"- 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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Shohei's mental health was more stable, he was able to overcome his fear of holding a baseball bat, and practiced his first shots. But sometimes, I still see the uncertainty in him, sometimes he just sits there and stares blankly, or sometimes he asks me questions like "What if I can't do it? , Y/N?". No matter how much I read about psychology, I would never be able to read the pain he was going through and how he was fighting to save his life, to be the Shohei like the old days.
All I can do is give this infinite support behind his back. Or sometimes, cheering him up by grumpily forcing him to take the medicine.
Shohei had been confined to the walls of his apartment for far too long, his daily routine revolving around practicing at the nearby baseball field. Determined to break free from this monotonous cycle, I took it upon myself to plan a much-needed vacation for him. However, I knew that going alone with Shohei would attract unwanted attention from the ever-present paparazzi, resulting in baseless rumors flooding the headlines.
To ensure our privacy and shield Shohei from unnecessary scrutiny, I suggested that we invite Ippei to join us on this much-anticipated getaway. By having a trusted companion by our side, we could create a protective shield against prying eyes and enjoy our time without the intrusion of cameras and gossip.
When that day came, I called Sho to get up early to get ready and went to Ippei to wait for us in the lobby. The ride seemed to go well, except that I was too sleepy because I stayed up late doing research yesterday, and just like that, I fell asleep on Sho's shoulder without realizing it. When I woke up, well was close to the beach.
"Did you sleep well?" - Sho asked me gently, with a few shoulder movements, where I leaned against him.
"Why don't you wake me up, I missed all the beauty on the way out" I pout, like a kitten. Sho smiled sheepishly, "You look like you slept well, and you look tired, so it's okay to let you sleep for a bit. The villa is full of more beautiful scenery."
He worriedly looked at me. I didn't say anything, pretending I was really sulking Shohei, but inside I was laughing at his stupidity, just like a child.
As we arrived at the villa, a sense of tranquility washed over me. The villa stood tall, adorned with lush greenery and overlooking the shimmering blue waters of the nearby beach. The air was filled with the invigorating scent of the ocean, and the gentle sound of crashing waves created a soothing melody.
Shohei's POV:
As the afternoon unfolded, we strolled along the sandy shore, Y/N gently cradling Ippei's daughter in her arms while walking alongside her mother. Their conversation drifted in the wind, their words indistinct, but the warmth in their voices was undeniable. Ippei and I followed closely behind, carrying Y/N's bag and other belongings, my gaze fixed upon her figure.
Observing Y/N from behind, a rush of emotions overwhelmed me. The sunlight delicately kissed her bare shoulders, and the ocean breeze tousled her hair, creating an ethereal aura around her. Her radiant smile pierced my heart, igniting a flame within me. Could it be that I had fallen irrevocably in love with her?
A knowing look crossed Ippei's face as he glanced at me, a hint of mischief in his eyes. It was a look that spoke volumes, the look of someone who had once been in the throes of youthful love, much like myself. I playfully rolled my eyes in response, offering a smile, yet remaining tight-lipped.
"She tried so hard, for you." Ippei remarked, his voice laced with admiration and concern.
His words resonated within me, causing a mix of emotions to swirl in my chest. Y/N's unwavering support and sacrifices were undeniable, and the weight of her efforts bore heavily upon me. A surge of gratitude and affection surged through my veins, intertwining with the realization that I had found someone truly special.
Silence enveloped us as we continued our beachside stroll, the crashing waves providing a soothing soundtrack to our thoughts. The question lingered in my mind: Could I truly be in love with her? The answer seemed to lie in the depths of my heart, awaiting discovery.
But for now, as the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the water, I embraced the enchanting moment, letting my feelings for Y/N blossom and intertwine with the gentle rhythm of the sea.
Y/N's POV:
Later that night, I discovered Shohei standing by the pool, his solitary figure illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. Sensing that something weighed on his mind, I approached him.
"Can I join you?" I asked softly, inching closer to Shohei and taking a seat beside him by the poolside.
"Sure, go ahead," he replied, offering a small smile in return.
"You seem lost in your thoughts. Is something troubling you?" I inquired, sensing the nervous energy radiating from him.
Shohei chuckled, his voice tinged with a touch of self-awareness. "I'm always like this, overthinking and feeling nervous."
"Please don't scare me," I pleaded softly, reaching out to place a gentle hand on Shohei's shoulder. "You weren't like this in the past."
He glanced at me, his eyes filled with vulnerability. "Am I a burden to everyone?"
I fell silent, the weight of his question settling upon my heart. Had he truly carried this doubt with him all this time?
"No, Shohei," I said softly, my voice filled with sincerity. "You are not a burden to anyone, especially not to me. You've never been."
He turned his gaze towards me, searching for reassurance in my eyes. "But what about the pressure I put on you, on everyone around me?" he whispered, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and longing.
I leaned closer, our faces inches apart. "The pressure you feel, the weight you carry, it's not a burden we bear because we have to. It's a burden we willingly share because we believe in you. We believe in your talent, your strength, and your ability to overcome any obstacle. You inspire us, Shohei."
Silence embraced us for a moment, the weight of his question dissipating in the night air. In that quiet space, our connection deepened, fortified by honesty and understanding.
With a calm resolve, Shohei slowly descended into the pool, his body gracefully submerging beneath the water's surface. A momentary respite from the world above.
In an instant, Shohei's expression contorted, his face contorted in pain, and his arms thrashed fiercely in the water, causing droplets to scatter in all directions.
"I've got a cramp! Pull me up!" he exclaimed, his voice strained with discomfort.
I leaped up in a panic, my instincts taking over as I reached out my hand, desperately hoping that my petite frame could somehow hoist a towering 6'3" man weighing 209 pounds out of the water.
But before I could react, Shohei's strong grip tugged me into the depths of the lake.
Shockwaves surged through my body as the icy cold water enveloped me. It rose swiftly, drenching me from head to toe in an instant. I must confess that, despite reaching the age of 24, I have yet to master the art of swimming. Panic welled up within me as water rushed into my throat, compelling me to gulp it down unceremoniously. My chest collided with Shohei's chest, and amidst my struggle, I clung to him desperately, wrapping my arms around the back of his neck as if he were my last lifeline.
I have to add, I didn't wear a bra that day. Because I am too confident in the thickness of the outer maxi dress.
