𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑

(At practice)

During practice, Kenzo is focused and determined. He gives it his all, running drills and playing catch with his teammates. As he's warming up for batting practice, Coach calls him over. "Kenzo, can I talk to you for a minute?" Kenzo nods and follows Coach to the dugout.

Kenzo nodded, taking a deep breath as he focused on the pitcher. He watched as the ball flew through the air and swung with all his might, connecting perfectly with the ball. The ball soared over the fence, and Kenzo started running, grinning proudly as he rounded the bases.

The team cheered loudly as Kenzo touched home plate, his teammates high-fiving him and patting him on the back. Coach Hapsic walked out to the outfield and clapped Kenzo on the shoulder. "Good job, Kenzo! That was a great hit! You're coming into your own out there."

Himiko, one of his best friends who plays baseball with him, calls him over. Kenzo turned to see Himiko waving him over, a determined look on his face. He jogged over, curious about what had gotten him so riled up. "What's up, Himiko?"

"That was a good hit; I mean, what do I expect? You are one of the best players on our team," He nudged his chest.

Kenzo chuckled slightly at the praise, his chest puffing up a bit at Himiko's compliment. He looked away, trying to play it cool. "Shut up, Himiko. It was just a lucky hit." But he couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"So, um, me and Jacob are going to a club; we were just wondering if you wanted to come after practice?" Kenzo hesitated for a moment. He didn't usually go out partying during the week, especially before a big game. But Himiko and Jacob were his best friends, and he didn't want to miss out on the fun. "Alright, count me in."

"That's great! Oh, and I hope your sisters don't mind if I took their big brother for a couple of hours," Kenzo laughed. "Nah, they'll be fine. Besides, they're probably gonna be busy with homework or something. I'll text them real quick to let them know I'm going out with you guys, though."

"Cool, we're riding with Jacob." Kenzo nodded. "Sounds good to me. I'll go meet up with you guys at Jacob's car after practice."

»»----> <----««

As Kenzo was leaving the baseball field after practice, his mind was elsewhere, thinking about the upcoming game and the plans with Himiko and Jacob. He completely forgot to text his sisters, and before he knew it, he was piling into Jacob's car with Himiko.

Himiko spotted Kenzo smirking. "You ready to be a party animal! Getting drunk, dancing, maybe getting some ladies, if you know what I mean," Kenzo rolled his eyes at Himiko's loud excitement, but he couldn't help but grin. He loved going out with his friends, even if it meant getting a little wild. "Yeah, yeah, let's do this," he said, settling into the backseat as Jacob pulled out of the parking lot.

Jacob looked at the two, also rolling his eyes. "I'm good on the drinking; I got to take everyone home." He chuckled as he drove. Kenzo laughed. "Alright, designated driver. But that doesn't mean you can't have some fun too." He clapped Jacob on the shoulder from the backseat. Himiko turned up the music, and they all sang along loudly as they drove to the club.

A few minutes later, they arrive at the club. As they pulled up to the club, the bass of the music thumped so loudly that they could feel it in their chests. Jacob found a parking spot and turned off the engine. Himiko jumped out of the car immediately, eager to get inside.

"Come down, my guy, let me and Kenzo get out of the car first," Kenzo chuckled and climbed out of the car after Jacob, following Himiko as he stormed towards the club entrance. The line was long, but Jacob had connections, so they managed to skip it with minimal hassle. As they walked inside, Kenzo's eyes widened at the sights and sounds around him.