Stealing First

Chapter 18

Miyuki spent the bus ride home in relative silence. A few of the older players noted his unusual post-game humility, especially given his brilliant home run in a clutch situation, but most wrote it off as their captain showing some growing maturity in his new role. Miyuki, however, had other things on his mind. The pain in his side was worse than he had let on – much worse- and he was worried about whether he would be fit to play in the final match. He was also worried about how to hide it from the coach, Rei, and the rest of the team. And then there was Charlie.

He unlocked his phone for the hundredth time, checking again for a reply. He scrolled back through his messages, as yet all unanswered.

From: Mr Perfect

Hey Saki 😊 I am downstairs, where are you?

From: Mr Perfect

Sakiiiiii, the bus is leaving soon – hurry up 😉

From: Mr Perfect

Sorry, I had to get on the bus with the team. See you back at school?

From: Mr Perfect

Charlie? Are you OK? Please reply so I know you are alright.

No new messages. He sighed and dropped the phone onto the seat beside him. What had gone wrong? he wondered. Miyuki had resolved to confess his feelings for her and had been confident she felt the same. Maybe this was one of those rare moments where he had read it all wrong? Maybe her not showing up was her way of letting him down gently? But that isn't her style, he thought, beginning the vicious cycle of analysis in his head all over again. He was glad when the bus finally stopped and the coach sent them back to their dorms, saving the post-game analysis for early tomorrow morning.

Miyuki walked wearily into his room, wincing as he lifted the bag from his shoulder. He flicked on the light and, despite his fatigue, began to go through his usual post-game routine of emptying his kit bag. He pulled the dirty uniform out and dropped it into the laundry basket. Most of the team simply handed theirs to the managers for cleaning, however, Miyuki was fastidious about his washing and preferred to do it himself. 

As he returned his clean, unworn socks and glove inners to his bottom drawer, he spied his old Edogawa Dragons shirt that Charlie had borrowed on her first visit to his room. A lump formed in his throat at the memory, and he barely resisted the urge to find out if it still held traces of her floral perfume. He threw the socks roughly on top and shoved the drawer closed before flopping down moodily on the bed and attempting to get some rest.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The final the following day was not scheduled to start until the afternoon, so Ryo decided to spend his morning doing a final exam cram session before heading in to watch the game. He wandered into the library, humming to himself, and made a cheeky passing comment to the librarian en route to his usual spot in the back corner. It was quiet and he found fewer distractions back here, even if it meant putting up with the mysterious musty smell that seemed to emanate from the carpet. 

As he sat down and began to unpack, he was surprised to see Charlie sitting at a table against the far wall. She was chewing on the end of her pen and leafing distractedly through a thick book, oblivious to anything around her. He recalled her rushed departure from yesterday's game and sauntered over to see how she was doing.

Charlie didn't look up as he approached. Ryo noticed she had her headphones in and tugged gently at the earbud in her left ear, curious what she was listening to. She turned quickly at this, a little surprised by the sudden intrusion, but made no move to stop him. He tucked the earphone in and tilted his head, listening for any familiar lyrics.