"Did Dranred lose or something? You look like the sky just fell on you," James said as he entered the living room. He had just come back from his own semifinals game — victorious, of course.
Rosette was sitting quietly on the couch, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes looked distant, the same eyes that had been glowing with excitement only a few hours ago when she left to watch Dranred's game.
"What happened? Don't tell me something went wrong. Judging from that face, it's like Dranred's team got crushed," James teased, sitting beside her.
"He won," Rosette said softly.
"He won? Then why do you look like you lost a bet?" James frowned. "Did you two fight? I swear, if that guy made you cry—"
"No," she interrupted quickly, shaking her head. "He won… and he was incredible tonight. Everyone was watching him. He pitched like a true ace—no one could even hit his throws."
"Then that's good, right?" James asked, leaning forward. "That's exactly what you wanted to see. So why do you look miserable?"
"There were scouts there tonight," she said quietly. "From the major leagues. They were looking for players to recruit… and after the way he played, I'm sure they noticed him."
She gripped her hands tighter. "It's his dream — it always has been. But he's already ten years late. If he lets this chance slip away… he might never get another."
James opened his mouth to respond, but stopped when he saw tears sliding down her cheeks. "Hey—Rosette?" he said, startled.
She blinked, realizing she was crying, and hurried to wipe them away.
"Are you crying over him?" James asked in disbelief. His brows furrowed. "That's it. Next time I see that guy, I'm breaking his legs."
"James, stop it," she said with a weak laugh. "It's not his fault."
"Then why?"
Rosette's voice trembled. "I don't know. I told everyone I was his number one fan… but when I thought about him leaving, it hurt. Just the idea of him being far away—it felt like something was squeezing my heart."
James fell silent, watching his sister with softened eyes. He wanted to say something — to joke, to comfort — but for once, he couldn't.
"So you're saying… you have feelings for him?" James's voice cut through the silence.
Rosette froze. She hadn't meant to be that honest. She knew her brother still carried bitterness toward Dranred — and everything that happened between them years ago.
"Stop seeing him," James said suddenly, standing up. His tone was sharp, final. "Before, I didn't mind. I thought you were just his fan — a friend, nothing more. But now that I know how you feel… I can't allow it."
"James," Rosette whispered, meeting his gaze, "do you really think what I feel is wrong?"
"If you're asking me as your brother, then yes," he said without hesitation. "You know what happened between him and Estelle. You know the grudge I carry. Do you really think I'll let my own sister fall for someone I despise?"
Rosette's eyes softened, and she shook her head faintly. "But you can't teach the heart who to love, can you?"
James exhaled, frustrated. "You're being stubborn," he said, his voice quieter but heavier. "Tell me this, Rosette — what do you think Dranred sees when he looks at you? A younger sister. His number one fan. That's all."
He took a step closer, his tone firm but not unkind. "You're already hurting just by imagining him leaving for his dream. What happens when he tells you himself — that he'll always choose baseball over you? Think about that. You'll break completely."
Rosette bit her lip, her voice trembling. "You're so cruel."
"Life is cruel," James replied softly. "Better you hear it from me than learn it the hard way."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentler now. "I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt. You're my little sister — the only one I've got. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."
Rosette didn't answer. She only looked down, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her skirt. Her heart felt heavy — not because James was wrong, but because he might be right.
When James finally turned and left the room, the silence that followed was unbearable.
She sat there, staring blankly at the floor, her thoughts spinning like a slow, painful carousel.
Maybe he's right. Maybe Dranred will choose his dream over everything else — even me.
He's waited so long for this chance. He deserves it. I should be happy for him.
Her chest ached as she tried to believe her own words.
But why does it hurt this much to imagine him walking away?
I said I was his number one fan… but maybe I only wanted to stay close enough to be noticed.
She let out a small, shaky breath.
James said I should settle for being his little sister — his fan.
But how do you settle when your heart refuses to listen?
Rosette pressed a hand against her chest as if she could steady the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Maybe this is what it means to love someone you can't have.
You smile when he wins, you cry when he leaves — and you never tell him why.