"I'm fine…"
His voice was a little shaky, but Daichi tried to hide his hand behind his back, away from the 3rd base coach's vision. Unfortunately, it didn't escape the umpire's eyes.
The man sucked in harshly as he saw the limp wrist dangling behind Daichi's back. His expression shifted and a look of remorse crept onto his face, lamenting what he would have to do next.
The umpire placed his hand upon Daichi's shoulder and shook his head. "I need you to leave the field, Daichi. You understand why right?"
Daichi's body flinched at these words and his head lowered, his frustration and disappointment evident. It was as if he'd been punched in the gut.
He nodded before turning and heading back towards the dugout. Daichi could feel his brother's inquisitive gaze from the batters box, but he was far too ashamed to look at him.
Hot tears leaked from his eyes and he felt a lump in his throat as he made the walk of shame off the field.
