It's Embarrassing
"Wait, so the injury's more serious than we thought..."
The Seoul Jeon-san High School baseball coach sighed heavily.
"Yes, I'm sorry. I didn't expect to be out this long..."
"Injuries like that can be tough to recover from if not handled right, so rest is key. No helping it, then. At least we got knocked out of the Phoenix Tournament early... That means we're out of the National Sports Festival after it too. Looks like the season's over for us. With just the first- and second-years now, it's tough to expect good results in tournaments anyway."
The coach sighed again.
"Haha, sorry. Yeah, this year... that's how it is."
"So now, aside from winter break training camp, there's no schedule left."
"Got it. So what do we do?"
The coach stroked his chin, thinking for a moment.
"You're not one of those paying players anyway, so just live like a normal student for the next two months until your body's better—November? No, mid-October probably. Start light training then, get another hospital checkup, and we'll go from there."
"Understood."
"Yeah, next year matters more for you anyway. I'll talk to the director... details later. He's out today."
"Got it."
That wrapped up my talk with the baseball coach. On the way home...
"Jeong-ui."
Huh? What?
"Walk together."
It was Yoo Sera who'd called me.
"Together? You've got practice."
"Mm... nah, I'll go late or skip today."
"...? What're you talking about? You still need practice."
Sera just stared at me.
"Practice can wait a bit. And... it's mostly my fault, so now I'll walk you home. Your knee's not great..."
"No, I can walk. I'd have called my parents if it was bad."
"Still... no straining it."
Then Sera poked my side.
"Let me walk with you."
I looked at her. Sera's eyes looked ready to burst into tears if I refused.
I glanced around. People passing by occasionally. And this was right in front of school. Cry here? ...I couldn't handle that.
No choice.
"A... alright."
And so, I ended up walking home with Sera, fully in the direction of my house.
"That case okay to carry?"
"Yeah, no problem."
"Want me to take it?"
"No way. Can't make the patient carry stuff. I always tote it anyway. It's not heavy. I got this."
"Still, longer walk than usual."
"Nope. I'll carry this, drop you off, then head to practice. Listen to me."
..."
"Fine."
Nothing I could do against Sera's firm tone.
As we walked home together, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Son?"
"...?"
Uh... bad vibe.
I slowly turned. There was Mom, looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"Oh~ son. Who's that next to you? Why's she with you?"
...Busted.
How to play this?
"Hello. I'm Jeong-ui's friend."
Before I could answer, Sera bowed quickly.
"Jeong-ui's friend? A girl?"
Um... Mom. So...
"Yes. She's a girl, but a friend."
"She's really pretty. And that case... you play music too?"
"Yes, exactly! I mean, yeah, I do music."
Mom shot me a look like you answer.
"...Ah! Mom, this is Yoo Sera, in my class."
"Hello."
"Aha~ got it. Hi. Sorry, I never imagined my son coming home glued to a girl like this. Couldn't process it."
No, Mom. What kinda talk is that?
As I cringed in embarrassment at Mom's words, Sera beside me gave a faint smile instead.
"You've come this far—want something to drink at the house?"
"Mom..."
"Yes! Sure."
Eh? Just as I was about to say she had practice, Sera cut in fast.
A bit later, snacks, fruit, and tea sat on our kitchen table.
"So, violin."
"Yes. I used to practice alone sadly in the mornings, but lately Jeong-ui comes early and listens, so that's nice."
"That's why you started going early?"
I corrected quick.
"No, I go early for workouts."
"Really just workouts? You didn't back in elementary or middle school."
I dodged, looking away.
"Hehe."
Sera covered her mouth, laughing at the scene.
"No, it's... I come super early for violin, he comes early to run, so we got close."
"I see. I thought my quiet boy was too withdrawn, but he's been busy in secret."
"Mom?"
What? Secretly busy...?
"No, I misspoke. I mean, great to have such a good friend while resting. I hoped he'd make baseball buddies, but a girl friend too? Proud of you, son."
...I wanna die.
As my mind started fogging, Sera kept chatting.
"That's how it happened... Jeong-ui got hurt. My fault. Sorry."
"Your fault? Nah. You look light as a feather—even an athlete shouldn't get hurt carrying that."
Ahem... please, Mom...
I couldn't recover from her words. Just... say nothing...
"Still sorry. So... can I walk him home like this for a few days?"
"Of course. Anytime."
They finished talking and looked at me.
...Why're they teaming up?
Eh, not bad, I guess?
"Jeong-ui, you look happier lately."
A few days later, walking home together, Sera said that, looking at me.
"Huh... do I?"
I mumbled, a bit sheepish.
Sera nodded right away.
"Yeah, it's all over your face. Something good happen?"
I hesitated, then came clean.
"Well... thanks to you. Someone walking me home every day."
"Hehe. Knew it."
"Ah... um... and another reason."
"Huh? Really?"
"Yeah. Had this one worry, but I decided, so it's off my chest. One less big concern means I can focus pure on baseball. Feels good."
Sera gave a slightly envious look.
"For real? Lucky. I'm kinda scared about the overseas concerto. Costs a ton, and I dunno if I'll do well. Worrying a lot. Practice is already overwhelming—how to ease this?"
Huh? Sera saying something weak?
Maybe she's had similar worries...
Can't just sit.
"Sera, you'll do great. I guarantee it. I've heard you play every day—makes me sure. You're bound to succeed. Skill, persistence, real passion for music. I believe people like that rise."
"Pfft, what~?"
Sera played embarrassed, but didn't hate it.
"Oh right. When's the new captain vote?"
She suddenly remembered, asking.
"That? After seniors' draft results, we all meet and vote."
"So you'll be it?"
At her words, I looked away, then quietly said,
"Mm... can I be honest?"
"Sure. What?"
I took a breath, then straight-up.
"That worry I mentioned—I'm not doing captain. Already picked someone."
"What?"
Sera's eyes widened in surprise.
"What do you mean? Picked someone?"
"Gonna stick to what I'm good at. Ace! Just that."
"Ace?"
"Yeah. Leadership? Not my thing. Gotta watch everyone. No spare attention for that."
"Still..."
"Eh...?!"
Sera pouted a bit, so I grabbed her hand.
"Sera, I know myself. Can't do everything. So I'll do what I do best. This is all to answer you."
"Huh...? Answer what?"
"You know."
"..."
Sera's face went flustered. I squeezed her hand tight—she shifted from flustered to shy.
"So get it? Shall we keep going?"
"Yeah. Got it. But not sudden like this on the street."
"Didn't feel like you hated it? No one around anyway."
"True, but... embarrassing."
Sera's face was fully red now.