Chapter 136 - Watching Baseball (2/2)

“So early. You really worked hard. It’s really good.”

“That’s great.”

Hiiragi-chan’s expression and voice were revitalized. She seemed to be looking at me with sparkling eyes.

“Looking at someone you know showing up at the field really gives a sense of intimacy. You can’t get bored watching like this.”

“I know right?”

Even if we were from different classes, I at least knew the names and faces of the players that came out, so it really makes me want to support them.

It’s probably the similar feeling that people have when a local becomes a star.

Hiiragi-chan should feel that even more than us. She’s a teacher after all, and probably knows more students than us. Every time someone came up she began talking about them, mentioning what class they were in, and who they were.

Her reactions to the game were refreshing and made it interesting just listening to them.

“Hiiragi-chan’s got to be a sandwich genius.”

Fujimoto was ignoring the match and firmly focused on the sandwiches. I also was focused on eating, so it ended up being me sharing with Fujimoto. It can’t be helped, but I really don’t like it…

Kiin! Along with a high-pitched ringing sound, a hit ball flew in our direction.

“Eh, waah, it’s coming over here!?”

Hiiragi-chan panicked as this was the first time she’s experienced something like this.

“L-leave it to me—!”

I heard that from beside me as he disappeared from my side. Fujimoto? Well, I guess it’s fine.

It’s very common for the ball to fall unexpectedly short of you, or even fly over your head, however, this seems one seems to be heading in our direction.

It’s landing point seemed to be about where Hiiragi-chan was sitting.

“That’s dangerous.”

When I reached out to cover for her, I ended up firmly catching the ball with my bare hands. Or rather than catching it, I was forced to catch it.

Seeing that, the crowd around me roared and gave an applause.

Umm, thank you thank you, umm excuse me for standing out like that.

Still, it was great that no one got injured. I patted my chest in relief.

“Sensei, are you okay?”

Hiiragi-chan was staring at me with brightly shining eyes. It was as if she was looking at a knight in shining armor that protected her.

“I’m okay. Thank you. Sei… Sanada-kun.”

“That’s great… Where’s Fujimoto…?”

After looking around, I found Fujimoto having fallen down on a passage below us. Fujimoto… you’re a really interesting guy… I’m not exactly jealous of you though.

“Sanada… why is it just you…”

“There are those types of people. The type that forget there are steps or seats around and fall while trying to catch a foul ball. You even said to leave it to you. Haha.”

“D-don’t mention it!”

I returned the ball to the person who came to retrieve it.

“So, you can’t keep it.”

“Well, it’s not like they’re here for fan service anyways.”

In the end, our team ended up losing, but Hiiragi-chan still seemed to have a lot of fun.

When we were finally alone at Hiiragi-chan’s place, she hugged me and had no intention of letting me go.

“You were really cool, Seiji-kun.”

“It’s nothing, that was just pure coincidence.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine ♡”

She kissed me a bunch on the cheek.

“Like this, your performance at the next sports festival will have to be great!”

“Eh?”

Hiiragi-chan was looking at me with highly expecting eyes.

“No wait, that really was just a complete coincidence… I really can’t do much! It was like that before after all!” [ED: He is probably talking about the soccer thing way back when.]

“Before?”

I shook my head telling her not to mind it.

“You don’t need to prepare a camera.”

She’s planning on recording again!

I really don’t think I can run away from Hiiragi-chan’s high expectations.

It doesn’t seem like I will be able to pass it off normally.