"Are you sure you're not going to come Michael? This is the biggest party of the year, Rachel is also going to be there."
A man with blond hair was sitting on the edge of his bed, staring at the small TV screen not far away from him. "No, I've been waiting for this game for too long…"
Michael's roommate let out a sigh, "I knew you were a baseball fanatic, but it's even impacting your social life…"
Eventually, the man shook his head, "Suit yourself. Just don't be upset if Rachel finds herself a boyfriend while you're busy watching silly games."
Michael ignored his roommate, turning his attention to the screen in front of him.
It was a game he'd been looking forward to for a long time, one that he'd marked in the calendar ever since Ken had been named a starting pitcher.
"This will be the second start of Ken Takagi's pitching career against the in form Yanks. The last time he started, the guy set the record for strikeouts in a single match with 21. I'm looking forward to how he will perform today."
"Look Bill, I'm also excited about seeing him on the mound again but let's not set our expectations too high. What he did was against an unprepared Chicago team. Now that teams have seen his pitching arsenal, it's going to be more difficult in the future."
Michael scowled as he heard the commentator doubt Ken. He grumbled some words of annoyance before getting comfortable.
As Ken walked up to the mound, Michael felt his heart soar. His eyes instinctively moved to his bedside table where a signed ball sat in a clear box, the words "Dream big and never give up" written clearly.
A flood of emotion gripped him. He could still remember the day that he received this ball. Japan had won a close victory over the United States after one of the most intense duels between a batter and pitcher he'd ever seen.
Even now, thinking back to it gave him goosebumps.
Leo and Ken, these two had faced each other again in College. Michael had been fortunate enough to head to Florida and watch them play, but things did not work out as planned.
Ken had been injured by Leo's broken bat and was forced to sit out the remainder of the game. Michael was heartbroken for Ken, but thankfully the guy was in good spirits after the game when they met up.
Still, there was unfinished business between these two young players.
Michael did not want to miss a single moment of this game, which was why he declined his friend's invitation to the party. Sure he could watch a replay, but Michael knew himself. Even if he attended the party, he would be thinking about the game the entire time.
"It's starting…" He mumbled, feeling his nerves grow taut.
"Play ball!" The umpire yelled on the field.
Michael's eyes shined as he saw the first pitch leave Ken's fingertips. A 101mph fastball low and inside sent the batter swinging awkwardly.
"Strike."
"It's so fast…" Michael muttered. "Would I be able to hit such a pitch one day?"
The first inning ended quickly with a strikeout and two easy outs from grounders. It seemed that the Yanks players were having an easier time making contact with the ball than the White Socks players in the first week.
'Is this because they studied him?' Michael thought, feeling a little worried.
When it was time for the Ligers to bat, the batters were dispatched easily.
Michael's eyes focused on Leo Cameron, the one in the catchers gear. Since he was American, it might have made sense to idolize Leo instead of Ken. But there was something about the guy that made him feel out of reach.
To Michael, Ken was far more personable, whereas Leo was like a star in the sky.
"Both teams get through the first inning without giving up a single hit. Leo Cameron will now come up to bat. He's been instrumental in the resurgence of the Yanks team."
"What's even more interesting is that Ken and Leo actually have some history. I'm told that they played against each other in the U18 World Cup when Japan upset the reigning US team."
"Let's not forget they also played each other in College just 2 years ago. It will be interesting to see how the game plays out."
The TV commentators were lively as the teams changed over, but Michael ignored them, his eyes focused solely on Ken.
"Batting 4th, Leo Cameron."
As Leo stepped into the batters box, Michael could feel the tension even through the TV. Ken's whole body seemed to shift and his aura sharpened like that of a tall spear as he stared down at his opponent.
But Leo was unwavering. He held his bat out with his left arm and placed his right hand on his opposite shoulder, as if pointing a weapon at Ken. He held this pose for longer than usual before getting into position.
It was almost felt like a declaration of war.
The first pitch came out, a fastball to the inside.
It went straight into the outstretched glove of the catcher.
"104 miles!? Wow, this kid came to play today… Is that the fastest he's pitched so far in the Majors?"
Hearing the commentators praise Ken's pitches made Michael smile, but it didn't remain for long. Leo had not swung at the ball, but his expression was unreadable, as if he was biding his time.
'Why do I have a bad feeling about this?' Michael thought, clenching his fists. He could not move his gaze from the screen for even a second.
The next pitch came through, this time it was a ball above the strike zone. Once again Leo did not even flinch, letting it go through to the catcher.
The count was 1-1 and things seemed to be heating up, until…
Leo's eyes flashed and his body sprung into action.