"If you're not going to play properly, then get off the mound! Don't drag the team down just because you're losing it!"
Nathan's angry voice echoed through the dugout as he grabbed Dranred by the collar.
The coach and Charlie immediately stepped in, pulling Nathan back before things could escalate further. The rest of the players fell silent, the tension in the air almost tangible.
It was the top of the seventh inning. The national team was on offense with one runner on second and one out. The third batter was locked in a tense duel with the opposing pitcher — the count already at two balls and one strike. Everyone could feel the pressure mounting, and most of it centered on Dranred.
"You two, stop it!" the coach barked. "You're on the same team, not enemies!"
Charlie turned to Dranred, his expression tight with worry.
"What's going on with you? You're not yourself today. Do you even understand how important this game is?"
He already suspected the cause — Rosette. Whatever had happened between them was clearly affecting Dranred's focus. Charlie thought it was resolved, but looking at him now, he realized he was wrong. Maybe it was time to pull him out before his mood infected the whole team. Personally, he wanted Dranred to stay in the game, but this version of him wasn't helping anyone.
"Dranred," the coach called, "you'll be next at bat. Go get ready."
Dranred nodded wordlessly and reached for his bat — but froze when Charlie suddenly said, "Rosette?!"
All eyes turned toward the stands. There she was, running down the aisle and gasping for breath as she reached the edge of the dugout. Her eyes were red — she had clearly been crying.
Nathan took a step toward her. "What are you doing here—?"
But before he could finish, Dranred brushed past him and closed the distance to her.
"Why do you look like that?" Dranred asked softly, concern breaking through his frustration. He reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek. "Have you been crying?"
"It's your fault," Rosette said quietly.
Dranred blinked, taken aback. "My fault? You've been ignoring me for days, and now you say it's my fault? You're unbelievable."
"I didn't come here to fight," she said, her voice trembling but steady.
"Then why are you here?" he countered. "You didn't come to cheer, that's for sure. Maybe you've noticed—"
"You're not yourself," Rosette interrupted, meeting his eyes.
The noise of the stadium seemed to fade around them. For a brief moment, it was just the two of them — standing in the dugout, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging heavier than the game itself.
"Whose fault is that?" Dranred said, a hint of irritation in his voice.
"I'm sorry!" Rosette suddenly cried out. Her voice echoed through the dugout, catching not only Dranred's attention but also that of several nearby players.
"I was—" She stopped midsentence as Dranred gently took her hand.
"Silly girl," he said softly. "You don't have to apologize. And don't ever think my lousy performance today is your fault. I just... ran out of energy. I can't focus. I need to recharge. But my energy source decided—"
He didn't finish. Rosette's trembling hands suddenly cupped his face, guiding his head down until her forehead met his.
A hush fell over the dugout. Even Nathan, who had been fuming moments ago, could only stare, shoulders slumping in disbelief.
Dranred felt her shaking hands and the warmth radiating from her face. She was embarrassed — that much was clear — but she still did it. It took all her courage to reach for him like this in front of everyone. His heart skipped a beat.
"What... what are you doing?" He whispered.
"Just shut up and get your energy back," Rosette murmured, eyes tightly closed. "People didn't come here to watch the team's ace play like a rookie."
"You don't have to do this, you know," he said, his voice quiet, full of emotion.
"Please don't talk," she whispered, her cheeks burning. "I'm embarrassed enough already. I just... didn't know how else to help you."
"You don't have to do anything," Dranred replied, smiling faintly. "Just stay by my side."
Rosette's eyes fluttered open. "Can I... really?"
"I don't want anyone beside me if it isn't you," he said, pulling back slightly. "I think I've got my strength back — not all of it, but enough for now."
He smiled, brushing his hand gently over her head. "I'm still in the middle of a game. Let's finish this later. Wait for me."
Rosette nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Good luck."
Charlie walked over, arms folded but a small smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't expect you to do that," he said. "You can relax now. I won't ask you to stay away from him anymore."
Rosette flinched slightly when he approached, as if she still feared his disapproval. Charlie sighed. "Don't worry. I know it was partly my fault he wasn't in top shape. I won't make that mistake again."
"I think he's back to his usual self," Charlie said, watching Dranred standing in the on-deck circle.
He turned to Rosette. "I owe you an apology for what I said before."
Rosette blinked, surprised.
"Seeing him now made me realize something," Charlie continued. "He's at his best when you're by his side. Please… stay with him."
Rosette looked back toward the field. "I'm actually scared," she admitted softly.
Charlie smiled faintly. "Be more confident. I think he's about to send that first pitch out of the park."
They both turned their attention to Dranred as he stepped into the batter's box. The previous hitter had struck out; a runner waited anxiously on second base, and there were already two outs.
Charlie's eyes narrowed, a small grin playing on his lips. "As he is now, he can conquer the impossible. Don't you think?"
Rosette smiled shyly. "Saying he can conquer the impossible—isn't that overestimating him a little?"
"Let's just wait and see," Charlie replied.
The next second, the sharp crack of a bat echoed across the field. Both Rosette and Charlie's heads snapped toward Dranred. He had swung at the very first pitch—a flawless, clean hit. The umpire, catcher, and even the pitcher froze in shock.
The ball soared high, spinning across the sky. Everyone in the stands rose, following its arc as it slammed into the scoreboard. The crowd erupted in cheers. It was a home run.
The once-silent dugout exploded. Dranred had just turned the game around — the score now 3–2.
"See?" Charlie said with a grin. "He's back."
Rosette couldn't help but smile as Dranred rounded the bases, his teammates shouting his name. From across the dugout, Nathan watched silently. Just moments ago, Dranred had been struggling, but ever since Rosette appeared, everything changed — his rhythm, his energy, even the atmosphere of the whole team.
"Nice comeback," one of Dranred's teammates said when he returned to the dugout.
"Looks like you're fired up again," another added.
"Guess your lucky charm showed up," someone joked.
"You can't always depend on a girl to get you back on track," Nathan muttered, his irritation thinly veiled. Seeing Rosette's gesture earlier had stung — as if it confirmed something he didn't want to accept.
Dranred simply smiled. "You just don't understand," he said, brushing past him and walking toward Charlie and Rosette.
"That was a beautiful swing," Charlie said proudly. "Now show them your fire pitches."
Dranred's grin widened. "They won't even touch them."
"I like that confidence," Charlie said, patting Dranred's shoulder before heading back to the dugout. "But make sure you show some results first."
"Nice run," Rosette said with a smile.
"Well, that's to be expected," Dranred replied with a teasing grin. "I've got my strength back."At his words, Rosette's cheeks turned pink. Dranred immediately noticed and couldn't help but smile.
"Let's have a proper talk after the game," he said softly. "There's a lot I want to tell you."
Rosette looked at him, eyes wide. "Okay," she murmured. "Just make sure to win this game."
"That's exactly what I plan to do."
"I… I should go. James is probably waiting for me," she said, turning to leave. But she froze when she felt Dranred gently catch her hand.
"Why?" she asked, glancing back at him.
"I don't feel like letting you go," he said quietly.
Rosette let out a small laugh. "You're such a child. I'm not going anywhere," she said playfully. "Now go—before your teammates start thinking their pitcher is slacking off."
She slipped her hand free and smiled. "Do your best, Dranred." Dranred smiled back and nodded. He watched her walk away, his gaze lingering until she disappeared into the crowd.