Love, Dreams, Friendship

That's all for now

After school the day before the ball game, the organizing committee prepares for tomorrow at their respective posts. Nao and Atsuto are in charge of the work at the gymnasium. In the job, both people are tasked with checking the ball used in the game of basketball. Check if the ball is not polished, broken or deflated.

"Oh, this might be a little unreasonable."

"Then I'll be on the air."　

"thank you"

　

Nao handed the ball away to Atsushi. Nao looked back at Junto while polishing the ball, and recalled what Bonyari and Masaki had said that day.

"Hasumi wasn't a terrible man like him"

"I regret it again if I mislead my feelings"

Nao has suffered since that day. I spoke to Junto as if, but my heart was full of various thoughts. As Masaki said, I have not been able to give an answer, thinking that I have to deal with it properly. I fear love for Atsushi will be born while telling myself the reason "I still have a lot of things Hasumi doesn't know" or "It is the same with the special or important feelings that others feel". It may be true that he did not try to give an answer, not because he did not give an answer.

"Master Mamiya?"

Nao is surprised to be called by Junto. Atsushi suddenly exploded onto Nao who looked surprised all of a sudden.

"Sorry, did you surprise me? You know I've been here the whole time, right?"

Atsushi jokingly said that and laughed. Atsuto remains cold and expressionless in class, but he becomes more expressive when talking to Nao.

"Of course I know!"

Embarrassed, Nao answered a little loudly and honed the ball in his hand. Atsushi looks at Nao and laughs again.

"I polish the same ball all the time."

"a……"

Nao is shocked when told by Atsushi. Then he put the ball into the basket and started polishing another ball.

"Are you okay? Are you tired?"

Atsushi, who was laughing, asked Nao with a worried and gentle face. Nao shook his head.

"... I was a little worried because I was wondering if I could throw well tomorrow."

Nao lied to cheat. Nao's position in softball of the ball game community was the pitcher, and there was definitely anxiety about pitching. But now I don't think about that at all. However, I can't say "I'm worried about your feelings" in front of him. I think Nao can fool me well. And I decided to continue on this topic.

"... Is there a trick to attack?"

Hearing Nao's question, Atsuto thought "Hmm" and replied with a serious face.

"I want to know too"

"I've been playing baseball for years, but I still don't know. When it is decided, it is decided, when it is not decided, not decided. I'm really in trouble."

"Is that the problem?"

Nao, who heard Masaki say, "Hasumi has good control," was surprised by Atsushi's reply.

"I. Of course, I think there are a lot of people who have talent."

While saying that, Atsuto made a light throw of the ball.

"Well, if you force me, trust the sign and the catcher's attitude."

Atsushi said so and smiled.

"That's why compatibility with catchers is so important ... If they don't fit, it's hard for each other. It's easy to fight."

Atsushi said with a hint of nostalgia, but looked sad.

"Instead, if they fit together, it's a lot of fun."

This time he showed a happy expression.

"Now .. it's so much fun. This is probably the best I've ever had. I've never thrown it in a tight match ... Kimura is a good catcher for me."

Kimura, that is, Masaki. Listening to Atsushi's story, Nao recalls that Masaki was enthusiastic about "Extraordinary Hasumi" and "Fun to receive the ball." And when I told her that, Atsuto seemed happier, even though he seemed to be on the phone. Seeing Junto's smile made Nao happy and smile.

"I had to answer Mr. Mamiya's question, but I got a lot of mistakes. And in my story."

Atsushi said apologetically. And I was looking for answers to the trick of performing the attack that could be delivered to Nao while thinking "Is there anything?" Nao giggled as he looked at such a situation.

"It's okay, Hasumi-kun"

"Well, but haven't you finished anything yet?"

"Yes, enough. The catcher is Rei, so I'll trust him and throw him. Maybe it's a good match."

"Maybe what?"

"Yes. I've never practiced with that thought, but I think it's okay because I enjoy that practice."

Atsushi smiled as he said "I understand" when he heard Nao's words with a smile. Atsushi laughed and Nao returned happy.

I like Hasumi-kun's smile.

Nao thought that this feeling was enough for now. There may be no change in running away from giving an answer. But now I think I know this feeling. I felt that the moyamoya that I felt a while ago disappeared a little.