"You want to what??" Sydney, my best friend got her mouth hanging open after what I told her.

I looked around embarrassedly as I pulled her down to her seat when people began staring, "Did you have to yell?"

"Have you gone crazy?" She said, eyes wide as she gave me a look. "We haven't been here that long and you want to stir up trouble so soon?"

"I just want to play baseball like the old days. What's so wrong with that?" I replied, "You know how much I love baseball and nothing, not even you, can stop me from joining the baseball team."

"I know you liked baseball ever since we were young but you do know that our school only has the men's baseball team. How can you possibly want to join a team full of boys?" She added, trying to put some sense into my brain. "I'm sure it's against the rules so you should stop thinking about it."

"Rules don't apply to me." I said stubbornly, "Besides, there's no harm in trying."

The whole day I was staring outside the classroom's window, dreaming about the day I'd be able to wear the school's baseball uniform as I ran across the field. It's always been my dream to be a professional baseball player. I want to feel the warmth of the sun against my skin and smell the earth on my clothes.

I'm unlike other girls, I didn't dream of becoming prettier or getting a cute boyfriend in high school. I wanted to play baseball for as long as I live but being a girl was always a hindrance. I hated the fact that I was born with long lashes, delicate fingers and a curvy body. I hated that every time I tell the coach to let me play, they'd spare one look at me and say I'm not built to play baseball.

I think it's very unfair that they limit my skills based on how I look. Yes, I do look a bit fragile on the outside but I know to myself that I play way better than most of the boys in my previous school.

"Just come with me, please Syd? For me?" I begged my best friend when classes ended.

"What if your dad finds out?" Sydney asked. "It'll be big trouble, Vee."

I almost left out this very crucial part about my life; my dad didn't want me to play baseball. He used to love the sport so much when my mom was around. I grew up loving the sport because of him. In my eyes, he was like the coolest dad anyone could have until my mom left us. She died of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, a terminal type of blood cancer.

My dad still blamed himself for paying more attention to baseball more than his wife. We both lost her but I never blamed him. I knew something was wrong with my mom but she chose to hide it from him but still I didn't blame. It was for that reason that I want to play. I want my dad to be able to look beyond that part of himself. I want to prove to him that mom would've wanted him to do what he love.

"I'll figure it out later." I told her, dragging her along.

"Fine but don't go sulking to me when they don't accept you." She said and I gave her a quick grin before we entered the faculty room.

I found the baseball team's coach who was also the club's manager and told him about my concern, explaining in great enthusiasm how much I want to join the baseball team.

"Venus Yoo from class 2-A." He spoke, eyeing me up and down with an uncertain look on his face. "Let me tell you something about our school, the thing is, we don't have a women's baseball team."

"I know that." I replied rather quickly. "I came here to get permission to join the men's baseball team."

He raised an eyebrow at me before giving out a laugh, "Well, you're the first to tell me that."

"I am very serious." I told him with a determined look, making my best friend embarrassed on my behalf. "I am better than what you think! I'm determined. I'm willing to do anything just let me prove it to you. I'm tougher than I look."

"We do lack in players since there aren't many students who want to join this year. There's also no rule about having a girl in the team and you certainly have the guts for it. I can see that you really know what you want.." He trailed off and I was on the edge of my seat as I waited for him to tell me his final decision, "But about the skills, I'll have to test you out first. Whether you can withstand the practices or not, I'll have to see it for myself."

"And?" I almost jumped up, eyes sparkling. "Is that a yes?"

"Come to practice tomorrow after school. I'll introduce you to the team."

"Oh my fucking god. Thank you so much coach!! I'll be there tomorrow!" I exclaimed in bliss. I almost didn't stop thanking the coach if it weren't for Syd already dragging me out.

"I can't believe you got in!" She was talking as loud as I was as we walked home together.

"I know right!" I held her hand and we jumped around together like two crazy people. "I can't wait to show them what this girl is made of."

🌸

The next morning, I came in the classroom and found out that Syd has already relayed the news to the rest of the class. Well not exactly the rest of the class, she told one girl and it just kind of blew out of proportion. All the girls were huddled up around my desk, asking me over and over again if the news was true. I confirmed the news without delay, nodding happily and smiling all the way.

"I'm so jealous! You'll be surrounded by hot guys." One of my girl classmates squealed.

"Oh my gosh yes! The baseball team is filled with like only the hottest guys in school." Another one joined in excitedly. "Not to mention, Jungkook's so sexy when he sweats."

"Jungkook?" I tilted my head, it's the first time I've heard of all this information, "Who's Jungkook?" Their jaws dropped at my ignorance.

"He's the captain of the baseball team." They explained, "and the youngest one to be appointed as captain. He's really good too but he's got an attitude." My classmate added but she was smiling dreamily, "He's not all bad actually. His attitude is what makes him look hotter. You'll know when you see him."

"And the veins in his arms will make your knees go weak." Another girl squeaked.

"Oh." I smiled along. To be honest, I didn't know why they were so excited. They're just normal boys.

I couldn't wait for the classes to be finished. Time and time again, I'd look at the watch, wishing that it would go faster but by the time I was so close to meeting the team, a sudden feeling started in the pit of my stomach. I began to grow nervous as the last period ended.

"Hey, are you okay?" Syd asked, seeing the change in my behavior.

"Y-Yeah." I answered, "Just a bit nervous."

"Don't worry. I'll be there to watch." She reassured me with a smile.

The coach said to go to the locker room. I knew where it was so I didn't ask Syd to tag along alone and just told her to wait by the bleachers outside.

Outside the door, I could hear deep voices that definitely belonged to boys. They were loud. I tied my shoelaces really tightly before I knocked on the door. The coach opened the door himself and welcomed me as he pushed me inside, leaving the door open to air the room.

They were right. Their looks are no joke.

The whole team had their eyes on me. I stared ahead, not letting my anxiety get the best of me. I have something to prove and I have to succeed in order to join the team.

I could make out the juniors from the seniors but I couldn't tell which one of them was the captain. They were few in numbers but I heard they did pretty good in the last games they played which is also the reason why I'm so determined to join.

The coached clapped his hands together once to get their attention, "Everyone this is Venus. She's trying out for the team so she'll be joining us in today's practice. Be good to her."

"Wait. Trying out??" One of them with brown hair and a very nice noseline said. "Are you kidding?"

"A girl is joining the team?" Another one said, his hair dyed grey for reasons I don't know and his eyes were small but his gaze is really charismatic. "She'll make us look like a joke to other teams."

"You heard me right. Our team needs more members to qualify for competitions." The coach repeated, "Venus was brave enough to join. Whether it's a joke or not, this team depends on her now so treat her well."

The others were laughing lightly at the absurdness of the situation. They were taking me lightly just because I was a girl. It's the same thing again. I was a bit pissed by the not very warm welcome I received. This just makes me boil in anger, now I'm even more challenged to prove yourself.

I followed them outside and right away the coach blew on his whistle, all the players had to line up and I stood on the very end, next to a really tall, blonde guy.

"Hey, I'm Namjoon." He nicely introduced himself to me.

I smiled up at him, really happy that not all of them are assholes. "I'm Venus Yoo but please,  by all means, call me Vee."

"Nice to meet you, Vee. We actually have another V in this team." He chuckled, pointing to the brown haired boy who spoke earlier. "But I guess we can have two Vs."

"I think it's really cool that you want to join the team." He added as the coach explained the list of drills for today's practice. "Oh and by the way, these guys are all really nice when you get to know them. They're just bad at first impressions." He flashed you me smile. "I hope you get in."

"Thanks." I told him, "I'll do my best."

The first set of drills was running. It was the least of my favorite but I'm confident with my record. I sat on the bench, quietly waiting for my turn.

"Venus, you're up." The coach called for me and once again, all eyes are on me but I chose not to be fazed.

My best friend caught my attention. I smiled at her before focusing on the track. The coach was beside me, holding a stop watch. I bent down to tighten my shoelaces again even when I already did them before. It's just a habit I picked up along the way.

Coach gave the signal and I began running, the ground thudded under my shoes. I didn't hear anything or even looked at anything but the line at the end. I felt the wind brushing past me and before I knew it I was slowing to a stop.

"Great job!" I heard the coach from afar and a few claps from the team. My heart was beating really fast as I walked back.

"That was the fastest record in the whole school." The coach added as he patted my back, "I'm impressed. You really have something to offer."

The guy who had curly brown hair came up to me. "That was really fast! You're no joke!" He beamed at me, "I'm Taehyung by the way. Sorry if I was a bit harsh earlier."

"It's okay." I replied as I catch my breath.

"Didn't think you were so cool." The other brown haired guy said. "Name's Jimin. Nice to meet you."

"Hey, give the girl some space to breathe." Another one said, he's got a nice smile. He handed me a bottle of water, "Call me Hoseok. You met Namjoon. That other guy is Yoongi." He pointed to the guy who was about to run, "He's the worst in running but the best pitcher we have."

"Oh. I see." I gave everyone a smile when they slowly warmed up to me. Namjoon was right, they were really nice. They just suck at first impressions.

The practice went smoothly and the drill were nothing I haven't done before so it wasn't hard to adjust. My body was used to this level of activity anyway. After practice, I felt so refreshed. It's been awhile since I sweated this much because being on ice didn't allow me to sweat like this. The coach dismissed everyone and we all headed back to the locker room.

"You're pretty tough for a girl." Jimin told me with an arm on my shoulder, "Coach got his eyes on you now. Better do your best."

"Good job." Namjoon said. I high fived him and grinned.

"Venus is my new best friend." Taehyung said and I chuckled. "You could be a hitter like Jungkook. I saw your swings earlier. They're better than I expected."

"Thanks. I used to play baseball with my dad  but that was along time ago." I just smiled at the compliments coming my way.

"Honestly, I didn't think you'd last through the end of practice but I stand corrected." Jin joined as he took his shirt off carelessly and patted himself with a towel. I had to look away quickly, starting to feel uncomfortable. Jin noticed this and got dressed immediately, "Oh sorry. I was so used to having only guys around."

"That's okay. An innocent mistake." I replied shyly, "Is there a place where I could change? Or I could just get changed in the restroom outside-"

"You can change here. With us." He spoke for the first time, stare piercing through me as he throw his damp shirt on his bag, "Why not? You're now part of the team, aren't you? This is just normal for guys like us."

The others all turned silent when he spoke. I thought I have earned everyone's trust already but I completely forgot about him, the captain of the team. I remained frozen, eyes trained on his face. He put on a clean shirt and tidied his things before speaking again.

"Do you understand now? This is exactly why you shouldn't be here." Jungkook added. He stood right in front of me, "I don't care if you're as good as us. However you look at it, a girl like you doesn't belong here."

"Aye, Jungkook, cut her some slack." Hoseok swung an arm around his shoulders, "A captain shouldn't treat the new ones like that. This is why no one wants to join our team. You scare them too much."

"I'm only saying it how I see it." Jungkook said directly at me as he shrugged Hoseok's arm off and left.