Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Storm Hits Munhyeok High...!?
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Munhyeok High was buzzing when I finally arrived at school, late because I had to do laundry. It seemed like our win over Girin High had made quite a splash.
On the way in, I'd seen the internet articles, and the hype was just as intense there. Proof of that was the steady stream of pieces focusing on our school's meteoric rise.
[Munhyeok High, the Force Behind Seoul Seed's Whirlwind! Historic First-Year Push for the Sejong Tournament?]
[Next Up: Daegwallyeong High—Any Secret Weapon Against Their Nation-Topping Lineup?]
[Munhyeok High Chairman Interview: "I Just Invested in My Students' Potential."]
'...What's this chairman guy on about?'
Sure, even if he'd harbored some shady intentions at first, the fact remained that he'd pumped nearly a few hundred million of his own cash into the baseball team. An interview like that wasn't out of line.
Anyway, the media and netizens were reacting big time. Seoul seed games drew tons of eyes since the competition was fierce and it was the capital area.
'Looks like a bunch of reporters are already at school.'
With the spring tournament nearing its end, talk of national youth team selections was starting to heat up.
First up was Ryu Ji.
The guy was in the middle of an interview with some Japanese reporters.
"Ryu Ji, word is the Japanese national committee has been keeping tabs on you. Any interest in a youth team spot?"
"Of course. Representing your country is an honor. If they ask, I'll accept without hesitation."
In the original story, Ryu Ji was a no-go character, so I couldn't be 100% sure, but the odds were high he'd make it.
'Most of Japan's youth team were clock-punchers anyway.'
I remembered they weren't in a position to ignore a sudden power hitter like him popping up. Even if his dad's scandals blew up, Ryu Ji would probably still get the nod.
'Hassan's a lock, no question.'
For a baseball minnow like Pakistan, a pitcher like Hassan was gold. They were probably planning to milk him for 15 years straight in the senior national team too.
'Un-gang... doesn't seem keen on playing this time.'
Some shady Chinese guys were pitching offers, but he kept turning them down. There were rumors the Hong Kong team might merge with mainland China, but he was dead set on only playing for Hong Kong.
'...Well, the guy's the type who skipped the draft and went back home to join the Hong Kong democracy movement.'
Barring any big curveballs, he'd probably sit it out again. I planned to try talking him into it, but with his fierce patriotism and no real reason to stop him, I wasn't pushing now.
'Our national team's a total mess.'
Korea, crowned kings of the sport.
Making the cut was like grabbing stars from the sky.
Of course, Munhyeok High had two names floating around too. Specifically, two pitchers.
⚾ High School Baseball Board — Anon Geum Seong-muk's gotta have a shot at nationals, right? Yeah — Fanboy Ri Dong-hyeok's looking solid. Been ages since we saw an underhand fireballer pop up — Excited Damn, both still rocking 0.00 ERA in the tournament Geum Seong-muk and Ri Dong-hyeok's impact in the spring tournament had sparked real national team buzz.
Of course, plenty of skeptics too.
— Skeptic We got guys with 3 years of proof, why pick flash-in-the-pan bubbles? — Lmao LOL casuals, that's why we have a national committee. Kids like that don't even pass paperwork. Then came the mediator.
A well-known expert user chimed in to break it down.
⭐ Expert Analysis — Current Analyst Active selection committee guy here. Geum Seong-muk's got 80%+ odds. Lefty fireballer who can homer too? Huge plus. Sample size small, sure, but committee factors that in to pick the best. Should be fine. — Current Analyst (cont.) But Ri Dong-hyeok's sample is too tiny. Geum's got nearly 16 innings; Ri's at 4. Unless he drops a bombshell in the spring tourney, odds are slim. — Grateful Clear breakdown, thx — Lol Committee guy's based LOL — Summary TL;DR: Geum high chance, Ri basically zero? — Yup Lefty fireballers get the royal treatment. Pops outta nowhere senior year and still in convo lol — Info ↳ Reply Geum's #1 in Seoul seed homers rn ↳ Reply Keep forgetting cuz pitcher hype The thread settled into some consensus.
Then a question popped up from what seemed like a newbie.
— Newbie Baseball newbie here. Why the lefty fireballer worship? It's just throwing left-handed?? Genuine confusion, reeking of newbie energy.
The expert stepped up again, with a perfect analogy.
⭐ Legend — Expert Newb, you like big-boobed girls? — Newbie Reply Uh yeah I do — Expert (cont.) Velocity's like boob size. Bigger's better, not everything but close. — Newbie Aha! So lefty fireballer's...? — Expert Glamorous and pink. Get it now? — Newbie ?!?! GOT IT! Thx!! — Lmao LMAOOOOO what an analogy — Boom Instant understanding tho boom~ — Real Talk And it's kinda spot on lmao Users marveled at the expert's analogy.
Now they were off on related tangents.
— Curious Underhand pitcher = what girl type?? — Reply Ballet major dancer girl vibe? — Ooh Img fits — Dream Big-tiddie dancer? Man's ultimate fantasy, how you hold back? — Suddenly Wanna push Ri for nationals now based lol The high school baseball board, peaceful as ever.
A bit crude, but full of genuine fans.
"Yo, why so late today?"
Ryu Ji sidled up during break.
I sighed and answered.
"Had some urgent stuff. Interview go well?"
"Yeah, gave 'em exactly what they wanted to hear. Honestly, I wanna make nationals too."
"Oh? Patriotism kicking in?"
"Nah? International tourneys mean top talent everywhere. Gotta crush 'em all."
Ryu Ji licked his lips.
True to his battle-maniac blood, he still craved strong opponents.
"Heard your name floating for nationals too, Seong-muk. Excited, right?"
"Eh, if they pick me, cool. If not, whatever."
Inside, I was screaming 'Pick me dammit!!', but I played it cool. Buzz was one thing; the committee was another.
'No OK from the national committee, and you're sunk no matter how good.'
The 'National Committee,' formed to dominate internationals, always sparked controversy in selections but backed it up with results.
Their eye for talent differed from fans' and players'. In the original, they did whatever, so unpredictable.
That's why I was nervous. Even with my stats, rejection was possible.
As we chatted, sudden footsteps thundered down the hall.
Screech!!
It was Choi Adam.
His signature rooster crest hair flapping, he bolted up yelling desperately.
"Dude insane...! Ji Su-yong's getting confessed to!!"
"......!!"
"......!!"
Ryu Ji and I exchanged looks.
We vaulted desks and charged into the hall. No way we missing this...!!
A crowd had already gathered where Choi Adam led us. They ringed Ji Su-yong and a girl at a distance.
A cute underclassman handed him a letter, spilling her heart.
"Ji Su-yong sunbae...! You're so cool as disciplinary chair and on the field.... Will you take this?"
"Ooooo......!!"
We'd hit the climax.
Yeah, this was baseball team youth.
Baseball already got massive buffs in this world, multiplying popularity. Events like this were standard for players.
"Su-yong's face is decent, right? And that build."
"Totally. High energy, fun personality—no boredom."
"Tch, damn. Junior ditching singledom before me? Shitty world...."
We whispered as we waited, but Ji Su-yong's response was wild.
"Alright, quiz time...!!"
".........!?!"
"Which animal has rosette patterns? 1. Lion, 2. Cheetah, 3. Tiger, 4. Jaguar. 10 seconds...!"
"10, 10 seconds...!?"
The girl stumbled back in shock.
We three were dumbfounded, but she seemed dead serious, pondering hard.
"Answer...! #2 Cheetah?"
"Wrong! Cheetah's spots... Rosette master is Jaguar...!!"
merciless wrong-answer verdict from Ji Su-yong.
He rubbed his nose, flashed a grin, and bolted.
"Quiz next time...! Bye!!"
And he was gone.
Our reaction was set.
"What a psycho?"
"Su-yong's not right in the head."
Poor girl rejected by that nut. She trembled, muttering.
"Rosettes are Jaguar... My bad. For next chance with Su-yong sunbae, more animal study...!!"
"........."
Not pitiful anymore.
She was cracked too—might actually match.
"Yo, Geum Seong-muk. Next is English, right?"
"Yeah, same class."
Choi Adam and I, English A class, split from Ryu Ji and headed to our room. Manager Shin Hye-ji was already there, waving us over.
"Huh? You two together?"
"Yeah, checked out Su-yong's confession."
"No way...!? That loser, gonna kill him? Keeping that fun from me?"
"You were at the canteen, you psycho...!"
Today's bickering as usual.
I scanned the room and spotted a familiar face.
"Ah......"
Olivia, already seated.
Face still flushed—was the cold lingering?
"Hey, Olivia."
"Ah, Seong-muk-ssi... Hi."
We greeted, and I sat behind Choi Adam and Shin Hye-ji. They stared blankly.
"What."
"You know her...???"
"Yeah, friends."
"......!?!"
Shocked faces from both.
Not even on their radar.
"When'd you get chummy...?"
"How with the school's celeb...?"
"Stuff happened. Can't say details."
"Hmph...."
Suspicious glares.
Then a poke at my back. Turned to see Olivia, sweating nervously.
"Um, Seong-muk-ssi...?"
"Yeah?"
"...Can I sit next to you?"
"......!!"
The peanut gallery's eyes bulged. I was surprised too—figured she'd sit with cooking class friends.
'Right, Olivia has no friends.'
This socially narrow girl had zero close pals. She could pick anyone, but it'd be awkward as hell.
"Of course, here."
I pulled out the chair.
She bowed thanks and sat. Something was off about her today.
"Olivia, cold still not gone?"
"N-no. Thanks to your care, it's all better."
"Doesn't look it. Let me check."
".........!!"
I touched her forehead; she flinched. No fever, as she said.
"Hmm, weird. Face still red, thought you had heat left."
".........">
She went mumbling-mute. Then ducked her head, rummaging her bag.
"Seong-muk-ssi, this... "
"What?"
"Lunchbox. Heard training today... Couldn't give last game."
"Oh...!?"
Olivia's lunches helped big time either way. I took it happily, stashing in my bag.
"Thanks, I'll enjoy it."
As I thanked her, odd stares hit. Culprits: the front-seaters.
"Oh ho...?"
"Tch, teasing us about couples when you're the pot calling kettle?"
"......Tsk."
This might get annoying.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After school practice.
As expected, things got messy.
"Whoaaa...!! Big bro Seong-muk got a lunch from Olivia sunbae!?"
"...Even So-seung knows her name. Heroine from that cooking show, right?"
"Damn, Seong-muk. Smooth operator?"
Rumor spread like fire.
I'd tamped it down for now, but it'd pop up again.
'Gotta eat lunches on the down-low for a bit...'
Already headache from yesterday with Do-yeon noona; now Olivia's out to everyone.
Brain throbbed.
Do-jin was MIA too.
"Where's Do-jin? Skipped today?"
"Yeah, early leave for urgent stuff."
Seo Kyung-su scratched his head.
Normally he'd tell me. Must be serious. Wanted to ask about yesterday, but later.
As we formed up, Ri Dong-hyeok approached.
"Comrade Geum Seong-muk."
"Yeah, Dong-hyeok. What's up?"
He hesitated, then steeled.
"...Comrade, maybe time to come clean to the team."
"Your background?"
"Yes. These Munhyeok comrades mean the world now. No more hiding—I wanna show the real me. Not Lee Dong-hyeok, but Ri Dong-hyeok."
"......Hmm."
I'd been thinking it was time.
Ri Dong-hyeok reliably guarded the back door, a team treasure. Everyone knew his value.
Plus, with our kind-hearted crew, no prejudice expected.
"Cool. Announce before main practice."
"Thanks, comrade."
Decision made.
As we gathered for the big reveal, cars screeched up to the field.
Screech!!
"What the...?"
Too purposeful for casual parking—a fleet aimed here.
"Wait, those... "
"Cameras...!?"
People burst in the gates: reporters.
"Found Joo reporter!!"
"There, there...!"
They shoved in competitively, zeroing on Ri Dong-hyeok with mics out.
"Ri Dong-hyeok! Defector rumors true??"
"Heard you're high cadre kid—comment please...!!"
Ri Dong-hyeok's eyes shook.
Teammates too.
"...Dong-hyeok sunbae?"
"From the North...!?"
A close teammate from the enemy state—still armistice—shook Munhyeok baseball to its core.
"...Goddammit."
Massive scandal right before key games. I clutched my pounding head.