THE SANDLOT | m. kazuya

2.

THE SANDLOT !
CHAPTER TWO

"make sure to at least text me every other day, okay?"

katsu could only hum in response, allowing his mother to fuss over him one last time. "i can't believe this... my baby is finally leaving the nest!" he couldn't find it in himself to be embarrassed by her actions even when he was surrounded by his future teammates. not when they were all in similar predicaments. the weight of the day has finally seeped into his bones, eyes dry and red from his crying fest with his friends he left back home.

"i need to find my dorm." he finally musters the courage to say it, heaving his duffle bag over his shoulder. the other parents were already leaving, waving to their kids one last time. "of course. if you're given the chance to play in a game soon, let us know." his father gruffly states as he claps him heartily on the back. "stay safe."

with one last hug, he finally crosses the towering gate and walks down the eroded path towards the dormitory. thankfully his dorm was in the lower level, given his nerves he was sure his knees would give out under him on the third step. but it also meant easily finding his dorm. stopping in front of the dark blue door with the freshly painted 8, he willed his heart to slow down.

after a long exhale (or three) he finally rapped his knuckles, holding his breath when the door was quickly opened. "oh, hello." a lean boy with brown hair awkwardly greets him, motioning him to come inside with a quick gesture. "my name is watanabe hisashi, this is endou naoki." he introduced himself and the bespectacled boy who was currently bent over a thick notebook after a few minutes of stillness. "the top bunk is yours, and we already emptied out a cabinet for your belongings."

giving him a meek thanks, he quickly began to set his things down. the faster he put up his clothes and necessities, the closer he'd get to finally getting a good night's rest. fortunately, the atmosphere grew suspiciously serene. his upperclassmen promptly went back to doing their own things, and katsu unconsciously settled down as he leisurely unpacked.

he could get used to this.

----

the sharp ringing of the alarm startled him awake. blearily blinking up at the ceiling, katsu could barely make out the first hint of sunlight through the thin curtains. it was a miracle how easily he fell asleep in this new foreign environment, maybe it was due to the heavy eight-hour train that drained him completely. "oh good, you're up." the soft voice of watanabe broke the silence of the room. "coach is strict about tardiness. so you better hurry and get dressed."

the three of them changed into their uniform, which consisted of standard white knickers and plain jersey with a blue long-sleeved undershirt. "you'll be introducing yourself first and then we'll have breakfast." katsu instantly paled at his words, feeling his stomach shift uncomfortably. oh god, he wasn't good at this. sensing his growing anxiety, his upperclassmen sent him a small smile. "don't worry, it'll be over before you know it."

for some reason, their words calmed down his raging heart. sniffling lightly, he finished untying his tennis shoes. "thank you for the heads up!!" both boys let out a laugh at his words, pushing him gently out of their dorm. "make sure you don't bite your tongue introducing yourself like hisashi here."

"hey! i thought we promised not to speak of that."

"oops! i don't recall, sorry."

----

katsu settled beside the only short guy, feeling slightly jealous of everyone else's towering physique. he's always been the smallest in his class and he knew his streak wouldn't be broken here either. though his short stature didn't stop him from aiming to do his best. everyone quickly straightened up when a tall broad man approached them, mouth set in a firm line. the sunglasses perched on his nose glinted maliciously under the morning sun.

"GOOD MORNING, SIR." they boomed in unison.

"is this everyone that wants to join the team?"

"YES SIR."

and thus he ordered everyone to introduce themselves. the pink-haired beside him visibly sweated alongside him. "i'm ooshima hiroshi, from miyagawa shinia!! i hope to play shortstop! i have confidence in my defense!" katsu mentally went over the script he had written down earlier, ignoring the fact that his turn was quickly approaching. it was daunting, knowing that everyone here was familiar with an actual field and team.

it was then when he realized everyone was staring at him. willing away the heat rising to the apples of his cheeks, he stepped forward with faux confidence. "i'm higashi katsu from kotohira choritsu! i'd like to play first base. i'm also confident in my batting abilities!" and just like that he stepped back into the line, relieved that it was now over.

"i'm shinsou-"

"HEY!! EVEN THOUGH HE'S LATE, THIS GUY IS TRYING TO SNEAK INTO THE LINE!"

a boisterous voice interrupted the introduction, everyone turning their heads to look at the culprit. katsu could only wince as the coach directed the boy with a harsh glare, the frown in his face deepening. "kid... you've got guts. coming late on the first day." he was suddenly grateful for his roommates once he realized his haggard appearance. the poor idiot obviously slept through his alarm and his roomies didn't bother waking him up. "GO RUN UNTIL PRACTICE ENDS."

someone began snickering, causing katsu to return his steely eyes on the large group of upperclassmen. a boy with dark green hair was gleefully cackling beside a round boy, who was showing him..... a piece of paper? another upperclassmen wearing a white cap was wearing a large grin, eyes squinted shut. katsu tilted his head, focusing his gaze solely on him. for some odd reason, he was sure he's seen him before.

as if he felt his stare boring holes into his skin, the latter turned his attention to him. his eyes were a bright amber. oh, he's the catcher. katsu thought to himself, watching the way his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "..... as well as the incredible idiot standing over there, who tried to exploit the situation. you run, too." katsu could only smirk in glee at the distraught expression on the trio's faces, missing the way the catcher gave him one last look before stalking off.

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