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I've only been here at Seido for less than four months but a lot has happened already. I had used my injury and vulnerability as an excuse and ran away all the way here to Japan from America. I decided to pretend and fake a smile, letting the new people I have met in this school that I had nothing on my agenda. Of course I knew that I couldn't keep it a secret for very long though. The very reason my parents let me go here without anyone accompanying me in the first place was because Rei-nee was there to 'look' after me.
I planned on behaving whenever the team had me in their plain sight while being carefully to not let them know about my problems and nightly routines. That was what I thought but… they were a team that had me wanting to flex my muscles properly. I tried to fight the urge. I kept myself to my nightly jogging but alas, they made me do it extensively. Soon enough, my knee couldn't take the sudden pressure and I collapsed. Ei-chan, Sacchan, and Haru-chan found me. They helped me keep it a secret but seeing Kou-senpai get hit by a dead ball rattled me. I wandered around school the whole night and when morning came, I just had to collapse before making it to my room. Still, I guess I should be thankful that You-chan was there to catch me. I could have aggravated my knee back then.
When they finally found out about my injury I felt like a heavy baggage was taken off my heart. In all honesty, I didn't want to hide it from them anymore especially after seeing how they earnestly do their best every day in order to improve themselves. The only down side though to my secret being revealed was that the whole team became too overprotective. Their actions and attitudes are uncalled for. There were only a handful of people who understood how I felt and supported my actions and decisions. But in the end, everything went well.
Unlike before, where I could only do the tasks that managers do, I was given the chance to help train the pitchers given that I was also a catcher in the little league before switching to tennis when I was a little girl. My dad also gave me the a-ok to play light catch (But he forbade me to do swings. He said it was still early for my still recovering knee.) and gave me a rehabilitative training regimen to speed up my recovery.
It was fun spending the days with the team and the managers but everything has an end. I originally wanted to thank them by doing whatever I can to help the team grow stronger but I've come to a realization. There was not much I could help with actually. Coach Kataoka is more than a capable coach. He doesn't simply train his players for the sake of their high school careers but he is also considering their futures. Also, Coach Kataoka had taught them to be aware of their own weaknesses and how to overcome them. If I had kept playing baseball I might have had a tip or two to contribute but my life is revolved around tennis now. Plus, I also realized that everything is one-sided for me. Their awesome plays on the field gave me back the confidence I was losing. And no matter how much they struggled during an official game or even at practice they had an unwavering determination. I was really inspired by their dirt-covered figures. It showed how determined they were. But it is not only that, because after they had learned more about me they also lent me a helping hand on a few things. If there was anything I could do to reciprocate their support is to cheer them on from the bottom of my heart and this. It's time to show them the result of everything they have done for me.
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'Hello dad? It's me Rina. I've decided…' the twin-tailed brunette called her father to tell her something that has been on her mind ever since the game against Akikawa. Before making the call, she made sure that no one was going to hear in on her conversation. She wants the boys to focus solely on the tournament and not worry about her.
'I kinda feel guilty again but if it wasn't for this team, I wouldn't be making this decision. I just hope that whatever will happen from now on, they can overcome it and be stronger than ever before. And I also hope that no one gets seriously injured,' were Rina's thoughts after the call. She placed a hand on her heart and gently clenched the spot. She could now only pray for the best for Seido High's Baseball Team and whatever challenges they will face in the future.
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To Takako-senpai, Yui-senpai & Sachi-senpai:
Thank you for taking care of me ever since I became a manager of the baseball team. I never felt homesick much because of you senpais. Once again, I'm really sorry that you were the last ones to know about my injuries but from now own, I promise that you will be the first ones to know things concerning me. Thank you for everything really!
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To Haruno-chan:
I'm really sorry Haruno-chan of this was sudden. I feel bad that I'm leaving you to be the remaining manager in our batch but if you need any help, you can always call on me. I'll always be your friend and give you support so don't hesitate! I love you~!
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To Tetsu-senpai:
Tetsu-senpai, I understand why the whole team has great respect for you. The admirable strength you show when you stand at the batter's box has me shaking with excitement. Even though, I once stood at the top, you made me realize that I still lack in a lot of areas. Let's us do our best respectively and I hope that someday, I'll be able to catch up to your strength. Thank you very much!
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To Jun-senpai:
Jun-senpai, the truth is even though you are sometimes very scary you can be really nice can't you? With that said, thank you for always being concerned with my knee. I'm glad that unlike the others you didn't have an exaggerated reaction. Oh, you know what Jun-senpai? You shouldn't brood over things too much it's bad for you. I'm not saying that you're an idiot or anything but, what I'm saying is that your fighting spirit is enough to pull you through your troubles. You just need to swing your bat with all you've got. I like that appearance of yours the most.
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To Ryo-senpai:
Thank you for the secret batting lessons (and the lessons on bullying/manipulating people as well) Ryo-senpai! I'm certain they'll be of use sooner or later in both baseball and tennis. And when that happens, I'll make sure to send you a video. This is a secret between only us.
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To Chris-senpai:
I could never compare my own experience with what you have gone through with your shoulder Chris-senpai. But still, I want to treat our injuries as something that bonds us. This might sound corny and all but to me, Chris-senpai is like the big brother I never had. While you were already busy looking after Ei-chan and Sacchan, you also guided me too. I wish I could have been a bigger help in training those two but I'm aware that keeping them in check is the most that I can do. Nevertheless, I'm glad that I was able to contribute even if it was just a bit.
I'm sure that my decision won't surprise you because like you said we're kinda similar. Each and everyone on the team has become an inspiration already so I have decided to push through with it. I hope that the time where I can play with you without worrying comes soon. Either that, or even greater, we'll both achieve our dreams.
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To Kazu-chan:
Kazu-chan is a great player so you'll be alright. There will come a time where you'll become distressed but remember that you have your teammates to support you. If you become an idiot too then I really fear for the team's future. Even though you really get on my nerves sometimes, I do have respect for you. So, if you slow down in our race I'm definitely gonna make you eat my dust and wait at the finish line to tell you 'Serves you right, moron!' If you don't wanna lose to a girl like me make sure to get a grip of yourself since Kazu-chan is Kazu-chan. And I'll be really damned if you change, you hear me!?
PS. This is obvious but, I'm counting on you with Ei-chan & Sacchan.
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To You-chan:
Really, why do I always bump into you at the worst timings? You've seen me make the worst faces and it's infuriating. Though, I won't deny that I'm awfully thankful to you. You-chan, you better not change for the worst alright? I'll be honest and tell you that you're one of my favorite players on the team. But I'm not talking about your abilities as an athlete only but also your personality, your attitude as an individual. You always hear me out and you concern yourself with my injury as well. You're really kind and caring. I want to return the favor so you're free to call me anytime of the day if you have any worries, okay?
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To Sacchan:
Sacchan, listen to me very carefully alright? Don't become too greedy and arrogant. You have that bad habit. It's great that you aim to be the ace of the team but don't forget that you still have a lot of weaknesses you need to fix. I'm afraid that you'll only become worse if you ever receive the ace number therefore, having a presence of mind is greatly essential. Don't become selfish, mind your surroundings. Baseball is a team game. Oh… And yes, I'm sorry that I can't keep my promise but I'll find a way to make it up to you. Until then, do your best in both practice and STUDIES!
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To Ei-chan:
You'll definitely face a lot more difficult challenges from now on but I'm sure you can overcome them Ei-chan. You're not weak and I know that. A lot of people know that. You have a strong will and fighting spirit and you're determination is far from halfhearted. Even if you fall down hard, I believe that you can stand back up. Mistakes, failure, defeat… those are all part of the game, of life. After experiencing all of those bitter things, we can only raise our heads and move forward. With that said, I recommend that you shouldn't over think too much, especially when you're troubled. You'll just overload your brain. Being your usual energetic self will be more than enough.
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To Haru-chan:
Of all the three of you, I cause you trouble the most didn't I Haru-chan? I'm really sorry for that. I realized that you can get scary when mad. Haha… Anyways, I promise I won't push myself to edge. I'll never be reckless anymore. In exchange, you need to keep doing your best too. They should have realized by now that you're much more than a lucky boy. Your skills and abilities right now is the result of your constant practice right? In order to catch up to that person… Show them what you got on the field. I'll be cheering you on always.
-Rina