Hello there! Merry Belated Christmas to those who celebrate! I hope you're doing well and that you enjoyed the last chapter.
Last chapter was very fun for me to write because I got to include some Miyuki X Azusa.
This chapter will have some MiyuAzu as well since things are going to kick into gear pretty soon.
Feedback is always appreciated so please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions.
I apologize for any grammar mistakes beforehand.
I also apologize for taking this long to upload. I just need to find the right balance between my job and my writing so I can dedicate time to this fic. My goal for 2020 is to update more frequently. I really want to do better and I feel so bad.
Regardless, thank you so much for your support!
Enjoy, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
Chapter 8
"Why is it so hot?" Azusa groaned out while fanning herself.
"I told you to bring your hat," Haruno who was next to her said, pointing towards the baseball cap that she was wearing.
Azusa just pouted while taking her blonde hair out of her ponytail and put it up in a messy bun instead. "You're not helping, Haruno," she chastised.
"But-"
"Stop complaining, Azusa-san," Takako who was on the far left ordered with a look of disapproval."It's not that hot and besides you're not even playing on the field. Think about how the team is feeling."
The manager grumbled as she managed to say a quick apology before turning her attention back to the game. The summer season just started and they were facing off against Maimon West. Since they were not one of the top teams of the bracket, Azusa thought that she didn't have anything to worry about. However, it seemed that she underestimated the team because the pitcher was shutting down Seido's top batters. Which was making her nervous and more irritable which might be the cause of her excessive complaints.
"They need to figure it out quick," Azusa said to no one in particular.
Haruno nodded in agreement with concern gracing her features.
"I'm sure they'll be okay," Yui said with optimism as Sachiko yelled out encouraging words.
The team was switching gears, and Furuya was getting ready to go to make his summer tournament game debut. Azusa had high hopes for Furuya. At least for this one game. So she was expecting great things from him. As well as with Sawamura but she didn't know if the coach was going to let him play in today's game.
"Is Furuya going to be okay?"Haruno asked in concern as Furuya dropped the ball and started chasing after it.
Azusa let out a small gasp. She was so embarrassed for him that she couldn't even ridicule him for this. 'Am I wrong for expecting great things from you?'
"He is going to be okay," the blonde manager said. "He has to be," she added, sounding as if she wanted to convince herself more than Haruno.
Furuya geared up to pitch for the first time and as soon as he pitched the ball everyone in the audience gasped in surprise. Certainly not expecting to see such a rapid fastball. The batter couldn't help but to swing at his pitch even though it was the remotest thing from being the perfect pitch.
Everyone was cheering for Furuya as he was going three for three. Including shy Haruno who hugged her.
"Good job Furuya!" the rest of the managers exclaimed.
Azusa smiled in relief, happy that he did better than the batters. But she couldn't find it in herself to jump from joy like her fellow managers. His pitches were way too high and that was going to be a problem in the near future.
The band started playing as Tetsu was going up to the plate for his at bat. He definitely had a special aura and carried himself well with a strong presence. He did not hit the first pitch which turned out to be a ball, but he hit the second ball with no problem, running to first base. Then, it was Masuko's turn who got another hit and now they had two of their players on base. Which meant that Miyuki was next.
Azusa felt her heart flutter as she fought a smile from creeping up on her face while Miyuki walked towards the home plate. The band started playing again for him and everyone started to cheer for him and she felt pride swell in her chest for him. He looked so confident while cool, calm, and collected as well as he stood on the plate. She always found him to look so cool when he was playing which was the total opposite of when he was off the field. Since he was such a dork.
When the pitcher threw the first pitch, Miyuki didn't hesitate in hitting the first ball. Leading both Tetsu and Masuko getting a run each while he got on base himself.
"Yes!" Azusa enthusiastically exclaimed with the other managers and the rest of the team.
"Miyuki-senpai is amazing," Haruno said.
"He is always showing off too," Sachiko chided.
Azusa giggled at Sachiko's comment. Reminding her that she should mock him after the game. As well as reminding him that he can only do that when there are runners on base. Something that his teammates must tease him about all the time.
"Miyuki-kun!" the cheerleaders and some other girls from their school exclaimed, automatically making Azusa frown. Her giddiness long forgotten.
The manager surveyed the audience, sending glares to any girl that was fangirling over Miyuki. How dare they?All of those shallow girls knew nothing about baseball and only liked Miyuki because of his looks. Fangirls never ceased to annoy her even though they haven't been anything new. When Azusa first met Miyuki, she towered over him and he was so small that at times his uniform looked like it was too big on him. But one day out of the blue when he was a second- year in junior high he shot up in height. He lost all the baby fat, and his features became sharper and masucline, not to mention that his voice became deeper. After that summer, all the girls constantly chased after him and whenever they found out that she was his friend, they'd ask her to introduce them.
'As if I'd do something like that!' Azusa thought bitterly.
"Azusa-san, are you okay?" Haruno asked before tapping her on the shoulder.
Azusa turned to Haruno with a bewildered expression. "I'm f-fine. Why do you ask?"she tried to play it cool.
"You look like you're angry," Haruno replied.
"Yes, you were scowling a second ago," Yui chimed in.
"No, I was not!" Azusa exclaimed a little too defensively.
"Are you sure?" the red-headed manager pressed.
"I'm sure," Azusa said with a nod. "I was not angry… I was just a little… Annoyed," she added sheepishly.
"Annoyed?" Yui blinked in confusion.
"Yes, those girls are so annoying," Azusa elaborated."Always making such a fuss over MIyuki-senpai," she explained with a huff.
"But you also cheered for him," Haruno pointed out.
"That's different!" the blonde argued.
"Why is it different?" Yui asked innocently while Sachiko had a smirk behind her.
"Yes, why is it different, Azusa-san?" Sachiko asked, her grin becoming wider.
Azusa felt that her throat suddenly became dry as she stammered.
How was she going to get herself out of this one?
"Girls stop talking!" Takako scolded them again in a stern tone. "How many times do I have to tell you?"
"Suminasen Takako-senpai!" they all apologized in unison.
'And thank you so much Takako-senpai,' Azusa thought with a sigh of relief.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Seido won the first game of the summer tournament with a huge lead, and not to mention without letting Maimon West score in the game. Furuya was doing relatively well which was not that surprising during the , what it was a surprise was that the coach let Sawamura make his debut in the first game as well. Sawamura also did well since he did not let the other team score just like Furuya. She was very proud of them but they both needed to improve tremendously if they have any hopes of winning the summer tournament. Furuya's pitching won't be good enough for the higher level team. In addition, Sawamura walked some unnecessary batters which she knew that wouldn't please both Miyuki and Chris-senpai. She was proven right after both catchers reprimanded the first-year pitchers.
Despite those issues they won the next two rounds without much trouble and they were ready to face their first true challenge in the summer tournament, Akikawa Preparatory school. Their ace Shunshin Yeung was a formidable pitcher due to his unparalleled pitching control. Which meant that this game was going to be defined by how well Seido's batters can handle Yeung and Azusa definitely had hope on their batters' line-up. However, that didn't mean that the pitchers could slack off. They had to show that they could up to par with Yeung.
'How I wish I could be at the bullpen,' Azusa thought as she made her way to the kitchen. She just finished organizing the donations that they got from the alumni in the shed, and Sachiko told her she needed to help with making the snacks next.
"Oi Azu-chan!" the manager heard a familiar masculine voice call out her name.
Azusa turned around to face the owner of the voice whom she already knew it was Miyuki. Since no one else calls her that, at least not at Seido. "What is it, Miyuki-senpai?" she asked in mild curiosity.
"Have you seen Furuya?" he asked while letting out an exasperated sigh and crossing his arms across his chest. "He needs to be at the bullpen, but I can't find him."
Azusa perked up at his last statement. "Actually, now that you've mentioned it, the last time I saw him was when he was running," she replied. "I haven't seen him since then. Or heard him fight with Sawamura for that matter," she added.
The catcher shook his head. "Sawamura is in the bullpen practicing with Chris-senpai."
The manager tapped her index finger on her chin with a pensive look on her face. If he was not by the shed where she was or running on the field, then where would he be? Furuya didn't seem like the type to skip practice. Azusa looked around at her surroundings to see if she got an idea and then something popped in her head.
"What about the indoor practice area?" Azusa suggested.
"I actually haven't looked in there," Miyuki said. "What would I do without you, Azu-chan?" he asked with a grin.
"Keep looking for him for the entire afternoon," she replied with a giggle as she started walking towards the indoor practice area with Miyuki trailing behind her.
"Probably," he conceded. "Thanks for helping me look for him."
Azusa gave him a side-glance. "Don't do that," she said.
"Do what?"
"Be nice," she deadpanned.
"What's that supposed to mean?" the catcher asked offended.
"Exactly what I said," Azusa retorted. "It's weird when you're nice."
"I can have common decency when I want to," he argued right before they arrived at the indoor practice area.
"Sure, sure," she playfully rolled her eyes."Is he in there?" she asked since Miyuki took a step in front of her.
"Let me-" he began saying and then gasped in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Azusa asked in concern since he didn't even see finish his sentence. The manager took a peek inside the building and let her eyes scan the room. She gasped as her eyes zeroed in a certain pitcher sleeping soundly on one of the benches.
'Is he really taking a nap? Furuya-kun never struck me as the type to slack around,' the manager mused. She then turned to Miyuki in burning curiosity since he was too quiet.
The catcher's reaction also took her by surprise. Instead of a teasing grin or looking as if he was about to start to burst out laughing; a look of complete shock graced his features as he was rendered speechless.
'I guess that there are some things that he can't even joke around with,' Azusa thought in amusement.
Suddenly Miyuki clenched his fists, and the shocked expression was quickly replaced by a scowl as he gritted his teeth in anger.
"Wake up!" he angrily yelled which startled Azusa and woke Furuya up.
"You'd better be done running!" Miyuki added, still angry at the pitcher.
Furuya sluggishly got up from the bench. "Yes, I'am," he replied in a groggy tone.
'Remind me not get on his Kazuya's bad side,' Azusa thought as she saw him glare at Furuya.
"You need to pitch in the bullpen," Azusa said to Furuya in the best soothing tone that she could muster. Usually, she would act the same way that Miyuki was acting but this time around she couldn't bring herself to do it. Furuya looked so tired and pale, and she didn't want to push him any further.
"Exactly so we need to get out of here!" Miyuki continued berating him.
"No, it's hot today," Furuya said with slumped down shoulders. "I'll be there in a little while."
"Hot?" the manager repeated in disbelief.
What the hell he was saying?
"It's summer, of course it's hot!" Miyuki retorted.
"I think he got your point Miyuki-senpai," Azusa said trying to calm down the catcher. "Why don't we head towards the bullpen now?" she suggested.
Miyuki rolled his eyes as Furuya begrudgingly got up from the bench and trailed behind them.
"You didn't finish your meal yesterday either," the catcher resumed while they walked out of the indoor practice area."You're not gonna last if you don't eat right."
Azusa groaned as they walked since the sun was beaming down on them even harder than before. `'Why does it have to be so damn hot?'
The manager peered over her shoulder to see how the pitcher was doing. While Miyuki was going on about how they were in the middle of a tournament and this summer was unusually hot. Not that she needed a reminder, since the glaring sun was enough.
Furuya appeared not to be listening as he breathed heavily and then Miyuki suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Azusa blinked in confusion. "What's wrong, Miyuki-senpai?"
Miyuki turned to her with widened eyes and a similar shocked expression from before. "It's summer," he simply replied as his eyes examined Furuya's figure.
"Huh?" she exclaimed confused.
Miyuki turned to her. "It's a very hot summer, and he is not from Tokyo," he elaborated.
Azusa was still confused by his statement but then gasped when she realized what he was talking about. "He is from Hokkaido."
The catcher nodded since she was catching his drift and then they both turned to the first-year pitcher in concern.
"No wonder he's looking like he is melting," Azusa said. "This is his first summer in Tokyo, so his body is not used to this."
"This is not good," Miyuki said while massaging his temple. "We don't know how this is going to affect his pitching. Maybe it's not a good idea to bring him to the bullpen."
Azusa shook her head. "You need to check his pitches," she said. "So we can see how well he can pitch under these conditions."
Miyuki let out a sigh. "You're right, but…" he trailed off.
"But what?"
"There is a lot of press by the fields, and I don't want them to see him like this."
"So just be quick about it."
"Fine, but don't be too loud," he chastised.
Azusa shot him a confused look. "What do you mean?"
Miyuki took a look at Furuya before directing his attention towards Azusa."I don't want Furuya to catch on," he said in a low tone. "That idiot will probably push himself even more if he thinks that we're taking it easy on him because of this."
The manager nodded. "You're right. He is too simple-minded, just like Sawamura."
Miyuki snickered. "You're one to talk," he teased with a grin adorning his features.
Azusa growled. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you comparing me to those two?"she asked in anger, but was relieved deep down inside since Miyuki reverted back to his old self.
"Haven't you realized that you're just like them?" the catcher continued with his teasing.
Azusa narrowed her cerulean eyes as she clenched her fists. "Mi-yu-ki-sen-pai," she growled out.
"Ano," Furuya interrupted them, making the pair turn to him. "Weren't we supposed to go to the bullpen?" he asked, in a strained tone as he was panting.
"Oh yeah, you're right," the manager said, mildly embarrassed."We should go now."
Miyuki raised an eyebrow in inquiry. "We?"
"Yes, we," Azusa repeated while rolling her eyes.
"So does that mean that you don't have to go somewhere else? I find it difficult to believe that Umemoto-san didn't already have more tasks lined up for you?"the bespectacled catcher with a smirk.
"Of cou-" Azusa began to say but then gasped in horror when she realized that he was right. Sachiko did tell her that after she was done at the shed, she had to help out with the snacks.
"Oh no," she said in despair as she went pale. "I have to go!" Azusa exclaimed which just made Miyuki gloat.
"Please don't tell Sachiko-senpai that I was with you," the manager pleaded before running towards the kitchen.
"We sure have some rowdy first-years," Miyuki said to no one particular before nudging Furuya to follow him to the bullpen.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Thankfully, Azusa did not get in trouble with the managers since she managed to come up with an excuse. She didn't know for sure whether it was convincing or not but since no one said anything, she didn't think much about it. After that, she decided to lay low for the rest of the day. Now, that the tournament was progressing they were starting to face off against some higher level teams. So she certainly wanted to have the chance to help the pitchers out in the bullpen any chance she got. However, that role was usually reserved for Takako-senpai when Chris was around who also handled the scorebook.
'Perhaps that could be me one day,' the manager thought with a small smile to herself. She just needed to behave and then she will be rewarded. Nothing was going to steer her away from her goal.
'Maybe tomorrow I can be in the bullpen if the senpai see this beautifully organized shed,' Azusa gave the shed one more look before reaching for the keys to lock it. This was her last task for the day and then she could go home. She let out a dejected sigh as she remembered how she probably blew her chance when Sawamura presented it to her earlier.
"Blondie-chan!" she heard Sawamura called out her name.
The manager groaned. "What?" she asked with annoyance dripping from her tone as she turned around to face him. "Don't tell me that you want another tire."
Sawamura shook his head. "No, I want you to catch my pitches instead!" he exclaimed.
"Huh?" the manager gave him a perplexed look with a wide-eyed look.
"You heard me!"
"But why?" Azusa asked, still confused. "Where is Miyuki-senpai or Chris-senpai?"
Sawamura crossed his arms across his chest as he huffed in annoyance. "Miyuki-senpai doesn't want to catch my pitches."
"And what about Chris-senpai?" she asked not surprised at his first answer.
"Well… I- uh- I can't seem to find him!"Sawamura sputtered.
Azusa narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "More like he is avoiding you," she muttered.
"That's not true! Chris-senpai is not like that tanuki bastard!"
"Even Chris-senpai's patient has a limit so don't test it," the manager warned. "However, there is more to your request," she added suspiciously.
The pitcher gasped in surprise. "Are you a witch?" he asked.
Azusa scoffed. "No, you're just terribly obvious," she replied curtly. "So what is it?"
"I truly want you to catch my pitches."
"Why?"
"Well… Narumiya is your brother right? Haven't you caught his pitches? If you have then, it won't be hard to catch for me," Sawamura reasoned.
Azusa burst out laughing. "What kind of reason is that?"
The southpaw started to blush. "Oi! Don't laugh!" he demanded. "It makes total sense."
"How?" she asked. "Mei actually has control."
"What about before?"
"That never really has been an issue for him."
"Now you're just showing off!"
Azusa smirked. "You're the one who asked."
To her surprise, Sawamura responded to her smirk with one of his own. "I get it now," he began with a smug tone. "You're just scared."
The manager frowned. "Scared of what?"
"Scared of my pitches," he replied as if it were obvious.
"I'm not scared of anything!" Azusa exclaimed. She knew he was just trying to rile her up and get her to catch his pitches. But she couldn't help but to react in the way that he was expecting her to do. She always had an affinity for proving people wrong.
"Then prove it by catching my pitches!" Sawamura goaded her.
The manager shot him a sharp glare. "Can you be more original?"
"Can you be less of a scaredy cat?" the pitcher countered with a cocky grin.
Azusa gave him another icy glare. "You're hanging out too much with Miyuki-senpai."
"W-what's that supposed to mean?" Sawamura stuttered. "I'm nothing like him."
The manager rolled her eyes."It means that you're trying too hard bakamura," Azusa said in a curt tone. "Usually, I would play along and catch for you, but you ruined it. You're out of luck."
"What? But why?" the southpaw whined.
"If both Miyuki-senpai and Chris-senpai refused to catch for you then I'm sure there is a good reason why," Azusa replied while locking the door of the shed equipment. "Maybe next time," she added with a smirk and left a dejected pitcher behind.
'Maybe I should've caught his pitches,' Azusa thought.'I missed my chance to do something meaningful, just to mess with him. Stupid Bakazusa,' the manager internally berated herself while she collected her things to go wait for Miyuki.
'Tomorrow is the game with Akikawa, so I should just concentrate on that and stop playing around. My chance will come again!'
"Azu-chan!" she heard the catcher's familiar tone call out her name.
"Miyuki-senpai," she said in curiosity while she turned around. "Were you about to wait for me?"
"Not quite," the catcher said with his usual cocky grin. "I'm glad I caught you while you were on your way. I was wondering if you didn't mind going home a little bit later? I want to show you something."
Azusa narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What?"
"I don't quite know yet, but I'm sure it will be interesting," Miyuki replied.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, more confused than ever.
Miyuki let out a fake exasperated tone. "Just follow me," he ordered.
Azusa puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "Fine, but it better be good or I'll make you pay," the manager threatened. She was already tired and wanted to go home already.
"Hai, Hai," the catcher said with a chuckle as he turned on his heel to start walking towards the practice field with Azusa trailing behind him.
"Who is practicing out in the fields at this hour?" the manager asked as she noticed one of the fields' lights was on.
"That's why we are here to see," Miyuki cheekily replied.
"So you brought me all the way back here, and you don't know?" Azusa asked angrily, clenching a fist in annoyance.
"I thought you would like the surprise," the catcher teased as he stopped by one of the poles. "Now be quiet and watch," he ordered while motioning towards the field.
"Don't tell me what to do," Azusa grumbled under her breath and stayed right behind Miyuki. She was so close to him that she could smell the scent of soap mixed in with his earthy scent but decided not to think about it. Instead, she just peered over his shoulders towards the field.
The manager left out a small gasp. "It's Sawamura who is pitching," she noted and then her eyes traveled towards the batter and catcher. "With Chris-senpai and… Kanemaru-kun. Oh poor guy. Standing in the batter's box all geared up like that."
"He is also standing on the left side," Miyuki noted. "Chris-senpai is having Sawamura practice for tomorrow's game against Akikawa."
"Oh yes, most of the batters are lefties, so it makes sense," she said. "Specially after Furuya is having such a hard time with the hot weather," Azusa added with concern. "It seems like Sawamura is trying to pitch to the inside."
Miyuki snickered. "Trying? Azu-chan you can be meaner than me sometimes," he said while chuckling.
The manager rolled her eyes. "Shut up, I'm tired," she said while she rested her forehead on his shoulder. Normally, she would be more self-conscious about having any type of physical contact with the catcher, but now she just didn't care. She was tired and needed someone to literally lean on to.
"It seems like things just got more interesting," Miyuki said to her, unfazed by her actions. "The coach just got here."
Azusa looked up immediately. "Really?" she asked as her eyes scanned for the field.
"How much do you want to bet that he just called the coach something stupid?" Miyuki asked in amusement.
Azusa grinned at him. "My entire allowance. That'd be the easiest bet ever," she said.
"Is the coach going to step in as a batter?" the manager asked, surprised. "And Sawamura is going to pitch?"
Miyuki chuckled. "Aren't you glad I dragged you here? Things are getting so interesting."
Azusa didn't say anything in return and just gripped Miyuki's arm in anxiousness. "He really is going to pitch here, under all that pressure?" she gasped as she watched Sawamura gear up to pitch to the coach with a fearless determined expression on his face. "He really can be amazing sometimes, can't he?"
The catcher smirked while tilting his head back to face Azusa who was still holding onto him. "Well, that has always been one of his strengths."
"Damn that Sawamura! How dare he fire me up right now?"Azusa exclaimed in annoyance.
The catcher burst out laughing. "You really are just like him too," he chided.
Azusa blushed in embarrassment. "W-what are you talking about?" she stammered. "I'm not acting anything like him. He is so much louder than me."
"Not by much, though," Miyuki noted. "Also, we can mention that you both have no problem invading other people' personal space," he said with a grin, pointing to her holding his arm.
Azusa's blush deepened and she immediately let go. "I didn't think it bothered you," she said before looking up with an accusing tone. "It's not like you complained or anything."
The catcher smirked. "I didn't mind," he simply said.
Azusa glared at him. "Then why are you complaining?"
"I'm not complaining, it was just an observation," the catcher clarified."I wouldn't be bothered by that since it's you."
Azusa's heart skipped a beat, and her face was still flushed. "What do you mean by that?" she asked carefully.
'Is this going to mean something special?'
Miyuki just shrugged. "That's it's just… You," he started to explain with such eloquence.
"I know what?" she pressed.
"I've known you since practically forever, you're like an annoying little sister."
Azusa blinked several times in shock.
The manager gasped. "A sister?" she exclaimed perplexed, hoping that disappointment was not detected in her tone.
How dare he fool her like that? Making it seem that there was more to it...As if they were... As if they shared a...
"Azu-chan?" Miyuki called out. "Are you zoning out?" he asked in a teasing tone.
'How can I be so stupid?'
Azusa just took a deep breath and turned her back to Miyuki. "I think it's time to go since we've seen what we came to see," she said in an odd, eerie calm tone before she started to walk.
"Oi! What's wrong? You're walking too fast!"The catcher kept calling out concerned while he trailed behind her this time around. Wondering what he had said that upset her so much.