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Chapter Text

Chapter 1

“Are you kidding me? That kid replaced the ace pitcher?”

“He looks so weak and thin, I don't think his ball can even reach the catcher's mitt!”

“Why are kids these days getting smaller and smaller? They're not going to choose him as the relief pitcher, are they?”

“Reitou Academy is a haven for baseball! That kid isn't cut out for it!”

“This is crazy!”

Jungkook was standing on the mound, with a mitt in his right hand and a hardball in his left. He was observing the diamond calmly. He was called to play in the fifth inning and the first pitcher who was the ace of the team gave up ten home runs. Now, the bases are loaded and they have two outs, two strikes, and two balls.

It wasn't the pitcher’s fault.

It was the opponent's lineup.

It seemed that their coach had made plans to unnerve their right-handed pitcher. They were a range of left-handed batters with an accuracy of .400 to .650. Their pitcher was in his third year, with an amazing curveball and fastball but somehow, his ball control went out of whack every time he couldn't calm down.

Jungkook’s opponent now is a clean-up hitter which means catching his ball and scoring a home run is possible. However, he knew he had a chance in this one. It was also because he's cocky and he was underestimating him. His brilliant catcher and senior, Yoongi noticed that arrogance and hit his mitt with a clenched fist to bring Jungkook to his attention.

He nodded to let him know that he was focused and Yoongi signed to get ready. He's saying that they could win this unfavorable match.

“Oi, aren't you going to warm up first and get a few practice pitches before we start the match?” the batter asked in surprise.

A smirk appeared and lifted the edge of his lips. “I'm happy that you're concerned about me but I don't need to warm up,” he said. “Are you ready, batter?”

The batter looked visibly pissed off, muttering curses under his breath as he got ready, swinging his bat around as he got into form. Jungkook was pleased with the outcome - he fell for his trap. The Umpire whistled to let the players know the game had resumed. Grinning, he took his stance and lifted his leg.

Jungkook was a left-handed pitcher which was uncommon and to be against a left-handed batter meant that they were on even ground. Oh, he loved this part of the game. The adrenaline. The last-minute changes. Seeing Yoongi get ready to catch his ball.

His body moved, storing the energy and his left arm whipped out before he threw his ball.

He watched it zoom towards the batter in slow-motion and he saw a flash of triumph as he saw his ball going true to his bat. Yoongi lowered his mitt and shifted slightly to the right. There was a good sound echoing from where he caught the ball. Jungkook waited and hid a grin behind his glove as the umpire made his call.

“Strike! Batter out!” Umpire screamed.

A shock of silence filled the stadium and the batter looked dumbstruck as he paused from his swing, trying to make sense of the throw he had missed. Then the crowd erupted into a cheer, a roaring sound lifting their spirits, hopeful once again as they realized that their school had a chance to win this game.

“Now then, five more to go,” he muttered as he caught the ball from Yoongi. “One out at a time. One at a time.”

Once the game finally ended, there was a deep strain between the two teams and Jungkook could sense their bewilderment as they lined up opposite us. They were in shock and anger as they struggled to accept their defeat. Jungkook kept his face neutral as he thanked them for the game.

“This isn't fair!” one shouted suddenly as he pointed an accusing finger. “Your pitcher is only a first-year! It's unfair to play against second-years and third-years! We practiced harder than everyone else here! This isn't fair!”

“Oi! It doesn't matter if he's a first-year student!” his captain, Kim Namjoon exclaimed in defense. “He practiced as hard as everyone else and deserves to be in the first string with his talents. If you don't like it, then suck it up, you immature brat!”

Jungkook turned to his captain instinctively. “Captain,” he murmured. He was touched and a little happy that he said them. He didn’t expect his captain to come to his side. With no retort from the opponent, they broke away peacefully and returned to the dugout where the rest were waiting.

Even though it was the first match of the pre-game season, everyone who was in the dugout was pretty solemn. It was because they had spent their previous winter practicing and training for this. For the ace pitcher to give up ten runs and have the relief pitcher save the day, was pretty much pressurizing and demoralizing.

Coach Hamada was there sitting in his usual corner with his muscular arms curled around his massive chest and a face no one was able to read. Everyone respects and fears him. He was a national champion, played a few rounds in the national leagues, and even managed to get a few trophies. Coach Hamada was the best in what he did.

“Namjoon, any more slip-ups you'll have to say goodbye to your ace title,” he warned without meeting the boy's eye nor did he turn around to face him squarely. “I won't forgive you if you do.”

A cold tsunami hit over us and I could feel the tension building up gradually. Kim Namjoon was the ace pitcher and he received that title when he was in his second year, beating the other four pitchers by yards. He's now a third year and he almost brought his team to nationals but they were only one place short.

I could feel Namjoon's icy stare on me but I didn't move nor meet his gaze. His facial expression didn't change much either. Being a first-year pitcher who always saved the game, I was considered an enemy to second and third-year pitchers who were and weren't in the first string.

To be in the first string.

To be the ace.

To be the best baseball team in Korea.

Chapter Text

These are the thoughts that are circling in the minds of these talented baseball players as they join this school. They may have been considered the ace or the champion in their junior high but once they stepped into this high school, they finally figured out what it meant to play baseball.

These people deserved recognition because they sacrificed every waking second in the home field training; honing and perfecting their skills for their dreams and aspirations. Every single one of them strived to be the best so they could become the best.

After the game, they went back to school and all the first string were gathered in the empty hall while the rest were given the day off. I could tell what would happen and merely took the abuse before filtering it out. The coach was mean but he meant the best and wanted us to improve.

The ace pitcher, Baekhyun received the worst because he made many errors. The rest of us, all seventeen of us, kept silent and stared stonily ahead as he received warning after warning from the Coach. Giving him enough pressure would push him to push himself to be the ace he ought to be.

Baekhyun always breaks apart after the second round even though he throws well. His curve sliders are so close that batters aren't able to swing out to field and his fastball dips down so low it could almost be called a forkball. He has good ball control and determination but nobody seems to understand why he messes up after the fifth inning.

Once the reprimand was over, they began dispersing from the hall. They were eager to clean up and sleep off the exhaustion. The atmosphere was a little tense today so none of us were talking, laughing, or arguing over the other as they made their way back to their dormitory.

I shared a room with three people, one was a second-string second baseman while the other was a first-string third baseman. Both were upperclassmen and both were exceptional. They were good people and they could be harsh whenever they wanted us to learn.

The second-string second baseman was called Makoto Yuji whose batting average is a .450 and they found him on his belly reading a book when they got back. He turned around and noticed their sullen faces so he understood what had happened. He didn't ask but merely told us that he had hot chocolate waiting for us.

The first-string third baseman Furuya Shinoda whose batting average is a .690 simply laughed and told Yuji not to be too tense. They laughed it off saying that they still won the match despite how it looked, winning a fourteen to ten.

“I heard Baekhyun-hyung lost ten runs,” he exclaimed.

“And this kid here didn't allow any,” Shinoda stated and ruffled his hair almost playfully. “Nobody would want to admit it aloud but this brat here saved our asses.”

“What a talented first year,” he muttered almost bitterly.

I could sense the dissatisfaction in his tone but I said nothing. I knew he was bitter about his stepping up to the first string even though I was just a mere first year. However, the only reason everyone was tense was because two more from the second string were going to join the first string before the summer tournament.

Those second and third years that were stuck in the second string and the first years stuck in training would be able to show off their skills to the Coach, Assistant Coach, and Teacher Advisor. They would have the chance to do that in tomorrow's match with a rival school.

“Good luck for tomorrow,” I said as I made my way to my closet so I could get my clothes. I stank and was covered with a layer of dirt and grime. “I wish you the best.”

“Are you mocking me?” he asked flatly.

“No,” I said as I turned around with my arms full of my clothes. “You're an exceptional player and you have his respect. So that is why I want you to do your best tomorrow.”

Yuji looked uncomfortable and he glanced away quickly, his lips tightening at the sides. “Y-you're too damn straightforward,” he muttered grudgingly and dropped his head to the ground in defeat. “But I'll do my best tomorrow. I don't want to lose against a kid like you.”

I nodded and left the two behind as I made my way to the washroom. It was a shared one so it was enormous and had many stalls around. When I entered it, the entire place was empty so it was a relief. I didn't like sharing a bath. It's pretty uncomfortable.

Chapter Text

It's been four months since I started high school and joined the baseball team. In less than that, I was drafted into the first string after Coach saw me play. It was because he had allowed us to play a scrimmage between the first year and the first string just because he wanted to light up a fire in our hearts.

When the game was declared over with a staggering loss, Coach called me over. He was sitting in the dugout with his arms crossed and his face stern. I was sweating and gasping as I made my way towards him since I had been under the sun trying to defend against the strong team.

The freshmen against the first string. That kind of pressure proved too great for the gang of freshmen and they began thinking that they weren't able to win their upperclassmen. It was normal to feel pressurized and demoralized. Despite that, they still put up a good fight.

It was a good game.

“What's your name?” Coach asked.

“Jeon Jungkook,” I replied.

“Which junior high are you from?” he asked next.

I hesitated. “Reitou Academy,” I answered almost too quietly.

“Reitou?” he demanded.

“Yes,” I replied.

I heard multiple gasps echoing from behind me. I raised my head slowly and noticed the team staring at me in dumbfounded admiration. Coach turned to the Teacher Advisor, Rei-chan and they exchanged silent glances.

Reitou Academy was famous for its baseball team.

It had a hundred strong members and its team went to nationals a couple of times. Last year, its first-string team was exceptionally strong and came top in the nationals. That team was made up of strong, talented individuals. They were so strong and brimming with raw talent that people started calling them Kings of Baseball.

“It seems that Rei had picked the right kid. She does have the knack of finding people she likes,” Coach stated. “The ace pitcher of the Kings of Baseball, Jeon Jungkook.”

I said nothing. I didn't want to be reminded of the past. Hearing that name made his skin crawl and his heart twisted in fury. I didn't want to be called that of all things.

“From tomorrow onward, you're in the first string,” he ordered. “With your talents, you'd only be weighed down by the rest of the freshmen. I want to see your true potential, Jungkook. I would like to use you for the summer tournaments too, alongside our ace pitcher.”

I nodded. “Yes, sir,” I murmured.

The next day, I left the second string field and went to the field belonging to the first string or regulars. The atmosphere is different and it feels more suffocating because there is a silent desire to work your ass off when there are many of your talented upperclassmen in here.

You'd want to show off your talents.

It's a psychological reaction everyone has stored in their brains but I felt no need to do that. I didn't want to show off my skills here so I watched them practice by the side of the field. They have eighteen regulars including myself so it meant there are two players for each position on the field.

After an hour of observation or laying on the field stretching out, I was called by the Assistant Head Coach and I noticed that a catcher was wearing his protective gear standing next to him. He was wearing a pair of goggles and his helmet but held onto his face guard.

“Jungkook, this is Min Yoongi and he's a second-year,” he introduced with a smile. “As you can see, he's a catcher and an exceptional one at that. Coach wants you two to form a battery and become one in body and in heart before the next game begins.”

That sounds creepy.

“Well, I'll leave you two to get acquainted,” he stated when neither bothered saying anything. He looked uncomfortable and quickly left like he had his pants on fire.

I nodded in greeting. “I’m Jeon Jungkook,” I said. “Pleased to meet you, hyung.”

“I heard you're from Reitou,” he started, and then a wild smile appeared on the side of his lips. “So let me see what you have, kid. Go and get ready.”

I watched him leave, noting his broad smile and his walk. I heard he was a genius in baseball and able to read people. He's even in the magazines for being in the Top 8 in his junior high days. He oozes a very mysterious aura and I knew it was difficult to deal with this cocky catcher.

I got his mitt and a ball from Rei-chan who's sitting in the dugout with a look I understood all too well. “Show him what you're made of, Jungkook,' she told with a smirk. “And don't let me down.”

“Yes ma'am,” I mumbled and left the dugout with a slight smile playing on his lips. Rei-chan seemed to always know what I was thinking and said the words I needed to hear. I flipped his cap backward so I could have a full view of the field and made his way to the pitcher's mound.

“Let me see what you're made of, kid!” Yoongi shouted from his position and took his stance, his mitt open and facing me quite eagerly.

The first ball I threw caught him off-guard and he almost risked losing the ball if not for his quick hand. It was a sinker and the trajectory was so low that it almost kissed the ground.

“How many types can you throw?” he asked as he threw the ball back to me and I caught it deftly using his master hand. “Can I ask you a question? Are there any breaking balls or changeups that you can throw?”

“I have quite a few in my arsenal,” I replied. “Let's see. I can throw Curve, Knuckle Curve, Slider, Screw, and Shoot. I think that's all.”

“Are you sure you're a first-year?” he demanded.

“Indeed,” I murmured.

“Then what's the speed of your fastball?” he asked.

“About 140 km per hour,” I answered.

His eyes widened in surprise like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. “Show me, kid,' he told in quite an excited voice as he raised his mitt once again and wore his face guard. “Show me all of your tricks.'

The first time I played catch with Yoongi it was astonishing that I was left breathless and needing more. He was a remarkable catcher and he told me he'd catch all of his balls. That happened four months ago and the feeling was still fresh in his mind and in his heart. I’m beginning to like this Yoongi guy.

I washed away all the soap suds and left the bathroom feeling fresh and clean. Being a pitcher for this school is starting to pay off and I'm getting more and more excited. I've never felt this way before during junior high. Is this what it feels like to play?

Chapter Text

Ever since the match with the second string and the appointment of two pitchers into their regulars had passed by, I was assigned quite a difficult task. It seemed that Coach wanted to nurture the two newly joined pitchers so they could be rotated during games and allow others to rest. It seemed that Coach wanted our ace to catch his breath before he decided to throw him into the field again.

I was busy playing catch in the bullpen with Yoongi when Coach, Assistant Coach, and Rei-chan came in all business-like. I knew something was up when the three of them came in together and the atmosphere dropped a few degrees. I was expecting quite the bad news but when it was otherwise, I was taken aback.

“Managing pitchers, huh?" Yoongi asked. “He sure have a lot of faith in you, kid."

I rolled my eyes and took off my cap before wearing it back with the bill facing the front. My expression fell flat as I readied myself; both physically and mentally for the challenge. The fact that I had to train seniors is challenging. What would they feel about it? Their pride will be at stake when they find out that a first-year is tutoring them about pitching. It was laughable to say the least.

“I'll stop for today," I said and left without waiting for his reply.

So this is why I was facing two pitchers who were either glaring or looking at me full of doubt. I was expecting them to bear those expressions so I faced them with a deadpan look plastered on my face. I was standing with Yoongi who seemed to think that this was more interesting than catching balls for Namjoon and decided to give me a helping hand.

“I am Jeon Jungkook and this is Min Yoongi,” I introduced. “I am told to nurture you two before the start of your summer tournaments. I know that all of you have put in a lot of effort to be where you are today and I am sure we can improve more. Now, introduce yourself and show me what you got.”

The first pitcher was Mihashi Rin while the second pitcher was Iwamoto Kennichi. Both were second-years. I had both their data stored in a book I was holding onto and I watched them throw their ball with a keen eye. Whenever I spotted their weaknesses, I jotted them down. I made them throw their fastball, breaking balls, or change-ups if they had any.

Once I was done, I made them do it all over again but without Yoongi catching their pitching. Instead, I made them throw at a net with a roughly drawn rectangle where the strike zone was supposed to be. I observed every single one of them closely and jotted down notes carefully.

That done, I gave them time to rest and drink water so I could have some time to think about how to improve their pitching. Yoongi stood by me and watched me curiously but he never offered any insight or advice. I guess he didn't want to intrude.

When both came back, I made them sit down on the ground along the line of the net and I stood opposite it. While they were away, I had taken down the rectangle and put up a different one, this time with nine smaller rectangles with a skull in the middle.

“For a pitcher, endurance and ball control are key to any successful game,” I explained. “What we have right now is endurance but minimum ball control which is why most of your pitches get hit. What I want is to have you develop control so that when your catcher makes the call, you can deliver it one hundred percent true.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“The best pitchers don't even have that kind of control”

Knowing they'll be answering this way, I hid a smile and glanced over at Yoongi who looked pretty amused at how things were going. “Make the call, Yoongi,” I said and turned to face the net.

“Top left,” he ordered.

I took my stance, winding my leg up, and threw the ball. It spun nicely and hit the corner where Yoongi had instructed. He kept making calls and I kept throwing them, hitting true the places he wanted me to hit. After the fifth, everyone was stunned and staring at me with their mouths open.

“With the amount of effort you had put in for your training, this sort of thing is nothing to you,” I said as I turned to face them once again. “Do you want to be the best pitcher?”

“Yes!”

“Then one by one come forth and I'll tell you what you need to work on,” I said with a grin.

Once all were told what to work on, I sat by the side and watched them train. I had paired them up and made them set up using the nine grids I had made and they were practicing throwing their balls at the location their partner wanted them to throw. It'll take time for them to have control but it's worth it.

“I didn't think you could come up with something so quickly,” Yoongi spoke as he stood next to me. “That nine-grid thing is genius just to obtain perfect ball control.”

“It's not something I thought of,” I explained and turned towards him with a frown. “I have used those nine grids as target practice since my elementary school days.”

“Seriously?” he asked in surprise. “I thought-”

“I didn't become the ace pitcher of my junior high school just like that,” I cut in softly. “It's a misconception everyone seems to have when they hear Reitou Academy. None of us started as extraordinary players.”

“Ah well it is true when you say that people have a misconception when they hear about your school,” Yoongi answered with a shrug. “But I know how much effort you had put in to become who you are today. I mean nobody had seen how callused your left hand is.”

“Nobody in their right mind would grab my hand and stare at it as if fascinated," I started with a wry smile.

Yoongi let out a laugh and scratched his head sheepishly. “Well I'm going ahead,” he said. “Make sure you don't tire out those pitchers!”

“Yes yes,” I murmured and got up from the ground as I dusted my pants. I guess it's time to correct their stances. There's no point in just telling them because they wouldn't be able to see their mistake so quickly and easily.

By the time we were done with practice, the sun was setting and everyone was slowly leaving the field for the cafeteria. Telling them to rest up, I left the pitch and headed straight for the cafeteria as well.

With my head full of training the two pitchers under my care, I took my dinner and sat down at my usual place. While I was chewing my food and my mind far away at the moment, a few people came towards me and sat down around me. Yoongi and a couple of regulars who weren't bitter at me.

Those who didn’t know began asking me about what Coach wanted me to do and why I wasn't joining their practice earlier today. It seemed that they hadn't been informed about it even though two more had joined their ranks.

When I explained, they easily agreed because they understood Coach's intention and figured it was the best way to get the two pitchers at par with Namjoon and his standards. It will take time for me to hone their skills but effort will be on their part. In a way, Coach would want to see how dedicated they were in baseball.

My gaze flickered towards the two pitchers, their outward appearance betraying no hint of the turmoil surely raging within their minds. Yet, I couldn't shake the notion that beneath their composed facades, a whirlwind of thoughts churned, perhaps tinged with panic.

The weight of responsibility bore down upon them, compounded by the knowledge that their fellow teammates were counting on them. Drafted into the esteemed first string, they must be grappling with a profound sense of guilt for any perceived shortcomings and an overwhelming pressure to excel.

“I hope they’ll be okay," I said.

“They’re tough,” Yoongi added. “They’ll be fine.”

Chapter Text

I had dedicated the entire week for them to practice their ball control and to heighten their endurance while we were at it. I didn't want them to tire out before the game was over and sometimes games can stretch for a very long time. You may never know what might happen in a game. You need to be prepared for anything and everything.

At first, both Mihashi and Kennichi were unwilling to work with a younger pitcher. They voiced their displeasure loudly and even complained that the Coach was taking them lightly. They didn't listen to his orders and stopped pitching with their might. It would be an understatement if I didn't feel fury radiating inside his chest.

One day, I snapped and stepped up to Mihashi who had thrown his pitch half-heartedly. It doesn't matter if he was taller than me. It doesn't matter if he was older than me. I won't give him respect if he doesn't respect baseball. I grabbed onto his collar and yanked him down so I was face to face with him.

“You throw that kind of disgusting ball one more time I will break your fucking arm," I warned. “We don't need half-hearted asses in this team. Do you hear me?"

“Don't tell me what to do! I don't want to take orders from someone who's born with talent!" he exclaimed and yanked his collars off my grip, taking a step back as he glared at me. “How do you even know what we feel?! What do you even know?!"

“Oh really? So are you more interested in taking orders from a talentless pitcher? If you are then you're more than welcome to go back to the second string and stay there till you rot to death," I said flatly and lashed out cruelly. “There are more people worthy of being promoted than you two bastards."

Both Mihashi and Kennichi stood there stunned by his words. They struggled to control their emotions and a deep scowl formed on their faces. They were thinking too darn much, these two idiots. “Once you're done thinking through your stupid emotions and egos, I'll be waiting in the bullpen," I stated flatly.

I left them there before they could offer me a reply. One week of this kind of lazy and half-hearted attitude I could feel my blood seething. They were lucky I was warned by Yoongi not to do anything stupid. Pitchers are such goddamn egotistical and self-centered bastards it wasn’t even funny.

“Did you get tired of those pitchers already?" Yoongi asked once he caught sight of me entering the bullpen and took a long look at me even if he was busy playing catch with Namjoon-hyung. “Did you get into a fight with them?"

“They just need a little more pushing," I said as I took off my hat and ran a hand through my hair. “They've been getting lazier and lazier thanks to their fucking egos. Once summer camp starts, they'd be begging for forgiveness."

“Wah, what a sadist," Yoongi muttered and caught a ball before he turned towards me, beckoning me over with a broad smile. “Come over here, my cute pitcher. Let me comfort you."

“Oi oi are you ignoring me, Yoongi?" Namjoon-hyung asked flatly. “We're not done yet."

“You have to stop," Yoongi stated as he looked over at the older boy. “You're going over your ball count. Anymore and your shoulder would start aching. We wouldn't want that to happen to our ace now would we?"

Namjoon-hyung looked surprised upon his answer and grudgingly muttered a thank you before he left the bullpen. Yoongi let out a sigh of relief and stretched his legs. I wonder how long Namjoon-hyung had made him play catch. I have never seen Yoongi stretch his legs before. That was a first.

“I heard Coach is going to announce our next game later in the evening," I said.

“Yup," he replied.

“I thought we wouldn't be having one until we have our summer camp," I stated.

“It's just a practice game," he murmured.

I glanced over at him. If it's just a practice game then why did he look so serious? Yoongi was never the type to be serious in anything that he does and seeing him with a frown is rare. He only does that in a tough game.

“I'll take your word for it," I stated.

In the evening, Coach called us out and made us gather in the middle of the field. The sun was about to set and all of us were exhausted from the training. We knew what he was going to talk about but we didn't know what team we would be up against.

I settled down on the sand in between the regulars and waited for him to speak. All of us were restless and impatient. I was curious to know who their opponent would be and so were the rest.

“I have set up a practice game tomorrow for our regulars," he spoke. “Even if it's a practice game, I expect all of you to play your best tomorrow. The opponent would be Taiyou High School."

I felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of iced water over my shoulders when I heard him utter the name of the school. My whole body froze and my eyes widened a fraction. I guess I understood why Yoongi wasn't himself just now when he spoke about this.

This is not good.

This is not good at all.

Chapter Text

“Jungkook, I hear one of your former teammates is playing against us," Wonho, the right fielder, said with a broad smile. “How is he like?"

I turned to look at him, noting him stretching his legs on the ground before I noticed the other regulars turning to listen. It seemed that they too were worried and curious about this person. Hearing that he's a former member must have unnerved some. They could put two and two together themselves. I turned back to Wonho who was waiting patiently. Wonho was a very outstanding person and he was always smiling, laughing, or encouraging us whenever we had a fallout. Wonho was someone you could count on for a cheering-up session.

We were all in the baseball stadium, crowded around the dugout. The weather was a little worrying though; there were gray clouds over us. Despite it being a practice game, the entire place is full. The scale of this is unnerving. There were their second and third string members occupying the entire west side. Also the opponent's members.

“He goes by the name of Park Jimin," I began to explain. “He is the third baseman and hits an average of .690. One thing that you need to fear about him is that he's the fastest base runner. Last time I checked, he can run from one base to another in 3 seconds."

“Wah, monster!"

“Seriously?!"

“However, he has a stupid weakness," I continued.

“And what is it?"

“It's his legs," I explained. “They are his weapons but they can become his weakness if he doesn't realize. If we tire him out and make him run throughout the entire game, his legs would give out and we'll seal them completely."

“You know about him and his weaknesses," Yoongi pointed out suddenly. “What makes you think he doesn't know yours?"

A grin appeared upon hearing his statement but said nothing to that. I rested his back against the chair and brought his arms up while I observed the others. They were pretty busy whispering to each other while some were curiously looking over at the opponent's dugout as they tried to look out for the first-year monster. Jimin was tall for his age, his body built lean and lithe. He had a mean face and was a troublesome person yet everyone depended on him during tough plays. He was a natural at baseball because he had been playing it since he was a kid and he loved it so much that baseball was everything to him. Baseball was his life.

Now I'm playing against him.

While the others were busy warming up and conversing happily around me, I pulled his cap down over his face and lifted his head so his neck rested against the head of the chair. I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath before letting out slowly while shutting out the noisy environment around me. About ten minutes later, I felt a strong hand on his shoulder. “Your former teammate wants to speak to you, Jungkook," I hear Captain speaking to me in a voice that I knew too well. He didn't like the fact that the opponent was taking an opportunity to speak to me.

I patted his hand and sat up, bringing his cap up before I got out of the dugout, heading towards Jimin who had placed himself further away from their dugout so it didn't look too suspicious. He looked bigger and taller from the year I hadn't seen him and I knew he had gotten stronger.

“Yo Jimin, long time no see," I greeted as I did a critical once-over, noting his defined muscles and improved strength. I think he's going to be more troublesome than ever.

“I see your habit of meditating before the game hasn't disappeared," he spoke and looked at me with a smile. “And also observing the opponent's skills. But I'm not here to talk about that. How have you been, Jungkookie? It's been a year."

“I'm fine, thanks for asking," I replied.

He laughed and ruffled his hair playfully. “Is everyone treating you well, Jungkookie? I heard the catcher in the team is brilliant," Jimin said with a grin. “Is he able to catch your balls?"

“Only Taehyung," I said.

“It's better to say that only your teammates can catch your ball," he corrected and then the grin widened. “I don't think you'd be throwing with your full strength in this game, am I right, Jungkookie?"

When Yoongi spoke about Jimin knowing his weakness, this was it. I said nothing to that because I had no reproach and merely looked at him. I used to be close to Jimin. We couldn't agree with anything else except for baseball but we were attuned so closely that we were able to read each other.

That too would be a weakness.

Chapter Text

A loud horn blared through the entire stadium which was the signal that the game was starting. I nodded at him before I returned to his dugout, heading to the seat I had vacated. Jimin would be a troubling opponent today. I knew his habits and he knew his. I need to find a way to overcome that.

“What did you two talk about?" Yoongi asked.

I glanced at him as he wore his protective gear. I wanted to warn them about Jimin, but I knew deep down that my team wasn't weak. I need to remind myself of this but I wanted to let Yoongi know because he'd be the one calling for games. “Jimin is far stronger than he had been before," I said. “Don't underestimate him just because he's a first-year. Treat him like the rest of his team."

“You completely avoided what I asked," he pointed out and paused as he took a good look at me. “Are you worried?"

I wasn't worried. I was beginning to get excited. Finally, I had a decent opponent to look forward to. The only person who could match his rhythm is finally here. I had a feeling Coach arranged this game for this reason only.

“Not really," I muttered.

“Jungkook, you're playing in the seventh inning," Coach ordered, cutting into their conversation suddenly. “Namjoon, I expect the best from you today. Everyone else, from what Jungkook said, don't think about underestimating them. They're a powerful team but we're more powerful. Show me what you got!"

“Yes, sir!"

The first inning started with us in the defense. their infielders, outfielders, catcher, and pitcher went out in full force. I remained where I was and glanced up at the scoreboard. Most of the line-ups were left-handed and with varying score averages. It seemed that the Taiyou Team wasn't underestimating us either.

Namjoon looked as cool as ever with that terrifying, stoic face of his that he knows it's his signature look. They gathered at the mound first to discuss something before they went their separate ways. During the night, they had read up on their opponents and figured out their favorites. However, only one person they didn't have any data on and that's Jimin. It is puzzling but it's uncommon for first-years to be included in such a game like this. I was an exception as well.

The first at-bat was the second baseman known as the leadoff hitter. His favorites were fastballs and sliders. His average is .560 and his swing control is amazing because he's able to direct the ball at the location he wants it to go. If there's a break in the field and where he thinks is weak, he'll direct the ball to it.

He's a troublesome individual.

Namjoon didn't seem to notice it and merely nodded to Yoongi's signs. I held my breath as I watched him lift his leg and his body moved before his arm lashed out like a whip sending the ball straight down. My eyes widened at how flexible his arm moved, and how graceful it seemed as it whipped around like that. It was Namjoon's legendary slider and anyone would be astounded at how low the ball could sink. I was glad I was looking at him as he did his move, I could mimic that. However, the leadoff hitter made a swing and completely missed the ball. A leadoff hitter doesn't usually hit in the first round. A roar split the stadium into two and a frown appeared as I watched the batter look at the closed mitt with an odd expression.

What was he doing?

The gray clouds I was initially worried about had finally decided to return and then it started drizzling. It wasn't a heavy rain and the lightning alert didn't sound its alarm so the game had to continue.

After ten minutes, the opponent didn't manage to get a home run so they stayed zero in the top of the first inning. Their offense took that as a chance and began their attack. Their lineup for this time consisted of the regulars and they were able to score hit after hit. By the time the bottom of the second inning was over, we were leading by three runs.

I hope they don't get too confident in this match but knowing them, they'll be able to pace themselves properly. The problem is Namjoon. His pitching gets a little quirky if he starts thinking too much. It's only the bottom of the second inning and they still have yet to go up against Jimin. Also, they have far more capable batters in their lineup.

“At the top of the third inning, up next is shortstop, Park Jimin," came the announcement.

A raucous applause and cheering rolled across the stadium as the man stepped out from the dugout with a smirk gracing his face. His movements were confident and he had a severe expression on his face. Jimin didn't change on that part, intimidating the opponent's pitcher with confidence.

“Come on Namjoon-san, please don't fall into his trap," I muttered as I leaned forward curiously.

“He's the ace of this team. Have faith in him, Jungkook," Coach stated.

It's not that I don't have faith in my ace but that Jimin is a scheming and mischievous bastard. I know what he'll do because he copies me. His words are scathing and he plays with your mind. I'm worried because Namjoon was the type to get influenced easily even if he doesn't show it. I couldn't hear what he was saying but I knew something bad was about to happen because I saw Yoongi calling Namjoon and giving him a sign to calm down. Yoongi was frowning. I knew it. Jimin had said something to unnerve the otherwise calm Namjoon-san.

From then on, his pitching started going haywire. He wasn't able to give the balls that Yoongi had called for and thanks to Jimin's uncalled intimidation, Namjoon-san gave up a home run and a huge four appeared on the scoreboard much to everyone's surprise.

Yoongi looked pissed as hell when they came back to the dugout and sat down beside me with a loud huff after he took off his protective gear. I said nothing to him and merely stared off ahead with a deadpan look on his face.

“He's just like you," Yoongi spoke suddenly and I could detect a hint of irritation in his voice. “But then his words are ruder and obnoxious. I feel like tying him up and whipping him around like a lasso."

“He's not the only one," I said.

There was a huge pause and I could feel him looking at me incredulously. However, he must have seen something not to ask more about what I said. “What do you propose we do?' he asked finally.

“We can't lose more runs,” I said.

“I guessed that much," he replied.

“And do your job, catcher," I told. “Your ace needs you."

“You know we're not on good terms!" he exclaimed in a stage whisper. “Don't ask me to do impossible things, you self-centered jerk!"

“Do you want to win this game or not?" I asked as I leaned towards him and lowered his voice so no one could hear me. “There are four more innings to go before I come in. Don't let Namjoon-san give up more runs."

A huge roar met their ears and we turned simultaneously to see their clean-up hitter scoring a full home run which meant that we were tied in the bottom of the third inning. Like I had said, his team isn't weak. Now, we just need to keep it that way in the next inning.

Let's hope.

Every single time Jimin came in to bat, Namjoon-san seemed to have gained some sort of fear for him. His pitches became off and he gave up a lot of runs until Taiyou was leading by nine runs. Everyone was getting restless and Namjoon-san got even tenser as he got more hits.

Yoongi called a time-out and both of them stood on the mound discussing something critical. They had their mouths covered with their mitts so their voices wouldn't be brought over. It seemed that the conversation they were having was quite a heated one.

Come on Yoongi, it's your job to bolster his courage. It's your job as a catcher. It's a very important job. Namjoon-san is our ace but he's quite delicate and once he loses his rhythm, it takes him time to get it back.

Coach didn't say anything. Assistant Coach was standing there exclaiming and yelling at poor Namjoon-san, demanding he start waking up. Rei-chan simply stood there silently. All the adults are simply weighing the game silently.

“What's happening to Namjoon-san?“

“I don't know. I think he got scared."

“But he's our ace!"

“Idiots who don't know shit just shut it," a low growl rolled across the dugout. It was Masashi, our heavy canon batter. “We don't need your negative comments in this place. We're here to support you! There's a lot of pressure standing on the mound."

“Masashi-san is right, all we need to do now is to tell him that we have his back," another softer voice, this time Ryo-san, their quick left fielder, spoke with a slight smile. “Namjoon-san needs to know he's not alone."

About halfway through the top of the sixth inning, Coach went out to announce the member change and I got up to get his mitt. Adjusting his cap, I got out from the dugout to head to the pitcher's mound. We have a huge difference of nine runs and we only have about four innings left.

Now then, it's payback time.