While Eijun was still muttering to himself, the taxi had already arrived at its destination—the entrance to Tokyo University Hospital.
...
Once inside, Coach Kataoka and Miyuki remained in the lobby.
Takashima Rei took Eijun in for the necessary examinations.
To Eijun, it all felt a bit excessive—he hadn't felt like it was anything serious.
Even after Dr. Yoshino's brief post-ga treatnt, the swelling had already begun to go down.
But with Takashima insisting—and more importantly, Coach Kataoka's single, commanding word—
"Go!"
—all of Eijun's resistance crumbled in an instant.
This was Kataoka after all.
When Coach Kataoka got stern, it was scary.
...
"Hmm… no bone damage. It's basically just a one-month rest, and there won't be any lasting effects. No need to worry."
In the orthopedics office, Dr. Miyamoto glanced over the X-ray, then smiled faintly as he spoke.
"Thank you, Doctor," Eijun nodded, bowing slightly.
"We appreciate your ti, Dr. Miyamoto," Takashima added with her own polite bow.
Only now did Takashima's expression truly relax.
As long as there was no damage to the bone or tendons, it was fine.
Bruises and swelling could heal quickly—but fractures or tendon injuries could an months out of action, or worse, permanent effects.
"But rember—no throwing with your left arm for the next month. Even after the swelling is gone, keep it rested to prevent relapse. It should fully subside in about a week, but even during training, go easy. Absolutely no strain on the left arm. Understood, Sawamura-kun?"
Dr. Miyamoto turned to him, now serious.
"Yes, I understand, Doctor."
Eijun's heart tightened as he nodded firmly.
One act of recklessness was enough—he had to take responsibility for his future.
High school was just the starting point, the beginning of the dream—not the end.
He still had a bigger stage waiting.
A brighter future to reach for.
"We'll make sure he follows orders," Takashima said seriously.
This ti, she'd keep a very close eye on him.
Eijun scratched the back of his head helplessly—looked like his freedom for the next month was about to be heavily restricted.
"Also, rember to apply the dicine regularly and keep the area clean."
"Got it. Thank you, Doctor."
"Well then, we'll be on our way."
Eijun stood, bowed together with Takashima, and pushed open the office door.
"…Huh?"
"…Uh…"
As they left, intending to head straight to the lobby to et up with Kataoka and Miyuki before returning to school, Eijun spotted sothing odd in the orthopedic ward's second-floor hallway.
At the corner—
A suspicious yellow figure was peeking into rooms one by one, opening doors slightly and glancing inside.
Trailing behind was a much smaller figure.
Just as Eijun noticed them, the yellow figure turned away from one door, disappointnt written all over his face—
And the next second, their eyes t.
When Eijun finally saw him clearly, the corner of his mouth twitched.
Even Takashima's expression stiffened.
It was none other than Narumiya i, Inashiro's ace—
And beside him, wearing an awkward smile, was his small catcher, Tadano Itsuki.
"Narumiya-senpai… what are you doing here?"
Eijun eyed him suspiciously, glancing past Narumiya's shoulder.
He didn't see any sign of an injured teammate.
He gave Narumiya a once-over—no visible injuries either.
So… why was he at the hospital?
He couldn't have co here just to hang out, right?
That would be ridiculous.
...
When Narumiya's eyes t his, there was a flicker of embarrassnt—
But it was gone in an instant.
With a small huff, Narumiya said:
"What? I can't co to the hospital? What, do you own the place? I was bored, so I ca to look around. Problem?"
The tsundere tone was so blatant Eijun nearly sprouted a vein on his forehead.
Seriously… what the hell?
Was he really trying to say he ca to the hospital for fun?
Co on, Narumiya-senpai—if you're going to lie, at least make it believable.
And quit puffing yourself up with that sparkly-eyed, chin-lifted act.
Eijun sighed inwardly.
Most likely, he'd co to visit soone—probably a certain girl—and got caught in the act.
Yes… that must be it.
Wait a second—eh?!
Wait a second… sothing's off here.
If he was here to visit so girl, then why on earth would he bring his pint-sized catcher along?
Eijun's suspicious gaze slid over to Tadano Itsuki, who was still forcing a stiff, awkward smile.
Yeah… this didn't add up.
Then—like a lightbulb switching on—the realization hit him.
Combining this with what he knew about Narumiya i's personality…
"Don't tell … this guy…"
Eijun's face twisted into a mischievous, knowing grin.
The mont Narumiya saw that expression, his face flushed bright red—almost pig-liver purple.
The ever-sharp Tokyo Prince instantly knew—
Eijun had figured him out.
And that… was incredibly awkward.
"Heh… well then, Sawamura-kun, I'll just go on ahead and wait for you in the lobby."
Takashima Rei, having clearly read the situation herself, gave a faint, knowing smile.
With a polite nod to Narumiya and Tadano, she stepped away gracefully, leaving the three boys alone.
The instant Takashima left, the air sohow beca even more awkward.
Sensing the tension, Tadano quietly shuffled back a few paces, instinctively seeking the safest distance from the blast radius.
"Just so we're clear—" Narumiya suddenly raised a hand, his chin tilted upward in classic tsundere defiance.
"I'm not here to see you. This ace just happened to co to the hospital. It's a coincidence! Got it?!"
Eijun couldn't help but chuckle internally.
Yep—sa old Narumiya-senpai.
"Mm, I know, Narumiya-senpai."
Eijun smiled warmly.
No point in exposing him—the truth was already obvious.
And this was, after all, the Prince's last shred of dignity.
"…And, uh… well, I'm just asking casually, but… your injury—the left arm—it's nothing serious, right?"
Narumiya's voice faltered just slightly, his eyes darting away as if unsure where to look.
Eijun was taken aback for a mont—then broke into a quiet laugh.
Narumiya-senpai…
…you really are kind of adorable.
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