Title: Official In Secret

Author: graylubitches

Disclaimer: I do not own Daiya no Ace

Genre: Romantic-Drama

Chapter Six

There's no better way than to heal your wounds with a bunch of sweet desserts laying right beside you. Eijun didn't care if he spent many bills on them because at least they had not be wasted on petty things—but on a cure that would hopefully mend his broken heart.

He took another spoon full of chocolate fudge ice cream (in a cup) before reaching for his candy apple from the bag. Savouring the taste with the use of his eager tongue; a sob escaped his mouth. "I can't believe Miyuki doesn't love me anymore! I know we haven't said those three special words to each other yet, but I was so convinced that the reason for it came from the same embarrassment I was feeling. It turns out–he has fallen out of love, leaving me into this pit of lonely devastation. That bastard!"

Swallowed.

The brunet currently sat in the dark corner where the seats were situated at the play stadium. At first he didn't know if he should leave and go. And to cry back into his room. However, his empty stomach and the sudden craving for sweets unabled him from exiting the gates, which led him to march into a chocolate factory to buy a few things. He completely forgot about his stained pants, ignoring the weird looks he received and walked down the street with a stack of food in his arms. His eyes glanced at this exact stadium where he made a decision to stay at even it its only for a little while as he settled his emotional self.

Crawling into the the back corner of the room, he brought his legs into his chest and dropped the food on the floor before taking them into his mouth every now and then.

Suddenly, he gasped with eyes widening at a different speculation. He wiped his tears with his sleeves. "Maybe I overreacted? I mean, I understand that Miyuki is very serious about our situation and opposed of people finding out about us. And I'm so selfish to want more. Oh no, did I drive him away? Was it me who made him unlove me? Am I the reason for our messed up relationship?" he frantically said while pulling on his hair. They were making sense to him. That he was the one at fault and that maybe, if he stopped being greedy and actually comprehended his boyfriend more; they won't have much problems.

"I need to apologize," he mumbled in a low tone then bit his lip. "But what if he's mad? And he wants to break up? He even pushed me away earlier."

The lights turned on yet Eijun had not noticed because he was too occupied in his own little world.

"The audiences will arrive in about fifteen minutes. Do all of you know your parts?" Tetsuya asked as he stood in front of his friends and classmates who are all taking part into this very big project.

He took the directing role and is the head of preparations. Jun is the script writer, and after confronting a problem an hour ago about everyone's roles (specifically Chris who was supposed to play as the Easter Bunny, now as Santa Claus)—he quickly tried putting things together to repair the script. Ryosuke played as a Pirate. Along with two second-years helping, Shirasu as a Pumpkin Head, and Kuramochi as a little human girl (not technically little). Then there are the other students who will play as background props and handle the effects backstage behind the curtains.

Everyone were ready. And the show will soon be on the road—"Who's that...?" Chris whispered to himself as he glanced at a peculiar sight before him where a person sat in the back of the audience seats. After being assigned as the manager of the Seidou Baseball members, he has improved his observation skills and easily took on many things.

(Though he's still pretty naive about Miyuki's secret).

The staff were dismissed to their positions but Chris announced a short bathroom break as an excuse to walk off the stage and sneak into the back of the room. Tetsuya allowed.

He quietly walked over to the hunched figure then reluctantly tapped at the person's shoulder. "Are you alright? You're not lost, are you? The play will begin soon and if it was in your mind to watch and wanted an early start to pick your seat, you are welcomed by me."

Chris watched as the other lifted their head. He jerked back in surprise. "Chris-senpai?" The hollow, familiar and soothing voice that he knew only belonged to someone dear to him, echoed in his ears.

He kneeled down while placing a hand on the boy's own ones. "You're not supposed to be out of bed. You're sick. What are you doing here?"

The brunet could only tear up some more although he knew he would be questioned later. But at seeing the former catcher's face—the man he trusted and admired most—he needed a shoulder. Arms flew forward and wrapped around the older teen's neck. "Senpai!"

In response, Chris patted his back with a bewildered expression on his face, but said nothing else before hugging the boy back. They sat on the floor in silence.

The older male did not ask to Eijun's surprise. Not yet anyway. He was gestured to sit on the one of the seats where Chris accompanied him for a bit before leaving to wear his costume. The brunet shared his food and they chatted about mindless things. Well it was Chris who initiated the odd conversation, though nonetheless, the first-year could not help but appreciate the effort of getting him distracted from the whatever concern the older teen knew nothing about that he was having. The other senpais did not know about his escape from the dorm. It was only between the two of them.

Chris knew that everyone would be flocking and questioning him, and he didn't like the scene where Eijun looked uncomfortable and pressured to answer (even if he was curious as well). He carried more self-control than that.

The seats were occupied by many other students. Leaving only a few available to enjoy the upcoming performance. He spotted the other baseball members like Masuko, Tanba, Haruichi, Furuya and Kawakami come in. Thankfully, they sat at the font and Eijun was glad no one sat next to him at the back since he still wanted some privacy to himself. The play began and the brunet declared in his head that he was glad he had come to this place. Forgetting Miyuki for awhile to stare at a different world in front...

The Play titled as: Spring Hero

Kuramochi skipped into the stage in a ponytail red wig, wearing a light purple dress with a leather purse in hand. Suddenly, in a swift of lightning a man dressed in all-black snatched his bag and made a run out of the platform. "Thief! Someone help!" he screamed in a manly voice which got the audience howling in laughter.

The three gigantic Easter Eggs behind him cracked (with the help of sound effects) then burst open. The crowd watched in amusement as three men walked out. Shirasu as a Pumpkin Head, Ryosuke as a Pirate and another individual as a Mummy. "Did somebody call out for help?" they simultaneously said.

"Yes, you big dumbos! And we don't have time for your exaggerated and dramatic intro. So can you all just get moving and kick whoever's ass decided to steal my purse," Kuramochi exclaimed with crossed arms.

Shirasu shook his head, moving a finger side-to-side. "No little girl. Ass is a word that must not be used until you are legal."

"And the way you asked was pretty rude. You need to learn manners," the Mummy spoke.

"My jaw dropped," Kuramochi replied (actually doing said action), "that three men dressed up in stupid costumes are lecturing me about so-called manners. What about you guys and your sense of dignity? Said manners for the people who have all probably lost their eyes by now because of such wretched view."

"Ay ay, mate! It seem you don't understand kids very well. Though you are one. Kids would love to see us, not be frightened. Who doesn't love a good Pumpkin Head that you can cut open to make pumpkin pie." Shirasu gasped in horror at the words. "What about a Mummy that you can carry to your home to scare off your show-off neighbours." The Mummy in comparison however smirked then made a zombie walk towards the crowd; creating laughs. "Or an old pirate like me who can tell you how to boss people around? Don't we sound fun?" Ryosuke commented.

The little girl pondered with a finger on her (his) temple. "Alright, so the three of you are actually not useless."

"We're not," they chorused.

"You guys are like superheroes?"

"Far from it," Ryosuke snorted. "Not at all," the two agreed.

Kuramochi stomped his leg and huffed, "But I want superheroes!"

"Well then you called the wrong people," Shirasu argued.

He received a scoff. "Obviously. Because by now, a hero would have gotten my purse back."

The Mummy charged but was then cut off, "Listen here you brat–"

"Ho ho ho, guess what Santa has for you little girl? Because you are on the nice list and you wished for a purse, I got it for you!" Chris came marching into the stage in his costume. Some sparkling sound effect rang throughout the room bringing another set of giggles.

Kuramochi ran to Chris, grabbing the bag and hugging it close to his body. "Oh thank you Santa! You are my hero!"

As quick as he appeared, as quick did Santa ran off the stage. The three men grumbled. "Santa is pretty late with his present," Ryosuke snickered.

"Run along now you no-helpers," the little red head stated. "I now know who my Spring Hero is and you all just wasted my time." With that being said—the Pumpkin Head, the Mummy and the Pirate walked off the stage with slumped shoulders and sad music played along with their gestures. The crowd awed in pity.

The sole person left on stage was Kuramochi. He dugged into his purse then gasped in shock. His hands fussed around with the pockets before he threw the pouch on the ground. "All of my money is missing!" he declared in fury. He whipped his head towards the audience and screamed. "SANTA, HOW COULD YOU?!" An evil chuckle vibrated and voiced itself from behind the stage.

After a final 'HO', the curtains fell and a song played indicating the ending of the scene. Everyone clapped. Eijun included—with a mood contrast to the one before. Joy.

Once all the cleaning were done and Chris could finally leave the stadium, he ran out in excitement to head to a certain boy's dorm room. The rest of the boys watched him with a confused look. "What's gotten into Chris-senpai?" Kuramochi asked while propping the bag of costume into his shoulders (happy to be back in his regular clothes).

"A crush probably," Jun commented without so much as considering the likely possibility of the actual thought happening.

"Crushing on who is the question," Shirasu mumbled after making sure the door was locked.

Ryosuke listened to the conversation in interest. "Eh, that sounds nice. Crushing on someone." The other three looked at him altogether at once. "What? He's at the appropriate age to fall in love. And they say its like a magical feeling. Though it can get a bit too obsessive and problematic at times. If Chris is hurried to leave the stadium just to meet this person, then he must really like her. This is a first after all."

They pondered for a moment before relaxing. "Chris? In love?" Jun uttered. "Who is this lucky person?"

Tetsuya interrupted not long after and ushered everyone to head back to the dorm-rooms. It has been a hectic yet enjoyable day for the casts.

Eijun laid on his bed with a grin on his face. The play was really nice to watch and everyone worked hard to make it successful. The warmth of his bed practically urged to pull him into a peaceful slumber when a knock suddenly came on his door. Standing up from the mattress, he walked over to the door and pulled it open to face someone he had forgotten in the lingering scent of positive clouds from the play. "Can I talk to you?" Miyuki stood in front of him with a crestfallen look.

After the boy ran off, the catcher left as well and sulked inside his room. Only now did he have the courage to get up and head to his boyfriend's place.

The brunet hesitated but nevertheless, let him into the room. They sat opposite from each other on the ground. Eijun wanted to curl himself from the awkward silence although there was another part to him that wanted to throw his arms around the other lad. "I'm sorry."

He lifted his head up in surprise. Miyuki was apologizing to him. And emotions came swelling up inside his body. "I've been a real jerk to you these past few days, weeks, maybe even months. I'm not a very good boyfriend, I know. I hurt you and I hate myself for it. I admit that I'm paranoid. Paranoid that we'll be found out. Paranoid that I'll lose you. But if only you knew...how much I am in love with you. And how selfish I am."

"Lose me? Selfish? No, Miyuki. I'm the one who's selfish. I keep wanting for more and I forget about what you want. We agreed to hide, didn't we? And I keep going against it," Eijun confessed with a low tone as he stared at his boyfriend in the eye. "But I understand now. And I'm content as long as you love me back. Content in whatever situation we may be in. Because I don't want our love to be measured by how long we stay in each other's arms. By how long you hold and kiss me. Our short moments are enough. We'll just have to make do with what we can get, right?"

The bespectacled boy shook his head then grabbed the boy by the shoulders. "No, that's not right, Eijun. Couples long for longer moments. Longer time. More hold. More and much more. It's me who put a limit to all these. I'm the one at fault. I created this mess."

"It doesn't matter. I can manage. We can manage," Eijun defended.

Miyuki however pushed his words and the conception that occupied his mind. The following words left the brunet breathless and motionless. "Why don't we think this over? Our situation is hard on the both of us and I don't want to keep hurting you."

Huh? Eijun didn't want to listen but the muscles on his hands remained limp and dead. "Let's take a pause. Think things through then decide if this is alright. If we're alright." The catcher bowed his head down, missing the tears that flowed down the pitcher's cheeks. "We're too caution and its ruining our relationship. You noticed that, didn't you? That's why you ran away and–" "Stop." Miyuki looked up and wished he didn't.

"Stop. Kazuya, enough." The younger teen cried. "Why?! Why are you saying that? I thought–I-I–didn't I say I'm okay? I'm okay with our situation. I won't ask for more so why...! Why are you letting go?"

Miyuki pulled back with head turned away (hiding his look of hurt).

It's because the guilt is eating me away. Every second, minute and day. Every time I see Chris-senpai I crumble. Knowing he's liked you for a very long time and I just went and stole you from him behind his back. It's such a shitty thing to do yet I did it. Your simple words of admiration for him makes me wonder...if we never got together, would you have reciprocated his feelings? Would I still be able to control my sanity from breaking? I've been assuring myself, saying...I don't regret it. That I love you more than he does and you love me. It's all that matters. But with my facade about to fall off, I'm asking how long will it last? How long can I keep lying to you. To him. It's driving me insane of how one day, my secret will be spilled and I'll lose a friend. And eventually I'll lose you because I'm a demon in disguise. How much longer can I love you without him knowing?

Regret filled Miyuki's heart. He can't change anything right now. Not now when Eijun's crying in front of him. He doesn't want to hurt him. Honestly. So after calming himself down, he reached over for the boy and pulled the lad into his protective arms. "Cut my tongue off! I'm sorry. Sorry for saying such things. I take it back. I take it all back. Don't cry, please. I didn't mean any of those just now."

Eijun slowly wrapped his arms around Miyuki's waist and continued to sob into his chest. He cried out his frustration. He cried out the sadness he felt. Cried out everything. "I-Idiot! Do–n't ever say that to me again. Fuck your pause!"

The older boy agreed to everything he said and patted the young one in a soothing manner. "I promise. I won't ever say pause again. I'm just acting stupid for some reason. I'm sorry."

But I will hang on. Just for a little longer, I want to keep you in my arms. I'll break when I break. I'll face everything once it actually comes. More time is all I ask for. To be with you while the time-bomb ticks.

In a couple of minutes, Eijun has finally calm down and Miyuki decided to buy their dinner that consisted of spaghetti, fried chicken, miso soup, fish fillet and meat balls as a sign of apology. When he opened the door to the room, he expected to be glomped with a hug and not a blade through his heart as he stared to see Chris holding his boyfriend's hand.

"So you get emotional when you have an empty stomach?" the former catcher asked in concern while the boy nodded innocently in response. "But you're okay now, right?"

Chris turned to lad by the door (noticing him) and smiled. "Oh, Miyuki, hey. I came back to check on the both of you." His expression changed into a sour face. "By the way, I found Sawamura at the Spring Festival earlier. You're both sick and you being the responsible one shouldn't have let him go. He said he was starving which is why he left the room," he frowned. "You should have at least accompanied him."

Miyuki faked a laugh. "It would have been such a bother. I wasn't feeling it at that time and I was really sleepy too. But to compensate, here, I got food." He waved the plastic bags he was holding, stepped inside to sit down and place the bag on the floor.

"You bought a lot?" Chris said as he eyed the containers.

"What about you, Chris-senpai?" Eijun butted in while grabbing a set of chopsticks. "You probably haven't eaten yet, have you? The play must have exhausted you."

"Is that an invitation to join the both of you for dinner? Well if you both don't mind, I'll happily take the offer."

Miyuki quietly ate from his plate though he'd make side remarks from time to time so the older teen don't hint on anything. His remarks directed itself to the brunet, mean but not too mean as to not hurt the young boy emotionally. Eijun however took the insults lightly and reacted normally—in hope to not worry his boyfriend and to assure him his contentment. Meanwhile, Chris continued to stare at the boy in front of him as his heart melted.

He liked Eijun. He really did yet he has never made a move; in fear of breaking their friendship. He convinced himself that being the person Eijun could rely on and come to was enough. But the fluttering butterflies in his tummy and the radiating sparkles around the pitcher were making it too hard for him to resist any longer.

The world sighed at the complicated matter. Which one of these three will cry in the end? And which one will break first? It was difficult to tell.

"SAWAMURA!" a voice yelled aloud and the door burst open. "Oh, Chris-senpai and Miyuki? What are you both doing–FOOD! Blessed. I'm hungry." A very random Kuramochi wildly appeared.

"I heard the word food!" Jun followed and then a couple more starving people entered. Masuko, Haruichi and Furuya as well (after hearing the ruckus).

And this is how a party started...

"Oh, Miyuki! Did you go to the festival? I thought you were sick," Kuramochi voiced out while taking a huge bite on the meat in hand.

Chris looked up at this in confusion. "But you said you didn't go outside with Sawamura?"

"Wait! So you really were the person at the Big Bowl earlier?" Masuko said. "Why were you so panicky?"

"Hold on guys, one question at a time!" Miyuki stated with his hands held high. "First of all, Kuramochi, don't go all up in my face. I didn't go to the festival and I slept all day. I think that answers your question and Chris senpai's one. Second of all...I don't know about Sawamura, so let him explain himself."

Eijun's eyes twitched. His boyfriend can be so helpful. Either way, he made an excuse as quick as he could and tried to make some sense into them. "I did go to the Big Bowl earlier. I didn't want you to see me so I panicked."

"Why didn't you want me to see you?"

"Because you would have made me gone back as a stand-in mother when I haven't even eaten yet. I was trying to be secretive. Like a ninja."

Haruichi shook his head. "Eijun-kun, you should have called and told me you were hungry. I would have come by to bring you some food."

"I didn't want to bother you?"

Everyone slowly settled down (accepting the stories) though inside, Miyuki and Sawamura, were feeling frantic inside. That was a close call!

Soon the atmosphere was interrupted once again...

"Sawamura, go get me a Coke!" Jun ordered. "Everyone, Sawamura is going for an errand, tell him what you want!" Various names of drinks then came screaming into his ears. Black coffee, Crush, Sprite and four Ice tea; he didn't know if he can remember all of them. Almost immediately, he was out of the door while he let out a defeated sigh. His boyfriend had played along, asking for a 7up. He didn't even have to ask since I already know that that's his favourite drink. He blushed.

"I'll come with you." Eijun twirled around and smiled at seeing Chris coming to his rescue.

"Thank you. You're really the only person on my side, senpai..!"

A few minutes later and after a tranquillizing walk to the vending machine—"Who wanted Crush again?" the brunet pondered.

"That would be Ryosuke's request," Chris replied as they worked together in sync.

"Alright so Coke for Spitz-senpai, Crush for Harucchi's brother, Ice tea for my evil roommate, Masuko-san, Harucchi and Furuya. Black coffee for Yuki-senpai, 7up for Miyuki and a Sprite for you," Eijun exclaimed with half of the drinks in his arms while the rest settled in the third-year's hold.

"What about you? Don't you want anything?" Chris asked in a way that Eijun felt a warm feeling inside. Of being remembered.

"I have a water bottle on my desk so I'm good."

Chris stepped forward and placed a hand on the pitcher's forehead (at the same time balancing the drinks on his other side). "Are you still feeling a headache?"

"Nope, I think I'm better now," Eijun answered.

A whole-hearted grin was what he received. "That's good news. Tomorrow is our last day of break before practice resumes once again and for the tournament to begin. You should spend tomorrow at its fullest."

The brunet accepted the advice with a nod before turning away to head back. Although he dreaded of going back because the senpais may order him some more—he wanted to see Miyuki even if it was from afar. "Say, Sawamura?" His name got called which earned his attention. "Hm?"

"Want to have lunch with me tomorrow? It's for the dinner earlier," the older teen shyly asked with a tint of red hues forming on his pale cheeks.

Eijun pouted and said, "But it wasn't me who bought the food."

"Alright then I'll give Miyuki a gift later. But I still want to ask you out for lunch. If that's okay with you, won't you go with me?" Chris asked with hopeful eyes.

The lad giggled. "Sure! It'll be fun. We can eat good food and talk about strategies for the upcoming games."

Eijun deemed the invitation as an innocent one. He found no problem in eating lunch out with his senpai and actually concluded it to being an opportunity to learn more about the sport he loved. Oblivious.

On the other hand, Chris could not believe that he did in fact ask his crush out (on a date—was what he wanted to say). He was delighted and excited for the coming of the following day. Eager.

Miyuki let out a groan as he stared at Tetsuya from across the table. He was bored of shogi and wanted nothing more but to see his boyfriend who went out minutes ago to get drinks, along with the person he didn't like seeing with the boy. Hopefully—and he silently prayed—no sparks were shared between the two. Worried.

-tbc-

messejii from graylubitches: I don't like how my chapters 5 & now 6 took a different turn to what I originally planned out but I can't help but posting this as it is. Hopefully, you guys enjoy the story and although the play was detailed, I would just like to say that, that part was greatly for my own entertainment purpose. I enjoyed writing the play tbh though its not part of the actual story XD I found everyone's roles cute and funny. Ahem. Excuse me if you didn't. Like I mentioned before, I lack humour. Also, Thank You to everyone who reviewed, I read them all very well and appreciate every single one of them!

To kate-sama, your request will be on the next chapter so do look out for it :')

Don't forget to Read&Review.