Arrivederci || Dan Heng [✓ ]

⋆ ✦ ˚｡ Part seventeen ˚｡⋆

As the baseball soared through the air, I couldn't help but marvel at Seele's incredible batting skills. Her precision and power were unparalleled—she really wasn't called the best slapper for nothing.

"Seele, how do you do it?" I asked, genuinely curious. "Your batting is on another level..."

She smiled, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "Hitting a baseball isn't just about physical strength," she explained. "It's about focus, timing, and being in sync with the rhythm of the game. When I step up to the plate, I just think that I want to hit—because I want to hear that sound."

She readjusted her feet in the small batters box, making sure she was lined up at the home-plate. "If you don't live your life doing what you want, what are you living for?" Caelus then pitched another at her.

Yet, her words struck a chord with me, and I couldn't stop thinking about what she had said. My mind was brought back to reality when Sampo, who had been eavesdropping on our conversation, chimed in with a smirk.

"Looks like Seele's got the perfect recipe for success. Maybe you should try it, Gepard, might stop you from being such a stickler for rules."

Gepard scowled, balling his hands into fists.

"Why don't you just mind your own business, Sampo?" he retorted, his animosity towards the senior evident as ever.

Sampo shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm just giving some friendly advice, you know," he stated, feigning innocence.

The tension between the two was palpable, but Seele intervened, bringing the focus back to the game.

"Come on, guys, let's play ball, not who's better at telling on the other," she replied in with a playful grin. "I mean, you two could have your own reality show with all this drama!"

"Haha! I'd pay to have that made!" Caelus yelled from the field.

I heard Sampo chuckle with a smirk, finding her lighthearted remark rather amusing. The catcher only sighed, putting his mask back over his head.

However I just couldn't stop thinking about her words. I began to lose focus on the ongoing game again, just hearing Seele's voice echo in my head.

'If you don't live your life doing what you want, what are you living for?'

"Hm? Where are you off to—Hey!" Sampo called out my name, but I was too lost in my own thoughts to bother looking back.

A rush of adrenaline came over me as I quickly ran back toward the school building, bursting past the big doors. A few staff members turned, noticing me barreling through the open halls. I was scolded, but that didn't deter me from my mission.

My mind raced, thinking of where he could possibly be. Only one thought came to mind—the nurse's office. I remembered March dragging him away to help Ms. Natasha during lunches.

I instantly switched directions, nearly bumping another student.

As I approached the office, my heart pounded in my chest. I hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and stepping inside.

There he was, sitting on one of the chairs, looking slightly surprised to see me.

"Huh... you're out of breath? What happened? Are you okay—" There was evident concern etched on his face.

"Dan Heng!" I yelled, cutting him off. I felt a heavy guilt that he was still worried for my well-being first, instead of being angry that I had rejected him.

He didn't say anything back, instead waiting for me to speak.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, "I... I'm sorry for being an idiot," My cheeks reddened at the thought of my next words, "I actually really wanted to go with you."

Things fell silent for a while after that. He had lowered his head, letting his bangs cover his facial expression. I began to fear the worst—I wouldn't blame him for changing his mind after how indecisive I was.

But it also hurt to think about.

Then, his soft voice cut through the stillness,

"You really mean that?"

"I do."

Dan Heng raised his head, a sincere and gentle smile plastered across his face. His grin widened even more as he spoke—seemingly unable to suppress his happiness.

"Well, it seems I can go with you after all."

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╰┈➤ EDITED ✦

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A note left on the principals desk

Hello Principal Jing Yuan,

I've recently seen a student in the second year class dumpster dive in the school trash? I'm a little worried for his health, so I thought I would leave this note for you.

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