[Creative Award 2025 Entry - All Categories] Feature Novel "I'm in Love with You" Keijiro x Mai Edition

Synopsis

1. <Keijiro>

I wandered through the residential area of the small town and finally found it. A coffee shop with a sign that read "Waraiba".

(Is she... here?)

That she, who had played baseball with me since we were little despite being a girl... that she, who had worked for a company with a baseball team even after becoming an adult, was now working as a waitress in a place like this... I couldn't believe it.

However, now that I had come this far, I had no choice but to go inside and see for myself. I steeled myself and pushed open the heavy door.

"Welcome!"

Perhaps because she was free, the waitress—she—greeted me with a smile as if she had been waiting for me. But the moment she saw me, her smile froze.

"Hmm?"

The master, who had noticed her strange behavior, also changed his expression the moment he saw my face and threw down the magazine he had been reading.

"This isn't a place for someone like you. Sorry, but please leave."

"...I heard from my parents that this shop welcomes everyone?"

"That's just for show. I have the right to choose my customers. Especially when it's for the sake of my staff."

So, I wasn't welcome after all. But I had already anticipated this.
"Would you still refuse me if I showed you this?"

I proudly showed him my membership card for the fan club of former professional baseball catcher Kotaro Nagae. This is a coffee shop, but they have uniforms and other items he used on display in one corner. It came in handy now that I had joined on my parents' advice a long time ago.

The master looked at the membership card and reluctantly guided me to the display area. However, my purpose was not to look around the shop.

"...Um, could I ask the staff member to explain the exhibits?"
When I cast a glance at her, she looked down. As if to help her, the master glared at me.

"You don't need an explanation, do you? Nagae-senpai was on the same team as your father, who was also a professional baseball pitcher, back in his active days. You just want to talk to Mai-mai. Am I wrong?"

...Well, as you said, I came here because I wanted to talk to Mai Nogami. So, I won't be leaving until I've had that talk.

Even if Mai-mai says she doesn't want to talk?

I'll ask her myself whether she wants to talk or not.

No matter how much you try to push me away, it's useless. Mai is right there. I came here to see her. I'm not moving an inch. Just as I stood there with that resolve, Mai stepped forward.

Rihito-san, I'll talk to him. And if it turns out to be impossible after that, then I'll ask for your help.

Mai-mai... But are you sure?
At the master's question, Mai gave a small nod and looked me straight in the eye.

...It's been a while, Keijiro Hongo, the active professional baseball player. To think you'd have the luxury of coming to a place like this just because it's the off-season. Could it be that you've been benched?

From the way she said that, I could tell she completely despised me. It was only natural. After all, my actions had ended up hurting her. However, unfortunately for me, even though she meant it as sarcasm, Mai's guess was spot on.

Well, something like that. Actually... because I called off my engagement, I'm in a bit of trouble right now. Thanks to that, they won't even let me participate in practice.

Huh?! You mean the engagement was broken off?! What is that? What on earth is going on?!
Perhaps because it was so shocking, Mai said it in a loud voice.

Well... It was never going to work out in the first place. It was more of a political marriage arranged by the other side's parents. Ah, my fiancée's father is the president of a sponsor company... The pressure was immense, so we both followed their wishes at first, but we just didn't get along... We decided to settle things before it was too late and we were already married.

That's right. A year ago, I got engaged to the daughter of a certain company and announced it to the world. Since it was a marriage pushed through half-forcefully, I hadn't even told my childhood friend Mai...

I had vaguely realized that she had feelings for me. I liked Mai, too. But I couldn't say it. In the end, Mai, the one who had been rejected, moved on first, told me, "I loved you. Goodbye," and our relationship came to an end.

...Did you come all the way here just to report that?

I had intended to forget about you, so why did you show up in front of me now... Those thoughts came through in Mai's words.

Of course, that was just a small preamble before getting to the main point. There is something else I really want to say. I stepped closer to Mai and stared intently at her face.

...I want you to go out with me. That's what I came here to say today.

......!!
What!!
Mai gasped, and the master let out a loud shout.

When you confessed your feelings to me, I finally understood clearly. I love you too, Mai. Back then, I was still engaged, so I told you I'd support your next romance, but now I'm finally a free man. So from now on, I'm going to live honestly according to my own feelings.

...After making me confess my feelings to you, you're confessing now? Even though more than half a year has passed since then, do you think I still have the same feelings I did back then? That's impossible. And that's not all. Who was it that said, "Baseball isn't for you, Mai, so it's better if you're not with me"... and dumped me?

Just as your feelings have changed, Mai, mine have changed since that time too. In other words, we're even.

Mai seemed furious, but I had been agonizing over this for so long, too. My own true feelings, my fiancée's thoughts, Mai's feelings... I had been thinking so much my head felt like it would explode, and I spent days unable to sleep. Even though I had finally made up my mind to come all this way...

I want to be with you, Mai. If it means that, I'll stop living up to my parents' expectations and I'll even change jobs. If you hear how serious I am, will you still push me away?

I said it almost as if I were begging.

Does that mean you're going to quit baseball?

If I can be with you, Mai... no, if you'll even consider marrying me, I'm prepared to do that.

!! Look, just because you love me, do you really have to go that far? I mean, that's not realistic.

Whether it's realistic or not... is that the only problem?

...

Have you come to completely hate me, Mai? If you say you don't want to see my face or hear my voice, slap me right here and now. If you can't do that, won't you reconsider?

I offered my cheek, prepared to be struck, but Mai just looked down.

It's not a matter of reconsidering...

Is there someone else you like?

Seeing her fall silent, I knew there was someone she was interested in.

Well, I was the one who pushed you away, so it wouldn't be strange for you to have feelings for someone else. But by the looks of it, you aren't in a relationship yet. So, I still have a chance.

It's too late to tell me that now, it's just confusing...

Just then, the master interrupted.

Hey, could you stop saying things that make Mai-Mai uncomfortable? I mean, I don't think it's good to try to fill your own troubled heart with romance. I told you to leave earlier, but if you have troubles, that's a different story. I'll listen to you.

Unlike before, the master's eyes now looked like they were pitying me. I had heard from my parents that this was a place where everyone was welcome to relax, and it seemed that was true.

I appreciate your concern. But I'll have you listen to me a little later. Mai, can we meet after you finish work? I'll come back here then.

"I'll be done with work around seven, but..."

"Then, I'll come pick you up at seven."
In the end, we didn't visit the Nagae product display space, and we left the shop without even having a coffee.

However, as someone whose face is known, I had nowhere to go. I had nothing to do but pull my baseball cap down low, cover my mouth with a mask and scarf, and keep a park bench warm. Fortunately, I was used to sitting on benches for hours at a time.

As I spent the time idly, the sun began to set, so I left the park and arrived at the shop exactly at seven as promised.

2. <Mai>

He returned exactly at seven. I was half-impressed by how punctual he still was.
"I'll listen to what you have to say. But I want to do it here. We need a place to talk anyway, right?"
I proposed this after hanging the CLOSED sign and locking the door from the inside.

" ...Does that mean the master is going to listen to our conversation too?"

"Rihito-san is worried about me. He's afraid you might do something strange to me, Keijiro."

"I won't do anything."

"Really?"
Rihito-san joined in then.
"Anyone can imagine what happens when you leave a girl alone with a man who has feelings for her, right?"

"I see... So the master is in love with Mai, too. Otherwise, you wouldn't say something like that."

"Too bad for you. The main reason I'm protecting Mai-mai is because she's the daughter of my great senior, Nogami. If anything were to happen, my own neck would be on the line."

"Ah, so that's it... It would certainly be troublesome if Mai's father found out."
My father and Rihito-san have known each other since their high school baseball team days.

Keijiro thought for a moment.
"Hmm... I really don't want the master to hear this. ...How about this, can we meet up just the two of us on our next day off? Let's go somewhere for a day trip."

He really seems to want to talk one-on-one. Hearing his suggestion to go on a day trip, I intuitively felt that he meant he wanted to go somewhere where no one knows who he is. Rihito-san's assessment was that he might be carrying some kind of burden, but perhaps he is actually quite unwell.

" ...Alright. Actually, my next day off is tomorrow. Are you free?"

"Yeah... As I said before, I'm not allowed to participate in practice, so I've been completely free lately."

"............"
Even though it was decided that we would go out together, there was absolutely no spirit in his voice. I'm even more worried now.

"Then, it's settled. Hmm... Is there anywhere you want to go? We need to coordinate the meeting place and time."

"Somewhere with lots of nature would be nice. Ah, would it be easier for you, Mai, if we met at the nearest K Station and traveled by train from there? I'll go with whatever works for you."

"...Wait, where are you planning to go tonight? You aren't going to tell me you don't have a place to stay, are you?"

"I wonder..."

Keijiro replied to my joke with a serious face. Even Rihito-san, as expected, chimed in, "If you really don't have a place to sleep, do you want to come to my place...?"

"No, I've already arranged to stay at my parents' house tonight... though I'm keeping it a secret that I'm here..."

"Then I'll walk you to your parents' house. And you too, Mai-mai. I'm a bit worried, after all."
Saying that, Rihito-san told Hayato-san, the other owner who was in the back of the shop, about the situation and put on his jacket. I finished getting ready to leave, and we stepped out of the shop together.

*

There was absolutely no conversation on the walk back with the three of us. Feeling the awkwardness, we ended up reaching the spot where we could see the apartment building in front of the station where Keijiro's parents lived without saying a single word. Because of the crowd, Keijiro pulled his cap down low and covered the lower half of his face with his scarf.

"Thanks for walking me home. Um... is the front of the K Station ticket gate okay for meeting tomorrow?"

"In front of the ticket gate... isn't that inconvenient for you...?"
He already stood out just by being tall, and I had no desire to make someone who was trying so hard to avoid being noticed stand in a place like that.

"I'll go to your apartment entrance. That should be much safer."

"...Thanks for being so considerate. That would be a big help. What about the time? I'd appreciate it if it were early."

"Hmm... the commute hours are crowded, so if we go earlier than that, it'll be incredibly early."

"That's fine. I'll be okay."

"Then... how about six o'clock?"

"Yeah, that's fine."
Does he not have a place for himself at his parents' house either? I couldn't help but feel a sense of impatience, as if he wanted to see me as soon as possible.

"Understood. Then, tomorrow morning at six, at the apartment entrance."

"Yeah... Well then, see you tomorrow."
Keijiro gave a slight bow to me and Rihito-san, then shoved his hands into his jacket pockets and walked away, his back hunched.

Once he was out of sight, Rihito-san said quietly.
"...To me, it looked like he had lost his heart."

"I suppose so..."

"Mai-mai. Please look after him tomorrow."

"Yes. ...But why do you care so much about Keijiro, whom you only met today? Is it because Keijiro is the son of Yusuke Hongo, your senior from your baseball team days?"

I asked, quoting Rihito-san's words from earlier. However, the answer I received was different from what I expected.

"Because he's similar... I guess. To the way I used to be. That's why I can sort of understand how he feels, and I don't think I can just leave him alone."

"Is that from back when you were saved by my father...?"

"Exactly! Nogami-senpai—your father, Mai-mai—stood by me when I was at my worst, understood me, and accepted everything. Thanks to him, I turned my life around, and I want to repay that debt by saving my customers."

Rihito-san looked cool as he said that with conviction.
"I hope I've inherited that part of my father's genes too..."

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. After all, it was you, Mai-mai, not your brother, who inherited Senpai's baseball talent, so I'm sure you have the power to save people too."

"You really do respect my father, don't you?"

"You bet I do. After all, he's 'God, Buddha, Nogami-sama' to me!"
Saying that, he clapped his hands in front of his face as he always did.
"Ugh...! It's getting cold standing here talking. Well then, next, I'll walk you to your room, Mai-mai."

"...Thank you for everything."
I bowed deeply, and Rihito-san said, "Let's get going," and started walking ahead.

3. <Keijiro>

Once I parted ways with Mai and the others, I was suddenly struck by a sense of loneliness.

(I wish it were tomorrow already...)

Even though we had just parted, my mind wasn't on the parents I was about to meet, but on tomorrow... on Mai.

Even though I'm staying at my parents' house for the night, this place, where they moved after retirement, is no longer a place I recognize. Honestly, I have nothing to talk about with the parents who pushed that marriage proposal, but at the same time, I have nowhere else to go right now. Knowing that, they probably provide me with a place to sleep. I don't know what they might say to me, but perhaps I should be grateful that they're letting me stay at all.

I press the room number at the apartment entrance and ring the intercom. When I tell my parent who answered my name, the automatic door unlocks. I go inside, get on the elevator, and head to the room where my parents live.

Welcome back, Keijiro.
It was my father who greeted me.
Have you eaten? I have a little something prepared if you want.

I haven't eaten yet. I'd be happy to have some.

Okay. Anyway, come on in.

Yeah.
We exchange a brief conversation and I enter the room.

Where's Mom...?

She said she doesn't want to see you. She's holed up in her room.

Good. I don't want to see her either.

...Give me a break.
My father sighed, looking fed up.

...Anyway, why did you turn it down? It was a good offer.

...Something decided under threat can't possibly be a good offer. I don't think I made the wrong choice.

You didn't make the wrong choice, huh... Good grief, you sound just like Shino. Even when you're fighting, parent and child are still parent and child.

...Shut up. So, what are you going to feed me? Once I eat that, I'm going to sleep.
I knew it would turn into this kind of conversation, but I had no intention of continuing it further, so I just stated my business.

...Since you said you were coming, I bought the fried chicken you like. We can't finish it all, so eat as much as you want.

Should I heat it up?

Yeah. Just microwave it or something.
Thinking that he really is just doing things haphazardly, I do as I'm told since I'm hungry.

Maybe I'll eat too. Heat up a bit more.
From the side, my father started putting his own portion on a plate. For some reason, his attitude felt like a baseball team member's, which I didn't like, but since fighting back would only lead to an argument, I just accepted it.

I finish a simple dinner with that fried chicken, a pack of rice, and instant miso soup.
...Do you eat like this all the time? It's hard to believe you were a professional baseball player.

Don't be stupid. This is emergency food. I usually eat out most of the time. There are plenty of good restaurants. I wanted to introduce you to them too, but things are complicated, aren't they?

"Well... I suppose so..."
Thinking that my father was considering me in his own way, a small feeling of gratitude welled up inside me.

"Come to think of it, were you able to meet her? Mai-chan."
Just as I was about to continue eating, my father asked me something strange.
"I told you she's working at Waraiba now, didn't I? So, I was wondering if you'd met her."

It was true that I had asked about Mai's whereabouts when I told him I wanted to stay over tonight. However, if I honestly told him I had met her, that could lead to trouble in its own right. After all, my father and the owner of Waraiba were senior and junior in their high school baseball club.

"No... I haven't met her yet."

"I see... Well, it's hard to meet her, isn't it? You did push her around, after all."

"............"
When I started eating the rest of my meal without answering, my father started talking on his own.

"...What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"...None."

"Then, where are you sleeping tomorrow?"

"...Anywhere is fine, isn't it?"
I understand he wants to worry about me. But right now, everything my parent said felt annoying.

"...Thanks for the meal. I'm going to sleep now."
I expressed my gratitude for the meal he served. But I didn't want to talk anymore.

"...Use that room over there. I've at least laid out some bedding."

"Got it."
As if to shake off my lonely-looking father, I entered the room I was assigned.

4. <Mai>

Even though I arrived exactly at six, Keijiro was already waiting at the apartment entrance. Judging by his appearance, he must have been here for quite a while. He already looked exhausted.

"I wanted to see you."

"...What time did you get here, exactly?"

"...Let's go."
Keijiro didn't answer my question, and as soon as he covered his face with a mask, scarf, and cap, he started walking.

*

The area around the station in the early morning was unexpectedly crowded. I take my hat off to everyone being sucked into the ticket gates, thinking about how they all commute on trains from this early in the morning.

“There are surprisingly a lot of people...”
Keijiro muttered, hiding his face even further.

“What should we do? Should we shift the time a little? Or, there’s the option of taking a taxi.”

“...I’m fine. Probably.”
Keijiro rejected my suggestion.
“Setting aside the Tokyo direction, the opposite direction should be a bit emptier. ...Oh, that’s right. The prefectural nature park that our siblings and your family went to a few times when we were kids. There aren’t many people around there, so I want to go there.”

The place Keijiro said he wanted to go to could indeed be reached by taking the private railway from this station. Since the park area is open, we should be able to start walking around even if we arrive early. The park is large, so we probably won’t have to worry about prying eyes.

“Understood. Then, let’s go to the nature park.”
With our destination decided, we passed through the ticket gate and headed to the platform.

Just as Keijiro predicted, the platform for the outbound line was indeed emptier than the one for the Tokyo direction. Even so, many people were lined up waiting to board the next train.

Before long, the train arrived. However, it already had a fair number of people on board, and once the passengers from K Station got on, it became quite cramped, if not completely packed.

“...Have you ever been on a packed train?”

“No.”

Since Keijiro’s father was a professional baseball player, his travel was basically by car driven by his parents or a helper. Perhaps he had almost never ridden a train before.

“Are you okay... with your first packed train? Are you... pushing yourself too hard?”

“As long as you’re here, Mai, I’m fine...”
Taking advantage of the crowded car and the swaying, Keijiro wrapped his arm around my back. However, the way he applied pressure was a bit strange. It felt somewhat... painful.

“...Let’s get off at the next station.”

The car was packed with no space. The moment the doors opened, I took Keijiro’s arm and managed to get off by pushing through the crowd. The people boarding looked at us with suspicious eyes, but I didn’t care, moving against the wave of people and sitting Keijiro down on an empty bench.

“...Why did you get off? I told you I was fine, didn’t I?”
There was no strength in the eyes that glared at me.

“You’re one to talk. Even though you weren’t fine at all.”

"............"

"If you have something to say, just tell me without holding anything back. It doesn't matter where we are, does it?"

Suddenly appearing in front of me, saying you wanted to go out on a train you'd never ridden before... Ever since I saw you yesterday, I felt that these weren't the actions of the Keijiro I knew. If there's a problem you can only tell me, I want you to confide in me soon. It's harder for me when things are kept hidden.

Keijiro looks down and says,
"I definitely underestimated the crowded train. But if I rest a little, I'll probably be fine."

"I don't think so."

"...Mai. There's a lot I want to talk about. But it's not just a matter of saying it. ...Please understand. I want to do the opposite of everything I've done until now. That's how I feel right now. That's why I want to ride the train, and why I want to go somewhere with lots of nature."

"Ah, so that's it..."
With that statement, I somewhat understood the reason for Keijiro's eccentric behavior. But if my guess is correct, Keijiro must be suffering quite a bit mentally.

"...Anyway, let's take it slow. The day has only just begun. ...And stop hunching over like that! It's not like you!"
I give his hunched back a sharp pat.

"Ouch... But this feels just like you, Mai. I'm glad I managed to make plans to meet today, I really am."
Still hunched over as always, Keijiro chuckled.

*

We let a few trains pass and board a relatively empty one. Even so, people frequently get on and off, making the car crowded, and each time, Keijiro's condition worsens. We repeat the process of getting on and off many times, traveling while taking breaks.

"Actually, I don't really use the train much either... I should have looked into it more before deciding on a time to meet. I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. I was the one who was selfish and said I wanted to ride the train. It's not your fault, Mai."

"Even if you say that, I still feel guilty."

"...I wanted to experience saying something like this once. So, this is fine."

"...By any chance, are you longing to be 'normal'?"

"Maybe, or maybe not."

"You're so vague..."

"……Well, I'll tell you later."

＊

　In the end, we arrived at the station nearest to the prefectural nature park at exactly nine o'clock. It took quite a while, but once the number of passengers started to decrease, Keijiro regained his composure and his complexion improved. He seemed more relieved about this than anyone else.

　The station where we got off was sparsely populated. Perhaps because he felt more at ease, or perhaps because he was relieved by the lack of people, Keijiro took off his mask.

"Phew…… It's hard to breathe with this thing on. But it's a hassle if people recognize me, too……"

"Being a celebrity isn't easy, is it?"

"Yeah…… I really have no freedom. I can't even ride the train in peace."

"And yet, you insisted on taking the train today. To experience 'normal'?"

"Yeah…… But that was rough. I don't know how people who ride it every day do it."

"People who use the train for commuting to work or school are probably used to it, so they might not even think it's rough, right?"

"That in itself is amazing."
　After shrugging his shoulders, Keijiro held out his right hand to me.
"……Aren't you cold? Won't you hold my hand?"

"……I'm fine. I brought gloves, after all."

"I see…… That's a shame."
　He shrugged his shoulders once more and started walking a step ahead of me.

＊

　S-Hill Prefectural Nature Park is a place famous for the arrival of rare wild birds. Also, because seasonal flowers can be seen throughout the year, it is visited by many couples, married couples, and families, regardless of age.

"Wow, this brings back memories!"

Seeing the landscape, which has hardly changed, memories of my childhood come flooding back. When I was brought here as a child, I used to run around the plaza where the playground equipment was set up, or even play catch.

“Instead of my busy parents, Mai’s father often brought us siblings and Mai here, didn’t he?”

“That’s right. Although, out of all the kids, my brother, being the oldest, never once came along. ...Well, that makes sense. When I was in first grade, my brother was already in seventh grade.”

“Is the age gap that big?”

“My brother is two years older than Keijiro’s brother, Sota. From your perspective, Keijiro, he’s four years older.”

“...I see. But I remember Sota playing with us back then.”

“Well, unlike us, my brother has an artistic temperament.”

“Tsubasa is definitely like that...” Keijiro looked up at the sky, perhaps picturing his brother’s face. “...I wonder if my life would have been different if I could have betrayed my parents’ expectations like Tsubasa did.”

“Eh...?” I was bewildered by his unexpected remark. “Even after becoming a pro... Are you saying you actually didn’t like baseball?”

“I do like it. But... if you ask me if I’ve made it this far without the pressure from my parents, I would clearly say no. Besides, the professional world isn’t something you can survive on passion alone. I realized that painfully once I actually entered it. The engagement was one of those things.”

“............” I couldn’t find the words to respond to such a shocking story. Keijiro continued.

“I don’t know about other fields, but the baseball world has its own special rules. Those who follow them can survive at the cost of losing themselves, but those who rebel are thrown out of the baseball world. And those rules are heavily influenced by the intentions of the sponsors. ...With this engagement, I became completely sick of following those rules. If I kept following them any longer, I would have fallen ill. So, I wanted to do something before I turned into a puppet.”

“Is that why you called off the engagement...?”

“That’s right... I have no regrets. In fact, I even feel joy in being able to have this kind of time.”

“But won’t that really lead to you being driven out of the baseball world...?”

“That might happen, but I don’t care. ...I told you, didn’t I? I’m prepared to change careers if it means you’ll marry me, Mai.”

“...Is that because you don’t want to drag me into your family’s affairs?”

When I confessed that I had liked him while he was engaged, I was told that Keijiro had liked me too. But the reason he didn’t confess his feelings was because he didn’t want to make me a member of a baseball family...

“Yeah. As I said before, I don’t want you to live a life consumed by baseball, Mai. I want to live a life unrelated to baseball from now on. I decide my own life. That’s the intention behind what I’m saying.”

“What can someone who has only ever done baseball possibly do?”

"...Isn't that the same for you, Mai? Let's look for it together. Things we can do besides baseball."

That invitation was very tempting. However, the reasons why Keijiro and I decided to leave baseball were completely different. Our positions were different, too. There was no way I could give an easy answer.

Just then, my smartphone vibrated. It seemed I had received an email from someone.

(Who could it be, so early in the morning...?)

"Ah... I'm a little thirsty. I'm going to go buy a drink at that vending machine over there."
I ran to the vending machine I saw ahead, and while choosing a drink, I checked the email with my back turned to him.

(Oh, it's from Eugene...!)

He is an electric guitarist I have feelings for. The way he plays is truly cool, and it was almost love at first sight. He's busy and rarely contacts me, so I wonder what's up today.

When I looked at the content, it was an invitation to dinner tonight. He said he could also give me a lesson.
(Dinner with a lesson?! Oh my...! I'm definitely going!)

However, I was with Keijiro right now. I quickly typed just "OK" and replied.

"...Emailing someone? Could it be a man?"
The moment I heard Keijiro's voice, my spine froze. He should have been over there just a moment ago, but did he move here in the few dozen seconds I was focused on my phone...? I tried to pretend to be calm, but it didn't go well.

"It's no use trying to hide it. Your emotions show on your face right away, Mai."

I have never cursed my own habits as much as I did today.
"...That's right."
I could only confess honestly.

5. <Keijiro>

"Tell me about the person you just sent that email to."
When I asked out of curiosity, Mai hid her smartphone as if to embrace it.

"Don't interfere with my private life."

"But I want to know. If you have feelings for that guy, it means he's my rival."

"............"

Mai seemed to be thinking for a moment, but eventually, she began to speak honestly.

"…Yujin Otomura is the guitarist for Southern x BB that I like. I fell in love with him when I went to see their live show, and when I asked him to teach me guitar, he agreed to give me lessons, so he teaches me irregularly. But that's all."

"So, you're a fan?"

"Yeah. And since I had some free time today, I got an email from him asking if I was free, so I replied okay. …Is there a problem?"

"Huh, I didn't know you started playing guitar, Mai."

"I was interested in it from the start because I used to watch my brother play."

"Ah, I see. You said something like that the other day, didn't you?"

The other day referred to when Mai told me about her feelings. I see. It must have been that live show and that guitarist that gave her the push to finally let go of her feelings for me.

"…But you're with me now, aren't you? I'd like you not to look elsewhere."
I didn't want her to show interest in other people when we were meeting one-on-one. But Mai looked dissatisfied.

"…I'm not your girlfriend, Keijiro."

"But it's a fact that you liked me, right? I like you too, Mai. If we both like each other, isn't it fine to call ourselves a couple?"
When I said it dramatically, Mai shook her head so hard it almost made a sound.

"…Hey, Keijiro. Why are you so obsessed with me? You said you'd support my new life."

"…There's no one else, Mai. No one who understands me."

"I don't think that's true."

"No, it's only you. You're the only one who said 'I like you' while understanding my family situation and my position."

"…If that's the kind of advice you need, there's the perfect person for it. Kotaro Nagae, whom you also respect. You should try talking to him."

"What, the 'Demon Nagae'?"

I couldn't hide my surprise at the mention of such an unexpected person. If you like baseball, everyone knows Kotaro Nagae, the famous catcher. Because of his skill, he was treated as an indispensable presence in the baseball world. However, after he passed forty, his batting began to decline, and he eventually became a substitute. Even so, when he stepped up to the plate as a pinch hitter, he would hang in there with foul balls until he got a good pitch, and he remained popular until the end for his playstyle of getting on base with high probability.

On the other hand, he was also called "Demon Nagae" for his strictness and ruthlessness. Opinions were divided among baseball fans, and he was particularly unpopular with young women and children. I myself remember that as a child, I didn't like his sour face.

"No, you say 'advice,' but that's absolutely impossible…"

Even though I denied it with all my might, Mai said, "It's not really like that."

"Thanks to that person, I was able to get over my heartbreak with Keijiro. It's a strange feeling to be with Keijiro now, though..."

"I don't understand..."

"Well, I suppose you wouldn't. I always thought Mr. Nagae was a demon, too. But after he retired, a lot happened, and now he's completely mellowed out. Oh, it seems like it was actually my dad and my brother who were the catalyst for changing Mr. Nagae..."

"Huh...? That makes even less sense. My dad is one thing, but why would Tsubasa change Mr. Nagae...?"
Tsubasa was supposed to be a baseball hater to the core. There shouldn't be any common ground between him and Mr. Nagae.

"I know, right..."
Mai agreed on that point, then continued.

"I was skeptical too, but after living together for nearly a year, I understood. Anyone would change if they were around people who are so unconventional and live so honestly... Even Keijiro would definitely change his way of life if he started interacting with my brother or Yuto, who lives with us, even if it wasn't Mr. Nagae."

"Mr. Nagae... huh. Come to think of it, I never really asked why my parents moved to the same apartment complex as Mr. Nagae. I just assumed they followed him to support him since he couldn't do anything for himself."

In fact, my parents have lived in the same apartment complex as Mr. Nagae ever since his active playing days. They moved to K City now, but even here, they are in the same complex, albeit on a different floor. I once heard that during his playing days, Mr. Nagae had his mother do everything for him, and after she passed away, my mother started taking care of him instead.

"I think that was the case at first. But eventually, Mr. Nagae became independent and started walking a different path than Keijiro's parents. ...Mr. Nagae now lives a life completely unrelated to baseball."

"Wait, really...? That's surprising."
I couldn't imagine Mr. Nagae not playing baseball at all.

"You stayed at your parents' house, didn't you ask them? About things like that?"

"Of course I didn't... They're pretty angry at me because I called off the engagement. They let me stay over yesterday, but they didn't give me a warm welcome."

"Why?"
Feeling a bit annoyed by Mai's barrage of questions, I answered her honestly.

"Well, I rejected a marriage proposal with the daughter of a major sponsor, so as parents, they must be thinking all sorts of things. I left today without even seeing them, so they're probably dumbfounded by now."

"Wait, you left without saying anything...?"

"I couldn't exactly tell them I was going out with you, could I?"

"I suppose that might be true, but if you suddenly disappear, they'll worry..."

"Mai. My parents don't understand my feelings even a little bit!"
With the anger welling up inside me, I exploded with the frustrations I had been bottling up.

"My parents don't care about my personal happiness at all. In fact, it was my parents who pushed the engagement, and they even said it was for the sake of my career, which really makes me furious."

"............"

"My fiancée was troubled by it too. By the marriage proposal our parents pushed on us without asking. Sure, neither of us had a bad impression of the other, and after living together for a short while, I knew she was a good person, but we both decided we didn't want to live our whole lives as puppets for our parents. So, for each other's sake, we decided to defy our parents and dissolve this relationship before we signed the contract of marriage."

"......"

"Sota nagged me about it too. Are you an idiot? You're crazy to turn down such a good marriage proposal, he said. As if I care. Sota is just jealous of me. If he was that envious, he should have gotten a divorce and taken the proposal himself. ...I mean, everyone is just looking out for themselves. I think that's messed up. I think this baseball world is finished. ...I think I talked too much. Sorry."

I regretted speaking out in a fit of anger. However, Mai replied calmly, though surprised.

"...No. I didn't know the environment surrounding you, Keijiro, had become like that. I didn't know there were such circumstances behind the engagement announcement. ...Indeed, I might be the only one you can talk to about this."

"Right?"

"But even if I hear that, someone like me can't help you, Keijiro. The opponent is too big."

"Do you think so...? I believe you have the power, Mai. Sure, if you try to take on an organization, one person's power won't be enough. But if it's just helping me, it seems like it might be manageable, right? Just like Tsubasa changed Mr. Nagae."

"......I understand your situation, Keijiro. But I already have plans to have dinner with Eugene today, so I'm going back to K City by the evening."

"Then I'll join you."

"Huh? That's not what I'm talking about..."

"I'm curious about what kind of man is teaching my beloved Mai how to play the guitar. Besides, if he's someone who influences you, Mai, he must be an amazing person. So, I want to meet him."

"No, but did you even like music, Keijiro...? I don't think you'll have fun if you come along..." I knew she was saying "don't come" in a roundabout way. However, I am not the type to back down over something like this.

"I listen to music. I've liked Reika for a long time. Look, my uncle used to play it in the car stereo often, right? So, it's fine."

"Fine, you say... I think you're using that word wrong..."

Mai was just dumbfounded and didn't seem like she would grasp my true intentions. Apparently, a roundabout way of speaking wouldn't get through. I didn't want to show weakness, but I had no choice...

"Mai, I'll say it clearly now. If I part ways with you in the evening, I will truly be all alone. I don't even have a place to go back to. I don't know what to do. Don't leave me alone. Please..."

I begged as if praying. Perhaps she finally understood, as Mai nodded and said, "It can't be helped."

"I understand... If that's the case, let's consult with Rihito. The owner of Waraiba I met yesterday. That person will surely be able to do something about it."

"You mean you're going to tell the master about my personal situation...?"

"Just so you know, they are much more broad-minded and better-looking than someone like me. It's okay, they are really good at keeping secrets. ...You don't believe what I'm saying?"

Stared at so directly, I couldn't bring myself to reply with a lie like "I don't believe you."

"...Okay. I believe you, Mai."

"Good."
Hearing my words, Mai looked relieved.
"...That said, we still have hours until the appointed time. For now, let's enjoy exploring this place."
Saying that, Mai quickly started walking ahead.

"Wait. ...Let's hold hands after all. Just for now, I want to walk beside you like a couple."
I had been rejected earlier, but I tried asking again. However, the hand I reached out was not taken.

6. <Mai>

Although it was quite early for the appointed time, we arrived at Waraiba at six o'clock to ensure we had time to explain the situation to Rihito-san. When we told him the reason, Rihito-san immediately contacted Nagae-san.

"I got in touch with them. It's fine. They should accept you as soon as you arrive."

"Thank you very much."

"Even so, Maimai, you've taken on quite a difficult role. Ending up having to look after the person who broke your heart. It's unheard of by common standards."

"...Indeed. But, ironically, thanks to Keijiro, I've gotten used to acting outside of common sense over this past year, so this is nothing."

"What a sarcastic remark!"
Rihito-san laughed heartily.

*

While we were doing that, the appointed time drew near. Just before closing. A little before seven o'clock, when there were no other customers in the shop, Eugene-san arrived.

"Good evening.... Ah...!"

The moment he saw Keijiro, he made a face as if he had seen something he shouldn't have. Immediately after, Keijiro stood up and approached right in front of him. It seemed like he was glaring at him.

Just as I was about to reprimand him, Rihito-san moved.

“The cast is all here. ...Well, I'm sure you have a mountain of questions, but for now, have a seat.” Rihito-san said this while hanging a "CLOSED" sign on the door and locking it from the inside.

“...Eugene-san, I'm sorry. I really wanted us to have dinner together and then have a leisurely lesson afterward...” I didn't dare say the last part—that I was truly sorry Keijiro wouldn't listen to me. But it seemed to get across to Eugene-san without me saying a word. He faced Keijiro with a calm demeanor.

“...I'm sure I've seen you on TV. Keijiro Hongo-san, right? The professional baseball player and Mai-san's childhood friend. ...Ah, I see now. You're a fan of mine, and you followed Mai-san here after hearing she was meeting me tonight? That explains why you're here.”

“Unfortunately, that's not it. I heard Mai made plans to go to dinner alone with a young guy, and I wanted to see what kind of person he was. That's why I'm here.”

“Why would you do that? You already have a fiancée, and you're just childhood friends with Mai-san, aren't you?”

“I have always, always loved Mai. But the pressure from those around me was strong, and I had no choice but to accept an unreasonable engagement... However, that engagement has been called off. So, I returned to Mai to fulfill my original feelings... That is the situation.”

Keijiro, perhaps because it was their first meeting, answered the younger Eugene-san's questions in a polite tone. However, he was being so brutally honest that I felt embarrassed for him. Eugene-san looked taken aback, but he didn't flinch.

“Pressure, you say... Even if that was unavoidable, it's a fact that you hurt Mai-san because of it. And yet, to approach her again as if nothing happened—don't you think that's a bit too brazen? Isn't Mai-san troubled by this?”

“...Your remarks sound like you're jealous because someone is making moves on the woman you like. What do you think? Is my reading wrong?”

Although his tone was polite, Keijiro was clearly provoking him. Even the composed Eugene-san must have been annoyed. He glared sharply back at Keijiro.

“No, you're not wrong. I was planning to let this love warm up slowly, but with your appearance, I can't afford to do that anymore. ...Just as you read, I like Mai-san. You may be childhood friends, but that doesn't mean I have any intention of backing down. If you're going to stand in my way, then I'm ready to fight.”

(Wait, what...?! Did Eugene-san just say he, l-likes me...?!)

I had hoped that might be the case, but I never expected to be confessed to in such a way...! I hurriedly tried to hide my face, which was turning red by the second. But it was too late. Keijiro laughed at me through his nose.

“I see. Now I understand why Mai replied to your emails even behind my back. Someone who exudes confidence is attractive. You must be very proud of being a musician.”

“Then, will you give up?”

“That's not going to happen. My life is on the line here too; I will never give up on Mai!”

“My life...?” As Eugene-san looked confused, Rihito-san stepped in to urge them to calm down.

“Now, now, Keijiro-kun. Don't get so heated. Sure, Mai-mai is a great girl, and I understand why you'd want to think someone is trying to steal the woman you love, but let's calm down for a second, okay? ...Ah, you're irritable because you're hungry, aren't you? Can't be helped. Today, I'll do Mai-mai a favor and prepare a meal for three. And once you've eaten, Mai-mai, as we discussed earlier, you'll go to that person's place...”

“Yes. ...I'm sorry, Rihito-san. Thank you for the trouble.”

"It's fine, really. This shop is practically run for the sake of helping people."

*

We, who had just finished a meal that could hardly be called peaceful, left the shop with Rihito-san.

"...Um, please go on to the studio ahead of me. I'll join you later."
We were heading to Mr. Nagae's house. There was no need for Eugene-san to come along. However, perhaps thinking he was being left out, he insisted, "Please let me come with you."

"I want to be with Mai-san for even a second longer. Please."
Even though Keijiro and Rihito-san were right there, he said this while looking straight at me.

"Why don't you let him come? I don't mind, do you?"
Rihito-san said this with a smirk while looking at me, as I felt embarrassed, and started walking ahead. I followed him, my face burning.

*

We arrived at the apartment building towering in front of the station. After having the strict security cleared and reaching the top floor by elevator, Mr. Nagae was waiting for us in front of his room.

"Ah, Senpai. I'm sorry for the sudden contact, but thank you for accommodating us."

"It's no problem. I'm usually the one being taken care of by you anyway. More importantly..."
Mr. Nagae, who replied to Rihito-san's apology, immediately looked at Keijiro.

"Glad you could make it, Keijiro. I heard the general situation from Otsu-kun. Don't worry, I will take responsibility for you. Even if your parents come to visit, I won't sell you out, so rest assured. Though, besides me, there is another troublesome man living here, but please don't pay any mind to whatever he says."

"...Can I really trust those words?"
Keijiro glared at Mr. Nagae.
"After all, you are the person famous for being as cold and heartless as a 'demon,' aren't you? I wonder how many people quit because of your drilling... It's hard to believe that someone like you would treat me, an active athlete, the same way you treat the Master or Mai."

I had explained in advance that Mr. Nagae had changed, but perhaps seeing him in person brought back old memories. However, Mr. Nagae answered calmly.

"As expected of an active athlete. The stance of trusting no one. Everyone who stands in your way is an enemy. Anyone who puts themselves in a world where they can't survive without baring their fighting spirit like that would say the same. As a way of thinking, it is truly correct. However, staying in that mindset forever is dangerous. In the end, you will become completely lonely, lose sight of yourself, and at worst, start thinking about taking your own life. ...Unlike me, you are smart. You did well to stop and reflect. Even now, there are still plenty of chances to start over. I don't know if someone like me can offer advice, but if I can support you even a little, let me help."

"You aren't the Nagae-san I know... That Nagae Kotaro could never say such kind words..."

"...People can change. At any age. Even I, who had been retired for a long time, was able to change. If you are still young, you can change as much as you want. I will listen to your story. Let's think about your future together."

“…………!!”
　Upon being spoken to with such kindness, Keijiro pulled the brim of his baseball cap down low and cast his eyes downward. Mr. Nagae gently patted his back as he trembled.

“Otsu-kun. Mai-kun. Leave the rest to me. I will contact you later regarding his condition.”

“We leave him in your care.”
　We bowed deeply and handed Keijiro over.

7. <Keijiro>

“Come in.”

　Pushed from behind, I stepped into the entryway. The door was closed, and as I was guided further inside, I saw someone who appeared to be the roommate mentioned earlier sitting on the living room sofa. That person looked at me as if I were some rare beast.

“Whoa, it really is Hongo’s son, Keijiro...”

“…………”

“Yohei, could you step out for a moment? I promised to take care of him.”

“Even if you say that, I’m curious. After all, downstairs is...”

“Yohei.”
　Mr. Nagae’s voice as he called his roommate’s name was the same cold, heartless tone from before. Perhaps intimidated, the roommate said, “Alright, alright. I won’t get involved in this,” and went into another room.

“...Did that bother you? I apologize. He is an old friend of mine. He’s not a bad guy.”

“...No. I’m the one intruding, after all.”

“...Well, have a seat. Would you like something to drink? I have plenty of alcohol.”

“...No thank you. Please, don’t trouble yourself.”

“Don’t be so reserved.”
　Despite my refusal, Mr. Nagae brought over glasses and a bottle of beer, popped the cap, and poured drinks for both of us without asking.

“Now, let’s have a toast.”

“…………”
　I couldn’t bring myself to feel like having a toast at all.

"There's no poison in it."

"............"

"......Hmm. I wonder if I should have asked Mai to join us as well. Well, never mind."

Perhaps exasperated by my stubbornness, Mr. Nagae began drinking his beer alone.

"......You look so dejected, I can hardly believe you're the Keijiro who won the Gold Glove Award. You're still in your thirties, aren't you? I think it's too early to feel like you're past your prime, but is that matter the main reason you've ended up like this?"

"............"

"If I recall, your fiancée was the daughter of a major housing manufacturer."

"Ex-fiancée, actually."

"Ah, my apologies....... Well, looking at your success and considering the popularity of your parents and siblings, it's no wonder there were people trying to capitalize on it. I had plenty of offers too. So many that it was truly sickening...... They told me that was the price of being popular. Over and over again...... The reason I turned down everything except for the sports equipment commercial is, needless to say, the same as yours. I knew that if I turned down 100 percent of them, I wouldn't be able to stay in the baseball world, so I accepted the bare minimum. The reason I was able to get away with that is likely because I always acted emotionless and cold. Oh, that's right, there were marriage proposals too, but I just glared back at them bluntly and they backed off immediately. You should have done the same."

"......I really couldn't have, the atmosphere wasn't like that at all. Anyone would shrink back if they were threatened."

"......But you turned down an offer you had already accepted. Why?"

"......I woke up after Mai confessed her feelings to me. I was shocked that I had hurt my childhood friend's heart with my actions, and when I asked myself if I could continue to live while lying about my own feelings, the answer was 'no'."

"I applaud your courage in acting according to your heart. Even if you had turned it down from the start without accepting the offer, your position in the baseball world would likely have deteriorated anyway. That is how arrogant sponsor companies behave. They sit back, thinking they run the baseball world. They easily cut off anyone they don't like. Even if that weren't the case, we are just pawns. If they decide we're useless, we're forced to drop to the farm team or be traded. They don't care about our lives at all."

"That's true......"

"Those who can make the decision to work as team staff are still lucky. But for many, their pride gets in the way and they can't move. After all, we are people who have only ever done baseball. It takes time to do anything else at this point. I was the same way. After I retired, I worked as a commentator, but I thought I would die if I couldn't even do that anymore. I was serious."

"Die...... you say?"

"But I was stopped by Nogami-kun. Like this."
Mr. Nagae pointed his empty glass at me with force. A little of the beer that remained spilled, creating a stain on the carpet.

"Mai's father did something like that......? To a senior player......?"

"He must have found my remarks and way of thinking that intolerable. As you know, I could never trust people, and I couldn't imagine a life without baseball......"

"But I heard you aren't playing baseball now...... What on earth happened......?"

"It's because I met people who accept me not as a baseball player, but as Kotaro Nagae, someone who is nothing else. Through my interactions with them, I was finally able to reclaim my true self. And so, what can I do while living with people like them? After thinking hard about it, I arrived at the idea of teaching young children, as well as their parents and grandparents, the joy of moving their bodies. At the end of the day, before I even liked baseball, I liked moving my body. So, if it's fun, there's no need to be fixated on baseball. I'm able to think that way now. ...You should ask yourself the same thing. Why have you been playing baseball? And if you decide to quit, what do you want to do?"

"............"
It was a problem I had thought I would have to think about seriously someday. Now that it was being brought up by the person in front of me, my head was spinning.
"By when should I come to a conclusion? Is there a deadline...?"

"There are no deadlines. ...Or rather, the fact that such a question pops out shows that your mind is quite rigid. You're convinced that if an elder tells you to 'do it,' you must execute it immediately and produce results. You have to stop thinking that way first."

"It's not that I was thinking anything like that..."

"No, you are thinking that way unconsciously. Of course, there may be parts of that which can't be helped while you are an active player. However, if you truly intend to leave the baseball world and walk a new path in life, you must change. No matter what anyone says, you must become able to execute what you have decided to do."

"Are you saying that the power of decision lies entirely with me...?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Um... Is it not okay to decide together with someone...?"
I want to live with Mai. That's why I want to talk things over with Mai and decide on my future. That was the intent behind my question, but it seems Mr. Nagae didn't understand.

"Consulting others is fine. However, the final decision-making power always lies with yourself. Even if your opinion matches that of the person you consulted, that remains the same. You must not depend on others."

"............"
Is what I'm trying to do dependency...? But just now, Mr. Nagae said that all decision-making power lies with 'oneself.' If so, can't my desire to live with Mai be treated as something I have decided on?

As I was thinking, Mr. Nagae opened his mouth.
"There is something I want to show you. Come to the club with me tomorrow afternoon. I'll introduce you to my colleagues, too. Although, you probably know one of them quite well."

"Mai's father?"

"Yes. He should be able to help you."

I still couldn't fully trust Mr. Nagae, but I couldn't bring myself to argue with someone who had welcomed me so kindly.

◇◇◇

The gymnastics club venue was on the top floor of a building not far from the apartment where Mr. Nagae lived. In the early afternoon, he said he mainly teaches gymnastics to children who have returned from kindergarten. As I looked around the room, two men entered shortly after.

"Good morning... Wait, Keijiro...! Why are you here?!"

"............"
My uncle, that is to say, Mai's father, pointed at me the moment he spotted me. Mr. Nagae calmed down my visibly excited uncle.

Well now, Nogami-kun. Please calm down. For certain reasons, I've been keeping him in my room since yesterday.

For certain reasons...? Wait, does that have something to do with the engagement?

I cannot discuss the details. However, you should be able to guess just from the fact that an active player is in a place like this. I want you to use your strength to save him, as his heart is ailing. That is why I brought him here today.

Even if you say 'save him'... If that's the case, wouldn't Yu-yu be better at it?
The man called Yu-yu clouded his expression.

My place again...? But, after Mai, having Keijiro-san is...

Then how about Tsubasa? He knows Keijiro, and since they are close in age, he might understand quickly if he hears the reason, right?

I wonder about that...? He's surprisingly protective of his sister, so regarding this matter, he was saying quite a few... bad things about Keijiro-san.

Is that so...

Judging from the conversation, "Yu-yu-san" seems to be close to Mai and Tsubasa. Come to think of it, I feel like that name came up briefly when I met with Mai. He must be one of the people who healed Mai when she was heartbroken.

Perhaps seeing them pass me around like a piece of luggage, Nagae-san frowned this time.
You all. Stop treating Keijiro like baggage. I brought him here somehow by saying you would save him, so please consider my position.

Is he really that sick...? What on earth happened?

Seeing Nagae-san's serious gaze, the uncle changed his attitude to one of support. However, it is not the kind of content that can be told immediately just because he was asked. Even though he is someone I know, it has been a long time since we met, so I am also nervous.

...Uncle. Do you still play baseball?
I had no choice but to bring up baseball.

Well, to the extent of teaching children.

Then, how about we play catch when this is over? We used to do it a lot when I was a child, right? Like that.

If we were playing catch, I should be able to throw the serious talk along with the ball. However, the uncle is confused.

Are you sure you want me as your partner? Since we're at it, wouldn't it be better to have Nagae-senpai come along too?

If it is not a problem for Keijiro, I will accompany you.

I don't mind, that's fine.
Once they were both satisfied, the conversation ended for the time being, and they began preparing for the club.

*

Yuyu-san apparently doesn't play baseball, but given the flow of the conversation, he ended up coming along too. The location was a nearby park. Perhaps because there are fewer children these days, there was almost no one playing despite it being a weekday evening. Relieved for the moment that there were no people around, we kept our distance from each other.

...I like baseball. But... I hate that world.
A few minutes after we started playing catch, my mouth said that on its own. Perhaps it was because I remembered how it felt to play catch with my uncle when I was a child.

I see. So you mean the professional world is harsh.
My uncle didn't deny my words.
Yusuke... what do your parents say?

They just keep asking why I turned down such a good offer.

Well, any parent would say that.

If they told me to polish my baseball skills as a player and keep having ambition, I could still understand that. But I didn't think it was right to be told to sacrifice my private life just to survive. I do baseball as a job. If my private life is also tied up by work, I'll suffocate.

I feel like I understand that.

I understand it because my parents were like that. Both of them were obsessed with baseball, and I felt like I was being watched everywhere, at home and outside. The only time I was truly free was when I went out with you, Uncle, or Mai. I want to take back that freedom.

I see.

People say that young people today lack patience, but that's not it. The world has stopped forgiving failure. That's why our generation has lived our whole lives trying not to fail since we were children. Because that was the only way we could survive. I'd rather go to another world than fail. It's not about patience; it's how our generation survives.

Well... until a little while ago, companies and organizations protected individuals, but now it's the opposite; if an individual fails, the company will immediately cut them off to protect the organization. It's only natural that young people who have been in that environment since they joined the company would feel distrust toward it, and they certainly wouldn't think of dedicating themselves to it.

My parents don't understand that; they say it's a matter of course in a meritocratic world. They say it's perfectly natural in sports.

...Yuyu, what do you think after hearing that?
My uncle, who had accepted my long story positively, stopped his hands and threw the ball of words to Yuyu-san.

Hmm... Athletes are in a short-lived profession where they are forced to retire once they reach a certain age, regardless of anything else. Therefore, there is likely a system in place to support their employment after retirement or after leaving the job, but as far as I can see in the current industry, that employment destination is probably often the entertainment industry or the same line of work... I felt that Keijiro-san hates that. Is that right?

I caught the ball of words thrown by Yuyu-san.

That's exactly it. To put it bluntly, the whole industry has a jock mentality and is not very bright. Because they aren't bright, they are easily flattered, and in the end, they get carried away and say yes to everything. It's the completion of a puppet. I didn't want to become that...

You have the power to see things calmly. I would want someone like you to stay in the baseball world and reform it.
Nagae-san, who had taken over for my uncle, handed the ball to me. I strongly countered his words about staying in the baseball world.

In that case, I think you are much more suited for it, Nagae-san.

No, no, I'm just a baseball idiot, so I can't do any reforming. I don't think that world will change easily just because one person tries hard.

Are you saying you've given up?

I'm the same as you. It's precisely because you made me realize that, that I'm here with Nogami-kun and the others now.

I see...
If I'm thinking about the future, is there really no choice but to leave that industry? Then, Uncle makes a suggestion.

If you love baseball but hate the organization, why don't you coach a youth baseball team with me or Mizusawa-senpai... ah, Keijiro's parents are involved too, but how about it? The pay is low, but it's actually quite fun, you know?

...I'm not interested, considering my parents are the ones running it.

According to what I heard from Mr. Nagae yesterday, although they initially cooperated in setting up Mr. Nagae's gymnastics club, they changed their minds halfway through and ended up creating a youth baseball team with Yohei Mizusawa, who is a senior to my parents. Even if it's an invitation from Uncle, I don't think I could join an organization like that, especially after being nagged about my engagement.

...Then, how about starting a completely new organization?
This time, it was Yu-yu who suggested it.

A new organization?

That's right, something like the 'Everyone's Center Gymnastics Club,' created by you, Keijiro-san. As for the content, I'm a baseball idiot, so I can't suggest anything.

...A new organization, you say?
I had only ever thought about belonging somewhere, so the suggestion was fresh. Hearing him say 'something like a gymnastics club,' I pictured the scene at the club I had just seen.

...I have a question for Mr. Nagae. Since when did you become able to interact with children so happily? You were popular during your active days, but even when signing balls or teaching children at fan appreciation days, you never showed a smile like that. I remember you always had a somewhat artificial look on your face, and to put it bluntly, your heart didn't seem to be in it.

That's a long story, but to answer your question, meeting Nogami-kun's granddaughter, Mana-chan, was the trigger that made me want to work in a job involving young children.

Uncle's granddaughter?

She's Tsubasa's daughter.
Uncle added.

Is Tsubasa's child really that amazing?

Hmm. If you put it that way, Mana-chan's mother, Megu-chan, might be amazing in a sense. After all, she's the one Nagae-senpai fell in love with at first sight. By the way, that girl is my niece.

...Including the family structure, it's a story that's hard to believe.

That's exactly why Senpai was able to change. Right, Yu-yu?
Yu-yu, who was brought into the conversation, shrugged his shoulders.

Is that so? We're just acting 'normally' according to our own beliefs.

"It's always the weirdos who insist that they're 'normal'."

"Please stop calling us weirdos. Even you, Nii-nii, have changed quite a bit since you've been influenced by us. Don't you forget that!"

"…Ah, well, don't bring that up."

Hearing the conversation and looking back, I thought that perhaps Uncle had indeed changed. He was kind back then too, but I feel like his strictness outweighed everything else at the time. Compared to that, he has no thorns at all now. Seeing him seek out Yuu-yuu's opinion on everything, it's clear that he has deep trust in him.

Suddenly, I became interested in Yuu-yuu. "…Um, Yuu-yuu-san. Would it be alright if I visited your home sometime? Tsubasa is there too, right? I'd like to see what kind of life you lead, just once."

"Yuu-yuu-san, huh…. Come to think of it, I didn't introduce myself, did I? I'm Yuto Suzumiya. The only person allowed to call me Yuu-yuu is this person…"

After giving his name, he pointed at Uncle with a wry smile.

"My apologies, then I shall call you Suzumiya-san…"

"That works for me. …Ah, about coming over to my place, you're welcome to come anytime. Ah, but it might be better to come with Kotaro-san at first. If you just showed up alone out of the blue, Tsubasa would probably be surprised. …You're staying with Kotaro-san right now, aren't you?"

"Yes…. So, how about that?" I glanced at Nagae-san after hearing what Suzumiya-san had to say.

"Ah, if Yuto-kun says it's fine, I'll take you anytime. Though, his house must be busy with childcare right now, so I'll make sure to visit at a good time."

"Eh, childcare? Suzumiya-san, you have a child…?"

"No, no. I'm talking about Tsubasa's second child. It's only four months old."

"Ah, I see…"

Since I didn't grasp the family structure, I had mistakenly assumed it was Suzumiya-san's child. However, I don't quite understand. Does Suzumiya-san live with Tsubasa, his wife, and their two children—a total of five people…? Or does Suzumiya-san's own family live there too…? Uncle called them "weirdos," but in any case, it's certainly not "normal."

"Then, I will visit sometime soon. I look forward to your hospitality when I do."

"…Go easy on us." I thought I had just made normal eye contact, but for some reason, that's what he said.

"Keijiro, when you go to Yuu-yuu's place, try to have a gentler look in your eyes, okay? Otherwise, you'll make the baby cry."

"It'll be fine. Even I, who used to be cold and heartless, was able to change. If you spend time with them, you'll become gentle too. I guarantee it." Nagae-san gently supported me when I was feeling confused.

8. <Mai>

On the weekend evening after I reunited with Keijiro, I visited the home of my older brother and his wife, who live nearby. Having been allowed to stay with them until just recently, they welcomed me warmly despite my sudden visit. However, I didn't come today just to show my face. Feeling guilty toward them for their hospitality, I pondered when I should bring up the topic.

"Mai, don't be shy. You know, I always cook extra just in case we have unexpected guests. You can go ahead and eat that portion today."

"Oh, yeah. Thanks..."

It had been a while since I'd eaten home-cooked food from this house. I knew it was delicious, but I couldn't bring myself to eat much. Seeing that I was struggling, Yuto-san finally spoke up.

"What happened to your usual appetite? Are you perhaps carrying some kind of worry again?"
Actually, Yuto-san was the one who took care of me when I was depressed after my heartbreak. Perhaps to him, I look the same now as I did back then.

Sensing that now was the time to talk since the topic had been brought up, I waited for everyone to be seated at the table before I began.

"...Keijiro came to the shop the other day. He said he'd broken off his engagement and asked me to go out with him..."

"Huh?! What is that guy thinking?!"
My brother was the first to raise his voice.
"You're not actually thinking of saying yes, are you?!"

"Of course not. It took me a whole year to finally, finally heal the wounds he inflicted on me. And now, after all this time, he asks me to go out with him... There's no way I can accept that."

"Then just leave him alone."

"Calm down, Tsubasa. Isn't that why she's come to us, because she can't do that?"

As expected of Yuto-san. Without getting emotional, he accurately guessed my situation. He continued.

"Actually, it seems Keijiro-san is staying at Kotaro-san's house for some reason, and he came to the gymnastics club the other day. I met him there in person."

"Eh?"

Hearing that they had met, I was so surprised that I lifted myself from my seat. Yuto-san is a former swimming coach, but he resonates with the philosophy of the gymnastics club run by Kotaro-san and teaches children the joy of moving their bodies. I never imagined Keijiro would set foot there.

"Did Keijiro say anything?"

"Various things..."
Yuto-san looked around at us as if it were difficult to say, but finally, he slowly opened his mouth.

"...I hadn't told Tsubasa or Megumi because I thought it would cause trouble again, but Keijiro-san said he wanted to come here. He heard about our home and became interested. Though, Kotaro-san, who is supposed to accompany him, was uncharacteristically sensitive to the atmosphere and said he would think about the timing of the visit, so it doesn't seem like he'll be coming right away."

"Ugh...! Another troublemaker is coming to our place? Of all people, Keijiro? I'm not good with that guy... That look in his eyes is scary."

"Nii-nii pointed that out too. He told him to stop with that look because it makes babies cry."

"That's right! I'm saying no!"

"Now, now, Tsubasa."
Meg-chan, his wife, tried to soothe her excited brother.
"Well, if that person, Keijiro, came back to Mai-chan after rejecting her once, there must be some serious circumstances. If he says he wants to come here, let's accept him. Like Mai-chan, isn't Tsubasa also a childhood friend of his?"

"I'm not close enough to call him a childhood friend. All the Hongo siblings are younger than me and love being physically active. We're just different types to begin with."

"But you're not strangers, are you?"

"Well, that's true, but if Kotaro-san, who knows everything about the professional baseball world, is stepping in, I think we should leave it to him. It's a world we ordinary people don't understand... What do you think, Yuto?"

My brother, who was showing reluctance, asked his roommate, Yuto-san, for his opinion.

"...If he were to come visiting, I wouldn't mind accepting him. However, he won't be living with us like Mai does, absolutely not. Sora is here, and like Tsubasa said, when that guy looks at you, it's like, it makes your heart skip a beat, or rather, it just felt uncomfortable."

"See?"

Even before coming here, I had anticipated that my brother would react this way if I told him. I was just about to regret having visited, thinking that perhaps this was a problem I should have solved on my own, when,

"A fan club..."
Meg-chan said quietly.

"Eh, just now, you said fan club..."

"Kotaro-san was like that, wasn't he? You might have heard it from Rihito-san, but Kotaro-san thought he had no value as a person if he couldn't play baseball, and he was going to end his life. But when he realized he had so many fans, he felt like he could try living a little longer for their sake... Keijiro-san has many fans too, right? Maybe he already has a fan club, but wouldn't it be okay to start something like a 'support group' on our own?"

"Speaking of support... Eugene-san from Southern x BB said he wants to write a 'cheer song' for Keijiro..."

Actually, after we dropped Keijiro off at his apartment, we were finally alone as originally planned, but we didn't feel like having a guitar lesson, so we ended up going out into the night city. However, the topic of conversation there was, as expected, Keijiro. When asked if I was still with him because I still loved him, I honestly confessed that the one I love now is Eugene-san, just to clear up any doubts.

Yes. We had fallen in love with each other. And yet, I couldn't be genuinely happy because I was worried about Keijiro... Seeing me like that, Eugene-san was the one who suggested a "cheer song."

If we're going to date, it's better to resolve our worries first... Thinking that, we promised that we would officially start dating once Keijiro hears the cheer song, returns to the baseball world, and steps down from his position as a rival. I want to be together right away, but I also had a strong desire not to fail at this love and to make it succeed.

"Wow! That's great! Are you going to perform it, Mai-chan?!"

"No way! Even if I cooperate, I just vaguely thought I might talk about episodes that could become lyrics."

"Eh, you should totally sing it!"

"If anyone is going to perform, it should be my brother..."

“…………! Even if you ask me, I won't sing!”

“Now, now, everyone calm down.”
As the situation heated up, Yuto-san urged everyone to stay calm.

“About the fan club idea, I think it's a good one too. Mai might not like it, but he surely trusts Mai the most, and I think the reason Mai is worried is precisely because she can't just leave Keijiro-san alone, right? If that's the case, wouldn't it be best to let bygones be bygones and lend a hand for the sake of a childhood friend's comeback? What do you think?”

I thought for a moment after Yuto-san's remark.

It had been a few months since I started working at the cafe. During that time, I had witnessed many Kotaro Nagae fans visiting the fan-only space and leaving in high spirits. Some fans were lucky enough to meet Nagae-san when he came in for a meal, but those people were always so awestruck that they would just watch from a distance, perfectly satisfied. Nagae-san himself seemed aware that he was supported by them, and I could see from his expression that he was happy even while eating as usual. I was truly impressed by how well he managed the distance between himself and his fans.

However, this was likely a feat only Nagae-san could pull off. Given Keijiro's personality, I couldn't imagine him interacting the same way. Plus, if I told him I wanted to start a fan club to support him, there was a good chance he would get carried away and make even more love calls to me.

“……I can't give you an answer right away.”
I answered honestly.

“If you could answer immediately, you wouldn't have come here in the first place. Yeah, I think that's fine.”
Yuto-san nodded at my words.
“Well, take your time to think about it. It's better to take time for important decisions. If it's a conclusion reached after careful consideration, you won't be flustered even if something unexpected happens afterward.”

“I feel relieved whenever I hear your thoughts, Yuto-san. I'm glad I decided to come and ask you.”

“Yeah. Trusting your intuition and your feelings and taking action is the most important thing. I'll always be here to help when you're lost, so feel free to come by anytime, thinking of this as your second home.”
Saying that, Yuto-san patted my head as if I were a small child.

*

After dinner, while Megu-chan was taking a bath with the baby, Sora, I spent time playing hand games and card games with my niece, Mana-chan. Beside us, my brother was strumming his guitar in a relaxed manner, and Yuto-san was watching us with a smile….

It was only recently that I realized that this ordinary time was what happiness was all about. Before I became a freeloader in this house, I thought they were “eccentrics” who were out of touch with the world, but once I actually got inside, I realized that I and the environment surrounding me were the ones who were “strange.”

Since then, I have decided to cherish my mind, body, and time for myself, which has led me to where I am now. Thanks to that, I've been feeling really good lately, and I no longer feel like it's a struggle to wake up in the morning. Life here has changed me 180 degrees. The days I've spent with them can already be called my treasure.

Just as Megu-chan and Sora finished their bath and my playtime with Mana-chan had reached a natural stopping point, my smartphone rang. Seeing the caller's name, I let out an involuntary “Ah!”

“Mai-chan, you're so easy to read. The person on the phone is that person, right?”
Megu-chan, who saw me rushing toward the entrance, mimicked playing a guitar using the back of Sora, whom she was holding.

“N-no, it's not!”

I denied it out of sheer embarrassment, but it didn't seem to work on Megu-chan. She said, “Take your time,” and left me alone at the entrance.

I pressed the call button in a place where no one was around and held my smartphone to my flushed cheek.
"H-hello. I'm sorry for being late to answer..."

However, there was no response. Had the call been disconnected? When I pulled it away from my ear to check, the screen showed "In Call."
"Hello...?"
When I asked again, instead of a voice, I heard the sounds of a piano and guitar.

#

Without even being able to hold your right hand
I walk by your side
In the clear night sky
The shining stars are just like your eyes

At your indifferent reply
Ah... one sigh, two sighs
Even though I'm so in love with you!
Do you even realize it?

I love you!
To the point of forgetting even my past loves
I want to touch you, your smile is so dear, ah...
Thump, thump!
I'm seriously crazy about you
My, my beloved My Dear

##

Without being able to look at your profile
I walk by your side
Under the cold winter sky
I want to warm your right hand

At your indifferent attitude
Ah... one frustration, two frustrations
Even though it's overflowing so much!
Why can't I just say I love you!

I love you!
Even your angry face looks like an angel
To you, so cute and honest, ah...
Thump, thump!
I'm seriously in love with you
My, my beloved My sweet

###

I'm serious about this love
I swear it on this heart
Next time, I'll make it come true
Please listen to my singing voice...!

I love you!
To the point of forgetting even my past loves
I want to touch you, your smile is so dear, ah...

I love you!
Even your angry face looks like an angel
To you, so cute and honest, ah...

Thump, thump!
Yes, always, always by your side
My, my beloved My lady

#

I never thought I would end up listening to a song over the phone. As I felt surprised and bewildered, I heard Eugene-san's usual voice after some static.

"...Mai-san. Did you listen to the song just now?"

“Oh, um. Of course... But I was surprised. I thought Eugene-san was going to speak, but then music and singing suddenly started playing...”

“Well... I suddenly thought of you, Mai-san... I’m at the music studio at work right now, so I thought I’d perform a song I just finished... Was it a bother...?”

“Not at all...! Um... I’ll ask just in case, but is the ‘you’ in the lyrics you just sang... m-m-me...?”

“Of course it is.”
My face grew hot again at his confident statement.

“Oh, thank you. I’m so happy...!”

“I’m glad, I’m glad you liked it.”
Eugene-san let out a sigh of relief.

“You said you were at work, are you still working at this hour? Thank you for your hard work. Um... are the other members nearby, too?”

“Ah... sorry, I thought about having them go home first, but...”

“Hey, hey, Mai-san! Did you get my brother’s feelings loud and clear?! You did, right?! If you want, I’ll have my brother head over there, so why don’t you two go on a date tonight? Huh?”
The voice of Eugene-san’s younger sister, Sena-chan, rang out from the receiver.
“Let us support your love, too. That’s why we played the background music.”

No wonder the performance was so luxurious, so that’s what it was... I could hear the laughter of what sounded like his other bandmates from the other side of the phone, besides Sena-chan. I could also hear Eugene-san’s embarrassed voice saying, “Please, don’t tease me.”

“Um... Sena said that, but please don’t worry about it too much. You were working today too, right, Mai-san? It would be too late if we met up now, wouldn’t it...?”

“That’s true...”
Although I replied that way, I could tell from Eugene-san’s tone that he actually wanted to see me. After hearing a song like that, I wanted to see him too... However, if I were to be selfish, I might ruin his thoughtful consideration... Just then.“Mai...”I heard Yuto-san’s voice from behind me. As I turned around, he handed me my bag.

“It’s a call from Eugene, right? Don’t just stand there, go and see him. It’s written all over your face that you want to see him.”

“Eh? No, the call wasn’t really about that...”

“It’s no use hiding it. The content of the call is leaking out, you know? Besides, if you look at how you’ve been lately, it’s obvious that you’re in love with Eugene.”

“B-but...”
I hesitated for a moment, wondering whether to tell him or not. But I gave up, realizing I couldn’t keep secrets from Yuto-san, and honestly explained the situation.
“We just decided to put our relationship on hold until the matter with Keijiro is resolved...”

“Hmm... So you’re both going to suppress your current feelings? Do you really think that’s okay? I wouldn’t recommend it...”

“............”
As I fell silent, Yuto-san took my smartphone and started talking.

“Eugene? It’s Suzumiya. Mai wants to see you. Sorry, but could you come over to my place for a bit? You know where it is, right? As for the way back... well, I can’t help it. I’ve decided I don’t let men ride on the back of my bike, but I’ll make an exception and give you a ride part of the way. ...Yeah. You can come see her in the middle of the night if it’s for the woman you love, right? ...Well, obviously I’m worried about her. We lived together for a year, after all. Mai is like a daughter to me now. ...A father is fine. So, are you coming? ...Ah, any time is fine. I’ll be waiting. See you later then. ...So, I decided to have him come over, so just wait here for a while.”

Yuto-san said as he handed my smartphone back to me.

"……You made me carry my bag, so why did you choose this place as our meeting spot? You said I was like a daughter to you, but I'm not a child who needs protecting anymore, you know?"

I retorted as if I were dealing with my own father. However, Yuto-san replied with an expression that suggested he had expected this.

"You're asking the same question as Eugene... Well, let me ask you, where would have been better? You said you're worried about Keijiro-san, so you wouldn't go to a love hotel, and standing around talking on the street corner would be weird, right? Well, I could have introduced you to my favorite bar, but who knows what would happen if we got drunk... So, 'meeting at my place' was the result of me thinking it over."

"You thought about it that much...?"

"Didn't I tell you? I'm worried about you, Mai. ...Don't worry, by the time Eugene gets here, everyone but me should be asleep upstairs. I'll leave the living room open for you, so you can talk there. ...Are you dissatisfied?"

"No..."

"Mai. What have you learned during the year you spent here? You should value your own feelings, you know?"

Yuto-san's words took me by surprise. That's right. Hadn't I decided not to repeat the mistake of losing love by not conveying my feelings? That was precisely why, even though it was after Eugene-san's confession, I had properly conveyed my honest feelings, and as a result, hadn't I been able to confirm our feelings for each other? It was the same just before the phone call came. I had reaffirmed that it was important to take time for myself, hadn't I? Yet, out of habit, I was trying to act strangely mature and pretend that the "I want to see you" feeling that had welled up didn't exist...

"You're right... I always revert to my old self when I get nervous. I need to be able to follow my feelings no matter what, don't I...?"

"Instead of 'follow,' I'd say you make your true self happy by acting on the emotions that well up. You understand that now, don't you, Mai?"

"Yes."

"That's good."

"Yuto-san. Thank you, as always."
I bowed deeply.

"No need for thanks. I think you're doing just fine. That's why I want to support you. That's all."

Yuto-san smiled, and he looked so cool that it was hard to believe he was in his fifties.

9. <Keijiro>

After that, I spent most of my time with Nagae-san in his room for a while. Mizusawa-san, the housemate who initially said he wouldn't get involved with me, started talking to me little by little as we shared meals about once a day. When I heard that Mizusawa-san was also surprised by Nagae-san's change and asked how he had accepted the "new Nagae," he laughed and said, "I was also one of those people persuaded by Nogami."

"Is he really that amazing, that old man...?"

"Oh. Nogami said it. He said if Kotaro could let go of his suicidal ideation and stay alive here, it wouldn't matter if he left baseball. At first, I couldn't accept it. I was convinced that Kotaro absolutely needed baseball. But that wasn't the case. By shedding the shell of baseball and becoming defenseless, Kotaro was accepted by Nogami, Nogami's son and his wife, and then Ms. Suzumiya, which allowed him to find a way to live as 'Kotaro, who is nothing.' ...As you can see, isn't Kotaro much more energetic now than he used to be? That's because he's living as himself. When I realized that, I was able to accept this reborn version of him."

"Nothing... Does that mean a state of having no titles, just simply existing? Isn't that... scary?"

When I asked Mr. Nagae, he said with a smile, "You might not believe it, but people who rely on titles are the ones harboring fear and anxiety. But I don't rely on those titles. I know that the self here, both body and soul, has value just by existing. As proof, Yohei, Nogami-kun, and Otsu-kun all feel joy in the fact that I am alive. Don't you think that's amazing? There are people who feel joy just because I exist here."

"...I don't really understand."

"I suppose not. Things like this are hard to understand unless you've witnessed someone's death or been exposed to a life-threatening situation. But don't worry. If you stay with us, you'll eventually understand."

"............"

"You look like you want to say you can't believe that. Are you afraid of losing your title? If you think it's scary, then by all means, you should try to remain in the baseball world. Because it takes a certain level of resolve to live after throwing that away. Especially if you're young."

Is Mr. Nagae saying that it's impossible for me to leave the baseball world and live with Mai? That I don't have the resolve for it...?

"Mr. Nagae, why are you so confident? Can you really find that much value in yourself just by living? You couldn't be this composed without a solid reason."

I wanted to know. The reason why this person could be so strong just by existing. But Kotaro-san suddenly started laughing, as if something were funny.

"A reason. There isn't one, but let's see... If I were to give you an example that's easy to understand, I'd say it's Reika-san's songs. Have you ever heard them?"

"I know them. Tsubasa and Mai are fans of that singer. Are you saying that her songs are what make you strong, Mr. Nagae?"

"Supported by her songs, that would be correct. She really took care of me during my active career... By the way, Reika-san is Yohei's biological older sister. If you want to meet her, you can meet her anytime."

"Eh..."

"And incidentally, she is currently the vocalist for a band called Southern x BB. You might be more familiar with this name."

(Southern x BB...!!)

I was surprised. Isn't that the band Mai's guitar instructor belongs to? The people who appear are connecting one after another... If this isn't fate, what is?

Seeing me shaken, Mr. Nagae laughed. "If you're interested, I have a 'Southern Cross' CD here, so you should listen to it sometime. It contains songs from when Reika-san was active as a trio before 'Southern x BB.' There are many songs with ambitious lyrics, so I think you'll like them."

A single CD taken from the bookshelf. The jacket photo showed a woman who appeared to be Reika and two men standing with guitars.

"Well... I have to go to work soon." As I stared at the CD, Mr. Nagae glanced at the clock.

...If possible, I'd like Keijiro to come along too, but if you say you'll wait after hearing that, then that's fine by me.

Honestly speaking, helping out at the club isn't very fun. I'm not the one coaching, and I have to stay in the waiting room so my identity isn't revealed, so it's suffocating.

...I'm listening to a CD. I feel more at ease being here.

Understood. ...Yohei. Get a CD player ready for him. And keep an eye on him so he doesn't leave here.

Roger that.
Mizusawa-san immediately started moving and brought the CD player from the corner of the room to the living table. Perhaps relieved by that, Nagae-san left as soon as he finished getting ready.

The heavy door closed. Then, Mizusawa-san, who had been moving around, stopped and looked at me.
...I said that to Kotaro, but you don't actually have any intention of listening, do you?

............
My inner thoughts were seen through, and this time it was me who stopped. Mizusawa-san grinned.

You want to go, don't you? To Waraiba. You want to see that waitress girl, right? It's written all over your face.

............!
I had been trying to be careful so that no one would know I was thinking that, so why did he figure it out? When I instinctively touched my face, Mizusawa-san laughed even more.

Well, there's no guarantee you'll be able to meet her if you go, but, well, you're bored here anyway, so let's just go.

But what about your work today, Mizusawa-san...?

I start an hour later than Kotaro. If we run now, we can easily go and come back.
So, are you going? When asked, I immediately nodded.

*

Hey. We're here.
Mizusawa-san entered the shop first and greeted them with a light tone.

Just like the first time I visited, for some reason there wasn't a single customer at Waraiba. Are the customers here just that perceptive? I couldn't help but think they knew I was coming and were refraining from visiting.

Oh, Senpai. Welcome...
The owner, who had looked up, smiled at first, but her expression changed the moment she saw me.

...If you're looking for Maimai, I'm sorry to disappoint you. She's on her lunch break right now and isn't here.

Aw, man, she's not here? We came all this way to see her. Right?

“…………”
Whether he knew what I was thinking or not, Mizusawa-san said that, then added, “Well, whatever. Two coffees for now,” and sat down at the counter.

“Two coffees, huh... Wait, why you, Mizusawa-senpai? I entrusted him to Nagae-senpai.”“What’s that supposed to mean? Is there some reason I’m not good enough?”

“Well, that’s...”The shop owner pointed at his own head in silence.

“…………! Are you trying to say my brain isn’t up to par?! ...You’ve still got that sharp tongue, Otsu!”

“But it’s the truth, isn’t it?”

“You bastard...!”

“See, see, that’s exactly what I mean...”Mizusawa-san, called out for his raised fist, clicked his tongue and pulled it back.

“...Fine. Even you should be able to be a conversation partner for Keijiro. You know, don’t you? Since he entrusted this guy to Kotaro, you must know the general circumstances.”

“Oh, I’ve grasped everything from the very beginning. That’s exactly why I introduced him to Nagae-senpai. I couldn’t take on even half of what Keijiro-kun is carrying.”

The shop owner replied while brewing the coffee.

A moment of silence passed. In that instant, I noticed music playing faintly from the shop’s speakers.

“...What song is playing right now?”

“Oh, this? I was asked directly, so I had no choice but to agree to play Southern x BB songs only during the baseball off-season. Let’s see... I believe the song playing now is called ‘Compass.’ By any chance, Keijiro-kun, are you interested in them?”

“…………”

“Ah, just a little while ago, Kotaro recommended that I try listening to their music. But I pretended to listen and snuck out here instead. So, I can’t stay too long.”Mizusawa-san explained in my place as I remained silent.

♪ “Just saying ‘Hang in there, you can do it’
We’ve reached our limit, we can’t do itBefore your heart breaksThrow away common sense...”

I listened to the lyrics. Indeed, just as Nagae-san said, they were ambitious and touching phrases.

“Are you acquainted with the person who sings this song?”

“In a way. Well, he’s the type of person who says exactly what’s in the lyrics on a daily basis. He’s running around saying he wants to change this rotten country. It seems he’s been targeted for it, but he keeps pushing forward without giving up. I was moved by that spirit, so I’m helping out in my own small way. Why don’t you try meeting and talking to them, Keijiro-kun? They’re quite interesting people. ...Wait, Reika is your sister, Senpai! Please introduce them!”

Mizusawa-san sighed as he watched the shop owner speaking with excitement.

That's the same thing Kotaro was saying earlier. Well, I don't mind introducing you, but I wonder what my sister will say once you actually meet...

I want to meet them, um, Southern x BB.
As I said that, leaning forward, the two of them looked at each other in surprise. However, the shop owner seemed to have sensed something, and immediately crossed his arms and groaned.

Wait a minute. I can tell what's behind that statement. Speaking of Southern x BB, Keijiro, you met them recently, right? One of them. Isn't that why you're saying you want to meet them?

That is one of the reasons.

One...? Does that mean there are other reasons?

I heard earlier that it was Reika's songs that supported Mr. Nagae during his active career. I was recommended to listen to the songs recorded on the CD, but if I'm going to do that, I want to meet them in person and hear their singing voice. I want to talk to them. If I do that, I'm sure I'll understand the reason why Mr. Nagae is still living with confidence today.

I just want to know. Is it strange to wish to meet them for that reason alone? The shop owner sighs while serving coffee.

...Do you have it with you now? Mr. Nagae's fan club membership card.

Huh? Oh, yes. I have it, but...

Let me see it for a second.
When I handed it over as told, the shop owner pulled my arm and led me to the space dedicated to Kotaro Nagae's fan club members.

You said you wanted to see this the other day, but you didn't look at it. If you say you want to know about Kotaro Nagae, you should start by looking at this and studying.

............

Otsu is certainly right about that.
Mr. Mizusawa also comes over here while holding his coffee cup and says.
He didn't have a long career because he was a genius, nor was he popular because of his personality. Since he was in junior high, he was a hard worker who stayed behind later than anyone else to practice, which is why he moved people, why his technique was recognized, and why I think he was able to fend off the people who tried to cozy up to him to make a quick buck using his name. ...I think my sister's songs only supported him a little bit. That's what I think.

...I know Mr. Nagae was a hard worker. But on the other hand, didn't he push himself too hard and end up thinking only about dying? He lived supported solely by Reika's songs, but if he hadn't had that, by now...

Hey...!
In the middle of the conversation, Mr. Mizusawa showed his anger. However, the shop owner stopped him.

Mr. Mizusawa is a fan of Kotaro Nagae, so he hates it when that person is criticized even a little. After all, he is such a special existence that he makes you want to live with him. Isn't that right, sir?

............!! What do you think I am...

Kotaro Nagae's best friend, right?

...Yeah, that's right. I've been watching him from up close, so I know. He... he practiced forgetting to eat and sleep as if he didn't care if he died, and there were times when he thought it wouldn't matter if he died doing so. Well, he left results and he's still alive, so it's fine, but if he had made one wrong move, he might not be in this world anymore.... Yeah, I think that's true. But, the reason he can still stand firmly on his own two feet today is undoubtedly because of his past achievements that remain here. Because there is a trail of his hard work... that's what I want to believe. ...Keijiro, do you have anything you can be proud of like this? Can you puff out your chest and say that you are a valuable existence like Kotaro?

...I'm not such a respectable person. That is precisely why I want to know the secret of Mr. Nagae's strength.

"......Just because I know that doesn't mean I can become like Kotaro. I've always admired him, and I've put in the same amount of effort. But I could never be like him."

　Even though I knew it was rude, I asked.
"......Do you know the reason for that, Mizusawa-san?"

"......"
　Mizusawa-san didn't answer. Instead, the shop owner spoke up.

"I know. The difference is simply whether or not you have fans."

"Ah, I see. Then I understand why I could never catch up to him."
　Hearing the shop owner's answer, Mizusawa-san nodded.

"He seemed to think of himself as lonely, but he was supported by die-hard fans not only during his active career but even now that he's retired. Including us. I think he attained true strength when he realized how much that encouraged him in life."

"Fans......"

　At those words, I looked again at the display case in front of me. Lined up inside were uniforms, gloves, and other equipment I had seen before. Looking at the spotless glass case and the handmade panels, I could tell how much the shop owner revered Nagae-san.

　But I didn't understand why that person was so loved. Because Nagae-san was truly a cold person during his active career......

"Please tell me. What is Nagae-san's greatest charm? There must be more to him than just being a hard worker, right?"

　Before I knew it, I was pleading. But even though I was serious, for some reason, I was laughed at.
"......What's so funny?"

"You only know Nagae Kotaro as an athlete, so that's why you say that. We now know the 'Kotaro Nagae who is nothing.' Once you know this completely exposed side of him, you'll end up liking him... you'll become a fan, whether you want to or not."
　Mizusawa-san said with a smirk.

"......How can I get to know that side of him? Is the key to that Reika's song after all?"

"That's, well......"

"Senpai, stop...! You shouldn't just tell him easily. You have to make him think for himself."

　The shop owner cut off Mizusawa-san's words and faced me directly.

"If you really want to know about Nagae-senpai, you have to investigate it yourself. If you do that, your relationship with Mai-mai might change a little, too."

"Eh, my relationship with Mai...?"

"She's worried about you. Honestly, that dead-serious personality of yours won't cut it. Even from a man's perspective, you lack charm. In any case, you need to work on yourself."

"......"

Self-improvement...? Even if I'm told that, I have no idea how to go about doing such a thing... As I stood there in confusion, Mizusawa-san glanced at the clock and began to panic.

...Oops, I have to get back soon. It'll be bad if I don't get home before Kotaro returns.

Twenty minutes have passed since I arrived here. It takes fifteen minutes to run to the apartment. It certainly seems like it's time for me to take my leave.

I didn't get to see Mai, but I had a quite meaningful conversation. As expected, this place, Waraiba, is an interesting spot.

Master. Next time I visit, I'll make sure to work on myself starting from now so that you'll call me an attractive guy. Thank you for the good advice today.

When I took off my hat and bowed deeply, I was laughed at once again.
...That right there, that's exactly what I mean by you being too serious.

...Well then, until next time.
I started to bow again, but stopped myself and left the shop with Mizusawa-san.

10. <Mai>

I had been listening intently to the exchange between Keijiro and Rihito-san from the shop's back room. I had just stepped into the back for my lunch break, but I became so concerned about their conversation that I couldn't even bring myself to eat. Before long, I heard Rihito-san say that Nagae-san had been able to have a long career because he was supported by his fans, and I couldn't just sit still anymore.

(Keijiro has fans too. Yes, right here...! I'm even going to write a cheering song for him...!)

I barely touched my bento, put down my chopsticks, and started to head toward the shop floor. But at that moment, someone grabbed my shoulder.

It's better if you don't go out there. It's for the sake of both of you.

The one who stopped me was Rihito-san's twin brother, Hayato-san. He's a person whose face is identical to Rihito-san's, but whose way of thinking and actions are the exact opposite.

I want you to understand Rihito's feelings, too. He is trying to protect you, Mai-san. As his twin, I can tell that as clearly as if I were reading it.

Hayato-san stepped in front of me so I wouldn't run out.
I understand your desire to support your childhood friend, Mai-san. But you see, men are creatures that will end up ruined if you spoil them. So, for now, you have to be cruel to be kind and hold back. Besides, isn't it Eugene-san, not that guy, whom you really like? You shouldn't get your feelings all mixed up.

Hayato-san...

...Or so I say. Though it's not very convincing coming from me, someone who has barely ever been in love.
He shrugged his shoulders and turned his body toward the shop.
...It seems the conversation is over.

When I looked in the same direction, Rihito-san was walking toward us. As soon as he made eye contact with me, he let out a sigh.

"...You heard what I said, right? I'm glad you're here, Mai-mai. If we had met face-to-face, it would have turned into something troublesome again."

"Hayato-san stopped me... He said it was for the sake of both of us..."

"Ah... As expected of my brother. He's quick-witted when it counts. Thanks."

"Don't worry about it."

"By the way..."
I know I should stop talking about the person he called troublesome, but since it's a perfect opportunity, I decide to bring "that matter" up.

"Earlier, you mentioned that Nagae-san was able to be active for so long because he was supported by his fans, right? Actually, Megu-chan suggested that we should start a fan club for Keijiro... If you don't mind, could you teach us the know-how for starting a fan club?"

"Huh. Megu-chi suggested that... That's great, you should definitely do it. I'll even cooperate fully if you want. Let's do it."
Rihito-san rolled up his sleeves to show his enthusiasm.

"I remember when we decided to start a fan club for Nagae-senpai. No matter what anyone says, people who are active on the front lines are figures to be admired. Yet, the person himself doesn't realize it. He doesn't understand how much influence he has on the people watching him. In that sense, a fan club is good because it can visualize how many supporters you have. If you start a fan club, Keijiro-kun will be able to see his own value."

"...Rihito-san, are you actually a fan of Keijiro?"
He spoke with so much passion that I couldn't help but think that, but the answer seems to be different.

"I told you before, didn't I? That guy is like the old me. ...I also had a time when I didn't know the meaning or value of my own life. I even thought about quitting baseball. But I couldn't. I realized again that I love baseball and can't live without it... because of Nogami-senpai's words."

Rihito-san rubbed the underside of his nose, looking a bit embarrassed.

"That man... ah, I'm talking about Mai-mai's father, but I think I mentioned this before, right? Nogami-senpai was the only person who relied on me, a foul-mouthed junior. Thanks to him, I regained my confidence and was able to rethink continuing baseball. It's not just because of that, but I think Keijiro-kun might be able to recover if he has a trigger to hold on. And I think that trigger is a fan club."

"In other words, everyone needs support. It's because of that support that we can do our best."
Hayato-san added.
"Back then, Rihito and I wanted each other to 'just disappear,' you know? And yet, now we are irreplaceable partners. Hard to believe, right? But that's how it is. If I were alone, I don't know what I'd be doing right now. We support each other. We also respect each other. That's why we can keep this cafe running here."

Hearing the two of them talk, I think about it. I, too, was able to continue doing what I love—until a little while ago, baseball—thanks to my parents' support. I don't usually notice it, but when I stop and look back on my life, I realize that someone was always supporting me. People grow when they can be grateful for that.

"If Keijiro finds out that he has many fans, will he be able to regain his heart..."

"It'll be fine. Let's believe in him."
Rihito-san's words were powerful.

11. <Keijiro>

Mizusawa-san, who had brought me back from Waraiba, immediately started preparing to go to work. It took five minutes.

"Well then, I'm counting on you to watch the house."

He said that in a tone one might use with a younger sibling, seemingly without a shred of suspicion toward me. I nodded, watched his back as he left, and locked the door from the inside. Once I confirmed his footsteps had faded away, I first sat down on the living room sofa.

(Sorry, but I don't intend to stay cooped up here today...)

After hearing what was said at Waraiba earlier, I couldn't just sit still. I desperately wanted to meet Yuto Suzumiya and his family, the ones who supposedly changed Nagae-san. I wanted to meet them and find out how they changed him, to confirm the reason for it.

However, this was something I had just thought of on the spur of the moment. If I had asked Nagae-san or Mizusawa-san, I probably could have found out where they lived easily, but they were currently out. On the other hand, I didn't feel like showing my face at the club right now. So, what should I do?

(...Tsubasa works as a kindergarten teacher, doesn't he?)

I decided to take a gamble and try to track down the kindergarten where Tsubasa worked. I wasn't exactly close enough to Tsubasa to call him a childhood friend, but he was much easier to talk to than the older generation.

I searched for "Tsubasa Nogami" on the internet. A kindergarten in the city popped up. Fortunately, it was within walking distance from here.

"Alright...!"
Afraid that Nagae-san might return, I hurriedly put on my shoes, dashed out of the room, and ran down the emergency stairs.

*

I found the kindergarten right away. However, because of the strict security measures, it didn't seem like an outsider could easily get in. On top of that, women who appeared to be parents were constantly coming and going, creating an atmosphere that made it difficult for a man like me to approach.

Still, wondering if there was some way to get inside, I peered through the glass automatic doors. A teacher who noticed me approached. However, for some reason, she had a scary look on her face and was holding an umbrella.

(...Does she think I'm a suspicious person?)

I couldn't blame her for thinking that. But if she opened the door and came out, that would be convenient. I'd explain the situation and ask to see Tsubasa. That's what I was thinking, but when I looked closely, the teacher was Tsubasa himself. What luck.

Tsubasa asked me timidly.
"Who are you? This is a place where we look after precious children. It's not a place for someone like you to..."

He must have recognized me mid-sentence. The fearful look on his face turned to confusion.

"...Hey, what are you here for? You're supposed to be staying with Kotaro-san, right? Or what? Did you come all the way here looking for Mai? I'm sorry to say, but my sister isn't here."

"I didn't come here looking for Mai. I went out of my way to come here because I wanted to talk to you, Tsubasa. I almost gave up when I saw the heavily locked entrance, but this worked out perfectly."

"Huh? What do you mean by 'it worked out perfectly'? And more importantly, why do you have business with someone like me? Did you hear something from Mai?"

"No, I heard it from Nagae-san. That Tsubasa is the person who changed that demon Nagae, and that you have ties to the singer Reika. ...I want to know the reason why Nagae-san, who used to be cold and heartless, was able to change the way he is now. But the older generation won't tell me anything. They just keep telling me to find out for myself... I thought that if it were Tsubasa, who is closer to my age, you might be able to give me the answer."

"Haa..."
Did he say something strange? Tsubasa sighed.

"As far as this matter goes, I'm glad Mai is a sensible person. You really don't take life seriously. If you were truly a stranger, I would have pushed you away. But unfortunately, I can't do that. My family says they want to help you. It's annoying, but I'll help you out a little."

"Tsubasa..."

"...Get inside. But make sure you keep your face well hidden. Don't leave my side, and don't open your mouth."
Happy to be accepted, I obediently hid my face and kept my mouth shut as told.

*

"...In the unlikely event that someone asks, I'll introduce you as a weird friend. That's not technically wrong, so it's fine, right?"
I nodded in silence. When I followed Tsubasa, I was taken to a certain room. This was likely the classroom he was in charge of. He locked the door after I entered.

"You can talk in here. But keep your voice down."

Even though he said I could talk, I didn't know what to say. For now, I looked around the room.

"...Why did you bring me here? You don't mean to tell me you just wanted to show off your workplace, do you?"

"Well, that's exactly what I mean."

"............"
When I fell silent, Tsubasa walked over to the wall and pointed, saying, "Hey, take a look."

"These are pictures and letters the children drew for me. Aren't they good? Since April, someone has been giving me one almost every day, so now the whole wall is covered. These are my treasures."

"...Are you bragging about your treasures?"
I was fed up. Was this what he brought me here to see? However, Tsubasa, who looked at me, also sighed as if he were fed up.

"You're free to take it as bragging, but that's not it. This is proof that the children like me. I display them here to show our mutual bond. I don't want you to misunderstand, but I have never asked them to write these things. The children give them to me out of pure feelings. Do you know why?"

"...Because they like you. You just said that yourself, didn't you?"

"That's right. Let me put that in different words. The children are my fans. So, they write letters because they want to convey their feelings somehow. I receive them and feel happy, and I display them here. Then, the children become even happier and like me even more... That is how we deepen our bond with each other."

“...Even Tsubasa uses the word 'fan'?”
Could this be a coincidence? No, I couldn't help but feel that they were connected and were intentionally using the word 'fan.' Wanting to know the meaning of that keyword, I stared intently at the letters and drawings on the wall.

Since they were drawings by children around five years old, I couldn't exactly call them skillful. But I felt that the thoughts toward Tsubasa were condensed within them.

“...You're loved, aren't you, Tsubasa?”
I became envious. Tsubasa, who could receive this many fan letters. But Tsubasa lifted me up.

“...You've been active until this age too, haven't you? You're loved, I'm sure of it.”

“That's not true. After all, I'm a second-generation celebrity... The 'son of that Yusuke Hongo' tag always follows me. That's my life. Sota and Asami are the same. Sure, I've put in the effort. But I don't think for a single millimeter that I climbed this far on that alone. Someone like me has fans...? No way, that's impossible...”

I ended up complaining, but since the atmosphere felt like he would listen to me, I continued.

“In the first place, the fact that a marriage proposal from a big corporate executive came to me is strange in itself. Their intention to just use me for all I was worth was transparent from the start. I wanted to say, 'Don't I have human rights?' but when they intimidated me with that face, I didn't have the courage to refuse, so I had no choice but to accept it once. But the more time passed, the more I felt indigestion and suffered... But I couldn't consult anyone...”

“And in the end, you reached the point of breaking off the engagement in that way...”

“...I'm pathetic, aren't I? If it was going to be like this, I should have just refused from the start.”

Yes. I did something incredibly pathetic. Even if I couldn't resist at that time, if I had known I would regret it like this...

“Standing up to a powerful entity isn't an easy thing to do. I think you made a good decision.”

“Mr. Nagae said the same thing. But no matter what, regrets remain.”
Tsubasa, who listened to my story, continued to support me, but I couldn't accept myself—neither the me who accepted the marriage proposal nor the me who kicked it away—because both were uncool. That's why I'm stagnating in a place like this...

As I hung my head, Tsubasa peered into my face.
“...Do you have any plans after this?”

“...I don't have any plans. I'm currently on standby at home. ...Though even if I say that, I've left the house I was supposed to live in with my fiancée and the dormitory, so I don't have a place to live.”

“Then, come eat at my place tonight. Let's have Kotaro-san come too. Let's all eat while chatting away.”

This must be what they call a godsend. I had wanted to go to Tsubasa's house, but I never expected him to invite me. But is it really okay...?

“...But I heard you have a baby at your place, Tsubasa. My uncle told me not to go because if I glare, I'll make the baby cry.”

“By uncle, do you mean my dad? Don't worry about that. I'm the head of the house and I'm saying it's fine, right? Yuto and Megu-chan are also saying they'll welcome you. So don't hold back.”

“Tsubasa... Thank you...”
Moved by his kindness, I took off my hat and bowed deeply.

“Hey, put your hat back on quickly. Isn't it dangerous if your identity gets leaked?”

"It's okay... Talking to Tsubasa, somehow that kind of thing doesn't matter anymore."
I felt my heart suddenly lighten. I said this while adjusting my hat.
"Indeed, just as Mr. Nagae said, I feel a special power in you, Tsubasa. ...What should I do until you finish work? Should I just wait here?"

"Idiot. What are you doing staying in a place like this? We've finished talking, so I'm clocking out for the day. I have a policy of not working overtime since I had a kid. ...Wait, why did you even come all the way here? By train... surely not?"

"I walked here for the exercise. ...Actually, I tracked down the kindergarten where Tsubasa Nogami works and snuck out of the room on my own."

"Geez... Did you search for it online? It's true that I'm listed as one of the teachers on the kindergarten's website, but did you really want to see me that badly?"

"Actually, I wanted to visit Ms. Suzumiya's house, but I didn't know the address, and if I asked Mr. Nagae, he would have asked me why. To visit in secret, I had no choice but to storm your workplace, Tsubasa."

I could tell he was exasperated. Tsubasa turned his palms toward the sky and then glanced at his watch.
"...Anyway, isn't it about time Kotaro-san finished work? If you haven't returned to the room, he's definitely going to be worried. You need to contact him first. ...Sneaking out like that. Are you afraid of Kotaro-san?"

"...After all, he's a big shot in the baseball world. I'm already grateful enough that someone like that is taking care of me, so I can't just say I want to do this or that."

"...But you don't intend to just hole up in your room as told, right? What you're doing is the same as a child. It's childish."

"Childish, huh..."
When I realized he was right, I started to laugh.
"Then all the more reason I feel like I should be taken care of by you, Tsubasa. After all, you're a kindergarten teacher. A professional in that field."

"Sorry, but bearded children are outside my area of expertise."

"Eh..."
I instinctively touched my stubble through my mask. But once again, Tsubasa looked at me with exasperation.
"Good grief. You can't even take a joke. It seems I have to start training you from here..."

＊

Since I had walked to the kindergarten, I felt bad for Tsubasa, who commuted by motorcycle, but I decided to take the train to his house.

When I arrived at the house, Mr. Nagae had already arrived and welcomed us. I thought he would be furious since I, who was supposed to be house-sitting, had snuck out of the room on my own, but his expression was extremely calm. He said with a smile,

"I'm the same, but with this, you can no longer look down on Tsubasa-kun. Once you come here, the armor and masks you've been wearing are all stripped away. And you'll be forced to look at yourself, who is nothing at all, whether you like it or not. It might feel painful at first, but I want you to overcome it, thinking of it as taking a thousand batting practice swings."

"A thousand batting practice swings..."
Hearing that, I almost thought this person was a demon, but the master of the house, Mr. Suzumiya, chimed in.

"Kotaro-san, it's mean to threaten him like that. ...Come on, don't just stand there, come on up. I've prepared food."
He took charge of the situation and led me into the living room.

Looking at the meal spread across the table and the beer mugs, I remembered the time I shared a table with Tsubasa's family in my childhood.

(Somehow, this feels nostalgic. This sensation...)

The little girl running around here and there overlaps with Mai when she was young. When I instinctively reached out my hand, she dodged me, saying, "No!"

"Mana. Keijiro-san is Daddy's friend, so it's okay, you know?"

Tsubasa's wife calls out to the child, but the girl called Mana stares at me intently from far away and says:

"Is he really Daddy's friend...? That person is scary because I don't know what he's thinking. His heart is cloudy, so I can't see anything at all."

"......"
Starting with me, everyone present lost their words. After a few seconds of silence, Tsubasa walked up to the girl and picked her up.

"No one can lie to Mana, huh. Yeah, that's right. Keijiro's heart is a little sick. So, we all decided to invite him to dinner to cheer him up."

"So his heart looked cloudy because he's sick? That makes sense! But he's still a little scary, so can I eat dinner on Daddy's lap?"

"Of course, you can."
Seemingly relieved, the girl finally showed a smile and sat at the dining table with Tsubasa.

"Let's eat."
Everyone put their hands together. Up to this point, it was no different from usual, but for me, having lived in an all-male environment and eaten without a second thought, the scene of having a meal while chatting happily was incredibly fresh.

"...How can you talk while eating? I can't do that."
When I whispered that to Tsubasa, who was sitting next to me, he laughed.

"No, no, your ears are always open, so you just have to respond to the conversation you hear."

"I'm concentrating on eating, you know? How can you reply to someone while doing that?"

"...You're surprisingly clumsy, aren't you?"

"I'd prefer you to say I have focus. Without this much focus, I wouldn't be able to react to the movement of the ball."

"...Even so, just relax a bit more when you eat. No one's going to steal your food, you know."

While we were having this exchange, Nagae-san suddenly started laughing with his mouth wide open. Moreover, he seemed to have hit a funny bone, as he kept laughing for a long time...

"Wait, the demon Nagae is..."
Out of surprise, my own mouth hung open in a different sense. Then, a beer mug suddenly appeared from the side. It was offered by my housemate, Suzumiya-san. As soon as our eyes met, he grinned.

"You can drink, right? Let's have a toast, a toast."

"Oh, yes..."

"Hey, no toasts with a gloomy face. Come on, smile like Kotaro-san. Hey, Keijiro-kun, welcome to our home. With that said, cheers!"

As Suzumiya-san took the lead, Tsubasa and Nagae-san also raised their mugs and clinked them together. Seeing the men all drinking their beer with such relish, it finally started to feel real.

(...Could it be that I'm actually being welcomed?)

As I stood there overwhelmed without touching my beer, I was poked by Suzumiya-san, just as I expected.
"Can't you drink? If so, you should've told me. We have juice, too, you know?"

"No, I can drink..."
I downed the beer in one go, as if to push back the emotions welling up inside me. I felt like the beer had washed away the lump in my chest and sent it down into my stomach.

"...That's good. Seriously, it's delicious. Can I have a refill?"
When I held out my empty glass, the adults looked at each other with smiles on their faces.

"Hmm... It seems like one of your thick masks has peeled off. Yeah, that's good."
Nagae-san nodded happily.
"How is it? How does it feel to be put through the wringer?"

"...I can still take more. Please, continue. I'm ready."

"You're as serious as ever. Very well, as you wish, we shall continue the training."
Saying that, Nagae-san gripped my shoulder firmly, as if to say he wouldn't let me escape.

*

On the way home after being welcomed by Tsubasa and the others and drinking plenty of alcohol, I walked along, stumbling slightly with Nagae-san. It was quite cold, but perhaps because the alcohol was still in my system, I didn't feel the chill; I hadn't even realized until halfway that I'd forgotten my scarf and cap. I was the type of person who couldn't feel at ease unless I hid my face with those and a mask when wandering around town, yet after just one meal with them, my perspective had changed this much.

"I actually noticed you'd forgotten your things from the start, you know."
When I mentioned the scarf, Nagae-san said with a mischievous laugh.

"If you noticed, you should have told me."

"What's wrong with that? Now you have an excuse to go to their house again. Judging by how you were acting, it looked like you were enjoying interacting with them. Even now, you're talking easily with me, someone you probably felt uncomfortable around. You should visit often and let yourself be influenced by them in a good way. No, wait, you're already quite influenced, aren't you? You're walking around with your real face exposed. How is it? How does it feel to have taken off the mask?"

"...It feels refreshing."

"Doesn't it?"
He laughed cheerfully, seemingly satisfied with my answer.
"You were too serious. You could say that's why you've climbed this far, but if you're tired of that, it's probably time to take off the mask of the 'serious person.' If you raise your voice to accomplish something new and ask for cooperation, many people will gather around you. You have that much power, after all."

"...Do you really think so? I don't have the confidence."

I remembered what the owner of "Waraiba" and Mizusawa-san had said to me earlier that day.

"The master at Waraiba told me. He said I lack charm and need to work on myself. But I don't know how to go about that. So, I thought I'd rely on you, Suzumiya-san."

"Otsu-kun said that, did he... I see, that sounds like advice only he would give. And he really does keep a close eye on you."

"...Then I guess I really don't have any charm. Someone like me doesn't have the kind of popularity you're talking about, Nagae-san."

Perhaps exasperated by my constant denials, Nagae-san thought for a moment, then took his smartphone out of his pocket and started calling someone.

"...Ah, sorry. It's about tomorrow morning, but could you join me? I need you to lend a hand to save Keijiro. ...Actually, I was having dinner with Tsubasa-kun and the others until just a while ago. It was fine then, but the further he gets from their house, the more he reverts to his old self. At this point, I have no choice but to ask for your help... I think that sports park we know is the best place. Let's meet there. ...Yes, the earlier, the better. A ball and a glove are all you need to bring. I'll bring the bat. ...Ah, I'm counting on you. See you tomorrow."

"...Um. Who exactly were you calling?"

"Mai-kun's father. It's late today, and we've already been drinking, so I asked him if we could meet tomorrow morning."

"...Are we going to play baseball? But, I..."

"My thousand-hit practice isn't over yet. Wasn't it you who said you could still go on?"

"............"
I cursed the words I had blurted out in a drunken stupor.

◇◇◇

I wanted to keep sleeping, but suddenly my room door and curtains were thrown open. I jumped up in a panic and checked the clock; it was just before seven.

"How long do you intend to sleep? You haven't forgotten what you said yesterday, have you?"

"Yesterday..."

"The talk about continuing the thousand-hit practice."
I felt a chill at the sound of Nagae-san's gravelly voice.

"Ah, yes. I'll get ready right away..."
Nagae-san laughed as he watched me scramble into action out of fear.

"Take your time. I intend to tell Nogami-kun the meeting time as soon as you're ready."

I realized that Nagae-san had intentionally entered the room with a scary face just to tease me.

...No, I'll get ready right away.

You're as serious as ever. You should try to relax a little more.
Nagae-san laughed again and placed his hands on both of my shoulders.

*

After finishing a simple breakfast, I went for a run toward the sports park where I was supposed to meet my uncle. When we got close, my uncle stepped out of the car parked in the lot and waved at us.

Good grief... I told you it was too early to go to Tsubasa's place.
He started complaining right away. However, Nagae-san followed up.

I'll explain the circumstances of how we went to the Suzumiya house later, but in the end, there were no problems. Tsubasa-kun and Yuto-kun handled it well. As expected, they are truly impressive.

Is that so... However, it seems the effect was only temporary.

Yeah. After he called last night and got home, he locked himself in his room and wouldn't come out. He was still like that this morning, so I dragged him out by force.

So that's why he looks so grumpy... Still, to be asked to help out and then have to play baseball, you're pretty mean, Senpai.

Mean? I'm just thinking of Keijiro, so I intentionally chose baseball as a method of dialogue.

Ah... It was the same with Mizusawa-senpai, wasn't it? Dialogue through baseball. I see, if that's the case, I can understand.

I don't know the details, but it seems a dialogue through baseball is about to begin.

...Are you really planning on doing a thousand-hit drill?

That's a metaphor. Nogami-kun and I will form a battery, and you will hit the balls that come your way. We'll repeat that until I say it's enough.

Huh? My uncle is going to be the pitcher?

Judging by that reaction, is this the first time you've heard of it? Actually, he once competed with your father for the pitcher position. He didn't end up as the pitcher, but he has plenty of talent. Even when Yohei was making a fuss, he struck him out with his brilliant pitching.

Nah, I was only able to strike him out because the opponent was Mizusawa-senpai, who is the same age as me. Against an active player like Keijiro, it's really...

You won't know until you try, will you? Now, let's begin.

*

I stood in the batter's box as told and faced my uncle. We've played catch many times, but this might be the first time we've faced each other like this. My uncle's expression on the pitcher's mound looked sharper than usual.

I focused on the ball being thrown. Perhaps because my eyes are used to the fastballs of the pros, the first slow ball my uncle threw threw off my timing. However, on the third pitch after letting one go, I read the trajectory and managed to hit a ball that was almost a home run.

"Wow, as expected..."

"Nogami-kun, this is no time to be impressed. Keep throwing them at me."

"Yes!"
It seems Nagae-san wouldn't acknowledge me just by hitting one ball back. In the end, batting practice was repeated until all the balls Nagae-san had brought were gone.

"Phew, I can't do any more!"
My uncle sat down on the spot, exhausted. Nagae-san walked over to him.

"Good work. Thanks to you, I was able to work up a good sweat."

"Huh? Sweat?"

"Look, Keijiro's face looks refreshed."
My uncle looked at me from the pitcher's mound after being told that.

"Ah, you're right. He really does look good. I see, I finally understand your goal, senior."

"Um... has my face changed that much?"
I looked away because they were staring at me so intently, but Nagae-san moved to where I was looking and tried to make eye contact.

"How do you feel right now?"

"...I feel calm, both from the pleasant feeling of having moved my body just the right amount and from the satisfaction of having faced my uncle for the first time."

"Right? Whenever you step away from competition and just enjoy baseball, that's always the feeling you get. You don't hate baseball. Didn't you realize that today?"

"...I suppose so."

"Right now, you are not here as a professional baseball player, but as Keijiro Hongo, who is no one else. And you enjoyed baseball purely. Don't forget that feeling."

"...What do you mean by that?"

I want you to feel the lightness of your heart right now. Remember that neutral state of mind. ...What is the one thing you want to do most right now? Anything is fine, just say whatever comes to mind.

Even if you ask me so suddenly...
However, the atmosphere didn't allow for silence, so I thought about it as hard as I could. At that moment, my stomach growled, much to my embarrassment.

...Ah, that's it. I want to eat the rice balls that Auntie used to make. The ones she used to make for me all the time back then.
I thought it sounded childish as I said it, but the two of them looked at each other and smiled.

That's perfect. Nogami-kun, can you handle that?

If that's the case, I'll contact her right away and have her prepare them.

Eh, but... Is that really okay?

What are you talking about? Back then and even now, whenever you say you want to eat, Komatchan always cooks for you right away. I know very well that baseball players are big eaters.

*

We headed straight to Uncle's house. As soon as we arrived and stepped inside, there was the wonderful smell of rice cooking.

It's been a while, Kei-chan. How many years has it been since we last met?
Auntie, who appeared at the entrance, was much plumper than the last time I saw her, but her gentle tone and smile were exactly the same as they used to be.

I'm so happy you said you wanted to eat my cooking. It'll be done in a little while, so please wait. While you're sitting there, think about what kind of fillings you want.

Ah, yes...

Eh? Is that really you, Kei-chan? You used to answer much more energetically than that!

Once he eats Komatchan's food, he'll probably be energetic again. He'll be fine, right?

Ah, yes...

Perhaps because I repeated the same answer, both Uncle and Auntie burst out laughing.

*

Before long, the rice finished cooking, and the pickled plum rice balls I had asked for were lined up on the table.
"Kei-chan, you liked wrapping the seaweed all over like a bomb, didn't you?"

"You remember that well..."

"Come on, dig in. You two should have some too."
I picked up one of the rice balls from the large platter and brought it to my mouth. The taste was exactly the same as it used to be. The homemade, salty pickled plum brought back fond memories.

As I chewed the plum pulp and rice, for some reason, a single tear spilled from my left eye. As I was feeling bewildered, a drop fell from the other side as well. I hurriedly looked down, but the tears wouldn't stop.

Just then, the uncle offered me a box of tissues.
"I-I'm sorry..."

"There's no need to apologize. My younger brother, who works as a counselor, always says that if you want to cry, you should just cry."

"But to cry over something like this..."

"You say 'something like this,' but even I have been moved by a good meal. If it was delicious enough to make you cry, then it's fine to just cry. It's okay. There's no one here who would laugh at or look down on your tears."

"...!"
Perhaps triggered by Mr. Nagae's words, my tears overflowed uncontrollably, no matter how hard I tried to hold them back.

"Why... Why are you being so good to me? Why are you being so kind to someone like me..."

"That's because we all like you, dear."

"That's right. We just can't leave you alone."
When I asked, squeezing the words out, the aunt and uncle answered me kindly.

"Uwaaaa...!"
Unable to suppress the emotions I had been bottling up, I cried out loud.

12. <Mai>

It was last night that I received a message from my brother saying, "I invited Keijiro over to the house for dinner." Judging by my brother's voice on the phone, Keijiro seemed to be doing better, but seeing him come to the shop again today, he didn't look well at all.

His companions today were my father and Mr. Nagae. I thought something was up, and as expected, Mr. Nagae beckoned Rihito-san over and began to explain the situation.

"I want you to look after him just during the gymnastics club time. He doesn't seem to be in a state where I can leave him alone today..."

That's fine, but what happened?

I just ate my wife's home cooking, and the floodgates of my emotions opened up. My mental state is unstable right now.
Hearing my father's words, I couldn't help but look at Keijiro's face.

He isn't hiding his face like he usually does today. But looking at his hunched-over, downcast figure, I doubt anyone would realize it's Keijiro Hongo. He didn't seem to have any spirit at all.

My mother is good at cooking, and when we were children, she often used to make rice balls for us. Perhaps that is what my father meant by "my wife's home cooking".

If that's the case, I'll take care of him.

Perhaps Rihito-san peered at Keijiro's face and sensed various things, because he left the shop work to me and his twin brother Hayato-san, the other owner, and went to the back of the shop with Keijiro.

...Sorry, Mai. I wanted to keep you away from him as much as possible, but the situation has changed.

My father said this once the two of them were completely out of sight.

...He's so depressed that you can't leave him alone, right? Is he okay...? Maybe we should have Aki-niisan counsel him...

Aki-niisan is my uncle, and he works as a counselor. He helped me out when I was feeling down after a heartbreak. But my father shook his head.

If this state continues, we might have to consider that, but for now, we'll just wait and see. Oh, and just because of that, you don't need to get involved with him, Mai. He's not a romantic interest for you anymore, right?

That's true, but... we are childhood friends, after all...

Mai-kun, you're so kind...
Nagae-san said quietly.
Yeah, everyone in the Nogami family is kind. That's probably why. Both Keijiro and I can recover our sick hearts by touching your kindness.

......

Rest assured. Keijiro is recovering properly. Please leave him to us.

...Thank you. Thank you, Father. But...

...Actually, I'm considering starting a fan club for him, and I'm planning to have Rihito-san help with that too. Didn't you hear about it from your brother when you were at the dinner table yesterday?

Oh? That's the first I've heard of it. ...Naturally, he hasn't heard about it himself, has he?

Yes... So, while I appreciate your concern, I intend to interact with him in my own way.

I see. So it was the idea of Otsu-kun, who runs my fan club, then.

"No... It was Megu-chan who suggested it. She thought that if he realized he had many fans, just like when he saved Mr. Nagae, he might be able to think about returning to the baseball world once again."

"…As expected of Megu-san. Her perspective is indeed different."
Actually, I heard that the one who truly saved Mr. Nagae was my cousin, Megu-chan. Therefore, Mr. Nagae, who fell in love with her smile at first sight, still worships Megu-chan, now a mother of two, like a goddess.

My father says, crossing his arms.
"Indeed, he seems to have a tendency to believe he is lonely and unloved by anyone. He was crying his eyes out earlier when we were kind to him."

"So that's why you brought him here?"

"Yeah... That's why, please look after him for a little while. I'll come pick him up when the club is over."

"Got it."

Just then, a pair of customers walked in. My father and the others left, passing them by.

13. <Keijiro>

Seeing me so distraught, Mr. Nagae and the others became worried and decided to leave me at Waraiba while they were away at the gymnastics club.

When I arrived at Waraiba, Mai, whom I couldn't meet yesterday, caught my eye. However, right now, there was no way I could look her in the eye or even speak to her. As I hung my head, Mr. Nagae explained the situation to the master, and we were immediately guided to the back of the shop.

"Just sit anywhere. I'll brew some coffee for you now."

Two cups of coffee were placed on the table, and the conversation began once the master sat down in a chair.

"…I'm sure you, too, had everything you were holding back come pouring out after experiencing Nogami-senpai's kindness. That man is truly skilled at using words that embrace the hearts of those who are feeling weak. He got to me too when I was in high school. Ever since then, I've respected him like a god."

"…I think I understand."

"But he's not just kind. There's a strictness to him as well. He makes it so that we can realize things for ourselves and grow, you know? He's not just a baseball idiot like me; he's a truly intelligent person. Someone who can act for the sake of others. It's no exaggeration to say that my admiration for him is what made me who I am today."

"…Just as you respect my uncle, I can tell that my uncle trusts you, Master."

"Well, we've known each other a long time. A lot has happened even in the last few years."

The conversation paused there, and we both sipped our coffee.

"…I'm sorry. I wanted to be confident the next time we met, but instead, I've ended up showing you such a pathetic side of myself…"

After saying that, I realized this wasn't an apology to the Master, but merely an excuse, and I felt a deep sense of regret. However, the Master was smiling.

"It's only been a day, right? If you could be full of confidence in just one day, you wouldn't have been struggling in the first place. For now, just hit rock bottom, and then you can bounce back from there."

"…Aren't you going to berate me?"

"Well, as my personal opinion, I do feel like you should pull yourself together a bit. But when I think about what Senior Nogami would say, those are the words that come out. …That man believed in me until the very end even when I was running wild, and he forgave me even when I went on a rampage and got the club suspended. You could say he watched over me until I could stand up on my own two feet. So, even if you, Keijiro-kun, are standing in front of me having lost all your confidence and lacking any shine, I won't go as far as to kick you or raise my voice to make you move. Because you yourself know perfectly well that you're in a pathetic state. If that's the case, there's no need for me to point it out. I'll just listen to what you have to say, and support you so that you can realize for yourself how you're feeling right now and what you want to do from here on out."

"…I asked the old man and the old lady earlier, but why are you being so good to me? Why would you do this for someone like me…?"

"…Part of it is because you remind me of myself in high school and I want to save you, but mostly, it's because I have high expectations for you."

"Eh…"

"I like you, you know? Your batting, the strength of your arm that can throw straight from center field. I even like the confident way you talk during hero interviews."

"…………"

"If I were a catcher… I imagine that sometimes. How exciting it would be. That's why it's such a waste to quit just because some big shots in the industry have their eyes on you."

"…………"

"Of course, whether you continue or quit is up to you. I think living your life from here on out by persuading Mai-mai is one way to live. But, if you love baseball, I just can't help but think, why not keep going a little longer?"

"…I don't really understand. What exactly do you mean by that?"

Even when told things like having expectations or liking me, it didn't quite click for me. I waited for other words that would shake my heart more.

"I told you yesterday, didn't I?"
The Master seemed exasperated by my forgetfulness. He said with a laugh,
"Then, will you understand if I put it this way? In short, I'm your fan! That's why I want you to return. That's what I'm saying!"

"A fan…? Of me personally…? Not of my father…?"

"Hey, hey, how much are you going to hide yourself in your father's shadow before you're satisfied? I just told you, I'm a fan of Keijiro Hongo, didn't I? Do you have no confidence?"

Asked that, I thought for a moment and answered slowly.
"…The reason I became a baseball player was passive; it was because my parents and brother were doing it. Or perhaps because I'd been doing it since I was a child. It might be more accurate to say there was no other profession I wanted to do. So, if I quit because of this incident, I have no regrets at all."

"Really?"
The Master cast a suspicious look at me, and then stood up decisively.

Let's go outside. Come with me for a bit.

Huh...?
I couldn't believe my eyes. The master had picked up the glove and ball that had been sitting in the corner of the shop.

...Um, I just spent the morning playing baseball with the older guys, you know.

I don't care about that. I haven't played yet. Come on, let's go.

............
The back door was wide open. I couldn't refuse when he urged me to go out first.

*

He took me to a nearby park. The master stretched with a smile like a young boy, and then tossed the ball lightly toward me.

Ever since the day you came to visit Maimai, I've wanted to play catch with you at least once.

I asked as I threw the ball back.
...Why? Because you're... a fan of mine?

Well, that's part of it, but your words from that day have been stuck in my head. The part about being prepared to quit baseball if Maimai would marry you. I've always had this feeling that I wanted to see if that resolve was real.

I can quit anytime.

Then why don't you stop running away and just hand in your resignation? Why haven't you done that?

That is...
He hit a sore spot, and I lowered my gaze. Then, I sensed a fast ball coming my way. I hurriedly looked up and caught it.

I don't like that wishy-washy attitude of yours. I think that's exactly why Maimai gave up on you. If you're like that, you'll never succeed in any job, even outside of baseball.

...Even if I try to work hard now, the energy I used to have just doesn't come to me. But if that energy would just return...

Well, of course it wouldn't. It's not going to come to you.
The master seemed to know what my energy source was.
...You seem to be quite the overthinker. I'm going to clear your head for you right now. Once I do, you'll surely understand the meaning of what I just said.

Alright, throw it at me! The master readied his glove. For a while after that, the game of catch between the master and me continued.

*

After about fifteen minutes of playing catch, the Master got winded, and we decided to take a break. When I asked, "Are you stopping already?" he replied, "Shut up, I'll keep going once I've rested!"

...I mean, seriously. You don't really want to quit baseball, do you? I can tell by the look on your face when we're throwing. You were so excited. It was clear how much you love it.

...That's not true.

Look, you don't need a reason. You do it because you love it. Isn't that enough? That was exactly why I wanted to be on the baseball team back in high school, you know?

If you're a high school student, I think that's fine. But...
I countered the Master's words.
For a pro, that's not enough. You're expected to be someone people look up to, to put up numbers, and to contribute to the team's victory. Someone who can't fulfill that doesn't belong in that world.

Then change the whole principle itself.

Huh...
My thoughts froze at such an outlandish suggestion.

Change the rules.
The Master said it again.

I know the industry's dark side well from what I've heard from Nagae-senpai. It might have been fine in the old days, but I also think it doesn't match the current era. I don't think young people can endure it. I'm sure there are plenty of young people who are keeping quiet but have the same thoughts as you, Keijiro-kun. If you take the lead and push for reform, everyone will follow. Then, the internal mechanisms will change completely. And a baseball world will be created where players can be more active and vibrant than ever before... Yeah, it's all good things.

Me... reform...

Nagae-san had brought this up before, too. He asked what I thought about staying in the baseball world to reform it. At the time, I argued that it was ridiculous, but for some reason, that feeling didn't come up now.

Master, do you think I have the strength to accomplish that?

I wouldn't be saying it if I didn't think so, would I?
He frowned as if to say, "Don't make me say it again."

Is that from your heart? Or is it something you're saying because you think that's what your beloved 'Nogami-senpai' would say?

Perhaps because I kept asking so persistently, the Master finally lost his patience and hit my butt with his glove.

Give me a break. Just because I admire Nogami-senpai, don't think I'll keep listening to you with a smile forever. If it were him... maybe he'd forgive you not just three times, but maybe five times, but I've had enough. I'm going to beat that twisted attitude out of you!

The Master glared at me with a scary look and suddenly threw the ball long. I scrambled to chase after it and try to catch it, but I missed it by a step.

Too slow!

While being scolded, I return the only ball we have.

"Catch it next time!"
It is thrown from a distance again. I thought I made it in time this time, but perhaps it was my carelessness that caused me to fumble the catch.

"You idiot! Focus! ...Where's your response?!"

"Yes..."

"I can't hear you!"

"...Yes!!"

"See, you can answer properly. Alright, catch it this time for sure!"

His straightforward passion for baseball. His uncompromising attitude. And the eyes that seemed to intimidate me were reminiscent of the Demon Nagae I once saw.

I was scared. I couldn't look him straight in the eye. Even though I was told to catch it properly, I kept missing it over and over.

What on earth is the Master thinking...? Why is he getting so heated and trying to whip me into shape...?

I don't know.
I don't know.
I don't know...

Before long, the Master began to breathe heavily and staggered to his knees.

(He should just leave me alone... What is the point of doing all this...)

"...Master. Let's end this now."
I said this to him as he continued to breathe with difficulty.

"Not yet...! I can't let it end yet...!"
However, the Master arched his brows and glared at me.

"Why? Even though you're so out of breath?"

"Worry about yourself, not me...! Stop running away forever...! You need to confront the 'demon' inside you...!"

(The 'demon' inside me...!!)
The depths of my chest stirred. Agitation and excitement welled up at the same time.
(I see... So that's what it was...)

I stare straight back into his glaring eyes.
"So when I suddenly thought you looked like 'Demon Nagae'... you were saying... you want me to face the 'demon' inside me...? Is that what you mean?"

"I'm telling you to stop playing hide-and-seek forever... If you've gone soft because everyone has been kind to you, I'll use the 'Demon Nagae' that remains inside me to whip you into shape. Until you get your motivation back!"

"To go that far, just to get me to play baseball again..."

"It's painful, isn't it? You want to run away, don't you? ...No, you've already run away enough. But now, I'm standing in the way of that escape route. If you still want to take the path of running away even after facing me, then defeat me completely. But if you have even a shred of hesitation, stop and face the 'demon' within."

"............"

I couldn't find the words to reply. That meant there was still hesitation within me.

It had been a few weeks since I came to this place to visit Mai. Before I knew it, I had met many people, and each time, I received words of comfort. Everyone I met was so kind, and I don't know how many times I shed tears. My choice hadn't been wrong. While I was convinced of that, as the Master pointed out, the reason I hadn't yet submitted my resignation was because I couldn't picture a future after quitting baseball. If only Mai would give me the nod, I would quit anytime, but that wasn't happening. And so, I remained in limbo...

Yes. I had been leaving my life's decisions up to Mai all along. But surely, the Master was trying to say that wasn't good enough. That deep down, I had my own inner thoughts. That I needed to dig them up, face them head-on, and ask myself what I truly wanted to do... That's what he wanted to say.

The Master shuddered and lifted his hips. Just as I thought he might be signaling to leave, a parent and child came to the park. A boy, maybe elementary school age, and a man who looked like his father started playing catch as soon as they faced each other. After throwing the ball back and forth a few times, it went astray and rolled to my feet.

I hesitated whether to pick it up. But before I knew it, I had already picked up the ball. The boy was staring at me.

"...Here you go."
I said, meeting his gaze. Then, the boy suddenly started to get excited.

"Eh, eh...! C-could you be... Keijiro Hongo?"

"Um..."
I had been found out after all... But I had nothing to hide my face with. I looked at the Master, seeking help.

"Don't 'um' me, you idiot!"
Instead of helping, he kicked me.
"Are you nameless? If you're that unconfident in your own name, I can say it for you, you know?"

"............"

While we were exchanging words, the father also approached.

"Hey, hey, Dad! This person looks like Keijiro Hongo, doesn't he?!"
The father, asked by the boy, looked at my face hesitantly, but shook his head as if he couldn't believe it.

"...He certainly looks like him, but there's no way a professional baseball player would be in a place like this. ...I'm sorry, my child is saying strange things."
The father tried to make his child bow his head.

(I don't want to lie in front of a child...)

"...No. Your child's eyes are correct. I'm currently recuperating in the countryside for personal reasons."
I hurriedly told them. The parent and child both widened their eyes.

"Then, are you really... Keijiro Hongo?"
When I nodded, the father's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Actually, we're both fans of the Tokyo Blue Sky... especially of you, Mr. Hongo. We've always wanted to see you up close! I never imagined I'd meet you like this... Um, could I possibly shake your hand?"

"Oh, yes..."

Wow, I'm so happy! ...Here, Kotaro, you too.

Oh, can I have one too?

Sure. Come on, let's shake hands.
As I held out my hand, the boy called Kotaro jumped for joy.

(He's this happy just from shaking my hand...)
My tension eased a little.

By any chance, was your son named after that person?
When I asked the father, he nodded vigorously.

Yes. I named him that hoping he would become a baseball player like Kotaro Nagae. He was the person I admired when I was a catcher myself. I remember feeling so lonely when he retired.

So you were a fan of Mr. Nagae?

Beyond his playing, I loved how intellectual he was and how he spoke his mind clearly. He usually had a stern face, but when the team won the championship, he would rejoice with his teammates with a beaming smile. That gap was irresistible.

Is that so...

I had only ever focused on Mr. Nagae's "demon" side, his cold and calculating side, but I learned that fans saw him differently. Come to think of it, Ms. Mizusawa had said something similar. That anyone would love him if they knew his true self. Perhaps the smile and actions he showed when the team won were his true self, and the coldness was just a mask to hide it. Is that duality what makes him so charming...?

As I was lost in thought, the master started promoting his shop from the side.

Oh, that's right. If you'd like, why don't you come to our cafe? In a little while, the Kotaro Nagae we were just talking about will be coming to the shop. Actually, Mr. Nagae was the captain of my high school baseball team, and we're still close.

What!! Is that true?! But is it really okay for us, just regular people, to meet someone so important...?

It's totally fine. Although it's limited to fan club members, we have a space in the shop where we display uniforms and other items Mr. Nagae wore during his active career. If you'd like, please take this opportunity to join the fan club and take a look.

There's a space like that in a cafe...? If that's the case, we'd love to visit!
The father seemed even more excited than his son.

*

When I returned to the shop, Mr. Nagae and the others had just come to pick me up. When the master explained what had happened, Mr. Nagae readily agreed to take photos and sign autographs. His smiles and words were few, but the father was overjoyed. He joined the fan club on the spot and began looking around the space where the equipment was displayed.

Keijiro Hongo-san. Could you sign these for me too? This ball and glove.
While his father was preoccupied with Mr. Nagae, the boy asked me for an autograph.

...Is it okay if it's me?

Because I'm a fan of Keijiro Hongo.

A fan, huh... Understood.

Keijiro also signed with the pen that Senpai Nagae had used. The boy looked at it with satisfaction and smiled, showing his gap-toothed grin, saying, "I'll treasure this for the rest of my life!"

14. <Mai>

Around the time Keijiro began to recover little by little thanks to the care of Rihito-san and the other men, I was quietly closing the distance between myself and Eugene.

If I'm going to endure the loneliness of being too busy to meet, I'd rather just live together—.

I was surprised when Eugene suggested that. But I was so happy I could have jumped for joy. We haven't been dating for very long. People around us might say it's too early to live together before we really know each other. However, our idea was to turn that around and live together precisely so that we could get to know each other better.

If it were the old me, I surely would have refused, worrying about what society would think. But having learned to break out of the shell of conventional wisdom while living with my brother's family and Yuto-san and the others, I was able to follow my heart and say "Yes." Overcoming heartbreak and taking a new step forward was a big deal. It was also an event that gave me a lot of confidence.

◇◇◇

I visited the Suzumiya house for the first time in a while to show my face and report that I had promised to live with Eugene. Since it was a time when everyone had finished work, the whole family came out to greet me.

Good evening. Thank you for taking care of Keijiro the other day.
Since my brother, who had said he didn't want to take care of him, had even invited him to his home to look after him, I first thanked him for that.
Thank you, brother. It seems Keijiro has recovered enough to stop wearing his mask.

Ah, I wonder about that? Rather than saying he stopped, maybe he can't? Actually, he left this behind.

The paper bag placed at the entrance contained Keijiro's hat and scarf.

He left them behind...? It's been many days since then, hasn't it? Isn't he coming to pick them up?

“There’s been no contact so far. Well, as Mai said, maybe he just doesn’t want to come pick it up because he’s decided he’s done with the mask. Even when he was talking to me, he said he didn’t care about that kind of thing anymore.”

“Then I’ll deliver it. I can also give it to Nagae-san when he comes to the shop sometimes.”

“Don’t do anything unnecessary.”
Yuto-san joins the two of them as they are talking.

“If you give it to him, he might want to wear the mask again. Besides, if you go to deliver it, Mai, there’s a risk Keijiro might misunderstand. Leave him to us, and you should focus on your own relationship.”

“Oh, speaking of my own relationship…”
Remembering the purpose of my visit, I say this while heading toward the living room.
“Thanks to Yuto-san’s advice, it looks like we’ll be living together soon. Eugene is busy, right? So we talked about getting to know each other better while living together.”

“Huh! You’ve already gotten that far? You’re doing great, Mai.”

“Oh, but please don’t tell Dad about this yet. If I tell him, he’ll definitely complain that it’s too soon!”

“Yeah, Nii-nii would definitely say that... Well, if by any chance he does say something like that, I’ll have a word with him. I’ll tell him there aren’t many men like Eugene out there.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

As I bow my head, my brother asks a question.
“Come to think of it, you gave Mai’s boyfriend a ride on your motorcycle the other day, didn’t you? You, who always claim you don’t give men rides. Is he that good of a guy?”

“Yeah. Tsubasa, you should talk to him sometime too. He’s much more level-headed than Keijiro.”

“If Yuto says so, I have high expectations. I’ll be sure to have a good talk with him next time we meet.”

“Hey, hey, Mai-chan, you’re staying for dinner, right? I’ll get it ready right away, so just wait a bit.”
I hear Megu-chan’s voice from the kitchen.

“Thanks as always. Then, in the meantime, I’ll look after the children...”
Just as I start to say that, the intercom rings.
“Oh, I’ll get it.”
While I’m already standing, I head back to the entrance and slide the door open while answering. But when I lock eyes with the person standing in front of the door, I turn pale.

(Keijiro...!!)
I regret answering without checking the indoor intercom monitor.

He also looks surprised and widens his eyes.
“You were here...”

“...What did you come here for?”

“To pick up something I forgot.”

“Oh...”
Since I had heard about this beforehand, I hand him the paper bag that was left at the entrance.
“Here are your cap and scarf. Now that you’ve finished your business, go home.”

“Now that I’ve run into you, Mai, I can’t just leave right away... Can we talk for a bit?”

"No."

"Why? Have you finally come to hate me?"

"......"

"I need to talk to you. I really do."
Keijiro, looking straight at me, had a look in his eyes that felt more confident than it had a little while ago.

As I hesitated, Yuto, the owner of the house, appeared casually. As soon as he saw Keijiro, he sighed, saying, "Of all times, you had to show up when Mai is here..."

I suppose Yuto's intention was to keep Keijiro from meeting me as much as possible. However, there was nothing he could do when Keijiro came to us himself.

"Keijiro says he wants to talk, so just for a little bit... Would you mind?"

When I asked timidly, Yuto stared intently at Keijiro's face. Confirming that Keijiro wouldn't look away, he gave his permission, though he added, "If you try anything unnecessary, I'll throw you out immediately."

*

Even if we say we're going to talk, this is someone else's home. Moreover, since a large family lives here, there is no place inside where the two of us can talk alone. I have no choice but to talk in the garden.

"......What is it you want to talk about?"

"......You see, I didn't understand why I was playing professional baseball. I had a strong sense that I had just been swept along by those around me to get this far. That's why I was hesitant to confess to you, Mai, and even when I was suspended at home after breaking off our engagement, I didn't feel much of a sense of crisis; I thought I could easily quit if it came down to it. But after being put through the wringer by the Master, I thought about a lot of things, and I finally found my answer."

About a week ago. I heard that Rihito, the owner of Waraiba, who had been asked to look after Keijiro for a few hours while he was emotionally unstable, had lost patience with Keijiro's utter lack of resolve and had given him training in a park near the shop, just like a sports club activity.

Keijiro continued.

"I kept comparing myself to my parents and the other top-tier players around me, and I would just get depressed on my own, thinking I had no talent. Not only that, I was even thinking of quitting baseball, feeling self-deprecating, thinking, 'I'm just me, anyway...' In short, I was running away. I was trying to justify my own weakness by making the rotten system of the baseball world the villain."
"But the Master taught me that that wasn't good enough. He told me to face the 'demon' inside myself, and he stood in front of me like a full-length mirror. Looking at myself reflected in that mirror, I finally understood."
"I was scared. Scared of being the one to take the lead and break the traditions that have existed until now. I kept thinking, 'If everyone thinks things can't go on like this, someone please do something about it...' But the more I suppressed that feeling, the more I could feel myself rotting away inside. I could feel myself becoming sick."

"The Master saw that the 'demon' inside me wanted to run wild, and he stimulated it. Thanks to that, I'm feeling a lot more motivated now. ...I visited here under the pretense of picking up something I'd forgotten, but I actually came here to talk about this. I've also been taken care of quite a bit by Tsubasa and Ms. Suzumiya, so I wanted to thank them as well."

"So, you've decided to stay in the baseball world...?"

"It seems that I... well, it might sound like I'm bragging, but I have much more strength than I thought, and I have put in the effort and worked hard. Now that I know there are many people who see that and appreciate it, I feel like I need to step forward for the sake of the fans who support me... That's how I feel now."

"That's right! I'm a fan of yours too, Keijiro. I want you to work even harder!"

I'm happy to hear you say that. ...I think I could work even harder if you were by my side, Mai. How about it? Do your feelings still remain the same...?

Keijiro stepped forward and grabbed both of my shoulders, bringing his face close to mine. I hurriedly turned my head away.

...Didn't you choose not to confess because you didn't want to drag me into the baseball world? If you've decided to stay in the baseball world, then I can't accept your feelings even more.

I didn't want to drag you into the existing baseball world. But if it's a baseball world where I've brought a breath of fresh air, that's a different story. I could even make it a baseball world where you'd want to play again. ...Mai, won't you accept my feelings?

......
Keijiro brought his face close again. Just as I squeezed my eyes shut, thinking his lips might touch my cheek, his presence suddenly pulled away.

I told you not to do anything unnecessary.
I heard Yuto-san's voice and opened my eyes. He had grabbed Keijiro by the scruff of his neck and pulled him away.

I moved behind Yuto-san as if seeking help.
Mai, go back to your room.

But...

Rest assured. I will take responsibility and hand this guy over to Kotaro-san.

...Understood. Please do.
Even though I could feel Keijiro's gaze, I decided to leave the rest to Yuto-san and left the scene.

15. <Keijiro>

Suzumiya-san let out a big sigh after confirming that Mai had entered her room.

...Good grief. Doing things that trouble Kotaro-san again. I don't know what will happen this time, you know? For now, I'm going to call him, so keep walking ahead. I'll follow you.

Since it seemed I couldn't escape, I reluctantly started walking as told. Behind me, Suzumiya-san was calling Nagae-san. After finishing the call, he sighed once more and instructed me to walk straight.

Don't trouble Mai any further.
After walking in silence for a while, Suzumiya-san said this as if to warn me.

I have no intention of troubling her at all. I am simply saying that I want to be with her because I love her. What is wrong with that?

It's not about what's wrong... but pushy men are disliked, you know?

I tilted my head, not understanding what part of my actions was pushy.

"I don't want to repeat my past mistakes. This time, I will take proactive action to get my feelings accepted. And I will turn Mai's heart toward me. Even if she has someone else she likes."

"You think a woman will turn to you just because you forced a kiss on her?"

"I wonder. She rejected me this time, but I will make her accept me the next time."

"...Where does that confidence even come from?"
Suzumiya-san sighed for the umpteenth time. Since he didn't understand, I felt I had no choice but to explain, so I spoke my honest feelings.

"I felt anxious right after you all stripped away the mask I'd been wearing for years. However, I am now regaining my former confidence. I have power. I have fans. I know that now. If only Mai were here... my life would regain its brilliance in an instant."

"Don't go dragging Mai into your life like that. Besides, I heard you were the one who told Mai to live her life away from baseball, didn't you?"

"I've changed my mind. After all, Mai is the only one who can support my life."

"You're a persistent bastard. Mai is..."

Just as Suzumiya-san's lecture was about to begin, I saw Nagae-san running from down the road. He usually has a gentle expression, but now his face was stern.

"Even if you don't come to pick me up, I will take her with me properly."
As Suzumiya-san said that, his glasses flashed.

"I am truly grateful for Yuto-kun's kindness. What I am angry about is Keijiro's behavior. To sneak out of the room without permission not once, but twice... And you pressured Mai-san to date you again? I have cooperated, wishing for Keijiro's comeback, but even my patience is wearing thin."

"Eh..."
I gasped. Unconsciously feeling like I was about to be scolded, I stiffened. As expected, harsh words rained down on my hunched back.

"I contacted Hongo-kun... your father. I can no longer take care of you here. From now on, I want you, as the parent, to take responsibility and persuade Keijiro."

"No way...!! Please, anything but that...!!"
I pleaded instinctively, and Nagae-san shoved me.

"Don't keep running away from your parents forever..."

"Hii...!"
I was pressed against the wall. Nagae-san glared at me with a look I had never seen before.

"If you intend to continue playing baseball, make your will known even if it means punching the parents who have tormented you. Spit out all your feelings. If you can't do that, leave the baseball world right now. Right now, immediately!"

"Punch... my parents...? But if I did something like that..."

"If you're going to focus on defense, then you're just that kind of person after all. Don't you have a brain to think with? Use your own head... use this head of yours to think it through properly!"
He pressed his index finger against my forehead. So hard it felt like he might poke a hole in it.

"...Yuto-kun, you go home now. I'll handle the rest."
After glancing at me, who was feeling dejected, Nagae-san said that to Suzumiya-san in his usual tone.

"I already told Mai earlier that I'd take care of Keijiro, so I'll see him all the way to his parents' place. I have to keep my promise."

"I see... I'm sorry for causing you unnecessary worry."

*

And so, I was taken to my parents' house with my arms held firmly, like a criminal. Unlike last time, both my parents were standing in front of the room. It seemed they had been waiting for my arrival the whole time.

"Thank you for your trouble."
As my father bowed his head, Mr. Nagae gave my back a firm shove, pushing me away. My father bowed again as he walked away. Once he was out of sight, my mother spoke up.

"To think you'd make Mr. Nagae angry. You've lost your mind."

"I didn't do anything."

"Don't lie to me. That man, who has been so calm for the past few years, looked at you with the same eyes he had in the past as he pushed you away. There's no way nothing happened."

"Anyway, let's go inside. We'll talk after that."

Urged by my father, I entered the room, and we each sat on the living room sofa with a low table between us.

I decided to stay silent, having nothing to say. Realizing this, my father took the lead.

"I heard from Michitaka... from Uncle Nogami. That you still want to play baseball. That you are starved for affection and clinging to the past. Hearing it from Michitaka made me realize. Your opposition to us regarding the engagement was undoubtedly because you held a grudge against us. We were just discussing how we need to reflect deeply on that."

I'm sorry, my father said, bowing his head, and my mother followed suit shortly after.

"Shino, you should apologize too."
Nudged by my father, my mother spoke up, though she seemed hesitant.

"It is an undeniable fact that we entrusted the care of you and your siblings to Nogami, using our busy schedules as an excuse. I'm sorry we didn't even take the time to talk to you properly. Especially with you, I thought you were a sensible child, so I was even relieved, thinking there was no need for us to say anything. But that wasn't the case, was it...? I'm sorry I didn't realize it until you rebelled against us. I know we can't go back to those days, but if you'll forgive us, I'd like to build a good relationship with you from now on. What do you think?"

"......"

I was confused, as the urge to retort, 'What are you saying now!' clashed with the feeling of forgiveness toward my parents for conceding. However, it was difficult to calm the anger that was welling up inside me.

"Do you think you're forgiven just because you apologized? The wounds I received when I was a child... the loneliness I felt... they won't heal that easily."
I decided that now was the time to let out all the feelings I had been bottling up.

"Do you have any idea how much I wanted to be loved? Even in baseball, which I started just to be acknowledged, it was always Sota who got the praise. Even when I tried to act spoiled to get some attention, it was always my sister who was accepted. The only words ever directed at me were, 'You're the older brother, aren't you? Just be patient.' The only time I could ever get my parents' attention was when I did exactly as I was told. That's why, until this age, I've just said 'yes, yes' to everything you've said. But... But because of that, I hurt Mai, whom I loved so much, and missed my chance to be with her. No matter how hard I pursued her, her heart will never return to me... Do you have any idea how much this regret eats at me?! Do you really think someone like me would ever forgive you?!"

Before I knew it, I had stood up from the sofa and was shouting in a rage, spit flying from my mouth. My parents just hung their heads, listening to my words.

"No matter how much you apologize, I... I will never forgive you!!"

"I don't expect you to forgive us... The sins we committed are heavy. I am aware of that. But, let me just say this one thing. ...You still have a future ahead of you. That is why I want you to look toward the future and walk forward, without being trapped by the past. Otherwise, the rest of your life will be ruined."

"Are you telling me to forget the past?!"

"No... That's not it. I'm saying don't be trapped by it... It's fine if you keep hating us. But I want you to look forward, not backward, as you walk on."

"Do you really think words like that will change my mind?! Stop making a fool of me!"

Just then, a photo of us siblings caught my eye. It made me furious to see myself smiling a smile I didn't mean, so in a fit of rage, I ripped it off the wall. Then, I threw it to the floor and stomped on it.

"Wait, Keijiro...!!"

My mother started to panic, but I kept stomping on it regardless. My father stopped my mother as she tried to make me stop.

"...Keijiro. Cool your head for a while. I'll open up the same room as last time. Stay there until you've calmed down. Is that understood?"

My father's hands were shaking. He must have wanted to strike me right then and there. I would have been ready to take it, but I decided there was no point in fighting any further, so I did as I was told and shut myself in the room.

*

What I felt when I shut myself in the quiet room was emptiness. Is this the end of the road for me, who only ever wanted to be loved?

However, in the bleak room, just like the last time I stayed over, there was a futon folded in the corner. Did they think I would come back again...? They surely never imagined that we would end up arguing like this, and that they would end up using this room to lock me away.

I spent my time wrapped in the futon in the unheated room. Perhaps I had entered a state close to hibernation, as I didn't even feel hungry.

◇◇◇

I suddenly looked up, and when I got out of bed, it was already night. It seems I really spent the whole day in this room, drifting between sleep and wakefulness.

My body felt sluggish, as expected. I still had no appetite, but in its place, there was a gaping hole in my heart that felt unbearably painful.

Unable to stand it any longer, I confirmed that my parents must have fallen asleep, then dragged my heavy body and snuck out of my room.

16. <Mai>

Although I was curious about what happened to Keijiro afterward, I ate the meal that had been prepared for me that day and returned to my room without waiting for Yuto to come home.

◇◇◇

The next morning, I headed to work as usual, put on my apron, and greeted the owner.
"Good morning."

However, today, instead of a greeting, he just glanced at me. I felt anxious, wondering if I had done something to offend him.

"Um..."
When I tried to ask, he said, "I have something to talk to you about," and instructed me to sit in a chair. Rihito-san began to speak quietly.

"...You might have already heard, but Megu-chi is returning to work in April. I don't think it will be full-time at first, just starting back during the busy lunch hours, but as Megu-chi takes over those shifts, I'm thinking of gradually reducing your hours, Mai-mai. Eventually, I'm even considering ending your contract."

"Eh..."
I was speechless at the sudden news.

It was true that I had been hired after saying, "I want to work in Megu-chan's place while she is on maternity and childcare leave." Therefore, being let go at the same time as Megu-chan's return was a perfectly natural progression. However, it was all too sudden.

"You look like you're hearing this for the first time. Well, I suppose it was hard for Megu-chi to say it, too. She knows how happily you've been working here."

"............"

"Well, there's more than a month until April. I intend to have Maimai come in until then, so you can use that time to sort out your feelings."

"Yes..."

I had become quite close with Rihito-san, so I never imagined he would be this cold. That said, considering the cafe's financial situation, I understand it's difficult to keep two employees. If I were in Rihito-san's position, I would surely let go of the person who joined later.

As I hung my head, Hayato-san, the other owner, spoke to me.
"Rihito is also being forced to make a painful decision. Please try to understand his feelings as well."

"Hayato-san..."

"Both I and Rihito are well aware of how hard you've been working, Mai-san. We've been searching for a way to keep you on. That's why I don't want you to feel so discouraged by the news of your dismissal that you can't focus on your work for the remaining time."

"...I was the one who asked for the favor of being hired, so I wouldn't do anything so rude. I will work as hard as I can until my last day."

"I'm counting on you."

*

Although I replied with a smile, I couldn't spend the day with a calm mind. The thought that I was, after all, just a replacement for Megu-chan and could never be anything more than that kept surfacing and tormenting me.

Every time that happened, Keijiro's face would cross my mind. He had said that he would create a new baseball world, and that he needed my strength to do it.

In the end, neither he nor I can do anything other than baseball, and is it impossible to walk a different path now? Does this mean that after I take off my cafe apron, I have to put on a baseball uniform again...? My worries are endless.

Furthermore, I felt resentful toward Megu-chan for not telling me about such an important matter when we met in person. Rihito-san defended her, saying it must have been hard for her to say, but I wish she would consider how it feels to hear about it indirectly.

I felt as if I had been betrayed by two people I trusted at the same time.

Although I finished my work until the scheduled time, my head was foggy and I had already lost all my energy.

"Are you okay? If you're not feeling well, you can take tomorrow off."
Rihito-san's casual remark, which would usually be taken as kindness, sounded like sarcasm today. I just gave a small bow and went home without even buying ingredients for dinner.

The moment I entered my dark room, tears spilled out. I collapsed onto the bed, clutched my quilt, and could do nothing but stay still for a while.

Why did it end up like this?
I thought I had been doing my best, but was my effort actually completely insufficient?
Was my choice wrong...?

After the tears stopped, all that came to mind were words of self-reproach. I couldn't stop replaying everything in my head, and before I knew it, I was crying again, lost in sorrow.

Just then, the room's intercom suddenly rang.

(If there's anyone who would come to visit at this hour, it has to be Eugene...!)

I hurriedly wiped away my tears and opened the door with the best smile I could muster. But standing there was...

"...Keijiro."
Of all people, it was him... My expectations were shattered in an instant, and I felt dejected.
"...Did you sneak out from Mr. Nagae's place again?"

"...Mr. Nagae has given up on me. I fought with my parents, and I'm all alone again. You're really the only one I can rely on, Mai..."

What on earth could have happened since we parted yesterday? His face looked terribly haggard.

"...How did you know where I lived? I don't think I ever told you."

"The other day, when I was allowed into your uncle's house, I happened to see a note with the name of your apartment building and your room number. That's how I knew it was here."

Since I had just moved in, my parents must have pinned a copy of my address to the wall board so they wouldn't forget it.

Even so, I was concerned by how incredibly listless he looked.
"...Have you been eating properly?"

"...I have no appetite. I haven't eaten in a whole day."

"...Actually, me neither."

"Wait, you too, Mai...? Did something happen...?"

When he asked, I hesitated for a moment. He is someone I've been told not to get involved with any further. There's no point in burdening someone who already has their own problems with my troubles. At the same time, Keijiro is one of the few people I can truly open up to. Part of me wanted to pour my heart out to him while I was feeling so down.

"...If you'd like, why don't we go get something to eat now? I think there are still some places open."

"I'll go anywhere as long as I can be with you, Mai."
The face he made when he said that looked so happy.

＊

In the end, the only places open at an hour that felt like the day was about to change were bars. I ordered a light meal and a gin sour, and had a late dinner.

"So... why did you end up making Nagae-san angry and getting into a fight with your parents?"

"Well... the main reason is probably that I think about you too much, Mai."
Keijiro said without a hint of shame, and took my left hand as I sat across from him.

"I know you're thinking about a guy named Eugene. But I don't want to give up on you, Mai. No matter how many times I'm rejected, I have no intention of backing down until you say yes."

Perhaps because he felt calmer after seeing me, or perhaps because his hunger had been satisfied, Keijiro seemed to have regained his confidence as he looked straight at me and spoke.

"...What about you, Mai? Why did you lose your appetite? You looked like you had been crying, is there something going on with your lover...?"

"Eugene has absolutely nothing to do with this."
Even though I denied it completely, I had to tell him the real reason since I had said that. I knew that I could never lie in front of Keijiro.

"Actually..."
I had no choice but to tell him about the contract termination that Rihito-san told me about this morning. As expected, he reacted just as I thought he would.

"Then all the more reason for us to start something new together. You haven't decided what you're going to do after you quit the cafe job, have you?"

"I haven't decided, but I have no intention of returning to baseball..."

"Mai."
Keijiro then wrapped my hands in both of his.
"I think that God has given me a chance now. Even though our feelings were out of sync once, I can't help but think there's a meaning behind you losing your job at this exact time while I'm trying to return to the baseball world. It feels like these events are happening because heaven is trying to bring us together once more..."

"That's just a stretch..."

"You think so...?"

"...Keijiro, you don't love me. You're just obsessed with the memories of us. It's about time you realized that."

"............"

A remark I made without thinking. But it seemed effective in silencing Keijiro. I decided that if I was going to persuade him, it had to be now, and I spoke without a moment's hesitation.

"You probably believe that I'm the only person who ever loved you, Keijiro. But that's likely not true. Your parents, your grandparents, and your friends and fans all loved you too. So you were never truly alone."

"...That... that can't be...!"

"Then how were you able to play baseball until today? No matter how talented you are, you could never have achieved that on your own."

"............"

"Perhaps Keijiro is inviting me out because he's worried about me, thinking I'm only good at baseball. But you know, I decide my own life. So Keijiro, you should decide your own life too. Don't rely on me; believe in your own strength and push forward."

"......I......I just want to be with Mai, that's all......"

"Even if we aren't lovers or a married couple...... We can still support each other as friends. Our relationship will never end."

"Do you really think that kind of talk...... is going to satisfy me?"

Keijiro was deeply dejected. Every time she saw that look on his face, she felt tempted to tell him about the cheering song. But she felt that now was the right moment.

"......Let's go together, to the live show. Then you'll surely understand what I meant."

"What do you mean, a live show......? Are you telling me to listen to the songs and performances of a guy you like?"

"Don't look at them that way. I just want you to clear your head and let yourself be carried away by the music. I want you to listen to the lyrics. ......Actually, I had them prepare a song that will stir your heart, Keijiro. I was going to keep it a secret until the very last minute, but since this is a good opportunity, I decided to tell you now."

"......As if music could ever stir my heart."

"Don't make up your mind before you've even heard it. I'll be right there listening with you. ......Okay? Let's go to the live show."

"............"
He looked dissatisfied. It was painfully obvious that he was wondering why he had to be dragged to a place he had no interest in and listen to music he didn't care about.

"Wasn't it you, Keijiro, who said you'd go anywhere as long as you could be with me?"

"......Fine. I'll go, if that's what you want. But in exchange, I'm going to act like your lover that day. I want to be able to hold your hand and put my arm around your shoulder."

"......That's a terrible condition."

She was disgusted by his remark, which sounded as if he were planning to show off to Eugene. To top it all off, he even added, "You should be grateful I didn't say I wanted to kiss you."

"If you had said that, I would have slapped you."

"I'm joking, I'm joking......"

"After what happened yesterday, it doesn't sound like a joke at all."

"......So, what will it be? Are you going to accept my terms?"
His eyes were challenging. The condition was far too harsh. But she desperately wanted Keijiro to hear the cheering song.

"......Fine. But I'm going to act strictly as a childhood friend."

"……I'll make you turn around. Definitely."
Keijiro grinned and downed the rest of his drink.

◇◇◇

That evening. Perhaps relieved that we had eaten together, he surprisingly went back to his parents' house without a fuss. However, whether it was because he found out where I lived or because he was determined to woo me, he visited again the next day. This time, he was crouching right in front of my apartment door, as if waiting for me to return from work.

(I don't mind the shop, but I really wish he wouldn't come directly to my room...)

"There's nothing to talk about. Go home for today."
I said, feeling fed up.

"You're cold, aren't you? We're childhood friends, right? It wouldn't hurt to have a meal together like yesterday."

"But we aren't lovers, so there's no need to see each other every day, is there?"

"I want to see you."

"…………"
I really wanted to push him away. But I had a feeling that if I opened the door now, he would force his way in. I had to prevent that at all costs.

"……Fine. Let's go get something to eat. But once we're done, you go straight home like you did yesterday."

"Okay. That works for me."
His smiling face looked just like a child's.

◇◇◇

Feeling quite depressed, I consulted Rihito-san, the shop owner, the next day.
"So that's why you've been acting restless... Good grief, he still hasn't learned his lesson even after I've put him through the wringer..."

Rihito-san was indignant.

"Okay. In that case, I'll walk Maimai to her room today. And if Keijiro shows up, I'll punch him."

"Oh, no... You don't have to punch him..."

"That's the kind of attitude you need to have when you talk to him. ...You haven't let him into your room, have you?"

"Of course not. I have a feeling that if I open the door, he'll just plant himself there. If I think about this continuing every day, I lose the will to even go back to my room..."

"...You don't understand him at all."
The look on Rihito-san's face as he said that reminded me of Nagae-san back when he was called a 'demon'.

*

I wrapped up work a little early and returned to my room with Rihito-san as promised. As I was preparing some simple refreshments, the intercom rang loudly once.

"That's probably Keijiro."

"Alright. I'll go handle it."
Rihito-san stood up, checked the peephole, and swung the door open. He then grabbed Keijiro by the collar and pulled him close.

"Every single night... You've got some nerve. It sounds like you want to be put through my training again!"

"M-Master, why are you here...?"

"Well, I'm Mai-mai's boss, aren't I? It's only right that I help out when someone in my circle is in trouble, right?"

"............"

"You don't have anywhere else to go, do you? That's why you come here every night, isn't it? Am I wrong?"

"............"
Keijiro didn't answer. But his silence was as good as saying 'that's right'.

"Mai-mai has a boyfriend. Stop following her around from now on."

"But if Mai abandons me, I'll really..."

"You idiot! When that happens, come to Waraiba. Rely on me! I'll take care of you myself."

"Eh..."
Both Keijiro and I, listening from the side, let out a cry of surprise.
"What do you mean by that...?"

"I mean exactly what I said. I'm telling you I'll provide you with a place to sleep!"

"Rihito-san..."
I muttered unintentionally, and for a brief moment, he returned to his old self and smiled at me.

"...I couldn't play the good guy the other day, so this is my way of making up for it."
By "the other day," he must be referring to the day he coached Keijiro in baseball like a club activity because he was being so pathetic at the shop. He continued.
"...Though, all I'm doing is providing a place to sleep. Other than that, I'm going to do things my way."

"Do things... your way?"

"You'll see tomorrow."
Rihito-san said that and finally let go of Keijiro's collar. Then, without drinking the tea I had served, he went home with Keijiro.

◇◇◇

The next day. When I arrived at work as usual, Keijiro was there at the shop for some reason. I was surprised, and Rihito-san explained why.

"It didn't feel right just keeping him locked up at home. I decided to have him work here for a while. Since I'm letting him sleep and eat for free, naturally, he won't be paid for the work he does here. That's the condition he's working under."

"Have him work... Do you think Keijiro is capable of serving customers?"

"Yeah, it'll be fine. I'm going to start him off with cleaning and tidying up, and drill into him what it really means to be useful to others. If he can eventually handle customer service, that'd be a bonus. Anyway, he doesn't understand a thing about how the world works. I thought I'd start by showing him how we work with pride."

"I see."

"So, Maimai, you just go about your work as usual."

"Understood."

"Oh, and one more suggestion. Even though I'm the one looking after him, there's no telling when or why he might sneak out. Just to be safe, I think it might be better if you didn't stay in your apartment alone for a while, and maybe relied on your brother's place instead."

"I won't sneak out."
Keijiro replied coolly.

"I can't trust a word of that. A man should keep his word! If you break it so easily, people will just keep drifting away from you. Do you want me to tell you what will happen if I give up on you?"

"............"
Even Keijiro must have realized that this was truly his last chance. He didn't offer any rebuttal.

＊

Keijiro could hardly be called good at his job. He lacked focus, too. Every time Rihito-san saw that, he would give him strict guidance.

"Watch Mai-mai's work and learn from it!"

Those words made me feel determined, but for nearly half a year, I had stood in the shop every day, doing what I could, and I felt I had managed to acquire average customer service skills. Once, Keijiro had told me, "Mai, you're just like me, you can only play baseball, right?" but today was the perfect opportunity to show him that I could do things other than baseball. Thinking that, I worked even harder than usual.

Rihito-san instructed him to "take notes" one after another, and Keijiro moved his pen accordingly. At first, he seemed annoyed, but perhaps he sensed something, because by the end of the day, his expression had changed to one of seriousness.

◇◇◇

Rihito-san's "Keijiro Education" was thorough. Starting with morning greetings, he made him do floor cleaning, table wiping, and glass polishing in order. Watching him make him clean until he was satisfied, I felt it was exactly like a former baseball team captain training his juniors, but perhaps this was Rihito-san's own way of expressing affection toward Keijiro.

"Why do I have to do things like this..."

At first, Keijiro only complained. But after about a week, that stopped, and he began to act independently while looking at the notes he had taken. Once he had more breathing room, he even started asking me, "Do you need any help?" as I moved around busily.

Rihito-san, who wanted to keep contact with me to a minimum, never gave Keijiro work that put him in the spotlight, but personally, I was happy to see Keijiro changing more and more through his work here.

◇◇◇

After several days like that, one lunchtime, Nagae-san wandered into the shop. As soon as Keijiro saw him, he tried to hide, but Rihito-san grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and forced them to face each other.

A while ago, Keijiro had acted in a way that betrayed Nagae-san, who had been kind to him, and had been written off by him ever since. What would happen if the two of them met face-to-face...? I held my breath, feeling anxious.

"...It seems Otsu-kun is doing well. Looking at this, there's no need to worry."

However, the reaction I had feared did not occur; Nagae-san sat in his favorite seat as usual and ordered a set meal.

(What is going on...?)

While feeling confused, I prepared the set meal and carried it to the table. Then, Mr. Nagae said "Thank you" and smiled pleasantly.

"……Judging by that look on your face, you're worried that I'm still displeased, aren't you?"

"Yes, well……"
I answered hesitantly, and Mr. Nagae lowered his voice to say.

"Rest assured. My cold treatment of him was just an act. It was to help him and his parents, the Hongos, grow. Although, it ended up being Otsu-kun who had to clean up the mess, but I suppose that is fate. For Keijiro to truly regain his heart, he needed to reunite with Mai-san, and it was necessary for Otsu-kun and me to be cold-hearted. I would like you to see it that way."

"Is that so……"
To think he had planned that far ahead. As expected of Mr. Nagae.

"I'm sorry about all this…… Thank you for doing so much for Keijiro."

"You have nothing to apologize for, and I haven't done anything worthy of thanks. I simply believe that Keijiro can change the baseball world as it is now, and I am merely helping him make a comeback. Mai-san, you wish for that from the bottom of your heart as well, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. Actually……"
I secretly told him, making sure Keijiro couldn't hear, that I was having a cheering song created for Keijiro through Eugene. Upon hearing this, Mr. Nagae was overjoyed.

"That is wonderful. If the opportunity arises, I would like to hear it myself."

"If the timing works out, let's definitely listen to it together."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it."
Mr. Nagae nodded with a beaming smile and cast his gaze toward Keijiro.

◇◇◇

March was coming to an end. One day, with Megu-chan's return to work fast approaching, the flow of customers suddenly stopped, creating a moment where only we employees were in the shop. It was very similar to the situation when Keijiro first visited.

With no urgent work, time just drifted by slowly. The early spring sunlight poured into the shop with a warmth that made one want to doze off. While I was feeling very calm, Rihito-san brewed me a special cup of coffee.

"I'll give you two some time to talk. In another two or three days, Meguchi will be back to replace Maimai. This will likely be the last time you can talk slowly here at the shop."

"Rihito-san……"

"However! I'm going to listen to what you two have to say, too. This is also a test to see if Keijiro is growing."

"I see. So, I'm being tested, then?"

"That's right."
Rihito-san grinned, leaned his elbows on the counter, and began to stare intently at us.

It's nerve-wracking to talk while being watched so intently. I take a sip of coffee to distract myself, and Keijiro begins to speak first.

"...The day I first came here. Mai, you welcomed me with a smile. Until a little while ago, I believed that smile was something special directed only at me. But after working here together, I realized. You directed that same smile at everyone you served. ...In that moment, I realized I had been conceited. I thought I was a special existence, so I needed to be treated with care. Yet, those around me used me and treated me carelessly. I realized that I had been frustrated because I couldn't forgive that until now."

"Yeah..."

"...I wanted to be loved by the people around me whom I thought I liked—my parents, my siblings, and you, Mai. But the closer people were, the more distant they felt. I felt like I wasn't being loved. For someone like me, who believed that the closer you are physically, the more intimate a relationship you can build, I couldn't understand the expression of love that is watching over someone from a distance at all. But in reality, I learned that I was being watched over by many people... and that I was receiving love in that form. ...It's not because I'm a baseball player. It sounds strange coming from me, but I'm sure everyone likes me because I am who I am."

"That's right, Keijiro. Exactly."
As I nodded firmly, Keijiro smiled happily.

"Since coming here, I've met people who give me the love I've been craving but couldn't receive until now, and many people who understand my feelings. It's true that I was a little bit ecstatic because I received so much all at once. Thanks to that, I ended up being put through the wringer by the Master, but now I think that was necessary for my growth."

"When you get that ecstatic, it's practically stalking, you know?"

"I know, and I'm sorry about that..."
Keijiro scratched his head, looking sheepish.

"It might sound like an excuse, but I didn't visit your room thinking I would force myself on you or anything like that. I'll say it again, I just like you, Mai, and I wanted to be by your side. That's all it was..."

"Pfft...! Anyone would call that an excuse."
Rihito-san laughed as he chimed in.
"Though, having hired Keijiro for a short time, I think he really has a pure heart. I'm sure there are people who try to take advantage of that, but I bet there are also many people who fall in love with that purity and become fans, right? At the very least, I'm one of the people who became a fan all over again."

"I understand that."
That must be why Nagae-san, my father, my brother, Yuto-san... and even Eugene acted for Keijiro's sake. Keijiro smiled, looking embarrassed this time.

"And also, there's that Southern Cross song that's always playing in the shop, right? At first, I wasn't interested at all, but gradually the guitar and vocals started to catch my ear, and now I can even hum the lyrics. I understand well now why Nagae-san was supported by the singer Reika during his active career. There's something in Reika's singing voice that shakes people's hearts. I realized that too. So now, I'm looking forward to going to their live concert with you, Mai. I really am."

"That makes me happy! I think they'll play songs from after they became Southern x BB at the concert. Not only Tomoatsu-san, but Sena-chan will probably sing too, and once you hear the live guitar performance, I'm sure even you'll fall in love with them, Keijiro!"

"Geez... I wish you'd stop bragging about the guitarist you like. I haven't given up on you yet, Mai, you know?"

His face as he said that didn't have the same intimidation as before, but I couldn't let him misunderstand, so I made sure to convey this clearly.

"Just what kind of guitarist Eugene is. And how much he thinks of me. By the time the concert is over, I'm sure you'll understand, Keijiro."

"Hmm... I'm looking forward to that, too."

17. <Keijiro>

By the time I realized it, the cherry blossoms had fallen, and the season of vibrant fresh green had arrived. I, who thought I could do nothing but play baseball, had managed to learn the minimum tasks required as a cafe clerk without even being told by the master.

Around that time, Mai's cousin, Megu-san, had returned to work as a floor staff member, and she had taken over the duties Mai used to perform. It might be presumptuous of me to say, but I was genuinely impressed by her work ethic, which made it hard to believe she had been away for about half a year for childcare. Everyone was healed by her single smile and would end up confiding everything in her... I thought Mai's customer service was amazing, but Megu-san's was nothing short of a talent.

(So this is why they kept Megu-san instead of Mai...)

I thought many times about asking the master if he was really going to fire Mai. However, I, who was still only allowed to do odd jobs, had no right to ask that.

◇◇◇

We reached the day of the concert without having had almost any personal conversations even though we met at work. We met up in front of Waraiba. It had been a long time since we talked about anything other than work.

You've completely become a normal person now,
Mai said while looking at my bare face.

Yeah... When I first visited this place, I had most of my face covered with a cap, a mask, and a scarf...

Now, I am exposing my face without any defense. Unlike back then, I can now handle it with confidence even if it's discovered that I am Keijiro Hongo.

...Hey, Mai. As promised, will you hold my hand?

At first, when I wasn't interested, I had set a condition that I would go to the concert if she would act like my lover. It doesn't matter anymore, but I reached out my hand just in case.

Eh? No way,
came the expected response.
But...

After hesitating for a moment, Mai said this.
Maybe I'll hold it when we get to the venue. I'd be in trouble if you got lost.

...Am I a toddler?

Yes, you are. A spoiled toddler who wants to be with me forever. ...Right?

I remembered that Tsubasa had also told me before that my behavior was childish.

Yeah, that's right... I'm a child who can't fully grow up. That's why I can't live without someone taking care of me. That's what I thought...

You thought...?

But... That will surely be until today. I feel like I can change once I go to the concert. I have no proof, though.

“That’s right. I feel like I can change, too. That’s how the last concert was. I’m sure that this time, too, some kind of chemical reaction will happen.”

Let’s go. Saying that, Mai tugged on the edge of my clothes.

*

A live music club somewhere in Tokyo. They say it’s a place where many big-name artists have held concerts in the past.

The venue, which has assigned seating and looks like it could hold roughly two thousand people, is already packed. It’s honestly the kind of atmosphere where you could get lost. Perhaps sensing that, Mai held my hand just as she promised. But right now, rather than feeling like a lover, I really feel like a child again.

We take our seats. For me, someone who is usually on the side being watched, being on the side watching someone else’s stage like this is something I haven’t done since a school field trip back in my student days. This in itself is quite unsettling.

“Why are you nervous, Keijiro?”
I was laughed at by Mai when I started fidgeting.

“I’m just not used to sitting still like this...”

“I think your body will move naturally once it starts. I bet most people will stand up, don’t you think? I’ve only experienced their live show once before, but last time, everyone was singing and dancing along to the songs.”

I wasn’t confident that I could act like that, having lived a life unrelated to music, but I decided to trust my own sensibilities here.

*

The start time arrived. As the guitarists began to play in the darkness, a man appeared from the side, singing. Immediately after, the dark stage was illuminated, and the concert began.

The venue erupted with excitement, overflowing with ear-splitting sound. Singing in the center was Tomoatsu-san, the main vocalist of Southern x BB. I heard he’s the same generation as my parents, but I was simply amazed by his vocal power, which made me feel no age difference at all.

After singing two songs, Tomoatsu-san gave a greeting.
“Thank you for coming to Southern x BB’s first solo concert since forming! Enjoy yourselves until the very end today! Let’s spend a sleepless night together!”

The audience got even more excited. My body moved naturally, and before I knew it, I was swaying to the rhythm. Since I knew the songs up to a certain point, I sang along too. I never imagined my body would react to music this much, but it felt wonderful.

“Next is this song, included on the CD released in conjunction with the concert. ‘H-A-N-K-I!’ Everyone, clap your hands to Eugene’s electric guitar!”

I was confused when I heard it was the latest song. I hadn't prepared for it.
"I might not know the next song..."
I muttered unintentionally, but Mai replied while looking ahead, "It's okay, you'll manage by just going with the flow!"

(Well, whatever... If I just let my body react like before, I'm sure I'll manage...!)

When Mai invited me to this concert, she told me to empty my head and surrender myself to the music. So, I'll try doing that now...

#

Don't stare at me, even if it's a Sunday afternoon,
What on earth did I do?
Suspicious behavior? Nuisance?
I'm not an adult who would do such things!!

If you hold it in, you'll just burst,
Don't you even know that?
Viewing restrictions? Cigarettes are a no-go too?
Don't take away our fun!

Now is our festival
Sing, sing, sing the song of rebellion!
The melody that signals the start
You can surely hear it, right?
Tap your shoes and push forward
Sing, sing, sing the song of rebellion!
The real battle begins now...

##

What's the point of doing that,
It's a waste of time, don't resist,
Speech control, protest marches too,
Is crushing them what you call "J-U-S-T-I-C-E"?

You guys, you're afraid of us, aren't you?
That's why you're suppressing us, right?
You can't stop us, because
Now is the time to raise the flag of rebellion!

Can you hear the guitar sound?
Ride the rhythm and get into it!
Unite everyone's feelings as one
Let's change this kind of world
If you're afraid of the waves coming,
Let's create a big wave ourselves
Voices from the heart, echoing out...!

###

Who are you living for?
I'm living for myself.
Standing up because I want to protect,
If you don't understand that, then to you,
I'll make you listen until you're sick of it
The singing voice of my soul...!!

Now is our festival
Sing, sing, sing the song of rebellion!

Can you hear the guitar sound?
Ride the rhythm and get into it!

That being alive is wonderful,
I'll keep shouting it over and over
Strongly, strongly...!
For the sake of the one I love...!!
We will sing!!

#

Mai, listening beside me, was incredibly excited. It was completely different from the expressions and actions she shows when playing baseball. I was surprised to see this side of her.

"Why don't you calm down a little...?"

"I can't just calm down. Ah... They're really so cool...!"

"...Well, yeah. Even I thought that was amazing just now. I guess you could say I saw what a professional's true spirit looks like."

"Right!"
She said it without suppressing her excitement, which made me laugh involuntarily.

"...You really do love him, don't you? I'm sure that's why you're smiling like that, because it's him."

"That's part of it, too. But Keijiro, you'll be able to smile too if you enjoy 'the here and now.' Look, the next song is starting. Try listening to it."

Suddenly, Mai grabbed my hand. Even though she was excited, the fact that she initiated holding hands—something she had been reluctant to do—surprised me more than it made me happy.

(Is this also an effect of their singing and performance...?)

I squeezed Mai's hand back. I decided not to think about unnecessary things for now. I faced forward and listened to their singing and performance.

＊

Reika's singing voice was pleasant. The lyrics were bittersweet, yet they gave me a strange feeling, as if my heart were becoming lighter. I felt like I had discovered true healing.

Mai, listening to the music beside me, looked beautiful. She was exactly the Mai I had been pining for. Ah, I was convinced: Mai needs music.

Actually, I had known from the beginning. That she would never turn back to me. But I couldn't easily admit it, so I had been resisting for a long time. At the same time, I knew that the more I resisted, the more I was just spinning my wheels.

And now. Looking at the musicians in front of me, I found myself starting to fall for how cool they were. Not for their looks, but for the way they lived their lives.

Without a doubt, I don't have the drive or passion they have right now. When did I lose those things? Even if I try to remember, I can't...

Of course, it wasn't like that from the start. When I first joined the team, I was full of the desire to make it happen. But the more I succeeded, and the higher my contract money went, the more the people around me changed, and before I knew it, I had become a member of a world where "you can get ahead if you just pile up the money."

Perhaps that's when it started. When I lost my motivation and passion.

In the end, money matters more than effort. The moment I realized that the underside of the world I had admired was this dirty, I grew to hate everything.

It was at such a time that the engagement talk came up. If Mai hadn't called me, I would probably be living a loveless married life by now, and would have withered away as an athlete without achieving anything of note.

It was music that saved Mai. And I, who was saved by that same Mai, am also surrendering myself to music at this very moment.

(I was the one who recommended the world of music to Mai, wasn't I...)

I just wanted Mai to be happy... That was all I wished for when I said that. Yet, I feel like that happiness is returning to me now. What on earth does this mean...?

"I, who had absolutely no interest in music... Why am I so moved by it now...? Why, at thirty-five years old..."

"That's because your inner heart has been polished. You can't be moved by music unless you listen with a clean heart."
I repeated her words back to her, not understanding what they meant.

"My inner heart has been polished...? When...? By whose hand...?"

"Huh? You haven't noticed? The wiping and glass polishing you were always made to do at the shop—that was also a cleaning of Keijiro's inner self. ...Well, that's what I heard from Rihito-san when I started working there, and it's what I've been practicing. The dust you see in front of you and the cloudiness on the glass are the state of your heart itself. So, I was taught that by sweeping them clean and polishing them, your heart also becomes clean. Ever since I heard that, I've loved cleaning. Because it's the same as cleaning my own heart."

"I see... So, by clearing away the inner trash, it created room for their straightforward music to enter? Is that why I couldn't hear the music at first?"

"Yes, I think that's exactly it. It's the same for me. When I was dumped by Keijiro and feeling down, I couldn't accept anything. But little by little, I became able to accept the words of Yuto-san and my brother, and their music. That's because my heart, which had been a mess, was sorted out. As long as you aren't prepared to accept, no matter how wonderful the teachings are, they won't reach you or resonate with you."

"I see..."

I remembered the Master telling me before that I wouldn't get anywhere unless I polished myself, and that I had no charm as I was. At the time, he just told me to find the way myself and left it at that, but he probably couldn't stand watching me show no signs of growth no matter how much time passed. In the end, he prepared an environment for me where I could polish myself...

(I'm sorry. And thank you, Master. For directing your utmost love toward me. Thanks to your carrot and stick, I was finally able to realize the essence of things. I can also see what I need to do. I will never forget this debt of gratitude...)

I placed my hand on my chest and thanked him in my heart. At that moment, the scenery around me suddenly began to look radiant. I knew that something inside me had changed.

*

From then on, time flew by. No, I was so absorbed in the live performance that I even forgot the sense of time.

I was pulled back to reality when Mai squeezed my hand, which had been in a state of being in a dream. When I glanced at her face, she was staring at a single point on the stage. In that instant, I realized. The "something" that Mai had been waiting for was about to begin.

Vocalist Sena holds the microphone.
"Everyone, have you enjoyed yourselves so far? I had a blast. I can't believe two hours have already passed. ...How do you all feel when you hear that the next song is the last one?"

Aww?!
No way!
We want to hear more!

Such voices could be heard from here and there. She is smiling.

"Thank you. But today, the next song will be the last. I'll write new songs and perform them for you all again, so let's meet again then!"

Applause rings out, and the venue shifts into listening mode. Perhaps sensing that, she turns to her bandmates and nods once, then faces forward.

"The song I'm about to sing hasn't been released anywhere yet. I dedicate this to everyone who is doing their best to live... Please listen. 'A Message Sent to You'"

#

That day I shed tears, unable to tell anyone
With no one even there to support me
Loneliness was my only friend, wasn't it...

The harder I tried, the more I spun my wheels
Things didn't go well...
I shouted over and over that it was my own fault
But in a world that doesn't reward you, you

Even if you try to regret it
Carrying an answer that will never come out
You've lived on, haven't you...
What's here is the path you have certainly walked

Even if you sob
Even if you aren't strong
I'm watching you, more than anyone else
It's okay to just be yourself
If you want to run away, it's okay to run
In the end, come back here
Don't forget, there is someone waiting for you

##

The days I kept pretending
That I must not show any weakness
Made you lose who you really are...

Even the smile you showed me
Was awkward...
I couldn't even stay by your side, and it was painful for so long...
In our days of passing each other by

I should have said it
A "I love you" to the back that said goodbye
Days that will never return
We might never walk the same path again, but...

I don't want to see it
A face that has been crying
Because I love you
When you are smiling
If you want to run away, it's okay to run
In the end, you can always come back
Don't forget that I am here

###

Even if you are betrayed, even if you cannot believe
I alone know
That you are the most wonderful person in the world
So stand up, once more...!

Throw away the mask of tears,
I want you to smile,
I'm watching you, more than anyone else
I love the real you
If you want to run away, it's okay to run
In the end, you can always come back
Don't forget that I am here
A message sent to you...

#

I closed my eyes and listened to the singing voice. My heart grew warm at the lyrics, which felt as if Mai were speaking directly to me. As the song ended, Mai whispered.

"...Actually, the song you just heard. It was written especially for me with you in mind, Keijiro."

"Huh... You mean, for me...? No way..."

"I helped a little bit with the lyrics, but they were the ones who brought the lyrics to completion and composed the music."

"I see... If your feelings were in it, it's no wonder it resonated with me."

I had been constantly surprised since coming here, but this story was particularly shocking. I couldn't believe that Eugene, who was supposed to be my rival, had written a song for me. But if it were true, it would mean I had been viewing an incredible person as my rival...

"Did you ask him, Mai? To write a song to cheer me up?"

"No. He was the one who suggested it. Seeing you so down, he said he wanted to write a cheering song for you."

"Hahaha..."

Hearing that, I couldn't help but laugh. I lost. Completely. I finally realized that any further struggle was futile.

"The day we first met. He told me he loved you right in front of me, even though I was supposed to be his rival. Honestly, at the time, I thought, 'What is he talking about...?' and mocked him. I thought I had a far greater right to love you than he did. But after hearing this... and listening to the song and the performance, I'm convinced. That confidence came from a deep-seated, strong belief in wanting to help and entertain people through music."

"Yes... And it's not just him. Everyone on the stage in front of us is a true musician. They are people who seriously believe they can change the world with their music."

"Yeah. That really came across. ...I used to think, 'What's the point of just a few people joining forces?' but that's not true at all... I had underestimated the power of an individual. Including my own power..."

They were waving from the stage. I naturally waved back at them.

"...I have certainly received your message, Mai. I am not alone anymore. I know that you will always be by my side, and I know that there are many people supporting me. So... I will stand up. Even if I have to start from one person."

"Keijiro...!"

"Mai. You're going to see them after this concert, right? Can I be introduced to them too? I want to thank them in person."

"Of course."

　After that, the clapping for an encore began, and as the audience urged them to return, Eugene dashed onto the stage alone a few minutes later. He was holding a microphone.

"Everyone, thank you for the encore! Would you let me sing one last song? I'd like to sing an original song for someone precious who is here at the venue... Yes, for all of you I love. Here we go... 'I'm in Love with You'."

"Huh...!"
　Mai let out a small gasp. Noticing this, I intuitively thought, 'Ah, this must be a song for Mai.' As I listened to the song, that thought turned into certainty.

#

Without even being able to hold your right hand
I walk by your side
The clear night sky
The shining stars are just like your eyes

To your indifferent reply
Ah... one sigh, two sighs
Even though I'm so in love with you!
Do you even realize it?

I love you!
To the point of forgetting even my past love
I want to touch you, your smile is so dear, ah...
Thump, thump!
I'm seriously obsessed with you
My, my beloved My Dear

............

#

"I love you all! Thank you for today!"
　When the song ended, Eugene blew a kiss toward the audience. The female fans let out squeals of joy.

"I see. So that's how you do fan service, huh? I think I'll try imitating that."
　I tried blowing a kiss to Mai, imitating what I had just seen. However, the reaction was less than ideal; I was even told that she couldn't accept it.

"Then, I'll practice."
　When I said it seriously, for some reason, she laughed.

"Why are you laughing..."

"Sorry, sorry. Keijiro, you've already gained plenty of fans without doing things like that. You're fine just the way you are."

"You think so...?"

"I do. ...Well, the concert is over, so let's go say hello."
　Mai took my hand again. Even if there was no romantic affection in it, I was happy.

*

When we visited the dressing room, we were shown in immediately. However, we didn't realize that we were still holding hands. Mai noticed Eugene-san looking at our hands with a sharp gaze and hurriedly pulled away.

Oh, th-this is...! You see, I just thought I'd make sure Keijiro didn't get lost... After all, he's really not used to places like this...

Is that really the only reason...?

What Mai says is true. ...Though it's embarrassing to admit, I'm not good at moving through crowds... I apologize if I caused any discomfort.

I answered honestly and bowed deeply. Mai followed suit. Perhaps satisfied, Eugene-san didn't press the matter further.

...Let's leave this matter for now. More importantly, what is the reason you both came to visit?

Of course, it's to thank you.
Since Mai was fumbling for words, I explained the reason.
Thank you for creating and singing an応援歌 (cheer song) for a pathetic guy like me. I was very moved. At the same time, I realized how broad-minded you are, and I became convinced that you are the one who deserves Mai. I've completely lost. I give up.

Eh...?
Perhaps because I admitted defeat, Eugene-san let out a voice of surprise.
Does that mean the cheer song really resonated with your heart?

The cheer song, of course, and the last song as well. ...That was a song you wrote thinking of Mai, wasn't it? Even if you didn't declare it, I could tell.

Ah...
Perhaps he didn't want me to know. Because I pointed it out, Eugene-san's face suddenly turned bright red, and he fell silent.

Since I went out of my way to concede, I wish he would be more confident. I pushed Mai's back and made her stand next to him.

The one who should be by Mai's side right now is you. Please take care of Mai.

Keijiro-san...

Ah, but I mean 'for now,' okay? Just like in that song, I intend to get back on my feet, and when I do, I'll come to woo Mai again. Once I've made my comeback, I'll surely be a man worthy of her.

I admit defeat for the current situation. However, that doesn't mean my feelings will remain unchanged forever. I only said what was natural, but for some reason, the band members around us laughed. I was a little irritated, but it seemed only Eugene-san understood my feelings.

I'll take you on anytime. But we might get pretty close before Keijiro-san makes his full comeback.

Even so, I will continue my relationship with Mai from here on out. I'll go see her when I want to see her, and I'll call her too. Because Mai said she would support me even if we remained friends. You wouldn't do something mean like trying to break our friendship, would you?

I wouldn't do anything so boorish. As long as you and Mai-san remain friends, that is... If by any chance you come to woo her in earnest... I'll write a new song then and let you and Mai-san hear it. So that this time, you'll finally give up.

"That sounds good. I'm looking forward to it."
As I held out my hand, Eugene shook it firmly.

"That's a relief. There won't be any fighting for a while now... Ah, Eugene. I'd love to talk more, but Keijiro is here today, and you must be tired after the live performance, so let's save that talk for tomorrow or later."

"Yeah. Then, let's see... Let's meet up at Waraiba tomorrow. I'll contact you with the time before I head over."

"...I'm off tomorrow too, so any time is fine. I'll be waiting for your message."

"Okay. See you tomorrow, then. Thanks for today."

"Thank you, too, for a wonderful time. I'll thank everyone else as well. Thank you very much."

Mai said her farewells before leaving. I followed suit, bowing my head, and we both left the room together.

＊

"What are you planning to do after this?"
Mai asked as we stepped out of the venue.
"Are you going back to Rihito's place?"

"Yeah... But I think today will be the last time. My work at Waraiba, too."

"Eh?"

"I'm the same as you, Mai. I've been told to think about my future once this live show is over."
Perhaps because I said that so suddenly after we had such a good time, Mai looked surprised and sad at the same time.

Even if the master hadn't told me, I had intended to bring it up myself soon. But at the end of work yesterday, he had said it to me clearly. How long do you intend to rely on me? That was equivalent to saying, "It's time you stood on your own two feet."

"Before coming here, I was still hesitant, but after actually hearing the singing and playing, and meeting Eugene, my resolve was set. On the way home, I'll put it into my own words and tell the master. If I can say it well, I'll let you know, Mai."

"I see..."

"What about you, Mai? It seems like Meg-san is steadily regaining her sense for work that had grown dull."

"Yeah..."
Mai said after a short pause.
"My thoughts are gradually coming together, too. The feeling that this is what I'm meant to do is getting stronger. Once my direction is decided, I'll report it to you properly, Keijiro."

"I see... Could it be that the last song was an anthem for you too, Mai?"
I said, having had a sudden realization, and Mai nodded deeply.

Actually, Eugene sang it for me beforehand, so this was the second time I'd heard it, but hearing it at the live venue was completely different. I think it's also because I was listening to it with Keijiro. The level of emotion was on a whole different scale.

...Musicians are amazing, aren't they? I can see why Mai fell for that guy. Because even I, myself, have fallen in love with their music.

See? I told you, didn't I?
Mai smiled happily.
If you ever want to hear their music again, I'll arrange it for you anytime. By the time we meet next, will you have already started walking down a new path, Keijiro?

Yeah. I'll start walking down it right away. Just watch me, watch my evolution.

That's the spirit, Keijiro! I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of success you'll have!
I decided to burn that smile directed at me into my memory. Mai's smile is my driving force. To protect it, I will return to the battlefield...

*

When I arrived at the Master's house, for some reason, Mr. Nagae was there. As I was wondering why, Mr. Nagae spoke to me first.

Seeing that look on your face, it seems their music resonated with your heart. I, too, was positively influenced by it. That is why I am here.

What do you mean by that...?

I also went to the Southern x BB concert. Mai told me that I might be able to hear an anthem for you, Keijiro.

Mr. Nagae was at that venue too?

Yes.
Mr. Nagae nodded, crossed his arms, and stared straight at me.

Now that you have heard the anthem, I want you to tell me what conclusion you have reached. I said I wouldn't set a deadline for your answer, but isn't it about time you gave one?

Without being intimidating, his eyes seemed to purely want to know my thoughts.

I actually reached my answer a little while ago. But hearing the anthem has made me even more determined.

Oh?

...I am returning to the baseball world. However, I have no intention of returning to the current baseball world that treats me like an injured person and tries to erase me from the public stage as soon as the season starts. I will recruit people who are in the same situation as me, rise up, and create a new organization. There is no reason why there must be only one professional baseball organization. Instead of an old, rigid organization, we young people will create and lead a professional baseball organization that fits the times. That is how I feel now.

Well said. That is what I wanted to hear.
Mr. Nagae nodded deeply, and the Master also clapped his hands in delight.

"Actually, I also made up my mind after listening to 'A Message for You.' I decided I wanted to stand up once more."

"Huh! Does that mean...?"

"Yes. I had stepped away once, but if you are that full of determination, I thought I might as well help blow a fresh breeze into the baseball world using the name I sold in the past as a weapon. ...I think your mother, who wanted me to return to the baseball world, will be happy about this too. Of course, I'm not doing it for her, but I haven't been able to get out of my head that I was blamed for that a few years ago..."

"Mizusawa-senpai, too, right?"
At the master's words, Mr. Nagae gave a bitter smile.

"I am merely going to put in a good word with the bigwigs in the baseball world, whom it would be difficult for Keijiro to move. I intend for Keijiro to handle most of the rest."

"Of course, that is my intention. I can do it."

"That is truly reliable. I have high expectations for you."

"Yes!"
When I replied, the two of them nodded with satisfaction.

◇◇◇

From there, it was a whirlwind of days. Starting with moving into a room in the same apartment building as Mr. Nagae, there was reconciliation with my parents, cooperation from my parents and friends, the procedures for quitting the team, and raising funds... It was a series of things I had never done before, but strangely, the connections fell into place, and before I knew it, a new baseball organization had been formed in the blink of an eye. It took only three months.

This operates completely separately from the organization that manages the existing twelve teams. It is characterized by the players themselves enjoying the games, and there are no championship races or fixed seasons. And above all, its biggest selling point is the close interaction with fans. This was modeled after the gymnastics club run by Mr. Nagae.

I named this organization, where players and fans create a fresh breeze, "Maikaze-gumi." "Maikaze" means a whirlwind. Of course, it is also a play on the name of Mai, whom I love dearly. I put into it the thought of bringing a new breeze to the stagnant baseball world.

Of course, it's not without its problems. It's a happy thing for me, but because so many people wanted to join the new baseball organization, there is a shortage of first-string players for the existing teams. Even though the season is currently in full swing, an abnormal situation has occurred where games cannot be held. The executives of the teams and owner companies who feel a sense of crisis about this are making a fuss, demanding that I take responsibility, and it has become a troublesome situation, but Mr. Nagae, who is older, and my father are mediating for me regarding this.

Publicly, what we are doing is not welcomed at all. We are even being called rebels and ungrateful. Still, the friends who agreed with me support and encourage me.

"After that incident, when I heard you were not only removed from the first-string roster but had gone missing, we were all worried about you, you know? There were even rumors that you might have been killed. But I was relieved to know that you were looking for an opportunity to make a comeback like this. And you even got the cooperation of that demon Nagae and your own father... Now that it's come to this, let's show them what we're made of."

One of my colleagues said that to support me. However, I couldn't agree.

"I don't think 'showing them' is quite right..."

"Eh, why? Even though you've been bullied so much?"

"Well, in the past, I was used and nearly erased from existence, but all things considered, we... No, Nagae-san and my father both gained power and thrived in that world, didn't they? I've decided to at least be grateful for that. That's why I'm choosing coexistence."

"Not to get back at them, or crush them?"

"That's right. Coexistence."

"...That's profound. What a person who has hit rock bottom says really is different."

He praised me, but there are other reasons for choosing the path of coexistence. It's because I don't want to destroy with my own hands the existing baseball team that young kids never stop admiring. And because my brother, who has walked this path with me, is there.

It's not that I'm defending Sota because I like him. If he intends to object to what I'm trying to do, and if he intends to remain in the baseball world he currently belongs to, I want him to reform the organization that is full of problems. That is the choice born from that thought.

In the first place, if I adopted a method of erasing the other party just because they hold old values or because I don't like them, I would be the same as them. That wouldn't solve anything, and there would be no progress. If I'm going to do it, it's meaningless unless I reform it in our own new way.

The reactions of Nagae-san and my father when I talked about this were good. Only my mother had a complicated expression and took a neutral stance, not siding with me or Sota, but in that, I felt my mother's love for her children.

There are many collaborators. I have a sense that things are going well. Even so, sometimes I worry about whether this was really the right thing to do. Whenever that happens, the one that always encourages me is that song, "Message to You."

(Mai, Eugene-san, thank you... I'm doing my best...)

After finishing the song, I whispered that in my heart and, with renewed determination, set out to work again today.

--END--