&Run

Kazuya watched fascinated as the rowdy boy, who he learned was named Sawamura, vacated Chris’ seat and made his way, rather obnoxiously, back to his team. Normally Kazuya would be annoyed with someone who acted so shamelessly *cough* Mei *cough* but something about this boy was intriguing. His personality so effortlessly drew you in. Sawamura was like a venus fly trap, one with an admittedly plump ass, and Kazuya was knowingly falling right into his trap. Although he couldn’t complain much, the view of him walking away was just too good.

A cleared throat and sharp kick to his shin was what pulled Kazuya out of his head and back to the present where one Kuramochi Yoichi was glaring at him, clearly unamused by his obvious appreciation for the interesting first year. Thankfully Mochi found his cleared-up eyes and the quick snap of his mouth closing enough and did not find a need to clue the other first-stringers into Kazuya’s internal strife. Instead, he just gave Kazuya one last caustic look before tuning back into Chris’ story.

Apparently, Sawamura had played baseball in middle school but unfortunately suffered a career-ending injury at the end of his last season. As a result, he began running to relieve some of his pent-up energy and get out of the house while recovering. That then led to him meeting Chris and Rei-chan, the latter had attempted to scout him but unfortunately due to his injury that was impossible. Rei had mentioned Sawamura to Nakamura sensei who, starting a new athletic program, was in need of promising student-athletes to help kickstart the team. Rei had seen something in Sawamura and thought he and Chris could help each other. It was due to her prompting that they exchanged numbers and Sawamura’s persistence that they kept in touch.

Kazuya was just as surprised as the rest of the group to hear that Sawamura singlehandedly managed to pull Chris out of his deep depression in just a few months. Yes, they had seen firsthand Chris’ improved mental state and subsequently improved condition, but it was hard to believe that a loud First year was the reason for these positive developments. It felt like a slap to the face to Kazuya and the rest of the team. While they had simply let Chris be, allowing him to push them away, and deteriorate further, this persistent first year swooped in a pulled him up out of his slump. All while recovering from a career-ending injury no less.

It now made sense why Chris and the new kid were so close, they had seen each other's lowest points and been there to support one another when recovery got particularly hard. It was honestly inspiring the bond the two had formed in such tumultuous conditions.

Everyone could see how much Chris cared for the boy. How he ruffled his hair and checked him over like a mother hen, how his words lacked their usual sharpness when admonishing the boy. Sawamura may not be a pitcher in practice anymore, but it was clear to everyone at that table that he was still Chris’ pitcher. They all silently vowed to keep watch over Sawamura and protect the boy from any and all threats. It was the least they could do for Chris and the boy that means so much to him.

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The next morning Kazuya rolled out of bed after hitting snooze one too many times. He quickly donned his practice uniform and made his way to field A for morning practice. On his way, his attention was drawn by obnoxiously loud laughter coming from the new pathway. Kazuya grumbled with a particularly unamused huff. What idiot is yelling that loudly at this hour? It is too early for this shit. Right as Kazuya was about to really get going on his unamused mental tirade for the disruptful yeller, his head lifted and his jaw dropped.

Kazuya’s eyes caught on sun-kissed caramel skin, beautifully flushed cheeks, and bright golden eyes. Sawamura. He should have known better than to expect to see anyone other than the actual sunshine that was Sawamura Eijun. Only he could be so openly energetic and happy at such an ungodly hour. He was practically a puppy, running around with bright happy eyes eager to take in all the new sights and then get distracted by something in his periphery. The sounds of the baseball team warming up with each clang of a hit ball had Sawamura practically shouting squirrel.

All exasperated remarks were gone when Kazuya took in the sight that was one Sawamura Eijun on his morning run. Toned calves flexed with each beat of his feet on the ground. His strong thighs led to impossibly short running shorts that hugged the flesh of Sawamura’s thighs and ass perfectly. Kazuya practically choked on air when Sawamura grabbed the hem of his shirt to wipe at the perspiration on his brow revealing perfectly toned abs tanned from long days running in the sun.

It was another peel of that unbelievably loud laugh that pulled Kazuya from his thoughts this time, I have got to stop doing this, Kazuya remarked finding himself zoning on thoughts of the unfairly attractive first year.

Now Kazuya noticed that Sawamura was in fact not running alone and was instead accompanied by the rest of the track team, many of which were familiar, likely due to the many shared spaces both teams inhabit, although Kazuya wouldn’t bet a pocari sweat on being able to name many of them.

They looked like they were all enjoying their run, although some looked more enthusiastic than others. It was clear by their amused faces that they found Sawamura’s laughter and overall presence endearing and a positive addition to their morning run.

As much as Kazuya would love to stand there and watch Sawamura run all day, he had his own morning practice to go to. Coach Kataoka was not lenient with tardiness and Kazuya was already pushing it when he hit snooze earlier.

With a disappointed sigh he made his way to practice lamenting how he may just have a reason to get up a little earlier from now on.