Batting Center

Crack!

The ball sailed across the green field, hitting the small target hung on the end of the cage right in the center.

“Nice one!”

Your friends cheered, crowding around Yujin to congratulate him on his bullseye. In the lanes adjacent to yours, other balls continued to fly towards their target with varying levels of accuracy and the occasional cheer could be heard following the shots that managed to hit the target.

Today, you and your friends were at a batting center.

It was originally Yijin‘s idea. Following the end of a whole week of finals, everyone wanted to do something to relax and unwind. However, due to the intense focus everyone had on passing their finals, not a single plan had been made or discussed as to what should be done after the end of the finals. As your friend group discussed their options, two opposing factions emerged. One half of the group wanted to go to karaoke, while the other half thought that a trip to the amusement park would be better. Before the argument could escalate further, Yijin suddenly butted in with a secret third option. He offered to take the entire group to the batting center he frequented when he wanted to clear his mind of his worries, and seeing the excitement on his face as he described the location, no one had it in them to turn down his idea.

So everyone came to the batting center.

And perhaps you shouldn’t have.

Once you all arrived, Yijin quickly got everyone settled into a lane with snacks and drinks. It’s been an hour since then, and everyone has had multiple tries to hit the ball. And within their various attempts, everyone has managed to hit the target at the far end of the cage at least once. Everyone except you that is.

Against all odds—you weren’t even sure how yourself, you’ve managed to miss every single ball that has come your way.

You don’t even know what you were doing wrong!

And now...

Accepting the compliments with a bashful smile, Yijin handed the bat to you.

You sighed, bracing yourself for failure once more as you accepted the bat.

Yijin, ever observant and wanting everyone to enjoy themselves, noticed the despondent look on your face. Eager to help, he remained standing instead of returning to his seat around the snacks with everyone else.

“{{user}}, may I?”

You arched an eyebrow in response, watching as he stepped up to the plate with you.

Thanking you when you agreed to whatever he was planning, Yijin placed a hand on your leg.

“Spread your legs a little wider and bend your knees.” He murmured, gently guiding your legs into the proper position. His other hand fell onto your waist as he continued his explanation, tilting you towards the plate. “Lean towards the plate when you’re getting ready to swing.”