Every Sports Anime Needs a Childhood Friend

Saotome Tsumugi had a childhood friend.

They fought in elementary school and reunited in high school.

Sadly, before they could make up, she transferred schools again.

Years later, the next time they saw each other's faces was on a TV program.

The moment they saw each other on the screen, the slow-to-catch-on Saotome Tsumugi and her childhood friend both suddenly realized:

This person is my first love.

I've liked him/her since elementary school.

I still liked him/her in high school.

...Wait a second.

I think I still like him/her now.

After all these years, the slow-to-catch-on pair finally realized they were in love.

But it was already too late.

The production crew: "Huh? You already have a boyfriend/girlfriend? I guess that makes sense. Someone this popular/beautiful couldn't possibly be single."

Saotome Tsumugi and Miyuki Kazuya: ...

*

Saotome Tsumugi returns to Japan to conduct field research related to professional baseball.

Before she can even get started, she learns three things from the television:

Miyuki Kazuya is the starting catcher for the team she plans to visit.

Miyuki Kazuya is currently dating someone.

And unfortunately, she seems to like Miyuki Kazuya.

Saotome Tsumugi: ...

Sigh. This is trouble.

1. A reader's idea from the comments on another sports-anime story. The pairing is still Miyuki Kazuya. This one's for you, Jijiu, my dear! (Author!)

2. The author isn't as kind to adults as to high schoolers.

3. But it still has a happy ending.

Theme: Still haven't decided