A sharp crack! of the bat echoed through the clear blue sky.
On the first Sunday of July, we had made our way to a local baseball stadium. The reason, of course, was to cheer on our friend, Nozomu, who was currently playing in the first round of the regional qualifiers for the summer national tournament. From the stands, the four of us watched as Nozomu, wearing number 10, took the mound. It wasn't the ace's number 1, but as a second-year, he was the team's de facto ace.
"Go for it, Seki-kun~! Knock it outta the park~!"
"Yuu, our school is on defense now," Umi pointed out. "He can only knock it out of the park after he gets this inning under control. His last at-bat was close, though."
"Oops, right. Anyway, go for it, everyone~!"
"Seki, don't you dare show your uncool side in front of Yuu-chin~"
Yellow cheers rained down from the stands, but Nozomu, his focus locked on the batter, showed no reaction. With a serious expression, he went into his windup.
"Nozomu, go!" I yelled.
Almost at the same time, he threw the first pitch. The catcher's mitt snapped with a satisfying thud. A strike.
His fastball had a completely different level of power even for an armature like me. It made me realize just how wimpy the pitches at the batting center really are. It must have been a pretty fast ball, as even the opposing team's cheering section let out a collective "Ooh."
"Nozomu is really amazing, huh… Even though he's usually the butt of the joke when he's with us."
It was my first time seeing him play in a real game, and I had to admit, he looked cool standing on that mound. He's tall and muscular, and his pitching form is impressive. I heard he's never had a girlfriend because he's been so focused on baseball and is shy when it comes to romance, but I'm sure there are girls at school who like him.
…It's just that Amami-san isn't one of them.
"Maki, what's wrong? Something on your mind?"
"Umi… Yeah, I was just thinking about how love never really goes smoothly. Nozomu's such an amazing guy, and yet…"
"Well, that's just how it is. I know Seki is trying his best, but our princess is an even tougher opponent."
"…True."
Amami-san was cheering brightly for Nozomu nearby, but as of now, she only sees him as 'just a friend.' Considering everything, he's done a great job getting this far, but that's because Umi, Nitta-san, and I were there to help. It probably wouldn't have turned out this way if he was on his own.
For now, it seems Amami-san isn't interested in anyone romantically. It's not that she doesn't find anyone cool or admirable, but she says that's more out of respect—something different from romantic feelings. When on earth will her first love, a secret even to her best friend Umi, finally arrive?
Well, rather than worrying about other people, my first priority should be making the girl right in front of me happy.
"Um, hey, Umi."
"Hm? What is it?"
"It's just… no, never mind."
"Hmph, what was that? Backing out like that is only gonna make me more curious."
"I know, but it's not something I should say here. I was thinking it'd be better when we're back home, just the two of us…"
" M A K I – K U N ? "
"…Yes."
And so, whether the season is winter or summer, the two of us are the same as always… no, we've definitely gotten a little closer. It'll probably be a while before we cross that line, but still, I'm confident that our feelings for each other are the strongest they've ever been.
"Umi, I'm going to say it, but before that,"
"…Yeah?"
"…I can't help but be bothered by the two people whispering next to you."
At my words, Nitta-san and Amami-san, sitting right next to Umi, froze up.
"Ah, don't mind us, you two can do as you please. Right, Amami-san?"
"Th-that's right, Nitta-don."
"Are you two speaking slightly broken Japanese?" Umi sighed. "Come on, we're here to cheer for Seki today, so get back to your positions."
"I'd rather not hear that from you, Asanagi. Anyway, you two should hurry up and do your thing, then get back to cheering. We're here to support our friend, not to watch a date."
"Nitta-san, you're as harsh as ever…"
While Nozomu was working hard on the field, I was getting all flirty with my beloved girlfriend. Objectively, that's not a good look, so I decided to restrain myself until we got home.
Still, as always, I had to tell her how I felt.
"Umi."
"Yeah."
"Today, you look, um… really cute."
"One more."
"An extra? Um, umm…"
"Ahaha, just kidding. But thank you, Maki… Ehehe."
The real start of summer was yet to come, but for the two of us, it was already in full swing.