Chương 49: 49. Meeting Izumi

Rei looked at the guest intently. His brain stopped working as he saw him. The guest had light brown hair and was taller than Rei. He was thin but there were well-built muscles visible. He looked handsome enough for girls to glance at him for a second time if he passed by.

The guest slowly stood up and made his way towards Rei. His legs were shaking as he walked. He fell on Rei when he reached, He lifted his violently shaking hands and cupped Rei's face. His eyes were full of tears threatening to fall down.

Rei was no better than him. His body shook as his legs were on the verge to give out. His eyes were also similarly filled with tears.

The guest spoke before Rei could, "Rei i-is it re-really you." he choked as the tears were slowly flowing out.

Rei nodded and replied, "I-I-Izumi it's you." as tears rolled down.

Izumi nodded and hugged Rei tightly. Rei felt suffocated by it but didn't say anything and hugged back similarly. They both hugged each other in silence as tears slowly rolled out.

While this was happening Sora and Meiko were rooted in their places, they both couldn't understand what was happening. They never imagined their new star pitcher knew Rei and were so close to bring out such a reaction from each other.

Hearing the commotion Narumi and Shidou came into the hall and saw the two boys crying while hugging each other. They couldn't understand the situation and by the looks of it they knew Meiko and Sora were also in the same position.

Rei and Izumi separated after a while again with smiles on their faces staring at each other. They both rubbed their eyes to clear the water inside. They Stared at each other in silence with smiles.

Rei was the first to break the silence between them, "I never thought I would meet you again Izumi."

Izumi nodded and replied, "Me too Rei. I went to your home and people said you don't live there anymore."

Rei nodded and before he could say anything Narumi spoke, "Ok both of you sit down and talk. The food is almost ready." and went back. Shidou sat on one of the chairs inside the hall.

Hearing her both of them sat on the couches with everyone surrounding them.

Shidou was the first to speak, "How do you know each other Rei?"

Rei smiled and replied, "He has been my best friend since childhood. We went to the same school and always played with each other. We separated when he had to move out for his father's work. I never thought I would meet him again after I moved out from there."

Izumi nodded and added, "I moved away but came back to meet Rei several times in summers but the people around always told him he went away."

They all continued to talk until Narumi called for all of them to eat. Rei and Izumi continued to talk to each other while Sora and Meiko talked sometimes. They all ate happily,

After eating, Narumi suggested to Rei, "Rei take Izumi to your room and talk for awhile."

Rei nodded and took Izumi towards his room. While they were going, back in the dining room Meiko spoke, "I never knew Izumi knew Rei. They both seem to miss each other a lot."

Sora nodded and Shidou spoke, "Yes Izumi seems to be close to Rei and he might be able to help Rei with his baseball." all of them nodded.

"It all depends on faith, Otou-san. I hope Izumi will help him." said Narumi, smiling.

Going towards Rei's room Izumi spoke first, "How are you Rei?"

"I'm fine Izumi."

Reaching his room they both went inside and Izumi sat down. Rei closed his door and sat down with Izumi.

Izumi asked, "How did this all happen Rei? Why are you with the Kamizato family? Where is Tensei-sensei?"

Hearing the barrage of questions from him Rei understood Izumi didn't know about Tensei's death. He took a deep breath and answered in a single line, "Otou-san died Izumi."

Izumi was shocked to the very core. He couldn't understand Rei. He asked again as his voice shook, "What do you mean Rei, Tensei-sensei died?"

Rei nodded and explained, "Yes Izumi, Otou-san died in the same summer you went away from town. He died in an accident while saving me. Shirogana-san took me in and I started to live with them."

Hearing him say it again Izumi felt as if he was struck by lightning. He couldn't understand what to say back. He felt sorry for Rei and couldn't understand how he felt. The truth that he didn't know this and wasn't there to help his friend shook him further. He felt very sorrowful about this.

He then heard Rei's voice, "It's ok Izumi. Don't feel sad, I already accepted this fact."

Izumi nodded and asked, "So how are you with this family Rei."

"I am very happy Rei, Oji-san and Oba-san take good care of me. Sora and Meiko treat me as their own siblings. I am very grateful for them."

"What about baseball, You still play right? Why didn't you join the club with them."

Rei shook his head and answered, "No Izumi I stopped playing baseball completely. I don't feel well when I play baseball. I see Otou-san and panic. The doctor advised me to stay away from it."

Hearing him Izumi felt as if he was struck by another lightning. He could not believe that the same friend who always pleaded with him to play baseball with him stopped playing. He felt his purpose to play the sport shatter. He played for only one dream and that is to become the best duo together with Rei.

Izumi stood up and grabbed Rei's shoulders. Shaking them he shouted, "Why did you stop Rei? Do you think Sensei would feel sad to see you like this? He would be completely devastated to see you like this. "

Hearing Izumi, Rei couldn't help but shout back, "Do you think I like this? Not playing baseball was hell to me these past 2 years. But I could not do anything about it, I always panic and feel scared when I play."

Izumi took a deep breath and suggested, "Ok then I have a plan."