When I Was Rejected and Returned Home, My Childhood Friend, Who Should Have Been Distant, Was in My Room

Chapter 27: Declaration of Defeat

Shogo smiled nihilistically but quickly returned his expression to normal and ran toward the fallen foul ball.

Shogo briefly posed as if to throw overhand, then noticed Jingu-senpai wasn’t wearing a glove, approached, and ultimately handed the ball over.

“Thanks, you didn’t get hurt, did you?” Jingu-senpai asked.

“I’m fine, but sorry for watching from such a place,” I replied.

“It’s fine, it’s fine, I welcome anyone who shows interest,” Jingu-senpai said.

Despite us clearly being in the way, Jingu-senpai responded with a refreshing smile.

“The coach said you’re really interested in high school baseball since you came to watch,” Jingu-senpai mentioned.

“Oh, yeah, that’s actually true! And…” I started.

I realized my passionate speech was taken that way. Watching Koshien was worth it. While thinking this, Shogo turned to me and beckoned. As I approached, he grabbed my shoulder firmly.

“This guy’s a huge fan of Jingu-senpai, so he kept nagging to see your practice just once!” Shogo said.

“Huh?” I reacted.

Not understanding what he meant, I stood dumbfounded, but Shogo desperately winked at me. I got it—if I wanted to know about Jingu-senpai, I should ask him directly. I understood Shogo’s intention, but facing Jingu-senpai in person, I didn’t know what to ask.

“Well then, I’ll start! Jingu-senpai, you’re the captain of our baseball team, right?” I said.

“Well, sort of,” Jingu-senpai replied.

His modest response showed no hint of humility. He likely had firm confidence backed by effort. Shogo nodded, satisfied with Jingu-senpai’s reaction.

“Even watching practice, you clearly stand out as experienced. I played baseball a bit before, so I can tell your fielding and vision are impressive,” Shogo commented.

I hadn’t known Shogo played baseball. Jingu-senpai seemed pleased by words from a fellow player and scratched the back of his head shyly.

“Mine’s no big deal; anyone could do this with some practice,” Jingu-senpai said.

“No, no, don’t be so modest…” Shogo responded.

Then, without changing his tone, Shogo asked, “But honestly, from your perspective, how’s our baseball team? Don’t you think they should try harder or something?”

With that question, I realized Shogo’s intent. He was trying to make Jingu-senpai slip up, cleverly getting close to gauge his character. Beside Shogo’s calm expression, I watched tensely. Jingu-senpai put a hand on his hip, thought for a moment with an “Hmm,” and spoke.

“I don’t think about the other members’ levels. Sure, I practice more and am pretty good at baseball, but that doesn’t mean others are bad. I work hard at baseball, and others work hard at other things. Our school isn’t aiming for Koshien, so this balance feels right,” Jingu-senpai explained.

“Got it…” Shogo replied.

Unable to find words for such a perfect answer, Shogo fell silent. Jingu-senpai glanced at a distant clock.

“Sorry, break time’s almost over, so I’m going,” Jingu-senpai said.

“Oh, sorry for talking during your break…” I apologized.

“It’s fine, it’s fine, fielding doesn’t tire me much,” Jingu-senpai reassured.

Then Jingu-senpai turned to leave.

“Wait!” I called out.

Without thinking, I stopped him reflexively. Noticing my voice, Jingu-senpai slowly turned back.

“What’s up?” he asked.

With his usual gentle smile, Jingu-senpai looked down at me. Meeting his gaze, my eyes filled with intensity. His smile irritated me deeply, making me feel frustrated. I hadn’t planned what to ask, but I wanted to vent the dark feeling in my gut. Taking a small breath, I stared at him again.

“Are you after Manaki?” I asked.

Beside me, Shogo visibly panicked. I hadn’t meant to ask this, but imagining Manaki and Jingu-senpai walking together made the words slip out.

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Jingu-senpai looked briefly stunned but quickly regained his usual smile.

“You mean Himuro? She’s beautiful and has a great vibe, so I think she’s a wonderful person,” Jingu-senpai said.

Saying “See ya,” Jingu-senpai returned to the field. He didn’t answer my question, but his silence spoke volumes. I was too childish, and he was too mature.

Standing there stunned, Shogo called from behind, “Ready to go?”

“Yeah…” I replied.

It was my complete defeat.

* * * * * *

“Sigh…” I let out a sigh.

Without either of us deciding, Shogo and I ended up at the usual diner. We ordered the drink bar and fries, passing time idly until they arrived. Seeing me sigh, Shogo let out an exasperated tone.

“So, how was Jingu-senpai?” Shogo asked.

“He was really nice…” I admitted.

“Told you so…” Shogo said.

It wasn’t just his looks or athletic ability. I felt the unique composure of an exceptional person who cares for others, leaving me crushed.

“Still, I didn’t expect you to ask him that,” Shogo remarked.

“Something about his smug composure made me want to knock him down a peg…” I explained.

I didn’t fully understand why I felt that way. I came to see if he was worthy of Manaki, but ended up asking that. Watching me slump, Shogo sipped his ginger ale through a straw.

“Well, that confirms Jingu-senpai’s after Manaki. So, what now?” Shogo asked.

“What now…?” I repeated.

“You said you’d check if Jingu-senpai was worthy of Manaki as her childhood friend, right?” Shogo reminded.

“Oh, right, that’s what I said…” I recalled.

Confused by asking Jingu-senpai something weird, I forgot it started with Manaki. After a pause, I concluded.

“Well, it’s fine, right? They’re a good-looking pair, it’d look good,” I said.

Saying that, I felt parched and gulped my orange juice without the straw. Shogo stared at me coldly.

“You… okay with that?” Shogo asked.

“Huh? With what?” I responded.

“You… never mind, it’s not my place to say…” Shogo trailed off.

Shogo seemed about to say something but stopped. My glass emptied, so I went to refill at the drink bar.

Pressing the orange juice button, I imagined Manaki and Jingu-senpai together. Two tall figures walking confidently side by side. Manaki’s silver hair flowing as she smiled at Jingu-senpai, who smiled back. Others could only watch from a distance… Yeah, it’s nice.

The orange juice from the drink bar was filled to the brim. Returning to the table, the fries had arrived, and Shogo was nibbling at them. I set the juice down gently, but some liquid trickled down the glass’s edge.

“You poured a ton,” Shogo noted.

“Got lost in thought and overdid it,” I explained.

“Hmm,” Shogo responded.

Wiping the glass’s edge, I grabbed a fry. They tasted slightly less salty today.

“Masamune, what’s your plan now?” Shogo asked.

“Plan for what?” I replied.

“You know what I mean about Himuro. If Jingu-senpai makes a move on her, what’ll you do?” Shogo pressed.

Not fully grasping Shogo’s question, I felt confused. Nibbling a fry, I answered vaguely.

“I’ll support them, obviously. They’re a perfect match,” I said.

I thought it was an obvious answer, but Shogo sighed heavily, set down his fry, and slowly looked at me. Narrowing his eyes, he seemed to glare.

“Mas Tertiary, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but don’t pull some lame stunt to protect yourself in the name of helping Himuro,” Shogo warned.

“I know,” I replied.

“Don’t ever betray Himuro,” Shogo insisted.

I didn’t respond to that. Eating fries silently, Shogo watched me closely. Betray Manaki? I knew that better than anyone without being told. We ate the fries quietly.

The next day, a rumor spread through the grade that Jingu-senpai asked Manaki out on a date.