Ken and Steve were forced to mingle amongst the other athletes at the welcome dinner. Thankfully, this is where Steve shined, easily making conversation with the others as if they'd known them for years.
"Ah don't worry about my friend, he's a bit shy." Steve said, gesturing his head to Ken.
"Hey you're that golden armed pitcher everyone has been talking about." The guy immediately ignored Steve and came up to Ken, his eyes lingering on him for a little too long.
"I'm not sure if I'm the same guy you're talking about, but people usually call me Ken." Ken said, feeling a little uncomfortable.
"Oh don't worry, he's the guy." Steve said, sending a wink to Ken.
"Mmm, I see. It looks like you could use a bit more meat on your bones though." The guy replied, his hand reaching out for Ken's right arm.
But right before he made contact, Ken's left hand surged forward, grabbing the guy's wrist. Steve's eyes widened into saucers, not expecting the sudden confrontation.
"Don't touch me." Ken stated, throwing the hand aside. He usually wasn't great with physical contact, unless it was a handshake, or he knew the person. Yet this guy took it upon himself to try and touch his throwing arm, spouting such nonsense out of nowhere.
"Oh, I'm sooo scared Mr. Big Shot." The guy said sarcastically, waving his hands around comically.
"H-Hey man, how about we just move on." Steve said, standing in between the two. Getting into an altercation at the welcome dinner was not something that they wanted to do.
"Yeah, listen to your bitch before you get hurt." The guy said, his square chin jutted out. Ken felt that it was so large, even if he swung a fist in the general direction it would still hit square.
"What did you say?" This time, Ken's expression turned dark. For the first time in a long time, he was genuinely angry.
"Alright fellas, let's not cause a scene." Tristan came from the side, his flashy outfit sticking out like a sore thumb. He grabbed Ken and Steve, moving them aside.
"Are you done Tyler? Why you always gotta start crap?" A large man who looked to be one giant muscle talked to the antagonizer, before turning to Tristan.
"Sorry about that Tristan, I'll try to keep my boys in line." The guy said, sounding rather polite despite his large frame.
"It's all good Max. I think we're all just a little excited for the new year." Tristan replied, sending him a smile.
Like that, the two groups distanced themselves from each other and the party resumed without any conflict. Tristan dragged the two to the corner of the room before addressing them.
"Try not to get worked up, especially at these kind of events." He warned, looking at both Steve and Ken. "The NCAA won't care who started the fight when it comes time to dish out punishment."
Ken nodded, he had been a little rash. Perhaps the guy was just making conversation, but he couldn't look past the obvious disrespect.
"Just tell him to keep his hands to himself." Ken stated.
Tristan let out a small sigh. "They're wrestlers, all they do is hug each other all the time. He probably meant no disrespect earlier."
"Pfft."
Steve's hand shot up to his mouth at the Captain's assessment. He was sure that if anyone on the wrestling team heard his words, they would dish out their own "hugs" towards the man in front of him.
"Anyway, I think you've done enough mingling. Feel free to head back to your dorms." Tristan said, ushering them towards the door.
"Classes start in a couple of days, so make sure you get settled. You're free to use the facilities, just use your ID to get in. I'll see you at practice on Monday."
Ken and Steve were essentially pushed out of the doors, leaving them feeling a little exasperated.
"Oh well, at least we can leave now." Steve said, shrugging.
"True. I guess that's one way to end a party."
"Hahaha."
The two laughed a little before turning around and exiting the Lerner Hall building and heading back towards the dorms.
"Man, I still can't believe you're here…" Ken said, his tone betraying his emotions.
"Yeah… Me neither. If you had have told me a few years ago that I'd be at an Ivy League college, I would have laughed in your face." Steve mused, a hint of melancholy in his voice.
Ken chuckled, "Well I guess you can thank your Sensei for getting your grades up."
"Mmm. I definitely wouldn't have been able to get here without you man." He said seriously, surprising Ken a little.
He didn't expect that Steve would get so serious all of a sudden. Usually the guy would joke around or deflect, but it seemed like he was in a weird mood tonight.
"I've been thinking a lot recently." Steve continued, his eyes looking at the dark night sky. "Maybe you're right… Maybe I have what it takes to make it to the Majors."
"Of course. Don't underestimate my eye for these things." Ken said matter-of-factly.
"Heh, well I trust you man. So whatever training you have in store for us, do your worst."
Ken couldn't help but smile at these words. As much as Steve complained while training, he would never fail to turn up on time and always put in 100% effort.
Steve turned to his friend and saw a dark grin painted on his face, causing his eyes to widen in horror. "I—I didn't mean do your worst as a challenge… It's just a saying." He clarified, feeling a shiver run down his spine.
"Eh? But this is what you asked for my dear disciple. I will make sure that your suffering shall bear fruits." Ken said, holding his hands together in prayer.
"O—Oi man… I wasn't talking literally." Steve stated, his panic evident.
"Amitabha~" Ken chanted like a Buddhist priest, causing Steve to grow even more frantic.