Diamond no Ace: Laugh, Love and Live

Chance

Afternoon practice was a bit intense on that day because of the fact that there would be a game tomorrow and it was with Ichidaisan, nonetheless. Megumi could feel her body trembling a bit, not because she was intimidated that they would be facing a powerhouse and a favorite, like their school but because of the excitement that she was feeling.

The coach had informed her that she would be analyzing the game up close and would be jotting down notes for the team's future usage. Knowing her better than anyone, Coach Kataoka trusted her attentiveness and her detailed observations which made her really glad.

~~~

"Hime-sama! Hime-sama!"

She was on her way back to the dorms when a familiar, loud voice rang throughout the corridors. Megumi turned around, sweat still dripping on her face from the practice, when she heard her name was called, "Fujimoto-senpai!"

The sun was still a bit high up and was only about to set but practice was already over. She was heading to her room to change her undershirt before going to the indoor practice ground to meet up with Miyuki, whom she has an appointment with.

"What is it, Sawamura?" The girl smiled amicably at the younger one, who breathed out through his nose, looking on the dirt at the ground. She was somewhat confused as to what he was making a ruckus of.

"Do you think you could help me with training?" Dumbfounded, Megumi blinked, her face void of emotions before she recomposed herself. Who knew that Sawamura could be like this?

"Oh my! Sure thing. But," she trailed off. Sawamura looked at her expectantly his eyes glinting with excitement. "I'll be supervising your training. Until the coach tells you to stop running, I'll just let you run too. What he's making you do, would surely benefit you in the future. That much I can guarantee on behalf of the coach."

The southpaw pitcher seemed utterly puzzled at her words. However, he somewhat understood what she meant. She was asking him to do as he was told by the coach. Fujimoto Megumi guaranteed that it would be useful to him even though it seems unproductive in others' eyes.

But Sawamura felt like he could trust Megumi like how their coach trusts her too. Even if he is an idiot, like what others are saying about him, there was this something about the girl that made him feel comfortable in one way – if not the other.

"By the way," Megumi started when he was about to turn around and leave after exchanging understanding glances. Sawamura waited patiently for her to continue, which was a surprise. The kid was too docile for his own good today.

"Do you want to join us in the bullpen?" His eyes sparkled with excitement at the female manager's invitation. Usually, he'd be driven out or made to stay away from by his fellow teammates.

"Can I?!" The first year stared at her expectantly, making her laugh at his good-natured and easygoing attitude. She suddenly felt like she has a younger brother she needed to play with just to placate him.

"Sure. But you are not allowed to touch a ball yet, right? You'll just have to watch me pitch." Her lips settled into a wide smile, when he nodded eagerly. Megumi just patted his head in return. She even needed to stand on the tip of her toes because of the height difference.

"It's fine, hime-sama! I wanted to see you pitch more, although I want to pitch too, myself. But you and boss said that I am not allowed to touch a ball so I won't disobey your orders..." Sawamura rambled on and on. Her brows furrowed when she finally realized what he was calling her. So, she was the one he was calling for earlier.

"Wait, could you stop calling me 'princess'? I am no princess. Also, call coach Kataoka properly using 'Coach'." Megumi snorted in disbelief at the silliness of the boy, chuckling softly when he saluted comically. She smiled helplessly, knowing that he might continue with his antics later on.