章 147: Motivations (1)

"Hey son! How are they treating you at Osaka?"

A cheery voice came through the phone, brightening Daichi's expression considerably. He was sitting alone in his dorm room, not wanting to join in on the festivities after winning the first round of their prefecture tournament.

"Hi Dad. They're treating me well here." He replied, yet his tone wasn't all that enthusiastic.

"Hmm? Why do you sound so down?" Chris asked.

"W-Wait, you guys didn't lose the first round of your prefecture tournament did you!?"

"Ah no, we won in the 5th inning." 

"Phew, thank goodness. Then what's got you so down?"

Daichi could feel the concern in his father's voice, making him feel warm inside. Since being at Osaka he had been too focused on training to realize that he was lonely.