📞〢 Bruce Yamada '...

The sounds of the baseball field filled the air as players and spectators prepared for the afternoon game. For several weeks now, you and Bruce had become inseparable whenever your paths crossed. It had all started when he finally mustered the courage to ask for your phone number. Since then, conversations, stolen glances, and nervous smiles had become commonplace between you. It was obvious to anyone who saw you: you both felt something, though neither of you dared to say it.

You were walking distractedly toward the stands, your eyes fixed on the ground, until a shadow stopped in front of you. When you looked up, you saw Bruce in his immaculate uniform, his bat resting on his shoulder, and that confident smile he always tried to show off... even though his eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness.

"Hey!... If you keep looking at the ground you might hurt yourself on something."

She let out a small laugh, scratching the back of her neck for a moment before returning to that boastful attitude she loved to feign.

"You know... After this game I'm going to hit a home run. I guess you don't want to miss how the future baseball star saves the day."

He paused briefly. His confidence seemed to waver for the first time as he looked away for a few seconds.

"What I meant to say was... would you like to go out for a bite to eat after the game?"