"Red!"
Rosette froze when she saw Dranred standing outside the charity house. He was still wearing his practice uniform, sweat dampening his hair and collar. It looked like he had come straight from training — or maybe even walked out mid-practice.
It had been days since they last saw each other — not since that painful night after the All-Star game.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to steady her voice.
"To talk to you," he said simply. "And by the way, this foundation—" he gestured to the building behind her "—I helped establish it. So, is it really that surprising to see me here?"
Rosette folded her arms. "Not really. But you look like you just ran away from practice. Why?"
"I told you — because I needed to talk to you, you stubborn girl," Dranred said, frustration slipping into his tone.
Rosette's brows furrowed at the word.
"A few days ago, you left without letting me say a single word," he continued. "I was confused — I didn't even know what I did wrong or why you suddenly—"
"I told you already," she cut him off. "You make me feel uncomfortable."
She turned away, her chest tightening. She had to walk off before her resolve wavered. This was what she had agreed on with Charlie — to stay away, for Dranred's sake. She wouldn't let herself be the reason he gave up his dream again.
"You know," Dranred called after her, following, "you're not a very good liar. And I don't believe a single word you just said."
She kept walking, but his voice grew closer.
"For days, I've been a mess," he said. "I can't focus, I can't even throw properly. It's like my energy source disappeared. I'm running on empty. So let's just—"
"You're not a battery that needs charging, Red," Rosette snapped, glancing over her shoulder.
"You're being unreasonable, you know that?" he replied, still following. "You can run all you want, but it won't change anything."
Rosette suddenly stopped and turned to face him, her eyes sharp but trembling.
"I already know what happened," Dranred said, his tone softening. "Uncle Charlie told me everything. He didn't mean to hurt you."
"I know," Rosette said quietly. "And that's not the only reason I did it. It's true — I was uncomfortable. Maybe I just needed a push, and Charlie gave it. But the truth is…" she hesitated, taking a shaky breath. "The moment I realized you'd eventually join the Major League, I got scared. I shouldn't feel that way, I know. It's your dream. But I was terrified, Red."
Dranred took a step closer. "You don't have to be. I'm here. With you. There's nothing to be afraid of."
Rosette looked up at him, her eyes glassy. "That's exactly what scares me," she whispered. "Because you're always there. And I'm starting to depend on that—on you. I'm becoming selfish."
"What's wrong with that?" he asked gently.
"The very idea of you always being there," she said, voice breaking slightly. "One day, you won't be. And I don't know if I can live a day without you when that happens. You can't be with me forever, Red."
"Why not?" he asked softly, almost pleading.
"You know the answer," she said, shaking her head. "Don't make me say it."
Before Dranred could respond, the sound of an approaching car broke the moment.
A sleek black vehicle stopped right in front of them. The door opened, and James stepped out — his expression unreadable as his eyes darted between Rosette and Dranred.
The air turned heavy in an instant.
"Let's go, Rosette," James said, standing by the driver's door, his tone firm but protective.
"I'm sorry, Red. Goodbye."
Rosette's voice was soft but final as she reached for the car door.
"Wait."
She froze, not turning around.
"You'll come to the baseball exhibition match, right?" Dranred asked. His voice wavered slightly, betraying the emotion he tried to hide. "You're my number one fan. I expect you to be there, cheering for me. It's my last game here before we leave for the World Cup."
For a moment, she almost looked back. Almost.
"If I'm not busy," she said flatly, forcing a small smile that never reached her eyes. "I'll consider it."
Then she stepped into the car and closed the door before he could say another word.
The engine started. The car pulled away.
Dranred stood frozen, his fist tightening at his side as he watched the taillights disappear into the distance.
"That cruel girl…" he muttered under his breath. His voice trembled — not with anger, but with heartbreak. "So you really won't listen to me."
He exhaled shakily, his shoulders heavy.
And for the first time in years, he felt utterly powerless.
"It seems I can't stop you anymore," James said, smiling faintly at Estelle and Bryan as they stood at the departure gate.
He had just arrived with Rosette after picking her up. Though he hadn't spoken to Dranred since the confrontation, he didn't need to — Rosette's silence said everything. She had chosen to distance herself, and James respected that. Still, the sadness in her eyes didn't escape him.
Recently, Estelle and Bryan had announced their decision to leave the country. They had already resigned from their positions at the hospital. Bryan's parents were furious — they had such high expectations for their son, the doctor. But the couple had made up their minds. They wanted to start anew, somewhere far away, where the past couldn't reach them.
James and Rosette hadn't tried to stop them. They knew Estelle's determination when she made up her mind.
"Are you okay?" Estelle asked gently when she noticed her younger sister's quiet expression.
Rosette forced a small smile. "I'm fine."
"You fought with Dranred, didn't you?" Estelle pressed softly.
Rosette didn't answer — but her faint, sad smile was all the confirmation her sister needed.
"That timid smile gives you away," Estelle said with a knowing sigh. "If you ever feel like you can't find happiness here, you can always come to us. You'll have a home, wherever we are."
Bryan then handed Rosette an envelope.
"What's this?" she asked, accepting it curiously.
"A scholarship application for a university abroad," he said. "You can't stay a volunteer forever. I'm sure you have dreams of your own, Rosette."
"Doctor Bryan…" she murmured, clearly moved. She hadn't expected this.
"Think about it," Bryan said kindly. "And let us know."
"Thank you," Rosette replied, her voice trembling slightly as a genuine smile finally formed on her lips.
James crossed his arms and looked at Estelle. "You need to be careful. It'll take some time to adjust to a new life abroad."
"I'll be fine," Estelle said, looping her arm around Bryan's. "I have him."
"Don't be too strict with her, okay?" Estelle teased. "At this rate, Rosette will grow old without anyone if you keep guarding her like that."
"Well," James said, chuckling, "she can't get married until I do."
Estelle laughed. "Then that'll take a while. You love basketball more than love itself."
"I'll… work on that," he said with a grin before turning to Bryan. "Take care of my sister."
"Don't worry," Bryan assured. "I'll look after her. Come visit us when basketball gives you a break."
"I will."
They exchanged hugs and quiet goodbyes before Estelle and Bryan finally walked toward the departure gates.
Rosette and James stood side by side, watching as the couple disappeared into the terminal.
"They're really going to start over," James murmured.
Rosette nodded, eyes following the plane through the window until it rose into the clouds. Her reflection stared back at her in the glass — uncertain, but still standing.
They're moving toward their own future, she thought.
I wonder where mine will take me.