Chapter 1: A Delightful Morning

Today is August 18th, my last game as a Kiriyama High School player. The Championship Game is down to the bottom of the ninth inning. The score is 1-0 with two outs, bases loaded, and the count is three balls and two strikes. Coming to my 121st pitch of the game, I gather the last bit of my strength and throw a fastball inside. As the ball reaches the catcher’s mitt, the entire stadium goes silent. This pitch will not only decide the outcome of the tournament, but also my promise to her.

—-------------------------------------------

I am Kawada Kosaku, age 17. Coming into my final year at Kiriyama High School, I was named the Ace pitcher for the second year in a row. Last year in the Summer Koshien, we lost to Hokkaido High School by a score of 2-3 in the semi-finals. Holding onto this grudge, we decided to put in extensive work this year to guarantee our chance of winning it all.

“Good morning, Kawada!” A familiar voice calls out to me as I open the door.

“Good morning, Sakurai. You are up early today.”

Sakurai Fuuko, my neighbor and childhood friend. Every day, we would walk to school and back, and whenever we had free time, we would hang out together. There are practically no secrets between us, except for my feelings for her, which I can’t bring myself to express for certain reasons.

“How’s the preparation for the Summer Koshien going?” Sakurai glances at the bag of baseball equipment I am carrying.

“The increase in practice has been tiring, but it has been paying off. The determination from them definitely makes me want to win it all this year.”

“Don’t overwork yourself,” she looks down and frowns, “I know winning is important, and I want to see you succeed, but don’t get hurt in the process.”

“Don’t worry,” I pat her head, “I promise I will take care of myself.”

She smiles and looks away to hide her expression.

Ten minutes later, we arrive at the school.

“I have to go to the equipment room to settle my stuff down; you can go to class without me.”

“Wait.”

She reaches into her bag and pulls out a bento box.

“Here,” she says with an embarrassed tone in her voice, “this is my first time making one, so don’t expect too much from it. Of course, if you don’t like it, you can-”

“I will eat it all. Thank you for making this for me,” I smile delightfully, unable to control the happiness that was sent through this simple action.

She sighs in relief and whispers some words I cannot hear.

“Did you say something?”

The bell rings, indicating the last five minutes to get to the classroom on time.

“Mmm, it’s a secret,” she turns around and waves at me. “I’ll see you in class!”

I wave back as she blends into the crowd. Walking to the equipment room, I continue to contemplate the words she whispered, then I remember her cute expression. My heart flutters.

“I really do love her.”