Chapter Text
Several sets of clothes were scattered on the floor and the king-sized bed in the Sawamura family's home in Nagano.
Standing in front of the mirror was a thirty-five year old man. He had been changing clothes for almost an hour. Unfortunately, none of them felt right.
"No..." Eijun frowned at his reflection before taking off another shirt and throwing it on the bed.
Today was Seidou's reunion, not only for his graduating class, but every former member of Seidou's baseball team had been invited. That was why he was having a hard time deciding what to wear, the clock on the wall said 4:30 PM, The reunion wouldn't start until 8:30 PM, but Eijun was running out of patience.
After staring at his wardrobe for a few more minutes, he finally gave up. He chose a black T-shirt, paired with black jeans. Simple, comfortable, pretty good.
"No one would go there to see me." With that, he quickly cleaned up the mess he had created before reaching for a towel and heading to the bathroom.
As the hot water poured over him, memories came flooding back one by one. It had been a long time since he had seen everyone. After graduating from Seidou High School, Eijun had chosen a very different path than most people expected.
Instead of pursuing a professional career, he enrolled at Nagano University and studied medicine while joining the university baseball club as a pitcher.
Looking back on those memories, it felt strange. There was a time when he seriously considered quitting baseball altogether, especially after hearing what Ochiai-kantaku had said about him.
At that time, the man had expected nothing from him, to Ochiai, Sawamura Eijun was just a lifeless burden with nothing interesting about him, just useless trash.
However, everything changed once he entered university. For the first time, Eijun felt appreciated, people actually wanted him on the mound.
His throws were appreciated, his efforts were recognized and he no longer had to beg the catcher to take his throws.
Instead, they worked with him willingly, supporting him, helping him grow, the coaches were no different.
Everyone around him pushed him forward, even now, Eijun still remembers the joy of beating the defending university league champion.
The celebration afterwards was unforgettable, after graduating, several professional teams approached him with offers.
To the surprise of many, he turned them all down, choosing to continue his career in America.
While playing baseball overseas, he also continued his studies part-time, somehow, he managed to juggle both. Five years with the university team, seven years with the majors and twelve years dedicated to baseball.
However, in the end, Eijun decided it was time to retire, after obtaining the necessary qualifications, he worked as a physical therapist in the United States before finally returning to Nagano.
Thinking about it now, Kanemaru would probably faint if he knew how much learning Eijun had gone through.
Kanemaru also taught him during their first year, almost every day he was scolded by the man when he couldn't answer some simple math questions. But at that time, it wasn't Eijun's fault, baseball filled up so much space in his head that there was almost no room for anything else.
The same thing happened in junior high school, where he was at that time he had really given up, but he was grateful that Wakana, Nobu and the others helped him a lot and they were even willing to come to his house to help with his studies
When his former classmates found out that he had become a professional baseball player and a licensed medical specialist, their reactions were priceless.
Their shocked expressions still made him laugh, a small smile appeared on Eijun's lips.
Yes.
Those were the good times.
After finishing the shower, Eijun dried himself and got dressed. He put on deodorant, put on the clothes he had chosen earlier, and carefully adjusted his clothes.
His short, cropped hairstyle was neatly combed before he applied a little hair gel, finally, he sprayed a light fragrance around himself, fresh, clean, and fresh.
After looking in the mirror one last time, Eijun nodded in satisfaction.
"Pretty good." Then he headed downstairs.
As soon as he entered the living room, his expression stiffened, his mother was holding a stack of photos.
("...") He already knew what was going to happen, over the years, he had seen that stack of photos more times than he could count.
A prospective bride!! His mother had introduced him to many women and he had gone on dates. He had tried his best to be polite, but most of them never make it past the first meeting.
The truth is simple. As a physical therapist working in a hospital, Eijun barely has enough free time for himself, let alone finding time for love is even harder.
However, he understands his mother's concerns especially at thirty-five, he is no longer young, however, he refuses to enter into a relationship unless he is serious about it. The last thing he wants is to hurt someone because he can't commit.
"Ei-chan, come sit here." His thoughts immediately stopped.
"Kaa-san has something to show you."
Even at thirty-five, his mother still called him Ei-chan. There were things that would never change.
With a resigned smile, Eijun walked over to her and sat down next to her. His mother handed him several photos. One by one, he examined them carefully. Then he stopped.
"This one."
"That one?" His mother took the photo and looked at it carefully.
Eijun simply nodded.
The woman in the photo looked familiar, in fact, he had met her once before, by accident.
At that time, he was jogging in a nearby park after work when he happened to see the woman sitting on a bench with another man.
The two of them looked... very close, close enough that Eijun immediately turned around and took a different path.
There were some things he didn't need to witness during his afternoon jog that could damage his eyes and fall into the wrong zone
Therefore, he was sure and he already knew that this meeting might not go anywhere, and he was very sure that this meeting wouldn't be at the next level.
The woman clearly had someone he liked, and Eijun wasn't interested in complicating anyone's life, why were they together if there was no love between them? Love? that sentence alone had made him think this wasn't his style remembering what had happened during his afternoon jog alone was enough to damage his brain, it wasn't that he didn't want to love someone but he hadn't found the right time.
"Yes, this one." He took the tea cup his mother had prepared and took a sip. "Tell me when I should meet him."
His mother looked happy. "Okay. Kaa-san will arrange everything." Then she paused. "By the way, what time are you leaving for Tokyo?"
Before Eijun could answer
"Speaking of time..." His father glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.
"It's five thirty." Eijun followed his gaze, then his eyes widened.
"Eh?" A moment later, he stood up.
"OH NO!" The entire room jumped.
"I'm late!" He hurried towards the entrance.
"Thanks for reminding me!" Hastily, he put on his shoes and grabbed his car keys.
"I might be back late tonight, so don't wait!" Then he gave his parents his usual smile.
"Take care, okay? See you later!" The front door closed behind him, silence filled the living room and for some reason, Mrs. Sawamura's smile faded, an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. A strange feeling.
As if she had just seen something important pass by. As if.. That was the last time she would see her son's face.
The thought scared him instantly, he shook his head.
"Don't be silly." It was just his imagination.
It had to be.
Outside, Eijun got into his white Audi and started the engine, the air conditioner whirring loudly.
After adjusting the rearview mirror, he pulled out of the driveway and headed towards the main road, this wasn't his first reunion.
Far away, over the years, the former Seidou players had gathered many times, everyone had moved forward with their lives. Some had become professional baseball players, some had become coaches and some had pursued completely different careers.
Some were married and raising families, and then there were people like him.
Thirty-five years old.
Still single.
Still being chased by their mother.
"Maybe Kuramochi-san will tease me again."
Actually...
No, there was no "maybe" about it.
He definitely would, Eijun laughed to himself as he drove onto the highway, the toll road was faster than the old route, and he wanted to arrive before everyone else started complaining, music filling the car and the evening sky stretching endlessly overhead.
Sometimes, Eijun would even sing along whenever one of his favorite songs played on the radio, the drive from Nagano to Tokyo usually took between one and two hours, depending on the traffic fortunately, the road was fairly clear, before long, the lights of Tokyo were visible.
After arriving in the city, Eijun followed the location Kuramochi had sent him earlier.
The reunion spot was in Saitama.
Apparently, one of their former teammates had family ties to the place.
Finally, his navigation announced his arrival.
Eijun slowed down the car, then whistled.
"Wow." The restaurant was much more luxurious than he had expected, how much did it cost to book a place like this?
Probably more money than he wanted to think about.
After parking in the designated area, Eijun stepped out of the car, almost immediately, he saw someone get out of the vehicle next to him.
A familiar figure, tall, calm and trustworthy.
A smile appeared on Eijun's face.
"Chris-senpai!"
The man looked up, for a moment, Chris just stared.
Then he sighed, a long sigh.
"Sawamura."
Even though many years had passed, the younger man still insisted on calling him senpai.
No matter how many times Chris told him to stop.
"We graduated a long time ago." Chris adjusted his glasses. "You don't have to keep calling me senpai."
Eijun just smiled. "Sorry. It's too late. It's become a habit. And besides..." His smile widened. "It feels weird to call you anything else."
Chris shook his head. To be honest, he wasn't surprised at all by this answer.
Earlier, he had spotted Eijun's car on the highway and had followed it quietly, just in case, after all, this was Sawamura Eijun, getting lost five minutes before arriving was a habit.
"How are you?" Eijun asked. "It feels like a long time ago."
Chris looked at him for a moment, then a thin smile appeared.
"I'm fine." He shrugged. "And if I'm not, there's a doctor here"
Chris adjusted his glasses slightly.
"If I'm not, there's a doctor here." That made Eijun chuckle.
"Fair enough." He took a deep breath, then looked back at Chris.
"And you? How are you?"
"Same as always" Chris glanced at him.
"Busy."
Eijun nodded.
"Of course." A pause.
Then
"My mother was thinking about it again." Chris blinked.
"Thinking about it again?" Chris asked with a frown
"Another arranged meeting." Eijun sighed, though there was no real disappointment in it.
"She really didn't give up."
Chris stared at him for a moment.
"Again?" The reaction made Eijun chuckle.
"Yes."
"I think I've forgotten how many at this point. You still haven't found anyone suitable?" Chris didn't mean to tease. It just came out naturally.
He himself didn't have a relationship either, between work and everything else, there was never any time for it. However, his situation wasn't the same as Eijun's.
"Unfortunately, no." Eijun shrugged.
"I'm too busy. Usually it ends up being just another polite meeting."
"I see." Chris nodded. "I almost feel sorry for you."
Eijun narrowed his eyes slightly. "Almost?"
Chris didn’t even try to hide it, he was smiling.
"You're not really sorry, are you?" Eijun pointed it out immediately.
Chris exhaled softly. "You noticed."
"Of course I did."
"So… when's the next one?" Chris asked, now genuinely curious.
"I don't know." Eijun leaned back slightly.
"Not anytime soon, I think."
Chris gave a small nod. "Let's go inside. I’m sure everyone’s already waiting."
The moment they stepped through the restaurant doors the noise hit them instantly.
"OI!!"
"There he is!"
Kuramochi shot up from his seat, pointing dramatically. "Our guest of honor finally decided to show up!"
Eijun sighed.
"Hey, Youi-san." He waved casually.
Kuramochi laughed loudly as he walked over and grabbed him into a rough hug.
"Long time no see!"
"Oi I can’t breathe"
"Still as weak as ever."
"That's not the greeting I was expecting!"
When he was finally released, another voice cut in smoothly.
"Did you completely ignore me, Sawamura?"
Eijun froze, that voice, slowly, he turned. Kominato Ryousuke sat there with his eyes closed, smiling that same unsettling smile.
"Ryou-san."
"Good."
Ryousuke tilted his head slightly. "I was wondering if you'd forgotten me."
"Of course not! I saw you the moment I came in!"
"Is that so?" The smile deepened.
Eijun immediately regretted everything, from behind, another familiar voice called out.
"Yo."
Miyuki Kazuya raised a hand lazily.
"Miyuki."
Eijun returned the greeting without hesitation. "Still annoying, I see."
"Tch. You haven't changed either."
Before the conversation could continue, Haruichi stepped forward.
"Eijun-kun." That was enough the tension immediately softened.
"Haruicchi!" Without hesitation, Eijun pulled him into a hug. "Long time no see."
"We talk all the time though."
"That doesn’t count."
"It kind of does." They both laughed.
Behind Haruichi stood the rest, Furuya, Kanemaru,Tojo, Kaneda, Kariba, Shirasu, everyone was there.
"Hey, Sawamura."
"Yo."
"You're still loud as ever."
"I'm offended!"
"Not really."
Laughter spread through the group.
And then
"Still as noisy as always." A calm voice interrupted them.
"Captain-senpai!"
Eijun turned instantly.
"Tanba-senpai!"
Tanba sighed. But there was a faint smile on his face.
"It's been a while."
"It really has!"
Chris, standing nearby, gave a small smile.
"He hasn't changed at all."
"That’s exactly what makes him interesting."
Miyauchi nodded.
Chris glanced at the group."We should sit, food will get cold."
That was enough to settle everyone.
"Fine, fine." Ryousuke gestured lazily. "But you’re answering questions while eating."
"Eh?!" Eijun blinked.
"That’s unfair!"
"Nope."
"Absolutely fair."
One by one, everyone took their seats.
Eijun ended up between Ryousuke and Chris. Which immediately made him suspicious.
"Why do I feel like I’m surrounded?"
"You're imagining things." Chris said calmly.
Ryousuke just smiled. "Now then." Ryousuke leaned forward slightly. "So… what exactly have you been doing all this time?"
"I heard you retired."
Eijun nodded. "I work at a hospital in Nagano now A physiotherapist."
Shirasu snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah. I actually saw you during a match once."
"Outside the field good thing it wasn’t me getting injured."
"Same."
Eijun drank from his glass.
Haruichi leaned forward. "Wait there was an incident?"
Eijun sighed. "Yeah. A player from the opposing team had a concussion."
"WHAT?!"
The table exploded in surprise, except Shirasu, who already knew.
"There was some kind of internal conflict too, I didn’t get the full details but it was messy."
Tanba frowned. "How’s he now?"
"Recovered."
"Then what happened to the team?"
"That depends on NPB management, players like that usually get transferred."
Ryousuke clicked his tongue. "Hopefully he doesn’t end up in our team."
"Agreed."
Kuramochi suddenly leaned back. "Hey, after this, karaoke?"
"Sure."
"Count me in."
Everyone agreed.
All except one.
"Sorry." Eijun raised a hand "I have to go back to Nagano."
Silence.
"Already?" Chris asked. "Your off day?"
"I don’t really have one." Eijun smiled helplessly. "It lands on working days."
"You're hopeless."
Kuramochi sighed. "Next time then."
"Yeah."
Kariba stretched slightly. "Maybe we should plan a trip sometime."
"That sounds good."
"Yeah, it’s been too long."
Eijun smiled faintly. "Just let me know a month in advance. I’ll request leave."
The group laughed.
And just like that the reunion slowly came to an end. That night slowly came to an end.
Chairs scraped softly against the floor, glasses were emptied, and laughter still echoed through the restaurant even though the plates had long been cleared.
“Alright, let’s head out?”
Kuramochi clapped his hands and stood up first.
One by one, the others followed.
Eijun pushed his chair back. “Thank you for today.”
“Don’t talk like an old man.”
Ryousuke glanced at him with a faint smile. “See you again, Sawamura.”
“Yeah, see you!”
Their voices overlapped, warm, familiar, unchanged.
As if time had never passed since their Seidou days.
Outside, the night air was cool, streetlights cast a soft yellow glow over the slightly damp road.
Everyone began splitting into small groups, heading toward their cars.
“Chris, Tetsu drive safe.” Eijun waved with a smile.
Chris raised a hand in response. “Don’t speed.”
“I always drive safely.”
That was clearly a lie no one believed.
Chris let out a small sigh.“…That’s what worries me.”
Tetsu chuckled softly. “He hasn’t changed at all.”
Everything felt normal, too normal.
A moment that gave no warning of what was about to happen. The streetlights flickered faintly.
A gentle night wind passed through and then the sound of an engine shattered the silence.
Too loud and too fast.
“Huh?”
Kuramochi, who had just turned around, caught a flash of blinding headlights from the end of the road.
“A car…?”
Everything happened too fast the light did not slow down. It kept coming straight toward
“CHRIS!! TETSU!! MOVE!!”
The voice came out instinctively, without thought Eijun’s body moved faster than his mind could process.
He lunged forward, push both of them were thrown to the side.
“Eijun?!”
That scream was drowned out by the screech of tires against asphalt.
BOOM.
His body was sent flying the world shattered in a single impact pain.
Too brief to understand, too sharp to endure.
And then
Silence.
Eijun lay on the road the streetlights spun in his vision.
Voices around him sounded distant, like they were coming from underwater.
“Hey… Sawamura!!”
“Eijun!!”
He couldn’t respond, his lips moved slightly, but no sound came out, his vision blurred further, the night sky slowly darkened.
And in that moment he saw himself his own body lying motionless on the ground and his friends surrounding him.
Some were shouting, some were frozen in shock and some could only stand there in silence.
“Ah.”
This was the second time that feeling the same one from that summer.
A defeat that could never be taken back “If I were given another chance”
The thought didn’t become words just a fading wish in his mind.
“If I could do it all over again”
The world grew farther away quieter.
And finally everything disappeared.
"Do you want a second chance?” A voice pierced through the darkness.
Calm, clear.
Eijun opened his eyes.
There was no road.
No lights.
No sound.
Only endless white space.
Standing before him was a woman too beautiful to be human.
A crown of the sun and moon rested on her head, glowing softly.
Her long black hair flowed like a night without stars.
“Who?”
Eijun’s voice was hoarse. “You can see me?”
The woman nodded slowly.
“Yes.”
“I am not human.” Her voice was calm, like a breeze that never rushed. “I am the goddess of the moon and the sun.”
Eijun fell silent.
“A goddess?”
“Humans call us that.”
She looked directly at him.“You are dead.”
No hesitation no softness just the true
Eijun wasn’t panicked, strangely he wasn’t even shocked.
Just empty.
“So I really died.”
“Yes.”
The woman stepped slightly forward.“However the wishes of your friends reached us, their desire for you to live again.”
Silence.
“A second chance?”
“Yes.”
Eijun lifted his head. “What’s the condition?”
The question came immediately without hesitation.
The woman paused for a moment, then gave a faint smile. “There are no heavy conditions, you will simply live your life as you normally would and I will observe your journey from here.”
Eijun stayed silent a few seconds passed, then he let out a small breath.
“If that’s the case. I accept.”
No drama, no tears just a decision already made long ago.
The woman nodded. “Very well.”
Soft light began to surround his body.
“Sawamura Eijun. Welcome to your second chance.” And the world collapsed into light.