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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: I just want to cherish what it is we have now

Prologue : Starting point

2st - 4rd July (Mon-Wed)

For Sawamura Daichi, Sawamura Eijun was the most worrisome and yet the most longing cousin he had missed in a long time.

That little sun of his was always a ray of light in his day and when he heard the slightest bit of bad news about him, it was enough to make him skip a beat.

As of right now, Daichi's heart sank, trying to repeat the words from the other side of the phone, “w-what was it?”

There was another deep sigh. “Mom said Ei-chan was hospitalized three days ago. Now he's in Nagano, Emi asked him to come home.”

“What?!” Daichi unconsciously yelled, his friends gave him a quizzical look.

“What's wrong Daichi-san-?” He kept silent, instead tightening the cell phone in his hand even more. It felt like the world stopped and only the words, “Ei-chan is in the hospital” rang in his head.

“I'll be there immediately!”

“Eh, Dai-chan, Mom hasn't-” Daichi didn't care if his mother would punish him later or the barrage of questions his friends would ask when he returned. Right now there was the most important thing he needed to make sure of. That his little sun was completely fine.

“Ukai-san, I'm excused from practice today. I have some urgent matters at home.” Not even waiting for a reply, Daichi hurriedly put in all the newly changed clothes and clean towels that hadn't been used yet. A hand held out a water bottle halted his movements. Suga gave him a concerned look.

“I hope everything is okay.” 

“So do I, thank you Suga. I'll go first, the rest I'll leave to you.” Suga nodded. Daichi wasted no time, immediately booking a ticket to Nagano, stomping his feet impatiently. 

Sawamura Eijun, was a younger cousin whom he had think of as a brother. They did not share blood directly but just the words of the hospital followed by Eijun were enough to make him lose his mind. Eijun shouldn't be hurt, he should be laughing happily even without him. Daichi didn't want to see Eijun cry so he chose to stay away rather than watch tears fall from his golden eyes. After receiving the call his hands were still shaking until this moment he opened the door full of memories, barging in without greeting.

“Eijun!” In front of the four family members, Daichi stumbled. He could feel his whole body heating up, sweating, his face blanched, anxious, as well as his hands shaking violently. 

“Dai-nii?” Eijun, the figure he was worried about just moments ago, looked at him absently. 

For the sake of everything Daichi's eyes were still blind, he didn't see Eijun who was being messed with by his grandpa Eitoku. Or didn't notice the bright-faced Emi and Eiichi with spoons ready to feed Eijun. The only thing in his view was Eijun sitting in a safe state- thank God!

“Ei! Are you alright? I heard from mom that you were hospitalized three days ago? Gosh, why did mom just tell me now?” With a panicked look he spun Eijun around, pulling on his arm, which ended up cupping both cheeks. There were no visible injuries anywhere, except-

“Your head-! You have a big bump on your head, Ei!” Daichi reflexively pressed it, only realizing when Eijun gasped. “Dai-nii why are you-!”

Suddenly a warm embrace ran through Eijun's body. Is this real? Daichi who he hadn't seen in a long time. The older cousin who he always thought was the coolest person in the world, who he always followed, and who left him. “Sorry, Ei. I really mean it.”

Eijun could feel tears gathering in the wells of his eyes. “I know I'm horrible and I don't deserve your apology, you can hate me, you can punish me, but not in this way. I don't want to see you hurt, Ei. It makes me hurt, you know?” The smile on Eijun's face shattered the wall in Daichi's heart. The tears that had flowed did not diminish the light in Eijun's golden eyes. This baby brother of his definitely deserves the world's best. 

“Why did you only come when I was hurt?!!! Do I have to be like this all the time for you to see me, huh!? You are terrible Dai-nii! You're soooo horrible!!!” Eijun ranted, all of his frustration when Daichi suddenly walked away with no words spilling out. He struggled to wipe away the tears that were welling up, 

“ I beg you, don't. Just this once Ei, I can't watch you get hurt again. You are right, I am terrible. So punish me, I deserve it.” The corners of his eyes also began to tear as Eijun desperately clutched at his shirt. 

“You know, you're a jerk!” he cried even louder. Daichi tightened his arms around Eijun and pulled him closer to him.

“Yes, I'm sorry, Ei. I'm truly sorry.” for some time the two stayed in that position until Eijun's crying subsided. His and Eijun's clothes were completely drenched but the embrace between them did not loosen.

“Well, are you guys better now?” Emi set down tea and a plate of sweet treats to comfort the two. “Hm, maybe?” Eijun blew his nose with the tissue Daichi had given him, then finished the tea in one go. 

“Maybe? You are such a cruel person, Ei,” Daichi chuckled, ignoring the bitterness in his heart. 

“Dai-nii was the one who asked for my punishment.” Eijun stuck out his tongue like a child, which made him even more adorable. 

“Yes, yes. What should this Sawamura Daichi do to make you stop sulking, hm?” 

“Huh ... there is nothing.” Eijun looked away while Daichi blinked. Nothing? 

“You ... simply no longer need to stay away from me. You hear me?! Don't suddenly disappear again, okay?” Daichi's heart tightened. He was really grateful to have a brother who was as wonderful as Eijun but sometimes he felt anxious. Whether people said Eijun was just a fairly honest, cheerful, and overly innocent kid or said Eijun was a stupid kid who was easily fooled just because he liked to express his emotions clearly. They are the ones who are both blind and foolish! Even though they themselves didn't realize they had been deceived by this overzealous Sawamura Eijun. 

Clearly they didn't know or didn't want to know the other side of Sawamura Eijun. Because in Daichi's eyes, Eijun was just a kid who liked to make others happy and therefore liked to keep everything to himself. 

“Heh, you two, are you done? Then hurry up and come here, I'll beat you in shogi.” Eitoku and Eiichi were currently chilling in the living room. Just as Daichi hugged Eijun, the three had moved away, leaving time for the two. And well, right now they were forced to play shogi, a sport he was not good at but surprisingly Eijun was better than him. 

That afternoon was filled with cries of protest from Eijun, grumbles of annoyance from Eitoku, and laughter from the rest of the group. 

Ace.

Number one.

On top of the mound.

With the smell of freshly cut grass. 

To this day Eijun can still vividly remember the sun hitting his face. 

In the ninth inning, Eijun blew out a sharp breath. His physicality had reached its limit, all his teammates' legs and he himself were as weak as jelly. But the fire in their eyes still burned strong. It's the first time they've made it this far. It was only the third round, but for a small team that liked to be underestimated like them, it was clear that their achievement was history. 

Eijun snorted. But this wasn't the end of their journey. This was just the beginning! And Sawamura Eijun wouldn't stop until they reached that stage everyone was talking about. 

National.  

Eijun dropped the rosin, blowing the remnants of white powder from his hands. It was the only way he could repay the debt of gratitude to everyone who supported him. The only way he could prove that he was a pitcher worthy of this jersey number. 

Number one.

Ace.

Eijun nodded to his catcher - Nobu - and went through the motions that had seeped into his bones over the past three years. His body might be exhausted, his fire might be dwindling, but his fastball was getting sharper.

Eijun could feel the world stop, only the ball kept moving towards the mitt, the batter was silent for a moment then the next second his arm had swung, his bat hit the ball hard.

Clang.

The small white object shrank further into the vast sky. Stifled breaths became shouts of complete exhilaration. Nine tense innings, nine amazing games, and in these nine innings their team's dream was crushed, ending just in the third round of the qualifying match. 

The. Third. Round.

Reality slowly crawled over him, Eijun witnessed smiles and tears from the top of this mound. Two different sides with two different fates. They won and he lost. 

“It's okay, everyone. We have fought hard!” He encouraged his friends who had tears in their eyes. As captain, Ace, and coach of this team, he had to stand strong, not show any vulnerability. 

“It's okay ...” unfortunately his brain couldn't cooperate, without him realizing the tears were falling slowly. His companions were getting more and more hysterical watching him. “Ei-chan!” 

“... we ... we fought so hard!” 

“You're right, Ei.” They hugged him tightly. That day, on the same mound that had cost him the game, he vowed-to take his friends to the stage of Koshien in high school. 

“Ei-chan! Congratulations on being invited to Seido!!!” Eijun was flabbergasted in front of the house, he knew he should have forced his grandfather not to tell the other neighbors-huft, surely his grandfather was bragging again in a loud voice that he was invited by Seido. 

“No, what do you mean? I'm going to turn down Seido's invitation because I made a promise with you guys, right? Seido isn't that good anyway, they're just Tokyo kids who are too arrogant!” Eijun drew up the corners of his mouth that were visibly forced. Fifteen years he had grown up with them, it was obvious they saw through the lies he wanted to hide. 

“Eijun,” Wakana called him without a nickname-a sign she was serious or angry, “don't lie to yourself, Ei. I-we, want you in the best place possible and Seido is definitely the way to go.” 

“But I'm your ace!” 

“Since you're our ace, we want you on the mound with an even higher stage. And that's in Koushien. Frankly, with us, you'll have a hard time getting there.” 

“Wakana!” Eijun didn't like them belittling the hard work they'd put in. All this time they had been willing to train with him, help maintain the club, and volunteer to support him just because they wanted to see him happy. Eijun knew their love for baseball had faded long ago, but because he still loved it and even considered it his life, they stayed by his side, helping him achieve his dreams. His repayment to them would never be enough, especially since he failed to bring them to that stage. He was not worthy of being called an Ace.  

“Eijun, listen. You're the best ace we could ask for. I know what you're thinking so stop thinking about it or I'll ask Eitoku-san to embed it in you,” the smile on Wakana's face gave him chills. 

“Wa-wakana! Don't bring Jii-san into this.” 

“ I have to, you're very hard-headed, so I need someone who's also hard-headed to remind you.” Wakana folded her arms, her gaze signaling him to refute. Seeing him sulking, all his friends laughed, finding Eijun amusing. 

“The thing is Ei, we just want you to be happy. I won't say anymore with us that you failed to reach Koshien, but now it's time for you to spread your wings. By being in Seido, you can take one step towards it.” this time Wakana gave him a gentle smile, a smile that could always strengthen his heart. The rest of the group nodded in agreement. 

“You didn't betray us Ei, instead you brought the Akagi team spirit with you. Take us to that stage with number one on your back. We'll look forward to that day.” feelings of warmth and pride flowing inside of him, Eijun wipes the corners of his eyes, nodding determinedly. 

“I'll carry that spirit with me during my time in Seido.”

With a wave of their hands, tears flowed, filling his vision. Eijun fell silent. “Goodbye, Ei! I actually still want to play with you!” 

“Hey, we promised not to mention it.” 

“Sorry Ei, me too!” 

“Eijun.” 

“Ei-chan.” 

The train doors blocking his view, Eijun was still frozen in place when all his friends waved, catching up to the train that was slowly moving away from the station. “Eijun, don't ever give up and just keep going. Remember we're here to support you!” 

The time that had stopped seemed to slowly start running again, his tears seemed to have fallen since when, he squeezed tightly the hat Wakana gave him with precious words written inside.

Once again Eijun vowed to take that number one back and bring both Seido and Akagi to the stage called Koshien. 

“You know Sawamura Eijun?” 

“Ah, the first year who striked out Azuma-san that time. Yes, I heard he's been promoted to second string!” 

“No way, he's only in first grade.” 

“That's right. I heard from the tryouts that his grades were decent, but what got him selected was his pitching that caught Kantoku's attention.” 

“Tch, even we, who have been three years, can't even catch his attention.” 

“Indeed, many first graders nowadays are arrogant.”

Eijun's hand stopped on one of the vending machine buttons, the orange juice he had wanted to buy now losing its charm in his eyes. On wobbly legs he returned to the room, ignoring the greetings from his teammates, immediately climbing onto the bed, covering himself with the blanket. 

“Hey, where's my drink?” Kuramochi-senpai, Eijun's roommate - who played ps in front of the tv - was also like an older brother to him. 

“Sorry, mochi-senpai. I forgot,” he replied curtly. At that moment Kuramochi immediately realized that there was something different about Eijun today. He paused his game for a moment, glancing at the upper bunk, “What's wrong? You're not feeling well?” He climbed the stairs, looking at Eijun's back from under the covers.

“ ... well I guess. I probably skipped dinner, wasn't in the mood.” 

Kuramochi looked at him intently, sighing. “Make sure you eat a lot tomorrow morning. Also ... you know you can always talk to me, right.” 

“Mmn,” Slightly, he could see Eijun who nodded. “Then I'll turn off the light.” 

“Yes, good night Mochi-senpai.”
 
As the door closed, the sound of the clock's ticking replaced the noise of the room. 

In the darkness the words were still looping like a broken record. Eijun clutched his chest, breathing roughly. He should have known it wasn't that easy to gain their trust. Granted he was just a child from a rural village, but he worked just as hard as the other children. Wasn't it natural for him to beat the seniors who were ahead of him? Did he have to give in because of seniority? 

Just because they are older, even though we are only 2 years apart in age!?

He tightened the blanket, pulling it so that all of his body was covered. 

“I'll prove it and shut the mouths of those who say what they want. I will snatch that jersey number as soon as possible. Just you wait Seido!”

Eijun had indeed promised to take that jersey number - the number on the back of the currently fallen Ace. Eijun swore this was not how he wanted it. His heart leapt as Tanba-senpai - Seido's current Ace - was hit by a ball from the opposing pitcher's wild throw. 

He could feel his hands shaking, his complexion growing pale, and his heart racing even though he wasn't the one hit by the pitch - not to mention the sudden chills from his friends' reactions.

“Whoever is on top of the mound is the Ace.” Those words became a new light in Eijun's path. Thanks to it he reaffirmed his resolve. After a suffocating silence, the practice game resumed, Tanba-senpai was taken to the hospital to be checked out and he took his place as a substitute pitcher-replacing him as an Ace.

Eijun doesn't want to just replace him. He wanted to snatch it from him and make it his own. He wants to be a real ace. By his own efforts instead of being given.

“I feel sorry for Tanba.”

“Yes, this is his last year.” 

“Especially with two first-years ready to take his number from him.” 

“I don't think Furuya is ready to take it, but if Sawamura-” 

“Yes, if it's him, we all know he has the ability. I'm sure Kataoka Kantoku thinks the same thing.” 

“Right, it's a pity that Tanba is currently injured. I bet Sawamura is quite pleased that he's injured at the moment. We know how eager he is to take that position.” 

The others nodded from his remarks. “Yes, I'm sure he's planning to secure that position with a sense of excitement by now.” 

Pleased? 

Him? 

They thought he was glad to see Tanba-senpai injured?

The loud noise accompanied by his fallen body, Eijun still dreamed of it until now. That nightmare continues to haunt him! Kuramochi-senpai is getting worried about his lack of sleep. And they think he's happy because he can become an Ace faster?

Ridiculous.

The truth is, he's really tormented by it. 

“Eijun!!! Watch out!” Blinking a few times, he was pulled to reality the instant a volleyball hit his face. He forgot that his class was currently in PE and they were playing volleyball with the class next door. Still in a daze, his body slammed into the floor, hitting his head quite hard. 

“Oi, Sawamura!!!” Kanemaru, Haruichi, Furuya and Tojou approached the dazed Eijun struggling to sit up. 

“Stay still, we'll call sensei immediately.” the voices just passed through his ears, Eijun bent over, holding his head tightly. the buzzing in his head bothered him even more. 

“Sawamura Eijun-”

“...he will definitely be happy...”

“...Ace-!” 

“Ei!!!”

Eijun woke up with cold sweat soaking his entire body, his breath hitched. Beside him Daichi helped him up, hand on his back gently patting his back. 

“Are you okay?! Did your headache get worse?” Eijun's breathing was still ragged, his eyes unfocused, Daichi who realized that grabbed his shoulders, making Eijun face him. 

“Ei, you're okay. You're safe. I-your cousin Daichi is here, beside you. Breathe, Ei, follow my voice.” 

Perhaps because of his soothing voice or his warm touch, life slowly returned to Eijun's eyes. Slowly but surely the rhythm of his breathing stabilized with the help of the constant patting.

“Are you feeling better?” He accepted the glass from Eijun, his hand wiping his sweat-stained forehead. 

“Mmn, thanks Dai-nii.” 

“No big deal, Ei. ...but are you really okay?” 

Eijun let out a gruff sigh. “... just a Nightmare.” 

“Nightmare, huh?” 

'If it was just a nightmare you wouldn't be shaking like this Ei.' Daichi shook his head, his heart aching.

He was currently sitting on the edge of the bed, still gently patting Eijun's back. It was times like this that Daichi regretted. He knew perfectly well  that Eijun was hiding something but now was not the time to ask. 

“I just wanted to say, you know I'm always by your side, right?” He waited for Eijun's response, though quietly he at least nodded. 

“Since I'm not going anywhere anymore, don't keep it to yourself, promise?” Daichi held out a pinky finger-hell, he knew pinky promises seemed outdated-Daichi grumbled a little watching Eijun who alternately stared at him with his pinky finger. 

“Dai-nii-” the corners of Eijun's mouth turned up, he chuckled. Sometimes Daichi could do childish things like this.

“Ahh, I know, just hurry up if you want.” Before Daichi pulled back his hand, Eijun intertwined their fingers, making a promise in his heart. 

“You promise not to keep to yourself anything that burdens you anymore?” 

Eijun was silent for a moment, looking Daichi straight in the eyes. “... I promise-” I'll tell you everything when I can bear it any longer. Daichi could sense there was more to Eijun's words but it didn't matter, there would be a time for them to tell everything. 

The promise had been made, the two fingers pressed together, binding the promise.  

He just hoped it wouldn't be too late when that day came.

“Eijun, Uncle, Grandpa it's time for dinner.” Daichi called out from the kitchen, since the afternoon he had been helping Emi cook - he wasn't that good but at least his skills could help ease Emi's burden. 

“Eijun?” his head poked around the door, there was silence, he didn't see or hear Eijun anywhere. His pulse began to race. He was becoming more and more sensitive to Eijun because he is currently recovering. It felt like not seeing him for a second had cut his life in half. 

“Eijun's in the room,” Eitoku patted him on the shoulder, pointing the chin to the upstairs room. “He's out of the shower probably dressing.” a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging weakly enough to tell Eitoku how tense he was. 

“ Just don't lock him up or he'll start to rebel.” He felt his shoulder tapped twice before raising an eyebrow. Lock him up? What did that mean? He was simply worried about Eijun, not wanting to see him get hurt even more. If possible he would forbid him from going out for the time being-

“Ah ... I'll try, Grandpa,” he muttered unconvincingly, he had become a terrible Big Brother. Eijun had the right to go out as long as he watched after him. Gosh, he could really die young. 

“Ei? It's dinner time.” he didn't hear a response from inside. Once again he knocked on the door, this time there was an “I'll be there” sound, five seconds of silence, before it was replaced by a scream. 

“Ack!”

“Eijun?!” in a flash he smashed the door, his eyes catching Eijun holding his head and another hand holding a cell phone. “What's wrong? Your head hurts again?” he hurriedly sat up straight, which made him stagger. Daichi could feel the grogginess from here. 

“Uh, Dai-nii. It's nothing, it's nothing. I just-” 

“Sawamura? Are you okay?” from the cell phone came a voice that was just as anxious as he was. Daichi flicked his chin towards the cell phone. “Ah, Chris-senpai! I'm fine, the baseball I threw almost hit me in the face by accident, but I was able to avoid it with a small stumble.” 

“Eijun!” 

“Sawamura!”

“Ehh?!” Eijun was startled by being pressed by two people - actually only Daichi, but just the sound of Chris' voice was enough to make him shudder. He straightened his back again, sitting in a seiza position. The cell phone was placed in the middle of the two.

“You know it's dangerous. It hasn't been three days since you got hurt and now you want to be injured again?”

"I've also forbidden you from touching baseballs, Sawamura. That includes at home and everywhere else. Do you understand?” 

“Yes ...” he replies quietly.

“Sorry Dai-nii I don't want to get hurt again, I'm just bored here without baseball. I also understand Chris-senpai, I reflexively picked it up because the ball was in front of me. Sorry.” His head hung further down. Seeing him like this really did remind them of an abandoned puppy. Simultaneously, they–Daichi and Chris (though Daichi didn't know where Chris could see it from, perhaps he was familiar with Eijun's quirks) sighed together. 

“Did you feel alright, though? Any pains?” his voice softened, his hands carefully checking Eijun. 

“Yes, I'm fine. Nothing hurts.”

“Good.” On the other side Chris also breathed a sigh of relief.

Eijun fiddled with the hem of his shirt, his face deeply scrunched up. “Ei, we're not angry with you, just concerned. What if you had fallen? Your head was hit again? You said yourself that you were bored because you couldn't play baseball.”

“True. We're also here waiting for your return, Sawamura. You haven't forgotten your goal, have you?” 

Eijun nodded vigorously, making Daichi frown, hurriedly stopping his antics. “I'll be the Ace and take you and Seido to Koshien, Senpai!” he clenched his fists, determined. 

“In that case, focus on recovering and coming back stronger. I'll be waiting for you here.” 

“Eh! Does that mean you'll catch my throw?!” The fire of enthusiasm flowed from Eijun, Daichi had to cover his ears-because it was too loud-and his eyes-because it was too blinding. 

“I'll consider it when you're healed. So listen to me and your brother, just focus on recovering.”  

Eijun saluted. “Yes, Shisho! This Sawamura Eijun will get the utmost rest.” Was there anyone who could make Eijun listen easily? Other than Eitoku and sometimes himself, it was rare for Daichi to see Eijun listen to the words of anyone other than those closest to him. He was more and more amazed by Chris' ability.

“As long as you understand, that's fine.” 

“Don't repeat that next time, Ei.” 

“'Aye, sir!”

Daichi and Chris chuckled. Eijun grabbed the cell phone again, eagerly reporting what had happened in the past three days. And again to both his surprise and disbelief, Chris was patient and listened intently. His curiosity seemed to show when Eijun looked at him in question. Who wouldn't be curious? Not many could stand Eijun's ramblings because sometimes Eijun was a bit chatty and a bit noisy when talking. 

Without realizing it, Eijun had been silent for a long time to suddenly grin. “Chris-senpai, do you want to talk to my older cousin? He has something to say to you~” Daichi's eyebrows rose. This boy, what a prankster.

“Ei,” he chided. 

He put his phone away, whispering, “I know you have a lot to ask about shisho. So, why don't you just talk in person?” 

“ That is indeed true-” 

“Dai-nii, I'm not your real brother but we grew up together. I'm naturally familiar with all your traits as well as your thoughts. Right now you want to know what Chris-senpai is like, right? So, just talk to him directly.” 

Daichi wanted to refuse, but his cell phone was already shoved in front of him. “Shisho said he also has something to talk about, it's okay to just talk Dai-nii.” the corners of Eijun's mouth widened to see him reluctantly accept the offer. Daichi sighed again, a smile etched on his face. This kid really was his weakness. 

“Hello?” 

“Ah, hello. Greetings once again, I'm Daichi Ei- I mean Sawamura's cousin.” Daichi felt awkward, he was worried about giving a first impression that was... not cool at all. Next to him Eijun just chuckled at his nervousness. 

“Nice to meet you too Daichi-san, I'm Takigawa Chris Yuu Sawamura's senior.” He could feel the pride of being Eijun's senior in his voice. Slowly his hesitation subsided. 

“Eum, Chris-san? First of all, as Sawamura's older cousin, I sincerely thank you for training him as well as supporting him. I've heard a lot about it from him and I'm glad there's someone reliable by his side.” 

Daichi paused to hear the response from the other side. 

Five seconds passed, Chris coughed before replying, “There's no need for that. It's my job to train Sawamura and as for the latter, Sawamura does have an appeal that makes you want to support him. Even without my help he would still be a great player and that's why he deserves to be supported.” Daichi smiled at that, glancing at Eijun who was looking at him curiously. His heart was at ease, there was someone who was sincere and concerned for his little brother. 

“... I do owe him anyway,” Chris murmured barely audible to Daichi. Daichi's eyebrows raised, glancing back at Eijun who tilted his head. Hm? There's something between them, he thought. Even so it wasn't his place to ask about their personal matter.

Daichi suddenly grinned, an idea crossing his mind. It wasn't that he was a spiteful person - this was just a little payback for earlier “Also, I apologize to you because this little cousin of mine must have troubled you a lot all this time. Thank you again and I would appreciate your help! Even if he's a little overbearing to handle.” 

He heard Chris chuckle before hearing the hysterical Eijun beside him. “Da-Dai-nii!”

“Alright. Thank you for your trust in me. I'll keep a good eye on him.” Daichi chuckled, nodding. 

Eijun forcefully grabbed his cell phone. “Dai-nii give me back my cell phone. Shiso! I'm not a trouble, right? I'm a good student, right?!” 

Daichi winced, not understanding why Chris could be so patient with his younger brother. “Yes, Sawamura. You're not a troublesome kid.” Eijun breathed a sigh of relief before Chris continued, “as long as you don't go out of your way and break the rules.” 

Abruptly Eijun saluted as if Chris could see him, Daichi shaking his head at the action. “This Sawamura Eijun promises not to break the rules and will continue to be a good student.” 

“Hmm. I'll keep your promise.” 

 “Of course. This Sawamura Eijun is also always true to his word.” They continued talking for some time before Eitoku banged on the door, said they had waited too long at the dining table, and now dragged the two children mercilessly away. Chris flinched slightly at the commotion from the other side, cracking a small smile, before taking the initiative to hang up the call. The last thing he heard was Eijun's begging his grandfather for mercy. 

The morning air in Nagano was different from the morning air in Miyagi. Although both were not in urban areas, the atmosphere was clearly different. Nagano leans more towards rural areas while Miyagi has quite a lot of residential areas around it. 

On this morning that was still veiled in fog, Eijun had dragged him exactly 5 am! Once again at 5 am! He had woken him up at 4, but Daichi vehemently refused - it was still dark, no one was up that early. So he couldn't resist anymore after an hour of Eijun pacing back and forth in the room.

“Do you always wake up this early, Ei? Is everyone in Seido like you?” 

“No, I usually wake up earlier than everyone else, jogging every morning always calms me down. The guys usually wake up around 6, an hour before morning practice starts.” 

“That means you guys start training at 7?” 

“Hm, yeah. It always starts with a run as a warm-up after which we eat and shower, and then we do what we want to do until school starts. But most of us go back to practice stuff for a while, like lifting weights, doing towel drills for us pitchers or batting practice.” There were still so many things Eijun mentioned, the thought of all that time spent practicing gave Daichi goosebumps. 

Once again he was reminded of Eijun entering one of the powerhouse schools in the Tokyo area. Seido, Inashiro Industrial, and Ichidai Sankou were the three schools with the strongest baseball teams in the Western Tokyo region. If those three were spread out over the various regions, they would automatically enter Koshien-not that the other teams were weak, it was just that those three schools had long been known to compete with each other, so they were always strong.

“What about Dai-nii himself? How are your friends, are they any good?” Eijun probably saw the grim face earlier, he immediately changed the topic, such an Eijun. 

“Yeah ... you know. They're nothing compared to taking care of you who's more hardheaded than a rock, hahaha.” Eijun's face turned sour. “That's not funny Dai-nii!” he puffed out his cheeks, annoyed. 

Daichi playfully pressed the cheeks of that baloon. “Hey, that's true. On our team there's Tanaka-who's sometimes mistaken for a thug, though he does act like one sometimes. There's also Nishinoya and Hinata who are both tiny but have inexhaustible energy. There was also Tsukishima who was always sharp-tongued - sometimes I got tired of dealing with him myself. Then there's Asahi-who also likes to be mistaken for an old man, and Suga who is a soft-hearted person- but don't make him angry, once Tanaka bothered him when he was in a bad mood, he smiled but-” without explaining Eijun could imagine that sweet but prickly smile - similar to Ryo-senpai who both liked to put on that eerie smile. 

“They sound troublesome when you explain them.” 

“Ahaha, that's right. Apparently you seemed more composed than them this time.”  

“I told you I was a good boy.” Eijun puffed out his chest proudly. 

“Yeah, whatever you like, Ei.”

The sunlight slowly fell on their faces. It was both warm and soothing, along with the chirping of birds, both of them exhaling faint fumes from their mouths. In the middle of the field, they lay down, the smell of freshly cut grass tickling their noses. Just for now they wanted to enjoy the limited time that rarely came. Putting aside the past full of regrets, the future with uncertainties, there was now only the present that was clearly in front of the eyes. 

With their eyes closed, the gentle breeze played with their hair mischievously, encouraging both of them to fall asleep for a while, forcing them to forget about everything. 

That morning, there was only peace in the warm silence. 

The one that blends all feelings into a dreamy peacefulness. 

“How long will Dai-nii stay here?” his Leg swung quietly, in front of the terrace Daichi practiced serving with a volleyball that was apparently still stored at home.

“Probably until Wednesday tomorrow. I've already had two days off from school and tomorrow is my third day off from training. We have a match in a month and we want to practice as much as we can. You have a match too, right?” 

“Hm, yeah,” he replied reluctantly. Daichi caught the floating ball, staring at Eijun intently. “What's wrong? Are you afraid of losing?” 

“No-it's not like that ... well yes, I'm a little, remember just a little, afraid that if we lose the third year seniors will lose their summer.” 

This was a sensitive topic, Daichi knew it best, as next year would probably be his last year at Karasuno. Daichi moved to sit beside him. “Ei, you know all things must come to an end.” 

“Yes, but ... I want to bring this team, the current team to Koshien. What if we don't succeed and I might be the cause of their failure? How will those who worked hard for three years for that dream feel only to be stopped in their tracks by a mere first-year like me?” His chest felt tight. As strong as he was, Eijun was also just a human being. It felt like the wall of negativity was tearing away, creeping up on him bit by bit, and pulling him down, trying to swallow him whole.  

It was only thanks to a piece of rope that he hadn't fallen completely. 

Daichi realized that, he saw the dark swirl in Eijun's eyes. His hand slowly reached out, patting Eijun's head a few times before grabbing his shoulder, patting it again, and bringing the two of them closer together. “Sawamura Eijun. Do you know what that name means?” 

In the midst of his confusion Daichi's question pulled him slightly from the void. “Hm? What does it mean?” 

“You know there was a first pitcher who brought Japan back to its glory days!” a smile broke out at the sight of Eijun's eyes lighting up again.

“You're not lying, are you?” 

“If you don't believe me you can look it up on the internet.” He shrugged, feeling unfair. A small laugh slipped from Eijun's mouth. 

“The pitcher's name is Sawamura Eiji. You're named after him. Isn't that great?” Eijun nodded in agreement, pride in his eyes.

“The point I'm trying to make is that you're a great kid Ei. You are destined for greatness. However, listen to me, it's okay if you reach a dead end. It's okay if you need time to turn around, go back the way you came, or even if you end up choosing a different path, starting all over again. Because whatever you choose, all of us-your family, your closest friends, and everyone here-will fully support your decision. I mean it, Ei, because all we want is your happiness, nothing more and nothing less. Understand?” Eijun's eyes blurred, tears vying to fall freely from his eyes. 

“That's why, Ei, no one will blame you if your team loses-I'll pray for them to win, of course-but everyone has their obligations and roles. All you need to do is perform that role to the best of your ability and leave the rest to others to do their job, as well as to fate. In the end, we can only do what we can.” 

His hand that was tired and almost let go of the rope seemed to gain new strength. In that depthless nothingness a hand seemed to be outstretched and the owner of that hand was Daichi - who smiled warmly in acceptance. He tried to grab it, wanting to receive all of its warmth. “Da-Dai-nii ...” 

Daichi chuckled, rubbing Eijun's wet cheeks, “You're a crybaby, huh. From childhood until now. Still doesn't change.” 

“Huhuhu ... Dai-nii ... that ... that's not funny.” Eijun struggled to wipe away his spilling tears.

“Haha, yes-yes.” his arms squeezed tighter around his shoulders. “Don't change, Ei. Don't change. Just be like this, okay?”

In front of the two, crimson orange filled the scenery, the orange orb slowly descending from its throne soon to be replaced by the moon. 

The warmth from the body temperature dispelled the chill of the afternoon air. 

In this quiet atmosphere, the two just sat and relaxed until the moon finally descended into the sky. 

When Eijun and Daichi arrived at the station - the next day - they were greeted by Wakana, Nobu, and all their friends with a feeling of excitement that could match Eijun. It was rare that they could go to Tokyo together if not like now. Also since today was Daichi's last day here he wanted to spend some time together before they went back to their respective lives.

“Ei-chan!” Wakana waved a hand which was greeted with a crisp laugh from Eijun. 

“ Eh, Dai-chan's coming too!?” Daichi smiled, nodding to everyone. 

“Yeah, I'm here as your watchdog so you don't get lost. Especially someone here.” he grinned nosily. 

“I told you I won't get lost again, Dai-nii. Tokyo is like a second home to me!” 

“Oh, yeah? As long as you don't get distracted by cats again, maybe I'll believe you.” They all laughed, Eijun's eyes reflexively becoming cat eyes, agitated. 

During the train ride they talked a lot, the problem was that Eijun couldn't stay still, so they got reprimanded by other passengers. That's why now Daichi is holding Eijun's head, also bowing to apologize, because as we know who is the cause of their being scolded at this time. 

Huft, it feels like Daichi's life has reduced by half even though it hasn't been a day since they left.  

Getting off the train, their first destination was of course the tourist attractions. Eijun wanted to take them to the baseball stadium but they stopped him, saying that if they had time they would visit it later.   

That noon, Wakana forced him to try Onigiri - which oh God! Turns out it had nato in it?! Eijun's face immediately bleached while Wakana blinked innocently, apologizing. The onigiri in her hand filled with tuna mayo, so she didn't know the other one contained natto. To cheer up his somber look Nobu took him to a souvenir shop, giving him a baseball-shaped keychain as a gift. Which managed to cheer up his mood easily.

Not just Eijun, the others bought a few things, until Wakana asked them to come closer, revealing a colorful bracelet of the same design. “This is a friendship bracelet!” Wakana exclaimed cheerfully. Eijun, Nobu, and the others exchanged glances for a moment. The friendship bracelets were a little ... outdated. 

“Oh, yes Dai-chan too, here I give you one.” In unison they looked at the now overwhelmed Daichi. There were a few seconds of silence before they all sighed, nodded, finally decided. 

So what if it was outdated? As long as their friend was happy that was enough for them.

After struggling with their internal thoughts, they continued to go to various places. They tried many foods, bought goodies for people back home to share, and took many photos as mementos. 

“Ei try posing over there.” Nobu directed him to stand in front of the shrine gate after taking turns with the others. 

“Dai-nii, let's take a picture together!” Wakana pushed Daichi who was a little embarrassed by Eijun's rather loud voice. 

“Okay, get ready! One, two, three, smile!” Eijun posed, his two fingers made a peace sign while Daichi put his hand on Eijun's head. They smiled widely. Anyone who saw these two cousins would definitely smile along. 

“Ugh, Dai-nii, I'm stopping by the restroom for a bit, you guys go ahead.” 

“Then I'll take you-” 

“As I said Tokyo is my second home Dai-nii, you can rest easy, I've been to this area.” 

Not even a second had passed before Eijun was running away. Daichi wanted to chase after him when a voice stopped him. “Sawamura-?” Daichi snapped to attention. In front of him stood a figure he recognized very well.

“Ouch, where's the restroom? I thought it was around here,” Eijun looked around, taking in the surroundings. If Daichi found out he was lost again, he was doomed. 

“Ah, hey! You there.” his hand held back the half-blonde haired boy, Eijun knew he was being rude but this was an emergency. 

“Do you know where the restrooms are?” The other person paused, he slowly nodded pointing down the street. 

“Uwahh, sorry I can't take it anymore! You just show me the way-!” With lightning speed Eijun pulled his hand away, they both ran around with the boy's direction. Thankfully not far away, the door he was searching for finally appeared. Without wasting any time, he immediately entered, leaving the boy in who knows what condition. 

“Wahh, what a relief. Good thing I still have time ... eh, you were still here?” The boy he thought had left was still waiting at the door, with a game console in hand -he looked up, hesitating to answer. “Eum, actually ... I got separated from my friend,” his voice was so small, Eijun had to get closer, “What?”

“I said I got separated from my friend, so ... do you know the way?” 

Eijun blinked a few times. Does he look like someone who memorized the road? “Eum, hehe, it seems I'm also ... lost (again). But! I'm sure we can find them. Just stay positive.” He puffed out his chest as if he had said the most revolutionary thing in the world. The boy didn't make any comment, just stared at him silently, it seemed like he was at a loss to deal with someone like Eijun. 

“Alright come on, let's finish the mission of conquering this area of Tokyo!” 

“Hm, we just need to find our friends, but okay.” Turning a challenge into a mission in a game? He was an expert! Taking a quick glance, he thought, it looks like he could like this brown-haired boy.

The two held hands so as not to lose each other - though Eijun was the one pulling, walking in front while the boy had no problem being pulled by him. 

Oh, gosh, so adorable, they were acting like elementary school children who wanted to cross the street, maybe that's what the passersby were thinking. 

Without realizing that the sky above them was starting to turn a shade of orange, Eijun, who was not too happy with the silence, invited the boy to talk. At first he only got a nod or a short answer in return, but when he mentioned the game he often played with Kuramochi-senpai in the dorm, the boy's eyes lit up. 

Bingo. 

Eijun smiled widely, he knew what topic to talk to him ... 

Some time passed, this is the umpteenth time Eijun has nagged. “You know? It's so annoying! Why do I always lose against my senior? It feels like he plays that game more often than practice.” 

“Practice? What sport do you-?”

“Eijun!” 

“Ei-chan.” 

“Ei!!!”

Their conversation stopped, a sudden chill ran down Eijun's spine. “Ah, guys ...!” 

“Eijun, where have you been all this time? We've been looking for you since earlier. Then why didn't you pick up the call?!” Daichi was itching to nuzzle Eijun's cheeks but Eijun was still recovering. 

“Eh?! Right, cell phone!” he checked the phone, waiting for the screen to light up, but for a few seconds the screen was still dark - a sign that the battery had run out. “Sorry, looks like I forgot to charge it last night.” 

“Eijun!” 

“Ack, I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!” 

Ignoring the commotion next to them, the black-haired boy who was with Daichi earlier was chatting with his new friend.  

“Kenma, where have you been? And why didn't you answer my call?” Oh, so that kid was named Kenma. Eijun was too busy talking to him to forget they hadn't been introduced yet. Kenma seemed to check his bag, rummaging through the contents before blinking. “I think, I left it at grandma's house.” 

“Are you serious? You? One Kozume Kenma, leaving a cell phone at his grandmother's house?” Kenma casually shrugged, not bothering with his friend's exaggeration ... “We just have to go back there again.” 

The black-haired boy pressed his temples. “Then we must hurry, it's getting late.” 

While still watching them, Daichi pulled him along, casually introducing him. “This is Sawamura Eijun, the younger cousin I mentioned before. And it looks like he and Kenma were together earlier.” 

“Ah, right. Where have you guys met?” 

Wait, if Kenma said they met on the way to look for a toilet - actually he was the one looking for it - Daichi would know he was lost again. No, that can't happen!!! 

With all the strength he could muster, Eijun looked at Kenma expectantly, hoping to get his thoughts across.

Kenma reluctantly replied, “I ... met him in the restroom, we accidentally bumped into each other earlier.” 

Hearing that, Daichi squinted. “Really, Ei? You didn't fall, did you?” 

“Uh ... yes-yes. I didn't fall, just bumped into him a little.” He didn't know if he was flustered because he didn't expect Kenma to understand his thoughts or alarmed that the excuse he made backfired on him. You see, lately Daichi has been more protective to him after his injury. 

“I hope you're not lying, Ei.” Thankfully at least Daichi didn't really ask for more explanation. 

“Since you seem to have gotten to know Kenma, I'm the only one who hasn't. So, hi, I'm Kuroo Tetsuro, the Captain of the Nekoma school and the rival of your cousin's brother's school.” His grin reminded Eijun of someone. His eyes squinted before accepting the outstretched hand, “Hello too, Kuroo-san, I'm Sawamura Eijun. And I'm currently attending Seido!” 

“Seido?!” Both of them asked curiously. Who doesn't know Seido? Especially those who live in Tokyo. 

“What's your position?” asked Kenma suddenly. Kuroo looked surprised to hear Kenma was curious about something. 

“I'm a pitcher!” 

“Ace?” 

“Not yet! But I'll definitely be an ace in the future. You guys just wait.” Eijun puffed out his chest, both hands on his waist, laughing loudly. Perhaps all he wanted to know had been said, Kenma just gave a small nod, accepting Eijun's proclamation. 

Kuroo whispered to Daichi, “Your little cousin seems ... unique. I don't mean that in a bad way. He can get Kenma to be like this, well ... you understand, right?”

 “Yes, I understand. Eijun does have a charisma that can attract people. And in return if you get his attention, just accept it because he won't give up on you,” Daichi's chuckle gave Kuroo a little chill. 'And it looks like you're one of them.' he thought. 

“Too bad he's in Seido and a baseball player. If he could have gone to the same school as you or if he was a volleyball player. Maybe it would have been fun to see him on the field.” 

If he was honest, Daichi regretted it too. But he understood Eijun, as baseball used to be a part of his life before switching to volleyball.

“Yeah, I kind of agree with you,” he smiled. They were watching Eijun and Kenma who were busy talking about manga this time. Obviously Eijun when he found out that his new friend also liked reading manga, his smile was endlessly flashing. Although Kenma said he didn't read much and preferred games, but still a manga reader friend was very valuable to him. Eijun nervously asked for Kenma's number which was no longer surprising to be received by him. 

Eijun practically floated into space, looking at the new contacts on his phone. He had envisioned them talking about a popular new manga or Kenma giving him some gaming tips. Gosh, he couldn't wait! 

“Bye, Eijun. I hope we can meet again.” Kenma waved which was obviously returned with an enthusiastic wave from Eijun.

“Me too, see you again, Kenma! I'll look forward to that day!!!” The group watched the two walk away, then soon they too were preparing to return to Nagano.

Today was a day he never expected to be so ... interesting. At first, he felt hesitant to go to Tokyo, afraid of bumping into one of his friends or even his school rivals. But as it turned out, not only did he have fun spending time with his precious ones, he also made an unexpected new friend. 

Eijun stopped his stride, glancing again at the mobile phone, precisely the new contact on his mobile phone, there was a small smile on the face. 

Witnessing firsthand the interaction of the two school rivals, in truth, caused a slight envious feeling in his heart. To Eijun, Daichi seemed to be having fun, even off the field their friendship remained. And he yearned for a relationship like that. A relationship of equals regardless of individual differences or flaws. But who knows. Eijun himself still hadn't realised what was really bothering him. And he would just have to wait until he realised it himself.

The gentle breeze played with his hair. Eijun was still standing there contemplating. Well, how about we change the mood for a moment? Making new friends like Kenma really helped him. 

"Dai-nii." Daichi stopped his steps, turning around, both of them now lagging behind the group, but Eijun didn't seem to mind. Behind them, the sky was now a golden orange colour. Which was comparable to Eijun's golden eyes at this moment. From within Daichi's black eyes, those smouldering eyes full of life reflected, locking him in eternal fervour. It was Eijun's gaze that Daichi recognized so well. A look full of determination, as if he had decided something. 

“Yes?” 

“Can I ...  go to Karasuno with you?”

- To Be Continued -