Wild Pitch Afterstory

Chapter 2 (Si-eon)

Have I actually seen Si-eon sad before? This question may have bothered me the longest, but it finally gave way to more pressing worries.

- Didn't you get any sleep, Dohyun? - One of my classmates asked as I lay down on the desk during the lunch break. Considering how terribly I slept, I shouldn't be too surprised if it's noticeable. It's not a good day, and it will be even worse ... Frustrated, I hid my face in my arms.

Even though Si-eon assured me that everyone would be happy about my return, I had a hard time thinking that I would have to face everyone I had failed... and not once or twice! First losing, then running away. Maybe I shouldn't show up at all ...

- Yo, Dohyun! - The other friend greeted me. - Heard you go back to baseball!

- Oh! Really? - First one asked surprised. - No wonder I saw Si-eon Sunbae in such a good mood!

- And that he's not here yet! - Another one added playfully.

I am glad that they are in good spirits, meanwhile I will hope the ground opens up and I collapse under it. It's all because Si-eon Sunbae made such a show of my departure! And it's not even the first or last time! He always dramatizes. Even then ...

"Haha ... I'd rather not talk about it before the game. I will tell you once the Blue Dragon Competition is over."

I really thought it was going to be something very important. The way he said it seemed... I brought the image back to my mind once more. ...as if it was something that really weighs him down.

"I didn't say it because I didn't want to spoil the mood when you were so determined to win ... but I was going to say it was okay to lose."

I'm not saying his words were meaningless, just... not what I expected. Although I don't know what I actually expected ...

I was waiting for the end of lessons as if I was about to be sentenced, but unfortunately the moment came when I had to direct my steps towards the training hall. With a heavy heart, I pushed open the locker room door, behind which it was as lively as usual, or at least until I showed up. Everyone looked surprised at me. What am I supposed to say to them? I stumbled looking for words.

- Look who finally showed up!

- We were already starting to worry!

- The coach won't give you a break for this time off!

They spoke harshly, but... without any disappointment or reproach. Literally as if our defeat and my quitting never happened.

- Dohyun! - I heard a familiar voice and before I could turn towards him I was hit in the back. I shuddered and finally looked at the Nowboon, who was glaring at me. - What were you thinking, skipping practice like that?! Today you'll be throwing me batting balls until your hands fall off! - He threatened, and I blinked at him. Seeing him somehow made the remnants of my nervousness melt away at that moment.

- Good to know my little Nowboon missed me ...- I muttered with a smile.

- H-hey! It's not like that! - He swore, red as a brick.

- I think you owe me something too for making up for your losses in the competition... - Hyungsoo said suddenly, coming up to us.

- As if he had something to owe you...! - Nowoon growled in frustration, answering for me.

- You might be right... You need batting practice much more! - He replied harshly, which immediately became the reason for another quarrel. Even that is as usual. And is there...? Suddenly I felt someone tapping my shoulder.

- Are you looking for someone? - the person I was trying to spot was exactly the one asking. Kyungsoo Sunbae was looking at me, smiling gently. At the sight of him, tears spun in my eyes again but I tried to keep it cool. He no longer had the braces on his arm, but he still had plenty of bandages. - Hey. Where did this face come from? Don't think just because you were put up twice as a starting pitcher that now you can look down on me. - He said with a slightly sharper expression on his face.

- How's your hand ...? - I asked, still worried.

- Better. I will return to my regular training soon. Don't worry... And as soon as this happens, I will take my position back from you. - It sounded more like he was challenging me than simply communicating a fact.

- So what are you doing here? - I asked surprised.

- I found out from Si-eon that you will be here today.- He explained and reached for me with his good hand. - I had to come to thank my hoobae for the repla ... - as he was saying, his hand was almost touching my hair when I was suddenly pulled out of his reach.

- See? I promised that you both would come back to us soon ...! - Si-eon Sunbae announced, embracing my neck.

- Sun-sunbae? Could you just let me go?

- And what if I don't want to?

- Stop joking around. - I scolded him and weaved myself out of his embrace.

I started dressing up without seeing the looks these four are throwing at each other behind my back.

As expected, the coach scolded me plenty. Mainly for not informing him about my "break" in person and it was after this conversation that something struck me.

- Si-eon Sunbae?

- Yes, my dear Dohyun?

- You told everyone that I was leaving when I asked you to, right? - I asked accusingly, frowning.

- Of course! I... just... put it a bit more as you will think about it. - He explained. - Because I felt I would be able to persuade you to come back. - He explained proud of himself.

A) Thank you...

B) We need to seriously talk about crossing certain boundaries, Sunbae.

A) I muttered with a smile. In spite of everything, he spared me a lot of explaining and crooked looks.

- You're welcome! - He smiled charmingly, slightly flushed.

B) I replied quite threateningly. Even though he spared me a lot of explaining, he did not respect my decision and did not comply with my request.

- Are you mad at me, Dohyun? - He asked worriedly. At which I just rolled my eyes. I will come back to this on another occasion.

- As most of you already know, and some of you don't... - Here the coach cast a meaningful look in my direction. - One competition has barely ended, but the second one is already visible on the horizon! Thanks to our result in the Blue Dragon Competition, we have already passed the preliminary qualifying round for the White Tiger Tournament. The only other tournament with equal reputation at the country level! I hope that "good results'' in Blue Dragon will not make you want to rest on your laurels! I know you can do even more! - He said, and in response he heard determined shouts of acknowledgement. - This is the last chance to face the opponent together with the third-graders who decide to stay in the team! Use it well! Make them proud! - There were shouts again, but not from me. Realization hit me like a bucket of cold water. How could I forget... that Si-eon Sunbae and Kyungsoo Sunbae would soon graduate?