Diamond no Ace: Laugh, Love and Live

Resolution

Morning came and Megumi felt renewed after the pep-talk she gave herself last night. It seemed like it worked wonders to her motivation and determination to do something that she had decided to do. It was only half past five in the morning when she woke up, so she opted to do her morning routine and join the team for morning practice.

She would have to ask the coach as well about her idea regarding the team members' data that was able to gather in a mere few days. Surely, her uncle would think that she did a huge service for the team. But for her, it wasn't enough yet especially when she knows that they are aiming for the nationals.

She changed into her own training outfit composed of a hoodie over a simple shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Megumi brought her pitching glove, as well as the notebook containing the information she needed, along with a pen. The female manager went out of her room, and was startled when someone greeted her by her door.

"Yo," Miyuki casually raised a hand as a greeting. A slight smirk was apparent on his lips as he leaned on the wall just beside her door, as if it was no one's business. Megumi's eyes immediately narrowed at his actions that she deemed as somehow indecent.

"Do you mind?" She vaguely asked, which confused the starting catcher. A frustrated sigh escaped the poor girl's lips. A few seconds later, Miyuki's eyes lit up in realization and he let out a hearty laugh.

"Moron," Megumi muttered before walking away from him and toward the direction of the staff room, where the coach and the other higher ups are. Her bespectacled classmate and teammate, on the other hand, thought that it was amusing to bother her so early in the morning.

"Have you eaten breakfast yet?" Miyuki turned his head slightly to look at her. He was puzzled as to why she was asking that question, when she knows that the cafeteria doesn't open so early in the morning.

"Nevermind that. I just realized that it was an idiotic question," she scratched her head and continued to walk silently with Miyuki. It was a few good minutes, and so far she had enjoyed the peace between them. That was until the catcher decided to open his mouth.

"So, you have really decided to tell the coach?" She glared at him, but looked back ahead at the path they were walking on. Megumi chose to speak up after a few seconds passed, trying to pick her words carefully.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she responded, "Yeah, although I hope when I actually tell it to the other members—especially those who are in the first string—they won't be offended if I point out their weaknesses."

She let out a weak laugh before she paused, making Miyuki look at her, wondering why she stopped. Somehow, her laugh sounded like a calming music to his ears despite the lack of cheerfulness and sincerity in it.

"That includes you, Miyuki Kazuya!" Megumi pursed her lips, her eyebrows still meeting in the center. Now, it was the catcher's turn to laugh at her. It was quite easy to see that she was really worried about how others would see her, despite always putting up a 'tough guy' act. But in her case, it could probably be called 'tough girl' act.

"I know! I was one of the first ones to look at your notebook. You don't have to worry about it, although from what I read, you don't exactly have any qualms with my abilities as a catcher."

Megumi grimaced. She was itching to wipe off that smug look off of his face. Can she sock him a good one? Probably not a good idea though. She might get in trouble with her uncle. He is a vital part of the team after all.

"Oh, I do have qualms with you, asshole. Do fix your attitude. It's fucking horrible!" She stopped in front of the staff room, flipped her hair that was tied into a high ponytail, and made a face at him before knocking at the door.