Hello there! Happy fall! Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate! I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. I thought I was going to finish this chapter by early December but I surprised myself and finished earlier.

The last chapter was really my favorite one so far and I had a lot of fun writing it. So I hope you enjoyed it. Miyuki being so oblivious about his feelings will never not be funny to me.

This chapter, however… I did not like to write. It made me so sad but it was necessary for the story to progress. So here we go…

As always thank you so much for your support. I've received a lot of positive feedback and I really appreciate it. I'm truly grateful for all the support that I've received since I started writing this fic. You truly make me so happy when you leave comments, reviews, kudos, etc. That's what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.

I apologize for any grammar mistakes beforehand.

Disclaimer: I don't own Daiya No Ace, Yuji Terajima does. I only own my OC.

Enjoy and stay safe!

Chapter 12: It's Not Over Yet

Today was the long-awaited day. The day of the final game of the summer tournament. The day that would decide who would go on to Koshien as the representative of West Tokyo. This was it and there were no second chances. Especially not with the third-years. If they lose today, then they would have to retire immediately.

"Ne, Azusa-san?" Haruno called out, mild concern lingering in her tone.

Haruno's voice made Azusa jump out of her thoughts.

"Yes?" she turned to the redheaded manager.

"Are you alright?" Haruno asked, turning her attention away from the game.

The blonde blinked in confusion. "Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Haruno flushed at her question and averted her gaze embarrassed. "Well because…"

"Because you haven't complained about how hot it is," Sachiko interrupted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Yui, who was next to her giggled at her comment.

Azusa narrowed her blue eyes in a glare while she pouted.

"Well, that wasn't what I was going to say…" Haruno trailed off, blushing more vehemently than before. "I was asking because we're playing against Inashiro…The team that your brother plays with," she clarified.

The blonde slightly flinched at Haruno's question. She voiced what Azusa was trying to avoid thinking all day. Even though it should've been obvious. It didn't fully sink in for her that at the end of the final match someone she loved was going to suffer. Either her beloved team or beloved older brother.

How was she going to feel at the end of the day? What would be the right thing to feel?

She didn't want to think about it, so she concentrated on watching the game and tried her best to pretend as if it was any other team that they were playing against. But now as the game is closer and closer to ending, she can't pretend anymore.

"Yes, I'm fine," she finally replied. "As fine as anyone can feel right now considering that it's the final game of the tournament."

"It's already nerve-wracking enough, I can't imagine-"

"Haruno," Takako suddenly said in a firm tone and narrowed her eyes at the younger manager.

The red-headed manager just nodded and resumed watching the game in silence.

Azusa didn't say anything as she mentally thanked Takako. She appreciated that the older manager was observant and knew when to intervene for her sake.

In the beginning, Seido had the advantage and managed to score off a run of Mei when he had yet to get into his rhythm. But once he found his footing, Mei became unstoppable. Not even Tetsu could stop him or his change-up for that matter. The worst part was that Mei didn't even play at full strength against all the players; he only played seriously against Tetsu. On the other hand, Furuya also played phenomenally for four innings. He grew weary towards the end, but he handed the baton to Tanba in the best way he could. Tanba started well, but once he gave up a home-run, things started going downhill for him.

Tanba for the life of him could not shake off his previous mistake, and that affected both his mental state and plays in the game. Inashiro, as the ruthless team that they were, took advantage of Tanba's instability and soon obtained the lead of the game. To make things worse, Tanba injured his leg when he tried to pick up a bunt. He tried to shake it off and play the best he could. But unfortunately, he couldn't and the coach ended up switching him with Sawamura which no one expected.

Sawamura's debut was beyond impressive. While any other pitcher would go in nervous considering how much was at stake there was at the stage of the game. Everything had to be flawless. One more run for Inashiro and the game would've been over. But Sawamura seemed unfazed, acting like his usual self, while Miyuki didn't play cautiously and called for an aggressive pitch sequence. Mei went down in just three pitches that Sawamura pitched to the inside.

Azusa knew that Mei was fuming, thinking that they were not taking him seriously which is why he made that mistake.

'That dumbass,' the manager thought. 'I always told him that his greatest weakness is his ego.'

Thanks to both Furuya and Sawamura, Seido turned the tide of the game and got one run back. Their momentum continued thanks to Haruichi who got a hit off Mei, Isashiki who set up the stage for Testu. Whom after a long battle he emerged victorious as he hit Mei's change up for the first time. Leading Seido to obtain the lead thanks to his RBI in the eighth inning. Sawamura defended well with his cutter at the end and did not concede any runs. Seido headed into the ninth inning 4-3.

Only three more outs.

Only three more outs and they would go to Koshien.

Only three more outs.

Azusa couldn't believe it as the ninth inning was starting. They actually had a chance to beat Inashiro. They were so close. It was exciting but also nerve-wracking and she wasn't sure why she was nervous. Was she nervous because of Sawamura? Was she nervous because of Mei? Was she nervous because of them both? Part of her like a traitor as she took in the excitement from Seido. Everyone was excited because victory was so close that they could taste it. Meanwhile, she couldn't bring herself to be as excited as they were.

The inning started well thanks to the fielders who helped Sawamura get the first two outs. When Yabe and Carlos were at their respective at-bats which made the stadium roar with more and more excitement. Sawamura was pitching well. Azusa had to give it to him. His pitches had power and for being his time playing in a tournament he outdid himself. It all came down to the last out needed when Shirakawa was at-bat.

One more out.

One more out and they would go to Koshien.

'Are we really going to Koshien?' the manager mused. They were so close. Only one more out. They actually could do it. She felt her throat constrict and her heart race so fast that she thought it would jump out of her chest.

They could actually go to Koshien.

'But what about Mei?' a small voice at the back of her head said.

Azusa shook her head. This was a competition and Mei was her opponent.

"You can do it Sawamura!" she cheered along with the rest of the managers trying to shake off her betraying thoughts.

Sawamura geared himself to pitch against Shirakawa. Unfortunately, he ended up hitting Shirakawa on the head which changed the tides of both the game and the atmosphere of the stadium. People were worried for Shirakawa since he got hit on the head even though he got up almost immediately. Fortunately, for Shirakawa, he seemed to be doing all right but for Seido it was a different story.

Since Shirakawa got hit by a pitch then he had a pinch-runner which meant that Carlos could go in his place. Nothing could be worse for Seido since Carlos was always the last person you wanted to be on base. Meanwhile, Sawamura looked distraught and it seemed as if the team was trying to cheer him up.

However, it seemed that it did not work as Sawamura was switched out for Nori so he could try to get the last out.

Azusa was nervous. Things weren't looking so great as if they did just a mere couple of minutes ago. But not all was lost. They still had a chance. Nori was a great pitcher.

Nori started pitching well but the third-year batter was holding his own. Ultimately he fought for a walk and now Nori was facing two runners on base. Harada was up to bat and while Nori tried his best. He hit one of his pitches which led to Carlos being able to make a run for it and score a run; tying the game at the last minute.

Everything seemed hopeless for a moment, but the team switched gears and was determined to change things around to defend the inning and head into extra innings.

However, the hope was short-lived.

Everything changed in an instant just when they were getting their spirits up and Mei scored a home run off Nori.

Inashiro won the game.

Inashiro was going to Koshien for the second time in a row.

And Seido…

They lost.

Azusa was stunned along with the rest of the team. She was frozen on her spot. A lot of people on the bleacher started crying while the Inashiro side was cheering out of happiness. But she couldn't say or do anything. Her throat was closing in again, she was starting to shake, and her head was spinning. This couldn't be.

They were so close.

They were just an out away from achieving their dreams.

The players also seemed to be distraught as they lined up for one final time. Some of them started crying as well. Azusa briefly wondered how Miyuki was feeling, but she couldn't find it in her to look for him in the crowd. She was just trying to make it through the day and get out of the stadium without falling apart.

They started getting up from their seats and heading their way outside of the stadium to go back to the campus. There was nothing more left to do here. As the coach Kataoka always said; there were no second chances in baseball. The managers were crying as Takako clutched the one thousand paper cranes that they folded in hopes that their wish would come true.

But the paper cranes were made in vain.

Before leaving, Takako made them wait by the entrance to wait for Inashiro. Once they came into view as they were walking down, waving the championship flag, they stopped in front of them. Takako walked up to Harada and handed him the string of paper cranes that they had made.

"Good luck at nationals," the oldest manager said.

The Inashiro captain seemed to be surprised at Takako's good wishes. He was probably thinking the same thing that Azusa was thinking. Would he be able to do that if the roles were reversed? The manager's actions reminded her of Tetsu, their captain.

Tetsu, like the exemplary team captain, shook hands with Harada. She didn't even have to be there, down on the field, to know that he gave his congratulations to Harada. She didn't know how Tetsu or Takako could be so strong. She hasn't even uttered a word, and she was not even playing. Hell, she didn't even know how she was feeling. Everything was so confusing.

Once finished, Takako motioned for them to start walking back to the bus. Azusa couldn't have been more relieved. She didn't want to be at the stadium any longer.

"Azusa!" an overly familiar masculine voice called out her name.

The manager cringed when she heard her name and turned around. Mei started waving his hand, smiling at her, obviously pleased that he caught her attention.

"Can we talk for a minute?" he asked.

Azusa gasped in shock and looked down at her feet. It felt wrong having to speak to him after his team defeated her's. She was supposed to leave with her fellow managers.

"Mei, I can-"

"It's alright," Takako suddenly said much to Azusa's surprise. The blonde turned to her side to meet her Senpai. Takako gave her a small smile, placing her hand on her shoulder. "You can talk to him. Just don't take too long. We're leaving soon."

Azusa blinked a couple of times in confusion and then finally nodded. "Thank you Takako-senpai," she said, returning her smile.

"Don't take too long Mei," Harada also warned her brother.

"I won't, I won't," Mei said, dismissively waving his hand.

The pitcher walked off to the side so they could have privacy and Azusa quietly followed him. They were both quiet as both the managers and the rest of the team started walking away.

"You're awfully quiet," Mei quipped with a cocky grin.

Azusa, for once, did not say anything. She couldn't bring herself to be angry or make a snide remark.

"In the end, you were the only one who refused to join the team," Mei spoke again. "And you too Azusa," he added, turning to his sister who stiffened at the mention of her name. "However, even without you, we have our ultimate all-star team this year. We're going to nationals!" he exclaimed with confidence.

Damn it. Why did she have to remember that particular conversation just now?

"Just live with regret for not joining us. Ten years or even twenty years, down the line," Shirakawa said, passing by.

Her brain loved to play tricks on her.

Azusa bored her icy blue ones into the same blue ones of her older brother.

"Congratulations, Mei," she finally spoke up. "You played well," she complimented, mustering as much sincerity as she could.

Mei didn't say anything for a few moments before cracking a smile. "I thought you would hate me," he confessed in a sheepish tone.

The manager widened her eyes in shock. Not expecting that comment from her older brother. She seriously thought that he was going to mock her and rub it on her face. Along with saying that she should've gone to Inashiro instead of Seido. "Why? Your team outplayed us," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "The team that plays the best wins. It's just the way it is. There is no reason for me to hate you. I'm not that petty or immature."

Mei looked away embarrassed. "It's not that I was expecting you to act immature," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "It's just that I didn't know how our relationship would turn out today. I was concentrating on the game, but I had that nagging thought at the back of my head," the pitcher explained.

Azusa bit her lip to stop it from quivering. She somewhat felt relieved at knowing that she was not the only one having conflicting feelings about the game. However, that didn't mean that she was going to cry in front of Mei.

"This was the first time that we were on opposite sides, so I think that's why I was nervous," Mei continued. "One thing is to play against Kazuya, but having you on his team as well? Today that proved to be tougher than I expected it to be."

Azusa gave him a warm smile. "I'm glad that you told me that you were feeling this, Mei. It's brotherly of you," she complimented, joking lightly. "But I don't hate you and I never will. You'll always be my big brother no matter how infuriating you are."

Mei grinned at her. "And you'll always be my little sister no matter how whiny you are."

Azusa giggled. Oddly feeling better and more at ease. "Seriously, Mei congratulations," she said again warmly. "Good luck at Koshien. You better win!" she exclaimed.

"Of course I will," he exclaimed, striking a pose.

Azusa just shook her head as she laughed at her brother's silliness.

She enjoyed this moment because she knew that it would be quite a while before she could laugh this summer back at Seido.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The first night at Seido was unbearable. The air was heavy and somber. A lot of players were crying. Everyone was devastated. Especially the third-years who now had to retire. Since they didn't have much to do, Azusa left early that night along with Haruno whose eyes were red and puffy from crying so much. Azusa knew that Miyuki was also having a hard time since he didn't even seek her out all day or night for the matter to walk her home.

But she didn't mind. She knew that he was probably kicking himself over the loss, and she wouldn't put it past him that he would start blaming himself. He just needed some alone time to collect himself and then he would bounce back. He always did. That was just the way that Miyuki was.

Azusa was also grateful that she got to walk alone last night since she needed space to think herself. Not only was she sad and her heart broke for her every single member of her team. For the third-years who were now retiring, Miyuki, the pitchers who worked so hard this summer, and particularly Sawamura who ultimately couldn't handle the pressure. She was also feeling like an outsider since she felt like a traitor.

She felt like a traitor because her Mei was her brother. She felt like a traitor because she genuinely was happy for Mei and wished him luck. She felt like a traitor because she hadn't been bawling her eyes out like her fellow managers. Her eyes were not red and puffy like theirs was. She barely had said a word and just like Sawamura, she was known for having a big mouth.

She also felt useless because she didn't think that she did enough to help the team. A useless traitorous manager. Perhaps, there was something that she could've done for the team this summer. But what could've it been?

Her insides were churning due to her inner turmoil, but no one could see that.

She hoped that no one held it against her.

Azusa decided that the best thing she could do was move on. It was not over yet. Yes, they lost the final of the summer tournament and won't go to Koshien. But it was not over yet. A new team is going to be formed now that third years are retiring. A new team means a new beginning. And a new beginning means a new tournament; the fall tournament to be exact. It was not as prestigious as the summer tournament, but it was another chance for all the baseball teams in Japan to go to Koshien.

They could win and avenge the third-years who couldn't experience Koshien.

She was feeling determined or at least trying to feel determined. Pushing aside all the negative conflicting feelings inside of her. Which is why she was the only manager on campus today. The campus was basically deserted since the third-year left, and many other players went home before summer training for the remaining players began.

Azusa walked around the training grounds while she tied her hair in a ponytail. She decided that it would be best to see if any players were using the facilities today to assist them. Perhaps, she would find what was going on at the cafeteria. Someone was bound to tell her something.

As she walked down to the cafeteria, she noticed some players from the second string, hurried past her without saying anything to her. She didn't particularly know them, so she didn't pay them any mind until…

"That's Narumiya's sister," one player whispered to the other behind her back.

Azusa froze on her spot.

"Really? How is she even allowed to be here?" the other one whispered back. "She has a lot of nerve showing up today."

"I was thinking the same thing," the other one nodded."It's probably her fault that we lost. She probably fed some intel to her brother."

Azusa had heard the last part before she hurriedly walked away. She didn't want to hear anymore. That was already bad enough. It reminded her of the time where everyone found out that she was Mei's sister. Some other players also thought that she was a spy from Inashiro. She naively thought that the rumors died down since she didn't hear any more comments like that ever since that day.

But boy was she wrong?

The comments were not over. They were far from over. Especially now that Inashiro beat them in the final.

'Damn,' the manager mentally cursed while clenching her fists in frustration.

She felt tears prickle her eyes, but she blinked them out and went to the cafeteria. She had to shake it off. This was just one of her obstacles that she had to face if she ever hoped to accomplish what she came to do at Seido.

Taking a deep breath, she calmed down her nerves and entered the cafeteria.

She was surprised when instead of chatter from the players she heard noises coming from the Television instead. It took her a few moments to figure out what was playing on the T.V. and then it dawned on her.

It was the final match between Seido and Inashiro.

The one that they just lost yesterday.

Who the hell was watching that so soon?

Her eyes surveyed the room until they fell on the "culprit."

It was Miyuki, wearing his usual green baseball shirt with black sweatpants, who was watching attentively yesterday's game.

'Of course,' Azusa sighed. 'Who else?'

The catcher looked so enraptured by the tape that he didn't even notice her coming in. He was hunched over with and biting his nail. Something that does when he is annoyed or frustrated with himself from time to him.

"Kazuya," the manager called out in a tentative tone. She was feeling so insecure that she was starting to doubt how Miyuki was feeling about her.

The catcher turned around and just gave her a small grin. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

That grin made her feel better. He did not hate her and still wanted to talk to her.

"I should be asking the same thing," she said, grinning back at him. She slowly walked up to him. "Isn't it too soon to be watching that?" the manager asked with mild concern laced in her tone.

Miyuki shrugged. "I can't move on this summer if I don't watch it so better watch it sooner rather than later."

Azusa nodded in understanding. "Can I watch it with you?" she asked timidly.

The catcher motioned for her to sit right next to him as he continued to watch the game. She followed suit, grateful that he still wanted to be in her company.

They watched the type in silence together. Azusa didn't dare to make a sound since she knew that Miyuki was not in a joking mood. Besides, she was also intrigued. She wanted to know where things went wrong and what they could have done differently.

They reached the point where the tape was playing in the ninth inning, and Sawamura was pitching. The last three outs were so close for them to get but ultimately couldn't. Looking back, the manager noticed that Sawamura didn't look like himself. He looked stressed and was cracking under the immense pressure.

How could she not see it during the game?

She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice the obvious. Sawamura was not like Miyuki. He wore his heart in his sleeve, and you could immediately tell when something was wrong with him since he couldn't hide it.

Why was she so selfish? All she could think about was Mei and that stupid one more out that they had to get.

Coincidentally enough, she was noticing that Miyuki was starting to tense next to her. His expression had darkened, and he was biting his nail again.

"Kazu-"

The door next to Miyuki opened, and Kuramochi soon stepped inside the room.

"Kuramochi-senpai," Azusa greeted.

The shortstop looked annoyed with his hands in his pockets. "Are you already reviewing yesterday's game?"

Miyuki didn't say anything while Azusa just looked around awkwardly.

This annoyed Kuramochi even further and a scowl graced his features. "That's great and all. But do you have to do it now? The senpai have already retired, and -."

"We weren't good enough," the catcher cut him off. "I wasn't. And the team wasn't."

Both Kuramochi and Azusa gasped in surprise at Miyuki's statement.

"Even with such unbelievable senpai, we weren't able to win," Miyuki continued, his eyes still glued to the TV screen. "We don't have the indisputable clean-up, and we don't have an ace either. As it stands now, going to Koshien next year will be nothing but a pipe dream."

Kuramochi gasped again and then he clenched his fists in anger.

The shortstop just turned on his heel and left the room without saying anything.

"Kazuya, don't you think you were a little tough?" Azusa asked, feeling bad for Kuramochi.

Miyuki kept his gaze down. "It was the truth."

"Yes, it was," she conceded. "But people still need more time," the manager added, and then noticed Miyuki clenching his fists on the table. "Kazuya, are you alright?" she asked in concern.

"It was my fault," he said, his gaze still not meeting her own. "It was obvious that Sawamura was not himself."

"Kazuya-"

"I should've noticed, asked for a time-out, and talked to him. But I didn't. I was rushing to win," he continued, cutting her off.

Azusa softened her expression towards him and then tentatively placed her hand on his shoulder. "It's not your fault," she said. "You just said it yourself. The team was not good enough. Not just you. No one noticed that Sawamura was under duress. Not you, none of the fielders, not the coach, not even me, and you know that I always notice everything," she added the last part with a lightly teasing tone.

Miyuki cracked a smile despite himself. "That's true."

"It was a bad case of tunnel vision. Everyone was so focused on getting one more out that we forgot to check on the most important person at the moment; Sawamura. It was his first tournament and we all placed our hopes and dreams on his shoulders without thinking about it. We were all guilty."

"Yes, you're right. I was thinking the same thing right after he hit Shirakawa," Miyuki said while rubbing the back of his head. "If only we could go back in time."

"But we can't," Azusa said in a matter-of-fact tone. "We have to move forward. As you said, if we don't make some changes, we're never going to Koshien."

Miyuki finally turned to meet her gaze. His expression was not as serious as dark as it was when she came into the room. She knew that he was getting his optimistic and jovial demeanor back.

"Since when are you this mature?" he teased, propping his elbow on the table and resting his chin on his palm.

Yes, he was coming back.

Azusa snorted. "I've always been mature," she retorted. First, she gave him an annoyed look but then she gave him a small smile. She was not only happy that his mood was improving but also because he was treating her like he always did. She was so glad to have him in her corner.

At least he didn't hate her.

But what about the team? Would they treat her like he treats her?

"What are you overthinking now?" Miyuki asked while boring his brown eyes into her blue ones. He looked as if he was studying her features to see what he could find out.

Azusa's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

"You don't look like yourself," the catcher replied. "You've been quiet and acting mousy which is unlike you. You're usually quiet when you overthink things. So what's wrong?"

The manager felt the sting of her tears pricking her eyes again. Why did he have to know her so well? "Nothing is wrong," she lied.

"You can't fool me, Azusa," Miyuki said with conviction. "Something is wrong. I've told you plenty of times that you shouldn't even bother in thinking because it hurts you, but you don't listen," he admonished.

"Shut up," she said, biting back a sob. "How can I not think? You're such an idiot Kazuya!" Azusa yelled, tears rolling down her eyes.

Miyuki gasped, shocked at her outburst. He was not expecting that she would cry. "Azu-chan," he began as tenderly as he could. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry. I just wanted to know what happened to you, so I can help you," he explained in an awkward tone.

Azusa wiped a tear away from her. "I think everyone hates me," she broke down. "They blame me because we lost the game. They still think that I'm a spy."

Miyuki narrowed his eyes in anger. "They? Who are they?" he asked, clutching the managers' arms. "Has someone been bothering you?"

Azusa vehemently shook her head. "I don't want to say who but no...No, no one has said anything to me-"

"So they are talking behind your back? Gossiping as if they were some idle housewives," Miyuki cut her off, anger still evident in his tone.

"Yes, I've heard them," she confirmed. "I couldn't say anything. I was thinking that probably the team overall feels like that about me," she continued. "It doesn't help that I feel like a traitor. I'm devastated that we lost. I really wanted to go to Koshien with this team but I couldn't help but feel happy for Mei and genuinely congratulate him. I mean, he's my-"

"He is your brother after all," the catcher finished for her and she nodded.

"Perhaps it was a mistake coming here if my presence is so upsetting," Azusa said, averting her gaze.

"Don't be ridiculous," the catcher said with disdain. "No one said that. Your presence is not upsetting. The senpai liked you, and you may be always quarreling with Sawamura but you have a good relationship with the pitchers. Your baseball knowledge is always helpful to the team during practice, you're always there for us. You're a great manager."

Warmth started to spread through Azusa's chest. "Kazuya, I- You really think so?" she stammered.

Miyuki nodded without hesitation. "I'm glad that you're here."

Azusa stared at him with watery eyes and extended her arms to wrap her arms around him in a hug. For a moment, Miyuki froze stiff but then he awkwardly hugged her back. She inhaled his scent to calm down her nerves and relished in the warmth of his embrace.

"Thank you," she said with her head buried in his chest. "I've always felt like such a failure. Like I barely can keep up. Especially now that we lost. Like I can't do anything right. I'm useless."

"You're not useless," the catcher assured her, patting her head. "You have a big mouth and a short fuse but that doesn't mean that you're useless."

"You mean it?"

"Yes," he replied with his arms still around her. But he was starting to move awkwardly. "So stop saying that. I would never lie to you. Now, do you feel better? Your hair is in my face since it's so long," he added with a joke.

However, that joke did not go over well since Azusa started to sob again.

"I knew it!" she suddenly exclaimed. "I can't do anything right!"

Miyuki stared at her perplexed. "What?"

"I grew out my hair thinking that you would like it… That I would look more grown-up and mature," she explained, sniffling.

The catcher nervously stammered. "B-but I don't think that it's bad," he tried to explain. "You look pretty with long hair, I promise!"

"Don't you lie to me now, Miyuki Kazuya," Azusa said in an accusing tone, looking up at him.

"I'm not lying," Miyuki maintained swiftly. "I just said that it was in my face. It's just that I'm not used to it since you always had short hair. That's it."

Azusa pouted while she averted her gaze from him. "Do you like my hair long?" she asked, sheepishly.

A small blush spread across the catcher's cheeks. "W-well, I do," he said in a slightly nervous tone. "I think you're pretty with either long or short hair."

"Really?"

The catcher nodded. "Of course, I do," he replied. "I prefer short hair because I think it's more convenient that way but it's your hair so you can do whatever you want with it."

Azusa gave him a strange look which unnerved Miyuki. "What do you mean by convenient?"

Miyuki chuckled nervously. "Well, y'know because it's summer and it's hot so it might be uncomfortable," he explained. "And it might also get in the way when you're out on the practice grounds picking up the baseballs, organizing the shed, fixing up the snacks, and whatever else that you do."

The manager raised a blonde eyebrow with a semi amused expression. "It seems like you've given this a lot of thought," she quipped. "You sure think a lot about me and my daily activities," Azusa added with a teasing smile.

"Of course!" Miyuki exclaimed, making Azusa blush. "As a manager, you're a member of this team, so I have to think about the most effective ways you can carry out your tasks," he replied, trying his best to sound convincing.

Azusa giggled. "And that includes thinking about my hair length?"

"Naturally," he said in a conceited tone. "Every little thing counts so I have to take everything into account," he continued. "I can't afford to have anything distract you or prevent you from doing your job!"

The manager playfully rolled her eyes. "Am I that important to you?"

"Of course!" Miyuki exclaimed again. "I need you this summer," he said, in a rather serious tone. "I need your help this summer if we're to turn this team around," he added, glancing into her eyes.

Azusa widened her eyes in surprise, not expecting him to become serious again.

"Can I count on you?" the catcher asked.

Azusa's lips curved into a warm smile. "Always," she replied. "Our journey is not over yet."