Chapter 3 everyone! I don't know but I feel that this was poorly done. It should have been better but I guess fatigue from the holidays are affecting me a lot.

To the person who asked what Rina's age is, it's 16 yrs. old and I guess you're right. What I'll be figuring out is how to introduce Rina to you guys instead of making a character profile. That could probably come later if someone can make her character design. (I would make it if I only have better skills and motivation :P)

What I really need now is some strict criticism and suggestion to make this story better but for now I hope this chapter gets you even more hooked to my story. Thank you guys and an advanced Happy New Year!

Found

The following morning, Rei had called for a few of the players while making sure her niece was still asleep. The group included Tetsu, Jun, Ryosuke, Chris, Miyuki, Kuramochi, Haruichi, and Kanemaru. It was a rare combination indeed but it was because the matter at hand was nothing trivial.

"Is something the matter Takashima-sensei?" Tetsuya asked.

"It's about Rina… I have a favor to ask all of you." A short silence filled the office they were in then the lady continued with her words. "I'll let last night's happening pass, but... if she ever pulls something like that again report it to me at once. Also, I want you to keep a close eye on her actions."

"That's no problem but can we know why?" It was Jun who inquired.

"The truth is, she's here because of certain situations back in America. I'm in no position to reveal it to you. She should be the one to talk to you boys about it. For now, she shouldn't be pushing herself. So can I leave it to you to watch over her?"

"Yes ma'am!"

_._._._._

The boys headed to the canteen to get some breakfast. Upon entering Rina was already there eating with Sawamura and Furuya.

"Ah! Good morning!" She shot up from her seat and greeted the group of boys energetically. There was a slight hint of awkwardness floating in the air. They were still processing what Rei said earlier while being heavily curious on Rina's reasons for coming to Seido. Some thought of it last night already. If the girl was the assistant director's niece, then wouldn't it be better for Rina to stay with her aunt. The silence was starting to drag until one pink-haired broke the quietude.

"Good morning Rina-chan." Now each and everyone included in Rina's 'watchers' started returning the brunette's morning greeting. They then finally went to get food and took a sit at where they preferred while each of them trying to act naturally around Rina.

_._._._._

Weeks have passed and Rina has been doing great in her stay in Seido. She's in the same class as Sawamura and Kanemaru and has been doing wonderful in it. The teacher's have been praising her a lot. She also has no trouble with her duties as manager. In fact, she's been doing too good that those assigned to keep watch on her don't even need to do their job. Or so they thought…

Since the start of her stay in Seido, Rina had nights when she couldn't sleep. She was stressing herself and thinking too much during those times. But tonight was different. It was the night after Seido's practice game against Kiryuu and Sawamura's pitching sparked something in her. She was aware that Sawamura was somewhat in a probationary status and the scene of him standing on the mound, having a hard time but learning at the end of the game gave her back some of the confidence she had been losing.

Unable to contain the excitement, Rina took off her sleeping garments and changed into her jogging attire. She wore a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and a jacket over the shirt. She tied her hair into a ponytail and slipped a supporter on her right knee. Finally, she put on her jogging shoes and went out of her room.

She quietly and sneakily went out so no one would notice her. If they ever find out that she had been jogging every night she couldn't sleep, she'd be totally sent back. She had no specific course when she jogs. She just goes around the whole training facility randomly while trying to keep out of the players' eyes.

Just when she thought tonight's jog was going to end smoothly, she closes in on the training ground A only to hear and find two certain pitchers, a loud-mouthed one and the other with a stoic personality.

She stopped in her tracks and tried to quietly walk pass them while ducking to avoid making them notice her. She was sure that these two were clueless and not involved in her case but just to be safe. A few more steps and Rina was almost out of their sights but the girl then felt a sudden sharp pain in her knee.

"Ouch!" She winced in pain and started whimpering. She strained her knee too much tonight, jogging longer than she usually does plus bending her knees to duck did not help.

"Did you hear that?" Furuya asked.

"H… h… hear what?" A slightly scared Sawamura returned his fellow first year's question.

"That whimpering sound…" Furuya then looked around to check if anyone or anything was there.

"Oi Furuya! You're just trying to scare me so that I'll leave and you can have MY tire all to yourself. If you think you can fool me then-"

"Look over there Sawamura." Sawamura then looked over to the direction Furuya pointed to. They saw a hand on the fence and Sawamura went pale. He screamed loudly in fear but was ignored by Furuya. He went up to the hand and found Rina trying to make herself stand up but was only met with pain every time she attempted to.

"It's not a ghost. It's Takashima-san." Sawamura stopped screaming and then scurried to the two.

"What's wrong?" Sawamura asked with a concerned look on his face. Rina could only look down at the ground. This was the worst. She was just trying to stop running away anymore but she was met with mortification.

She tried standing up on her own while ignoring the two boys at the other side of the fence. But to no success as she only felt pain surge through her body. The two boys then quickly ran to her side and asked her if she was alright. Rina shook her head from side to side. Tears were already overflowing from her eyes. This prompted the Sawamura and Furuya to help her up. They each placed an arm over their shoulders and slowly heaved her up.

Rina whispered a 'Thank you' and asked them if they could bring her to her room. She also requested that they went through the back so no one would easily notice them while promising to tell them her 'condition'.

While walking to her room, Rina let out a small sigh. 'I'm already in this situation. I just hope nobody else finds out about me anymore.' The girl hoped strongly but it was pointless. Coming back from his swinging practice, Haruichi caught sight of the three.

"Harucchi!" Sawamura exclaimed. When Rina looked up she had a slightly surprised look on her face but the expression soon changed. She bit her lower lip and showed a discontented look on her face. She already figured out why the young pink-haired boy had a troubled look.

"So you're one of them…" she muttered. Even though Haruichi was supposed to report Rina's current state, he was hesitating. He couldn't bear the pained look the girl had been making.

"Rina-san… I" The two's conversation were then cut off by the black-haired boy who had been silent for some time now.

"What are you two talking about?" Furuya inquired. Rina shifted her gaze to him and forced a smile on her face. She then turned to Sawamura and did the same before finally turning to Haruichi.

"Haru-chan, will you come to my room as well? I'll tell you everything there then you can decide whether or not to tell Rei-nee." Haruichi nodded and followed the three from behind.