"Hey, Noby! After school, let's head to the field by the river and play some baseball. There's an important game today, and we'll let you join in!"
"But if we lose because of you, I won't let you off so easy!"
After school, Takeshi surprisingly forgiving came over to Noby and gave him a hard pat on the shoulder, his eyes filled with not-so-subtle pressure.
It was clear: if Noby dared refuse, that fist the size of a melon would probably flatten him on the spot.
"Takeshi, I've got homework to do tonight, so I won't be able to make it... sorry."
Noby backed away a few steps, eyes twitching nervously.
Asking him to play baseball? That was just a setup for him to take the fall again.
Like last time when they lost by twenty runs and everyone blamed him for it. Even though he'd only been responsible for about ten of those runs! They always found a way to make him the scapegoat.
"Hahaha! Noby, you? Doing homework? That's a good one!"
"You can't even lie convincingly. You just don't want to play with us, do you?" Suneo said with a sneer, his mouth running like a crow's.
"Noby!"
Takeshi cracked his knuckles ominously.
With that threatening aura hanging in the air, Noby knew there was no escaping.
Just then, Shizuka and Kevin happened to walk out of the classroom. Noby spotted Kevin and suddenly had an idea.
If this was a baseball match, why not rope Kevin in? If he didn't know how to play, maybe he'd embarrass himself too! And if Shizuka watched it all happen, maybe she wouldn't like him anymore. That would be perfect!
"Takeshi, I think we're still one player short, right? How about asking another classmate?"
"I think Kevin would be a great fit. He probably plays just as well as anyone. Plus, it's a good way to build team spirit, right?"
Noby smiled slyly and pointed right at Kevin, his sneaky little scheme practically written all over his face.
"Good idea, Noby. Let's go ask him. What do you think, Suneo?"
"Sure, Takeshi."
They exchanged grins and intercepted Kevin and Shizuka.
"Takeshi, what's up?" Kevin asked, glancing curiously between the two of them.
"Well, we've got something pretty important to ask."
"Kevin, would you like to join our baseball team? We're just short one player, and you seem like the perfect fit."
Takeshi's face lit up with a warm smile, his tone unusually polite something Noby had never experienced.
Noby fumed silently from the hallway, practically grinding his teeth. Why wasn't Takeshi using the usual intimidation tactics this time?
"Baseball team?"
Kevin was a bit surprised by the invitation.
He squinted slightly and peered through the space between Takeshi and Suneo, spotting Noby snickering in the background.
So that's what this was. The little rat was setting him up, hoping to see him fail. And truthfully, he wasn't wrong Kevin had never played baseball before.
Still, it wasn't a big deal. Baseball wasn't exactly rocket science. As long as you understood the rules, you could pick it up quickly.
He hadn't played, sure, but that didn't mean he lacked athletic ability.
"Sure, Takeshi. I'd be happy to join your team. Thanks for the invite."
Kevin's lips curled into a faint smirk as he looked past Takeshi at Noby.
"That's great, Kevin! We'll meet at the riverside field later. Don't be late!"
Noby's eyes lit up with excitement as he watched them walk away.
Finally, he thought, Kevin's going to make a fool of himself.
…
…
A short while later, the group arrived at the riverside field. The match hadn't started yet they were still waiting for the other classes' teams to arrive.
While waiting, Kevin pulled Shizuka aside and sat with her on the grass to rest and to get a crash course in baseball rules.
"What?! Kevin, you don't even know how to play baseball? Then why would you agree to... mmph!"
Shizuka's voice shot up in surprise, but Kevin quickly covered her mouth with his hand before anyone else could hear.
"Shhh, not so loud."
"I just don't know the rules. But if you explain them to me, I'm sure I'll be fine. I've got decent athletic instincts."
"Mmm... fine, but you'll have to let go of me first if you want me to explain anything."
Her lips were soft and warm against his palm. Blushing slightly, she pressed her lips together and gave a tiny nod.
"Oh, right. Go ahead."
Kevin pulled his hand away. Her skin was soft and delicate, her round cheeks delightfully smooth. He could probably touch them forever and never get tired of it.
"Honestly... You better listen carefully, then."
Shizuka sighed, exasperated but willing, and began explaining the basics of baseball.
Even though she didn't play herself, she'd grown up around it and knew the rules well.
Kevin listened attentively, gently holding her small, warm hand in his own.
She didn't pull away. Though she resisted slightly at first, she seemed to give in quickly, her shy yet happy expression only encouraging Kevin further.
Under the blue sky and drifting clouds, the wind blew softly across the grass. By the time her hand was slightly red from being held, Kevin had fully memorized the rules of the game.
"I'm up, Shizuka."
"Mhm. Good luck."
Shizuka sat with her knees together, resting her chin on them. Her small hands still flushed from the contact, she offered Kevin a smile tinged with worry.
"Here you go, Kevin! You're batting first. Make sure you give it your all and show the pride of Team Takeshi!"
"Don't worry. I will."
Taking the bat from Takeshi, Kevin stepped up to the plate, brimming with focus.
"Is this really okay...? His first time playing, and he's batting?"
Shizuka furrowed her brow, visibly anxious as she watched Kevin warm up with the bat.
It wasn't that she didn't believe in him she was just worried Takeshi would blow up if things went wrong.
Batting might look easy, but it was one of the hardest positions on the team. If Kevin struck out, Takeshi would surely get furious and beat him up. And someone as slim as Kevin would probably get pummeled hard.
"Heh heh heh... The batter, huh? This is gonna be good."
Noby grinned maliciously, watching Kevin from the sidelines. Based on his experience, Kevin was guaranteed to screw up and get humiliated.
As the shortstop, Noby wouldn't even have to worry about striking out himself. And even if they lost the match, he wouldn't get blamed.
Everything was going according to plan.
He stood there giggling like a fool, already imagining Shizuka turning her back on Kevin in disappointment.
Ah... the future was unfolding just as expected. What a pleasant feeling.
So caught up in his fantasy, Noby completely forgot one small but crucial detail.
As the shortstop... he wasn't likely to get the ball at all.