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https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093087122434729/episodes/16818792435362628834
“Batter out, game over!”
Second round. Itakura’s pitch landed in the mitt, and the umpire announced the end of the game.
“Phew, that was close.”
My legs gave way, and I slumped down to the ground.
1-0. It was a close game, but we managed to win.
“I can’t believe he’s the guy who went 4-for-4.”
Itakura walked over from the mound, took off his glove, tucked it under his arm, and held out his hand.
“Thanks.”
I took his hand, stood up, and brushed the dirt off my pants.
“So, next up is the semifinals. Let’s recharge our batteries for the afternoon.”
“Yeah. …Oh, I’m being called. See you later, Itakura.”
“Hey, as battery mates, we should exchange opinions…”
“Well, then.”
Unfortunately, I’m the type who prioritizes prior commitments. …It’s definitely not because I have a date with a cute girl.
＊＊＊
I headed to the old school building’s empty classroom, which had become a regular meeting place.
“Hey, Ren. Good job.”
“Nishimiya. …You don’t look tired at all.”
“Well, I’m not planning on competing.”
“I can see that. You’re not wearing your gym uniform.”
Nishimiya was sitting at her usual seat by the classroom window, eating her lunch and reading a book. It was a secret book with a double book cover.
“Where’s Shiramine? Isn’t she here yet?”
“Hmm? I got a message from Hitan saying she’s on her way.”
Apparently, the book was quite interesting, as she kept her eyes fixed on it.
“That’s amazing. you hit a home run?”
“Yeah, but I don’t think you saw it…”
If she had seen it, she wouldn’t have said it like she heard it from someone else.
“You’re the talk of the school, you know? There’s this amazing person in the second year of the Red Team.”
“Huh?”
No way.
“It’s true, you know? Do you think I’d make up something like that?”
“I don’t think so, but…”
That said, I’m not so conceited as to think that everyone is talking about me.
“Well, in any case, you’d better be careful. There’s nothing good about standing out.”
As expected of a blonde lady. Her words carry weight.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Aira-senpai, Ren-senpai.”
The sliding door opens with a clatter, and Shiramine appears with a furoshiki cloth.
“Hitan, we’ve been waiting for you. Let’s eat!”
“Yes, let’s. Ren-senpai, I saw what you did earlier. It was amazing.”
“Oh, well.”
Shiramine naturally sat down next to me and smiled. Oh no, little devils are scary.
“Basketball was a shame, Hitan.”
“Mm, it still makes me sad to think about it. Aira-senpai isn’t competing, is she?”
“Hmph. Trying to get me to do sports is naive. Don’t underestimate my lack of athletic ability.”
“Haha, Aira-senpai is interesting.”
“Is that so? If so, I’m glad.”
These two have really become good friends. Watching them makes me feel warm inside.
“Oh, right. Ren, I’ll send you what you asked for on your personal line.”
“Oh, that’s helpful.”
“What did you ask for?”
Shiramine makes a puzzled face.
“Aota’s at bat today. I couldn’t watch it because the first round started at the same time.”
“I see. So you’re confident you’ll win?”
“Well, if I am going to take it seriously, I have to be confident.”
Aota is amazing. He won the last two games 8-0 and 7-0. In fact, he hit three home runs and didn’t even give up a hit as a pitcher.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no chance of winning. I’m not fighting alone, after all.
“Ugh, which team should I root for…”
“It doesn’t matter which one. It’s the same.”
At that moment, I thought so. Without a doubt. Because I didn’t know.
What would happen in the next game.
＊＊＊
It happened during the semifinal game against the third-year White Team. The score was 0-0 in the top of the third inning. It was Itakura’s turn at bat in the final inning.
“Oh no!”
Itakura barely managed to make contact with the third-year pitcher’s breaking ball.
The ball rolled slowly toward the second baseman.
“Ball first!”
“Hurry up!”
Itakura ran toward first base. His foot touched the base and he kept running.
“Safe!”
“Yes!”
The umpire’s call was made, and Itakura, who had successfully hit an infield single, raised his fist high in the air on the base.
“Huh?”
It was a common occurrence in baseball. There was no doubt about that. However, something still felt off. I had a feeling that something was wrong.
“…Well, we need to score at least one run.”
Then it was my turn at bat.
I was lucky enough to hit a ball that was thrown right down the middle, hitting a double and scoring the long-awaited run.
The rest of the batting order didn’t follow through, but just taking the lead was enough. At least, that’s how it should have been.
“Time, please.”
“Hurry up and get it over with.”
“Yes.”
Defense in the bottom half. I took off my mask and ran to the mound where Itakura was standing.
“What’s wrong? Even with the morning break, you haven’t thrown 80 pitches yet, have you?”
The situation wasn’t looking good.
One out, runners on first and second. Itakura was clearly struggling in this inning.
“Sorry. I ran too much and got a little tired.”
Itakura laughed, but something seemed off about him. And that feeling connected with the uneasiness I had felt earlier.
“Itakura, did you twist your left foot?”
“Huh!? No way!”
“…I see. That’s not good.”
“I told you, I’m fine!”
“Itakura, what good does it do to put on a brave face here? Sprains can become a habit. Are you okay with not being able to play in games this summer?”
“…I understand. But I’ll only pitch in this game. Otherwise…”
Honestly, it would be better if he came off the mound right now. However.
“Alright. Then, just two more. Count on me.”
“Is that okay?”
For some reason, Itakura’s eyes widened.
“You’re the one who doesn’t want to come down. Let’s get two outs and finish this, partner.”
“…Alright, count on me. Partner.”
I left the mound and returned to the catcher’s box.
“Itakura, are you injured?”
The batter who stepped into the box was a third-year pitcher.
“Maybe. Only he knows for sure.”
“Don’t hide it. You sprained it earlier, didn’t you?”
“I don’t know.”
Was the conversation overheard? It was certainly possible. Still.
First pitch. I aimed for the outside corner. It was right on the outer edge of the strike zone.
Here it comes.
Itakura took a deep breath and got into position. At that moment.
“Steal!”
Just before the ball was thrown, the runner on second base took off.
Completely unexpected… but that wasn’t the case.
“They really underestimated us.”
I caught the ball with my mitt and quickly switched it to my right hand. The third baseman was on the baseball team. He had reacted to the stolen base and was already on the base.
Since I started playing catcher in the sports festival, I knew situations like this could happen, so I’m glad I practiced.
I swung my arm sharply and threw the ball.
“If you don’t tag the runner, you’re a failure as a catcher.”
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