The crowd erupted into cheers as the announcer introduced the new pitcher—Dranred—stepping onto the mound for the Guardians.
It was the eighth inning, and the Guardians were holding onto a slim one-run lead against the Pirates. Even the commentators couldn't hide their excitement. The fans adored him—this young pitcher who had joined the Guardians three years ago and, since then, had proven to be nothing short of extraordinary.
In his very first season, he helped lead the team to the finals, though they fell short of the championship. But now, standing under the bright lights once again, Dranred had become one of the most reliable closing pitchers in the league—one who hadn't allowed a single hit all season.
"He's really loved by everyone here," James said, watching from the stands.
Rosette, seated beside him, smiled faintly. "He shines the brightest when he's out there," she murmured, eyes fixed on the man she had quietly supported for years.
"Does he know you're watching today?" James asked.
"I didn't tell him."
"That's surprising. For the past three years, you've never missed one of his games. You've followed every piece of news about him."
"I just wanted to see how he's been," Rosette replied softly. "Watching him stand on that mound again feels… nostalgic."
James nodded. "After this final game, he'll return home for his national team training. The Baseball World Cup starts in two months."
"He's going to be busy," she whispered.
"You should let him know you're here. Otherwise, you might end up waiting again."
Rosette shook her head, smiling. "It's all right. There will always be a right time for us. For now, just seeing him play is enough."
The stadium roared again as Dranred struck out three batters in a row—none of them even managed to swing. In the final inning, he sealed the victory with a powerful home run, earning the Guardians the championship title.
The crowd went wild. Teammates rushed to home base to celebrate with him, and even Charlie came down to congratulate his nephew.
In just three years, Dranred had brought the Guardians to two finals—and now, finally, a championship. During the post-game interview, he announced that he would soon return home to prepare for the World Cup.
The fans cheered louder, promising to support him no matter where he played next.
"Did you see Dranred?" Estelle asked as Rosette returned to the house.
It had been a year since Estelle and her husband, Bryan, moved to Ohio for work. Bryan now managed a new hospital owned by his family there. Every summer, Rosette and James would visit them — and it was in that same hospital that James met his wife, a nurse.
Now, Bryan and Estelle were happy with their two children, and James was still coaching basketball. His wife was expecting a baby soon. Seeing her siblings so content warmed Rosette's heart.
"You really didn't see him?" Estelle asked again.
"More like he didn't show up," James replied, shrugging before walking over to greet his wife, placing a hand gently on her belly before kissing her cheek.
"Why not?" Estelle asked, puzzled.
"It just wasn't the right time," Rosette said quietly. "He's been busy."
"He's always busy. He didn't even make it to your graduation last week! Did you tell him about it? I'm sure he would've found a way if he knew."
Rosette hesitated. "I didn't tell him."
"What?" Estelle said, wide-eyed.
"I don't know," Rosette murmured, her gaze drifting toward the kitchen. "Maybe I'm just… not ready to face him yet." She stood up and walked away before anyone could respond.
"Did they fight?" Estelle whispered to James.
"They're just missing each other," James said, trying to sound reassuring.
Estelle sighed softly, watching Rosette's retreating figure. She knew it hadn't been easy for either of them — three years of long-distance love, with nothing but letters, news articles, and the faint echoes of their memories. Rosette had focused on her studies, but everyone knew she still followed every update about Dranred's career.
In those three years, he hadn't once visited or called her. Not even at James's wedding. He had sent Peter in his place.
"Are you sure they're okay?" Estelle asked.
"They will be," James said. "So one way or another, they'll figure it out."
When Dranred finally returned to the country, the first thing he did was look for James. He needed to know where Rosette was.
"She's still in Switzerland," James told him when they met. "And from what I've heard, she doesn't plan on coming back until next year."
Dranred fell silent for a moment, absorbing the news. "You're playing in the World Cup again this year, right?" James asked, studying his friend's face.
"Yes," Dranred replied firmly. "And this time, I'm going to win."
James chuckled. "You sound more determined than ever."
"I have to be," Dranred said. "If I can't prove myself now, how can I convince her to stay by my side?"
James crossed his arms, amused. "And how exactly do you plan to do that? You haven't seen her in three years."
Dranred smirked faintly. "Don't worry. I have a plan."
"Oh, you and your plans," James teased. "You'd better move faster, Mr. Snail Ace."
"Snail Ace? You know how fast my pitches are."
"I'm not talking about your pitches, idiot," James said, laughing. "I'm talking about Rosette. Nathan hasn't stopped visiting her, you know. Even with his Major League schedule, he always finds time to see her. If you keep dragging your feet, someone else might win her heart."
Dranred's expression hardened. "That's impossible."
James shrugged. "Maybe. But if you're not careful, it could be."
Later that afternoon, back at the National Team's training field, Dranred's sharp gaze immediately found Nathan. The other player was laughing with a teammate, completely unaware of the storm brewing in Dranred's chest. He clenched his fist around the baseball he was holding, jaw tightening.
He hadn't expected Nathan to still visit Rosette.
And now, the three years he'd spent waiting in silence suddenly felt like a mistake.