Girl Next Door

Chapter Sixteen

The great baseball game was only three days away. Team Yoshiba was busily preparing for it, and Kyosuke was busier than ever. This was his and Takeru's first ever official game to participate in, and he was both excited and nervous. But then he remembered what Risa said, that she was going to cheer for him at the game, and felt confidence flowing into him. He and the rest of the team, including their coach Hiashi and team captain Saito, came together in the middle of the baseball field and had an assembly on the final day of practice.

"All right, boys," began Hiashi, "Sit down for a while."

The team members all sat down on the grass, eagerly but seriously listening to what the coach was going to say.

"I'm sure for most of you, this is your first official baseball game. May sound exciting, well guess what, think again," said Hiashi in his usual stern manner. "We are to play against Minamino Academy."

"Minamino Academy?" whispered Takeru to Kyosuke.

"I've heard of that school," whispered Kyosuke in reply. "It's a middle school and high school somewhere not far from here. Yoshiba and Minamino have had a long-standing rivalry in sporting events like this."

"Don't take them so lightly," continued Hiashi, "Minamino's players are among the best in Tokyo. We are not to underestimate them."

The team members all stared at the coach intently, listening with fervor.

"But we are to show them that Yoshiba is a force to be reckoned with," continued the coach. "This is not about the pride of winning. This is about the pride of glory. We aren't in this for the trophy. We're in this because we love what we do best, and that is baseball.

Everyone was touched by Hiashi's speech. They were moved by his stern but encouraging words.

"He's right, guys," agreed Saito, "We have to give it our best shot at the game tomorrow. We have to work hard. This isn't about winning."

"Yes, captain," replied the team.

"Okay," put in Hiashi. "Give it your all tomorrow and I'll be seeing you." Then he let his students leave. Practice was over.

As Kyosuke picked up his bag and mitt, he was approached by Saito.

"Yo, Matsumaru," said Saito.

"Yes, Saito-senpai?" replied Kyosuke.

"Just gonna come check on you," said Saito firmly.

"Oh," said Kyosuke, swinging his bag over his back.

"How you feeling," asked Saito as both of them walked out of the stadium.

"I'm fine. Why?" answered Kyosuke.

"Well, this is your first game, after all," said Saito. "Aren't you nervous?"

"Yeah, a little," replied Kyosuke. "But you don't have to worry, senpai."

"Okay then," said Saito, putting his hands in his pockets.

A little while later while the boys were walking together, Risa came running towards them. She was wearing the school's gym suit, having finished cheerleading practice in the gym.

"Kyosuke!" she called out cheerfully as she ran towards him.

"Risa," said Kyosuke with a smile. "How was cheerleading practice?"

"Oh, it was great," replied Risa, smiling warmly, "I tried to finish early so I can watch you practice, but it seems you guys are done."

"Oh, that's alright," said Kyosuke. "By the way, have you met--"