Inning To Inning

To think that I’d have a normal experience at the ballpark. With every turn I make it is truly unpredictable. This is amplified by a single person even more so. An admirer, an enemy, a friend? Kiyoshi Tadokoro, one strange boy in my class, has a mission that I will never be able to understand, nor want to in all honesty. Unfortunately, I have the sneaking suspicion that I’ll find out some way or the other.

“Yo.” Kiyoshi simply said as I hastily walked up to him.

“Yo?!” I yelped with annoyance.

“What are you doing here?” I quickly asked.

“It’s a big day, the Lotte Marines are play-” Kiyoshi began to speak but was cut short.

“I know who the Marines are playing against! I just find it a bit odd that out of all the people I’d see here would be you!” I whispered loudly.

“...” Kiyoshi stared blankly.

“Well?” I asked.

“I suppose that I cannot fool you as I initially anticipated.” Kiyoshi remarked.

“Huh?!” I whined as I held tightly the baseball I just bought.

“‘Tis true, this encounter is no coincidence.” He closed his eyes, as if he was disappointed with himself.

“Whoa, whoa… Okay, Detective Conan. How did you even know I was going to be here?” I rubbed my head in anxious confusion.

“I have no need to reveal such purposeless information. Now, if I may be truthful with my desires.” He swiftly replied, avoiding the question then walked around me as some type of intimidation tactic.

“Uhm, what would that be?” I nervously recoiled.

“Simple really. I had time yesterday to reflect, and realized my mistake. I should have confronted you directly regarding your audience, instead of asking through the device. In the morrow, you shall come to my home after school.” Once he finished his monologue, he swiftly pointed his finger at me.

This sent me back a few steps. I was too bewildered by his behavior to say anything back. I’m not even sure what to say!

“Then it is settled, I’ll soon provide you with my address, so that I can finally get what I want.” He just walked away as if nothing happened.

Still bewildered by this unexpected interaction. I just looked at him as he walked away into the crowd.

Hold on! I can’t just let this kid walk all over me! My parents taught me to stand up for myself!

“H-Hey!” I yelped with a stutter, gripping the baseball with both hands.

Kiyoshi stopped and slowly turned his head to me in the most unsettling way. His face was numb to positive emotions, a face that could scare the hearts of warriors. Needless to say, I winced and lost all confidence that I had.

Okay, well that didn’t go as I expected, maybe next time.

◑ ◒ ◓ ◐

I skipped back to my seat in a minor panic. No surprise that my heart was racing. The sudden situation that I randomly fell into has left my mind blank. I’m not sure if I should be mad, excited, sad, or I don’t even know! Kiyoshi’s behavior is beginning to get out of hand. Right? Hopefully… Hopefully, I’ll be able to settle this tomorrow. Whatever ‘This’ is.

Now, back between my parents, I feel more at ease. Still, as the game went on, I swear I saw him every once and awhile. I couldn't figure out if it was just my overactive imagination or he was actually there watching me. I really hope that Kiyoshi’s incredibly odd behavior is just his way of making friends. Thinking back to when I first met Minato, the way I acted wasn’t exactly normal-

“Oh shoot!” I sighed out loud on accident.

“Hm, what was that Hiromi?” Mom quickly picked up my random outburst.

“Oh, um, I just remembered that I get to watch a friend practice tomorrow after school.” I remarked with my slightly cracked voice.

I forgot! I’m supposed to see Minato tomorrow! Now what am I supposed to do!

“Hmm, will that friend be your admirer, Minato?” Motoko chimed in as she filled out the score cards that were handed out earlier.

Gosh she is fast! Well, I did just tell them about Minato last night, it shouldn’t be that surprising. I guess I’m still shook after Kiyoshi’s antics.

“Yeah, he’s part of the school’s baseball team.” I explained.

“Oh, how fun! Has he shared any interesting stories about being on the team?” Mom asked with glee.

“Well, kind of… He was, uh, telling me about when he first saw me.” I fell into my seat with some embarrassment.

“Hiromi, hm-hm, is your face turning red?” Mom chuckled at my blushing face.

“So, he was at practice, when Aoi-San and Hinata-San were showing me around, is when he first saw me…” I said slowly.

“And? Is that all?” Mom got a little closer to me.

“Well, when he was me, he was in the middle of catching the ball with one of his teammates. And, uh, he said that he got distracted by my face. Then the ball he was going to catch, but wasn't looking at it and it hit him in the head.” I explained covering my face with mild embarrassment.

“Pfft. Hahaha!” Mom let out a somewhat obnoxious array of laughter.

“Wow, it sounds like Minato is a pretty bright one.” Motoko remarked with sarcasm.

“Oh, come on Hun, that’s kinda cute!” Mom defended, still giggling.

“Uh-hu, very cute.” Motoko replied, still unimpressed.

“Don’t mind her, sweety, Motoko has very high standards.” Mom remarked.

“Oh, they're not high at all actually.” Motoko chimed in.

“Wha! What is that supposed to mean!” Mom squealed with comical concern.

Motoko simply shrugged her shoulders with a smirk.

“Hey! You're the one that said ‘Yes!’ to the Ring! Remember!” Mom shouted back, flustered, she put her hand up with the wedding ring visible.

“Yes, yes, My Love. Mwah.” Motoko grabbed Mom’s hand to kiss it.

Face red as a fresh bundle of cherries. Mom quickly went back to her seat to puff out one of her bashful cheeks. Seeing her like that made me realize where I get my own ruddiness complexion from.

“Yeah, Minato said that he was just glad that he was wearing his helmet, heh.” I giggled.

“Okay, he’s a little brighter than I thought. But I won’t know for sure until I- GO! GO! GO! Ahh… So close.” Motoko began to explain, but got easily distracted by the game, then wrote on the scorecard, somewhat agitated.

“Even if that day never comes. Just remember to take your time with anyone that wants to get to know you.” Mom smiled.

I nodded my head at Mom’s wisdom.

◑ ◒ ◓ ◐

KA-BOOM!!!

A powerful yet beautiful explosion of brilliant colors covered the night sky. After the intense and lively day, it had to come to a bittersweet end. With the energetic crowd cheering until their lungs gave out, the tons of uniquely flavored food, the eccentric and competitive mascots, even the unexpected interactions. I simply cannot wait to do it all again!

Watching the night sky sparkle with dazzling colors, I sat with bliss between my parents. Mom’s arm was reaching behind me to hold Motoko’s hand. A perfect display of a loving family. Not wanting the evening to end, the Finale began in a spectacular show of the talented pyrotechnics skills and pride. Captivating everyone in the Stadium, they all lookup upward with joy. Knowing that this will just be one of many more games and fun festivities for the year.

The last explosion faded into the sky. The Stadium was able to release one more roar of congratulatory excitement. Slowly but surely, the Stadium began to dwindle. One by one, the hundreds of people began their trek home.

“Ahhh, well that was absolutely the best!” Mom stood up from the stadium seats and stretched her arms and back.

“Definitely, moving was a great decision.” Motoko mentioned as she got up.

“Right! Hiromi, I kinda already know the answer, but did you enjoy our gameday?” Mom asked as we made our way out of the Stadium.

“Hehe, well I’d hope that you know the answer. But yes, this was the best gameday ever!” I provide a big smile.

“Best gameday, so far.” Motoko chimed in with an uplifting tone.

“Hah, well I’m still glad to hear you say it!” Mom replied with glee.

“Ohh, very true, we still have several more games to see this year!” I added with tired excitement.

“Now, we just have to get out of here so we can get next week started!” Mom announced with joy.

An enlightening way of thinking to end the evening. With every passing minute, hour, and day. Will bring us closer to an experience like this one. Even with the plethora of uncertainty in my life. I’ve come to realize from this unforgettable day that the things I know for certain will happen in my future, will always out weight any unease I have about the future!