Embracing The Memories | COMPLETED | KOREAN STAND ALONE #1 ✒

제32장: Too Close

Note before reading: If the scenes feel rushed, that means that the book still needs to be revised after completion. As I said, feedbacks are highly appreciated if there are mistakes or anything that you want to let the author know. Lovelots! 💕

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Everyone suddenly got silent.

The field filled with students all had their eyes focused on the ball — which was already up in the air and flying to the other side. Though I was shocked to see Jihun not even hesitating to run, dropping the bat right on the field, and went towards the other base as Yoonwoo was still in shock — probably not expecting him to hit it.

It took a few minutes before Gunyeo noticed this and even yelled right beside me. "The ball is in the air!"

I guess Yoonwoo was in a daze after that. After all, he had two successful throws already.

"Now that's really high!" The announcer had said before they had clapped loudly. "I can't believe my eyes. The cheetah versus the panther and the cheetah had made its huge first move. Such a meow-tastic hit"

A lot of students had also begun to cheer as Jihun got to the second base right before the other catchers could even throw the ball. All it took was a few blinks before Yoonwoo had finally got a grip and decided to concentrate more.

I knew that Yoonwoo would still have a chance if ever the other players won't be able to hit his pitch. The match made my heart race. Jihun wasn't the batter anymore so there was a chance that Yoonwoo's team could still win this if ever Yoonwoo's other pitches would be successful.

Suddenly, I was shocked to see the other batter. This one was one of the contestants I saw on Gunyeo's match. This was one of Gunyeo's opponents in the soccer match. Yoonwoo had finally prepared on throwing the ball.

"He's not going to hit that," Heejun had stated before he continued. "If Jihun wasn't able to get his first pitch, it was sure that his teammates might not catch it. The catcher even looks really ready on this one."

At first, I thought that Heejun wasn't right. But after a few seconds, Yoonwoo threw the ball fast before the batter could even react. Jihun's teammate even look so confused, eyes widened once he heard that he still had two chances left.

I thought that it was already over since if he couldn't get the first hit correctly, how would you expect to get the other pitches? Though, I was proven wrong when Jihun decided to yell at his teammate and pointed at his eyes — as if telling him to focus. At last, Yoonwoo had decided to get ready for his second pitch. He did the same move he did on Jihun, blowing air right on the ball before throwing it.

Naehyun and Gunyeo stood up abruptly when the batter had immediately swung the bat and hit Yoonwoo's pitch. He then threw the bat away and Jihun ran fast towards the second base. I thought that the catcher would get the ball but it had bounced off pretty far — giving Jihun the chance to get to the third base.

One more and he might win this.

But it would also take Yoonwoo a few more pitches to get the title.

It was almost a tie at this point.

I could see Jihun stretching a bit before he eyed the base. If he could run back there, it was certain that their team would get the first point. It was one of his team members' turn this time and I could see how nervous this one was.

If this player won't be able to hit Yoonwoo's pitch, it was sure that they could lose this.

"Go, guys!" I cheered, not picking any sides since they were both friends on this. Heejun and the two only watched closely, even betting who might win this match.

Yoonwoo then stepped a bit backward before raising the ball and getting ready for his pitch. I then gasped when Jihun's co-player wasn't able to move once Yoonwoo had thrown the ball in his direction. It was almost as if he became a statue.

The second pitch then came.

And nothing happened.

"If that guy doesn't move for the third time, Yoonwoo's team would have the advantage on this one," Heejun mumbled as I only stared at the player who kept on eyeing Jihun. He then breathes deeply before looking back at Yoonwoo. I couldn't blame that guy though. Yoonwoo was a great pitcher and no wonder he was always the one on that spot.

"Looks like the panther will make his move this time around," one of the announcers says. "One more pitch that fast will surely turn this round all the way for the Cheetah's side for sure!"

Well, this announcer just made everything more nerve-wracking.

As soon as Yoonwoo got ready, I saw the player breathe deeply — gripping the bat really tightly this time. Instead of feeling nervous, he looked down before nodding to himself.

A few seconds passed, Yoonwoo had finally thrown the ball towards the batter and the player had hit it with no problem. But, it wasn't as high as Jihun expected it to be. The catcher had easily received the ball and Jihun was already mid-way as the catcher threw the ball back.

I couldn't help but stand up as I saw how Jihun had slide just to reach the base with his foot and the ball had already been caught in seconds. As soon as he stood up, he dusted off his pants and looked up. The announcer noticed this and excitedly clapped.

"Oh, that's a close one, indeed! Let us see the replay to see if the cheetah had gotten back at the home plate!" the announcer had beamed before the replay was played on the large screen that the school had.

We all stared at it as we saw the catcher almost catching Jihun but he had laid straight enough for his right foot to catch the box and score. Everyone had cheered loudly as Jihun only took a minute breath before looking right in our direction.

Taking his cap, he then nods at us before walking out and monitored his other teammates.

The battle wasn't over.