The hotel lobby was quiet compared to the lively restaurant upstairs. The muffled sound of laughter and music barely reached where Rosette stood, breathing in the cool air that carried a faint scent of coffee and polished marble. Her pulse was finally beginning to settle when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Are you okay?" James asked, his tone gentle yet laced with concern.
Rosette turned, meeting her brother's steady gaze. "I'm fine," she said with a small smile. "It was just… a little stuffy inside. I needed some fresh air."
James studied her for a moment, clearly unconvinced. "About what Red said earlier—"
"Red?" Rosette interrupted, eyes widening before a soft laugh escaped her lips. "Did you just call him Red?"
James blinked, realizing what he had said, and sighed in defeat. "I didn't even notice."
"It's nice to hear you call him that again," she teased. "It feels like everything's finally right."
James's expression softened. "Are you really that happy?"
"Of course!" Rosette beamed. "You two gave me enough headaches with your pride. I deserve to enjoy this peace."
Her brother chuckled, rubbing her hair affectionately. "I'm sorry for that. And… thank you—for understanding your stubborn brother." His tone grew serious as he continued, "About what Dranred said earlier, I'm not against it. I can see how happy you are with him—and how happy he is with you. Even if I said no, I know he'd fight to keep you."
"James…" Rosette's voice softened, eyes glistening.
"Hey, don't cry," he said quickly, grinning. "I just want what's best for you—and I think he might be it. But if he ever makes you cry, I'll take you back myself."
Rosette laughed and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, James."
He patted her back gently. "I'll miss my little sister."
"It's not like I'm going anywhere," she said with a giggle.
"You'll be getting married soon. Should I move in with you two?" he teased.
Rosette pulled back, blinking in surprise. "But he hasn't even proposed yet!"
James groaned. "Unbelievable. The guy can throw a hundred-mile pitch but can't make a move to save his life. No wonder he's called Fire Ace—more like Snail Ace!"
Rosette laughed through her blush, and for a moment, the weight of the world disappeared. In that quiet corner of the lobby, with her brother's teasing and her heart still fluttering, everything finally felt light—like the calm after a long, hard game.
Dranred froze for a moment when he spotted a familiar figure sitting alone in the hotel lobby.
"James?" he said in surprise.
The man looked up from his phone, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The lobby was nearly empty now—only the soft hum of the air conditioner and the muted footsteps of late-night guests filled the space.
"Perfect timing," James said, standing to meet him. "I was hoping you'd show up."
Dranred frowned slightly. "What are you doing here? Were you waiting for me?"
"Sort of," James admitted. "You look like someone who can't sleep either. Want to grab a drink?"
Dranred exhaled through his nose, smiling a little. "Not a bad idea. I couldn't sleep if I tried."
They left the lobby together and found a quiet corner in the hotel bar. For a while, neither spoke. The soft clink of glasses and low murmur of distant laughter filled the silence between them. The world outside the windows was still—an unfamiliar calm after the chaos of the finals.
After a long pause, James poured more whiskey into Dranred's glass and finally broke the silence.
"So," he said, his voice steady but thoughtful, "what's next for you?"
Dranred glanced up. "Next?"
"Yeah," James continued, keeping his eyes on the glass. "Your baseball career. Rosette. Everything."
Dranred let out a small breath and leaned back in his chair. "There's a lot to think about, honestly. First, I need to recover. The doctor said it's just inflammation, but I can't afford to push it. After that…" He paused, swirling the drink in his hand. "After that, I'll have to decide which major league team to join. It's not going to be easy. Even the minors are tough to break into."
James nodded quietly, listening.
Dranred looked at him then, a teasing smile flickering across his face. "And as for Rosette—" He leaned forward slightly. "Are you giving me your blessing for her hand in marriage?"
James blinked, taken aback for a second, before laughing under his breath. "You're asking for my blessing now?"
Dranred shrugged, smiling. "You're basically her parent, aren't you? I figured I should at least try to be polite."
James shook his head, still smiling, but there was warmth in his eyes. "You never change."
The two fell silent again, the weight of their friendship—and everything they'd gone through—settling between them.
Finally, James raised his glass toward him.
"For what it's worth," he said quietly, "you've got my respect… and my trust. Don't screw it up."
Dranred lifted his glass in return, meeting his gaze. "I won't."
Their glasses clinked softly—a small sound, but it carried years of rivalry, forgiveness, and brotherhood.
"I've got one word for you," James said suddenly, cutting Dranred off mid-sentence. He leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. "I think—more than anyone else—Rosette's happiest when she's with you."
Dranred smirked. "Are you jealous?"
James laughed quietly, swirling the drink in his glass. "Honestly? I feel more like a father giving his daughter away. But if she's happy, what else can I ask for?" He paused, his tone turning serious. "There's just one thing I want you to promise me—"
"I know," Dranred interrupted gently. He met James's gaze, his voice steady but sincere. "She's your little sister. Your family. You just want her to be safe… to be happy. I can't give her a perfect life—no one can—but I'll give her the best one I'm capable of. She's everything to me, James. I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."
For a moment, James said nothing. Then, slowly, a smile tugged at his lips. "That's all I needed to hear," he said quietly. "Just don't take too long. You might lose your chance if someone else steps in."
Dranred chuckled, shaking his head. "And you really think I'd let that happen? Not a chance."
Their laughter echoed softly through the nearly empty bar. What began as awkward silence had turned into quiet camaraderie — a wordless understanding between brothers who had finally let down their guards.
They drank until the night grew thin, their conversation drifting between baseball, family, and the strange way life could change in a single game.
By the time the lights outside the window dimmed to dawn-gray, James rubbed his temples and realized something.
"Damn," he muttered, glancing at his watch. "I left Rosette at the hotel. She's going to kill me."
Dranred laughed, standing to help him. "Are you sure you can make it back on your own?"
"What do you take me for, a kid?" James shot back with a grin.
"You've been drinking," Dranred teased. "You might miss your stop."
"I've been drinking, not blacking out." James laughed, slapping him on the shoulder.
When the bus finally arrived, James gave him one last look — half warning, half affection. "Take care of her, Red," he said before stepping aboard.
"I will," Dranred replied quietly.
He watched as the bus disappeared down the empty street, its taillights flickering like dying embers. For a long moment, he stood there, letting the cool night wind brush against his face. He wasn't ready to go back to his room yet, not with his thoughts still racing.
So he walked.
The streets were quiet, the world muted by exhaustion and soft neon light. As he passed a small jewelry shop, something in the window caught his eye. He stopped.
Behind the glass, rows of rings glimmered faintly in the dark — gold, silver, platinum — each one small, delicate, and impossibly bright. They seemed to shimmer with meaning, with promise.
Dranred's reflection met his gaze in the window, his tired eyes softening.
He imagined Rosette's smile, the way her hand fit perfectly in his.
A faint, knowing smile touched his lips.
"Maybe soon," he murmured to the silent display, then turned and began the slow walk back to the hotel — his heart lighter than it had been in days.