THE SANDLOT | m. kazuya

3.

THE SANDLOT !
CHAPTER THREE

it took everything in him not to throw up at the sight of his third bowl of white rice. katsu already felt like he was going to burst at the seams if he took another bite. the second and third years were sending them leering stares, smirking as if they were enjoying them struggle to eat. the blonde set down his chopsticks, sliding a hand under his shirt as he let out a deep breath. "if you don't eat up now, you won't be able to handle afternoon practice." he dimly heard one of the third years reprimand the brunet who had gotten in trouble earlier.

glancing to his right, said boy was already growing an alarming shade of green. just the display of him trying to swallow back his bile was enough for katsu to clasp a hand over his mouth. "STOP!! DON'T PUKE HERE, IF YOU'RE GOING TO PUKE GO OU-"

a series of very unfortunate events followed.

----

little wheezes escape his parted lips as he bent down, hands gripping onto his thighs as he tried to catch his breath. it was safe to say he was surprised at how unfit he really is. katsu didn't expect practices to be mentally and physically grueling, and there was a little part of him that wanted to cry due to pure exhaustion. "first years, gather up!" the brash voice of coach katoaka startles him, spine straightening in fear of getting in trouble.

"after this, we're going to test your ability for your desired position, so put on your spikes and head over to the b grounds!"

the news elated many, glad to be doing something other than running until they couldn't feel their legs. katsu was a bit worried, knowing that he'd be performing a bit sluggishly. dragging his feet slightly, he began following the other first years. "...where are you going?" the cold tone of their coach made them freeze up unintentionally, before quickly realizing he wasn't addressing them.

katsu could only watch in pity at the unfortunate boy getting scolded for the millionth time that day. his luck was shit if he even had any. parting from the crowd, he made a beeline towards his new seido bag. while everyone was distracted by the sudden commotion, he'll take the opportunity to put on his cleats and rest his shaking legs.

pursing his lips, he slid them on and tied the white laces into loopy bunny ears. the way katsu was now, he knew he probably wouldn't even make it to second string. it was partly his fault for only focusing on his batting skills. yet, on the other hand, he never saw the possibility of being scouted by a prestigious powerhouse. rei saw potential in him that day, and that was enough for him to try his hardest. to show her that she didn't make the wrong choice.

he'd just have to work harder than everyone else.

----

there was less than a week left of summer break. less than a week before school started.

katsu had created his own training regimen with the help of his roommates and every morning he joined sawamura in the fields. although katsu was sure he wasn't even aware that he was there. seeing as the brunet was always pondering to himself as he ran alongside the fences. quietly shutting the door behind him, katsu slipped into the hallway with a large yawn. the sun was nowhere in sight, but the darkened sky was slowly transitioning into a sapphire blue. a clear indicator that there were less than ten minutes before sunrise.

"you're up early."

katsu tilted his head towards the voice, surprised to see the second-year catcher leaning against the railing. "so are you." he quickly says back, nervously reaching up to scratch the underside of his chin. it was still slightly awkward talking to his upperclassmen, not exactly used to it quite yet. especially miyuki. something about the intensity in his amber eyes was enough to send anyone scampering out. "don't tell me you're humoring sawamura." he drawls out, and it makes katsu scoff.

"i'm not humoring anyone."

"good."

there was a brief pause of silence. "then what are you doing up?" katsu could only send him a bemused stare as he swung his bat over his shoulder. "i'm on my way to bash some heads in," an eyebrow rose "what does it look like?" his stoic reply was somehow hilarious to the older, seeing as he leaned forward due to the force of his cackles. "man, what's up with you first years being disrespectful to their upperclassmen?" katsu bit the inside of his cheek, eyes flitting towards the direction of the fields.

"excuse me but i have to get going." he says with a brief apologetic bow, trying his best not to scamper off like a scared rodent. it didn't help that the second year was boring a hole into his back. katsu felt like he could finally breathe once he was out of the dorm's premises, internally weeping inside. at this rate he'd never make any friends.

how embarrassing.

pushing away his thoughts, he decided it'd be best to just run. it wasn't exactly fun hitting when there was no pitcher insight. after lightly stretching, he began the familiar route down the trail that sawamura always took. it was peaceful. quiet. silent. that is until someone's footsteps were quickly approaching, making him pick up his speed in fear. "HEY YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? HUH!" katsu made the mistake of glancing over his shoulder, letting out a yell when he realized how fast the brunet was actually running.

"WHY ARE YOU YELLING?"

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thank u to those of you who are reading this i appreciate u </3