"- Promise? - Promise."
Shohei Ohtani, a baseball superstar worldwide, carried the weight of an injury that threatened to shatter his dreams. He now faced not only the painful physical injury, but also a disease that posed threat to his mental healt...
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This was the first time in three months he made his return to baseball practice field.
Shohei was still grappling with the effects of his mental trauma, and it had been a long and challenging journey for both of us. As we arrived at the field, we were greeted by his teammates and Ippei.
When Shohei was preparing for praticing, I struck up a conversation with Ippei, expressing my deep concerns about Shohei's well-being. I shared with him the progress Shohei had made thus far, highlighting how his mental state had been gradually improving. Ippei listened attentively, acknowledging the positive steps we had taken together.
"Ippei, I'm really relieved to see Shohei making progress," I said, my voice tinged with a mixture of hope and worry. "But I can't help but feel the weight of this responsibility. Sometimes, it feels overwhelming."
"I was right to put my trust on you, Y/N." Ippei's eyes softened as he placed a hand on my shoulder. "But I want to ask you something, even if it might seem difficult."
I looked at him curiously, awaiting his request.
"Please," Ippei's voice held a mix of gratitude and urgency, "continue to be there for Shohei. Especially during this crucial time, he needs stability and positivity surrounding him."
There was a momentary pause, as if Ippei was collecting his thoughts before continuing. "I understand it may seem selfish to ask you to make sacrifices, but Shohei is more than just a player. He has become a symbol of hope for an entire nation."
His words struck a deep chord within me, resonating with a mix of determination and confusion. As I absorbed the weight of the situation, the realization of Shohei's significance beyond the baseball field began to sink in. It was no longer just about his personal goals or our shared journey; it had become a responsibility that extended far beyond ourselves.
A whirlwind of emotions swirled within me. I questioned whether I was truly capable of shouldering such a profound burden. Doubts crept in, causing me to question my own strength and resilience. How could I navigate this delicate balance between supporting Shohei and suppressing my own fears and worries?
In that moment, I glanced over at Shohei, his gaze fixed on the field. I saw the flicker of determination in his eyes, the unwavering drive to overcome his trauma. And I knew, deep down, that I couldn't let my doubts hold me back.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded with determination. "Ippei, you can count on me."
Ippei's smile was filled with gratitude and reassurance. "Thank you so much, Y/N."
As Shohei held the bat for the first time since his hiatus, I watched him closely, observing the rapid rise and fall of his breath and the shaking of his hands. It was evident that the trauma still haunted him, threatening to undermine his confidence once again.
Sensing something amiss. I ran to his place. "Sho," I said gently, placing a hand on his trembling arm. "I can see that this is overwhelming for you."
He looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and disappointment. "I thought I was ready to get back on the field, but the memories, the fear... it's all coming back."
I nodded, acknowledging his struggle. "It's understandable that it would be difficult. Overcoming trauma takes time and patience. We can't rush this process."
I squeezed his hand, assuring him that I would be there every step of the way. Then we decided to go home.
As we strolled along the path on the way back to our apartment, my mind was still processing the weight of the conversation with Ippei. The responsibility I had willingly accepted weighed on my heart, but I knew it was necessary for Shohei's well-being and the hope he carried.
Lost in my thoughts, I noticed a small flower shop nestled in a corner. Drawn to its vibrant colors and sweet scents, I couldn't resist stepping inside. And there, amidst the array of blossoms, my eyes landed on a bouquet of pale pink roses.
Before I could say anything, Shohei stepped inside the shop. Moments later, he emerged with a single pale pink rose in his hand, its delicate petals gently swaying in the breeze.
His big body hugging tiny roses makes me curve a smile. He presented it to me with a tender expression, his voice filled with affection. "I think you'll like it."
Surprised and touched by his thoughtfulness, my heart fluttered. I accepted the rose with a grateful smile, feeling its soft petals brush against my skin. "Shohei, this is so sweet of you. Thank you."
I paused for a moment as I come up with a thought. Then, I began, with a gentle smile on my face, "You know, you can be like these flowers, you rose." I looked at Shohei, wanting to give him a metaphorical reminder of his own potential for renewal.
Shohei's eyes met mine, gratitude evident in his voice. "You're being poetic again" he said, sincerity coloring his words.
I chuckled softly "And don't forget the thorns," I added playfully, poking his side.
"You're right," Shohei replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just like these flowers, you have your thorns too." He playfully tickled my side in return, igniting a playful exchange between us.
As laughter filled the air, the weight of the day's challenges began to lift, replaced by a lightheartedness that only our connection could bring. In that moment, the pale pink rose in my hand served as a reminder of our shared journey, the resilience we possessed, and the fragility of the human spirit.
Little did I know that our peaceful day, much like the delicate rose, would be twisted by unexpected turns that would ignite a curious chain of events.
