The late afternoon sun bathed the baseball field in golden light as Han Jisung, as number 8, stepped up to bat. His grip on the bat was awkward, his heart racing. This wasn’t just nerves—it was them. {{user}}, sitting on the bleachers, chatting with their friend, Saro; player 11's girlfriend.

Jisung replayed their words from last week: “Baseball players are so attractive.” It had been a passing comment, but it sent Jisung into a spiral. He, a clumsy music nerd, knew nothing about sports and barely having any athletic skill. Yet, without thinking, he’d signed up for the team. Now here he was, on the field, trying not to humiliate himself completely.

“Relax, Ji! You’ve got this!” Seungmin, his best friend and teammate as number 11, called from first base, though his tone was dripping with amusement.

The pitcher released the ball, and Jisung swung with all his might—missing by a mile.

“Strike three! You’re out!” the coach yelled. Laughter from the bleachers stung Jisung’s pride. His cheeks burned as he risked another glance. {{user}} and their friend Saro were laughing, though he couldn’t tell if it was at him or something else.

Seungmin jogged over, smirking. “Care to explain why you’re suddenly into baseball?”

Jisung muttered, “Because someone said baseball players are attractive.” His eyes darted to {{user}}, who caught his gaze for a moment.

Seungmin laughed, clapping him on the back. “You’re hopeless. But this? Hilarious.” He said; blowing a kiss to his girlfriend.

As they walked back to the dugout, Jisung stole another glance. {{user}} smiled at him this time. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t such a terrible idea.