Heartstrings & Homeruns | Kenji Sato

CHAPTER 20

Chapter Twenty: When the Tables Turn

Kenji's Point of View

The next few days were a whirlwind of emotions. Every time I saw Asami interacting with the team manager, Shota Takahashi, a familiar pang of jealousy would flare up. Despite my attempts to push it aside, it was becoming harder to ignore. I needed clarity, but I wasn’t sure how to get it without complicating things further.

My jealousy was becoming more difficult to hide. It wasn’t just about Shota’s casual interactions with Asami anymore; it was affecting my mood and behavior in increasingly ridiculous ways.

It was an unusually quiet day at the gym. I was wrapping up a set of squats when I saw Asami and Shota chatting by the free weights. Shota’s arm casually brushed against Asami’s as he handed her a towel. Asami laughed at something Shota said, and my irritation flared.

Trying to maintain my composure, I walked over to the treadmill and started running at a pace that was clearly faster than necessary. I could barely hear the muffled conversation between Asami and Shota, but I didn’t need to—every laugh, every touch, was enough to fuel my frustration.

My running speed increased to an almost comical level, causing a teammate to glance over with concern. “Hey, Kenji, you okay?”

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to slow down. “Yeah, just trying to get in extra cardio.”

Asami’s curious gaze caught my eye as she and Shota walked away. Her brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t comment on my behavior. I felt a mix of relief and embarrassment, knowing that my overreaction was probably obvious to her.

Later that day, I was in the locker room when I overheard Asami and Shota talking. Shota had just finished sharing an inside joke with Asami, and their laughter echoed in the enclosed space. I tried to ignore it as I changed, but the sound grated on my nerves.

In a fit of frustration, I slammed my locker door shut, causing a few players to glance my way. The noise startled Asami and Shota, who both turned in surprise.

“Everything alright, Kenji?” Asami asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Yeah, just... didn’t realize how loud the locker doors were,” I said, trying to sound casual while inwardly cringing.

Shota gave me a knowing look. “You sure? You seem a bit off today.”

I forced a tight-lipped smile. “Just had a long practice. I’m fine.”

Asami gave me a probing look but said nothing more. The awkward silence was punctuated only by the sounds of lockers closing and footsteps fading away.

One afternoon, I joined Asami and Shota for coffee at a nearby café, trying to be sociable despite my growing discomfort. I sat across from them, trying to ignore the way Shota and Asami seemed to be effortlessly enjoying each other’s company.

As Shota went to get a refill, I decided to seize the opportunity to address my feelings. “Asami, you and Shota seem to get along really well.”

Asami looked up, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Yeah, Shota’s great. He’s been really supportive of the team.”

Shota returned with his coffee and a grin on his face. “I see you’re talking about me behind my back. What’s the verdict?”

I forced a laugh, my jealousy simmering just below the surface. “Just commenting on how well you and Asami work together. It’s impressive.”

Shota raised an eyebrow. “Well, Asami’s definitely someone who knows her stuff. She’s a big asset to the team.”

I nodded, though my attempt at maintaining a neutral expression was strained. The conversation drifted back to lighter topics, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being left out of something I desperately wanted to be a part of.