The bell signifying the end of the period rang as Mrs. Park walked out of the classroom books secured by her folded arms. No one dared to even breath out loud before she went out of sight. Once the rhythmic tapping of her heels faded to a stop, the class became an utter mess again. Loud chattering and occasional squeals of the fangirls obsessing over a new video of a boy group that was released a few minutes ago. I huffed out an exhausted sigh before packing shoving my books into my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. After collecting my hair up in a messy bun, I stood up to leave the class, when a hand slammed a letter onto my table. I looked up in shock to see one of the Raptors with an uncertain look who was signaling at me to read the paper. I could feel the eyes on me as I opened the note which read, "Football Field, at 3:15". I glanced up to the class clock which read 3:03. I smirked to myself and told the Raptor member that I couldn't come to this secret meeting. He rolled eyes before yanking me out of the seat and dragging me out of the class. We both went out to the field where the Raptors were assembled in a circle.
"Why am I here and by the way all of you look like your about to start a ritual in a mini-cult circle," I remarked, causing one or two of them to snicker and the others to smile. The one next to me patted my back, forcing me to lean forward and I glared at him just to see him flashing a grin at me. All of a sudden, I heard Vernon clear his throat, clearly demanding our attention. We all turned to him as he started to speak, a smile on his face.
"As we all know, Han kindly helped us out yesterday in the little argument we had with the Hyenas. Thanks to her, our bodies and pretty faces are still intact -"
I started coughing sarcastically while pounding my chest slightly with my right hand. The others caught on and some just rolled their eyes at me.
"As I was saying, thanks to Han we did not sustain serious injuries and are still able to play football while representing our school. To show our appreciation we have all agreed after a serious discussion to invite Han onto the football team-"
"What-wait,wait,wait. Me on the football team? Hahahaha nice joke guys! Now -"
"We are very serious, Han" the one beside me supported Vernon.
"But I'm a girl,"
"So? I mean the league has opened unisex teams to compete so regardless of your gender and whatever gender the other team consists of, you will be allowed to participate to play in the league," Ian another team member reasoned.
"I'm sorry but I don't think I can-"
"Think about the glory you will get, every where you go you will be respected and honored and being in the Raptors, it's once in a lifetime chance, Han. Come on, all of us really want to on the team and the Raptors need to make a breakthrough since Evan left us to join the Hyenas,"
"But-"
"Please," Vernon begged. Awkward silence filled the air around us as I thought about joining the Raptors.
'For sure I won't stay hidden anymore and I will be exposing myself, but they seem so desperate... Play it safe or risk it all and not be a loner for once?'
I sighed desperately not believing what I was about to say, "Fine, I'll join the Raptors," and that set off the yelling and the cheering. Ian and Ryan lifted me up on their shoulders and started bouncing me up and down as I gripped onto them for dear life. After seeing the fear in my eyes they both put me down and the laughter died down. All of them were smiling down on me and I flashed an awkward smile back while we all settled down in the middle of the field.
"Since Han is a new member, we will be introducing ourselves so that we can have better chemistry as a team, so I'll start. My name's Vernon and I'm the team captain."
"I'm Ryan the loosehead prop,"
"Ian the Hooker,"
"Cole, Lock,"
"Hi Han, I'm Aiken the Flanker," and he smiled at me. A ghost of a smile appeared on my lips at the different and warm welcome. After all of them had rattled off their positions and I was left to memorize them in a matter of minutes, Vernon spoke out again.
"And that means that Han will be our new Scrum-half, the person who starts if the game," I raised my eyebrows at him as a heavy weight settled on my shoulders. I was about to speak but no words came out and I looked like a fish out of water.
"Don't worry you'll get the hang of it soon enough,"
"Yeah totally we are gonna end up losing the next game," Dean commented sarcastically before standing up to get his gear to practice. Some of the others joined him too and I started doubting my decision of joining the team.
Drama great...
"Well, we need to get going for practice now," Vernon muttered and the rest went off to get their gears and change. I just watched them run off, not knowing what to do or where my gear was.
"I think we have some spare gear in the lockers, I'll get them for you so you can change and... here's your shirt," Aiken came to my rescue while stuffing a red and white shirt into my hands before following the guys. I spread the shirt out to inspect it between my two hands, taking in every detail. My name was written in block letters on the back with the number one on it.
"Here you go," Aiken chirped and I smiled before taking the gear from his hands. Heading off to the female toilet I wore my oversized shirt and gear, coming out after a few minutes. After seeing me Ryan started snickering and Ian slapped him on the back. Aiken just stood there grinning at me.
"Yo Cap! The newbie got some trouble with the outfit," Cole called out as Vernon came jogging and stood at a standstill. He just laughed to himself before approaching me to fix my gear. Being an independent person, it was frustrating while he came to help me.
Vernon placed a gentle hand on my helmet and started tightening my chin strap. And that was the moment my heart started going wild once again as my breathing became staggered. I stared up to his eyes, perfect brown orbs as they looked down on the chin strap close to my face. He gave it a little tap before moving on to my shoulder pads and adjusting them to the right position, so that they rested comfortably on my tiny shoulders. All of a sudden he looked up, staring right into my eyes as they widened in shock. I felt blood rush to my cheeks as my hands started fidgeting and my body became restless. I could see him smile, a slight pink tint on his cheeks while happiness shone through his eyes. A few seconds passed and Vernon was done helping me fix my gear before he explained to me the mechanics of being the scrum-half. I listened closely, taking in all the information.
Soon everyone got into their positions and the game begun as the whistle's shrill tore through the air. I smirked to myself, motivating myself as my mind skimmed through everything I was supposed to do. My arms threw the ball up high in the air and-
