Two weeks had passed since the national team had flown out of the country for the World Cup Series in Japan.
In those two weeks, they had become the talk of every sports program on TV, radio, and in the papers. The nation buzzed with pride over their growing success — especially after their first game against South Korea, where Dranred delivered a stunning performance.
Just like in their exhibition match, he took the mound as the closing pitcher.
South Korea was a powerhouse team — experienced, disciplined, and backed by a roaring home crowd. In contrast, the Philippine national team had almost no fans in the stands, just a handful of reporters and a few scattered flags.
From the very start, the pressure was overwhelming. Every cheer, every chant in the stadium was for the opposing team. This was the national team's first official match abroad, and representing their country on that stage weighed heavily on everyone's shoulders.
In the first two innings, everything fell apart. Their rhythm was off. The fielders made uncharacteristic errors, and one mistake even led to a home run for the Koreans. The tension in the dugout was thick, and nerves spread like wildfire.
By the top of the fifth inning, the score was slipping away. The players looked shaken — until the coach called Dranred to pinch hit. They needed a spark, something to turn the tide. A single run, a base hit — anything to stop South Korea's growing momentum.
Dranred stepped up to the plate. The crowd noise faded into a low hum in his ears. He gripped the bat, eyes locked on the pitcher.
The first pitch came fast — but Dranred's swing was faster.
The crack of the bat echoed through the stadium. The ball soared high, tracing a perfect arc across the field before crashing into the scoreboard. For a moment, there was silence — then an explosion of cheers.
A home run.
Dranred's first at-bat of the game, and he had done the impossible.
The two runners on base sprinted home, bringing the score close again. The dugout erupted in celebration, and even the opposing fans couldn't help but applaud the young Filipino who had just made history.
But Dranred wasn't finished. When he took the mound in the sixth inning, his pitching was just as spectacular — precise, powerful, and full of confidence. The crowd roared with every strike he threw.
With each inning, the team's fear melted away. The fielders moved with sharper focus, their coordination smooth and sure. It was as if Dranred's energy had spread through them all, turning their nerves into determination.
That night, under the bright lights of the Tokyo Dome, the Philippine national team rediscovered their rhythm — and their pride.
Dranred stunned the spectators in the sixth inning by retiring three batters in a row — three pitches for each one. Strikeouts, all looking. None of the batters even managed to swing. They simply froze, unable to read his every throw.
From that moment, the national team's momentum surged.
By the seventh inning, their confidence had returned. Nathan even managed to steal a home run, sending the dugout into wild cheers.
When the final inning ended, the scoreboard read 5–3 — a hard-fought victory for the Philippines. It was one of the most impressive comebacks of the tournament. Dranred's name spread quickly, echoing through news outlets and social media as one of the World Cup's breakout stars.
In their next games, the national team continued to perform brilliantly, drawing attention from international fans. Dranred, in particular, captivated audiences — not only with his fiery pitches but also with his surprising skill as a batter. Within just two weeks in Japan, his fanbase had grown immensely. Stadiums filled with people eager to watch him play, and analysts were already predicting that the Philippines might reach the finals. For a team so new to the world stage, it was nothing short of a dream.
Meanwhile, back home, Rosette couldn't hide her happiness. Every news segment, every replay of Dranred's games brought a smile to her face. She'd watch him pitch with the same focus she used to see in person, her heart swelling with pride each time the commentators praised his name.
She kept up with every live broadcast and highlight reel, but what she cherished most were his calls. Whenever he phoned after a game, his voice still carried that same warmth — a mix of exhaustion and joy as he told her about every inning, every hit, every victory.
She had just ended one of those calls when the doorbell suddenly rang.
Rosette froze, frowning. She wasn't expecting anyone.
James was at practice, and he never rang the doorbell when he came home. A small chill ran down her spine as she walked toward the front of the house.
The moment she opened the door, she stopped in her tracks.
Standing by the gate was Nathan.
Her heart jumped. "Nathan?" she blurted out, rushing forward to open the gate. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Japan?"
Shock and confusion flickered across her face. Nathan shouldn't be here. He was supposed to be with the team — with Dranred — chasing their dream.
"Hi."
Nathan smiled as he spoke, and Rosette blinked in surprise. Before she could say anything, he pulled out a bouquet of flowers that had been hidden behind his back.
"For you," he said, offering them to her.
"Oh—thank you. You didn't have to go through all that trouble," she replied, taking the bouquet carefully. "Come in."
"It's fine," Nathan said, stepping inside as she moved aside to let him pass. "I won't stay long. I just wanted to say hi."
Rosette frowned slightly. "You came all the way here just to say hi?"
He let out a short, nervous laugh. "Yeah. The truth is, I've been a mess these past two weeks. I saw you and Dranred at the airport that day."
Rosette's breath caught. The image of that moment — the crowd, the cameras, her calling out Dranred's name — came flooding back. She hadn't realized how many people must have witnessed it. Thinking about it now, she could feel the heat rise in her cheeks.
"I told you before I'm straightforward about my feelings," Nathan said softly. "When I saw you that day, I kept thinking maybe I was already too late. But then I realized I'd never know unless I tried. So… here I am."
He met her eyes, steady and earnest. "We're on a three-day break from the tournament, and I decided to use it to be honest with you. I came here to tell you that I want to court you." He paused, the words catching slightly. "But before I do, I need to know something. What's your relationship with Dranred? Do I still have a chance?"
Rosette froze. She didn't know how to answer.
What were she and Dranred, really?
He'd confessed his feelings — and she'd admitted she liked him too. They'd kissed. He had even faced James just to ask for his blessing. And yet… they'd never actually defined what they were. Were they together? Waiting? Something in between?
She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"You can't seem to answer," Nathan said gently, studying her expression. "That tells me you haven't talked to him about where you stand in his life." He gave a small, almost sad smile. "Figures. He's the type of man who only thinks about his career. If it were me, I'd choose you first — above anything else. I could set everything aside for you."
"Nathan…" Rosette began, flustered.
"I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable," he said quickly. "I just needed to say what's in my heart. I think you already know how I feel."
"No," Rosette said at once, shaking her head. "You didn't make me uncomfortable. I'm just… surprised. You're very straightforward, and I wasn't ready for that. But I do appreciate your honesty. It's just that—"
"It's just that your eyes are already on someone else," Nathan interrupted softly.
Rosette looked up, startled.
He gave a small, wistful smile. "Maybe we haven't known each other long, but I know my own heart. And it's telling me I can't walk away without trying."
"I don't know what to say," she whispered.
"You don't have to say anything," said a deep voice from behind them.
Both of them turned toward the sound.
"Red!" Rosette gasped.