Look At Me Now
@thatbastardmiyuki
When he entered the building, Chris felt some kind of nervousness that settled deep but was subtle enough for him to brush away. If someone would've asked him a few years ago, where he'd see himself after his shoulder fully healing and his studies going exceptionally well, he probably wouldn't have guessed to start his first day as a coach. If anything, he would've seen himself on the field, being one of the players.
But it had always somehow struck with him, this talent to analyze, to see the potential in others and more than being limited to his own abilities and those of his pitchers, Chris had slowly discovered that his interest was never limited on just the person on the mound.
He carried his leathery bag under his shoulder, his fingers a little sweaty when he was greeted by the head-coach who had been too keen on taking Chris under his wing and having his input on things to push the team back to their number one spot in Japan after a few years of missed chances and bad luck.
Chris smiled, bowing respectfully and lead to the training center: a large indoor field that almost made him want to play himself again.
"I figured you should get a chance on seeing them before I introduce them to you", the coach said next to him and Chris slowly nodded. "It's more natural if they don't know they're being watched."
"Yeah, I guess you have a point." But Chris was already sure that there was at least one person who would recognize him - and his golden eyes were already searching the area for a certain catcher who might've been one of the reasons to even decide on this team in particular. But Chris didn't see him, wondering if maybe it was a sign that he should get to work before he might inevitably start getting nostalgic. So he started walking until he had a good spot be the edge of the field. For a moment, he wondered if he should take notes already, but given the amount of his research before this day, Chris feld like he could just enjoy himself for a brief moment.
The first few seconds were probably the worst in terms of trying to keep himself calm. Chris wasn't easily upset, but he was quick to question his openness. Perhaps he'd gone too far. Perhaps he misread the situation. Perhaps--
He swallowed thickly, pretending it was because of the rice in his throat. Chris looked down at his plate, feeling all silly for worrying when really, it would be easy to cover up his words to being friendly and maybe nostalgic (even if he really didn't want to play pretend).
"What else?", he repeated the question and leaned back in his seat. "A lot of trips to America, actually. Mostly to learn more, but occassionally to meet up with family and old friends there." Strangely enough, he sort of grew fond of going there, even if he still felt overwhelmed by how different the culture is (despite his father doing his best of always reminding him that he basically grew up in the mids of someone with a deeply rooted personality shaped by American culture).
"No crazy parties. I'm definitely too old for this. Actually, I think I've always been too old for those kinds of social activities." His lips curved, and for a second he wondered if he should also add that there were no lady friends in his life. Then again, he wasn't so sure if he was reading between the lines with this one or if Miyuki was just curious on his own behalf...
"What about you? Any crazy parties I should know of? Or should I be prepared to see you indulge in those kinds of activities? Even if I'd pick you up if you'd need a late night drive, as one of your coaches, I'd also have to scold you for being reckless." The old Miyuki might've had trouble connecting to people, but the new one? It wasn't impossible to imagine that he'd be pretty popular.
