Chapter 6 - When I Kept My Promise

Timeskip - 3 years (16 years old)

"See you later, dad!" I waved behind me, taking off as he dropped me off at the back of the dorms. "I'll be here after practice with your stuff!" I gave him a thumbs-up, not looking back. It was early in the morning, and today was my first practice along with the newcomers. 'Seidou, huh?' I pondered as I was giddy with excitement. I walked with a spring in each step. I looked through the fence to find a group of boys, 'They must be the first years.' I took my first step on the field, I could feel their intense gaze on me. My excitement immediately wore off, the mood definitely turned tense. I should be used to this feeling, but it doesn't stop the immediate sinking feeling. I fumbled with my sleeves attempting to ease myself from their stares.

Everyone had set themselves up in two rows. I took a spot at the end of the second row. When an older man, wearing a pair of black sunglasses, his stare looked at us as if he meant business, marched towards us with a group of second and third years players. I looked around at the group for Kazuya to be a part of them. I was a little disappointed, 'You're so stupid, Mari. Why would he be here?' I was hoping he'd remember I always wanted to go to Seidou to follow in my dad's footsteps.

"Good morning, Sir!" The boys started to shout out of sync. I quickly dismissed searching for the shorty and joined in with the shouts. The coach, Kataoka Tesshin, stood in front of us, immediately everyone quieted down. "Is this everyone that wants to join the team?" He asked us, everyone in unison shouted, "Yes, Sir!" He scanned across the lineup, and I caught his eye for a second. 'Did I do something wrong?' I dismissed the thought. "First, please introduce yourselves in order." "Yes, Sir!" He pointed at the person in front of me. 'This is going to take long…' I was going to be the last one to introduce myself.

The introductions started to drown out, and I was easily distracted by my surroundings. I looked around to memorize everyone's faces until I stopped to notice something happening behind the coach. I smiled when I saw one of the baseball players writing on a piece of paper, then holding it up, though it was too far to read. 'Wouldn't that get you in trouble?' I squinted my eyes, trying to read the paper until someone shouted behind the shed. The coach and some players noticed it as well, but the introduction kept going.

Even though everyone dismissed it, I slightly turned my head to the right to look at the source of the shout. I could spot two heads peeking out from the side of the shed. 'Looks like they're late, must be rough.' I kept watching, the one guy preparing himself to sprint towards us. 'Hmm? What is he doing?' The kid dashed towards us pretty quickly. 'Does he really think he could make it?' It was possible, he was a couple of feet away from me until, "Hey! Even though he's late, this guy's trying to sneak into the line!" The guy behind the shed yelled. Everyone turned their head to the runner, and I realized his devious plan. The guy had used the runner as a decoy and managed to sneak into the group behind the coach. I tried my best to control my laughter as the kid just realized he was used.

Finally, maintaining my composure, I tried to take a peek at the mastermind's face. 'Eh?' I suddenly froze. There stood a boy grinning from ear to ear, waving at the runner. He wore a white cap sideways, showing bits of his medium-length brown hair. He was at least half a foot taller than I was. Even though he wasn't the shorty I was expecting, I knew, I definitely knew, 'Miyuki Kazuya...' He still had the same devilish smile. I was still in shock, not expecting him to be here. 'I mean, I did wish for it, but I didn't think he'd actually be here.' I didn't know whether to cry or laugh at my luck. 'Kaz, could you recognize me like this?'

"Go run until practice ends!" The coach shouted at the kid, I was pulled back into reality. "You run, too!" He told the three baseball players behind him. Kazuya and the other three started running around the field with tires following behind them. I sighed, a little disappointed he couldn't see me like this. The introduction continued from the start of the second row. After a dozen more people introduced themselves, it was finally my turn. It seemed like everyone had been anticipating my introduction. I seemed to be the only girl on the team. "I'm Suzuki Mari, a second-year! I just transferred from America! My desired position is right fielder! I have confidence in my skills!" I shouted. 'Everyone's gonna call me Suzuki, huh? That's gonna be weird.'

It's been two years since my parents' divorce. I took after my dad's last name, and I was under his custody. It took a while for my dad's transfer to go through. 'It's going to be so foreign to be called by Suzuki.' I let out a breath at the thought. When I've come to realize everyone's eyes were still on me. "America?" "A girl?" "She must be one of the fangirls." I heard them murmur, realizing that I had bigger problems than my name. I kept my face stoic and body forward, 'You're used to this. You're used to this. You can do it.' I repeatedly told myself to stay strong and ignore their comments. I definitely forgot how hard it was at the beginning of joining a team, and the only way around it was to show them my skills.

"I'm Kataoka Tesshin, the head coach!" The coach introduced himself. "It goes without saying that adapting to the high school baseball training regimen first and foremost is important. So first, see the baseball we are seeking to achieve with your own eyes and feel it with your own skin!" Everyone was speechless at first, "Yes, Sir!" He motivated the new members and even the members behind him. "First years will now have a physical ability test on ground B, while second and third years go to ground A for general practice. Once you're done with the free part of the training, we'll move on to fielding practice with runners. All the pitchers are to participate in the defense, as well." The coach instructed us, "Yes, Sir!" We started to disperse out of the line, heading our way to ground B.

I took one last peek at Kazuya. 'I guess they'll be running here.' I hummed away, being a couple of steps away from the group. I was a little jealous of the kid, but I definitely didn't want to be on the coach's bad side. I focused back in front of me and noticed I wasn't the only one lagging behind the group. There was a kid around my height with pink hair covering half his face. His hair swayed side to side, entrancing me. "Pink..." I muttered out loud, the kid jolted. He must've heard me since he was now nervously taking his steps forward. I gathered up the courage to pick up my pace and approach him. "I like your hair. What did you say your name was again?" I asked him with a friendly smile on his face.

I examined him. Even though we were the same height, he had a smaller frame. I was more well-built and muscular due to extensive practices over the years and attending my dad's and my team's rigorous training. In terms of beauty, I felt defeated. He was cuter than me, I started to question my womanhood. 'Is he secretly a girl?' I asked myself until I took a good glance at the boy's face again. I instantly lost it. He was blushing, "Thank you. I'm Kominato Haruichi." He said with a little bow. I bowed my head while I introduced myself, "Suzuki Mari, Kominato-kun." I raised my head and winked at him, flashing him a smile. He was now as red as a tomato and stammering, "You c-can call me Haruichi." "Ah, call me Mari then. I'm not used to being called by my last name." I told him truthfully, he nodded. The rest of the way was filled with silence. I would often take a peek at Haruichi at my side, 'He's really quiet.' I thought as we finally arrived at the field, we were told the physical ability tests we'd be performing today.

'60-yard sprint, agility tests, vertical jump tests, core and muscle endurance tests.' I repeatedly thought. We did a slight warm-up before starting the 60-yard sprint. The examiners had paired and lined up everyone in groups of two though I was sadly not teamed up with Haruichi. I took a glance at my opponent to see a tall blonde. I gave him a smirk as I got ready in position, with my right foot forward carrying my weight and left foot ready to take off. It looked like I was ready to steal a base. "Ready! Set! Go!" One of the examiners yelled. I took off, starting with a crossover step with my left foot. I leaned forward, keeping my body as low as possible while I sprinted straight to the finish line.

Once I took a step on the line. "6.36!" The examiner on the finish line yelled while I slowed down. 'That's slower than usual...' I furrowed my brows scolding myself while I looked back, and the blonde finished a second after me. We continued with the rest of the tests until it was time for breakfast.

I lined up to get my second bowl of rice, and I could feel glares pointed at my back. It was coming from the older members since they didn't watch the ability test. In their words, I was apparently a stubborn fan girl. "What is she still doing here?" "I bet she wouldn't even last a week." "She should just join the cheer squad with that face." They didn't even try to hide their comments about me. I took a seat right beside Haruichi and the other first years. "How'd you do?" I opened up a conversation with Haruichi while I set down my tray on the table. "Not bad... How about you, Mari-senpai?" He said in such a quiet, gentle voice. The other first-years listened in to our conversation. "I was about average," I said, laughing it off. The first years around us started to emit a fiery aura. "Average?" I heard someone mutter. I cocked my head to the side questioningly. "You wiped the floor with Kanemaru!" The guy beside Haruichi shouted while pointing to the tall blonde in front of him. The blonde started to fluster, "What? She beat everyone in every test!" He said in defense, pointing back at the guy. I tried to calm down the situation, "Now, now. It wasn't that bad. I couldn't even beat the long-distance throw." I said, staring at the slim, black-haired boy at the other table struggling to finish his food.

They finally settled down, and we started to get to know each other. Haruichi and I mostly listened in and interjected from time to time. I excused myself to get my last serving. The glares weren't so bad anymore after talking to a couple of first years. I realized it only came from a handful of guys. I looked around the room. Everyone was mostly scarfing down their food or talking among themselves. My eyes caught the back of Kazuya's head, 'Ah! There he is.' I headed down the path towards his table when I noticed the same kid was with him. I let out a pout and decided to turn around to stand in line. I thanked the lady serving the food, "Whoa! Are you okay, man?" I heard someone shout while I sat back down on my seat. I checked to see what was happening to find the first year, right beside Kazuya, looked like he was going to hurl. "Don't puke here, if you're going to puke, go ou-" "Stop it!" The upperclassmen started to yell, creating a ruckus. The kid barely made it to the trash can. I turned away as quickly as I could, not wanting to recreate the scene.

It made me lose my appetite. I slowly ate my last bowl with my tablemates while the second and third years started to head out to the field. Most first years were struggling to finish their last serving, and others couldn't do it and had to puke outside. I took my last bite. It wasn't difficult for me since my dad would force me to eat two to three bowls of rice every meal.

I head out with a couple of first-years to watch the upperclassmen practice on Ground A. We started to warm up by the side while watching them. I kept watching Kazuya batting, "World Flamingo!" I giggled to myself, 'Dork…' "First years, gather up!" The examiner shouted at us. "After this, we're going to test your ability for your desired position. So put on your spikes… and head over to ground B." I got excited. This was my first official practice in Japan.

While I head to the dugout to change to my spikes, "Huh? Why just me?" The loud kid was yelling at the coach. I sighed, heading my way to the other field. 'Get off your high horse.' The kid has been hogging Kazuya all day, I was starting to get irritated at him. I heard the boy shout again, "I came here to be the ace! I'm not going to lose to anyone in that!" He was yelling back at the coach, glaring at him. 'Ace? You're not even showing respect towards the coach.' My face twitched at him. 'Kazuya, what do you see in him?' The coach started to march towards him, my eyes widened. 'Is he gonna hit him?' Instead, I watched him pitch a ball towards the fence, hitting near the top.

The coach had challenged him to do the same throw. I was intrigued by his skill. "So... basically… It'll be fine if I throw it over the fence, right?" I scoffed while he continued speaking, "If you can't do this kind of thing, then you can't be an ace!" The statement made me raise my brow even though he was a little obnoxious. I can't help but agree with him. "Sawamura Eijun, from Akagi Junior High! Will now be throwing the first pitch of his high school life, which you should remember!" He yelled before he threw his pitch. His pitch looked like it was going over the fence, but a couple of meters before it, the ball started to drastically curve downwards. The ball rolled and stopped a foot before the fence. 'Why did he throw a curve?' I looked at him, and he was shouting the same question. 'No, it looks like it wasn't intentional. He might have a natural moving fastball.' I concluded, I smiled, 'Sawamura Eijun, huh? No wonder Kazuya is interested in you.' I strode away to ground B, leaving everyone else behind while they laughed.

The practice was finally done, I could definitely say I shined as an outfielder. Throughout the testing, I felt like I had to cover up for my teammates since they would miss catching a pop-up or throw a wild ball. My eyebrows furrowed. I can say, for sure, that I picked up Leo's habit of wanting to bark at everyone. I wanted to bark at everyone to fix their mistakes. I watched everyone board the bus to watch the first string play.

I opted out for today since I still had some errands to run. I waved off to Haruichi and headed to the car parked near the bus. My dad has been waiting there for a couple of minutes. We were about to head to the nearest sports rehabilitation center since my dad's close friend works as a psychologist there. I was coming there to meet him. "How was practice?" I hummed at my dad, "I did pretty well, I think." "Is Sakaki still coaching there?" "No, it's Kataoka Tesshin." My dad made a surprised sound, "Eh! Tesshin?!" "Yeah, do you know him?" "What a small world... I thought he was going pro." "Dad! Did you know him?" My dad laughed, "Yes, yes, Mari. I was his catcher for two years in high school." I was surprised. "Really?" My dad had a big grin written all over his face. "I was a year older than him, but my coach at the time named him the ace by his first-year fall tournament." I looked at my dad, amazed. We finally reached the center, 'National Training Center.'

"Maybe when I drop you off, I'll go say hi." I nodded in agreement. "Maybe I'll brag about my little girl too." "Dad!" I barked at him in embarrassment. He only laughed while ruffling my hair. I checked the entrance, there was a man by the door running and waving towards us. "Maki!" "Kou!" The two grown men tackled each other to a hug. "It's been five years." The man said out loud. "It's been way too long." I looked at my dad questioningly, he finally noticed me. "Mari, meet your psychologist, Koeda Kozume. We played baseball together at college." I nodded my head understanding the situation. "I'm Suzuki Mari. Nice to meet you, Koeda-san." I reached out my hand to him, he shook it. "Likewise."

We head inside the center. "Maki, I was so excited to see you, I had to wait outside the door." My dad laughed at the man's puppy-like behaviour. "We came here as fast as we could." We arrived at his office and sat down. Koeda started to ask me basic questions and introduced me to the basics of our meetings. I was scheduled to meet him once every couple of weeks, starting next week. I nodded at him, I looked at my dad, and he gave me a reassuring smile. Koeda gave me a note to give to my coach and escorted us out of the office, giving us a tour around the center. I stopped in front of a door to take a look inside. There was a handsome boy inside. He had thick brown eyebrows, his brown hair slicked back with a couple of loose strands. I paid attention to his eyes, his eyes wer-

"Ah! I see you've caught your schoolmate." Koeda surprised me from behind. He knocked on the door, letting us in. "Animal-san, I have a patient that came from America. I figured introducing you might show her some comfort during her stay with us." The tall American came over to us and started to talk in English. " Welcome, my fellow Americans! I'm Jorge, but you can call me, Animal. This is my son, Chris. " He pointed to his son. He nodded his head before returning to his set. I bowed my head to the two of them while introducing myself, " I'm a big fan of yours. I'm Mari, and I'm currently a second year in Seido. " Animal chuckles. " Are you interested in baseball? " I nodded, " I joined the baseball club this year. " He was confused for a second until he spoke, " Ah! As a manager! Well, to help out the players, here's my book. " Before I could correct him, he forcefully gave his book to my hands, and I flipped through it. Animal continued, " Chris here used to be a part of the team before he badly hurt his shoulder. " I turned my head to look at Chris to see his face stood determined while doing his reps despite the distractions around him. He was sweating profusely while doing his sets. I faced back in front of me to see Animal disappeared. He was behind me talking to my dad and Koeda. I moved forward to Chris, and I waited to let him finish his set before introducing myself. "I'm Mari. Nice to meet you, Chris-senpai." He took a towel beside him to wipe his sweat before taking my hand to shake it. "I know, I was at the practice." He spoke quietly.

I kept watch of his eyes. They were like mine every time I stared at the mound, completely lifeless. He caught me staring. I offered him a small smile, cutting it to the chase, "We're both a couple of broken players, huh?" I told him. He ignored the rhetorical question, "What are you in for?" He asked me before returning to his set. "A horrible type of yips, I guess. I used to be a hell of a pitcher." I answered a little bitterly, keeping a watch on his form and count. "You?" I asked him. "I tore my shoulder and wrist." He started to quicken his pace as he said it, "Slow down! Raise it slowly!" I warned him. He went back to his previous pace. I took a peek at his face again to see he was being overly frustrated. I took it as a cue to leave, not wanting to distract him anymore. "Chris-senpai, see you in practice tomorrow."

My dad and I left the center and headed back to the dorms. I started to think about Chris, 'We're the same? As if... I could still play baseball. Our struggle isn't the same. He has it worse than me.' I scoffed at myself. 'What's wrong with you, Mari?' "I have your stuff in the back. Are you sure you want to live in the dorms?" My dad asked me. "Yeah, I figured it'll be better if I want to take this seriously. I can go to the center with Chris, so you can go back to work, dad." I told him. We still lived near Edogawa, and it was at least an hour drive from Seidou. I didn't want to burden him anymore. "Make sure to call me every night, so I know you're fine." He told me sternly while I could see his eyes start to gloss over. I felt a little guilty for leaving, "I'll visit on the weekends when I can." I reassured him. Finally, arriving at Seido, I saw the buses already parked at the back. We got off the car and started to unload the car and head towards my dorm.

I had the room to myself since the previous occupants graduated or moved to a different room to accommodate for me. I stopped in front of my door, '202', my excitement overwhelmed me. I swung open the door to see it had two bunk beds to the side of each wall. At the end of the bunks, there were two sets of desks and clothes hangers. I raised my eyebrows, 'Three people are roomed here? What a tight space.' My dad came up behind me and gently placed the box on the ground. He whistled, "I remember when I used to live here." He walked around the room, reminiscing. "Do you want to join for dinner then?" I asked my dad. He was tempted for a second before he shook his head. "No, I have to drive back soon, and I still have to talk to Tetsu." I was unused to my dad being casual to the coach. We both took our leave from my room and headed downstairs. I parted ways with my dad to head inside the cafeteria while my dad went his way to the manager's room. I heard loud cheers inside, 'I guess they won.' I thought.

As soon as I opened the door, the coach's face appeared. I shrieked and jolted out of surprise. My whole body immediately pales when I realized what I've just done, 'Did I just screamed at the coach?' I quickly bowed my head. "I'm so-sorry." I stuttered. 'I'm dead, aren't I?' I could hear muffled laughter behind the coach. "Suzuki Mari." I raised my head and nodded at him. "Why weren't you watching the game with your fellow teammates?" He asked me. My heart started to beat louder. I rummaged through my pockets and handed him the note from my pockets. "I had prior errands to run. I've also escorted someone who wanted to talk to you to the manager's room." I told him. 'I technically didn't escort him.' I felt guilty knowing I've lied to the coach. Kataoka took the note and read it, giving me a nod. "Meet me after dinner to discuss this." I vigorously nodded my head. "Yes, sir!" I bowed my head again while I heard the three adults take their leave. I raised my head and sighed, and I checked inside the cafeteria.

Most of my teammates had released their muffled laughter while some looked at me questioningly. To divert any comments hurled at me, "Congratulations on making it in the best 16 for the spring tournament!" I shouted at them before anyone could say anything. I quickly left to grab my first serving, dodging any attention drawn at me. I headed and sat at the same spot this morning, "Hey." I greeted Haruichi eating at the table. He welcomed me, "What was that note about Mari?" I shrug my shoulders at him, placing down my tray. "Nothing much. I only have to leave practice early now and then." I told him, glossing over the details. Before he could ask any more questions, I interrupted him. "But the coach still wants me to talk to him after I eat." He nodded at me, understanding what I meant. I hurried and scarfed down my three servings while listening to their conversation.

I knocked on the manager's door. "Come in." I opened the door to be greeted by four adults staring at me. Both the assistant coaches looked at me, a little amazed. I looked at my dad for answers, and he looked guilty. "I might've said too much." My dad confessed as the woman came up to me. "I knew your name was familiar. It hit me when your father mentioned Yanagi." I blushed at her comment, "I'm Takashima Rei. It's a pleasure to have you in the team, Suzuki Mari." She said with a smile. "Thank you, Takashima-san." She guided me to take a seat beside my dad. The coach had a smirk, "You're apparently known and feared throughout America, huh?" I stammered at his statement, shaking both my hands and my head at him. "No, no, my dad was just exaggerating. I'm not that good."

Kataoka looked at me seriously, "Have some faith in your abilities. I'm looking forward to your performance." I felt encouraged by his words. "Yes, Sir!" My dad intervened, "Anyways, Mari, I've explained to Tetsu about the note. I've asked if he could get Chris to accompany you." Kataoka gave me a stern look and warned me, "If something triggers or worsens your condition, you'll immediately be taken off the team." I gulped, nodding my head. "Well, then that settles it. It's about time for me to take off since I have an early morning tomorrow." My dad said as he, the coach and assistant coach joined him as they took their leave.

Before I could join them, Takashima reached out to me, "Suzuki, if you need any help, you could always come to me." I turned around to meet her eyes, and I smiled at her before bowing. 'This is my first time having a female coach.' "Thank you, I actually have a question." She raised her eyebrow and smiled at me, "Go ahead." I blushed, "I was wondering if you could keep it a secret about my name and my baseball history from the team." She was surprised, she wasn't expecting me to ask her a favour. "Why is that?" "I want them to engrain my skills in their eyes," I said mischievously. She chuckled, "I suppose I could do that. Is that all?" I nodded my head, "For now. Have a good night, Takashima-san." I bowed my head and took my leave.

As soon as I opened the door, a face suddenly popped up. I jolted up in the air out of surprise, my eyes still in shock to see who it was. It turned even worse when my foot didn't land properly, losing its balance. My whole body soon starts to stumble towards the ground, bringing along the figure in front of me. Before we both knew it, we were falling to the ground. I tried my best to cushion the fall for both of us. I wrapped my hand around the back of his head, my other hand around his back, bringing him close to my chest. The least I could do was not injure him during the fall. I closed my eyes and braced for impact. Though there was no impact, I opened my eyes to see a pair of amber eyes. Time slowed down and stopped for a moment.

Our faces were barely an inch apart. I couldn't believe it for a second, my eyes started to linger downwards. With every breath I took, I could smell such an addictively sweet with yet a faint musky scent. My hands began to grip around the figure's body, wondering if it was my imagination playing a game on me. I could feel such soft brown hair and a toned back at the palm of my hands. My eyes lowered to his chest to see he was still wearing his school uniform. His white long sleeve was slightly unbuttoned, showing off his collar bones. My breath hitched as I quickly advert my eyes to his arms to notice his forearms, which caught us from falling. I quickly looked back at Kazuya's eyes in worry. To only find his eyes were still dumbfounded, then they widened as if he realized something. He opened his mouth, a little confused.

"Yan...Yanagi?"