Chapter 23: CH 23

Chapter 23: Shaky Feelings

Aizawa-san and I entered the sports store together. I left the baseball equipment for last and went to the taping section. Aizawa-san was scurrying around the store, looking curious, as if she’d always wanted to come here.

Ever since we decided to go to the shopping mall together, I had been worried about something. I was worried about being seen by my classmates from school.

It had been a while since the opening ceremony, so I was relieved to see that there were fewer students in uniform at the mall.

If they saw me with a girl from another school, they might misunderstand and spread unwanted rumors about me.

Despite my worries, Aizawa-san seemed to enjoy looking around.

“Did you find anything of interest?” (Hiroto)

“No, I was just looking at all the things I’ve never seen before.”

“I’ve been here many times, but I also occasionally see pieces of equipment that I don’t recognize. I’m going to take a look at the taping kit and then go to the baseball equipment. You can look at whatever you want, too.” TLN: Taping probably refers to the tape used by baseball players that they wrap around their wrists. It supports the muscles as they move, and improves circulation in the affected region.

“I don’t really know anything here, so I’ll go with Yoshizumi-kun. Can’t I?” (Haruka)

When I saw Aizawa-san looking up at me with a troubled expression, I felt a wave of memories, and at the same time, the troubled expression that my childhood friend had on came to mind. The desire to see Haruka-chan and the feeling of loneliness stained my heart.

“It’s not that I don’t want you coming with me. I was just curious because you seemed to enjoy looking at the types of equipment.”

I shouldn’t have said anything weird to Aizawa-san. Now I have to face her right in front of me.

“Let’s go to the baseball equipment section.”

“I don’t even know how taping is used, but there are so many different kinds….” (Haruka)

“I’ve never used it before, so I don’t know much about it. I didn’t realize how it worked until after the rehab doctor told me.”

When we went to the baseball equipment section, Aizawa-san asked me a lot of questions, as if she wanted to know more about baseball. I answered her while looking and picking for the equipment I needed.

As I continued to explain, Aizawa-san became quiet and I thought I had explained too much about baseball. I wanted to apologize and looked over at her. Aizawa-san was holding a small baseball in her hand and seemed to be examining it.

“Are you interested in that ball?” (Hiroto)

Aizawa-san seemed to be zoned out and kept looking at the ball in her hand.

“No, I was just remembering something from…”  (Haruka)

It was the type of baseball that elementary school children would play with.

“I don’t know what kind, but it’s a ball that looks like this…” (Haruka)

“I think it’s a small baseball for elementary school students or something… like that.” (Hiroto)

“A boy I loved in elementary school used to play with me… I wonder how he’s doing now…” (Haruka)

If she’s talking about a person she liked from elementary school, chances are she probably won’t talk to me about it. But I felt as if I should help her when I saw that expression on her face. What should I do…

“Well, if the ball reminds you of your elementary school days, then it must have been a good memory.” (Hiroto)

“Yeah. I had a lot of fun…I still think about it now… but I also think about the… sad things…” (Haruka)

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“I hope you can make some good memories and forget some of the sad ones.” (Hiroto)

“Yes… but… I don’t want to forget… because if I do, they’ll disappear…” (Haruka)

Aizawa-san, who was looking at the ball in her hand as if she was looking at something nostalgic, turned her face toward me and said, “Ah!”.

“I’m sorry! I must’ve mentioned something pretty strange…” 

“It’s okay. Everyone has memories, and I have fun memories too, as well as memories that still make me sad when I think about them. So don’t worry about it.” (Hiroto)

“Yes, thank you… Yoshizumi-kun, can I ask you to continue to teach me about baseball?” 

“About baseball? Why all of a sudden?” 

“Ever since Yoshizumi-kun took me here… I’ve wanted to know more about it…”

It seems that she was getting excited about baseball after all…

“If it comes to baseball, I’ll teach you everything that I know. But when it comes to a game… I’ll definitely beat Toko University.” (Hiroto)

“Yeah. Good luck with that.” (Haruka)

“Haha.  It’s not right for a school that regularly plays in Koshien to cheer for another school. We’re a public school, but if you think about it, we still do decently well.”

“Yoshizumi-kun was doing his best until he got injured. Everyone thought your school was amazing!”

“Well, I’ll take your word for it and do my best.”

“Yes! I’m glad you told me about… Yoshizumi-kun… but I still don’t know your contact information…”

“I don’t know your contact either… shall we exchange now?” (Hiroto)

“Yes… and…” (Haruka)

“Hmm? Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing…  I’ll get back to you.” (Haruka)

“Yeah. I’m always available if you need me.” 

We exchanged contact information on an app, and after accompanying Aizawa-san with shopping, we went home.

A lot happened today. I didn’t think I’d see her outside of a hospital…

I turned on my phone and looked at the name of my brand new contact… “Haruka Aizawa”.

I remember the troubled look… she gave me when she was in trouble, and the look that meant, “What should I do?”.

“…Haruka-chan.”

I’ve been reminded of her more and more lately…

While I was waiting for Yoichiro to call me, I kept thinking about today’s events.

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