At breakfast the next day, the moment Miyuki entered the cafeteria, his gaze drifted toward the first-years who always sat together. They really are close, and full of energy too.
With a smile, he sat by himself beside them. It wasn't as though he had any regular breakfast companions.
In the group of five, the seat across from Haruichi was empty. Seeing Miyuki sit down, he nodded in greeting without interrupting Eijun's chatter. Eijun did not even notice who had sat beside him and was still arguing with Furuya on his left over who should be the first to learn pitching from Kōshū.
"I was the first one to meet Kōshū! If anyone gets coached first, it should be me! Besides, you don't even know where your pitches are going to go!"
"Me first!" Ever since Kōshū had caught for Furuya once, Furuya had temporarily shifted his attention from Miyuki to Kōshū.
"Me first!" The two had completely forgotten that the original purpose of becoming friends had been their "Anti-Kōshū Alliance." It was all because Kōshū had suddenly changed his tune today, saying he would help correct their pitching during evening self-practice.
Watching the two pitchers fight over the privilege without even asking, Haruichi felt a little confused. What's with Kōshū? Didn't he say they were still complete amateurs with hardballs and needed a lot more polishing? Could it be because of tomorrow's...
"Eh? Isn't that a good thing, Kōshū? Are you personally polishing up your own backup lineup?" Miyuki cut in with a smug grin.
"Ah? Miyuki Kazuya!"
"Senior Miyuki—"
The two pitchers were shocked. Just moments ago, they had been complaining alongside Kōshū about how Senior Miyuki could never wear his cap straight. Could Miyuki have been there then...?
At that thought, even the enthusiasm rising in their