Gameday!

Today’s the day! Gameday! I’ll be going to my first baseball game today with my favorite people! Well, the first game that I’ll remember. Normally I would have prepared a wholly new masterpiece for my face. However, it’s supposed to be a little warm today so I think it’ll be best to stick with some Lip gloss and light eyeliner. Mom also wanted to do some cute baseball themed face paint. She also wants us to have matching outfits! A simple baseball cap with the name of the team we’re cheering for and brand new knee-high spring dresses with short sleeves that Mom got yesterday. The best part about our matching outfits is that Motoko almost never wears dresses, so seeing her in one was really exciting!

Speaking of yesterday, I had almost no communication with the outside world. To prepare for today, I made sure I did all of my homework and overly studied yesterday to be sure that I had absolutely zero distractions for gameday! I talked to Mom and Motoko twice, for breakfast and dinner. Then I texted Minato for a little bit and shared some fun stories, which is still kinda weird for me, heh… The only downside so far is that I didn’t sleep very well again… But! This time it was because of my excitement for today!

Anyhow, let’s go see if my parents are ready!

“Mom! Are you ready?!” I shouted as I quickly rushed downstairs with my travel bag.

“She can’t find her phone…” Motoko mentioned as she sat on the couch, reading a book.

“Huh?” I gasped in disbelief.

“Ah! Found it!… It was in the bathroom trash bin, Teehe.” Mom ran into the living room smiling goofily.

“Great, come on let's get going!” I chirped eagerly.

“Alright, alright. The game doesn't start for another couple of hours, ya know.” Mom mentioned as I pulled her toward the door.

“Oh, wait! I’ll meet you in the car, I want to get some seat cushions for us. The stadium chairs are rough on my butt, heh-heh.” She giggled.

“Ahhgh…” I groaned and pulled Motoko out the door.

◑ ◒ ◓ ◐

On the way to the Stadium, my face was starting to ache because I was smiling so much! To calm myself a little bit I chose to think about something gloomy. A weird strategy I know. Even so, I wanted to reflect on my mood this week. It’s hard to say if I’m bothered about how much my emotions went up, down, back, and forth for the whole week. In just one week of High School I feel as if I have experienced the entirety of it already. Needless to say that I do believe that I may have experienced more than the average student in the first week. I had kinda mentioned to Mom and Motoko my first week was stressful in a weird way. They made a very good point at dinner that really put things into perspective. They said that Maybe everything feels so stressful or overwhelming, because it is just your mind and body’s way of adjusting to these new experiences. Which really blew my mind a little bit. Because it made so much sense! I came from a very different way of life and I had no idea of what to expect. Thus, all of my routine crying and spontaneous joy was just my body catching up to speed with this way of life.

“AH! The Stadium!” I nearly jumped into the front seats of the car.

“Yup, now let's hope we can get a good parking spot…” Motoko whined.

“Hey Hiromi, guess what?” Mom turned to my direction.

I just looked at her curiously.

“At the end of the game, they are going to have a firework show!” She smiled.

“Really!” I squeaked.

“Yea-huh!” Mom squeaked back.

From the tedious parking, the endless line into the stadium, the unnecessary drawn-out ticket scanning! From The Everything! I was already having so much fun! I felt like a littler kid! There was so much to be happy about for me today.

There were so many people too! I think Motoko mentioned that the stadium can fit something like 30,000 people. That’s more people than the town we used to live in! We eventually made it to our seats, there was a lot of bumping into people and weaving our way throughout the crowd. I can feel my face aching again from my overzealous smile. It was impossible for me to stop it at this point because the seats we had were almost perfect! We’re just a few rows behind Homebase and off to the right.

Mom handed us the seat cushions, which she got at the last minute. Now, looking at the seats… They do appear to be uncomfortable, so I quickly thanked her for thinking of our butts. I sat right in the middle of them and then just looked around. Letting everything soak in. The seemingly endless seats were slowly flooding with a sea of colorful jerseys, hats, and foam fingers, each fan proudly representing their favorite team. Moments away from the beginning of the opening ceremony.

“Hiromi!” Mom yelled my name and pointed at the field.

The players of both teams walk out into the center of the field. That can mean only one thing. The game is about to begin! I can feel the rumbling murmur of the crowd's anticipation. I wanted to look around some more but the opening ceremony was seconds away! Something that needs my full attention. Then the sudden burst of the stadium speakers instantly silenced the crowd. Although, the moment the voice from it demanded it. Everyone cheered with excitement that can only be from a sports stadium!

LET’S PLAY BALL!!!

Just like that the stadium erupted with the same power as a volcano! The players soon after took their places. With each player going to their assigned positions, regardless of the team, the stadium was still excited as ever. Once the players were set and ready, everyone was perfectly quiet. Somehow patiently waiting for the first ball to be thrown. The pitcher is ready. The crowd was practically holding their breath in anticipation.

CRACK!

The moment the first pitch of the game swung out into the air the excited crowd held their breath in anticipation as they waited to see where the ball would fall. Aside from the crowd and opposing team setting their sights on the ball as it flew to Right Field. Although, the Hitter knew their goal without hesitation. The Hitter ran as fast as they could to first base! The ball hit the ground and the Outfielders ran to the ball to throw the ball to first base. Amazingly the speed of the Hitter was too much for the opposing team. The first Hitter of the game safely made it to first base! Easily setting the tone for the rest of the game!

Cheers, screams, and applause filled the stadium, blending into a symphony of joy and excitement. Everyone’s shared enthusiasm was incredibly contagious. Watching every pitch, every swing, every catch, every score on homebase was exhilarating with every Inning. Unfortunately, all games must end eventually.

Before we knew it, we’re already in the Seventh-inning. Or as Motoko likes to call it. The Mascots Show. Oftentimes, between innings, the stadium will come with live entertainment. To give the teams a bit of a break, as well as the fans, and sometimes to fix the Field.

“Alright, I’m going to the restroom then get some snacks.” Motoko stood up.

Mom and I both provide Motoko with an Okay.

“Hiromi… Here, why don’t you wander around and get a souvenir.” Motoko handed me some money with a smile.

“Yeah?” I smiled back.

“Yup, just text me or your Mom in about 15 minutes.” Motoko mentioned.

I quickly got up and went to the stairway with eagerness.

I soon made it to the many intriguing stores that the stadium offered. I then found the one that had the least amount of people.

Ahh, I see why it’s not that busy. Everything is kinda expensive!

I have my eye on a few things… Some hats, t-shirts, and baseball with the stadium logo on it. I only had 5000 yen, so I couldn’t get too much. I was still able to make a decision, quickly and decisively!

Yeah, baseball and this keychain is pretty cool. I’ll get these.

I walk out of the store with a memorable baseball and a keychain with the home team’s mascot. I then swiftly got out my phone to message my Mom to tell her that I’m on the way back. As I made my way to the stairway an intense chill ran down my spine and all the air left my lungs as a quietly said to myself in disbelief.

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me.”

Like a prideful Tiger delicately gazing at its prey. There stood Kiyoshi camouflaged within the energetic crowd of baseball fans.