Challenging Hopeless Romantic - Miyusawa

Chapter 3 - He Couldn't Just 'Be Nice'

Kazuya woke up extra early that Wednesday, all so he could win that childish competition. He yawned as he unlocked the door to the cafeteria.

Wow.. I can believe I'm putting this much effort just so that loudmouth doesn't start thinking he's better than me. Kazuya thought as he walked past the long tables. The night before, he had asked Rei and the coach for permission to use the cafeteria kitchen. He made up some excuse on the spot, saying he wanted to make something for his friend's birthday. He also prepared the ingredients in advance, which had saved him some time. He had decided to make Sawamura a lunch, that was romantic enough right?

(AN- I don't actually know how a kitchen works and the only thing I've made is grilled cheese so please bear with me as I avoid description)

Kazuya put on his headphones, shuffled a random playlist, and shoved his phone in his pocket to keep his hands free. He stared at the empty bento in front of him, his finger tapped on the counter to the beat of the song.

Ok let's do this. He thought and lifted his arms to stretch.

"What are you doing here?" Miyuki flinched as kuramochi peeked over his shoulder, suddenly behind him.

Miyuki slid his headphones off and leaned against the counter, trying to hide the box, "Not much really."

Kuramochi didn't seem to buy it, "So you're serious about this competition after all..."

Miyuki just shrugged as Yoichi continued, "Making him an actual lunch seems a bit extra wouldn't you think?"

"Stealing my clothes seems more extra if you ask me..." he mumbled, cringing as the thought crossed his mind.

"I just find it odd that you're putting effort into something other than baseball. Seems a bit out of character if you ask me." Kuramochi grabbed the bento from behind the other, opening it to look inside. "Looks good, but doesn't Sawamura hate-"

"Exactly~" An evil smirk appeared on Miyuki's face.

The shortstop just sighed, "Of course you couldn't simply be nice."

"Hey Sawamura-kun, I heard from Kanemaru you ended up challenging Miyuki-senpai with that whole romance thing. How's that working out?" Sawamura's classmate asked. She was the one who started the whole ordeal after all.

"Obviously I'm winning!" Eijun yelled proudly. "He isn't even giving me a competition!"

"That's surprising... Maybe he's planning something really big instead of doing smaller things?" She wondered.

Sawamura stared, her theory started to play out in his head. But he just shook his head, "That wouldn't make someone romantic! He would be nice once and then it's over! And there's nothing fun about that."

"Yeah guess you're right."

Some murmurs were heard throughout the classroom, heads turned towards the door. However, Sawamura was too distracted to care.

The girl poked his shoulder, "Sawamura-kun, it seems you have visitors..."

Eijun turned around, a scowl appeared on his face, "What are you doing here Miyuki!? And Kuramochi too!"

"What? Am I not allowed to check up on my pitcher?" Kazuya purred slyly as he slung an arm around the boy's shoulder. His emphasis on the word 'my' got quite the reaction from the others. The girl giggled, Kuramochi made fake gagging noises, and Sawamura... Well he didn't really notice.

Eijun gave the shortstop a lopsided smile, "Kuramochi... Why's he being nice? It's freaking me out a bit."

"Well that's rude... I'm your senpai you know?" Miyuki pretended to look sad.

"Don't care!" Sawamura squirmed under Miyuki's weight, failing to break free. With his other hand, Miyuki pushed a wrapped box into Eijin's stomach. The boy hunched over, automatically bringing his hands to the object. He blinked a few times before a confused expression came over his face. "What is this?"

Kazuya leaned in closer, and added a wink at the end of his sentence, "Just something I thought you'd like~"

Kuramochi whined and tried to leave, but Miyuki grabbed his wrist before he could get too far, all while keeping his eyes on the pitcher.

"I'll see you at practice," Miyuki slowly moved away from Sawamura to head towards the door. Kuramochi being dragged behind him. He lowered his voice when they reached the hallway. "How long do you think it's gonna take him to notice?"

"You really are an asshole you know?" Kuramochi rolled his eyes. Despite that, a smile showed on his face.

Seconds later, a yell erupted, echoing down the hall, "MIYUKI KAZUYA YOU JERK!"

The two third years burst out laughing, their walk accelerated into a sprint as loud footsteps were heard from behind.

"I can't believe you-" Kuramochi sucked in another deep breath as he and Miyuki collapsed, finally reaching their classroom. "I can't believe you made him natto!"

And their laughter didn't die down when they heard that Sawamura had been sent to the nurse's office after he made the attempt to finish his lunch.