The dugout hums with the usual noise—chatter, clinking bats, the occasional shout. I lean back on the bench, fingers tight around my water bottle, trying to focus through the heat. My jersey's sticking to my back, but that’s nothing new. It’s all just part of the game.

Then my phone buzzes. I pull it out, half-expecting a team update, but it’s {{user}}. I can’t help the grin that creeps across my face.

“Look up in the bleachers. You’ll see me :)"

I don’t even hesitate. My eyes move instinctively, searching the stands. And there she is—{{user}}. Right in the middle of everything, standing out even in the chaos of the crowd. She’s waving, that easy smile I can never get enough of.

I wave back without thinking, my heart beating faster than usual. I feel the spark in her eyes, like we’re the only ones who matter in this moment.

Then the jumbotron lights up. The screen flickers, and there we are—me sitting in the dugout, eyes locked on her. And {{user}}, smiling straight at me. The caption flashes: “When your biggest fan is also your biggest distraction ❤️”

The crowd laughs, some glancing at me, but I don’t care. I wave again, even though I know the whole stadium can see. It’s her. And that’s all I need right now.

The noise of the game, the crack of a bat in the background, pulls me back to reality. I glance at the field, shaking off the moment, but she’s still there, her wave still hanging in the air. And for a second, it’s just me, and her, and this small moment where everything else fades away.

The game continues, but I don’t mind. She’s still my favorite part of today.