Chapter 5: Homerun

"I seriously can't believe you went ahead and did it," I said, sulking on the Ember Tiger's bench.

Kanade giggled while she whirled the orange and white baseball on her finger, "We should have given you a warning."

"That would be nice," I murmured then sighed. "So where's your beloved cousin?"

"She went to go meet up with Uncle Kiyoshi, her father," answered Kanade, not taking her eyes off the cap. "They are discussing Yui's surgery over at the hospital behind the field."

Turns out, Kanade went down into the Ember Tiger's locker room (much to their embarrassment) and introduced me to them. The coach immediately refused but the big guy, the team captain apparently, convinced him otherwise. So, Kanade filled out most of the paperwork for me as well. But Tachibana also said that I'm stubborn so it's better to just pick me up and throw me into a uniform without my consent.

"I can't believe you let them do that to your own boyfriend," I said, dropping my head.

She only giggled again, "Normally I would not, but I will admit, it was entertaining."

I looked up at her in disbelief but her face had a warm gesture on it. A very small smile and her head tilted to the side a bit while examining me, "I would never let anything happen to you if it can harm you. I also know you can never stay mad at me because you love me too much."

Her words startled me for a bit but they managed to pinpoint my feelings for her. Yes, I can get mad at her but in the end, I will end up running after her again.

I returned her smile and stood up before pulling her into my chest. Her small arms wrapped around my bigger body as she buried her face in the orange uniform.

I love you Kanade, I thought as I rested my chin on her silver white hair. This time, I won't lose you no matter what happens. I'll protect you with my life if I have too but for some reason, please don't do the same for me.

"Hey new dude!" I turned to the sound. It was the big dude that carried me off no so long ago. I got a better look at him and his structure kind of reminds me of my old friend with the 5th degree judo belt except his eyes are open wide, "We're counting on you! Don't let us down even if you have a friend over there."

I nodded, "I'll give it my all."

He threw me a mitt before disappearing again.

Kanade suddenly moved a bit under my arms, reminding me I still had her trapped in them, "So where are you going while we play the game?"

"Right there," she pointed at my green jacket. Funny, it seemed like ages ago since I still thought my life was normal and was looking forward to a nap.

I suddenly felt her lips on my cheek as she kissed me. My whole face immediately changed color and my body fired up.

"That sure woke you up," she winked. "But it's also for good luck and don't get hurt."

"As long as you keep your hand Sonics to yourself, I think I'll live," I chuckled.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen! It seems like the Ember Tigers found a new pitcher! His name is Otonashi Yuzuru and let's see if he can do anything for the defending champions!"

"Otonashi! Let's go!" The coach's voice suddenly came and along with rest of the team's footsteps.

Kanade immediately bounced away from me and onto the seat. One of the players threw me a mitt before another dragged me off without my consent, again.

And here they are with their new pitcher! He looks like a promising one! We'll see just how good he is!

I half expected Hinata to be the first batter again but a complete stranger stepped up to the plate. I didn't tell anybody but I have made my own plan for my best friend. I need him to step to bat though but for now, I have to satisfy my team so they can keep me out on the field.

I easily struck out the batter with two fast balls and a curve, earning cheers from everybody in the stadium. All three outs were caused by strikes out.

My batting skills were a little rusty but I managed to run three bases on my third swing, making two people run home.

Hinata didn't come up to bat until the fifth inning. He didn't have a very happy expression on his face and I first thought it was because of my betrayal. I had a guilty look on my face but he just shook his head and mouth a single name that made my heart ache for my friend.

Something's wrong with Yui.

"You have to focus," I yelled to him. "Just do it, trust me. Because the sooner you get this done, the sooner you get to see Yui! For now, swing the ball with all your might."

He blinked in surprise at my words before nodding his understanding.

On the field, the bases were filled. I kept rotating the ball in my hand. Replaying my little secret plan over and over. It was a wild shot and a 1 in a billion chance he'd hit the ball at the exact spot but it's worth a go; no harm in trying.

I threw the first ball, a fast one to make it looking convincing. The second a curve. The third, however, I threw a very easy fast one, hoping he'd hit it.

Come on Hinata, you have to! Be Noda for once, will ya? I thought as I released the ball.

He read my mind!

With a grunt, he swung the bat and the ball went flying out of the field. All eyes followed and before long I heard the crash of a window.

The referees rule that as a homerun! Though he and the pitcher will be responsible for apologizing to the hospital.

Half time came and I was immediately scolded for the pitch but they didn't kick me off. But instead made me and Hinata go apologized then and there.

So, in the setting sun, my girlfriend, my best friend, and I went on a very silent jog. But I can't help but glance over at Hinata every so often.

Please, let my plan be a success.

…..

Yuri's POV

I followed my father as he made his way down the hallways towards Yui's room. I just hope everything is going smoothly with Otonashi and Kanade down on the field. Not that I don't trust my cousin, it's her new idiot boyfriend that I don't. Yeah we're friends but come on; he can't even lie to save his life!

"Yurippe, what was her name again?" Dad's voice made my worries subside for a bit.

"Yui Endo," I answered, scratching my brain for her last name.

We finally arrived at a closed room with Yui's name written in front of it. I took breathes but my father just calmly knocked once before opening the door.

A woman in her forties, I presume Yui's mother, sat there watching TV while peeling apples. She had long orange hair not as light as Otonashi's but not too far from his. I nearly gasped when I saw Yui on the bed, her eyes shut as if she was at peace.

Damn. Otonashi told me about Yui and I also thought it was unfair. But it happened again! That's not cool; whoever is in charge of this game of life.

She looked as us with confusion but my father quickly greeted her with his extended hand, "Hello, Mrs. Endo. I am Dr. Nakamura, the surgeon that will be overlooking your daughter's surgery."

She shook his hand, her eyes still fixed on his, "Nice to meet you, Dr. Nakamura but why have you visited. My family and I are still saving up money for her surgery."

"As part of a test I have to take to see if I really am willing to sacrifice anything for the greater good, I have to perform a brain surgery on a single person for free."

After he said these words, Yui's mother's eyes started glistening, "And how did you come to hear about my Yui?"

I felt a sudden push on my back as I came into better view beside my father, "My daughter, Yuri and my niece, Kanade, are old friends of Hideki Hinata and Yui. It was she who told me the situation and gave you this opportunity."

The woman's eyes immediately scanned me. I didn't show any signs of being weirded out; instead, I just smiled at her, "Hello, Mrs. Endo."

"I don't believe I have ever met you before and I know all of Yui's friends," she narrowed her eyes at me, causing me to suddenly get a little angry.

"Obviously you don't all if you haven't met me before," I said, as nicely as I could.

She ripped her eyes off of me and back at my father with a smile, "I am very glad to hear it. Thank you, but do you have a partner or are you going to be doing this alone?"

"My brother will be here tomorrow and Yui will be able to go into operation by the day after tomorrow," he answered.

She walked over to Yui and whispered, loud enough for us to hear, "Did you hear that, honey? Everything's going to be alright."

This woman is such a fake.

Something suddenly caught my eye. I walked around the bed and towards the window before looking down at the baseball field.

The game is in full swing at the moment and now I know for sure, Kanade did her part correctly.

"Yuri! Get away from the window!"

That, voice!

I turned and looked at Yui. She was sitting up, her pink eyes looking at me with the familiar dark pink eyes. My father and her mother stood there staring at her, just as surprised at her sudden recovery as I am.

"Wha?"

"Didn't you hear me? Get away from the window!"

I did what she told me and rounded her bed.

The window suddenly broke into shards.

We all stood there, not knowing what happened or what to do. Yui, however, just leaned over the bed and picked up an object among the shards.

"Yui! What are you doing?! You're going to get cut!" her mother exclaimed.

Ignoring her, Yui picked up a small spherical object. My eyes widen in recognition when I saw the white coloring and familiar red stitching.

A baseball.