Our Promise
Title : Our Promise
Author : midori_013
Pairing : takanoo
Rating : PG
Genre : romance, school life
Warning : my grammar and my english is horrible. m(_ _)m
Summary : "we will go to koshien together".. that is the words which takaki said to inoo, they promise to go to koshien and reach their dream together..... *sulk at summary*
A/N : this fic is actually for tasuku_kyota's birthday gift.... but i can't manage to make it *gomen ta-chan :'(*. it's been a while i didn't write a fic and it's hard for me to start make the fic again, and now my writing skill become worse *sulking*. ah, and about the KOSHIEN... koshien is a baseball park located near Kobe in japan, and koshien is the aim of all high school base ball team to play there. so many baseball manga series which said that they aim for koshien like Touch and H2... hehehe...^^
Sounds of a lot of audiences shouted , seeing the pride of the their favorite team playing in the middle of the field . All spectators shouting support their favorite team in the final game to win the national high school tournament in japan .
Inoo walked to the middle of the field while fixing a baseball glove on his left hand . Roar of the crowd grew louder when they saw Inoo walked toward the middle of the field , a pitcher who has been waiting to win the tournament from saitama gakuen.
Inoo could only draw a deep breath , and tried to focus when he’s arriving in the middle of the field . A batter was standing right in front of him , preparing to hit the ball to be thrown by him. He took the position while fixing his cap, ready to throw a ball that currently exist in his right hand . He drew a deep breath once again , closing his eyes.
Ne Senpai , do you see me now ?
~~~~~~~
One year ago ........
" Why did I just picked up the ball from the first day I came into this school baseball club Kamenashi - senpai ? " Inoo said while standing in front kamenashi, little bit angry and with the training given by the captain of the saitama gakuen baseball club. Since the first day he became a member of the team , Inoo only asked to pick up the ball that finishes used by other club members . He felt a little dispointed to the training which given to first year student. Today he ventured to speak directly to their school baseball club captain , so that new members of the baseball team were allowed to conduct such exercises like second year students do.
"Please , let me pitch Kamenashi - senpai "
" I came here because i wanted to be a good pitcher . Onegaishimasu . " Inoo bow in front Kamenashi , and hope that he and another first year students are given training is more than just picking up the ball .
" i can’t Inoo - kun , pick up the ball is one of the basic training when you join as a member of our baseball club. I know if you are one of the best pitchers in japan when you in junior high school . but still, you have to follow the rules and practice in this baseball club . There is no objection, and continue picking up the ball . " Kamenashi walked away from Inoo who can only be silent to hear the answer from the captain of the baseball club . Yes , Inoo is one of the best pitchers in the tournament junior high school last year , and everyone knew it .
he just kept silent and continued picking up the ball on the ground . He can not do anything about it because it is their baseball club rules , although this time he wanted to be in the middle of the field and throw the ball as second year student did. He could only grunt and squat to pick up the ball one by one and put it in the basket .
" Yo ... first year student ... " someone with black hair and tall walking toward him carrying a ball in his right hand , then patted his shoulder hardly. Inoo stopped picking up the ball and look towards people who patted his shoulder with hardly earlier .
" Who are you ? " Inoo take of his baseball cap and look at that person properly .
" Yo , my name is Takaki , and i am a second year student . " Takaki stood in front of inoo who still squatting while throwing the ball slowly in his right hand .
" Btw , I heard that you are one of the best pitchers in the national tournament last year ... how about we have a match ? Who is the most do strike out he will be a winner. " Takaki smiled widely as he reached out his hand towards Inoo .
" Why should I accept your challenge ? " Inoo still squatting and return to continue picking up the ball that many scattered on the ground
.
" If you win i will let you pitch " Inoo silent when hearing the words from Takaki . He thinks that this is his chance to start throwing the ball and stood in the middle of the field to pitch like he had done a year ago . He stopped to collect the ball then stand and look at Takaki properly .
"Sure , why not . " Inoo 's smirking while take takaki’s hand. He’s really sure that he can win toward takaki since he’s believe with his capability. Then they’re walking to the middle of the field and start to have a match.
~~~~~~~
" Hah ... hah ... hah .... " Inoo tried to control his breathing and tried to control his anger because he could only strike 2 balls from 10 shots .
" Dammit " Inoo cursed himself and removal his baseball glove from his hand . Then he squats and drinking water , hoping his anger will go away .
" How Inoo - kun ? " Takaki walked over Inoo who was squatting and he’s squatting beside Inoo.
" Don’t mind, don’t mind. " Takaki softly patted his shoulder and smiled widely to Inoo .
" Don’t touch me . " Inoo shooed Takaki hand from his shoulder .
" You are less able to control the speed of the pitch although your pitch is fast . Don’t you think? " Takaki smiled looking at inoo.
"You talk too much . " Inoo turned his face from takaki and feel resentful with Takaki 's words earlier
" Yosh , , , next is my turn . Watch me ne . " Takaki pats inoo’s shoulder once again and stood up , then walked toward the middle of the field and preparing to throw the ball .
Inoo can only be silent and amazed at Takaki when he throw the ball , throw ten balls , and all the balls is strike out, no balls which succeeded hit by batter.
"Amazing , as expected from Takaki . He's the best pitcher in our club , and he is our ace . " Said one member of the club who stood not far from Inoo . Inoo can only be silent , when he knows about a fact that Takaki is one of the best pitchers in their school . He felt sorry that he had underestimated takaki’s ability before.
" Inoo - kun .... " Takaki waved his hand towards Inoo as he walked over to the younger . " I win .. " Takaki said , winking towards Inoo . Inoo turned his face from takaki and pretending that he doesn’t look at takaki.
" I don’t know if you are one of the best pitchers here . Tsk " Inoo said as he took his baseball cap and use it again.
" Hahahahaha . Gomen . Gomen . " Takaki said , grinning and patting inoo’s shoulder repeatedly , without seeing inoo’s expression which ready to eat anyone there.
" From now on we are rivals , I will try not to lose and will be the best pitcher in this school . And I will pitch in Koshien " Inoo release Takaki’s hand from his shoulders and tried to run away from Takaki . But the pace stalled when he felt someone holding his wrist .
" We are not rivals Inoo - kun , we are one team . Not only you who will go to Koshien but US . " Takaki smiled widely to inoo and release his wrist .
" Ne captain , could you allow this idiot pitcher to throw the ball ? " Takaki shouted toward Kamenashi while walking away from Inoo that can only be silent and looked at Takaki who was preparing to continue his practice in the middle of the field .
Since the first time I've known you , I admire you .
~~~~~~~
" Tomorrow I will announce who will come to the game against osaka Gakuen next month . Only 18 people who will come into this match . This game is one of our training before joining the national qualifying tournament 2 months later . " Kamenashi said while standing in front of all the members after routine practice. All club members gather together and can’t wait for tomorrow result. This is one of their chance to improve their skills before attending a baseball tournament between all of high school in japan. Likewise with Inoo, he is confident with his ability that he would be one of the participants of the game against osaka Gakuen this time .
" Okay , thank you for the practice today . Don’t forget that no one can’t be late tomorrow. Okay , otsukaresamadeshita . Jya mata ashita . " Kamenashi leave the club members who still gathered in the field . One by one they left the field and headed to baseball club room to take all of their own things in the locker , including Inoo . He can’t wait to hear the announcement that will be announce tomorrow by Kamenashi . Been a long time since he didn’t stand in the middle of the field and throw a ball in the match since he graduated from junior high school . This is an opportunity to improve his skills and of course to prove that he is one of the best pitchers a year ago .
Inoo walked to his locker and took his things.
"yo Inoo - kun , we go home first . Jya mata ashita , " said one of member to Inoo who was opening the locker and enter the item that he needs into his bag .
" Otsukaresamadeshita . Jya mata ashita . " Inoo just waving his hand and to continue check his locker. One by one, members of the baseball club left the room , leaving Inoo alone in the room. For Inoo , today's practice was so much fun . Because today is the first day he can throw the ball and stood in the middle of the field like he used to be . No longer picking up the ball like he did during the last 2 months . After finish checking his locker , he walked out of the room and headed toward his home .
" Yo , first year student ... " Inoo stopped and looked toward the sound which called his name just now . He saw Takaki with his big smile and walked up to him with a bicycle at his side.
" Senpai .. what do you want ? " Inoo looked at takaki properly, with a resentful face because he still remember the result of the match with Takaki yesterday . He knew that is not takaki’s fault that he lost yesterday , but knowing the fact that he had to bear the shame in front of Takaki and especially in front of all the members of the club made him feel annoyed with Takaki . He was upset but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like Takaki . After seeing Takaki pitch yesterday , he felt that his pitch not really good . it’s natural if all people say that Takaki is the ace of their school . The technique he used when he’s throwing the balls is very different from the other pitchers , he can throw the ball fastly but his pitch control is really good.
" Let's go home together Inoo - kun . " Takaki said , patting inoo’s shoulder with his left hand
" Why do I have to go home with you senpai ? jya mata ashita . " Without seeing takaki’s expression which look surprised to hear the answer from him , Inoo walked quickly leaving Takaki alone .
" Woi ... Inoo ! ! ! " Takaki shouted to Inoo , but Inoo is still running and is now faster than before . Not because he want to avoid takaki or not because he doesn’t like takaki , but he was still embarrassed with what happened yesterday , he didn’t want to talk with Takaki this time because he knows that Takaki would laughed about his defeated yesterday .
" Inoo ! ! WOI ...... wait for me . " Takaki shouted , trying to catch Inoo who walked faster and farther away from him . Without thinking too long he rides his bike and stopped in front of Inoo .
Inoo was surprised because he almost hit Takaki who stopped in front of him .
"Are you stupid senpai ? " Inoo tried to control his breathing because the earlier incident . he just thinking why takaki so persistent asking him to go home together. And he was more shocked because suddenly Takaki handed his bike to Inoo .
" Since we've going the same way, I give you ride kay ? But because this is my bike so you’re the one who pedaling it . Let's go . " Takaki handed his bike to inoo and he’s ready sitting in the back seat .
Inoo could just blinked his eyes many times , doesn’t believe with what happened now . He wondered why takaki’s so stubborn and why Takaki was eager to go home with him . They just met and he even didn’t know about takaki except takaki is his senpai and a ace in their club.
" But ... " Inoo tried to return the bike to Takaki , but Takaki already sitting on the bike .
" No objection .... let's go Inoo - kun . " Takaki smiled widely . Inoo could just sighing and start pedaling with Takaki sitting in the back .
"ne Inoo - kun , tomorrow is the election which will come to compete osaka Gakuen right? " Said Takaki , and now he leans his head to Inoo’s back who’s still pedaling the bike.
" Uhn .. " Inoo just nodded , didn’t know how the answer because he’s shocked with takaki’s act. He doesn’t know why his heart beat suddenly become faster and his face become red.
Inoo shook his head , trying to control his heart beat to be normal and keep pedaling the bike , while enjoying the fresh evening breeze that blows like stroking his hair gently .
" Ne Inoo - kun , do your best . I will support you . " Said Takaki and that succeeded make inoo’s heartbeat become faster once again, he could just be silent, trying to hide his heartbeat which was not able to beat normally .
" I know your abilities and I think you deserve to be called one of the best pitchers , although still need to practice more and improve your ball control . But still do your best . " Takaki closes his eyes , enjoying the evening breeze, and still leaning his head at inoo’s back.
" Hai , i will do my best . " Inoo nodded his head and continued pedaling towards their home.
The first time I felt something blooming in my heart , when you're resting your head and say “do your best” to me
~~~~~~~
" Yabu ...... Yamada.... Yuto .... ..... " one by one name has been called by Kamenashi and one by one they have been standing in front of another member . Inoo was very nervous and he could only pray that he was chosen to be one of the players who will play against osaka Gakuen .
" And the last one ... " said Kamenashi continued , while carrying a list of the players in his right hand , 17 member has been mentioned and had been standing in front . Inoo could just be silent and he should be ready to accept any decision , just one person who will be mentioned , but still a lot more talented players that has not been mentioned , and one of them is Takaki .
" Takaki, please came here . " Kamenashi said to Takaki who had been busy talking with his friend.
" Yes captain . " Said Takaki and stood in front of the other members who are not elected and one of them is Inoo . Takaki was silent when he saw Inoo just bowed his head and clench his hand.
" Yosh , due to the 18 member have been selected and published , then today practice is finish. For those who have not been elected , there is still a chance to be a player in the national tournament. Do your best and keep trying for the sake of saitama Gakuen . Jya mata ashita . Otsukaresamadeshita . " Kamenashi said as he’s closing the practice today .
" Otsukaresamadeshita " all members walked into the club and get ready to go home . But not for Inoo , he was still standing on the field while throwing the ball, to lessen his anger and sad feeling. He is hopeful that he will be elected as one of the players in the game against osaka Gakuen , but his name was not selected, not even as a reverse member.
" ARGGHHHH ... DAMMIT ! ! ! ! " Inoo said , yelling and throwing the ball hardly , he had tried hard , and he was one of the best pitchers in junior high school , but why no one saw his effort and ability ? Why he was not elected ?
" ARGHHHHHHH ... " he shouted once more then he just sat there and bowed his head .
" I 've told you right? Control your pitch. Fast but not controlled will not make a strike out . " Inoo looked toward the voice and saw Takaki smiled walking towards him .
" This is for you . " Takaki threw a bottle of drink and Inoo catch it perfectly .
" just drink it , I bought it for you . " Takaki said and he also sat down beside Inoo . " There is still a chance to be one of the players in the national tournament . "
" But I 've tried hard Senpai ... " Inoo lowered his head again , still sad with what happened today . he wants back in the middle of the field once again , throwing the ball and hearing the shout of the audience . he wants to feel it once again .
" are you remember the words which I convey to you when we first met ? " Said Takaki while occasionally sipping his drink . Inoo turned his face toward Takaki , and once again his heart beat faster when he saw Takaki from the side with a baseball cap and that made takaki look more handsome.
" We're going to Koshien together . Remember? "Said Takaki and looked at inoo properly .
" And I also said that I know your ability , and I believe it . so , don’t be sad . There is still a chance to prove that you deserve to be a major player . And we promise to go to Koshien together, right ? " Takaki smiled at Inoo and rubbed the younger’s head gently . At that moment , time seemed to have stopped for Inoo . his heart pounding, his body heat rising and his face flushed . Takaki 's smile like a magic which can make his sad feelings become dissapear and can make him excited again to do the best and show people that he is worthy to be called as one of the best pitchers in japan.
My heart skipped a beat every time I see you since then , and you're right, that there is still a chance for me . Just as we promised , we are going to Koshien together .
~~~~~~~
Inoo’s walking back and forth, not because he was nervous, cause eventually saitama Gakuen enter the final match against osaka Gakuen at national tournament which is one of the famous baseball club in Japan . Not because he was chosen to be the main pitchers in the game . not because of it . but because until now takaki has not appeared,whereas 15 minutes the match will start . Inoo started to panic and many times he saw his cell phone who had been held, he hope takaki will answer his massages
He still remembers that Takaki send a message to him before he heading to koshien
"our promise finally fulfilled today"
The sentence is the last message from Takaki and until now there is no reply message from him , although Inoo have sent a message more than ten times . the sound of supporter was roared. One by one the audience come into the Koshien and shouting to support their favorite team . 10 minutes to begin the game , and each team start walking to their base . Inoo was still standing at the entrance of Koshien , hoped takaki would arrive soon . He still hopes Takaki will be fine , and nothing happens with him.
" Inoo - kun ..... " Inoo turned and looked toward the voice. he saw Kamenashi ran toward him .
" Inoo - kun ... what are you doing here ? The match will begin . Let's go inside. " Kamenashi approached inoo and pulled his hand to enter the field immediately
"But captain ... Takaki - senpai wa ...... " Inoo tried to keep his hands off from Kamenashi because he still wants to wait Takaki at the front entrance . He doesn’t want to play without Takaki , because today is the day that they wait . Today is the day that they promised since the first time they meet , they will compete at Koshien together . He doesn’t want if only he who fulfill that promise . He still wants to wait for Takaki , because he knew how happy Takaki in the semi -finals when they won and eventually can go to Koshien like today .
Kamenashi stopped and let go of inoo’s hand , he can only be silent when Inoo said that he still want to wait for takaki.
Inoo who saw Kamenashi who suddenly paused and his expression turned sad, thinks that something is definitely happen with Takaki .
" Captain , , , answer me ... is something happens to Takaki - senpai ? " Inoo shaked kamenashi’s body and hope that nothing happen with Takaki . He hopes Takaki came late because he woke up late , or his bike is leaky.
Kamenashi could just take a deep breath , very hard for him to answer inoo’s questions because he has decided to tell all the members after the game is finished .
"Please anwer me captain ... " Inoo shaked kamenashi’s body and more faster than before cause he needs an answer, and he needs a certainty.
Kamenashi breathe once again and bowed his head, he can’t look at inoo properly, cause he knows that the news will slice inoo’s heart ... " Takaki had an accident and is currently in the hospital . And the last news that I know that he needs surgical operation because of severe wounds in his legs and arms . "
Inoo can only be silent when he heard the words which conveyed by Kamenashi . Her body suddenly becomes weak , his legs can no longer stood properly , he just sat there and the tears unconsciously came out from his eyes slowly .
" Do your best inoo-kun"
" inoo-kun, We're going to Koshien together "
"our promise finally fulfilled today"
The phrase echoed in his mind . Today is the day they 've been waiting . All baseball players have the dream to compete at Koshien , and today saitama Gakuen given the opportunity to compete in this field . for Inoo , takaki is the one who makes him to be better and strive harder so that he could stand in the middle of the field today. takaki is the one who always cheer him up, and takaki is the one who told him to always do his best. But today, they even can’t fulfilled their promise, they even can’t standing together in the middle of the field and being support by their supporter. The promise which they made and the day which they’ve been waiting was become a memory.
But then inoo stood up and wipe his tears. He can’t dissapointed his team, and of course he can’t dissapointed takaki who always cheered him up. he must compete today and show to everyone that he was become a better pitcher. And of course although takaki is not there but he must try his best to fulfill their promise.
“let’s go captain, we must be a winner today.” then he ran toward the field and followed by kamenashi who just can smile when saw one of his pride member’s spirit.
Please God , save him and let me fulfill our promise today
~~~~~~~
" Pitcher with the number 1 from Saitama Gakuen has entered the field . The current score of the match is same . we will see if Inoo kei will be able to bring saitama Gakuen become a winner today? we still don’t know the answer but we will see it in a moment . " the commentator give a speech and audience shouts grew louder when one of the pitcher from Saitama Gakuen entered the field and took a position in the middle of the field .
Inoo walked to the middle of the field while fix his baseball glove on his left hand . Roar of the crowd grew louder when he saw Inoo walked toward the middle of the field , a pitcher who has been waiting to win the tournament from saitama gakuen.
Inoo could only draw a deep breath , and tried to focus when he’s arriving in the middle of the field . A batter was standing right in front of him , preparing to hit the ball to be thrown by him. He took the position while fixing his cap, ready to throw a ball that currently exist in his right hand . He drew a deep breath once again , closing his eyes.
" Ne Senpai , do you see me now ? "
" I will strive to make our dreams come true "
" Inoo getting ready to throw and.........................STRIKE OUT!!!!!" the commentators spoke with great enthusiasm when the batter can’t hit the ball that has been thrown Inoo , all strike out and that was managed to bring saitama Gakuen became a winner .
Inoo just sat there ,still not believe with what just happened , all members ran toward him and everyone hug him tightly. The audience voice grew louder and all of saitama gakuen supporter cheered with joy .
"ne Inoo - kun ... "Kamenashi approached inoo who still embraced by all the members which make him hard to breathe and hard to get out from the arms of many people at that time .
" I just got news that the operation was successful and takaki’s current condition is fine . " Kamenashi said as he’s smiling and patting Inoo’s shoulder.
Inoo unknowingly tears flowing , he can’t say anything other than thankful and grateful to God for answered his prayer and of course provide an incredible gift, a saitama gakuen victory.
" And congratulations on our victory . " Kamenashi continued and shook inoo’s hand firmly .
" uhn" Inoo just nodded and without thinking too long, he ran out of the field , leaving all the members who are still happy to celebrate their victory . He ran towards the person who really he wanted to see , the person who always gives him strength so that he could stand in the middle of the field like today.
I don’t know what made me run faster like this
I don’t know what made my tears flow unknowingly
Just to meet you
Just because thinking of you
You made me aware of my ability
You made me realize to always do my best
You made my heart pounding crazily everytime i saw you
And you made me realize that i must try my best to reach for my dreams
Today I was standing in the middle of the field , repeating memories 1 year ago
Today I have to keep our word , “go to Koshien and win the game”
And today I ran faster just want to see you
Hold you close and say " we did it "
And another words i wanna say to you is.....
" Ne senpai , thank you so much for everything and .....
Boku wa kimi ga suki desu .............. "
--- The End ---
Author : midori_013
Pairing : takanoo
Rating : PG
Genre : romance, school life
Warning : my grammar and my english is horrible. m(_ _)m
Summary : "we will go to koshien together".. that is the words which takaki said to inoo, they promise to go to koshien and reach their dream together..... *sulk at summary*
A/N : this fic is actually for tasuku_kyota's birthday gift.... but i can't manage to make it *gomen ta-chan :'(*. it's been a while i didn't write a fic and it's hard for me to start make the fic again, and now my writing skill become worse *sulking*. ah, and about the KOSHIEN... koshien is a baseball park located near Kobe in japan, and koshien is the aim of all high school base ball team to play there. so many baseball manga series which said that they aim for koshien like Touch and H2... hehehe...^^
Sounds of a lot of audiences shouted , seeing the pride of the their favorite team playing in the middle of the field . All spectators shouting support their favorite team in the final game to win the national high school tournament in japan .
Inoo walked to the middle of the field while fixing a baseball glove on his left hand . Roar of the crowd grew louder when they saw Inoo walked toward the middle of the field , a pitcher who has been waiting to win the tournament from saitama gakuen.
Inoo could only draw a deep breath , and tried to focus when he’s arriving in the middle of the field . A batter was standing right in front of him , preparing to hit the ball to be thrown by him. He took the position while fixing his cap, ready to throw a ball that currently exist in his right hand . He drew a deep breath once again , closing his eyes.
Ne Senpai , do you see me now ?
~~~~~~~
One year ago ........
" Why did I just picked up the ball from the first day I came into this school baseball club Kamenashi - senpai ? " Inoo said while standing in front kamenashi, little bit angry and with the training given by the captain of the saitama gakuen baseball club. Since the first day he became a member of the team , Inoo only asked to pick up the ball that finishes used by other club members . He felt a little dispointed to the training which given to first year student. Today he ventured to speak directly to their school baseball club captain , so that new members of the baseball team were allowed to conduct such exercises like second year students do.
"Please , let me pitch Kamenashi - senpai "
" I came here because i wanted to be a good pitcher . Onegaishimasu . " Inoo bow in front Kamenashi , and hope that he and another first year students are given training is more than just picking up the ball .
" i can’t Inoo - kun , pick up the ball is one of the basic training when you join as a member of our baseball club. I know if you are one of the best pitchers in japan when you in junior high school . but still, you have to follow the rules and practice in this baseball club . There is no objection, and continue picking up the ball . " Kamenashi walked away from Inoo who can only be silent to hear the answer from the captain of the baseball club . Yes , Inoo is one of the best pitchers in the tournament junior high school last year , and everyone knew it .
he just kept silent and continued picking up the ball on the ground . He can not do anything about it because it is their baseball club rules , although this time he wanted to be in the middle of the field and throw the ball as second year student did. He could only grunt and squat to pick up the ball one by one and put it in the basket .
" Yo ... first year student ... " someone with black hair and tall walking toward him carrying a ball in his right hand , then patted his shoulder hardly. Inoo stopped picking up the ball and look towards people who patted his shoulder with hardly earlier .
" Who are you ? " Inoo take of his baseball cap and look at that person properly .
" Yo , my name is Takaki , and i am a second year student . " Takaki stood in front of inoo who still squatting while throwing the ball slowly in his right hand .
" Btw , I heard that you are one of the best pitchers in the national tournament last year ... how about we have a match ? Who is the most do strike out he will be a winner. " Takaki smiled widely as he reached out his hand towards Inoo .
" Why should I accept your challenge ? " Inoo still squatting and return to continue picking up the ball that many scattered on the ground
.
" If you win i will let you pitch " Inoo silent when hearing the words from Takaki . He thinks that this is his chance to start throwing the ball and stood in the middle of the field to pitch like he had done a year ago . He stopped to collect the ball then stand and look at Takaki properly .
"Sure , why not . " Inoo 's smirking while take takaki’s hand. He’s really sure that he can win toward takaki since he’s believe with his capability. Then they’re walking to the middle of the field and start to have a match.
~~~~~~~
" Hah ... hah ... hah .... " Inoo tried to control his breathing and tried to control his anger because he could only strike 2 balls from 10 shots .
" Dammit " Inoo cursed himself and removal his baseball glove from his hand . Then he squats and drinking water , hoping his anger will go away .
" How Inoo - kun ? " Takaki walked over Inoo who was squatting and he’s squatting beside Inoo.
" Don’t mind, don’t mind. " Takaki softly patted his shoulder and smiled widely to Inoo .
" Don’t touch me . " Inoo shooed Takaki hand from his shoulder .
" You are less able to control the speed of the pitch although your pitch is fast . Don’t you think? " Takaki smiled looking at inoo.
"You talk too much . " Inoo turned his face from takaki and feel resentful with Takaki 's words earlier
" Yosh , , , next is my turn . Watch me ne . " Takaki pats inoo’s shoulder once again and stood up , then walked toward the middle of the field and preparing to throw the ball .
Inoo can only be silent and amazed at Takaki when he throw the ball , throw ten balls , and all the balls is strike out, no balls which succeeded hit by batter.
"Amazing , as expected from Takaki . He's the best pitcher in our club , and he is our ace . " Said one member of the club who stood not far from Inoo . Inoo can only be silent , when he knows about a fact that Takaki is one of the best pitchers in their school . He felt sorry that he had underestimated takaki’s ability before.
" Inoo - kun .... " Takaki waved his hand towards Inoo as he walked over to the younger . " I win .. " Takaki said , winking towards Inoo . Inoo turned his face from takaki and pretending that he doesn’t look at takaki.
" I don’t know if you are one of the best pitchers here . Tsk " Inoo said as he took his baseball cap and use it again.
" Hahahahaha . Gomen . Gomen . " Takaki said , grinning and patting inoo’s shoulder repeatedly , without seeing inoo’s expression which ready to eat anyone there.
" From now on we are rivals , I will try not to lose and will be the best pitcher in this school . And I will pitch in Koshien " Inoo release Takaki’s hand from his shoulders and tried to run away from Takaki . But the pace stalled when he felt someone holding his wrist .
" We are not rivals Inoo - kun , we are one team . Not only you who will go to Koshien but US . " Takaki smiled widely to inoo and release his wrist .
" Ne captain , could you allow this idiot pitcher to throw the ball ? " Takaki shouted toward Kamenashi while walking away from Inoo that can only be silent and looked at Takaki who was preparing to continue his practice in the middle of the field .
Since the first time I've known you , I admire you .
~~~~~~~
" Tomorrow I will announce who will come to the game against osaka Gakuen next month . Only 18 people who will come into this match . This game is one of our training before joining the national qualifying tournament 2 months later . " Kamenashi said while standing in front of all the members after routine practice. All club members gather together and can’t wait for tomorrow result. This is one of their chance to improve their skills before attending a baseball tournament between all of high school in japan. Likewise with Inoo, he is confident with his ability that he would be one of the participants of the game against osaka Gakuen this time .
" Okay , thank you for the practice today . Don’t forget that no one can’t be late tomorrow. Okay , otsukaresamadeshita . Jya mata ashita . " Kamenashi leave the club members who still gathered in the field . One by one they left the field and headed to baseball club room to take all of their own things in the locker , including Inoo . He can’t wait to hear the announcement that will be announce tomorrow by Kamenashi . Been a long time since he didn’t stand in the middle of the field and throw a ball in the match since he graduated from junior high school . This is an opportunity to improve his skills and of course to prove that he is one of the best pitchers a year ago .
Inoo walked to his locker and took his things.
"yo Inoo - kun , we go home first . Jya mata ashita , " said one of member to Inoo who was opening the locker and enter the item that he needs into his bag .
" Otsukaresamadeshita . Jya mata ashita . " Inoo just waving his hand and to continue check his locker. One by one, members of the baseball club left the room , leaving Inoo alone in the room. For Inoo , today's practice was so much fun . Because today is the first day he can throw the ball and stood in the middle of the field like he used to be . No longer picking up the ball like he did during the last 2 months . After finish checking his locker , he walked out of the room and headed toward his home .
" Yo , first year student ... " Inoo stopped and looked toward the sound which called his name just now . He saw Takaki with his big smile and walked up to him with a bicycle at his side.
" Senpai .. what do you want ? " Inoo looked at takaki properly, with a resentful face because he still remember the result of the match with Takaki yesterday . He knew that is not takaki’s fault that he lost yesterday , but knowing the fact that he had to bear the shame in front of Takaki and especially in front of all the members of the club made him feel annoyed with Takaki . He was upset but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like Takaki . After seeing Takaki pitch yesterday , he felt that his pitch not really good . it’s natural if all people say that Takaki is the ace of their school . The technique he used when he’s throwing the balls is very different from the other pitchers , he can throw the ball fastly but his pitch control is really good.
" Let's go home together Inoo - kun . " Takaki said , patting inoo’s shoulder with his left hand
" Why do I have to go home with you senpai ? jya mata ashita . " Without seeing takaki’s expression which look surprised to hear the answer from him , Inoo walked quickly leaving Takaki alone .
" Woi ... Inoo ! ! ! " Takaki shouted to Inoo , but Inoo is still running and is now faster than before . Not because he want to avoid takaki or not because he doesn’t like takaki , but he was still embarrassed with what happened yesterday , he didn’t want to talk with Takaki this time because he knows that Takaki would laughed about his defeated yesterday .
" Inoo ! ! WOI ...... wait for me . " Takaki shouted , trying to catch Inoo who walked faster and farther away from him . Without thinking too long he rides his bike and stopped in front of Inoo .
Inoo was surprised because he almost hit Takaki who stopped in front of him .
"Are you stupid senpai ? " Inoo tried to control his breathing because the earlier incident . he just thinking why takaki so persistent asking him to go home together. And he was more shocked because suddenly Takaki handed his bike to Inoo .
" Since we've going the same way, I give you ride kay ? But because this is my bike so you’re the one who pedaling it . Let's go . " Takaki handed his bike to inoo and he’s ready sitting in the back seat .
Inoo could just blinked his eyes many times , doesn’t believe with what happened now . He wondered why takaki’s so stubborn and why Takaki was eager to go home with him . They just met and he even didn’t know about takaki except takaki is his senpai and a ace in their club.
" But ... " Inoo tried to return the bike to Takaki , but Takaki already sitting on the bike .
" No objection .... let's go Inoo - kun . " Takaki smiled widely . Inoo could just sighing and start pedaling with Takaki sitting in the back .
"ne Inoo - kun , tomorrow is the election which will come to compete osaka Gakuen right? " Said Takaki , and now he leans his head to Inoo’s back who’s still pedaling the bike.
" Uhn .. " Inoo just nodded , didn’t know how the answer because he’s shocked with takaki’s act. He doesn’t know why his heart beat suddenly become faster and his face become red.
Inoo shook his head , trying to control his heart beat to be normal and keep pedaling the bike , while enjoying the fresh evening breeze that blows like stroking his hair gently .
" Ne Inoo - kun , do your best . I will support you . " Said Takaki and that succeeded make inoo’s heartbeat become faster once again, he could just be silent, trying to hide his heartbeat which was not able to beat normally .
" I know your abilities and I think you deserve to be called one of the best pitchers , although still need to practice more and improve your ball control . But still do your best . " Takaki closes his eyes , enjoying the evening breeze, and still leaning his head at inoo’s back.
" Hai , i will do my best . " Inoo nodded his head and continued pedaling towards their home.
The first time I felt something blooming in my heart , when you're resting your head and say “do your best” to me
~~~~~~~
" Yabu ...... Yamada.... Yuto .... ..... " one by one name has been called by Kamenashi and one by one they have been standing in front of another member . Inoo was very nervous and he could only pray that he was chosen to be one of the players who will play against osaka Gakuen .
" And the last one ... " said Kamenashi continued , while carrying a list of the players in his right hand , 17 member has been mentioned and had been standing in front . Inoo could just be silent and he should be ready to accept any decision , just one person who will be mentioned , but still a lot more talented players that has not been mentioned , and one of them is Takaki .
" Takaki, please came here . " Kamenashi said to Takaki who had been busy talking with his friend.
" Yes captain . " Said Takaki and stood in front of the other members who are not elected and one of them is Inoo . Takaki was silent when he saw Inoo just bowed his head and clench his hand.
" Yosh , due to the 18 member have been selected and published , then today practice is finish. For those who have not been elected , there is still a chance to be a player in the national tournament. Do your best and keep trying for the sake of saitama Gakuen . Jya mata ashita . Otsukaresamadeshita . " Kamenashi said as he’s closing the practice today .
" Otsukaresamadeshita " all members walked into the club and get ready to go home . But not for Inoo , he was still standing on the field while throwing the ball, to lessen his anger and sad feeling. He is hopeful that he will be elected as one of the players in the game against osaka Gakuen , but his name was not selected, not even as a reverse member.
" ARGGHHHH ... DAMMIT ! ! ! ! " Inoo said , yelling and throwing the ball hardly , he had tried hard , and he was one of the best pitchers in junior high school , but why no one saw his effort and ability ? Why he was not elected ?
" ARGHHHHHHH ... " he shouted once more then he just sat there and bowed his head .
" I 've told you right? Control your pitch. Fast but not controlled will not make a strike out . " Inoo looked toward the voice and saw Takaki smiled walking towards him .
" This is for you . " Takaki threw a bottle of drink and Inoo catch it perfectly .
" just drink it , I bought it for you . " Takaki said and he also sat down beside Inoo . " There is still a chance to be one of the players in the national tournament . "
" But I 've tried hard Senpai ... " Inoo lowered his head again , still sad with what happened today . he wants back in the middle of the field once again , throwing the ball and hearing the shout of the audience . he wants to feel it once again .
" are you remember the words which I convey to you when we first met ? " Said Takaki while occasionally sipping his drink . Inoo turned his face toward Takaki , and once again his heart beat faster when he saw Takaki from the side with a baseball cap and that made takaki look more handsome.
" We're going to Koshien together . Remember? "Said Takaki and looked at inoo properly .
" And I also said that I know your ability , and I believe it . so , don’t be sad . There is still a chance to prove that you deserve to be a major player . And we promise to go to Koshien together, right ? " Takaki smiled at Inoo and rubbed the younger’s head gently . At that moment , time seemed to have stopped for Inoo . his heart pounding, his body heat rising and his face flushed . Takaki 's smile like a magic which can make his sad feelings become dissapear and can make him excited again to do the best and show people that he is worthy to be called as one of the best pitchers in japan.
My heart skipped a beat every time I see you since then , and you're right, that there is still a chance for me . Just as we promised , we are going to Koshien together .
~~~~~~~
Inoo’s walking back and forth, not because he was nervous, cause eventually saitama Gakuen enter the final match against osaka Gakuen at national tournament which is one of the famous baseball club in Japan . Not because he was chosen to be the main pitchers in the game . not because of it . but because until now takaki has not appeared,whereas 15 minutes the match will start . Inoo started to panic and many times he saw his cell phone who had been held, he hope takaki will answer his massages
He still remembers that Takaki send a message to him before he heading to koshien
"our promise finally fulfilled today"
The sentence is the last message from Takaki and until now there is no reply message from him , although Inoo have sent a message more than ten times . the sound of supporter was roared. One by one the audience come into the Koshien and shouting to support their favorite team . 10 minutes to begin the game , and each team start walking to their base . Inoo was still standing at the entrance of Koshien , hoped takaki would arrive soon . He still hopes Takaki will be fine , and nothing happens with him.
" Inoo - kun ..... " Inoo turned and looked toward the voice. he saw Kamenashi ran toward him .
" Inoo - kun ... what are you doing here ? The match will begin . Let's go inside. " Kamenashi approached inoo and pulled his hand to enter the field immediately
"But captain ... Takaki - senpai wa ...... " Inoo tried to keep his hands off from Kamenashi because he still wants to wait Takaki at the front entrance . He doesn’t want to play without Takaki , because today is the day that they wait . Today is the day that they promised since the first time they meet , they will compete at Koshien together . He doesn’t want if only he who fulfill that promise . He still wants to wait for Takaki , because he knew how happy Takaki in the semi -finals when they won and eventually can go to Koshien like today .
Kamenashi stopped and let go of inoo’s hand , he can only be silent when Inoo said that he still want to wait for takaki.
Inoo who saw Kamenashi who suddenly paused and his expression turned sad, thinks that something is definitely happen with Takaki .
" Captain , , , answer me ... is something happens to Takaki - senpai ? " Inoo shaked kamenashi’s body and hope that nothing happen with Takaki . He hopes Takaki came late because he woke up late , or his bike is leaky.
Kamenashi could just take a deep breath , very hard for him to answer inoo’s questions because he has decided to tell all the members after the game is finished .
"Please anwer me captain ... " Inoo shaked kamenashi’s body and more faster than before cause he needs an answer, and he needs a certainty.
Kamenashi breathe once again and bowed his head, he can’t look at inoo properly, cause he knows that the news will slice inoo’s heart ... " Takaki had an accident and is currently in the hospital . And the last news that I know that he needs surgical operation because of severe wounds in his legs and arms . "
Inoo can only be silent when he heard the words which conveyed by Kamenashi . Her body suddenly becomes weak , his legs can no longer stood properly , he just sat there and the tears unconsciously came out from his eyes slowly .
" Do your best inoo-kun"
" inoo-kun, We're going to Koshien together "
"our promise finally fulfilled today"
The phrase echoed in his mind . Today is the day they 've been waiting . All baseball players have the dream to compete at Koshien , and today saitama Gakuen given the opportunity to compete in this field . for Inoo , takaki is the one who makes him to be better and strive harder so that he could stand in the middle of the field today. takaki is the one who always cheer him up, and takaki is the one who told him to always do his best. But today, they even can’t fulfilled their promise, they even can’t standing together in the middle of the field and being support by their supporter. The promise which they made and the day which they’ve been waiting was become a memory.
But then inoo stood up and wipe his tears. He can’t dissapointed his team, and of course he can’t dissapointed takaki who always cheered him up. he must compete today and show to everyone that he was become a better pitcher. And of course although takaki is not there but he must try his best to fulfill their promise.
“let’s go captain, we must be a winner today.” then he ran toward the field and followed by kamenashi who just can smile when saw one of his pride member’s spirit.
Please God , save him and let me fulfill our promise today
~~~~~~~
" Pitcher with the number 1 from Saitama Gakuen has entered the field . The current score of the match is same . we will see if Inoo kei will be able to bring saitama Gakuen become a winner today? we still don’t know the answer but we will see it in a moment . " the commentator give a speech and audience shouts grew louder when one of the pitcher from Saitama Gakuen entered the field and took a position in the middle of the field .
Inoo walked to the middle of the field while fix his baseball glove on his left hand . Roar of the crowd grew louder when he saw Inoo walked toward the middle of the field , a pitcher who has been waiting to win the tournament from saitama gakuen.
Inoo could only draw a deep breath , and tried to focus when he’s arriving in the middle of the field . A batter was standing right in front of him , preparing to hit the ball to be thrown by him. He took the position while fixing his cap, ready to throw a ball that currently exist in his right hand . He drew a deep breath once again , closing his eyes.
" Ne Senpai , do you see me now ? "
" I will strive to make our dreams come true "
" Inoo getting ready to throw and.........................STRIKE OUT!!!!!" the commentators spoke with great enthusiasm when the batter can’t hit the ball that has been thrown Inoo , all strike out and that was managed to bring saitama Gakuen became a winner .
Inoo just sat there ,still not believe with what just happened , all members ran toward him and everyone hug him tightly. The audience voice grew louder and all of saitama gakuen supporter cheered with joy .
"ne Inoo - kun ... "Kamenashi approached inoo who still embraced by all the members which make him hard to breathe and hard to get out from the arms of many people at that time .
" I just got news that the operation was successful and takaki’s current condition is fine . " Kamenashi said as he’s smiling and patting Inoo’s shoulder.
Inoo unknowingly tears flowing , he can’t say anything other than thankful and grateful to God for answered his prayer and of course provide an incredible gift, a saitama gakuen victory.
" And congratulations on our victory . " Kamenashi continued and shook inoo’s hand firmly .
" uhn" Inoo just nodded and without thinking too long, he ran out of the field , leaving all the members who are still happy to celebrate their victory . He ran towards the person who really he wanted to see , the person who always gives him strength so that he could stand in the middle of the field like today.
I don’t know what made me run faster like this
I don’t know what made my tears flow unknowingly
Just to meet you
Just because thinking of you
You made me aware of my ability
You made me realize to always do my best
You made my heart pounding crazily everytime i saw you
And you made me realize that i must try my best to reach for my dreams
Today I was standing in the middle of the field , repeating memories 1 year ago
Today I have to keep our word , “go to Koshien and win the game”
And today I ran faster just want to see you
Hold you close and say " we did it "
And another words i wanna say to you is.....
" Ne senpai , thank you so much for everything and .....
Boku wa kimi ga suki desu .............. "
--- The End ---