Under the scorching sun, Takashi stepped onto the sacred grounds of Hanshin Koshien—representing sweat, regrets, joy, and dreams.
The cameras zoomed in on the boy walking toward the mound step by step.
On the large digital screen above the outfield stands, Takashi's figure appeared.
Tall and lean, silver hair hidden under a black baseball cap.
His face was finely sculpted, with defined features and an enviably straight nose.
He walked steadily, dark eyebrows and sharp eyes radiating utter confidence in his own ability.
His presence alone seemed to declare to all spectators at Koshien: Game over.
…
"He's so hot."
"Does anyone know his name? Please, I need to know. This is seriously important."
"Wait a minute, Aoba High is this loaded? Is it too late to transfer in?"
"Stop dreaming. With your grades, there's no way you're getting into Aoba."
Surrounded by these comments and remembering that Takashi had once confessed to her, Umaru suddenly felt a surge of pride.
What to do?
She kind of wanted to show off.
Nope. Gotta hold it in.
That totally doesn't match the image she had at school.
Umaru managed to hold it in, but Ebina Nana suddenly spoke up in surprise, "Umaru, isn't that the guy who sat outside your house all night waiting for you?"
Several girls nearby turned to stare at Doma Umaru in unison.
"He waited all night outside your house?"
"Umaru, what's your relationship with him?"
Ah crap, busted.
Not really her fault, right?
Geez, Ebina, why'd you have to bring that up now? Can't keep your mouth shut.
Umaru felt as smug as if she'd just scored a pentakill, but forced herself to act indifferent: "W-What relationship? We're just ordinary classmates, okay? Don't get the wrong idea~"
The girls exchanged knowing glances—they were already convinced this was definitely not a simple relationship.
"Don't worry. We won't gossip about it."
Even as they said that, some of them were already pulling out their phones to text their friends from other schools:
[Did you know? That guy who's pitching now is Doma Umaru's boyfriend.]
…
In the VIP stands of Hanshin Koshien—
Unlike the sweltering, crowded general seats, this area was spacious and air-conditioned.
Around Adagaki Aki were baskets of fresh seasonal fruit delivered straight from Yamanashi Prefecture.
"Him?"
Adagaki Aki crossed one leg over the other as usual, her face showing a trace of interest.
Ever since Takashi asked for her contact info, she had expected him to call her the next day, desperate to ask her out.
She had already made up her mind: if he asked her out, she'd enjoy the meal, then verbally humiliate him, just to show him how terrifying the Cruel Princess could be.
But Takashi never called.
The only thing he ever sent were photos—of food.
Gorgeous food pictures, always sent in the middle of the night.
Then he'd block her, reject all her calls, and repeat the process the next night.
It left her hungry every single night.
She hadn't forgotten this grudge.
…
In the front row of the stands, Hayasaka Ai watched the confident, radiant boy, her eyes sparkling.
"What a show-off."
She pouted.
"Who was it again last night, so nervous he wouldn't stop texting me, begging me to stay on the phone with him?"
She couldn't help but smile thinking about how Takashi had called her in the middle of the night, like a kid seeking maternal comfort, rambling on nervously for hours.
…
"Ichika, Nino, Miku, Itsuki—look! Kitahara-kun is on the mound!"
In the VIP section, Yotsuba tugged excitedly at her sisters' arms, pointing toward Takashi.
"Yeah yeah, I see him. Yotsuba, can you stop tugging me? My shirt's about to fall off,"
Miku adjusted her shirt, which had slipped to reveal a shoulder, while thinking, He's pretty handsome…
Too bad he's the kind of jerk who threatens girls.
Ichika was woken by Yotsuba's voice and noticed Nino staring blankly at Takashi. She teased, "Oi, stop drooling over him. You're practically dripping."
Nino reflexively wiped her mouth—only to realize she wasn't drooling.
"What? Falling for him? Want me to play matchmaker?"
Ichika draped an arm around Nino's shoulders, waggling her eyebrows at her.
"I told you, I already like someone," Nino retorted stubbornly, even though she'd just had her heart flutter over Takashi.
"You mean that totally made-up Watanabe Takashi of yours?"
"Watanabe is real, okay? Even Dad met him. Ask him if you don't believe me."
Nino argued back, bitterness in her heart.
Watanabe… if you don't show up soon, I might really move on…
Takashi was outstanding—her type, even—but the image of the heroic, gallant Watanabe Takashi had left too deep an impression that day. She just couldn't let go.
…
Elsewhere in the VIP seats, Nagisa stared at the arrogant, confident, dazzling boy walking onto the mound and licked her lips with a pink little tongue.
Hungry. She wanted a bite.
She couldn't wait to devour Takashi completely.
Momo's eyes were fixed on the boy who stirred such excitement just by walking onto the field. Her gaze was intense.
"So this is the real you?"
She had finally glimpsed the tip of the iceberg beneath Takashi's usual facade.
Beside her, Tsubame had not once looked away since Takashi appeared.
From him, she sensed the unique radiance of youth.
An unrelenting flame that the wildest winds couldn't put out—a bold, passionate vitality.
What kind of man do women love?
One who treats them the best? One who checks all the boxes?
Not at all.
Women love men who stir their emotions. Who makes their hearts race.
And at this moment, Tsubame's heart was rippling—thanks to Takashi.
…
Yukino watched Takashi take the field, her expression more serious than ever.
She disliked him, sure, but even she had to admit—
Takashi was an extremely strong opponent.
So strong, in fact, that whether it was in intellect, grades, or arguments, she had never once beaten him.
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