The day Ruri is taken out of the regular batting order, Shugo finds her outside the girls' locker room, leaning against the wall of a corner with her knees folded close her chest, and the balls of her hands pressing against her eyes. The latter action could not serve its purpose, as Shugo could see clear streams of tears flowing down her forearms. He hears the unmistakable sniffs and retreats behind the wall that hides him from her.
For as long as Shugo knows Ruri, he has never seen her cry. For all he knows, Ruri only cries in the privacy of her room, and she is more likely to compensate the crying with a burst of tantrum if she isn't alone. Likewise, he knows, too, when to excuse himself and leave immediately when he sees the tell-tale reddening face and glistering eyes; he never knows how to deal with a crying girl, let alone Ruri.
The change in the batting order didn't really come as a surprise. Even Ruri was probably expecting it herself. There were too many games where she was regarded as a threat and walked to first base. Even then, she can't perform the steals she is skilled at, because of the other team's attention on her. Mother Nature is against her too. The other boys are getting taller, bigger and stronger than her, and even though her hitting power is superior, it is useless when she is always targeted to walk.
Shugo sighs inwardly. He has never felt this helpless before, and words of comfort are never his forte. With his luck, he would be more likely to wind up with an agitated Ruri instead. From the corner of his eye, he spots his concerned team mates, who, seeing his odd position, are hesitant to inch forward to where he is. He slips away quietly, and leads them away from his best friend.
An hour later, Ruri finally walks through the school gates. When she sees Shugo sitting by the guard, her red, blotchy eyes widen, looking genuinely shocked at the presence of Shugo.
Shugo scowls at her, hunger fuelling his impatience and short temper.
"Is it really that surprising that I've been waiting for you for an hour? We're supposed to have dinner together at your house tonight."
Ruri's eyes instantly narrow, and Shugo could tell she is annoyed. She takes in a breath, and Shugo braces himself for her outburst.
"You could have gone home first! Baka Shuu-chan!"
Shugo does not refute the retort. It is true; he could have gone home first, but he didn't feel good leaving Ruri alone. Not that he'll ever admit it.
They bade farewell to the guard, and head home. Ruri walks ahead of him, pumping both arms into the air, like she's jubilant instead of disappointed.
"One day," she says confidently. "I'm going to have the hit of my life!"
Without thinking, he responds, "I'll help you."
When Ruri turns back suddenly, Shugo blushes at the sight of her sparkling eyes boring into his.
"I-I mean, we'll help you," he stammers, and berates himself mentally. "The team will help you, because, you know, you're Ruri."
A grin slowly graces Ruri's lips, before she turns and skips ahead.
"Come on, Shuu-chan! I'm hungry!"
Before long, a smile tugs at the side of Shugo's lips, as he runs after Ruri.
