Distraction

Dew

The next day, I'm greeted with a dewy morning and low chatter amongst baseball players. I let out a large yawn as I head toward the field on that morning, hoping to see all that the new recruits have to offer. My eyes are slightly glazed over from writing late into the night, but I persevere through the thick morning mist.

Off in the distance, Abe Kyoka is talking with Takashima Rei. She's been looking for Miyuki most of the morning but hasn't spotted him yet. Usually, they meet up before early morning practices to exchange notes, but she hasn't seen him once. She was about to ask Takashima-sensei if she's seen him, but Takashima-sensei soon turns her attention to me, as our eyes meet.

"I heard you had quite the exciting night, Hirayama-Kun." Takashima-sensei greets me, causing me to grimace and sweat. How far has that gone around? I really don't want that as my first impression. Mom's professionalism would be damaged if I became known as a web-slinger... I can't even sell pictures of myself.

"It was an accident..."

"Miyuki and Kuramochi deserved it, don't worry about it." Abe Kyoka interrupts me, giving me a smile and a laugh. Her warmth is genuine, but I can feel a passion overload underneath. Like fire, almost. Dangerous in large quantities, but necessary. I've only seen small bits and pieces on her, but wherever Miyuki's name shows up on rosters, her's isn't far behind. From what I've researched, she's been the manager for all of his teams. The same goes for their schools. She's always right at his side. Something clicks in my head a bit, and I tell her my guess.

"Right, from what I gathered last night, Kuramochi-senpai was supposed to clean my room, wasn't he?" I question my upperclassman. She laughs before nodding. Her approval of my theory makes my confidence skyrocket, and I forget about the whole spider incident for a few minutes. I feel like the smartest girl-- I mean, boy, in the world!

... is that even much of a feat thought?

"Sharp little one, aren't you. Yep. He was in charge of cleaning that up for you, as I worked with another second year to fix up your bathhouse situation, even though some of the guys said you could just bathe with them." Abe says casually, but Takashima-sensei adjusts her glasses at me. She's currently the only person who knows my secret and is the sole reason I'm able to enact this plan here. I give her a knowing gaze back, thanking her for my setup. At first, she wasn't on board with my plan, but with enough begging, I got through. Nothing is down to luck. "Although I totally understand. They're gonna be covered in sweat all the time, it's nice to have your own separate bath." I simply nod, hoping she drops the subject while I sweat on the matter. I don't want day one to be the day I blow my cover. "You're with me today, Yuki-senpai wants me to make sure you meet everyone-" I really don't want to cause trouble for Abe-senpai, so I blurt out what I'm feeling. Boys do that, right? Girls are more reserved.

"It's alright, I already know everyone's names." I interrupt, something Midori would have never done. Abe is taken aback but then smiles.

"You make sure I have less work, don't you?"
"I told you he would be a good fit, Abe-chan," Takashima-sensei interjects, crossing her arms in a feminine fashion. Her glasses gleam with confidence at the recruit she hand-picked for the program's revival. "He's rather observant, and will do wonders for PR."

"Looks like it, plus he's so cute and tiny! He's almost like a girl!" I begin to sweat again, Abe-senpai is either really sharp or so close to the truth she's oblivious. Takashima-sensei quickly dismisses it by changing the subject. She's a pro at deflection, I'll have to pick up tips from her!

"Abe, I still request that you lead Hirayama around so he doesn't get lost." Takashima-sensei adjusts her glasses before turning her attention to the approaching team. Abe also focuses her attention, and I'm in awe.