames on the other.

"Calm down," he muttered - to himself or his friends, he wasn't sure. "Calm down, calm down, calm -"

Furuya burst into flames. They roared off him like someone tossed a match onto dry kindle, uncontrollable and frightening. Eijun had seen Furuya out of control before, but never anything like this. With a yelp, he leapt away and dragged Harruchi with him.

The move brought them closer to Raichi, who stared at Furuya with something almost like envy in his eyes. Next to the Yakushi player, two of the men stared between the pitcher and batter in confusion.

"Hey, uh, boss?" the first one said.

Eijun grit his teeth at hearing his shogun's nickname addressed to someone else, but pricked his ears.

"What?"

"You're sure the one only creating smoke is Endeavor's nephew, and not the one currently on fire?"

Eijun gaped and turned to Harruchi to see if he'd caught the name drop.

"Yes," the middle man - 'boss' - grunted. His tiger tail swished restlessly. "The file said he was short, had a scar on his cheek, and went to Yakushi. That's him alright."

"But -" the second man started, skin rolling around his arm in weird waves.

"But nothing! We need to get out of here before anyone else -"

"Sa - wa - mu - ra!" Kanemaru's irate voice called. "Bakamura, does it honestly take this long to use the bathroom? Miyuki-senpai and Kuramochi-senpai are looking for you!"

The door handle started to jiggle, and then it vanished under a coat of - was that skin? Eijun looked to the second henchman. His arm was still pointed at the door, skin settling back in place. What was on the door seemed to have hardened, and Kanemaru cursed.

"Oi, Bakamura! Did you lock it?"

Did the man's skin work like glue?

"Tell him to go away," the first voice hissed.

Eijun felt something prick the tender spot under his chin even as Harruchi whimpered, "Eijun-kun."

He looked down with his eyes, not daring to move his head. The first man's hand rested under his chin, porcupine quills coaxing beads of blood to roll down his throat, hot and burning.

Furuya shook with anger. From the looks of it, he wouldn't be any help, as everything the other pitcher had went to controlling his fire.

On the floor, Raichi lay absolutely still. The only exceptions were the occasional sparks that flew from his fingertips.

Eijun closed his eyes for a moment. With both lion and house cat blood, he had always had exceptional hearing, even for a cat. He could hear Kanemaru's cursing and shouting outside. The crackle of Furuya's fire and the snick as Harruchi produced more thorns. Raichi's heavy breathing. The rumbling growl within the tiger's throat.

What was it he had said? They wanted Raichi because he was related to Endeavor. Endeavor was the number two hero. Hero. Kidnapping. Revenge? Blackmail? Eijun didn't know the motive. What he did know… what he did know was that if he let Raichi leave the bathroom with these thugs, he might never face him in baseball again. The same consequence applied if he didn't obey their captors, here and now.

Opening his eyes, Eijun looked at the porcupine with, he hoped, a bit of fear. The quills backed off enough that he could talk, and Eijun opened his mouth.

"KIDNAPPERS!" Eijun-kun roared at the top of his lungs.

The man with the porcupine quirk lunged forward in an attempt to silence him, but Haruichi pulled Eijun-kun back and put up an entire arm full of thorns. The thug - kidnapper - scrambled to come to a halt before he ran into them. Taking the opportunity, Haruichi snagged Todoroki's jacket in one hand and walked backwards, using his thorns to ward off the kidnappers. Eijun-kun stumbled along behind him.

The man with the tiger quirk stepped forward, apparently deciding to just deal with the thorns. Haruichi glanced at Furuya, and the burning boy stepped forward with a fierce glare. His fire would keep the kidnappers back for now. He may not have enough control to be offensive yet, but defense he could do.

Sure enough, the three kidnappers came to a halt just in time for them to hear Kanemaru running away, yelling for someone to call the police.

"Good job, Eijun-kun," Haruichi murmured. He used his thorns to tear a strip off his jersey and pressed it to his friend's throat. "Now, can you untie Todoroki-kun?"

Satoru felt numb. His body had been continuously producing flames for about fifteen minutes, first because he had no choice and then because they were the main defense. If his flames fell, Todoroki would be kidnapped. He and his friends would likely be killed. They had to stay up, and to further deter the kidnappers, he had to stare them down and pretend he could control them. It meant the only things he knew about his friends came from their words.

Harruchi muttered to himself for now. From the sound of it, he was trying to strategize an escape using his batting strategies.

At the same time, Sawamura and Todoroki plotted loudly, uselessly, and disruptively. Once untied, it hadn't taken long for the opposing player to bounce back when faced with Sawamura's optimism. It left Satoru and Harruchi at wit's end - but thankfully, it also seemed to befuddle the would be kidnappers.

"Then I go -" Todoroki made an explosion noise "- and then you go -" that one was probably supposed to be a lion roar "- and your friends run and we follow!"

Sawamura hollered in excitement. The porcupine guy shook his head as if to clear cobwebs. Harruchi made soothing sounds.

Satoru just grunted. If they made a feasible plan, he was all for it. The problem with feasibility, though, was that it probably required the kidnappers to not know the plan beforehand. And with each plan being more extravagant than the last that seemed less and less likely.

Sawamura suddenly grew silent behind him with a hissed "hush!" to Todoroki, and Satoru jolted. Had they finally come up with a good plan?

"Footsteps," his rival murmured. "Outside. One is… shogun."

Todoroki made a questioning noise, to which Harruchi muttered an answer too low for Satoru to understand. He focused instead on glaring at the kidnappers, who now looked suspicious at the silence.

Or at least, they did until the footsteps Sawamura had heard became loud enough for all of them to hear.

Raichi stared at Sawamura as the pitcher cocked his head, lion ears swivelling this way and that.

Making up plans had been fun. It had distracted him from his stint being tied up, which he thought might have been the goal. He didn't know Sawamura well enough to know if that was true or not, but it seemed likely. Especially seeing how serious he was now…

"Heavy combat boots?" the lion murmured. "Police, probably. Though I don't think they'll be able to open that door, what with the glue quirk and all."

"Our captors are probably counting on it," Kominato replied. "Otherwise they would have given up and left before the police got here. They still think they have a chance at their goal; they just switched from kidnapping to a hostage situation since they can't reach us."

"Why haven't they shot me?" someone asked, and Raichi realized with a start that the monster pitcher had spoken. "If they shot me, they could have reached you all and gotten out before the police arrived."

"But not easily," Kominato pointed out. Raichi figured he'd been thinking about the same question this entire time. "Shoot you, or any of us, and they'll be shown no mercy while also attracting more and better heroes. That's the last thing they need when they already want Endeavor's attention."

Raichi grumbled at the reminder. "We're not even related anymore… he and my dad mutually disowned each other before I was even born. Something about each thinking the other was a -" he spit out a word he didn't know the meaning of. It wasn't Japanese, and his dad only used it when he was really drunk and thinking of his brother. Still, he knew it was bad, and was proven that by Sawamura's confused look and Kominato's wide-eyes.

Kominato recovered first.

"I don't think their bad relationship is gonna stop the kidnappers, because it'll still be effective."

Raichi sighed, but nodded. He knew what the other was getting at.

"No one else will care about the bad relationship. Endeavor can't leave a bunch of kids to be hostages, because the public would tear him apart. He'd fall from being the number two hero in an instant. The fact that it's not just me would make it worse."

The instant Raichi fell silent, Eijun's ears picked up a new sound: the cocking of a gun. He had never heard it outside of television before, but the way it sent shivers down his spine to vibrate through his tail was undeniable.

He stood slowly. He didn't know what he was going to do, just that he had to do something.

Harruchi reached out to grab his jersey, probably to stop him, but Eijun just shook him off and kept moving. A hand grasped his pant leg, and he let it. Right now, it grounded him a bit so he wasn't just running on instinct.

Peering around Furuya's fire brought him face to face with the barrel of a gun. Eijun let out a startled hiss and stepped back, though all it caused was the glue guy - the one holding the gun - to smirk.

"You want the kids?" the leader called, leaning in close to the door. "Tell Endeavor we want one hundred and twenty million yen from his personal accounts for the return of his nephew and friends. Once it's here, leave it at the door. If I open the door to any police, one of the kids gets shot. To show that I'm serious -" he nodded at the glue guy.

There was the sound of scrambling from behind the door, a blurted "Wait!", and the gun went off.

Furuya yelped and rocked back on his heels, but otherwise stood his ground. The hand in Eijun's pant leg twisted tighter, someone else latched on, and Eijun almost fell. Maybe they were trying to pull him down. Maybe they just panicked. But whatever it was, Eijun's tail lashed in an attempt to balance himself again and, instead, intercepted the bullet in mid-air.

Eijun yowled in pain as he felt the two connect. The sound tore at his throat and, as he fell to the ground, he saw Furuya flinch and cover his ears. It was a sound that he hadn't made since he was a kid, falling out of trees and scraping his knees. It was a sound that was supposed to gather his pride. But in this situation, that was impossible. The only pack member there was Harruchi.

And yet, as he hit the ground, he felt hands gathering him into a lap and saw furious pink eyes above him. The only one able to respond had done so, and he would never leave him. That was the promise of a pride.

Haruichi's hands shook as he ran fingers through Eijun-kun's hair. The bangs were wet with sweat, though thankfully not blood, as he'd managed to cushion his friend's fall.

"Knock on the door twice if you understand."

There was a pause, but the two knocks came quickly. Haruichi guessed the police were as shaken by the events as they were. He hadn't thought the would be kidnappers would actually shoot one of them, let alone aim for the only one with a connection to Endeavor. Though, granted, he didn't know exactly where it would have hit since Eijun-kun's tail… For all he knew the bullet was supposed to miss. After all, both the police and the heroes would be even more pissed now.

Haruichi looked down at the tail. Todoroki's fingers shook even more than his own as he tied a torn piece of jersey over the deep groove the bullet had carved. The Yakushi player had reverted back to his shy self with the turn of events - not that Haruichi could blame him. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to curl up in his aniki's arms. But that wasn't possible. He had to stay strong for -

The light in the bathroom flickered. Startled, Haruichi tore his gaze off of Eijun-kun and Todoroki to look up.

It wasn't the lighting that faltered, it was the fire. Even as he watched, Furuya's legs buckled and he fell to his knees, flames only half as strong as they originally were.

"Furuya," Eijun-kun whimpered worriedly.

Haruichi pet him some more to try and calm him, but he felt the same way. It had to have been almost thirty minutes now. The adrenaline rush that had fueled the fire at first was probably long gone, and Furuya had never kept it going for so long after. He had to be nearing exhaustion at this point.

With Eijun-kun down for now - while not a serious injury, it was to one of the most sensitive parts of a cat - and with Todoroki being the main target, they might need Furuya's flames later. While the guns were a big problem, plus the glue on the door they didn't know how to get off, it would be best to have a greater arsenal… right?

Trusting Furuya's flames to hide them, he bent down over Eijun-kun and beckoned for Todoroki to join them as he whispered his plan.

Satoru knelt in a bathroom stall, hands tied behind his back. At Harruchi's word, he had finally allowed his flames to die. The result was that he was slowly gaining back energy, but also that - with the protection of fire gone - the four of them had been separated into their own stalls and tied up. They couldn't see one another, but their captors could clearly see them. On top of that, all the toilets were western style, so they couldn't just sit on the floor and communicate through touch.

They had gained a few things, but in their current situation, they seemed rather small: Once Satoru had enough energy, he'd be able to burn through his ropes with his flames; Harruchi actually wasn't tied up due to his thorns preventing any of their captors from getting close to him; Sawamura was now sitting up instead of lying on a dirty bathroom floor; and lastly, if the police or heroes decided to burst through the door, they all had at least a little bit of protection.

Still, the fact they had to do so made him… he didn't know how to feel. On the one hand, he wasn't powerful enough to protect his friends. On the other, he appreciated that they recognised that and helped him. They didn't hold him accountable, and -

"Hello?" someone called from behind the bathroom door.

Satoru stiffened and tested his flames. He was so on edge right now that they simmered there, easily reachable, just below the surface. Only the fact he was so low on power prevented them from flaming non-stop.

"Hello? Who's in charge?" The longer sentence, though still muffled by the door, made the speaker clear. Satoru relaxed on his seat. It was Kataoka-kantoku. He had completely forgotten that Sawamura had identified his footsteps before, and must have been worried this entire time after the gunshot and cry. He wondered which of the policemen had held their coach back from storming the bathroom. It certainly hadn't been Takashima-sensei, who Sawamura hadn't heard and, though he didn't know her well, probably would have joined Kataoka-kantoku.

"Me," the tiger spoke gruffly.

"My name is Kataoka Tesshin. I was wondering if you needed a first aid kit or a doctor, for the fifteen year old boy in there you shot."

Raichi had listened with wide eyes to the Seido coach, but at those last words, he couldn't stay still and silent. He had retreated into himself after Sawamura was shot, but sitting by himself had done him some good: It had let him stew in his anger, both at their captors and at himself for the gun being fired in the first place. Now, he could finally do something about it.

"Sawamura's fine, coach!" he yelled, and cackled when glue-guy whirled on him.

He didn't have those eyes on him for long, though, because Sawamura himself called from the stall beside him, "Worry more 'bout Furuya, shogun; he's used up all his energy for pitching already!"

There was a choking sound from Kominato's stall, and an outraged cry from Furuya's.

Silence came from outside, before - "We can worry about that the practice game later, Sawamura. For now, I'm just glad you're alright." The voice was soft, and it invoked softness in return. Raichi imagined that if he closed his eyes, he would feel like he was curled up with a dog, running his fingers through its fur. Safe. Protected.

Raichi let out a cackle and pretended he wasn't awkwardly wiping away tears with his shoulder.

Endeavor arrived with a bang. Apparently, even glue created by a quirk wasn't strong enough to resist his fire, and he melted it in no time. One second, even Eijun could only just make out the sound of movement and mumbling, the next, the door was kicked in.

Eijun watched as the leader pulled out some kind of special gun, but he never even had the chance to fire it. Endeavor punched them all unconscious first.

Striding in behind him came a teenager, probably around their age, with red and white hair and wearing a jumpsuit as a hero costume. He looked between the four of them and, ultimately, headed straight for Eijun. It was probably the bandaged tail.

"Are you comfortable on the toilet, or would you prefer to wait for the paramedics on the floor?"

Yeah. It was definitely the bandaged tail.

"No, uh, I can walk to them," Eijun insisted, and stood up to prove it. He swayed a bit on his feet, but ultimately stayed upright and stepped out of the stall, hands still tied and all. All that time on the field where his tail was, essentially, illegal, had paid off in better balance without it. "My teammate Furuya, though, probably needs -"

"Shut up, Eijun-kun," Harruchi said sweetly, appearing out of nowhere to stand at his elbow. "Furuya-kun is exhausted, yes, but you're the one who was shot."

"Let us take care of you," Raichi added hotly, jumping to stand on his other side.

"Mm," Furuya nodded as he stepped up right into Eijun's face. Like Raichi and Eijun, his hands were still tied, but that didn't stop him from being intimidating. The action forced Eijun to either sit back down on the floor or be in someone else's space.

Eijun sat back down.

Things moved pretty quickly after that. Todoroki Shouto, as he introduced himself, was only left to watch over them for as long as it took the police and Endeavor to escort their captors out of the bathroom. Once that was done, Haruichi found himself being wrapped in a shock blanket and a policeman trying to move him and the others away from Eijun-kun.

After everything they had been through, they seriously thought he was just going to leave?

Haruichi let his arms grow thorns even as his legs grew roots and he, quite literally, planted himself to the bathroom floor.

Putting his hands on his hips, he gave them the most menacing glare he'd ever seen from his aniki and said, "I'm part of Eijun-kun's pride, so for as long as he wants me here, I'm not leaving."

The policeman stared at him, then looked to another officer and asked, "Captain?"

Said captain stepped forward with a flick of his lion tail, and Haruichi practically collapsed in relief. Surely the older lion would completely understand, and -

"No."

Haruichi swore he felt a petal die. "No?"

"You're not a lion," the captain pointed out. "You're not even another cat. How could you be part of his pride?"

Haruichi had made it through almost an hour of being held hostage, but it was now that he truly felt the urge to kill someone.

"Excuse me?" he asked, ever so sweetly.

The captain opened his mouth, but then paused. Good. At least he wasn't an idiot.

"We still need to take your statement," he said slowly.

Nevermind, he was a complete idiot and Haruichi was going to -

"Can't you just take his with Sawamura's?" Takashima-sensei asked, appearing out of absolutely nowhere. Addressing Haruichi, she added, "Kataoka has gone with Furuya to stand in as guardian. The elder Todoroki will go with his son, and I'm here to act as guardian for you and Sawamura." Turning back to the captain, she smiled and said, "Does that sound alright with you?"

The captain looked from Takashima-sensei, to Haruichi - still planted to the floor - to Eijun-kun behind them, loudly complaining as the paramedics treated his bullet wound.

Apparently giving up, he sighed. "Fine. You can stay with Sawamura."

Haruichi beamed and promptly turned his back.

"Eijun-kun, here. You can squeeze my hand while they rewrap your tail."

The instant they left the bathroom, Satoru was separated from Todoroki. He watched as a police officer led the Yakushi player away, but turned easily to follow a different officer when Kataoka-kantoku touched his shoulder.

"We'll get you an IV to go along with that blanket once we're seated -" the officer said.

There was more, but Satoru wasn't really interested. If he was being honest with himself, the only thing he wanted was to sleep for a thousand years. He didn't even want to pitch, let alone care about the practice game or giving a statement. Though, if that was required for the sleep, he would do it. Especially if it meant reuniting with Harruchi and Sawamura soon. He'd seen the two of them stay in the bathroom, but when he and Todoroki had tried to do the same, the policewoman kept them moving.

"Furuya," Kataoka-kantoku said, voice low and rough. It sounded like he'd been shouting a lot.

Satoru looked up to find the police officer gesturing them into a classroom. Inside, a paramedic was setting up an IV stand.

'Sleep,' he reminded himself, and walked inside.

Raichi's reunion with his dad was a tearful affair. He followed a police officer into a classroom only to be jumped by his dad and wrapped up in a hug, which promptly set both of them to bawling.

The police officer tried to wrangle them - Raichi thought, but couldn't be sure over the sound of crying - and eventually gave up. By the time the Todoroki's released one another, it was to find the room empty except for the red and white haired hero intern.

"Shouto…" Raichi's dad said slowly. "I haven't seen you since… well. I've actually never seen you in person before, though I cheered for you in the UA sports festival. Second place wasn't bad."

Shouto - ? - nodded. "Thank you. I… you didn't have to cheer for me. My dad never told me he had a brother, so I can't imagine your relationship was that great -"

Raizou let out a laugh. "That's an understatement, kid. We've had fights where looking back, I think we might have been trying to kill the other. But that doesn't mean I won't support my nephew." Looking serious, and hugging Raichi close to his chest, he finished, "I just needed to see you compete in that cavalry game to know you're nothing like your father."

Now Shouto looked close to tears, and Raichi was ConfusedTM.

"Wait a second… so, you're my cousin?"

Shouto nodded.

"And we're the same age?"

Another nod.

"But I've never met you, and neither of us knew the other existed?"

A third nod, though slower than the others.

"And… where did the police officer go?"

His dad startled, looking around as if only just realising the only other adult in the room had completely vanished.

Shouto offered, "He left after the first five minutes of crying and got me. He thought I might have more luck getting you to calm down, seeing how I'm interning under Endeavor and all."

The last part of the sentence had more bitterness in it than his dad's rants, but Raichi elected to shelve it and move on for now. A hostage situation and a newfound cousin were emotionally taxing enough on their own. He'd open his ears to his cousin's rants tomorrow.

Raichi announced this to a startled cousin and a proud looking dad. If others knew of the promise, it would stick better. There would be a tomorrow. He refused to let his cousin disappear on him again.

Eijun's tail didn't even need stitches. By the time they had exited the classroom, statement made, a doctor with a skin growth quirk had arrived. They'd unwrapped the bandage and watched his tail mend - though the furrow in it carved by the bullet would, the doctor confirmed, be there forever. Eijun didn't care. He couldn't use his tail during games anyway, so it wasn't like it would affect his pitching, and it wouldn't affect his balance either.

Now, he just needed to face the rest of his pack.

Takashima-sensei had promised him that both Kuramochi and their aniki had been kept informed of proceedings, as his roommate and Harruchi's brother, but in Eijun's opinion that just meant there was no way of hiding the day's events from them.

"We're dead, Harruchi," he muttered, ears flat to his head as they headed towards his room. "Absolutely dead. Mochi-senpai will strangle me and onii-san will kill you, and if we somehow survive them, Miyuki will surely kill us for missing the game. Our only saving grace is that that means Furuya will die too, so at least we'll all be together in the afterlife. We escaped death only to face it once again… oh, Harruchi, what luckless lives we live…"

Eijun buried his face in his hands. When he looked up again, Takashima-sensei and Harruchi pointedly shared an eye roll.

"We'll be fine, Eijun-kun," Harruchi reassured. "Aniki won't kill us, and I'm sure Kuramochi-senpai will at least hold off on the wrestling moves till tomorrow. And the game has just been pushed till next week, so I'm sure we're safe from Miyuki-senpai as well. Ok?"

They had reached his room's door, so Eijun felt like he had nothing to lose by giving a hesitant nod. Harruchi smiled and opened the door.

Eijun had a moment to take in clearly more than just Mochi and onii-san waiting for them in the room before he was jumped by the former.

"Bakamura!" his roommate scolded into his hair. He could clearly feel the other rubbing his cheek against him, and a churring noise reverberated from Mochi's chest. In return, Eijun let out a purr and pushed his head up into the other's cheek, closing his eyes to slits.

Haruichi was allowed to watch Kuramochi and Eijun-kun's reunion for just a moment. After that, he was distracted by the arm slung around his shoulders and a familiar voice in his ear.

"Furuya told us you kept everyone safe. Good job."

Haruichi debated slipping out from under the arm, but then it squeezed tighter and… well. After almost an hour of crouching in a bathroom, wondering if he or his friends would be killed, this seemed like a good place to be. He relaxed into the hold and smiled.

"Furuya's underestimating his own importance, Aniki. Except for Eijun-kun's tail, we all got out safely thanks to him."

Aniki hummed in understanding as he guided Haruichi to a seat on someone's bed.

Kanemaru yelped, "Wait, what about Sawamura's tail?"

Isashiki demanded, "Furuya?! You didn't say anything about a tail!"

Tetsu said, "He's sleeping, Jun. Don't wake him."

Zono grumbled menacingly and cracked his knuckles.

Miyuki, for once the voice of reason, popped the rising tension balloon with a calm, "Said tail is right there, and I'm sure Kominato and Sawamura can tell us what happened."

All of a sudden, Haruichi found almost everyone's eyes on him. The only exception was Furuya, currently a sleeping blanket bundle in the top bunk.

"It got shot," Eijun-kun piped up, and all of a sudden, everyone's eyes were gone. Haruichi relaxed a bit more into his aniki's hold. He hadn't even realised he'd tensed up again, but trust the southpaw to notice that of all things.

"Are you ok?" Aniki asked, voice low so as to not interrupt Eijun-kun's now enthusiastic retelling of how he'd been shot. "Apparently Furuya left out a lot. Though, granted, he seemed like he only wanted to sleep and was thoroughly done with interrogations for the day."

Haruichi laughed, but nodded. "I'm fine, Aniki. Eijun-kun is the only one who got hurt, unless you count Furuya basically running a marathon with his quirk."

His only response was another hum, but the arm around his shoulders slipped down to rub circles into his back. Haruichi closed his eyes and relaxed into sleep.

Satoru opened his eyes to the dim light of dawn coming through the window. His body was, for once, warm in its blanket nest. Deciding he had enough time to sleep some more before breakfast, he closed his eyes.

"Mmmrgh," someone groaned. There was a soft thump as they rolled over.

Satoru lay still, eyes still closed, but now wide awake. Who…?

"Mmmmm," someone else answered.

Now that Satoru paid attention, he could also make out at least three different people snoring. What had happened after he went to bed last night?

Satoru opened his eyes and rolled over to the edge of the bunk. Peering over, he almost fell out in surprise. The room was packed. It looked like no one had left for their own rooms, but at the same time, there were definitely more people in it than he remembered.

On the bunks across from Satoru, Masuko had claimed the bottom for himself, while Tetsu, Chris, and Isashiki cuddled together on the top.

As for the bottom bunk underneath him, Kuramochi and Sawamura were curled up facing each other, but with the lion's head still tucked under the cheetah's chin. Kominato lay with his back pressed up against Kuramochi's. Harruchi had his own back to Sawamura's.

Impossibly, the floor was even more crowded. Zono and Miyuki rested their backs against the bunk, legs sprawled everywhere. The former was drooling and the latter never removed his glasses.

Across from them, Kanemaru, Toujou, and Sakai had all squeezed in to sleep with their backs to Masuko's bunk, legs either crossed or mixing in with Zono and Miyuki's.

Shirasu had claimed the area in front of the TV. He was curled up with his front to Kawakami, who had his back pressed up against Tanba's. Seki and Asou lay back to back next to them. Ono, Miyauchi, and Yamaguchi had all chosen to sleep in the desk chairs, while Nabe and Higasa had chosen two of the actual desks.

The front of the room had been left to the girls: Fujiwara, Yoshikawa, Umemeto, and Natsukawa actually blocked the doorway. No one was getting in or out any time soon.

Satisfied, Satoru rolled over and went back to sleep.

OMAKES (also known as this entire fic, but from the point of view of those stuck waiting outside) can be found here.

Edit 09/04/2018: Since I have no idea what the issue with the text breaks are (they show up on my laptop) I’ve split the omakes from the main fic (link above). If you continue to have issues, please let me know!

And as always, I would love to know what you think, and if you have any ideas for future additions, I'm open to hearing them!

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annakaashi · 6 years

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Rating: Gen

Word count: 1,7k

Pairing: Miyuki Kazuya/Sawamura Eijun

Other characters: Kominato Haruichi, Kanemaru Shinji, mentioned Furuya Satoru, mentioned Kuramochi Youichi

Additional tags: fluff, cold, skiing, Christmas markets, scarf-sharing, cold

"The snow-covered mountains glistened under them. Because it was late December and no matter how the sun was shining brightly, illuminating their breath as Eijun and Miyuki made their way up the mountain in the lifts, it was really cold.

“Kazuya, this is going to be so awesome!” Eijun exclaimed loudly, turning to Kazuya with a bright smile.

“Well, I hope so, we’ve been planning this trip for weeks now,” Miyuki answered with a smile of his own."

Or: Miyuki and Sawamura spend a few days at a ski resort and fluff ensues

#miyusawa #misawa #miyuki kazuya #sawamura eijun #daiya no ace #diamond no ace #ace of diamond #dna #daiya fanfic #fanfiction #furuya satoru #kanemaru shinji #kuramochi youichi #this was a secret santa gift but i put it up on ao3 too not just here #so here's the link

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hanatsuki89 · 7 years

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daiya no ace, chrisawa

002 | send me a ship and I will tell you:

when of if I started shipping it. At the beginning, actually. Back when Eijun found out about Chris injury

my thoughts: Best senpai/kouhai relationship. They are so good for each other. I mean, Chris found happiness again thanks to this loud pitcher and then, when Eijun was going through a really bad period, Chris comes and it’s like light chasing away the darkness. These two make me so emotional.

What makes me happy about them: Like I said before, they made each other stronger.

What makes me sad about them: Now that Chris graduated, we don’t really see him anymore...I’d like to think that sometimes they visit each other, maybe...

things done in fanfic that annoys me: Mischaracterization

things I look for in fanfic: Fluff, loads of fluff. Canon setting, present or future.

My kinks: Eijun with a praise kink, lol

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other:Eijun and Kanemaru. Chris...Idk, maybe with Tanba.

My happily ever after for them: They go pro together and play for the same team (see, I also made a comic about this xD)

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karasunovolleygays · 4 years

Link

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationship: Kanemaru Shinji/Sawamura Eijun Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Kanemaru Shinji Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Future Fic, Marriage Proposal Shenanigans Language: English Words: 2537 Chapters: 1/1 Series: ← Previous Work Part 47 of the Valentine's Kisses 2020 series

#daiya no ace #ace of diamond #kanesawa #kanemaru shinji #sawamura eijun #valentine's kisses 2020 #fanfic #mine

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4kominato · 2 years

Text

𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝟝: 𝔉𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔥

A/N: ok so apparently i got very carried away here and it turned out a lot longer than anticipated... even though the smut part is pretty short and brief... also... i dont care what yall think, Kanemaru is 100% sub, but he thinks he's dom. that's how it is lmao (and once again... apologies on how late this is, i'm gonna try to finish Kise tonight too, in my time-zone 🥲) ~kuri

It's not really mentioned outright in the fic, but just FYI, Haruichi and Toujou are together, as well as Sawamura and Furuya

ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: Kanemaru Shinji x GN!Reader

𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖: Fluff, Smut (M) ~ SEXUAL CONTENT

𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕕 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥: 2,110

“Shinji!” you called from the front door, “Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah!” he answered, emerging from the master bedroom dressed in his ugly Christmas sweater.

“Look at you. Aren’t you just adorable,” you praised, pinching his already reddening cheek.

“Tch…” he clicked his tongue, bashfully darting his eyes away, “Why do you always have to embarrass me?”

“Because your reactions are the cutest,” you grinned, giving him a little boop on the nose.

“Ergh…” he puffed as he made his way out to the car, “Did you pack our Secret Santa gifts?”

“Yeah, it’s in the trunk.”

“Alright then, let’s go.” Once he’d locked the front door, the two of you were off to Toujou’s house. Haruichi answered the door upon your arrival, Toujou being busy with setting the table.

“Merry Christmas!” Haruichi greeted, welcoming the two of you into his humble dwelling.

“Merry Christmas,” the two of you answered in unison as you removed your shoes and stepped inside.

“Hideaki-kun is just finishing up some last minute preparations. You guys can leave the Secret Santa gifts on this table,” Haruichi stated, motioning to a small table which already had two gifts on it, “And feel free to make yourselves at home until the food is ready.”

Nodding in acknowledgment, the two of you were just about to seat yourselves on the couch when the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Kanemaru offered, assuming that it was probably the last of the guests arriving, and he was right.

“Kanemaru!” a loud and obnoxious voice greeted upon opening the door.

“Wamura! Furuya! Merry Christmas!” Kanemaru greeted and gestured for them to join the rest of you inside.

“Merry Christmas,” you chimed in, wanting to give the familiar guests a warm welcome as well.

“You guys can sit at the table! Food is just about done,” Toujou announced as Kanemaru showed the two new guests where to put their Secret Santa gifts.

Excitedly, everyone took their seats quickly while Haruichi and Toujou brought out the food and placed it on the table. Everything smelled and looked absolutely amazing, though that wasn’t a surprise, given Toujou was voted as the “best cook” among your class. After thanking them for the food, (itadakimasu/いただきます：thank you for the food or let’s eat) everyone happily dug in, hardly conversing because they were too busy enjoying how great the food tasted. It wasn’t until after everyone started to slow down that the boys started talking and catching up with one another; it’d been quite a while since the last time they'd all gathered together and hung out.

They reminisced a lot about the Seido days, which was where they all met, but having met Kanemaru in uni, there wasn’t much you could relate to or contribute to the conversation. Sure you’d heard the stories and met many of the other boys from the team, but you hadn’t actually been there for any of it so you felt you weren’t really on the same level.

Becoming “bored,” so to speak, you decided to have a little fun with your lover, just to spice things up a bit for yourself. It started with a simple game of footsies under the table, which he thought nothing of until you started to run your feet just a bit higher, stroking along his calves. You could tell he’d gotten slightly more tense, however, he did nothing to stop you and so you took this as an invitation.

Next, was your hand, your non-dominant one to be exact, so that you could still eat with one hand without any suspicions while the other rested on his thigh, gently and very subtly massaging his firm leg muscles as you gradually inched higher and higher. He still seemed tense, but still, he didn’t stop you, so you continued, waiting to see at what point he’d put a stop to your actions. Thank god for the tablecloth impeding the view, you thought as your hand finally reached the final destination, only to discover he was already hard.

You smirked to yourself at how well he hid the fact that was aroused, but would he be able to hide pleasure the same way? Running your fingers over the tent in his pants, you quickly found the tip and began to toy with it, gently stroking over it with a single finger before dragging that finger back down the rest of his length. He squirmed noticeably in his seat this time, but for the most part, he still held his composure. It did surprise you, however, that he’d still yet to give any sign of wanting you to stop. Maybe he was actually enjoying your risky behavior as if it was one of his secret little fantasies that he’d never shared with you.

You decided to go a little rougher this time, curling your fingers around his girth as much as his pants allowed, you stroked over his whole member. Watching Kanemaru attentively as he spoke, you noticed his speech losing fluidity, and soon, his ears along with his cheek started to flush a light pink… which didn’t go unnoticed by Mr. Loud-mouth.

“Kanemaru, you’re turning red! Are you okay?! Do you have a fever?!” Sawamura yelled from across the table, only making matters worse for your poor boyfriend, but you were living for every second of it.

“Oh my, he’s right!” you played along, turning towards him and placing your hand on his forehead, “You do feel a bit warm.”

“Uh, yeah,” Kanemaru chuckled nervously, “Probably from uh… this morning when… I was shoveling the snow out of our driveway!”

Making eye contact with Haruichi, you knew he didn’t buy either of your bullshit, but he played along anyway, so as to not expose you to the others. (Admittedly, he was guilty of doing the same to Toujou on multiple occasions.) “There’s fever packs and medicine in the bathroom. It’s just down the hall to the right,” he stated with his closed-eyed smile which resembled that of his brother and gave somewhat of a passive aggressive energy to his words.

“Thank you,” you grinned back, guiding Kanemaru along who unfortunately had to hide his boner as he stood up from the table and followed you to the bathroom. It wasn’t until the two of you were locked safely in the bathroom that he unleashed his “anger” on you, but quietly of course, as to not draw any unnecessary attention to the predicament at hand.

“What did you think you were doing out there?!” Kanemaru whispered aggressively.

“Just having some fun,” you teased, flitting your eyes at him and playing the innocent card as you wrapped your arms around his waist and pressed your thigh against his crotch.

“B-but during our Christmas dinner?! You couldn’t wait until after we got back home?”

“Don’t act like you didn’t like it. You didn’t stop me and just look at how hard you got!”

“Yeah, er… because…” he sputtered, but you knew had no good excuse, so you simply pressed your lips against his to shut him up. Keeping his lips captivated with yours, you undid his pants and briefly palmed his stiff member through his briefs before setting it free. “What are you doing?!” he panicked, separating your lips as you reached down to grab his cock.

“Giving you a hand job, what does it look like?” you answered with a slight bit of sass, but no intention of biting.

“Right now?! They’ll be suspicious! It already doesn’t look good that we’re locked in the bathroom together!” Despite his arguing, Kanemaru still seemed to invite your actions, putting absolutely no effort into stopping you, just like before.

“So what are you gonna do about it, hm?” you challenged, testing to see if he really had any intentions of stopping you. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out, and from that reaction you knew instantly that he wanted to do this just as much as you did, it’s just that he was nervous about getting caught, which would account for his blabbering. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it quick,” you assured as you knelt down in front of him and took him into your mouth. It wasn’t difficult at all to get him going, considering you knew exactly how he liked it. In almost no time at all, you had his whole body trembling at your will while the grip he had on your hair was still as gentle as ever for fear of hurting you.

“You can cum in my mouth, Shinji, don’t be shy,” you pulled off for a second and pumped him in the meantime to ensure your progress wouldn’t be lost. You waited to resume, assuming he’d have something to say in response, as he always did.

“A-are you sure though? Like really sure?” he asked, being the worry-wort he was.

“Yes, I’m sure. I wouldn’t tell you to do it unless I was absolutely sure about it.”

Letting out a deep sigh, he finally agreed, and so you took him into your mouth once more to finish him off. The look he had on his face as he writhed in pleasure made your insides tingle, urging you to go even faster so you could see his “O” face instead, but from the way he was twitching in your mouth you knew it wouldn’t be much longer anyways.

A sense of satisfaction washed over you at the sound of the words you were dying to hear, “I’m going to cum,” and so you hummed in acknowledgment, the vibrations from your mouth further coaxing his release. With a muffled grunt, the bitter taste of his warm essence streamed down the back of your throat and you swallowed every drop as he endured the intense climax while forcing himself to remain quiet.

He let out a raspy sigh as you withdrew yourself from him, his breathing obviously labored as he recovered from his euphoric episode. Kanemaru was always sleepy after sex so going into this, you knew you’d have to help him out a bit after the fact. Once you’d put his pants back on, you had him sit on the toilet while you rummaged through the cabinets for the fever packs that Haruichi mentioned earlier. Upon finding it, you quickly opened one up and discarded the trash before approaching Kanemaru and placing the pack on his forehead.

“Story is, we put this on your head to cool you down, but then you started to feel dizzy so you had to sit for a while… and now you’re just feeling a bit fatigued now… okay?” you explained as you squatted in front of him, lovingly taking his hands into your own.

“You don’t think they’ll just tell me to go home if I seem unwell?”

“Uh… maybe? But I’ll figure it out… I think Haruichi knows you’re not sick anyways…” you chuckled nervously.

“What makes you think that?” he asked in bewilderment.

“Um… a hunch…”you answered with a shrug before urging him to stand up, “We should go back. The longer we take, the more suspicious it’ll be.”

Easily agreeing, the two of you made your way back out to the table where his worried classmates awaited.

“Are you okay, Kanemaru?!” Sawamura yelled as the two of you approached.

“I don’t think the yelling helps,” Toujou added, attempting to calm him down.

“Yeah, he’s doing better,” you answered, lying to everyone through your teeth, “His fever seems to have gone down, but he’s just feeling a bit fatigued. He was having a bit of a dizzy spell earlier, but after resting for a bit and using the fever pack, he seems a bit better.”

“Do you need to go home early, Shinji?” Toujou asked worriedly, “It’s alright if you don’t feel good, we can always hang out another time.”

“No, no, I’m fine, really! It’s not that bad!” he chuckled nervously, waiting for you to back him up.

“Yeah, don’t worry! I’ve seen him really sick before, this is nothing,” you assured, however, to your dismay Toujou and Sawamura still seemed really concerned.

“Maybe we should exchange our gifts now so that they can go home. What do you think?” Toujou suggested to Haruichi, who made it obvious that he was completely unphased.

“If he says he’s fine, then he probably is,” Haruichi shrugged, “I think you’re being paranoid, Hideaki-kun.”

Thankfully, both Toujou and Sawamura seemed to be convinced by Haruichi’s words, so the two of you were able to rest a little easier for most of the night… except for the fact that Haruichi was being noticeably passive aggressive to the two of you.

#4kominato events #4kominato’s holiday countdown #daiya no ace #ace of diamond #kanemaru shinji #daiya no ace kanemaru #daiya no ace fanfic #ace of diamond fanfic #kanemaru shinji fanfic #daiya no ace kanemaru fanfic #daiya no ace smut #kanemaru shinji smut #daiya no ace kanemaru smut

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apparently-artless · 3 years

Text

The Other Way Around - 5th Chapter

A Daiya no Ace Fanfic

Warning: Not Beta Read, English Grammar Nazi be warned! ( `ε´ )

Summary:

Furuya was struggling. Sawamura, together with his batchmates, tried to make the monster pitcher happy.

Note: Different settings and timelines for each character. Check out source below for AO3 version.

Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Furuya Satoru, Kanemaru Shinji, Kominato Haruichi, Toujou Hideaki, Yoshikawa Haruno, Umemoto Sachiko, Ono Hiroshi, Yui Kaoru, Miyuki Kazuya, Kuramochi Youichi

Chapter 5: Furuya Satoru

The day right after Furuya was sent to the clinic due to the ache he felt in his back, he was tasked to do a different regimen. One that required him to do repetitive exercises and was solely supervised by Coach Ochiai. He felt really bad that one coach had to dedicate all his time to a single-player like him. While he was still currently the ace, Furuya felt bad about the fact that he had to receive such treatment compared to when his other teammates got injured. Though it’s not showing on his face, he was frustrated and a bit lonely. Frustration was directed at himself. Had he taken care of his proper posture, this would have never happened. Loneliness was the second emotion he felt because he’s practicing by himself while all his teammates were doing their best to win the game against Naruta Tech when he should have been there providing his support even when he already knew that he was not selected as the starting pitcher for the match.

He wanted to watch the game personally because he wanted to see Eijun stand on the mound. More than ever, he had already acknowledged the southpaw pitcher as his rival and he knew he could learn a lot from him. The way he carried himself as he pitched against Ichidai during the Spring tournament, the way he acted composed against the intimidating mobility of Hakuryuu – he felt strong emotions watching Eijun. He felt defeated upon watching Sawamura win all his games and lead the team, but at the same time, he felt motivated. He felt inspired. He felt happy that despite the fact that he’s getting left behind by Eijun, he did not give the slightest intention of slowing down for him. It’s as if he’s telling him that he can still catch up to him all too easily. Eijun doesn’t need to know, but for Furuya, what he had told him yesterday lit a fire in his gut not to give up and just continue on pursuing his goal to become the number 1 pitcher in Japan. But before anything else, he had to heal first.

*****

Sawamura was advised to rest for the day after being subbed on the 7th inning against Naruta Tech. He was a bit disappointed at himself for not being able to finish the entire game but since it was the boss’ order, there was nothing he can do about it. Also, he couldn’t deny the fact that he was already tired at the last inning he played which ended up having the opponent earned a run. He finished icing his shoulder and then he went straight to the dorm room to get some fresh clothes and take a bath. While walking towards the dorm, he couldn’t help but notice Furuya doing some stretching as Coach Ochiai stood nearby with a timer in his hand. He stood for about a minute observing the other pitcher. He didn’t want to disturb whatever he’s doing so he just decided to continue with what he initially intended to do.

There’s nothing I can say to him now. All I can do is keep on moving forward. Even if I keep on running, he’ll just catch up either way! We don’t need words. We just need to keep pushing each other to strive more through our actions.

With that thought in his mind, Sawamura walked away from the field, not looking back at his struggling rival. Little did he know, some of the managers had noticed him watching Furuya at a distance. Yoshikawa was especially concerned. She wanted to help Furuya as well but she knew that there’s nothing she can do. All she can do was pray for Furuya’s full recovery before the Summer Tournament started. Umemoto, ever the sensitive senpai, noticed Yoshikawa’s bothered look so she decided to help her instead.

“You know, there will be a festival at a nearby shrine during the weekend. It will be a day off for the baseball team. Why don’t you ask the second-year players out? I think it would be a good idea to spend your free time with your batchmates.”

Yoshikawa beamed at Umemoto’s suggestion.

“Thanks for suggesting that Umemoto-senpai! I’ll ask Sawamura-kun to invite the other second-years as well.”

“Okay. But make sure to be back before curfew, understand?”

“Got it, senpai!”

Yoshikawa did not waste a second as she left the field to catch up to Sawamura. She wanted to invite the boy as early as now so he can reserve his schedule during their day off.

After a few minutes of running, Yoshikawa finally managed to locate the southpaw pitcher. She shouted his name to call his attention. Upon hearing her voice, Sawamura glanced in her direction to check who was calling him.

“Oh, Yoshikawa! What can I do for you?”

“Do you have something to do on Saturday?” Yoshikawa asked after catching her breath with all the running she’s done.

“Hmm.” Sawamura’s eyebrows furrowed as he tried to think of his upcoming schedule. “I don’t think I have anything to do at that time. We were told to rest on Saturday so maybe I’ll just do some light exercises. What about it?”

“You see, there will be a festival on that day at a nearby shrine. So, I was wondering if you and the rest of the second-years would like to check it out.”

“I see. A festival, huh?”

There was a silent pause and after about a minute of pondering, Sawamura smiled at Yoshikawa.

“Yosh! I’ll go! Leave it to me to ask the rest of our batchmates!”

“Thank you, Sawamura-kun. I’ll contact you where we’ll meet on Saturday!” Yoshikawa replied as she walked away from Sawamura, she still has some manager tasks to finish.

“Okay, see ya!” Sawamura shouted so that his classmate can still hear her.

On that night, at dinner, Sawamura did not waste any time in asking Kominato, Toujou, and Kanemaru.

“Yoshikawa invited me to go to a nearby festival on Saturday, do you want to come?”

Kanemaru who was about to ignore what Sawamura has to say became suddenly very interested upon hearing the manager’s name.

“She asked you out??” Kanemaru blurted out which caught the attention of the other players dining at the cafeteria.

“Kanemaru, your voice is so loud,” Kominato whispered in a panic as he noticed the looks that their group was currently receiving.

“Yes, she invited me this afternoon,” Sawamura responded matter-of-factly.

“I - I see,” Kanemaru replied, slightly dejected.

Kominato and Toujou shared secret glances at each other. Initially, they had thought that Yoshikawa was only inviting Sawamura but knowing the southpaw pitcher, it probably never occurred to him that the manager was asking him out on a date. Kominato was about to explain it to Sawamura but he was interrupted when the pitcher suddenly added something.

“She asked me if all of us would like to join her. You know, have some bonding moments with our batchmates,” Sawamura explained further. “And that includes you too, Furuya! Stop sleeping while eating your dinner!”

Sawamura was busy shaking the sleepy pitcher next to him while Kanemaru was trying to digest every word that the southpaw pitcher said.

“Uhm. Eijun-kun, are you sure we can go with you?” Kominato asked, making sure that it was actually Yoshikawa who asked Sawamura to invite the rest of them.

“Huh? Why is it so hard to believe??” Sawamura replied annoyingly, his hands still grabbing Furuya’s shirt. “Yes, she invited all of us. I just volunteered to be the one to invite the rest of you since all of you were not around at that time.”

“Oh, I see. Okay. If that’s the case, then I can go,” the pink-haired boy agreed in response.

“I’ll come too, and Kanemaru as well,” Toujou added as he noticed his best friend too speechless to talk right now.

“Yosh! It’s decided then! Let’s go to the festival on Saturday!” Sawamura shouted with joy but later went back to scolding Furuya to finish his dinner.

*****

On the next day, Furuya went to class, as usual. He was still feeling down about the fact that he still can’t pitch for two weeks. But he knew he had to strictly follow the doctor’s order. If he ended up destroying his body, it might not only be the Summer Tournament, he might end up not being able to play baseball anymore. He’s not good at showing his emotions. No matter how frustrated he felt, he did not know how to show it. He didn’t have friends back in middle school so he was a bit hesitant to talk about it to Eijun, or to Haruichi for that matter. To begin with, he’s not even sure if both Eijun and Haruichi considered him as their friend. And that would be too embarrassing to ask.

So, to cope up with stress, he did what always calms him the most – to fiddle with his polar bear keychain resting on his pencil case.

It was the second class of the day and they need to go to another room. He lazily walked across the corridor all by himself. Some of his classmates were surrounding him but he didn’t care as he continued walking. He paused for a second upon noticing a polar bear-shaped looking cloud. His eyes sparkle upon seeing the cloud, and then he looked at the tiny plushie dangling on his case.

Polar bears are really the best.

Furuya thought to himself. Too busy with his own thoughts, he did not notice that there were some upperclassmen coming his way. As he tried to walk again, he bumped into one of them making his pencil case drop on the floor.

“Watch where you’re going!” the upperclassman shouted.

“I’m sorry,” Furuya replied, which they thought was intended for the guy but was actually directed towards the polar bear keychain he dropped.

He picked up his pencil case and wiped off the dirt with his hankie. And then he heard some snickering at his back as he continued walking.

“Teddy bear keychain on his pencil case? How lame!” one of the upperclassmen commented.

The rest of the gang laughed with him, with the clearest intention to humiliate Furuya as they maximized their volume. Furuya, on the other hand, did not even care the slightest about what the other student had said.

Polar bears are cool. They’re not lame at all.

As his thoughts wandered again on polar bear land, he heard a sudden shout on his back. A familiar voice he always hears at the bullpen, at the mound, and at the field. Without hesitation, Furuya looked back to check if the voice had indeed belonged to his boisterous friend and rival.

“Oi! Don’t you think it’s rude to laugh at something that another person likes? What’re you, some middle school kid acting cool just so you can get attention from others?”

“Oi, Sawamura, stop it!” Kanemaru whispered, too late to stop Sawamura’s loudmouth from going off.

“Huh? Who do you think you are? Don’t you know how to respect your upperclassmen??” the guy said, clearly agitated at what the younger boy had said.

“I only give respect to whom it is due,” Sawamura responded in a cold voice, his golden eyes glaring directly towards the senpai who badmouthed Furuya’s love for polar bears.

The whole group felt a chill run down their spine as they met Sawamura’s gaze. They couldn’t say anything. Upon witnessing a teacher suddenly appeared in the corridor, they decided to leave it be since they might get detention for ganging up on a student one year younger than them.

With a loud click on his tongue, he told the rest of his gang to just go. Sawamura, on the other hand, still stared at them intently, as if telling them not to go near Furuya ever again.

“Jerks,” he suddenly spoke once they’re no longer in the vicinity.

“What do you think you’re doing? What if they suddenly start a fight with you? Do you think you have a chance of winning?” Kanemaru scolded Sawamura as they walked towards their designated room, Furuya was now walking beside them.

“I can’t help it! It’s pissing me off hearing people say bad things about other people when they don’t even know them!” Sawamura defended himself.

“You really are an idiot! You should think first of the consequences of your actions before you speak!”

“Yes. Yes. I get you, mom!”

“Say ‘yes’ only once! And don’t call me mom!” Kanemaru bellowed as they enter the room. Luckily, the teacher hasn’t arrived yet.

There were three remaining chairs at the back so they decided to sit there.

“Thank you,” Furuya whispered, looking at his keychain.

Sawamura just scratched his head as he blushed slightly.

“No need to thank me. I was just annoyed, that’s all,” Sawamura replied, not looking at Furuya.

“Hmm,” Furuya just nodded.

“Besides, knowing you, you wouldn’t get angry even if someone tells you, so someone has to get angry on your behalf,” Sawamura added, still not looking at Furuya. “Geez, just how much of an awkward guy can you be?”

Furuya did not respond but just smiled slightly at Sawamura’s statement. Maybe, Furuya thought, just maybe, Sawamura also considers him as his friend.

*****

It was a busy day. They had PE class and Sawamura had to help drag Furuya to a shade as he was about to collapse.

“Furuya! You already injured your back. Do you intend to add another injury to your body??” Sawamura shouted when he noticed the other pitcher wobbling as he tried finishing his laps.

After PE, they had lunch. Sawamura had no choice but to force-fed Furuya seeing as he was so determined to sleep again.

“Furuya! Eat your lunch first before sleeping!” Sawamura bellowed once again.

“They always fight on the field, but off the field, Sawamura really looks after Furuya, huh,” Toujou commented as he observed Sawamura fussing over the monster pitcher.

“Tell me about it,” Kanemaru facepalmed. “During our second class, Sawamura almost got into a fight because someone badmouthed Furuya.”

“Heh. He really cared more than we actually thought,” Toujou replied.

“That’s just how Sawamura is. Maybe, that’s just his way of looking out for him and supporting Furuya after knowing about his injury,” Kominato added, smiling at the two who were bickering now.

In the afternoon, they had their home economics. Kanemaru decided to add the two idiots to his group as they might get injured and he somehow felt responsible in looking after their two main pitchers considering he’s their only classmate who’s also at the first-string.

“You two, do not even dare to touch this knife. You hear me?”

“Yes, mom,” the two replied in unison.

“I’m not your mom!” Kanemaru shouted while the rest of the class laughs at them, including Yoshikawa which made him blush like a tomato.

“Hey, Kanemaru. Are you okay? Your face is quite red,” Sawamura asked, unaware of the attention they were receiving.

“Shut up! Just do what I told you!” Kanemura exclaimed.

“Roger!” Sawamura responded with his left-hand saluting.

All the ingredients that need to be prepared using a knife were done by Kanemaru. Sawamura and Furuya were to do the remaining tasks. Anything that does not involve a knife or fire.

In less than 15 minutes, Furuya ended up sleeping once again. He was looking at Sawamura’s head and had decided it’s the best place to nap. Without hesitation, he put his chin on top of Sawamura’s head, and then he started snoozing.

Sawamura, who was purely concentrating on the food preparation, suddenly felt the heavyweight on top of his head.

“Furuya! What do you think you’re doing?? Do not sleep on top of my head!!” Sawamura roared at his classmate’s sudden action.

Although he was annoyed at first, he just let Furuya be when he noticed he did not even wake up at the sound of his voice. He just went back to whatever he’s doing, still frowning. Some of his female classmates even managed to take a photo of them in that weird position. Yoshikawa just smiled at the sight.

They really do get along well.

*****

Saturday has finally arrived. It was around 4:30 in the afternoon that they decided to meet at a convenience store nearest the shrine they were about to go to. Kanemaru, Sawamura, Kominato, Toujou, and Furuya were patiently waiting for Yoshikawa’s arrival. They waited for ten minutes. The manager went home first to change her clothes. She was wearing a pink kimono, a small purple pouch dangling on her left hand. Her hair was tied in a bun, exposing her neck.

Kanemaru blushed deeply at the sight of Yoshikawa running towards them. They all looked in her direction upon hearing her calling them.

“Oh, Yoshikawa! You looked really beautiful in that kimono!” Sawamura complimented the girl smoothly while the rest just nodded to agreed, except for Kanemaru who was busy screaming internally.

Sawamura, you smooth talker! I wanted to be the one to say it first but you bit me to it!!

Toujou tried his best not to laugh upon seeing Kanemaru’s reaction. He pretty much had an idea as to what he’s thinking.

“Thanks, Sawamura-kun. Thank you all for accepting my invitation,” Yoshikawa replied with a smile as she bowed slightly towards the group.

“No! Thank you for inviting us!” Sawamura beamed in response.

“Shall we go?”

“Of course!”

The group went straight towards the shrine. They checked every stall they could find. They also offered their prayers and thanks to the gods and bought some charms. Kominato, who had noticed the charm for quick recovery, immediately bought it and gave it to Furuya.

“Here, Furuya. I wish for your quick recovery so you can pitch again. We’ll be waiting for you. No need to rush so just focus for now on healing your body,” Kominato said as he offered the charm to Furuya.

“Thank you, Haruichi,” Furuya replied with a slight smile as he grabbed the charm with his two hands as if saying he’s going to treasure it.

Yoshikawa felt so happy upon seeing the boys have fun together. It’s a good thing that Umemoto suggested to her to go to the festival.

I need to buy Umemoto some souvenirs, as a way of thanking her.

Furuya and Sawamura were busy going through the gaming stalls, always competing who will get the highest prize. But in less than an hour, Furuya’s stamina was already depleted, and had to sit down to a nearby bench. Sawamura just laughed at him and said, “You’re still ten years early if you want to compete with me when it comes to stamina! You still have a long way to go, Furuya!”

“Urgh. So noisy,” Furuya commented, his hands on his ears.

Kominato, Kanemaru, and Toujou left them behind as they went to find some food they could eat. Yoshikawa and Sawamura stayed so they can look after the ghost-looking Furuya. Feeling like he still had lots of energy to burn out, Sawamura excused himself and told Yoshikawa that he’ll try to take a look around some more. The manager simply nodded; she was holding a fan as she swayed it left and right towards Furuya.

Sawamura checked out the stalls he thought he might have missed. He walked for a few more minutes, he already had bought tanuki and okami masks which he intended to give to Miyuki and Okumura respectively as a souvenir. As for the takoyaki and yakisoba requested by Kuramochi and Asada, he already asked Kominato to buy for him. He was about to went back to where Furuya and Yoshikawa were sitting when someone had called his attention.

“How about it, kiddo? Want to test your luck?”

The word ‘luck’ caught his attention. For him, luck is also a skill. He went near the stall and checked the prizes.

“Okay, what are the prizes, old man? And what do I need to do?”

*****

Kanemaru and the rest had already bought all the foods they want to eat, including the foods requested by the other players. They are now waiting for Sawamura to come back. They decided it’d be best to eat the food during the fireworks. Luckily, Umemoto also informed Yoshikawa of a hidden spot where they could watch the fireworks all by themselves.

When Sawamura arrived, they noticed he was not alone. More like, there was a giant fluffy white thing on his back.

“I’m sorry I was late! The old man had to go and find some rope so he could tie Fu-chan on my back!” Sawamura shouted as soon as he found the rest of his batchmates.

“Fu-chan?” the rest of the group asked in unison.

“This polar bear plushie I won on a raffle! I won first prize but I didn’t need it so I told the old man I’ll be taking the third prize instead,” Sawamura explained while he untied the plushie on his back. “I never thought I’d be winning the first prize! I guess being around our lucky boy the whole time got me lucky as well.”

Kominato blushed slightly at Sawamura’s comment and the rest of the group just smiled. Clearly, they can see why he had chosen the polar bear plushie. Sawamura noticed that the boy, who he had intended to give the plushie to, was still sleeping so soundly on the bench.

“Hey. Sleepyhead, wake up!” Sawamura spoke as he placed the plushie in front of the sleeping boy. He used its hand to touch Furuya’s face.

Furuya woke up to the soft touch he felt on his face. When he saw what was on his front, his eyes sparkle with great enthusiasm. And without a second thought, Furuya hugged the plushie without even asking if it was for him or not.

“Polar bear,” Furuya whispered, his eyes closed as he placed his head on the plushie’s chest.

“Save it for later, Furuya! We’ll be late for fireworks!” Kanemaru spoke as he noticed it’s only 5 minutes before the fireworks start.

Before they were able to proceed at the location Umemoto had told Yoshikawa, there was some slight commotion when Furuya refused to let go of the plushie.

“Furuya, Fu-chan is heavy! You just injured your back! Let me carry it for you, you’ll have it back once we arrived at the location,” Sawamura shouted as he pulled the plushie away from Furuya.

Fortunately, Kominato was able to convince Furuya to let Sawamura carry the bear on his back once more.

“Fu-chan? Is that the polar bear’s name?” Furuya asked as he stood beside Sawamura, he had no intention of being far away from the giant bear.

“Yes.”

“Why ‘Fu-chan’?”

“I named it after you, duh.”

“After me? Why?”

“Whenever I see polar bears, you’re the only person who’s very addicted to polar bears that I can think of! Do you remember that time when we’re making a snowman and then you made this very detailed polar bear out of snow?? It’s so damn accurate that it’s so creepy!”

Furuya did not respond. He smiled upon remembering the polar bear he had sculpted out of snow. Even Shirasu and Kuramochi were so surprised upon seeing the snow polar bear.

They finally reached the secret place where they can watch the fireworks. As soon as they placed some blankets on the ground where they can sit comfortably, a bright colorful light suddenly erupted across the dark sky. They started eating while watching the fireworks continue. Everyone's attention was focused on the scenery unfolding within their eyes, except for one Furuya Satoru who was busy cuddling with Fu-chan.

After they finished eating, they went back to the convenience store where Yoshikawa’s brother was waiting. They thanked Yoshikawa for the invite and then went back to Seidou. Sawamura was once again carrying Fu-chan on his back and Furuya was standing near it. They waved their goodbyes upon reaching the dorm since they have different rooms. Sawamura accompanied Furuya first so he can place the plushie in his room.

Before they could reach Furuya’s room, the pitcher paused for a while and asked Sawamura a question he wanted to ask back at the festival.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to have it?”

“Huh? What’re you saying? I already told you this was for you.” “But it was you who won the prize.”

“Geez. You’re so stubborn! Just take it already. Besides the rest of the prizes were not something that could be of use to me so I decided to choose the most sensible prize.”

Furuya still stayed at his spot and just stared silently at Sawamura.

“Or what? Do you not want this?”

“I do. I like Fu-chan.”

“That’s a pretty quick answer for someone who’s hesitating to receive this plushie,” Sawamura teased as he pointed his thumb towards his back where the gigantic plushie was currently residing.

Furuya couldn't help but blush at Sawamura’s teasing. "He probably learned it from Miyuki-senpai," Furuya thought.

“Just think of this as a very advanced birthday gift from me or something!”

Furuya blushed even more if that is possible. He would usually only receive gifts from his grandpa and his parents and other relatives. He had never imagined he’ll receive a gift from someone other than people related to him by blood.

“What are you blushing for? Isn’t giving gifts normal with friends?”

And that’s when Furuya’s doubts were all washed away. Eijun himself had said it. Furuya was indeed his friend. And there was this warm fuzzy feeling blooming on his chest he almost felt like crying. Sawamura, on the other hand, panicked slightly upon realizing what he had said.

“But we’re still rivals! Friends! But rivals! Don’t ever forget that! I won’t hesitate to steal the ace number away from you, so prepare yourself, Furuya!”

“Of course. I will,” Furuya replied as he smiled slightly.

Little did they know, Yui and Ono were able to hear their conversation. As soon as they entered, they just went on with what they’re doing so as not to make them feel awkward.

“Thank you, for the gift, and for today,” Furuya said as soon as Sawamura had finished putting Fu-chan on the side of his bed. “I had a lot of fun.”

“Well, it’s good to know that you had fun, even though you were sleeping 50% of the time,” Sawamura just grinned. “Take care of Fu-chan for me, will ya?”

“Sure. I’ll make sure to take care of him.”

Sawamura exited the dorm and bade his goodbye to Ono, Yui, and Furuya. As soon as the southpaw pitcher left, Ono decided to speak.

“That’s quite a large polar bear, I might say. Did Sawamura win that as a prize and gave it to you?” Ono asked.

“Yes. He told me none of the prizes were of use to him so he chose Fu-chan,” Furuya replied.

“I see. So the polar bear’s name is Fu-chan,” Yui interjected upon realizing Furuya was referring to the plushie. “Did you name him, Furuya-senpai?”

“Nope. It was Eijun,” he responded, not looking at Yui but at the polar bear now sitting comfortably on his bed.

“Did you have fun?” Ono asked with a smile.

“Yes, I had a lot of fun, Ono-senpai,” Furuya answered with a smile.

Ono and Yui were slightly taken aback. It’s not always that they got to witness Furuya smiling so naturally. They had to thank Sawamura and the others for that.

*****

The next day, the story about Sawamura giving Furuya a very large plushie spread across the entire Seidou baseball players like wildfire. Miyuki, upon hearing this, felt like teasing the southpaw pitcher as usual.

“So you gave Furuya a giant plushie, you bought Kuramochi and Asada some yakisoba and takoyaki and all I got was a tanuki mask, which I don’t need, by the way?”

“Shut up, you tanuki bastard! It fits you perfectly! Just be happy I even bother giving a souvenir to someone like you!” Sawamura retorted.

“That’s senpai to you!” Miyuki replied as he hit the boy’s head.

“Ouch! That hurts, you ungrateful bastard! Why can’t you act like Okumura-shounen? When I gave him the okami mask, he simply thanked me!”

“He’s just trying to be polite. I don’t need to,” Miyuki smirked.

“Geez. These two, it’s early in the morning and you’ve been bickering already, give us a break,” Kuramochi commented as he walked towards the table so he can eat his breakfast.

Miyuki just snickered and followed Kuramochi. Sawamura went to sit between Furuya and Kominato, his frown was suddenly replaced with a smile.

“Good morning, Harucchi. Good morning, Furuya!”

“Good morning, Eijun-kun,” Kominato greeted back while Furuya just nodded slightly.

“How was Fu-chan? Did you sleep well together with him?” Sawamura asked.

“Yes. I had a good sleep,” Furuya replied and smiled at Sawamura.

Silence emanated in the room as everyone looked at Furuya. Smiling. Everyone was shocked at first but then they realized that if there was someone who can bring that kind of smile to Furuya’s face, that would be his ultimate rival, the resident sunshine of Seidou – Sawamura Eijun.

#daiya no ace #dna #daiya no ace fanfic #dna fanfic #ao3 fanfic #fanfiction #sawamura eijun #furuya satoru #kominato haruichi #kanemaru shinji #toujou hideaki #sawamura eijun & furuya satoru #miyuki kazuya #kuramochi youichi #yui kaoru #fluff #diamond no ace #ace of diamond #artless

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apparently-artless · 3 years

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Post Seidou vs Sankou (Daiya no Ace Act II) Fanfic (if you’re not updated on the latest chapter, then I suggest not to read this) My first anime fanfic (criticisms are appreciated but please go easy on me)

#anime fanfic #fanfic #daiya no ace #daiya no ace act ii #post sankou #sawamura eijun #miyuki kazuya #kanemaru shinji #kuramochi youichi #furuya satoru #kominato haruichi #tojou hideaki #major fluff #everyone is protective of eijun

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apparently-artless · 3 years

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The Other Way Around - 4th Chapter

A Daiya no Ace Fanfic

Warning: Not Beta Read, English Grammar Nazi be warned! ( `ε´ )

Summary:

Kanemaru always acts like a mom when it comes to Sawamura. Always. Always looking out for him, no matter how much the blonde boys denied it. But now that he’s sick, it’s Sawamura’s turn to take care of him.

Note: Different settings and timelines for each character. Check out source below for AO3 version.

Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Kanemaru Shinji, Seto Takuma, Kominato Haruichi, Furuya Satoru, Toujou Hideaki, Yoshikawa Haruno

Chapter 4: Kanemaru Shinji

Half an hour had passed but the frowning southpaw pitcher still found himself staring at the very first question on the assignment he was trying to solve on his own. As it turned out, trying to do his homework by himself seemed impossible at the moment. So what the pitcher did is let out a small sigh, stand up straight, pick up his notebook and a pen, and then step outside his dorm room.

As expected, I need Kanemaru to help me with this one.

Sawamura swiftly moved towards Kanemaru’s room. He went up the stairs, went straight through the other teammate’s dorm room, and barged the door open as he shouted his name.

“Yo! Kanemaru!”

There were two people currently in the room, one was the person he was looking for and the other was his bespectacled dorm mate. Both flinched upon hearing Sawamura’s voice.

“What is it!? My head’s aching! Do not make it worse!” the blonde boy blurted out as soon as he recognized the voice of their loud southpaw pitcher.

Sawamura walked to the middle of the room as he looked left and right, and then he paused as he noticed something.

“Kanemaru, your face is a bit red. Are you okay?” Sawamura asked as he moved closer to the other boy’s face invading his personal space.

“I’m fine. It’s just a headache. I’ll just rest for a bit and it’ll be gone,” Kanemaru replied as he backed away from the other boy’s intense staring.

The pitcher flinched upon hearing the word ‘rest’ as he frantically hid the notebook on his back.

“So? What have you come here for?”

“Oh. Uhm, that...”

“What is it?”

“Uhm. You see, I –“ Sawamura started, his other empty hand scratching the back of his neck. “I actually forgot!”

To avoid lying, because the boy was not used to it, Sawamura just laughed out loud.

“Huh!? Has your stupidity went up even further??” Kanemaru blurted out upon hearing Sawamura’s response.

After his laughing subsided, Sawamura’s face turned serious, and then he bowed politely at Kanemaru.

“This lowly Sawamura Eijun apologizes for disturbing you! I will come back when I remembered what business I have with you!” Sawamura responded as he turned his back at his classmate making sure that his notebook will not be seen.

“Oi, wait!” Kanemaru shouted but the other boy had left in a hurricane, not even bothering to look at him.

After the door went shut, a silent pause emanated the room.

“Geez. What’s up with that guy?” Kanemaru whispered as he scratched his head.

Seto, who was quietly observing the two snickered slightly at the sight.

“What is it, Seto?”

“Oh, nothing. I’m just quite surprised that Sawamura-senpai can be considerate,” Seto replied at his senpai, still giggling.

“Considerate? That Sawamura? How so?”

“I guess he went here to ask for your help with his homework. But when he heard you want to rest, he changed his mind.”

“Wha – “ Kanemaru winced, his face slightly blushing. “Since when did that guy learned to be considerate? He wasn’t even the least apologetic when he kept on hitting me when he was practicing his pitching. He better makes sure he won’t fail any subjects! We’ll be in a pinch if our ace couldn’t join the tournament because he failed a class.”

“You really look out for Sawamura-senpai all the time,” Seto commented upon seeing Kanemaru’s reaction.

“Huh!? Who would care about that stupid guy!”

Just how much of a tsundere can this guy be? His awkwardness kinda reminds me of Koushuu.

After Kanemaru had finished his schoolwork, he went to bed early so he’ll be fully recovered the next day. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as he had expected. Upon waking up, Kanemaru felt even more tired, his throat was aching and he was feeling a bit warm too. Nevertheless, he still went to class.

“Good morning,” Kanemaru greeted as he went to his seat.

“Good morning! How are you feeling now, Kanema –“ Sawamura paused upon seeing his haggard-looking classmate entered the room. “Hey! Are you okay? I thought you’re going to rest yesterday! It looked like your state got worse! You did an extra practice yesterday, didn’t you?”

“Shut up, Bakamura. You’re the only one who’s gonna do something like that. Don’t expect others to act like you,” Kanemaru replied, slightly irritated at his growing headache.

“I think you should go to the infirmary,” Sawamura stated, ignoring Kanemaru’s jabbing at his stupidity. “Before it gets worse.”

“Yes. Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Don’t just keep it in mind, do something about it!”

Sawamura was about to add some more retort but was suddenly interrupted when the bell rang and their teacher had entered the room. He went back to his seat but glanced a worried look at the blonde boy before sitting down.

During the entire day at class, Sawamura kept on pestering Kanemaru. He even asked their PE teacher to let Kanemaru rest instead of doing physical activities. He had explained to their instructor that his friend was not feeling good at the moment. The teacher, who was touched by Sawamura’s concern for his friend agreed. Sawamura then dragged Kanemaru towards the infirmary, not even listening to what the latter has to say.

“Pardon us for the intrusion!” Sawamura said in a not-so-loud manner. “My friend right here is very sick and he needs some rest, may I ask for your permission to let him rest?”

“Stop exaggerating, I’m not that sick.”

“That’s what very sick people say!” Sawamura replied with his hands on his hips.

The nurse, who had been observing the two argue as soon as they entered the room, just looked at them with a smile and cleared her throat to catch their attention. The two boys stopped arguing and just looked at her, waiting for further instructions.

“You can bring your very sick friend over here,” the nurse said as she motioned the two boys on the nearest bed by the window.

Sawamura thanked the nurse while he dragged Kanemaru towards the bed while the blond complained “I told you, I wasn’t that sick.” He still ended up following the pitcher’s pace as he had no more strength to argue.

Once Kanemaru had settled himself on the bed, the nurse took his temperature.

“It’s 38.5 degrees. I’ll get you some medicine. For now, you need to rest,” the nurse stated.

“We’ll have our lunch break after our PE class. Just stay on the bed until the break’s over, I’ll bring you lunch!” Sawamura mentioned as he was about to exit the infirmary. The boy had probably planned to let Kanemaru rest during PE class so he can extend his rest by another more hour during lunch break.

The room went silent when Sawamura left.

“Nice friend you have there,” the nurse spoke as she smiled at Kanemaru.

“Y-yeah.”

That was all Kanemaru replied. Sawamura was indeed a good and very loyal friend. He had proven it to him a few times already. And despite his constant naggings, Sawamura would complain but eventually, listen to what he has to say. Needless to say, he would never admit to the southpaw that he also considered him as his friend.

When their PE class finally finished, Sawamura changed to his uniform as fast as he could and even dragged Furuya to buy some lunch.

“Hurry up, Furuya! Kanemaru might be hungry right now! He needs to eat something so he can take his medicine,” Sawamura shouted as he noticed the distance between them increasing.

After buying lunch, they proceeded straight away to the infirmary. Furuya was the one holding their drinks while Sawamura was holding their lunch. By the time they arrived, Kanemaru was sleeping soundly. They waited for around 20 minutes before deciding to wake the boy up. Kominato and Toujou had arrived as well when they were contacted by Sawamura.

Kanemaru was already in the middle of waking up when he heard some voices surrounding him.

“Thankfully, it’s just a fever and not flu. According to the nurse, he’ll be okay in a day or two if he just has plenty of rest,” Sawamura mentioned to the other three teammates.

At that statement, Kanemaru heard some sigh of relief from the other guys. He then opened his eyes as he checked who Sawamura’s companions were.

“Oh, you’re awake now, Shinji. How are you feeling?” Toujou asked being the first one to notice the blonde boy waking up.

Before he replied, Kanemaru tried to sit up but he was lacking the strength to do so.

“Geez. What’re you doing? Don’t force yourself!” Sawamura said as he helped Kanemaru to sit on the bed. “Here, we brought you lunch.”

The three guys assisted as they looked for a small table they can put on top of Kanemaru’s bed so he can eat properly. Kanemaru noticed that there were some pudding, 3 rice balls, and then a thermos as they placed it on top of the table.

“I asked the staff from the cafeteria to make you some soup,” explained Sawamura. “Just in case you can’t eat the rice balls.”

“T-thanks,” Kanemaru whispered, his face still slightly flushed from the fever.

The other four students had rice balls for lunch as well so they could eat inside the infirmary. The nurse had allowed it since it won’t make a mess on the bedsheets. Luckily, it was only Kanemaru who was resting at the moment. After taking their lunch, the nurse gave Kanemaru another set of medicine. Surprisingly, he had eaten all the food that Sawamura gave him and drank some of the juices provided by Furuya. He was shocked when Furuya had offered him three different bottles, one 100% orange juice (the typical orange drink that Sawamura buys), one Pocari Sweat, and one ginger ale and told him nonchalantly, “It’s because you never asked me to buy drinks for you, I don’t have any idea what drink you would like.”

He placed the other two drinks on the bedside table and proceeded to drink the orange juice together with the medicine. Before the lunch break had ended, Kanemaru’s fever had gone down to 37.8 degrees. He was about to stand up from his bed but the nurse stopped him.

“That won’t do, Kanemaru-kun. I won’t advise you to go back to your class right now,” the nurse had reprimanded the blonde boy.

“But I already missed a class,” Kanemaru justified.

“You’ll miss more than just one class if you forced yourself right now. Your temperature is getting better. You need to rest more. You can go back to class once your temperature goes back to normal,” the nurse replied in a stern voice, her hands on her hips as if to intimidate the boy.

“O-okay. I’ll rest some more,” Kanemaru responded, slightly frustrated about the fact that he will miss some lessons.

“Don’t worry, Kanemaru! Leave it to me! This Sawamura Eijun will make sure to take down all the notes for all the lessons you’re going to miss,” Sawamura interjected.

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Kanemaru facepalmed as he let out a small sigh.

“You’re so mean! What do you take me for?”

“Do you really want me to respond to that question?”

“Eijun-kun, Kanemaru, stop arguing already. We’re at the infirmary, remember?” Kominato interrupted.

The two stopped their arguing as they bade Kanemaru goodbye as their break’s about to end. Deciding that it would be much better to take more rest so he’d be all healed up by tomorrow, Kanemaru resigned himself to sleep.

The remaining time of the day went by in a flash. Sawamura was unexpectedly very attentive in the remaining classes, making sure to write down the notes he could comprehend while listening to his teachers.

By the time Kanemaru had woken up, it was already past 5 in the afternoon. Nothing could be heard except the clacking of the keyboard made by the nurse. He noticed that his headache was already gone and his throat was no longer aching. Kanemaru had drunk the ginger ale given by Furuya, maybe it helped. He sat up straight and looked at his surroundings, and then at his watch.

I’m late for practice!

“Oh, you’re awake now, Kanemaru-kun. How are you feeling now?”

“I feel better, all thanks to you,” Kanemaru replied politely, bowing slightly towards the nurse.

“Your energetic friend dropped by half an hour ago, he told me to let you know that he already brought your things back to your dorm room and that he will let your coach know that you can’t go to practice for today,” the nurse explained while measuring his temperature.

“I can’t go to practice today?”

“Of course not! Your temperature already went back to normal but if you push yourself, your fever might come back. I gave your friend some instructions so he’ll know what to do.”

The boy turned silent, frustration quite obvious on his face. But he just nodded as he stood up and fixed the bed. Before exiting the room, Kanemaru thanked the nurse once more for looking out for him.

“Get some rest! Drinks lots of fluids! Don’t push yourself too hard for today, got it?” the nurse instructed.

“Yes, ma’am!”

Kanemaru was walking along the corridor when he heard someone calling his name.

“Oi! Kanemaru!” the southpaw pitcher shouted as he ran towards the blonde boy.

“Sawamura? What’re you doing here?” Kanemaru asked upon noticing the boy wearing his baseball uniform, he was already slightly drenched in sweat.

“Good timing! I thought you’d be awake by now so I came to get you,” Sawamura replied as soon as he reached Kanemaru, slightly breathless from all the running, and beamed at his classmate.

“You’re really stupid, you know? I’m fine now so I can go to the dorm room on my own,” Kanemaru responded irritatingly but was touched by the pitcher’s concern.

“Who are you calling stupid! And dorm room my ass! If I didn’t come and fetch you, you might have probably ignored the nurse’s instructions and went straight to practice!” Sawamura retorted, flailing his arms wildly at his classmate.

“That’s –“ Kanemaru paused, unable to look at the intense staring of the other. “Not entirely true.”

“Which means you’re not denying it entirely either! See? It was a good move on my end to check on you. And just so you know, the coach was already aware that you have a fever so you’re not allowed on the grounds!” Sawamura exclaimed.

Kanemaru let out a small sigh and just replied, “Okay, I give up. Drag me wherever you want to drag me.”

“It’s good when you’re being this honest,” Sawamura smiled as he grabbed Kanemaru’s wrist with his left hand, literally dragging his classmate towards the dorm room.

Upon reaching Kanemaru’s room, Sawamura went out for a few minutes and returned with a few things on his hands.

“The nurse gave me some medicine. You still need to drink some after dinner. I bought you some drinks to keep yourself hydrated,” Sawamura explained as he put all the stuff he brought on Kanemaru’s desk. “You don’t need to go to the cafeteria, I’ll be the one to bring your dinner here.”

“You really don’t need to, I can – “

“No! It’s the nurse’s instructions! You need plenty of rest so you’ll be fully recovered by tomorrow! Oh, and by the way, the coach said you can start practicing tomorrow but just do some light exercises if you’re good by then, so for now, just rest, okay?”

“O-okay.”

“And don’t worry about the freshmen. I’ll take over your responsibility in checking their meals for tonight’s dinner. Leave everything to Sawamura Eijun!” the southpaw pitcher saluted.

“You really don’t have to do all these for me, you know? It kinda gives me the creep.”

“This guy! Since you’re sick, I’ll let it slide for now!” Sawamura paused for a moment before speaking once more.

“Besides, you’ve always been looking out for me. So I thought this time, I’ll be the one to look out for you.”

Sawamura just smiled at Kanemaru. The latter was touched, extremely touched that his brain had almost short-circuited that he didn’t know what to respond to Sawamura’s very sincere and honest words.

Geez. How can this guy say something like that? Really, his innocence and naivete know no boundaries!

Kanemaru, unable to find the right words to say, decided to choose the most convenient path to take – to run.

“I’ll be resting now, you can go back to your room,” Kanemaru spoke in a soft voice as he covered himself with a blanket, to hide his embarrassment of course, but Sawamura didn’t need to know that.

“Oh. Hmm. Okay. But you need to change your clothes first, okay? Don’t sleep on your uniform.”

“Yes. Yes. I got it.”

Sawamura observed Kanemaru for a few more seconds and decided to go back to practice.

During dinner, Sawamura pestered the freshmen non-stop about their meals. You would expect them to be annoyed but the kouhais were actually happy being doted upon by their ace pitcher except for one wolf boy who was releasing an emanating aura towards the pitcher which the boy just simply ignored. Ever since the last Spring tournament, before Sawamura became the ace, some of the first-year baseball players were already fanboying at the southpaw pitcher upon witnessing with their own eyes his excellent pitching.

After dinner was over, Sawamura went back to the dorm rooms, his hands occupied with a tray with some food on top of it. Seto accompanied him since they were going to the same room and opened the door for Sawamura.

“Kanemaru, are you awake? Here’s your dinner! Sorry, it took a while. Were you hungry?”

The blonde boy woke up to the sound of Sawamura’s voice. He sat on his bed as he looked at the southpaw pitcher holding a tray with his dinner on top. Upon seeing Kanemaru awake, he placed the tray on top of his desk.

“Seto, please look after Kanemaru for me. Make sure he eats it before it gets cold. I’ll just step out for a bit, I’ll be back.”

“I understand, Sawamura-senpai. Leave everything to me.”

“Ho… what a great kouhai you have here, Kanemaru! Now, don’t be stubborn and eat your dinner properly! I’ll be back!” Sawamura replied as he ruffled Seto’s hair and exited the room enthusiastically.

“He’s so energetic. I wonder where he’s getting all that energy,” Kanemaru commented as soon as Sawamura was gone.

He sat right next to his table. He checked his dinner and proceeded to eat. Kanemaru was still in the middle of consuming his dinner when Sawamura arrived.

“I brought all the notes you missed for today! I also bought some more drinks,” Sawamura said as soon as he entered the room without even knocking. Thankfully, both Kanemaru and Seto already got used to it.

“What? Whose notes did you borrow?” Kanemaru asked as reached for the notes placed on top of his desk trying to inspect the contents.

“Rude! That’s mine! I didn’t borrow it from anyone. I told you to leave everything to me, didn’t I?”

“Oh. That’s right. I forgot. But I’d never thought you’d diligently write your notes this time,” Kanemaru replied nonchalantly as he browsed through the notes, slightly satisfied with its contents knowing it’s Sawamura’s.

“Well, if I put my mind to it, I can do it too,” Sawamura whispered, slightly pouting at his classmate’s reaction.

“How about you keep on doing it every lesson?” Kanemaru replied, still busy looking at Sawamura’s notes.

“Sorry, Kanemaru-sensei! If I do that every day, Sawamura Eijun will not survive the entire school year!” Sawamura said in a loud voice.

Seto laughed at Sawamura’s reply while Kanemaru just facepalmed while reprimanding the southpaw pitcher saying “That’s nothing to be proud of!”

After finishing Kanemaru’s dinner, he drank his medicine, read some of Sawamura’s notes, and then went back to bed. Sawamura was busy chatting with Seto. As soon as he noticed that his classmate was already lying down, he picked the thermometer on the desk and checked Kanemaru’s temperature – 37.5 degrees.

“Your temperature seems normal now. I’ll put some of the drinks beside your bed so you can drink it if ever you got thirsty,” Sawamura stated as he arranged some bottles beside Kanemaru’s bed. “Get some sleep. Good night, Kanemaru!”

Sawamura smiled at the blonde boy but Kanemaru just shrugged. He turned his back towards the southpaw pitcher as he covered himself with a blanket.

The next day, Kanemaru was already fully recovered. When he arrived at their classroom, he noticed that some of his classmates were gathered in front. And at the center of it was the southpaw pitcher, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked intently on his notes while he listened to one of his female classmates explaining something to him. At times, some of his classmates would add something and Sawamura would intently look at the person as if to acknowledge that he was indeed listening.

After a few seconds of silence and some pondering on Sawamura’s end, his face brightened and shouted.

“Oh!!! I see!!! I get it now! I get it now!” Sawamura exclaimed as he wrote something on his notes.

“Sawamura-kun became the class’ little brother while you were not around, Kanemaru-kun,” Yoshikawa spoke as soon as she noticed the crowd in front of the room and Kanemaru’s confused expression.

“Oh, good morning, Yoshikawa-san,” Kanemaru greeted upon hearing the baseball manager’s voice.

“Good morning, Kanemaru-kun,” Yoshikawa responded with a smile to which Kanemaru blushed.

Apparently, Sawamura hadn’t finished his homework for his second class so he had requested the help of some of his classmates to explain to him how he should answer the last part. At first, he only asked one of his classmates, but Sawamura didn’t seem to get it. Some of his classmates got concerned and help with the explanation. And then the next thing they knew, there were around 10 people gathered at the front trying to help Sawamura finish his assignment.

“Thank you, everyone! It’s because of all of you that this lowly Sawamura Eijun was able to understand the lesson now! I love you all!” Sawamura shouted as he smiled intently at the group gathered around him.

Some were girls and some were boys, but all of them were blushing at the ace pitcher of Seidou. Some were ruffling his hair while some were offering him some food like they’re looking after a toddler.

That guy, not only was he getting even more popular with girls, he’s even getting popular with boys?? I’m so envious!!

Kanemaru’s internal monologue was interrupted when Hoshino spoke once more.

“Actually, it kinda started yesterday. During our last class, our teacher gave us the whole time for self-study. During that period, Sawamura was going around asking some of our classmates about the previous lessons that you were not around, comparing notes just to make sure you will not miss anything while you were sick yesterday. He’s just that kind of guy. He wanted to be of help to you so badly that our classmates felt like wanting to help him too.”

“To be honest, yesterday was one of those days where Sawamura was actively listening to the class. He even raised some questions and when the teachers would answer him, he’d request them to slow down because he’s trying to write it down. Some of the teachers were amused and touched that Sawamura is finally becoming a role model student,” Yoshikawa continued speaking so Kanemaru would have an idea what happened in the class yesterday.

Kanemaru was dumbfounded, unsure of what to say at what he just heard.

So that explains the clear contents of the notes he lent me yesterday.

Kanemaru was about to say something when Sawamura suddenly called him.

“Kanemaru! You’re back! Are you feeling fine now?” Sawamura shouted across the room, some of their classmates looking back and forth at the two.

“I’m fine. And don’t shout inside the room! You’re disturbing people!”

“Yo! Sawamura’s babysitter is now back! Geez. Don’t get sick! We’ve got our hands full yesterday looking after him,” one of his classmates said teasingly while the class laughed.

“Who’s babysitting who? You’re so rude!” Sawamura commented as he pouted at the boy.

Kanemaru noticed the light atmosphere emanating from the room. Everyone was laughing and he was hearing a few comments regarding Sawamura’s behavior yesterday.

As soon as Sawamura finished his homework, he went straight towards Kanemaru’s desk.

“It’s good to see you’re doing fine already. You can go back to practice now. But remember, just some light exercises, okay? Or coach will surely reprimand you,” Sawamura said.

“I know already. Geez. You’re such a worrywart,” Kanemaru replied.

“Of course, I’d be worried. You’re my friend after all!”

“Wha–“ Kanemaru was once again surprised by Sawamura’s honest response.

“You really are an idiot,” Kanemaru simply replied, intending to run away again from Sawamura’s unexpected words by infuriating their ace pitcher.

“And I keep on telling you, I’m not an idiot!”

“I’m fine now so you don’t have to worry,” Kanemaru interjected while intently avoiding Sawamura’s gaze. “I’m fine now so if there are things you don’t understand, feel free to bother me, just like you always do.”

When Kanemaru noticed that there was no response, he was forced to look at the southpaw pitcher. Sawamura was staring at him with a surprised look, his mouth slightly parted. And then he smiled brightly, comparable to that of sunlight.

“Thanks, Kanemaru!”

“Don’t get me wrong! I just don’t want you asking around girls for help. Your popularity is increasing so much that it pisses me off!!” Kanemaru blurted out as he put the pitcher’s head in between his knuckles.

“Eh? What’re you talking abou– “ Sawamura started but was interrupted by the sudden pain inflicted on him by the blonde boy. “Ouch! Kanemaru, stop! My head! It hurts! It hurts!”

And then the whole class laughed once more at their two classmates bickering at each other. Except for Furuya who has no intention of waking up until the school bell rang.

#dna fanfic #daiya no ace fanfic #diamond no ace #DnA #daiya no ace #anime fanfic #fluff and humor #sawamura eijun #kanemaru shinji #seto takuma #kominato haruichi #furuya satoru #toujou hideaki #yoshikawa haruno #sawamura eijun & kanemaru shinji

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apparently-artless · 3 years

Text

The Other Way Around - 3rd Chapter

A Daiya no Ace Fanfic

Warning: Not Beta Read, English Grammar Nazi be warned! ( `ε´ )

Summary:

Toujou have 'girl problems'. Kanemaru couldn't care less. Sawamura will come to the rescue.

Note: Different settings and timelines for each character. Check out source below for AO3 version.

Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Toujou Hideaki, Kanemaru Shinji, Furuya Satoru, Kominato Haruichi, Miyuki Kazuya, Kuramochi Youichi, Takigawa Chris Yuu, Yuuki Tetsuya, Isashiki Jun, Kominato Ryousuke

Chapter 3: Toujou Hideaki

Seidou baseball players were busy having their dinner. Some of the first years were gathered together in one table together with some first-string members. Sawamura, as he ate his food with gusto, couldn’t help but noticed that it’s Toujou’s third time letting out a deep sigh as he slowly ate his meal.

“Oi, Toujou. You keep on sighing. That’s not good, you know? Are you not feeling well? Is the food not to your liking?” Sawamura asked with curiosity and concern.

“Tch. Just let him be. He’s sulking because apparently, three girls from our batch kept on pestering him to be his girlfriend,” Kanemaru responded on his best friend’s behalf.

“Hmm? Is it just me or I can feel like you’re just envious of Toujou-kun’s situation? Kanemaru-kun, you’re not popular with girls, are you?” Ryousuke interjected upon hearing the freshmen’s seemingly interesting conversation.

“Wha – “

Haruichi blurted out “Aniki!” as he tried to stop his older brother from publicly shaming Kanemaru any further. He panicked even more as he heard the rest of the first-string members laughing at Ryousuke’s comment while he glanced from the red-faced Kanemaru to the sniggering members eating at their table.

“I see. That must have been tiring. If that’s the case, why don’t you just reject them?” Sawamura went on not giving a care to the other portion of the conversation – which was Kanemaru’s lack of popularity with girls.

“I already told them I have no time for a relationship right now due to club activities. But they just kept on bothering me,” Toujou answered with another deep sigh.

“You said it right! You’re not even part of first-string yet, do you think this is the time to get a girlfriend, huh??” bellowed Isashiki as he sat beside Toujou and placed his arm on the boy’s shoulder threateningly.

“Oya. Here’s another guy who’s unpopular with girls. Is that advice as a senpai, or is it your pathetic self, screaming jealousy? That’s not good, Jun,” Ryousuke commented.

“Shut up, Ryou! These first years should know better not to get ahead of their upperclassmen in getting a girlfriend! They're ten years early for that! Go bat a thousand swings every day first!” Isashiki added.

Toujou just smiled awkwardly at Isashiki and went on with his dinner.

“How about you, Sawamura? Aren’t you quite close with girls in your class? Is there someone in your class who asked you out?” Toujou decided to continue with the conversation. “Nope. I’m pretty sure all of my girl classmates just see me as a friend,” Sawamura answered nonchalantly.

“Besides, no one would want this obnoxious idiot to be their boyfriend. They’ll be deaf by the time they broke up,” Miyuki interrupted.

“Miyuki Kazuya! Who are you calling an idiot? And why are you even here dining with us?? Go away!”

“Then, how about you, Miyuki-senpai? Aren’t you popular with girls too?” Toujou asked without hesitation, not even caring about the bickering that started between the two.

And then, Sawamura and Miyuki paused as they looked at Toujou with wide eyes. The rest of the team was looking at Miyuki with menacing eyes.

Careful what you say, pretty boy catcher.

But before Miyuki could reply, Sawamura laughed as if what Toujou said was the best joke of the night.

“This?” Sawamura started while breathing heavily due to his unending laughter as he pointed rudely at the catcher. “This guy? This super evil and mean guy?? Popular with girls?? I bet they don’t know his true personality then! Oh my, those poor girls!”

Sawamura continued with his laughing and the menacing look that the other members were giving Miyuki transitioned to giggles. The boy with the glasses decided to break his silence.

To start, Miyuki let out a tiny cough. “Toujou-kun, leaving this idiot’s comments aside, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Eh? But I’ve heard Kuramochi-senpai complaining more than once that you received confessions from girls,” Toujou replied hesitantly.

“Huh? Kuramochi said that? When?” Miyuki reacted as he glared in Kuramochi’s direction.

“I can’t remember exactly when but he mentioned it during practice, I think.”

“During practice??”

“Yes, around three different times.”

“Three times??”

This time, it was Isashiki who reacted instead of Miyuki. Kuramochi just guffawed at the background, uncaring, like he’s not involved at all with the conversation.

“Miyuki!!! You jerk!!! You traitor!!!” Isashiki shouted as Toujou and Kanemaru tried to stop him from hitting the poor catcher.

“I’m sorry, Toujou. But I cannot give you any advice. I just tell them I don’t have time for relationships and they back off. You’ll have to deal with it another way,” Miyuki replied hoping this conversation will end with his body parts complete and unharmed.

“Ja!” Sawamura let out a loud voice as if to attract all the team members to listen to him. “Why don’t you ask a girl from your class to pretend to be your girlfriend instead? Look for someone who can agree with your situation so those girls you’ve mentioned will stop troubling you. It’s a brilliant idea if I say so myself. It’s like straight out from a shoujo manga! And then, the two of you will actually get together! And your true love story will begin! Hahahaha!”

The team turned silent, not sure what to make of what Sawamura had just blurted out.

“Hmm. A stupid suggestion from a stupid person. You’re getting there, Sawamura,” Ryousuke commented.

“Hyahaha! Ryou-san, that’s so mean!”

“Onii-san?? But that’s a good idea, no?”

“Well, if it’s got to the point that it’s affecting your grades and your performance during club activities, you can rely on us, Toujou,” Yuuki added with a smile. “We can even try to come up with a plan while playing Shogi.”

“T-Thank you, Yuuki-senpai,” Toujou replied at the captain awkwardly.

The next day was no different. The girls decided to ambush Toujou as soon as he went out of the men’s restroom. His initial plan was this – he’ll have lunch together with Kanemaru, Sawamura, Haruichi, and Furuya and make it look like they're having a club meeting during the break so they won’t get in the way. Unluckily, the girls got to Toujou first before he could meet up with the rest of the group.

Toujou’s head was starting to throb at listening at the girls’ bickering. No matter what he said, it seemed none of them would back down. He wanted to get out of this stupid situation. Some of the students are even looking suspiciously in their way.

He was trying his best to come up with another way to dismiss the girls and get them to back down but nothing came to mind. The best he could do was remember what Sawamura suggested, but there’s a flaw in that. He’s yet to find a girl who would agree with his condition. It has to be a girl who doesn’t have a boyfriend and someone who wouldn’t mind pretending to be in a relationship with him. For now, Toujou thought of telling the girls that he already had someone he likes and that he planned to ask her out. The name – well, it has to be anonymous for now.

“Uhm,” Toujou started as he scratched the back of his neck. “I’m so sorry to say this but, there’s already someone I like and I’m planning to ask that person out. As such, I can’t go out with any of you.”

The three girls stopped their fighting as they looked intently at Toujou, trying to determine if what the boy had said was a lie.

“Who’s the girl then?”

“What’s her name?”

“What class is she in?” “Eh? Uhm. You see…” Toujou replied while moving backward, unable to come up with answers to the girls’ questions.

“The name…”

“The name?” said the three girls in unison. “The name is…” Toujou replied once more as he moved another step backward, his back almost touching the window.

Then suddenly, his savior had arrived.

“Toujou! There you are! I’ve been looking for you! Where have you been anyway?”

“Sawamura?” Toujou whispered upon recognizing the boy looking for him.

“Sawamura??” the girls said in unison as they looked in the direction Toujou was looking at.

Then the idea struck Toujou like lightning. They just need to know that he’s in a relationship. It doesn’t have to be a girl!

Toujou went past the three girls and walked towards Sawamura.

Sawamura, I know you’re not good at reading the atmosphere. But please! Just this once! Remember what you said last night! I don’t have anyone else but you!

Sawamura stopped as soon as Toujou stood just a foot away from him. He then smiled at his friend.

“What’s stopping you? Lunch will be over in no time, Let’s go,” Sawamura said as he grabbed Toujou’s left wrist.

But Toujou did not move from where he’s standing. Instead, he just gazed at Sawamura with a serious look.

“What? You need to go to the restroom first?” the southpaw pitcher asked.

“Sawamura, there’s something important I need to tell you first.”

“O-Okay. I’ll listen to what you have to say,” Sawamura replied with a serious tone, his usual loud voice gone and the three girls right in front of him didn’t seem to matter. He then released Toujou’s hand.

“Sawamura, I like you. I’ve liked you for a long time. Can you please go out with me?” Toujou asked with determination, his internal self, screaming at the back of his head.

Sawamura was taken aback by Toujou’s sudden confession. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He closed his mouth and then pondered some more.

Sawamura, please get a grip of what I’m trying to do here!!

And then suddenly, a miraculous thing happened! Sawamura remembered what he told Toujou last night.

“O-Oh. I see,” Sawamura replied, astounded.

So, it has come to this, Toujou.

Sawamura!! Finally!!

Are you sure you’re fine with me? I’m a guy, you know??

I know, but I don’t seem to have a choice right now, do I??

Got it, Toujou, my friend! Leave everything to me!!

Their internal dialogue went on in less than fifteen seconds when Sawamura spoke once again.

“I like you too, Toujou. For a very long time now,” Sawamura smiled at him like the sun. “I’ll go out with you.”

Toujou, was of course, slightly taken aback by Sawamura’s words. He didn’t take the guy to be a good actor after all. A sudden warmth crept up Toujou’s face as he blushed unconsciously towards the boy. And when the girls noticed Toujou’s reaction, they were surprised but were convinced that the two boys who confessed to each other really liked each other.

Noticing the girls right in front of them for the first time, Sawamura looked at them with a smile too.

“I’m sorry. I was too focused on Toujou that I did not notice you there for a second,” Sawamura spoke, his jolly old self had returned as he scratched the back of his head.

He paused for a second, dropped his right hand, went for Toujou’s left hand, and pulled him closer towards him. Toujou, unprepared for Sawamura’s sudden action, slightly lost his balance as his body partially collided at Sawamura’s, his head perfectly placed in between the southpaw’s jaw and his chest.

“I’m sorry girls, but this guy here is mine. I would appreciate it if you could just back off,” Sawamura said in a deep voice, his warmth emanating and prickling Toujou’s skin.

Toujou, upon hearing Sawamura’s voice filled with sincerity, not the usual voice he’s used to hearing when they’re playing at the field, made him blush some more. The three girls were as surprised as well, their cheeks as pink as peach as they silently nod towards Sawamura.

“Thank you. Now, if you don’t mind, Toujou and I will be taking our lunch.”

Toujou automatically parted with Sawamura once he heard his final words. The boy placed his right arm on his left shoulder as they walked their way to the rooftop. Upon noticing that none of the girls followed, Sawamura decided to remove his hands from Toujou.

“You were so cool back there,” Toujou commented while scratching his cheek, a faint flush remained.

“Aren’t I?? It’s like straight out of a shoujo manga! Man! I’ve always wanted to say one of those cool lines being said by the male protagonists! I nailed it!” Sawamura beamed in response as he laughed, feeling proud of himself.

Toujou laughed at him as well. Little did they know, the three girls were still looking in their direction. But since they were unable to hear their conversation, they only appeared as two boyfriends having a happy conversation in their eyes.

“Should we still join them?” Haruichi asked Kanemaru.

Apparently, Haruichi, Kanemaru, and Furuya had witnessed Toujou and Sawamura’s ‘confession’ as well as they were also looking for Toujou at that time.

“Nope. Let’s not do that. I got the feeling we’ll ruin Toujou’s plan,” Kanemaru replied with a sigh as they observed the two disappeared in the corridor.

Furuya, who seemed uninterested in what happened, said nothing as he was more focused on the polar bear-shaped onigiri for his lunch.

“But is that okay with you?” Toujou asked as soon as they reached the rooftop. “What if those girls spread rumors that the two of us are going out?”

“What are you talking about, Toujou? Wasn’t it the plan to begin with??” Sawamura asked Toujou with dismay.

“Well, you see. I’m a guy. So I thought maybe, you wouldn’t want to be rumored to be going out with someone of the same sex.”

“Don’t mind the small things, Toujou!” Sawamura spoke in his usual tone as he tapped the other boy’s shoulder. “If you keep on thinking even about the small things, you’ll have grey hair at a very young age! Besides, my grandpa told me that you must help out a friend who is in need!”

"Thank you, you really saved me back there," Toujou added.

"But of course!"

Sawamura just laughed while Toujou smiled at him. He suddenly realized that that’s a very Sawamura-like thing to say.

“Eh? Where’s Harucchi and the others?”

“Oh, I just got a message from Kanemaru saying we can eat all by ourselves. They got impatient and ate without us.”

“Those guys! Geez!”

Two days after the incident, a practice game ensued between the first-string and second-string members. It was a peaceful game except for Sawamura’s usual obnoxious comments and a bit of complaint as he was selected by the coach to be the starting pitcher for the second-string members.

It was peaceful indeed. And yet, there is something, more like, some people whom the players can’t help but notice at the corners of their eyes. Eventually, the game reached its conclusion with the first-string team as the winner. Some of the players removed themselves from the field and went on with their stretching. Most of the first-string members, however, gathered at the bullpen.

“Okay! Okay! I’ll bite! Since none of you have the balls to say something! I’ll be the one to say something first!” Isashiki bellowed, slightly irritated at the fact that all the members were miraculously avoiding the elephant near the field. “Can somebody tell me why fangirls are cheering for Toujou and that idiot?? I mean, Toujou, I can sort of understand! But Sawamura?? Is the world ending??”

Some members laughed slightly and some members decided to keep quiet. Kanemaru and Haruichi, who happened to know the reason, were looking at each other, not quite sure what to do with the situation. Because apparently, Toujou decided to mingle with the quiet members as if it’s not his problem. And Sawamura – well, Sawamura is more concerned about the fact that he played as part of second-string instead of first-string for this practice game.

Finally, the silence was broken by no other than Chris.

“That group of girls is Sawamura and Toujou’s supporter. Apparently, Toujou asked Sawamura out and that Sawamura agreed,” Chris replied as he looked at his mini notebook.

The other members, especially the second-string members, couldn’t help but wonder just what kind of information Chris’ notebook contained.

“They’re here to support their relationship…” Chris added. “…is what I’ve heard.”

“Eh???” some of the members shouted in response.

Toujou, together with Kanemaru and Haruichi, was surprised that the catcher knows that kind of information.

“W-We’re really not going out,” Toujou interjected. “We’re just fake-dating. You know that last time we talked about it at the cafeteria. Sawamura just happened to be there when those girls were pestering me and then he kinda went on with the flow?”

The other members keenly listened to the boy’s explanation. Sawamura, who was busy stretching, noticed the other member’s sudden shouts so he decided to join in on the conversation.

“What’s happening here? Aren’t we supposed to do our stretching right after the game?” Sawamura asked upon noticing the surprise on the members’ faces.

“Sawamura! I can’t believe you’ve done it! You’re a true friend! A true man among men! My impression of you improved a little bit!” Isashiki commented as he slapped the back of the southpaw with his every statement. “Spitz-senpai! That’s rude! And stop slapping my back, it hurts!”

Miyuki and Kuramochi were, of course, sniggering in the background.

The baseball idiots, too busy congratulating their ‘new couple’ did not notice that the three girls were trying to go near Sawamura and Toujou who were pushed together so they can laugh at them some more as they noticed how Toujou’s face turned bright red.

“Are you here to speak to Sawamura and Toujou?” Yuuki, another oblivious idiot, asked the girls without hesitation.

The three girls just nod, but with great anticipation. Toujou, who was asked by another member to assist with stretching, was unable to indulge their request. As such, Sawamura was the only one who decided to talk with the girls.

“Oh, hi there!” Sawamura greeted the girls happily.

“Uhm, hi. It’s a bit frustrating that your team did not win but you and Toujou did great during the game!” one of the girls spoke.

“Ah, haha. Thanks. I’ll make sure to lead the team to victory next time!”

“W-we have a question for you if you don’t mind,” the second girl asked.

“Sure, fire away!”

“W-w-w-which one of you is the bottom???” the girl asked, sort of shouted in a high-pitched note.

There was a silent pause. The boys seem to get the meaning behind the girl’s question, except for one oblivious, Sawamura Eijun. Truthfully, almost all of them had seen that coming. Nothing surprising, really. Wait, scratch almost, all of them knows Sawamura had no idea whatsoever of what the girl was talking about.

“Bottom? Oh! Yes, I’m at the bottom and Toujou is at the top!”

The other members, who were pretending like they're busy with their stretching, but were actually listening to the conversation, snorted at Sawamura’s reply. Sawamura, the world’s most adorable oblivious Seidou southpaw pitcher, had misunderstood the girl’s sensitive inquiry. He thought the girl was referring to their batting order during the game where Toujou had played the 3rd batter whereas he played the 9th batter.

“Ohh! So you’re the catcher, then!”

“Eh? Ah, no, actually, I’m a pitcher. Well, Toujou’s a pitcher too but – “

“So you’re flexible??” the third girl blurted out before Sawamura could finish what he has to say.

“Why, yes, of course! I am in fact a very flexible player!” Sawamura replied with pride as he pointed his thumb towards himself.

“Kyaa!” the girls shouted upon hearing the pitcher’s response.

The members at the back were now laughing so hard, some of them were struggling at the ground. Chris, Kanemaru, and Haruichi were blushing out of second-hand embarrassment as they listened to Sawamura’s answers.

“Oh! My sides, it hurts! Sawamura, you really are the best!” Miyuki commented as he laughed together with Kuramochi who was snickering at his roommate.

Toujou’s brain short-circuited for a moment as he heard the conversation. Unwilling to have his dignity stained any further, Toujou walked towards Sawamura and the girls who were still busy squealing at Sawamura’s statement. Who would’ve thought that the girls who were initially asking him to be their boyfriend became fujoshi in just a day right after they had witnessed Toujou and Sawamura’s fake confession? Sawamura had done his part oh-so-well that it actually backfired.

“Sawamura,” Toujou called his name as he placed his left hand at Sawamura’s mouth.

“Hmpff – “

“Stop talking. You need to cool down. Like literally.”

Sawamura was about to say something but he was dragged by Toujou to prevent any further damage, to both their dignities. The girls bade their goodbye at the ‘couple’. Sawamura just waved his hand while Toujou just smiled awkwardly at them as he continued dragging Sawamura away from them.

When Toujou and Sawamura reached their other members who were still busy laughing, Toujou decided to remove his hand from Sawamura’s mouth.

“Eh? What’re you guys laughing about?”

“Kominato,” Kanemaru called Haruichi who was standing right beside him while looking at the southpaw pitcher. “I’ve made up my mind.”

“Huh? About what?” Haruichi asked, still worried at the chaos ensuing.

“I’ll make sure to protect Sawamura’s innocence within three years of high school,” Kanemaru responded, his face filled with determination.

Haruichi just smiled.

You keep on complaining, but in the end, you still look out for Eijun-kun like a mother hen.

“What’s this all about?? Stop laughing and just explain to me why you’re laughing at me?” Sawamura bellowed as he heard some words on the people surrounding him between laughs.

He’s not sure exactly why they are laughing but he can sort of understand that they are laughing at him. Miyuki, who had gained back his composure, wrapped his arm around Sawamura’s shoulder as he smirked at the southpaw pitcher.

“Sawamura,” Miyuki called in a sympathizing tone, a tone he seldom used towards the pitcher.

“What??” Sawamura shouted in response, already irritated at the laughs penetrating his ears.

“As your senpai” Miyuki started, emphasizing the last word. “I’ll be kind enough to explain what happened back there.”

Sawamura hesitated for a second but seeing no one was currently in their right minds to talk to him, he said ‘Okay’ in a soft voice. Kuramochi, who was listening to their conversation finally got what Miyuki intended to do.

“Miyuki, you bastard – “

“When the girl asked you who is the bottom, what she actually meant by that is…”

But before Miyuki could continue his explanation, a large warm hand landed at his left shoulder.

“Miyuki,” a deep but warm voice emanated across the bullpen.

The whole team became quiet when they noticed that Chris had already intervened between Miyuki and Sawamura’s conversation before Kuramochi could.

“Just what do you think you’re trying to explain to Sawamura?”

Chris was by no means angry, but his voice sounds so threatening it sends a chill on everyone’s spine.

“Chris-senpai?” Miyuki asked, bewildered at the other catcher’s reaction.

“Kuramochi,” Chris called.

“Aye, sir!” Kuramochi responded swiftly as if he understood Chris’ intentions.

The shortstop pulled Sawamura away from Miyuki which surprised the battery but did not make any movements and just went with the actions of the other members. Kuramochi stayed behind Sawamura as he placed both his hands on Sawamura’s ears to block any poisonous words that could taint their ever innocent southpaw pitcher.

“I’m so sorry, Miyuki-senpai,” Kanemaru and Haruichi apologized in advance as they grabbed Miyuki.

Kanemaru, like what Toujou did to Sawamura a while ago, placed one of his hands at Miyuki’s mouth as if to warn the catcher not to say anything. The pair then proceeded with dragging Miyuki outside the bullpen. Once they're done, they left the catcher without saying any words then went back to the bullpen.

“There, there. The evil catcher is now gone, you’re safe now, Eijun-kun,” Haruichi spoke in a soft voice as he ruffled Sawamura’s hair. By that time, Kuramochi had removed his hands on the pitcher’s ears upon noticing that Miyuki had indeed been removed from the vicinity.

“Phew, that was close,” Kanemaru said as he wiped the sweat forming across his forehead.

“Eh? What was close? What just happened? Where’s Miyuki?” Sawamura asked, still confused with his surroundings.

“Sawamura, for the meantime, come with me,” Chris let out a small sigh as he offered his hand towards the boy.

And as if it was enough to ease the boy’s frustrations towards his other teammates, Sawamura took Chris’ hand while he shouted ‘Shishou! I knew you cared for me!’.

Chris was emanating an invisible aura as they exited the bullpen. The others stayed silent before they were gone.

“Okay, Chris’ father instinct was triggered. Do not talk to Sawamura about this incident if you don’t want to incur Chris’ wrath. Do you understand?” Isashiki shouted so everyone at the bullpen can hear.

The rest of the members just nod and exited the bullpen as well.

“Aniki,” Haruichi called his brother as soon as the members started going back to their dorms. “Can’t you do something about Eijun-kun’s situation? If this continues, who knows how this might affect him.”

Ryousuke let out a small sigh. “Since when did you start caring too much about that idiot, hmm?”

“I know you’ll do something about it. After all, he’s our idiot.”

Ryousuke just smiled resigning himself at his younger brother’s request.

“Okay. I’ll see what I can do about it.”

Meanwhile, Miyuki, who was still surprised by what happened realized that he was now standing a few feet away from the bullpen.

“Wait, did I, the main catcher of this team, just get pulled out from the bullpen?”

“Oh yes, you did! Hyahaha!” Kuramochi bellowed in response as he dragged the catcher back to their dorms. “And don’t you dare touch Sawamura for now, Chris-senpai was really angry when you tried to pull that stunt on him at the bullpen.”

Miyuki laughed once more as soon as he realized that Chris-senpai did not want Sawamura’s innocence to be tainted.

“What’s that all about? I didn’t know Chris-senpai dotes too much about that idiot!” he laughed once again after he commented.

“I know, right? I was kinda surprised too.” Kuramochi replied.

“Says the guy who swiftly covered Sawamura’s ears when I’m about to explain to him what’s happening back there,” Miyuki smirked at Kuramochi.

“Shut up!” Kuramochi snapped as he tried to hide his pink-flushed face.

“Admit it, the boy’s growing on you,” Miyuki shouted when he noticed Kuramochi speeding up and leaving him behind.

“Miyuki, shut the hell up!!” Kuramochi shouted back in response to which Miyuki just laughed.

THE AFTERMATH

In their next practice, the three girls were no longer bothering Sawamura and Toujou.

Miraculously, the rumors about Toujou and Sawamura dating were only contained within the Seidou baseball members. Of course, this miracle was only possible with Ryousuke and some other third years doing a few things in the background. No one dared to ask how they did it but Toujou was very happy that the issue was now resolved.

Sawamura Eijun Protection Squad (aka SEPS) was formed with Chris as the president. This organization was in fact approved by Coach Kataoka and Rei-san after hearing Chris’ explanation.

Miyuki, up to the challenge, kept on trying to drop some hints at Sawamura regarding baseball innuendos that the girls previously asked him. He even left a BL manga on Sawamura’s desk which he managed to steal, ahem, borrowed from one of the confiscated paraphernalia he happened to find when they were tasked to clean the abandoned room. Fortunately, Kuramochi saw Sawamura and snatched it right before he could see the manga.

Since then, Isashiki made sure to check all the mangas being lent to Sawamura before he could actually read it.

#dna fanfic #daiya no ace fanfic #anime fanfic #daiya no ace #diamond no ace #fluff and humor #sawamura eijun #toujou hideaki #kanemaru shinji #furuya satoru #kominato haruichi #miyuki kazuya #kuramochi youichi #takigawa chris yuu #yuuki tetsuya #isashiki jun #kominato ryousuke

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queenofmoons67 · 6 years

Text

strike the match (let it all burn) omakes

Hi everyone! Since I have no idea what the issue with the text breaks are (they show up on my laptop) I’ve split the omakes from the main fic. If you continue to have issues, please let me know!

The main fic can be found here. I highly recommend reading that first.

Summary: Eijun, Furuya, Haruichi, and Raichi find themselves in the middle of a hostage situation. The omakes are the entirety of the main fic, but from the point of view of those stuck waiting outside. Part of my "we are the challengers (plus ultra!)" verse.

The omakes bounce between various POVs, but once someone’s POV has been done, they aren’t revisited (though, of course, they may appear in later scenes).

Quirk List: Kuramochi (cheetah camo), Ryou and Haruichi (rose), Miyuki (quirkless), Kataoka (doberman), Zono (oak tree), Toujou (rock), Chris (weakness reading), Eijun (lion and house cat), Furuya (bonfire), Asada (quirkless)

Word Count: 3267

Youichi was frantic. Everyone had been warming up for their practice game against Yakushi when Kanemaru ran out on the field screaming for Kataoka-kantoku. Next thing he knew, he, Miyuki, and Zono were being summoned to talk with the coaches.

Their news had sent his heart into overdrive. Sawamura - stupid, stupid Bakamura - had gotten himself into a hostage situation. Because of course he had. And his boyfriend's little brother had also gotten himself into that situation, because of course he had. And of course Furuya had been dragged into the mess as well. Because it was just Seido's luck to have two of their ace competitors and their second baseman in this mess right before the fall season started.

Now, he was stuck pacing around the dugout.

Youichi hissed and bared his teeth at nothing. Someone yelped, and he blinked to find Kanemaru right in front of him.

"Sorry…" he said slowly. "I didn't see you there."

The first year shook his head. "No, it- it's fine." He took a deep breath. "Are you ok, Kuramochi-senpai?" Youichi just looked at him, and Kanemaru nodded. "Have you considered doing something? I - talking to the police helped me calm down. It won't take your mind off of it, but…"

"Thank you, Kanemaru," Youichi said.

He turned on his heel and burst into a run - not his normal run, his cheetah-quirk powered run. He didn't use it often, since he'd been the target of a lot of discrimination as a kid for the camouflage that came with it. But for Sawamura and the Kominatos…

"Where are you, Ryou?" he panted.

Ryou's head was deep in his book, surrounded by his old teammates in the library. "A Study Group for Failing Baseball Idiots", Takako had called it when she emailed all of them. They had been at it for hours and were ready for a break, so when they all heard yelling from outside, they were quick to join their classmates in crowding the windows.

Thankfully, Ryou didn't even have to say anything. Being part of a stampeding team of baseball players meant that most people were quick to get out of their way. Those who didn't found themselves on the ends of his glare and moving anyway. Once at the windows, Tanba was kind enough to shuffle to the side and make room for him.

Opening the window flooded the library with even more noise. Looking over the edge, Ryou stared and, ever so carefully, didn't let his jaw drop.

There were police cars crowding the front entrance. None of them had their lights and sirens going, but their sheer number spoke to the emergency. So did the ambulance crouched among them.

The police themselves rushed all over the place. More than one was making a phone call, while others gathered gear. Anyone running did so between their cars and - Ryou's heart dropped. The direction of the baseball fields.

The library doors behind them crashed open, and everyone spun to face them. Ryou couldn't see him over everyone else, but he'd know Youichi's voice calling out his name anywhere.

Kazuya looked up from his brooding to find Kuramochi and the elder Kominato leading the rest of the third years in a charge straight towards Kataoka-kantoku and the police captain. Yelping, he leapt from the dugout to cut them off.

"Woah, woah!" he said, hands held up in the universal 'stop before you run me over' gesture. "Don't you think interrupting them will have the exact opposite effect than what you want?"

"Move, Miyuki," Kuramochi growled. "What would you know?"

Kazuya frowned and hoped his hurt didn't show.

"You realise I have two pitchers in there, right? And three of them are members of my team. Mine. Tetsu-san, you know what that means, right?"

The previous captain considered him seriously - though, honestly, Tetsu did most things seriously, it was just the kind of person he was - and nodded.

"As captain, your teammates are like your children."

Kazuya choked. Ok, that was too serious.

"No, that's not right…" Tetsu frowned. "It's like… as captain, you have a responsibility to your teammates. Part of that includes keeping them safe, even when off the field."

That was more like it.

"Besides," Kazuya pointed out. "When Kataoka-kantoku, Takashima-sensei, Todoroki-san, and Oota-san yell loud enough, you can tell what's happening even from over here."

Tesshin had had it up to his pointy Doberman ears with the police captain.

"What part," he growled, barely resisting baring his teeth, "of 'I am prepared to do anything to rescue those boys' do you not understand?"

The captain flicked his lion ears and raised his eyebrows.

"What part," he began pointedly, "of 'I can't let civilians onto an active hostage scene' do you not understand?"

Tesshin desperately wanted a brick wall to bash his head against. The two of them had been going back and forth like this ever since the police first arrived about six minutes before. All the coaches had already gotten their emotional reactions out through shouting; all that was left was terse logic.

"Those hostages are our children." Tesshin gestured at Todoroki. "In his case, his only son, and in Seido's case we are their guardians. You can't honestly expect us to just sit back and wait?"

The captain sighed and rubbed a hand over his nose. "Look, I'll make you a deal, ok? It's my one and only offer." Tesshin nodded. "I will allow one of you to go, under police escort, and try to talk to the kids. You will not do more than that. You will not attempt a one man rescue or participate in any actions we may undertake. Are we in agreement?"

Beside Tesshin, Oota heaved a relieved sigh. Tesshin thought it might be the first time the man had breathed since Kanemaru burst onto the field.

On Tesshin's other side, Rei nodded with a stony expression. Beside her, Todoroki looked close to bursting into another round of tears, but had enough composure left to gesture Tesshin forward.

"Go get our boys," he hiccuped.

Tetsu sat as calmly in the dugout as he possibly could, watching his old teammates pace.

He had actually been afraid Kuramochi would wear a hole in the floor, but thankfully Ryou had been able to pull him on to a bench and keep him there.

The others had no one to do so, and as a result, the feared hole might happen because of a group effort. Chris, Jun, Tanba, Kawakami, Kanemaru, and Zono - the latter three, along with Toujou, having already been in the dugout when they arrived - were certainly working hard at making the hole happen.

Even Masuko, sitting quietly in a corner as he tried to lower everyone's emotions with his quirk, didn't have much of an effect. The emotions, he had taken the time to explain, were too strong.

"What do you think is happening in there?" Miyuki asked.

Tetsu turned to look at the new captain, seated on the bench beside him. He didn't have to say anything. Miyuki gave him a side eyed look, then continued.

"They let Kataoka-kantoku in, and we've seen a ton of police officers enter and exit, but we haven't actually gotten any news. Just confirmation from the headcount that there's four players in there."

By this point, Miyuki had actually brought the pacers to a halt. He held their complete attention.

"What are you getting at, Miyuki?" Zono growled.

The catcher met his vice captain's eyes evenly. Tetsu was actually a little impressed he was able to; with all the stress, Zono had lost some of his fall leaves early.

"I mean we don't even know if they're alright. For all we know, they could be dead or -"

Ryou opened his mouth to spit, Tetsu was sure, a cutting response to that bit of catcher insight.

He didn't get the chance.

A gunshot and a yowl, one after the other, split the air, cutting and ugly and freezing everyone in their place better than even Miyuki's words did.

When he could move again, Shinji looked towards Kuramochi. He already knew, in the back of his mind, what that noise was. It had come from the direction of the bathroom, after all. But on some level…

On some level, he needed Kuramochi to tell him no. No, Sawamura's yowl of pain was not so loud that it reached them easily all the way over here. No, that was not even in pain. It was a call and nothing more. No, the pitcher Shinji had come to respect and, dare he say, call a friend, had not made a sound that wrenched his heart.

Shinji looked to Kuramochi and felt his heart completely stop instead. He knew he would get none of that.

Kominato had an arm wrapped around his boyfriend's waist. His fingers dug, white-knuckled, into jersey fabric as he held them both back.

The face of Kuramochi himself was turned away from Shinji, towards the bathroom, but his posture said it all. His tail had tucked itself as far in between his legs as it possibly could, and his ears lay flat against his head. The green fur across the back of his neck, usually invisible under his hair, had puffed out enough that there was no ignoring it or the truth it held.

Shinji's legs buckled. He sat on the bench, buried his head in his hands, and tried to ignore the world around him.

Hideaki sat between Shinji and the rest of the team, a rock hardened barrier.

At the moment he felt more like wood.

There had always been something for Hideaki to do, some solution to his problems. Sometimes it took so long it seemed impossible, like with becoming a pitcher again, but the solution was always there.

Now, though… for the first time in his life, he could do absolutely nothing. Everyone who needed to know had been told. He was looking at all of them, and had been for awhile. The police had let Kataoka-kantoku back, but he knew without asking that no students would be allowed. There was nothing to do but wait. Nothing he could do for his friends trapped within the bathroom, but out here...

Hideaki closed his eyes, breathed in deep, and straightened his back.

Shinji made a noise of wonder, and all around them their teammates exclaimed excitedly. Hopefully.

Hideaki opened his eyes to find Endeavor and a team of sidekicks walking inside the building. Police escorted them while leaning in close to, he assumed, brief them on the situation.

He let his shoulders relax ever so slightly. Reaching out, Hideaki pulled Shinji into his side for a one-armed hug.

Sometimes wood is thousands of years old and turns to stone, impossibly strong, to stand forever.

Chris and his old teammates waited impatiently, but it still took twenty, thirty minutes after Endeavor arrived before Kataoka-kantoku finally exited with Furuya in tow. The poor pitcher was half-dead on his feet. He looked up at them through lidded eyes, keeping up with their coach only thanks to an arm around his shoulders and a stubborn will.

Kataoka-kantoku handed him over to them with orders for half of them to get him into a bed. The other half were to come with him and get meals for the others.

They split up without a thought. Those most eager for news left with Furuya, while others who could get by with just the coach's reassurances for the time being headed for the dining hall.

Chris's choice was less pleasant. He headed in Furuya's direction, only for the coach to stop him with a quiet hand up.

"Your father has been calling Takashima, Oota, and I almost nonstop. Please call him back and reassure him that both you and your 'crazy boy' are perfectly fine."

Chris looked back at his coach. He knew his normal resting poker face had twisted into something strange - something that asked if the request was serious, my kouhais need me and you ask this of me?

Kataoka-kantoku just stared back evenly. He knew exactly what he was asking, but he did it anyway. That was the kind of man he was and why Chris had chosen Seido in the first place.

At least he'd confirmed that Sawamura was fine. Chris's heart had been in his throat since hearing the yowl, but now at least it retreated enough that he could clear his throat and speak.

"Yes, sir," he said. He bowed his head, murmured, "excuse me," and walked away.

In all of the chaos and panic, he had forgotten his phone and bag in the library and hadn't had the heart to go back and get them. He was paying for it now.

When he reached the library, it was to find a pile of book bags and baseball duffels behind the main desk, under the safeguard of the librarian. She smiled sympathetically at him and handed him his bag, but thankfully didn't do more than that. He didn't think he could stomach pleasantries right now.

Chris exited the the library and walked in the direction of the baseball dorms, phone ringing and pressed to his ear. It only rang twice before it was answered.

"Yuu!" his dad exclaimed. "How are -"

"I'm fine, Dad," Chris interrupted. "And so is Sawamura. I'm on my way to see him now, actually."

There was quiet for a few seconds, which really said more about his father's feelings than anything he could have said.

"I'm glad. He - I know you care about him. He brought out a side of you I hadn't seen in awhile, and I hadn't even realized I missed."

"Mm," Chris nodded. "Listen, dad - I can see the dorm from here. I'm going to hang up now."

"Take care, Yuu," his father said. "Give that crazy boy a hug from me."

"I love you," Chris replied, and closing his phone, sprinted to the dorms.

He opened the door to a feast. Beds had been claimed and the floor covered in baseball members.

"Chris-senpai!" Sawamura wailed. The lion cub launched himself from Kuramochi's side and burrowed into Chris's. He had to have been a koala in a previous life, Chris thought, to be this clingy. Still, he wasn't about to complain.

"Chris!" Jun hollered, waving from the top bunk next to Tetsu. "We saved you a spot on the bed!"

He waved in acknowledgment, but ignored his friends for now. He took in Furuya and the younger Kominato, both already asleep and safely bundled up. He noted the new groove in Sawamura's tail and, tightening his arms, maneuvered them onto the bed beside Kuramochi.

Now the pitcher was practically in his lap, head resting against his chest, and Sawamura purred in response. The sound was a rusty thing - probably because of the pained yowl. The thought made his shoulder ache in sympathy even as he watched Kuramochi's tail twine up and around the cub's wrist. Chris said nothing as it settled against Sawamura's pulse; he just tightened his own hold ever so slightly and listened to the murmur of their teammates around them.

He didn't let go until he felt the cub relaxing into sleep. Only then did he share a glance with Kuramochi and fully transfer Sawamura to the bed beside his roommate.

Standing up, Chris linked his hands over his head and stretched, cracking his back with a moan. The day had definitely been one of the longest he'd ever had. And after everything with his shoulder, he didn't say that easily. What made it even more remarkable was that it was barely even three o'clock in the afternoon. And yet, looking around him, all he could see were baseball members bedding down. After all the excitement and fear of the day, he wouldn't be surprised if they all slept through to the next day.

Turning, Chris began climbing the ladder to the top bunk. If all he could do for Sawamura and everyone else was be there, then he would be ready to do that to the best of his ability.

Hirofumi jolted awake and, rolling over, slammed his hand on his alarm's 'sleep' button. A noise suddenly went quiet, but it left a kind of… tense, agitated silence in its wake. The shock of it made him lie still, gazing blearily at the bedroom floor. For some reason he couldn't make out as much as he usually could without his glasses. He blinked furiously, still gazing down. The action accomplished nothing.

That's when it dawned on him. There was no light, unless you counted the moon shining through the blinds. Which meant it couldn't have been his alarm he accidentally silenced. Which meant -

Hirofumi nearly stopped breathing.

In the absence of his rough, still sleep heavy breathing, he could just make out the sound of even rougher breathing above him, accompanied by the murmur of someone's voice.

Hirofumi had only been in Seido's dorms for four weeks, but he already knew what woke him. The first night it had happened sent him scrambling, thinking someone was in their room who wasn't supposed to be. Memories of Kuramochi-senpai's head during the prank had flashed through his mind, only that time the hatchet was real. Hirofumi had screamed. Sawamura-senpai hadn't calmed down for another thirty minutes, and Kuramochi-senpai hadn't forgiven Hirofumi for another two days. It had taken caving to a night of catch and an early morning run for that to happen.

Now, though… now Hirofumi lay still for a moment before he rolled over and, rustling loudly, gathered his sheets to his chest. He dropped his mouth open and started breathing exercises.

This was only the second time it had happened, but Hirofumi already knew what it was. He had had nightmares himself as a kid, of his own quirklessness killing him someday. And… and everyone knew what happened to Seido and Yakushi that one fall practice. It was hard not to, when Endeavor himself had stormed in. The names of those involved hadn't been released. But that didn't matter when your roommate had a scar from a bullet wound on his tail.

Hirofumi counted ten sheep before the noises above him started again. He couldn't make out the words, but after a month of living together he easily recognised Kuramochi-senpai's voice. It was soft and soothing, intermixed with the occasional cheetah churr. Sawamura-senpai was crying, but Hirofumi didn't worry. It was better than the utter silence from the first time.

Gradually, the sounds above him started changing. Hiccups interrupted the crying, as did the occasional snort. The churrs became longer and longer. There was the thump of a pillow being fluffed, and then a half-laugh. An affronted grumble and more fluffing. The air conditioning beeped, whirred, and released cooler air. Their entire bed shook as someone flopped over, and then again with a second flop.

Sawamura-senpai's voice rose as he screeched, "Blanket hog!"

Kuramochi-senpai hissed and the bed shook again. Both of them quieted. Eventually, the lion's distinct snorting snore resounded throughout the room, and it didn't take long for the cheetah's lower, but just as bothersome snore to join it.

Hirofumi rolled back over to stare at the door. The entire situation, from when he woke up to when they fell asleep, had lasted about ten minutes. It took him maybe another five to join them, his own soft, breathy snores merging with theirs.

I swear I wasn’t gonna have ships in this verse, and then Kuramochi said “boyfriend” and I couldn’t bring myself to take it out.

As always, please let me know what you think! If you have any ideas for future additions, I’m open to hearing them!

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apparently-artless · 3 years

Text

The Other Way Around - 2nd Chapter

A Daiya no Ace Fanfic

Warning: Not Beta Read, English Grammar Nazi be warned! ( `ε´ )

Summary:

When his younger roommate broke his glasses, Sawamura volunteered to be his ‘third’ and ‘fourth’ eyes.

Note: Different settings and timelines for each character. Check out source below for AO3 version.

Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Asada Hirofumi, Kuramochi Youichi, Seto Takuma, Okumura Koushuu, Kuki Youhei, Miyuki Kazuya

Chapter 2: Asada Hirofumi

It was late in the afternoon and Sawamura was already running around the field with his precious tire partner, his voice echoing throughout such that all the Seidou baseball members could hear him shout. For the sophomores and seniors, it’s the typical annoying loud noise they have become so accustomed to that they didn’t even bother reprimanding the young pitcher. It even pushed them to go on with their practice although they will never admit it to the southpaw, careful not to inflate his ego.

To the first years, however, Sawamura is more of an idol, a hero, the most reliable relief pitcher when the team is in a pinch ready to give his best shot even at the most critical part of the game. After witnessing his performance during Sankou game, they didn’t even care if the southpaw invaded the field with his usual deafening tone. To them, he’s a role model that helps them motivate themselves to strive harder to be a member of the first string.

A few meters behind Sawamura was the first-year catcher with his tire as well. The pitcher just smirked at the poor freshman as he struggled for his breath but did not even bother stopping so as not to be left behind.

“That’s the spirit, Okami-kozo! Just keep on doing this without fail and your stamina will improve in no time!” Sawamura exclaimed as he laughed some more while continuing on his 20th lap.

As he was about to finish, he noticed that there was some raucous going on at the farther end of Field B where they were running. Some freshmen were gathered in a circle and there seemed to be someone in the middle sitting on the ground.

Sawamura stopped and gazed intently at the group as he tried to figure out what’s going on. Before he could take a clearer look, Toujou and Kanemaru emerged from behind and informed him of what happened.

“It seems like one of the freshmen was hit by a baseball in the face,” Toujou commented upon noticing Sawamura’s curiosity.

“Oi, Sawamura. Isn’t that your roommate?” Kanemaru added when he saw the face of the first year who was apparently hit by a stray baseball.

Before anyone of them could say something, Sawamura dashed through the crowd as fast as he can, leaving his tire partner on the ground.

“Excuse me, first years! Let me through! Let me through!” Sawamura shouted as he tried to check if it really was Asada, his freshman roommate.

The brown-haired boy sitting on the ground was trying to cover the wound below his left eye while another black-haired boy was sitting beside him holding what seemed to be the other’s pair of glasses as the latter was wearing his own.

“Seto, what happened?”

“Sawamura-senpai. Asada was hit by a baseball and broke his glasses. I think some of the broken glasses pierced through his skin upon impact,” the boy in black-rimmed glasses explained.

Surprisingly, the southpaw pitcher did not make any loud comments. He calmly assessed the situation and instructed some of the first years to call the captain or vice-captains. Being the ace and captain back in middle school and as the one responsible for involving his friends in playing baseball, he always made sure to stay collected and calm for situations involving injuries caused by accidents.

He knelt in front of the boy who seemed to have a hard time opening his left eye but his expression showed he recognized his roommate.

“Asada, calm down. Let me see your wound.”

The boy obliged as he removed the hankie he initially placed on a bleeding cut right under his left eye. The pitcher carefully placed his hands on Asada’s face so as not to inflict further pain. The first-year pitcher flinched slightly at the touch as he felt the calloused hands of the other. Proof of years of practice of pitching which makes him wonder if that’s what he needed to do to be at the same level as his roommate.

“It’s still bleeding a bit. We need to get you to the infirmary so they can check the extent of the damage. Can you stand? Are you feeling any pain aside from the wound on your left eye?” Sawamura asked in a gentle voice.

“Yes, I can stand. It appears my glasses took all the impact on the baseball,” Asada responded as he stood gingerly while being supported by Sawamura and Seto.

The other freshmen had dispersed and went back to their own training when Kuramochi had arrived followed by Kagami and Kuki who he had instructed a few minutes ago.

Upon seeing Asada looking fine except for the fact that his glasses were missing, Kuramochi released a deep sigh of relief.

“Geez. You seem to be doing fine, kiddo. Don’t make me worry for nothing!”

Sawamura only laughed.

“See? Vice-captain Kuramochi’s appearance is that of a delinquent but deep inside, he really cares for his kouhais!”

“Oi, Sawamura, do you want to die now??”

“Mochi-senpai, let’s do that at a later time. In the meantime, we need to bring Asada to the infirmary. Have you informed the coach already?”

“Don’t tell me what to do! I’m the vice-captain and I’m one year older than you so I know what I’m doing! Plus, unlike you, I’m not a moron!”

The two upperclassmen continued their bickering as they, together with Seto, escorted Asada to the infirmary. Even though there’s some blood involved, Kuramochi and Sawamura appeared to be talking normally which made the first years relaxed after the incident.

So, after they patched Asada, does that mean I can proceed with murdering you?

Kuramochi-senpai! That’s mean!

But you said we can do it at a later time!

Don’t make it sound like it’s some sort of a promise! Geez! Huh?? Is that the right way to talk to your senpai??

I apologize, Kuramochi-senpai. Please give me a break.

Asada’s roommates only stopped their banter as soon as they arrived at the infirmary. Fortunately, the school nurse was still around despite the late time of their visit. The cut on his left cheek had stopped bleeding too. The nurse proceeded in disinfecting the wound and placed some fresh band-aids on the pitcher. She instructed Kuramochi and Sawamura to replace the band-aid before going to sleep and put some more disinfectant.

The four boys thanked the nurse as they exited the infirmary.

“What about your glasses? Can you even see without it? Do you have any spare?” Sawamura asked while holding Asada’s arm as he guided the boy where to walk.

The boy shook his head. “My eyesight is really poor so, to be honest, I’m having a hard time recognizing the faces of others without my glasses. As for my surroundings, I need to move carefully so as not to fall,” Asada responded shyly.

“Uwah! Your eyesight is worse than mine! At least I can survive a day without my glasses if I’m not playing.” Seto commented, feeling relieved that there’s someone on the team worse than him.

“Luckily, your eyes didn’t get hurt. And there’s no practice tomorrow. Either way, if you can’t even do your daily tasks without your glasses, you will not be allowed by the coach to practice as long as you don’t have any glasses,” Kuramochi interjected.

“Ja! I, Sawamura Eijun, volunteers myself to be your set of eyes for now that you don’t have your third and fourth eyes! It’s a day off tomorrow! Let me accompany and assist you in performing your daily tasks and chores! Leave it to your most reliable senpai!”

“Third and fourth eye? What does that even mean??” Kuramochi frowned at the southpaw’s statement while Seto silently snickered in the background.

“People who wear glasses are called four-eyes, right?”

“Oi, that’s rude.”

“So basically, their set of eyes are the first and second. Which means the lenses on their glasses are their third and fourth eyes!” Sawamura responded as if he just said something smart.

“I’m not sure if you’re trying to act smart or you’re just plain stupid.”

“Wha – “

“Putting that stupid statement aside, I’ll be reporting to the coach first regarding Asada’s condition so you guys go ahead first,” Kuramochi added before Sawamura could retort.

“Thank you, Kuramochi-senpai. And I apologize for the inconvenience I’ve caused,” Asada replied while bowing to the oldest roommate.

“It’s fine. Just be careful next time, okay?”

“I understand.”

Kuramochi separated from the group as he went to the coach’s office while the three youngsters proceeded to their dorms.

“So what’s your plan now, Asada? I think it’s best to have your glasses replaced tomorrow. There will be no classes and no practice too,” Sawamura suggested, still holding the boy’s arm gently in his hands.

“That’s what I thought too. I’ll just call my parents so they can send me money for the prescription glasses,” Asada replied.

“That’s a good idea! Can you dial your phone just fine?”

Their conversation was interrupted upon seeing Okumura and Kuki coming their way.

“Oh! Okumura-shounen! Kuki! You came to check if Asada’s doing fine, didn’t you? If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry. He’ll be just fine so long as he gets to replace his broken glasses with a new one,” Sawamura affirmed while smiling towards the two first years.

Kuki smiled upon hearing the news while Okumura’s vacant expression remained unchanged. Asada and Seto, on the other hand, were busy checking the pitcher’s phone so he can call his parents. Upon the second ring, a woman’s voice can be heard on the other line. Sawamura gently tapped Asada’s shoulder to inform him that they will be right behind him once he’s done.

The remaining first-years continued with their conversation with Sawamura as he explained the extent of Asada’s injury.

“No need to worry! I’ll be taking care of Asada until he gets his eyesight back,” Sawamura whispered so as not to disturb Asada’s phone call with his mother.

The phone call ended within three minutes. According to Asada, his mother agreed to send him money tomorrow so he can buy a new set of glasses.

“Yosh! Since you’ll be needing my assistance, I will be accompanying you for tomorrow’s mission!” The southpaw pitcher exclaimed with his hands on his hips.

“Are you sure, Sawamura-senpai? It’s our precious day off tomorrow and I wouldn’t want to disturb you in your rest,” Asada asked while fidgeting his fingers as he looked at the ground.

“What are you saying, Asada? As your senpai and as your roommate, it is my duty to make sure you’ll be safe and sound inside and outside the campus. And as you’ve said earlier, you can’t see clearly without your glasses, right? You need to avoid incurring further injuries, no?”

“Senpai has a point, Asada. Just give it up and accept Sawamura-senpai’s kindness as a kouhai should!” Seto commented.

“If you want, I can accompany you as well. Who knows what will happen if we leave you and Sawamura-senpai to your own device,” Okumura suggested.

“Oi, Koushuu!”

“Oi! Okumura-shounen! That’s a rude thing to say to your senpai, you know!”

“Then, let me go as well!” Kuki interjected.

“Eh? Are you sure, Okumura and Kuki? I can’t possibly impose on you,” Asada replied while giving the two a confused look.

“I wouldn’t mind. I have some things to buy myself,” Okumura answered blankly.

“I don’t have anything I need to buy but I want to spend my rest day wisely! Seto, come with us!”

“Of course, I’ll definitely come.”

With Sawamura-senpai and Koushuu going together, there’s no way I’m not going. Who knows what will happen with these two.

“Yosh! That’s it then! Let’s meet outside our room tomorrow at 9:30 AM.”

All the first years agreed and decided to went back to their respective rooms. Sawamura, just as he promised, never left Asada by himself and assisted him with tasks Asada is not capable of doing without his glasses.

It was dinner time and Sawamura seated himself beside Asada.

“Asada, I’ll get your meal for you. Just sit there like a good boy!”

“O-Okay. Thanks, Sawamura-senpai,” the boy responded shyly, his cheeks blushing as some of the members noticed the southpaw’s action.

Meanwhile, near their table, Miyuki had noticed what happened.

“Hey, isn’t Sawamura meddling too much with your first-year roommate? Does he even know what personal space is?” Miyuki commented to Kuramochi.

“Asada’s glasses broke during the practice so he can’t see that clearly. I’d say his eyesight was just as poor as yours. Or wait, maybe worse? I’m not too sure,” Kuramochi responded as he continued eating his dinner.

“Seriously? Now that I think about it, he’s not wearing his glasses right now. I bet he got hit on the face with his glasses on by a baseball, and then his face got scratched by the broken glass,” Miyuki half-guessed as he noticed the band-aid on the first year’s left cheek.

“That’s precisely what happened. What are you, some sort of a psychic??”

“Seriously?” asked Miyuki the second time.

“Seriously!” Kuramochi frowned in response. “Wait, didn’t I tell you that earlier?”

“No, you didn’t. I wouldn’t have asked otherwise. And the reason I guessed it right is that it happened to me back when I just started playing baseball.”

“Oh well, now you know,” Kuramochi spoke nonchalantly as he began gulping his meal again.

“Oi, vice-captain. Do your damn job.”

Kuramochi just rolled his eyes and initiated a conversation with Nabe who was eating on his other side.

Thirty minutes had passed after dinner started. As usual, Asada and Okumura were the ones left finishing their dinner. Sawamura, Seto, and Kuki decided to stay for a while as they planned their schedule for tomorrow.

Miyuki, who was about to exit the cafeteria, felt like giving Asada some advice so he decided to barge into their conversation. Kuramochi just observed silently.

“Asada, I heard you broke your glasses during practice,” Miyuki started.

“Cap! Another megane nakama has joined us! Did you come here to give our Asada some advice regarding glasses?” Sawamura asked.

“Well, something like that,” Miyuki replied awkwardly.

The rest of the group just stared at Miyuki, waiting for him to continue with his advice. He cleared his throat and went on with his business.

“It’s a good thing your eyes did not get hurt during the incident. If you’re going to have your glasses replaced, it’s best to go to the shop I’m frequenting. Their glasses are more durable than the regular ones. That’s where I bought my sports glasses too. But if you don’t want to wear sports glasses, that would be fine too. I think you can buy the same style of glasses that you’re previously using. Just be more careful during practice.”

“Thank you, Miyuki-senpai. I’ll check out the shop you suggested,” Asada responded.

“Why don’t you just come with us, Cap?” Sawamura asked as he placed his left fist on his right palm as if he thought of a very brilliant idea.

And oh what a brilliant idea it is, indeed as Kuramochi decided to break his silence and join in on the conversation too.

“That’s a good suggestion, Sawamura!” Kuramochi bellowed as he slung his arm on Miyuki’s shoulder. “Tomorrow’s a day off and I’m sure our captain here would be delighted to accompany his precious kouhais to do some shopping!”

No way!!!

Yes way.

So this is how you’re going to play, huh?

Just accept it! You can’t escape this now! Hyahaha!

The two third-years stared at each other for a few seconds as they conversed internally.

“Sure thing! Kuramochi and I had nothing to do anyway, so we might as well join you,” Miyuki stated with finality as he pushed his glasses up his nose.

“What??”

“Oh! Even Kuramochi-senpai as well! As I expected, despite your scary and delinquent-looking appearance, you have a soft heart when it comes to your kouhai!” Sawamura commented, oblivious of the internal fight occurring right in front of him.

You bastard.

If I’m going down, I might as well drag you with me.

And then, it occurred to Kuramochi how Sawamura just smoothly dissed him within his praises.

“Oi, Bakamura. Who are you calling delinquent-looking, huh?” Kuramochi spoke while putting the pitcher on a headlock.

“Senpai! Stop! I’m sorry! I give up! I give up!”

It’s 9:25 AM and all the first years together with Kuramochi and Sawamura are now gathered in front of their room.

“What the hell is Cap doing? Doesn’t he know that it’s common courtesy to arrive at least ten minutes earlier before the designated time? Okumura-shounen, aren’t you his roommate? Why are you not together?”

“I’m not his babysitter. Besides, I tried waking him up once but he didn’t even budge.”

“Fine! I’ll go and fetch Miyuki myself! Geez, these people are such a pain,” Sawamura replied as he left the group to check the other room.

“Like he’s one to talk,” Kuramochi commented softly as he yawned.

“I’m so sorry Kuramochi-senpai. Instead of resting, you had to go out your way to accompany me for my glasses,” Asada spoke as he noticed the older boy’s sleepiness.

“Nah. It’s fine. Besides, it’s more worrying to leave you guys with that idiot. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.”

Seto and Kuki laughed at the upperclassmen’s statement as they waited patiently for their captain and the southpaw pitcher.

After ten minutes of waiting, they can hear the loud voice of Sawamura from the second floor.

“We told you that we’ll be meeting up by 9:30 AM! If I hadn’t check up on you, you wouldn’t even bother waking up, would you?”

“Shut up, Sawamura. Stop acting like a girlfriend who got stood up on a date.”

“You’re supposed to set a good example! As an upperclassman! As the captain!”

The bickering continued as the group saw the two together going in their direction.

“Oi, you two. Stop fighting like an old married couple. We’ve wasted too much time. Let’s go,” Kuramochi interjected nonchalantly, too used to the battery fighting.

The first years decided to follow the shortstop as they continued to listen to their captain and the pitcher bantering.

“Kuramochi-senpai, are the two always like that when they’re off the field?” Kuki asked quietly so as not to be heard by the two.

“Yep. I’d say it’d be a miracle if the day comes when those two will not fight.”

“Heh. Even though they’re perfectly synched during the games. That’s quite surprising,” Seto commented.

“Hyahaha! Tell me about it! It’s because those two are total opposites that they fight almost every day. But those two are baseball idiots so they communicate perfectly when playing. Not that I’m one to talk.” Kuramochi replied with a smile.

“You seem very close to those two, Kuramochi-senpai,” Asada interjected upon noticing the warmth in Kuramochi’s tone while talking about Miyuki and Sawamura.

“Huh? What are you talking about?? We’re not that close!” Kuramochi exclaimed, slightly blushing.

The first years remained quiet upon noticing Kuramochi’s reaction. Needless to say, they all knew that him denying the fact doesn’t mean it’s not true. For Kuramochi, Miyuki is almost a best friend, though he’s not sure if the latter thinks the same of him. While others were having a hard time reading Miyuki’s emotions, Kuramochi can read him like a book. As for Sawamura – he’s like a little brother. A big baby brother he had to take care of for as long as he can. He can even imagine himself taking care of the boy even after they graduate high school.

Kuramochi’s thoughts were interrupted when Asada called out to him.

“In any case, I’m thankful that you decided to join us, Kuramochi-senpai. Even though you were just dragged due to yesterday’s conversation.”

And then Kuramochi laughed. For quite some time, he was a bit concerned that Asada was having a hard time adjusting to his first year at high school. Hearing him say such honest words made his worries fly right out of the window.

As soon as they arrived at the mall where the shop Miyuki suggested was located, they decided to split up so Asada can buy his glasses and the rest of the group can buy the things they needed.

Miyuki, as someone familiar with the shop, accompanied Asada together with Sawamura. Kuramochi accompanied the rest of the first years as they went on shopping for other things. Fortunately, the shop had fewer customers at the moment. After filling up some papers and choosing the style of glasses he wanted to purchase, Asada was requested to enter a separate room to check his prescription.

One of the attendants who seemed to know Miyuki advised them to seat while waiting for Asada’s checkup to finish.

“I didn’t know you have brothers, Miyuki-san. I guess poor eyesight runs in the family, huh,” the attendant said in a teasing manner.

“Oh, no. They’re just my teammates. I just accompanied them since I was forced to – it’s also my duty to look after them,” Miyuki replied awkwardly while Sawamura looked at him in disbelief.

“Oi! What do you mean you were forced to??”

“Huh? What’re you talking about, Sawamura-kun? Maybe you just heard it wrong.”

“This tanuki bastard!”

The attendant, who was still listening to their banter, laughed.

“So they are your kouhais then? It’s good to see you’re getting along just fine with them.”

“If this looks like getting along just fine with you, I’d say you might need a pair of glasses too,” Miyuki replied.

“Oi! You’re being rude!”

“I’m fine with Asada. But if I’ll have this guy as my brother,” Miyuki continued as he pointed to Sawamura. “I’d rather not have any brothers for the rest of my life.”

“You megane bastard! Stop pointing at me! And just so you know, some of my friends at home were wishing they have me as their brother.”

“Ho. They must be a masochist then.”

Before Sawamura could add another retort, Asada had finished the checkup and was advised to come back after an hour for his new set of glasses. They paid for the glasses and decided to go to the food court where they initially planned to meet with the rest of the group once they’re done.

The two went back with their bickering as soon as they left the shop. Sawamura, despite being busy responding to Miyuki’s teasing, did not forget about Asada’s condition as he held his arms gently in his left hand.

After few minutes of walking, they finally reached their destination. Upon noticing that Kuramochi and the rest had not yet arrived, they decided to take a seat at a table as they waited patiently for them.

They waited for ten minutes. As soon as they arrived, they decided to eat something first while they wait for Asada’s glasses. Kuramochi and Miyuki went to the restroom first while they left Sawamura with the first years.

Asada and the rest decided to buy some ice cream while Sawamura bought some taiyaki. The queue to the taiyaki booth was long so he had to be separated to the first years for a while. Asada was on his way to their designated table when a little girl came running in his direction. To avoid the girl, Asada sidestepped but failed to notice a big guy on his left side. He accidentally collided with the guy but thankfully missed the ice cream that fell to the ground.

“Oi, kid. Just where do you think you’re looking, huh??” the big guy shouted at Asada, who looked like a member of a Yakuza.

Intimidated by the stranger’s sudden outburst, Asada was not able to utter a single word. And in just a few seconds, two more men walked in their direction. The guy’s comrades, most probably, as they sported the same style the first guy did.

“Is there some problem here?” said the other guy who just arrived.

“This kid bumped into me and hadn’t even said a word of apology. He almost dirtied my boots,” said the first guy.

“Um. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into you. I just tried to avoid the girl running towards me.”

Also, I can’t see clearly.

But of course, he couldn’t say that. It was awkward, to be honest, and it’s the first time he encountered such a situation that he did not know what to do.

Luckily, Sawamura who had finished ordering his food was about to go back to their table when he saw Asada and the three menacing adults near him. He did not fail to notice the nervousness emanating from his roommate. He did not waste a single second as he walked in their direction.

“Sirs, what could be the problem here?” Sawamura interjected as he moved between Asada and the three men.

“Are you his babysitter or something, huh? Next time, tell your friend here to be more careful where he’s walking!”

“Oh. He’s got poor eyesight, you see. And as the one in charge of his current predicament, I’ll take responsibility and apologize on his behalf,” Sawamura responded politely as he bowed, almost 90 degrees. “I, Sawamura Eijun, will make sure that this will not happen anymore. As such, may I know if he has incurred any damage to any of you, gentlemen?”

The three men were startled for a moment, but not with Sawamura’s manner of speaking, it seems. They looked at one another before speaking once more.

“Kid, where d’you come from?”

“I came from Nagano, sir. I was just finishing my studies here in Tokyo.”

“Sawamura, huh?”

The southpaw pitcher just tilted his head, unsure of what to respond when one of them called his family name. As if talking telepathically, the three nodded and then looked at Sawamura once more.

“Kid, do you happen to know Sawamura Eitoku?”

“Eh? You know my grandpa?”

“Grandpa???” said the three men in unison.

“Well, my grandpa’s name is Sawamura Eitoku. He’s the person I respect the most!” Sawamura responded with pride.

What was initially a sour atmosphere suddenly turned light.

“Kiddo, would you be kind enough to show me a photo of your grandpa?”

“Of course,” Sawamura responded as he pulled out his phone from his pocket and searched through his gallery. “Here! They’ve sent me a photo of grandpa last week when he caught a 2-feet long fish. Isn’t he amazing?”

The three crowded together to take a look at the boy’s phone.

“It’s Sawamura-san.”

“It really is Sawamura-san.”

“He looks as amazing as ever.”

“Heh. So you do know my grandpa? What a coincidence!”

“Yes! We’ve been taken care of by Sawamura-san 20 years ago!”

“Oh. I wasn’t even born at that time. Where did you meet him?”

The three men went on with conversing merrily with Sawamura. Kuramochi and Miyuki went back and fetched Asada upon noticing the unknown crowd. The rest of the first years decided to join as well.

“What’s happening here?” Kuramochi asked.

“Is it just me, or Sawamura is talking right now to some gangsters with smiles on their faces?” Miyuki inquired as he tried to comprehend the situation.

Asada replied as he scratched the back of his head. “To be honest, I don’t quite understand what happened. For a minute, they were mad and ganging up on me when I accidentally collided with one of them. The next minute, they’re talking about Sawamura-senpai’s grandpa after senpai arrived.”

“Eh?? Are you okay??” Seto asked worriedly as he checked Asada for any physical injuries.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Asada responded. “Sawamura-senpai covered for me before anything happened.”

“Heh. Sawamura-senpai is so cool.” Kuki commented upon hearing what happened.

“Yep. He was really cool, and brave. He didn’t even flinch as he tried to talk to them,” Asada added.

The group decided to seat at the next table near Sawamura in case the three men decided to suddenly change their attitude towards him. They waited for 15 more minutes when they heard Sawamura saying his goodbye to the three.

“Goodbye Nakamura-san, Sugita-san, Sakurai-san! I’ll make sure to send my grandpa your regards!” Sawamura beamed in response as he waved his hand at the three men.

“Thank you. It’s nice meeting you, Eijun-kun!” The three responded in unison as they bowed politely towards the boy.

It was weird and at the same time very amusing to see three Yakuza-looking adult men bowing at a bright-looking boy as if the world was about to end. Seto, who probably assumed something interesting was about to happen, had his smartphone ready as he took a recording of the scene.

“Hyahaha! Send it to me, Seto! We’ll send that video in the group chat. Let’s see what this will do to Sawamura’s reputation!”

As soon as the three men disappeared, Sawamura joined the rest of the group.

“So? What was that all about?” Kuramochi asked as soon as Sawamura arrived.

“Oh? About Nakamura-san and the others? It seems they were taken care of by my grandpa when they were young. They were indebted to him a lot so they want to send their regards. We just kinda talked about him midway since I wanted to know the type of person my grandpa is when he was younger.”

“Ho. So that means it was your grandfather who had saved the day! It’s your grandfather who’s amazing. Don’t let this incident get in your head, Sawamura!” Miyuki remarked intending to tease the boy but the boy just smiled as he scratched his nose lightly.

“Yep. He really saved the day. Even without him here, he managed to help me out and resolve things easily. He really is amazing. As expected of the person I respect the most.”

The whole group turned silent. They were surprised how Sawamura can easily state how he truly feels. Definitely, the boy’s honesty knows no bounds.

After an hour had passed, they went back to the shop to retrieve Asada’s new glasses.

“Finally! You’ll be Sawamura-free!” Miyuki smirked.

“That’s so rude! I bet you Asada had a fun time being with me,” Sawamura responded as he looked expectantly at Asada. “Right, Asada?”

“Yes. I was really grateful for you looking out for me, Sawamura-senpai,” Asada replied as he bowed slightly towards the southpaw pitcher.

The boy just laughed at Asada’s response while Miyuki was slightly surprised. “Don’t mind! We’re roommates and as your senpai, it’s only right that I looked after you!”

“Asada, you don’t have to force yourself, you know. You can be honest with this idiot!”

“I’m not really forcing myself, Miyuki-senpai. I’m happy that Sawamura-senpai looked after me,” Asada replied shyly.

“Oi, tanuki bastard! Who are you calling an idiot?”

“Who else am I referring to?”

And the loud conversation continued as the group went back to Seidou. While on their way to the dorms, Asada thanked Sawamura once more.

“But seriously, thank you so much, Sawamura-senpai. You really saved me back there.”

“Nah. As Miyuki said, it was my grandpa who saved our asses. It was just a coincidence that they happened to know him.”

“So, if they didn’t know your grandfather, what would you have done with the situation, then?” Seto asked curiously as he listened in on their conversation.

“Well, to be honest, I was just buying time if I can’t make them back down with just the talk. I was waiting for Kuramochi-senpai to arrive. There’s no one more reliable in Seidou than that guy when it comes to fighting. I bet he was a very strong warrior back in his past life,” Sawamura responded with a naughty smile.

“What was that, Sawamura?? Do you want me to test some of my new moves again once we reached the room, huh??” Kuramochi replied, ready to subdue the southpaw pitcher in a headlock.

“That’s quite unexpected,” Okumura interrupted as the others looked at him. “To think you had thought ahead in that situation.”

The rest of the group snickered slightly at Okumura’s comment including Kuramochi who had forgotten about the pitcher’s earlier comments about him while Sawamura was slightly offended.

“That’s so mean, Okami-kozo!” Sawamura bellowed in response. “Look at what you’ve done, Cap! You’re influencing the first years in a very negative way!”

“What’s that got something to do with me? Isn’t it literally just their own impression of you?”

“Urgh! Shut up, you tanuki bastard!”

And then the next day, due to the video uploaded at the Seidou Baseball group chat courtesy of Seto, the rumor about Sawamura being an heir to a Yakuza group spread like wildfire. It took a week before the rumor died.

#daiya no ace #DnA #diamond no ace #DnA fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #anime fanfiction #anime fanfic #fluff and humor #sawamura eijun #asada hirofumi #seto takuma #okumura koushuu #kuramochi youichi #miyuki kazuya #kuki youhei #daiya no ace fanfic

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apparently-artless · 3 years

Text

The Other Way Around - 1st Chapter

A Daiya no Ace Fanfic

Warning: Not Beta Read, English Grammar Nazi be warned! ( `ε´ )

Summary:

Just as how the whole baseball team is protective of one Sawamura Eijun. The southpaw pitcher is also protective of his teammates – his second family away from home.

Note: Different settings and timelines for each character. Check out source below for AO3 version.

Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Okumura Koushuu, Seto Takuma, Asada Hirofumi, Okumura's classmates

Chapter 1: Okumura Koushuu

Summer had finally ended and so is Kōshien. Seidou baseball team, the new champion of the said event, is busy preparing for the upcoming Fall Tournament now that the third year had retired. Sawamura Eijun, the new captain, was unanimously selected by their former two vice-captains and captain.

It’s a heavy burden considering he is still the team’s ace but he’s being supported accordingly by Kanemaru and Kominato as vice-captains. Besides, there’s Furuya and it’s not wrong to say that they have two aces in the team right now. After the summer tournament, Furuya and Sawamura had become even closer but the rivalry is still there. Their usual antics can still be heard from the bullpen and dugout. Needless to say, Sawamura is mostly the one doing the talking. But this time, Furuya is sharing the ace burden with Sawamura when he sees that Sawamura is trying to fulfill his responsibilities as the captain. He even requested Coach Kataoka to let him be the one in charge of the pitching team. Of course, Sawamura complained at first but eventually agreed upon seeing the determination in his rival’s eyes.

Summer ending also means classes resuming. During lunch break, Sawamura was on his way to the classroom of Seidou’s new main catcher, Okumura Koushuu. As soon as Sawamura arrived at 1-A room, he loudly announced himself as he looked for the catcher.

“I’m Sawamura Eijun of the baseball team! I would like to request the presence of our new main catcher, Okumura Koushuu! May I know where he is?” The southpaw declared while rotating his head from left to right.

There were several murmurs across the room as gazes traverse from the loud southpaw pitcher.

That’s Sawamura-senpai. The ace of the baseball team.

Wow! To think that someone as great as him is visiting our classroom.

His pitching is so sick! I saw him during the Kōshien. Maybe I should go ahead and have him sign my baseball?

Eh? So Okumura is the new main catcher now? Even though he’s still a first-year? So cool!

As expected, Okumura-kun belongs to a different dimension.

The whisperings continued but Sawamura couldn’t care less. Fortunately, one of Okumura’s female classmates answered the pitcher’s inquiry.

“If you’re searching for Okumura-kun, he just went out for a bit. He’ll be back in a few minutes,” said the girl in glasses with a smile who appeared to be their class representative.

“Oh! Is that so? If that’s the case, I’ll just be waiting outside. Thank you so much, young lady!”

The girl blushed at being called a young lady. “N-No, it’s fine. You can stay inside. It’s not often that a senpai visits our room. Also, I think some of my classmates would want to talk to you. Would it be possible to indulge them while you wait for Okumura-kun to arrive?”

“I see. So the first years would like to hear the wisdom of this lowly pitcher,” Sawamura responded in a serious tone with his arms crossed and his eyes closed as he pondered on the girl’s request while trying to hide the blush forming on his cheeks. “Then, if that’s the case, feel free to ask me anything and I’ll make sure to respond to the best of my abilities!”

How many pitches do you have?

Were you a member of a senior league before you went to Seidou?

Do you plan to go pro after high school?

The southpaw pitcher was continued to be bombarded with questions that he unwittingly responded to as he scratched his head because the first years seemed to assume that he’s some big-shot when he’s actually not. At least, that’s how the boy perceived himself. After all, he still has a long way to go.

After about five minutes of waiting, Okumura arrived and noticed how half of the space of the room was vacated and most of his classmates were gathered in front. He only needed two seconds to process what’s happening inside as he heard his main battery partner's obnoxious way of laughing.

As he entered the room, most of his male classmates and some of his female classmates were listening attentively to the southpaw pitcher.

“Okumura-kun! You’ve finally arrived. Sawamura-senpai is looking for you. He’s been here for a while now,” said one of the first-year managers who is in the same class as Okumura.

But before Okumura could respond, Sawamura already noticed his arrival.

“Okumura-shounen! Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you,” Sawamura bellowed in the center of the crowd as he raised his left hand while waving enthusiastically at the catcher.

The whole class turned silent as they watched Okumura moved towards the front of the room where the pitcher and some of his classmates were gathered. As if intimidated by the boy’s aura, his classmates dispersed to give way to Okumura which he didn’t notice as he’s focused on the beaming second year.

“What are you doing here, Sawamura-senpai? Do you need something from me?” Okumura asked.

As soon as he spoke, some of his classmates seemed amazed hearing his voice.

So, he does speak.

I see. He’s still using Keigo when speaking to his senpai.

“Now, now! Don’t be so stiff Okumura-shounen! Why don’t we speak outside so I can discuss the details with you? You see, Furuya and I tried to come up with our training menu for the week for our pitchers and catchers. Since you’re the main catcher now, we thought it’d be best to seek your approval too! We’ll start the training this afternoon so I’d like you to check it now. Just check the ones for today then you can check the remaining ones once you have the time.”

Okumura-shounen?

So Sawamura-senpai calls Okumura-kun as Okumura-shounen?

Does he call other first years as ‘shounen’ too?

Okumura-kun doesn’t seem to mind.

Okumura’s classmates remained silent but they were obviously thinking at the back of their heads. They didn’t expect to see this side for both players. This is indeed a rare sight for them – a talking Okumura and a very serious Sawamura. Before Okumura arrived, Sawamura was wearing this idiotic look which made him appeared to be approachable. Had he shown this serious face right at the start, no one would have even tried talking to him.

“I wouldn’t mind doing this now. However,” Okumura paused as he looked at the two megane duo silently peeking at the front door of their classroom. “Taku, Hiro, what are you two doing here?”

“Ha-ha-ha. Koushuu, you found us,” Seto replied as he fake-laughed while Asada just smiled awkwardly.

“You’re not even making an effort to hide,” Okumura commented with his usual monotone.

“We heard Sawamura-senpai is in 1-A room right now so we decided to take a look.”

“Take a look? What are you talking about? You see him all the time in the dorm and during practice.”

We’re here to make sure nothing bad will happen between you two.

Asada and Seto thought to themselves as they immediately went to 1-A room upon hearing someone from their class that Sawamura was in fact visiting one of the first-year classes.

The conversation went on like this:

Boy A from class 1-C: Oi, you’re from 1-A, right?

Boy B from class 1-A who’s speaking to one of his friends in 1-C: Yep. Why do you ask though?

Boy A: Are you sure this is the time for you to be here?

Boy B: Huh?

Boy A: I heard that Sawamura-senpai is visiting your class. Don’t you want to check him out? You won’t even shut up last time after watching Kōshien.

Boy B: Ehh? For real? Dude! Tell me that earlier!

And then the boy ran towards his own classroom. Seto and Asada who were nearby happened to hear the entire conversation. And in 1-A room, they could only think of one person as the main reason for the southpaw’s visit.

Going back to the present –

“Oh! Seto, Asada! You’re here as well! Feel free to join this tiny meeting. It’s good to be exposed to this type of planning. Especially you, Asada, since you’re one of our pitchers too,” Sawamura beamed in response upon seeing the two first years while naturally ignoring Okumura’s comment.

The four of them had forgotten the fact that they were still inside the classroom.

The boy in black glasses called Okumura by his first name.

So he has friends too.

Are they from other dimensions as well?

Sawamura was the first one to notice the weird silence emanating in the room, which is surprising, to be honest. He noticed too, that Okumura’s classmates seemed to be looking at him with curiosity. A realization suddenly dawned at the southpaw as he drew nearer to the boy.

“Oi, Okumura,” whispered Sawamura.

“Why are you whispering?”

“Your classmates are looking weirdly at you. Are you by any chance being bullied? Are you not getting along well with the class?”

“Huh? Just where did that come from?”

Seto and Asada who can hear their conversation just fine were trying their best not to laugh. Since the two were classmates, Seto had already explained to Asada how he worried a lot about Okumura being in a different class because he tends to be misunderstood by some of his classmates. Needless to say, he knows what’s actually going on in the minds of Okumura’s classmates. After all, those were his initial thoughts too when he became Okumura’s classmate for the first time.

“Or maybe it’s that! You’re the one bullying them? That won’t do Okumura-shounen! As one of the members of Seidou baseball team, you must not use your strength to bully the weak,” Sawamura whispered once more, his right arm placed on Okumura’s shoulder and his left arm covering his mouth as he spoke, as if the two of them are on the mound planning some tactics to strike the batter out.

Seto laughed some more but decided to stop this hilarious conversation seeing that Okumura is now trying his best not to smack the pitcher on the head.

“Senpai, no one’s bullying anyone,” the boy in black-rimmed glasses decided to join in on the ‘secret’ conversation. “Koushuu’s very quiet when he’s in class, you see. I bet some of his classmates are just fascinated to see him talking normally.”

Asada nodded as well.

“Oh! Is that so? Thank God you’re not being bullied, and you’re not the bully as well. Yosh! Let’s clear the misunderstanding right now!” Sawamura proudly declared as he faced Okumura’s classmates.

“Sawamura-senpai, wai – “

But Okumura’s attempt at stopping the pitcher was in vain as Sawamura addressed the entire class.

“Listen up, Class 1-A! Okumura-shounen here is a very passionate baseball player. If you want to know more about him, you may want to start with baseball first! And then everything will follow! These two young megane lads here with me,” announced the pitcher as he walked towards Asada and Seto and placed both his arms on their shoulders. “…assure you that Okumura will not bite people. While I can definitely understand that he seems like a wild wolf, there’s no need for you to be so guarded around him.”

Seto and Asada were once more trying their best not to laugh at this awkward scenario. Okumura, on the other hand, was emitting an ominous aura towards his not-so-adorable senpai.

“Oh, of course! We’ll take note of that! Thank you for your guidance, Sawamura-senpai!” said the girl in glasses.

“No worries! Now, if you’ll excuse us. We still have some things to discuss.”

Okumura was speechless at the moment as he followed the three outside his room. There were various comments from Okumura’s classmates as the four players left.

Sawamura-senpai is a weird one.

Yep! But he’s still cool! At least, he’s looking out for his kouhais.

I wonder if Okumura would be willing to share some strategies when it comes to game-calling? I’m a catcher in our baseball community team.

“Senpai, you’re no longer allowed to go to my classroom. If you want to discuss something, meet me at the library,” Okumura finally spoke as soon as they stepped outside the room.

“Don’t be like that! We’re the main battery now! No need to hold back on me!”

“I am holding myself back, but for a different reason,” Okumura responded, his menacing aura oozing out again.

Seto and Asada initially laughed but tried their best to diffuse the tension between the two by telling them to continue with their meeting.

As stubborn as he is, Sawamura still visited Okumura at least once a week in his classroom. And each time, his class got to see a different side of the catcher. Gradually, Okumura started making conversation with his classmates as they realized that he is a normal student as well. Of course, his catching skills are still extraordinary.

#dna fanfic #daiya no ace fanfic #diamond no ace #daiya no ace #anime fanfic #fluff and humor #sawamura eijun #okumura koushuu #asada hirofumi #seto takuma #kousawa

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