The Only Rule

Chapter 8a: Lessons Learned

"Ugh where is she?!"

The sun blazed over the Sunken Diamond, casting long shadows across the baseball field. The stadium was packed with students and alumni—all here to enjoy the game. Music blasted from the stadium speakers, blending into the background noise of cheers, conversations, and the crack of baseball bats hitting balls.

Talia sat in the bleachers, tapping her foot impatiently, her eyes glued to her watch. She and Renata had planned to meet ages ago, but she was nowhere to be seen. Talia huffed, eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of her bestie.

On the field, the Cardinals leaned against the dugout fence, laughing and joking as if it were just a practice game. The outfielders stood with their hands on their hips, eyes drifting toward the stands.

Dominic however, twirled his bat absentmindedly, his eyes constantly flicking toward the stadium entrances. Entrance A—just crowds of people trying to get in. Entrance B—nothing but the popcorn vendor making his rounds. Entrance C—Talia was chatting with a friend—okay maybe she'll get out of this one then—

What the—?! Why am I hoping—what—I'm not hoping—I don't. care.

Dominic shook his head, annoyed at himself, but his gaze kept flickering back to the entrance, focusing on Entrance C—

"Hunt! Doug's giving us the pep talk!" Cavill clapped him on the shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Just as Wyatt came up from behind and threw an arm around his shoulders. "Yo, you've been off all day, man. What're you staring at? Any new hot chicks?"

"Nothing." Dominic muttered, finally turning, dragging Liam by the shoulders. However.. he threw one last glance over his shoulder, before reluctantly looked down and took a step away.

However.. Tyler squinted, staring at the far end of the stadium. His brows furrowed as he leaned forward.. gaze sharpening as if trying to make sense of something—till his eyes widened.

"W—wait is that—?"

Dominic froze mid-step, spinning around so fast he dragged Wyatt—who cursed since he almost lost his balance. His heart raced as his eyes darted across the stands, searching frantically—

And that's when he saw her.

Rena.

Stepping down the stairs of the stadium. Her braided hair was tied up in a sleek top knot, with the rest framing her face. She wore a Yankees bomber jacket over a fitted white tank, tucked into high-waisted jeans that made her legs look impossibly long. The soft glow of her face glinting in the sunlight, and her black boots clicked with every step—looking like she owned the place, turning heads without even trying.

"Holy shit! Is that.. that Renata—?!" Liam shouted, shocked. As a grin spread across his face, he turned to Dominic, applauding, "Too bad—Hunt! You sure know how to make enemies—"

Liam stopped mid-laugh, though, when he saw his bro's expression. Staring at Renata, grinning like an idiot—one of those uncontrollable grins that just refused to stay hidden. Liam and Tyler exchanged knowing looks, grinning to each other as they stepped back, leaving their bro to his moment.

Renata, seemed to be searching for someone in the crowd, eyes scanning down the bleachers.. to the field—until her gaze met Dominic's. The moment their eyes locked, a grin bloomed on her face—just a little shy, as if she wasn't expecting his reaction.