Girl Next Door

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Summer has began to kick in in Tokyo, and for Kyosuke, Risa and the rest of the baseball team, it was time to get ready for their big baseball game on Thursday.

For the past few weeks, the team had been practicing with each other at the stadium, right up to the day before the game. The rest of the boys were still getting used to having a female member in their roster, and some of them were having a hard time focusing while she is present. Luckily Kyosuke, being the captain, got them in line with his newfound leadership skills. Part of him wanted the boys to focus on the game, but another part also wanted them to stop staring at Risa.

After almost two hours of practice, Hiashi called his students together for another pep talk. They all sat down on the grass, with Kyosuke, Risa and Takeru sitting together.

"Okay, team," began Hiashi, "you all know tomorrow's the big game, and I just want to let you know that I wish you all the best tomorrow."

The team responded with sighs of content and gratitude.

"Also, Takanaka-san's a member of the team now, so you guys treat her as such, " said the coach.

"Y-Yessir," replied most of the boys.

Risa gave a wide grin.

"Takanaka-san?" said Hiashi.

"Yes, coach?" replied Risa.

Hiashi gave a sigh.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but, I wish you the best of luck tomorrow," he said with a small smile.

"Thank you, sir," replied Risa cheerfully. "Tee-hee. You won't be disappointed."

"Good," said the coach. "And Matsumaru?"

"Yessir?" said Kyosuke.

"Same with you. Don't lose your focus," replied Hiashi.

"Yessir," said Kyosuke firmly.

"You're going to play against Touma High tomorrow," said Hiashi. "Like Minamino, these guys are not to be underestimated. You guys get a good rest so you can have a good game tomorrow."

"Yessir!" replied the team in unison.

"Remember what I told you, we're not playing for the trophy, we're playing for glory, because we like to do what we do, all right?" said Hiashi.

"Yessir," said the team.

"Keep all that in your mind," said Hiashi. "That's all for today. I'll see you tomorrow."

Then the players all rose from the grass and dispersed as they exited the stadium.

"Come on, Kyosuke, let's go," said Takeru, heading for the stadium exit.

"You go ahead, me and Risa will catch up," replied Kyosuke.

"You sure?" asked Takeru.

"Yeah," said Kyosuke.

"Oh-kay," said Takeru with a smirk. "See you two later. Heheh."

"Whatever," replied Kyosuke sarcastically. "Later, dude."

"Bye, Takeru-kun," said Risa, waving as she and Kyosuke watched Takeru and the other boys leave the stadium.

Soon as everyone except the two of them had cleared the field, Kyosuke took the initiative to talk to Risa.

"Um... Risa?"

"Yeah?" replied Risa.

"Tomorrow's the big game," said Kyosuke. "Are you nervous?"