BSS – Vol 3 Epilogue

“—I’m glad for Riku-kun… He was able to get into Seijou.” (Sophia)

On the way home, a cheerful Sophia held down her hair as it fluttered in the wind and smiled at me.

From her perspective, it must have ended with a satisfying result.

“If he had quit like that, all his efforts up to now, and Haimiya-san’s feelings too, would’ve been for nothing. I’m really glad it turned out this way.” (Kento)

And it was good for Seijou as well.

If Haimiya-kun developed well, we’d be able to face top-level national teams with a solid lineup.

Well, there were still issues to address, and how much he would actually grow depended on him.

However… Kujouin-san was probably feeling dissatisfied with the outcome.

She’s very kind, and because of that, she cares deeply about the second-years.

Haimiya-kun wasn’t ready to be an immediate asset, but depending on how much he improved in the next six months, he might be considered for the bench come spring based on his potential.

If that happened, then inevitably, someone currently on the bench would be pushed out.

Also, due to the coach’s policy, only four pitchers are allowed on the bench, and currently, aside from the ace Shuuto, the rest are second-years. So if Haimiya-kun were to make it onto the bench, one of the second-years would have to be dropped.

It was no surprise that Kujouin-san wouldn’t be happy about that.

From my perspective, it would be great if the second-years, who had essentially given up on competing because they thought they couldn’t beat Shuuto, were now motivated by the possibility of losing their spot to Haimiya-kun and pushed themselves harder.

Shuuto was just exceptionally talented, but I genuinely thought the second-years were all quite skilled too, and they had good instincts.

As long as they didn’t lose their fighting spirit and kept training hard, I was sure the upperclassmen still had plenty of room to grow.

“Thanks to that, the money we planned to lend ended up unused, so now we can use it for Miumi-san instead.” (Sophia)

That was probably the biggest reason Sophia was in such a good mood.

The moment she realized Haimiya-kun wouldn’t need that much financial help, she immediately spoke with Haimiya-san, Kujouin-san, and coach, and arranged for Haimiya-san to be admitted as well.

Of course, Haimiya-san wasn’t going to be a scholarship student like her brother, but still, Sophia’s move like this was probably unexpected by everyone.

I knew that Sophia liked Haimiya-san, so it wasn’t all that surprising to me.

Despite how she seemed, she really loved cute things…

Her room was filled with stuffed animals, after all.

“It’s a bit late to ask, but are you sure about this? That’s a lot of money, isn’t it?” (Kento)

The money Sophia was planning to lend was in the millions of yen.

In Haimiya-kun’s case, it had been necessary in order to prevent his sister from turning against us later, and to ensure she wouldn’t hold back her support. But since he had been accepted as a scholarship student, there was no longer any need to lend it.

And yet, despite that, she still lent a large amount of money—money she might never get back—just to make sure the sister could enroll. Even if she liked her, that wasn’t something you’d expect anyone to do.

“When I heard Miumi-san’s story… I realized how fortunate I’ve been.” (Sophia)

Maybe to answer my question, Sophia began with that.

I quietly listened to what she had to say.

“My biological father isn’t around anymore… but when he was alive, he cherished me and loved me. My mom still takes care of me and treats me with love… and deep down, I guess I thought that was normal. But really, it wasn’t. Even in a peaceful, wealthy country like Japan, there are kids abandoned by their parents, kids who want to go to school but can’t… When I understood that… I just couldn’t ignore Miumi-san anymore—someone the same age as me, working hard and trying to survive for the sake of her little brother.” (Sophia)

I understood what she was trying to say.

The Haimiya siblings had been abandoned by their parents at a young age and raised in a facility, and even though they had a place to live, they probably lived a life where they could rarely get anything they wanted.

On top of that, they were bullied at school. I could only imagine how painful those days must have been.

Because Sophia had experienced firsthand how cruel even classmates could be, she could easily imagine their suffering. And if she considered that they’d gone through even worse from an early age, it was only natural she’d feel sympathy.

“Of course, if Miumi-san didn’t want to go to school, that would’ve been a different matter… but she wasn’t like that. She simply couldn’t go because of financial reasons and had no choice but to work — so if it was something I could do something about, then I wanted to help.” (Sophia)

I was there too when that conversation happened, so I understood.

When Sophia asked Haimiya-san directly, she was hesitant to say it at first, but she did admit that if she could, she wanted to attend high school.

However, she had already been away from school for half a year, and with the trouble she had caused, her chances of getting into a public school were extremely slim.

That’s why Sophia thought a private school would be more flexible, and asked the coach—who was close with the school director—to overlook the recent issues she had caused when she applied for admission.

There was also the argument that it wasn’t enough to have the younger brother make amends—that she herself needed to atone by serving as a manager for the baseball team.

—But that was probably just a pretext.

The reason Sophia appealed to the coach with Kujouin-san involved was likely because she believed Kujouin-san would take her side.

Fortunately, the coach was an understanding person and approved it immediately, so it wasn’t even necessary in the end.

“You’re really kind, Sophia…” (Kento)

Even if one feels sympathy, actually lending a large amount of money isn’t something most people can do.

At the very least, I wouldn’t.

If it were a close friend I’d known since childhood, maybe—but to lend money to someone you’d just met, someone you weren’t even sure you could trust, that’s unthinkable.

Especially when it’s a large sum.

If you were to lend that kind of money, you’d have to assume it might never come back.

—Well, considering the conditions Sophia set, she probably understood that too.

“It’s not that I’m especially kind or anything… I just knew I had money that I wouldn’t be troubled by lending. And Pa—my father, if it was money used to help someone, I think he wouldn’t just allow it, he’d be happy about it. That’s all there is to it.” (Sophia)

Money she wouldn’t miss even if she lent it—while I didn’t know the exact amount, Jessica-san had once said that Sophia’s father had left behind enough money that even if Sophia had to start paying her own tuition, she wouldn’t be troubled in the slightest.

It was separate from our household finances, something they usually didn’t touch.

Given how quickly Jessica-san agreed to lend it, it was probably a substantial amount. But Sophia had been reluctant to use it for herself.

Still, it seemed she had decided that it was okay to use it if it was for helping others.

“Even so, it’s an incredible thing to do.” (Kento)

“I don’t think you’re any different, Onii-chan… You knew about that large sum of money too, didn’t you? And now that we’re family, it’s your money too—” (Sophia)

“Hmm, I don’t think that’s right.” (Kento)

Bothered by what Sophia said, I cut her off—even though she was still speaking.

“I heard about that money from Jessica-san, but it was left behind by your biological father, right?” (Kento)

“Well, yes, but…” (Sophia)

“Then that money belongs to you and Jessica-san. It’s not mine, and it’s not Dad’s either.” (Kento)

People probably have different views on this, but I didn’t think it was right for me or my dad to use something left behind by Sophia and Jessica-san’s father—the man who loved them.

Their real father wouldn’t feel good about that either.

That money should be managed by them, and used for their sake.

“Well, that’s true. Assets from before marriage are considered separate property, not shared property…” (Sophia)

Sophia, sounding a little awkward, explained the legal side of things.

I hadn’t known about that rule, and I was a bit surprised that Sophia did…

“But people’s feelings aren’t that easy to divide, are they?” (Sophia)

It seemed that even if the legal rights were clear, Sophia believed that once you’re married, it’s natural to share everything.

There were probably plenty of people who thought that way—maybe even the majority.

“At the very least, I don’t think Dad sees it that way. That’s why Jessica-san is the one managing it, isn’t she?” (Kento)

Jessica-san, given her personality, usually avoids talking much about her ex-husband out of consideration, but I was sure she must have discussed the money with Dad.

Even if she didn’t give an exact number, she probably mentioned it was a large sum—but Dad likely didn’t pry any further.

He probably felt that it was something left behind specifically for Jessica-san and Sophia.

Having watched Dad since I was young, I had a pretty good sense of how he thought. And since I felt the same way, it wasn’t hard to imagine.

“Both Dad and I believe that if the money was left by Sophia’s father, it should be used for you two. That’s why, when Sophia decided to lend it this time, we didn’t interfere.” (Kento)

“…I love that kind side of you…” (Sophia)

Sophia, her head lowered, muttered something under her breath.

It was quieter than usual, barely audible, and I couldn’t even tell if it was in English.

Well, it was probably just a mutter—and in English, I guessed.

“Your face is red… are you okay?” (Kento)

I couldn’t help but point out how suddenly Sophia’s face had turned red.

In response, she quickly waved her hands in front of her face.

“Th-This is just because of the sunset…!” (Sophia)

Such a classic excuse.

Even I could tell that there was no way this redness was from the sunset.

If she was trying this hard to cover it up, it must’ve been something she really didn’t want me to touch on.

“A-Anyway, I was totally surprised when Onii-chan and Riku-kun ended up having a match!” (Sophia)

“You really just forced the topic in a completely different direction, didn’t you…?” (Kento)

Watching Sophia suddenly change the subject made me recall that time we talked in her room, and I couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

“Come on, I was surprised! Why did you do something like that…!?” (Sophia)

Sophia asked with an assertiveness that made it clear—she wasn’t letting this go until I answered.

She must really not have wanted to talk about her blushing face that badly.

“Ah, that… well—” (Kento)

Realizing it was pointless to press her any further, I shifted gears and recalled the moment I had that match with Haimiya-kun, preparing to answer her question.

◆

“A-amazing…” (Riku)

Right after the satisfying crack of the bat echoed across the field, Haimiya-kun slumped his shoulders on the mound.

No pitcher feels good the moment they give up a home run.

“This is the ace and cleanup batter of Seijou. You can join us with confidence, right?” (Shuuto)

Shuuto walked over to Haimiya-kun and told him with a serious expression.

Since Haimiya-kun had managed to strike out our entire starting lineup, Shuuto had been concerned it might make him question Seijou’s true strength.

Haimiya-kun seemed humble enough that it probably wouldn’t be a problem, but it was better to put his mind at ease—so I went along with it too.

◆

“I figured if he saw that we’re a strong team, he’d feel more motivated and give it his all.” (Kento)

“There’s no way a team that made it to the semifinals of the Chugoku Tournament isn’t strong, you know?” (Sophia)

Sophia looked at me with a slight, wry smile.

“Ahaha, of course I know that. It’s just… more of an emotional thing.”  (Kento)

I smiled back and looked up at the sky.

“Still… the Chugoku Tournament, huh… We absolutely have to win…” (Kento)

“Of course you do, right? Well, the results of the spring Koshien aren’t everything, so even if you don’t win, there’s still a good chance you’ll be chosen…” (Sophia)

No, that wasn’t true.

The coach hadn’t said anything, but given what had happened with me this time, I was certain that for us to make it to Spring Koshien, winning the tournament was mandatory.

If we didn’t win, I had to assume we wouldn’t make it to Koshien.

And that meant, as the one who had caused trouble for the team, I had no choice but to win—no matter who the opponent was, even if it was one of the ace pitchers of the national U-18 team.

“If you go into a match thinking it’s okay to lose, it never ends well. You can’t even think about losing. You’ve got to give it everything you’ve got.” (Kento)

“…I don’t think you or your team could lose to anyone.” (Sophia)

After hearing what I said, Sophia thought for a moment, then looked up at the sky like I did and spoke.

I glanced at her, and saw that she was smiling. She didn’t seem to be forcing it at all.

“Why do you think that?” (Kento)

“You’ve got Kurogane-kun, who’s probably one of the top three pitchers in high school baseball right now. Then there’s Kannagi-kun, who not only gets on base a lot and steals like crazy, but also has a wide defensive range as a shortstop. The second-year senpai are all high-level players too. You’ve even got Nadeshiko-senpai, an expert at gathering information, and a cleanup hitter who can make full use of that data on both offense and defense. I think it’d be harder to lose with a lineup like that.” (Sophia)

Sophia folded her fingers one by one as she rattled off her reasoning smoothly.

When she talked about me, Sophia looked over with a sly grin—she probably avoided saying my name on purpose.

It was likely payback for when I pointed out how red her face had gotten earlier.

“‘Perfectly utilizes information,’ ‘strongest batter’—isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?” (Kento)

I mostly agreed with what she said about everyone else, but when it came to me, that was way too much.

“Is it, though? I think it’s a fair evaluation.” (Sophia)

She tilted her head slightly with an innocent expression, clearly feigning ignorance.

Maybe it was because she was in a good mood, but it was rare for her to compliment me so openly like this.

“If anyone else heard you, they’d just say you’re biased because we’re close.” (Kento)

“Fufu, don’t worry about it. People who say that just don’t know what they’re talking about.” (Sophia)

She really does go her own way, as always…

Seeing Sophia laugh so happily, I couldn’t help but think that.

Well, I can’t say I dislike being complimented.

“You’re the only one who thinks that highly of me, you know.” (Kento)

“Oh my, I wouldn’t say that. I know at least a few people close to you who seem to think just as highly of you—” (Sophia)

Just as she said that, she suddenly froze.

Then, her expression twisted in mild displeasure, and she muttered again.

“On the internet, he’s being fawned over, so there must be a whole swarm of them…“ (Sophia)

“S-Sophia-san…?” (Kento)

Sophia suddenly wore an expression full of disgust, and I instinctively addressed her with a respectful -san.

Huh? Why did she suddenly get so grumpy…?

“You don’t really look at social media much, do you, Onii-chan?” (Sophia)

“Uh, well… yeah…” (Kento)

Most of my time was spent on baseball-related things, so I rarely had time to check stuff online.

That’s why I hadn’t even created an account until that video got spread around recently.

And Sophia had been the same way, preferring to study and avoid interacting with people.

“Ever since that video of you helping Miumi-san started spreading, the number of girls who became your fans suddenly exploded… Some of them even call you “Prince” or something…” (Sophia)

Sophia started muttering to herself again.

Did I say something that offended her…?

No, I don’t think so, but…

“Onii-chan.” (Sophia)

“Y-Yeah?” (Kento)

She suddenly called out to me, and I tensed up, startled.

“Even if the girls come on strong, don’t get swept away, okay?” (Sophia)

“Didn’t you say something like that the other day too!?” (Kento)

How much do I look like I’m weak to girls!?

—was what I wanted to say.

“I worry, you know… like you might get seduced or something…” (Sophia)

“Ahaha… that’s definitely overthinking it… I mean, no one’s actually hitting on me.” (Kento)

“…………” (Sophia) 

“Huh…?” (Kento)

I thought I was just stating the facts, but Sophia gave me a look like, ‘Are you serious?’

“No, seriously, no one’s hitting on me… Sure, I’ve had more girls talk to me lately, but they’re just making small talk or cheering me on…” (Kento)

“This guy’s seriously going to get stabbed by a girl someday……“ (Sophia)

Turning away from me, Sophia muttered something again.

She was probably complaining about me.

“If you’ve got something to say, you can just say it, you know?” (Kento)

“It’s nothing. Really. I just… thought that if I’m not nearby to watch over you, it might be dangerous.” (Sophia)

“Why’d you jump to such a scary conclusion!?” (Kento)

Is it because I got framed that time!?

She’s still holding a grudge about that and decided to bring it up now!?

“I really do think you should be more careful.” (Sophia)

Sophia let out a resigned sigh.

It didn’t seem like one of her usual playful remarks—she genuinely looked exasperated, and worried.

“If something like what happened with Haimiya-san were to happen again, I’d probably step in to help… but I’ll try not to repeat the same mistake, alright…?” (Kento)

I didn’t think the choice I made back then was wrong. But it was still true that I caused trouble for everyone.

That’s why I planned to be more careful about who I trust and pay closer attention to my surroundings.

Still, like I said—if someone’s in trouble, I can’t just turn a blind eye. That won’t change.

“I don’t really understand how you got to that way of thinking, but… helping Miumi-san was the right thing to do. Everyone in the baseball club said that too, and I feel the same way—no, I’m proud of you for choosing to help without hesitation.” (Sophia)

Sophia looked a bit unsure for a moment, like her thoughts hadn’t quite aligned with mine, but then she gave me a gentle smile.

She probably realized I was still feeling a little conflicted about it.

Still, to hear someone say they’re proud of me so directly like that… it was kind of embarrassing.

“Uh… thanks…” (Kento)

“Don’t get all shy about it. You’re making me embarrassed too…” (Sophia)

When I awkwardly scratched my neck and thanked her, Sophia responded with a pout, sounding a little brusque.

Her face turned faintly red, clearly embarrassed by what she’d just said.

—Well, probably because of how I reacted.

“Um… going back to the topic… anyway, I really think you should be careful even if a really cute girl tries to approach you.” (Sophia)

Since the air between us had grown slightly awkward, Sophia gave her warning hesitantly.

It felt like she was saying, beware of honey traps or something along those lines.

“You don’t have to worry—like I said before, I don’t intend to get distracted by romance right now. Baseball’s what matters most.” (Kento)

If she kept bringing it up this often, then she must be truly worried—but even so, my priorities wouldn’t change.

Not that I believed a cute girl would actually come onto me in the first place.

“Are you really sure about that? Even if a super popular national idol or a ridiculously cute, explosively famous streamer girl tried to hit on you, you could turn them down?” (Sophia)

“What kind of imagination are you having…? There’s no way people like that would be interested in someone like me. This isn’t a manga…” (Kento)

Sophia was smart, which probably fueled her vivid imagination.

But still, there’s no way something that dreamy would ever happen in real life.

“You didn’t answer…” (Sophia)

Apparently thinking I’d dodged the question, Sophia puffed her cheeks in frustration.

She didn’t seem to be joking at all.

“Well, it’s not even worth answering… I mean, seriously, it’s just not gonna happen, right? Besides, lately you’re almost always by my side anyway. If you’re that worried, you could just be the one to shoo them off.” (Kento)

These days, we went to school together in the mornings and went home together afterward. Even on weekends, I had practice, so it wasn’t like there were many chances to be alone and approached by outsiders.

About the only time I wasn’t with her was during my nightly self-training.

Even if someone did try talking to me while I was out walking, judging by how Sophia had been acting, she’d probably just take it upon herself to chase them away.

“That’s true.” (Sophia)

Looking convinced, Sophia nodded firmly.

She really seemed intent on doing it.

…Well, I didn’t mind.

It was probably just her overthinking things, and I didn’t see any reason to stop her if it made her feel better.

Honestly, I was happy to have her around. As long as it didn’t make others resent her, she could do as she liked.

And if it ever got to the point where it seemed dangerous, I’d step in and stop her. That was all there was to it.

“It’s fine to look out for me, but you should also try to get along with the other club members, okay?” (Kento)

“Ugh… I know…” (Sophia)

When I pointed out how focused she was on me, Sophia awkwardly averted her eyes.

Since she seemed to be aware of it, I didn’t press the matter too much.

During club activities, she stuck close to Kujouin-san and didn’t really talk to the other members.

While it was true that the male members had been forbidden by the coach to interact with her, the fact that she wasn’t talking much with the other managers was likely because she herself was keeping her distance.

Since she’d be part of the baseball club from now on, I hoped she’d improve in that area too.

To be honest, after Kujouin-san, the person she was closest to now was probably Haimiya-san…

And even after that, the next person wasn’t a manager either—it felt like Rindou-san might come next.

“Come to think of it, have you already forgiven Rindou-san?” (Kento)

She’d gone out of her way this time to help me.

Sophia had said she wouldn’t forgive her until she’d made amends, so I figured she might have forgiven her by now.

“Of course. Thanks to her, this whole thing was resolved, after all.” (Sophia)

As expected, Sophia had apparently forgiven Rindou-san.

Even though Rindou-san had tried to throw Sophia under the bus to save herself, she wasn’t a bad person at heart, so I hoped they could get along moving forward.

Honestly, as her older brother, it was concerning to see that she had no real friends at school.

“She seems like a kind girl, so try to get along with her, alright?” (Kento)

“…You’ve been oddly kind to Rindou-san lately. Don’t tell me… is that kind of girl your type?” (Sophia)

Sophia getting along with Rindou-san would be a good thing.

Even though I said it with good intentions, for some reason, Sophia gave me a half-lidded, accusatory stare.

“Wait, I didn’t say anything like that… did I?” (Kento)

“You like girls who look weak and seem like they’ll accept anything? Or… is it the chest?” (Sophia)

“Wh-What the hell are you saying!?” (Kento)

I didn’t expect Sophia to bring up the topic of breasts, and I could feel my face heat up as I snapped back.

“Boys all like big ones, right?” (Sophia)

“That’s a stereotype, isn’t it!? I don’t care about size or anything!” (Kento)

I quickly denied it, feeling like I was being unfairly accused.

But it wasn’t a lie.

I would never judge someone based on the size of their chest.

“Then, do you like the size Miumi-san has? So you really are a lolicon…” (Sophia)

“What do you mean ‘really’!? I’ve never said anything like that! Not even once! And besides, if you say that¹—!” (Kento)

I stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing something.

I realized that if I said anything more, I’d be stepping on a landmine.

However—

“And if you say that…?” (Sophia)

Sophia tilted her head, her temple twitching slightly.

She wore a smile, but I could feel the irritation bubbling beneath it.

Even if I hadn’t said it out loud, her sharp mind seemed to have figured it out.

“N-No, I’m just saying… I don’t care about chest size, seriously…” (Kento)

Sensing danger, I tried to deflect, sweat trickling down my back.

“How strange. That doesn’t really connect with the context of what you were saying.” (Sophia)

But she wasn’t letting it slide.

I’d never seen her act particularly self-conscious, but maybe, deep down, she really did care about her chest size.

“It’s just your imagination… Anyway, I’m not a lolicon…” (Kento)

I mean, Haimiya-san only looked young—she was actually our age.

Just because someone liked her didn’t mean they had a thing for kids.

“Hmm… Then what kind of girl do you like…?” (Sophia)

Just when I thought she’d stop pushing, Sophia began to twirl her hair with her finger, gazing up at me with upturned eyes.

Her eyes glistened as if filled with heat.

“Um, I haven’t really thought about it much… but I guess it’s whoever I end up liking, right?” (Kento)

I answered honestly while looking at Sophia’s face.

She looked dissatisfied with that answer.

“That’s such a typical response.” (Sophia)

“Even if you say that, it’s really how I feel. So, what about you, Sophia?” (Kento)

Since she asked me, I thought it was fair to ask back.

She swallowed hard for a moment, then smirked with a mischievous grin and opened her mouth.

“I’m not telling you.” (Sophia)

“Isn’t that unfair…?” (Kento)

“I’m under no obligation to tell you.” (Sophia)

It seemed she wasn’t going to answer.

But well, that probably meant she did have a type she liked.

She was serious and valued her studies, so maybe she liked the type who was also studious and diligent.

“Well, if it’s Sophia, I’m sure she has plenty of choices.” (Kento)

When I said that, for some reason, Sophia lightly tugged my cheek.

“W-What was that…?” (Kento)

“It’s just, I got a little annoyed for a moment.” (Sophia)

She said that and released my cheek.

“You’re angry even though I was complimenting you…!?“ (Kento)

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t exactly a compliment, but it was something like one.

Still, I didn’t understand why she’d get mad.

“Idiot (baka).” (Sophia)

Sophia pouted and said that, then scampered away from me.

But she quickly stopped, turned back toward me, and whispered softly in English.

“I’m the one who wants to be chosen by you…” (Sophia)

Her words didn’t quite reach my ears, but the longing look on her face, backlit by the sunset, was burned deeply into my mind.

—After that, for some reason, she came back over beside me, and we headed home together, getting along well.

---

Thanks for reading!

MC’s denseness is on full display in case you’re wondering if there’s progress in the romance. I mean, kinda expected, but it must be disappointing for Sophia to hear that he didn’t notice anything.

This isn’t the last chapter. If you remember, there is still that extra chapter for Nadeshiko.

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1. I think he was about to make a comment on Sophia having the same chest size.