75. Ace's Ability

Rei was surprised by the change of speed and was ready to catch it. But by the time the ball came into the mitt, it took a sharp turn to the left. Rei immediately brought his glove and caught it within a second noticing this.

Akira and Suzaku were shocked seeing Rei's fast reflexes. They were in complete awe as they expected Rei to miss it. Rei stood up and threw it back. Suzaku caught the ball and stared at Rei with amusement.

Rei sat back in his position, even though he was surprised by the ball's sudden unpredictability but was still able to react to it due to his eyes. He understood Suzaku's main problem after this one ball, it was his control as he increased his speed. It was a similar problem as of Izumi's but Izumi was much better.

Suzaku was surprised when he saw Rei. He couldn't help but smile as he looked at the ball in his hand. He slowly got into his form and pitched once again at the same speed. This time the ball cut to the left and Rei was still able to catch the ball.

They continued back and forth as Suzaku continued to pitch at his best for the first time in a while and even though his pitches were all around the place. Rei was able to catch each one of them making him even more excited.

Watching all this from the side Akhira was stupefied. He noticed Suzaku's problem when they were in their first year and even then no one was able to catch his unpredictable pitches. He saw Suzaku secretly practicing after even when the club practice was done. Even though he made much improvement it was still not enough.

But now he saw a smile on Suzaku's face as he pitched for Rei. He was more shocked when he saw Rei's reactions to the pitches. He was able to catch all of them perfectly with complete ease. He had to tell this to the coach.

Akhira snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the bell ringing. He clapped his hands and said, "Ok let's stop here, for now, the first bell rang already."

Hearing him Rei and Suzaku snapped out and walked towards the bench which had their bags.

"Akhira, now I am hungry, give me something to eat," complained Suzaku being back to his usual laziness but there was still a spark in his eyes wanting to play more.

"Keep it in until lunch break and I will buy you lunch."

"Come on man after all that you have nothing."

Hearing Suzaku complains, Rei felt bad and took out the bun from his bag after some consideration. He placed it in Suzaku's hand and said, "Take this Akihiko-senpai. It is tasty."

Suzaku was immediately mesmerized, smelling the leftover smell. He looked at Rei with expectations and asked again. "Can I eat this, Rei"

"Rei nodded and Suzaku immediately kept it in his mouth. He was momentarily mesmerized as his cheeks gained a tinge of red to them. He let out the warm breath and took a second bite from it.

Akhira who was by his side was confused about why his friend was acting in such away. He slowly tapped his shoulders and asked, "Give me a piece of it."

Suzaku immediately shook his head as he tried to hide the bun.

"Come on give me one piece, I want a taste."

Seeing him ask again Suzaku with great reluctance tore a piece out and handed it to him. Akhira slowly kept it in his mouth and he had the same expression written all over his face. He wanted to ask another bite but he knew that was the last he could get from Suzaku so he stayed quiet.

He turned towards Rei asking him if he had another one but he got dejected when he saw Rei shake his head. Dejected he could only walk towards the building followed by a mesmerized Suzaku who was done with the bun and a quiet Rei.

As they made their way towards the academic block he saw Sora coming inside the school. He stood there and waved at him. Akhira and Suzaku also stopped and saw Rei waving at Sora. Sora noticed Rei and came near him.

"Here is your lunch and why did you come early in the morning."

Taking the lunch, Rei answered, "I had to bring my kit and keep it in the lockers. I also played with Ito-senpai and Akihiko-senpai for a while."

Sora nodded and greeted Akhira and Suzaku.

"Hey there Akhira and Suzaku. How is your training going."

"It has been well. We want to reach at least the finals of the region this time around," answered Akhira

"Don't worry you will and I hope my brother here has not been making any trouble for you guys." keeping his hand around Rei's shoulder.

"No he is a genius in his role and I have more confidence after seeing him play." this time it was Suzaku who answered.

"Yes, I can't say anything about that. Even my dad says he is better than him when he was his age."

Akhira and Suzaku were astonished hearing Sora. They took a look at Rei once more feeling surprised. Rei lowered his head feeling embarrassment at all the praise he was receiving.

Before Sora continued, Rei separated them and went towards his classroom, not willing to hear Sora continue. He was astonished by how Sora was so close to both of them and understood they were good friends.

As he entered he saw Mizuki and Keiko in his place talking. He shook his head at this daily scene and went towards them. He kept his bag down and sat on his seat.

"Why are you so late today, Rei," asked Mizuki as she saw him sit down.

"I came early as I needed to keep my kit but got carried away when I played with the captain and ace."

Mizuki and Keiko could only sigh and shake their head at their friend's complete concentration on the game. As they wanted to continue the door opened and their teacher entered in.

Both of them got back to their places and the classes started after the attendance was completed. Time went by slowly as one teacher after another came in and went out after the class was over.

The bell rang indicating it was lunch. Rei stood up as he had to go to the cooking club and have a talk with his juniors. He made his way towards the cooking club.