Stealing Spree

Upon hearing Sumire getting defensive, the girl called Nagai burst into laughter as her eyes flickered to me again. From what I could tell, she was quite confident that she could corner Sumire this time. What she was banking on was possibly me. Or specifically, the fact that I was present. With Sumire not denying our relationship, she's thinking that Sumire wouldn't want to cause a scene in front of her boyfriend.

"Hmm? Of course, I won't. Senpai, I apologize for this but you see, Kohinata-san and I have... quite a history," Nagai said as her lips slowly curved up into a smirk. She's totally convinced that Sumire would just sit still and let herself be pushed around by her.

The girl was taller than Sumire but not too much. She was lean but her athletic build that spoke of countless hours spent honing her softball skills could be seen from her figure. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail that swirled at the tips. Her sharp features also made it clear that she's the straightforward type of girl.

Most likely, their skill became the criteria for the replacement. From what I heard from Sumire, she wasn't taken off the team. She just got swapped with Sumire's position who was previously the sixth batter.

When our eyes met, I shook my head at her before putting on a meaningful smile.

Seeing that Nagai was addressing me despite her pulling me back already, Sumire's eyebrows slanted. That wasn't because she was jealous but instead, she wanted to protect me from getting dragged in.

It's too late though. I'm already here and the girl was intentionally acting this difficult because of my presence.

I leaned down slightly and whispered to my little gremlin, "Sumire, I like that you're trying to protect me but have you forgotten how shameless your handsome senpai is? I don't care about her. I'm here with you. And if you need my help. All you need is to ask."

Sumire nodded and took a deep breath before turning to Nagai with a newfound confidence. "Nagai-san, I know we have had our issues in the past, but I'm not here to fight today. I just want to enjoy my weekend. My weekend with senpai." She firmly answered, the faltering in her voice all but dissipated.

But as though her head was already muddled, Nagai's smirk grew, "Oh, so you're playing the innocent card now. Did he know how violent you are?"

Sumire's eyes grew cold at her words, but she remained steadfast, not taking the bait.

"Violent? Hehe. Nagai-san, nobody told me you're so flimsy you'll faint from a simple push. Is it an apology you want? Why don't we... decide it in a contest? I'll show you why I've replaced you as our team's 4th batter." Sumire suggested with a cheeky smile.

Mhm. This was it. I knew she had it in her. This girl wasn't a pushover at all. In fact, if she wanted to, she could bully anyone into submission. But she's pretty simple with her wants. The softball, Asahi, and I was probably all she needed at the moment.

As she heard that challenge, Nagai's expression seemingly changed from that of an overconfident girl to a surprised one. A hint of excitement flashed through her eyes.

If I'm not wrong. She's the same creature. A contest is something she can get behind. And Sumire's confidence is so genuine, she can't help but bite the bait. Furthermore, if she wins it, it will be proof that she's still better than Sumire.

Who knows? She's possibly also considering capturing my interest if ever she wins this. Her gaze flickered to me again as though saying 'Senpai, watch me crush your girlfriend. I'll steal you from her.'.

"Bring it on!" Nagai valiantly nodded before turning to me, "Can I borrow your bat, senpai?"

Heh... She's not being very subtle anymore, huh?

"Sure. But you have to ask Sumire, not me. You see. I'm submissive to her." I smirked, causing Sumire's face to instantly turn red from both surprise and embarrassment. It was a tease but it also had a ring of truth to it. She's the one who's going to handle this after all.

"Senpai, stop joking!" Sumire whispered harshly, trying to tug her hand away from mine, but I held firm, keeping the smile on my face as Nagai looked at us, her eyes narrowing.

"Oh, how fascinating. I couldn't care less if senpai is telling the truth or not, but whatever. Kohinata-san, you won't mind me using his bat, right?" Nagai's brows jumped in interest before smirking.

Sumire nodded stiffly, not quite meeting my eyes. She was still red-faced from embarrassment.

"Suit yourself." Sumire then elbowed my side before whispering, "I hate you, senpai. If I win here, you have to pamper me more."

"Well, I'm already planning to do that. Think of another thing you want, Sumire. I'll grant you anything as long as I can accomplish it." I whispered back before handing the bat to Nagai.

Her eyes were a little sticky but fighting spirit soon ignited in them. She's ready to show off. The batting center was alive with the sounds of balls smacking into bats and cheers from the other patrons. But in this quiet corner in our lane, tension had started to rise as Nagai took her position in the batter's box.

After deciding on the format of their match, I presented myself to be their referee and officiator.

Nagai was reasonable at that part. Partly because of her own confidence to win and partly because of her interest in me.

Even if I hadn't done anything truly substantial... I feel like I charmed another poor girl.

Anyway, Sumire also didn't have any problem with it. In fact, she was even excited at this. When I asked her what she was feeling, she answered simply, "I'm excited to beat her and wow you, senpai. I'll show you our differences. Also, I won't let her steal you."

I inwardly shook my head and pinched her cheek, "Who's stealing who? No one can steal me, Sumire. I'm the only one who does the stealing."

Sumire rolled her eyes and silently giggled. As soon as the whirring sound and the starting tune rang out, the girl clung to my side while Nagai readied herself to receive the balls.

It's quite refreshing to see this girl like this. Her usual hyperactiveness and composed self were replaced now amplified with the mix of excitement and nerves. It was like watching a cat ready to pounce on a toy. And poor Nagai would bear the brunt of it.

Five minutes later, Nagai's turn was over. She didn't miss any balls, but she hit the ball shot to the foul area a few times which got deducted from her points. As for home runs. She got one.

That's pretty impressive since it's close to Sumire's showing earlier.

As she retreated, Sumire confidently strode forward, meeting her halfway before leaving a sick line, "Nagai-san. Do open your eyes. I didn't steal your position. I earned it. Also, if you're interested in my senpai, you better forget about it. You won't be able to handle him." Left confused, Nagai remained standing there as she didn't know what to say.

On the other hand, I couldn't help but send a thumbs up to the girl even though she's not going to see it. That was impressive.

As the machine whirred back to life, Sumire readied herself in the batter's box, her grip on the bat tight.

The first pitch came and with a powerful swing, she sent the ball flying to the outfield, the crack of the bat echoing through the batting center. Nagai watched with a hint of surprise but that didn't end there.

Soon, the sound of the ball hitting a plate suspended at the far end of the batting cage echoed, scoring her a home run. Then within the next five minutes. The same allotted time and number of balls that Nagai received, the plate rang three more times alongside the cracking sound of the bat as the ball continuously got hit crisply as though she had 100% accuracy at

-catching them all.

By the time Sumire stepped back from the batting cage, Nagai's smug expression had morphed into one of shock and awe. Her eyes followed the path of each home run ball Sumire had sent flying as if she couldn't believe what she had just witnessed.

"How is that possible? Did you change the speed of the ball, senpai?" Nagai turned to me with a desperate expression as she couldn't swallow the truth. However, as soon as she saw the speed setting on the screen, she realized it was the same as the pitches she hit.

Yep. She got slapped by skill difference.

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