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It was a cool May night, Kaz had just finished their individual practice and it was getting late, so they were making their way back to their dorm room to settle down for the night. They could still hear other team members doing their individual practice and workout routines.
Kaz decided to go by the vending machines to grab a drink, as they got closer to the vending machines they noticed a figure sitting on the benches, it was Sawamura, he looked as if he was deep in thought, Kaz thought this was the perfect opportunity to tease the southpaw.
“Don’t think too hard, you might pass out” Kaz said with a snicker.
“GAH, MIYUKI KAZUYA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Sawamura jumped up and was pointing indignantly at them.
Kaz cringed at the sound of their birth name, and at the volume that Sawamura had shouted at.
“It’s rude to point at people you know” they said with a sigh, “Anyway, as for what I’m doing here, I’m getting a drink” they said while pointing at the vending machines.
“Oh, well that's okay I guess” Sawamura said and sat back down. He looked like he was, conflicted, like he wanted to say something, but he just sat there in silence.
Kaz got his drink and and sat down next to Sawamura. It was peaceful, not really something you’d associate with the pitcher. It was weird, but nice, to sit quietly in Sawamura’s company.
“Miyuki-senpai,” Sawamura said, soft and small, Kaz almost didn’t hear him “could you keep a secret?” He continued nervously, hands balled into fists on his knees.
“I don’t see why not?” Kaz replied, wondering what this secret could be.
“I’m only telling you this because I trust you, okay?” Sawamura said anxiously, it looked like he was about to cry “you have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone.” Kaz was starting to get worried, they hoped that Sawamura wasn’t sick or injured, he didn’t want to have to break a promise.
“I can keep a promise, now what it is Sawamura? You’re starting to worry me” Kaz said worriedly, Sawamura took a deep breath and closed his eyes, when he opened them he looked directly at Kaz.
“I’m a girl” Sawamura said simply, seemingly anxiety free, but Kaz could see just how scared she was. Kaz blinked at her, a little bit surprised, they weren't really expecting that, “maybe this was a bad idea, im sorry miyuki-senpai, forget I ever said that” she said quietly. Kaz figured that they had been quiet for too long, but all they could think about was how brave Sawamura was for telling them that, they know just how hard coming out can be.
“So,” they started, not really knowing what to say, then, a simple question came to their mind “do you have a new name that I could call you by?” Kaz said looking at her. Sawamura looked at Kaz, hard.
“Eri” She said, smiling a little bit, “It’s Eri”
“Eri” Kaz repeated, smiling back, affirming her that it was okay, and that it was the right choice to come out to them. They both sat in silence for a little while, digesting what had just happened. “I should probably tell you a secret too Eri” Kaz said, a little nervous, but sure.
“I can keep a secret” she said, looking at Kaz seriously.
“I’m non-binary” Kaz said with some anxiety present in their voice, this is only the second time they’ve come out and said it to somebody “so I guess we’re kinda in the same boat” Kaz laughed nervously.
“So, do YOU have a new name that I could call you by” Eri said, repeating what Kaz had said before, emphasis on the ‘you’.
“It’s Kaz” They said, “But please don’t be calling me Kaz around anyone other than Kuramochi, no one else knows about this yet” Kaz said a little bit desperately, they didn’t want to be outed and they doubted that Eri did either.
“I won’t, trust me, just the thought of being outed is terrifying” she said with a shiver.
“Does anyone else know?” Kaz asked, wondering if there was anyone that they could talk to about Eri without miss-gendering her.
“Kuramochi-senpai also knows, I kinda just blurted it out one day, and thank god he’s understanding” Eri said with a smile, blushing a little bit, “So I guess we both don’t need to hide anything when we’re around him”
“Yeah, I guess so” Kaz said smiling.
Kaz wasn’t sure what made Eri trust them so much to be able to come out to them, but they’re glad that she did. It feels less lonely now knowing that he isn’t the only one.