October 2022

The baseball field bathed in the glow of twilight as a group of players gathered in the dugout. A tall boy leaned against the railing, while others sat on the bench, taking a break from practice. Two blonde boys stood casually against the fence near the dugout—one with a cigarette glowing softly in the dim light, the other with his Coca Cola pod.

"So.. does she like me?"

The blonde haired boy with dark blue eyes took a drag of his cigarette, the smoke swirled around him despite his direct question to the black haired boy who had been tossing a ball back and forth. The pitcher didn't respond, fully absorbed in practicing his throws—not like he hadn't already been a potential MLB superstar. The gray eyed one squinted through the dissipating haze as he tilted his head, attempting to discern his friend's expression from his back.

The pitcher threw and threw. What the blonde didn't know.. is the way he clenches the ball harder. The lines on his forehead deepened, eyes narrowed. His jaw tensed, a mix of emotions he tried to contain stirred beneath. It was clear. The question hadn't been well received.

"Serious question, Toretto," the guy who had been doodling around with a torn piece of paper spoke without diverting his attention from his note, joking, "Winters? Are you sure? See that pitbull front of you?"

Everyone laughed as they all knew who he was referring to—directing their attention towards the pitcher. Despite their amusement, the pitcher continued with his throws, unfazed. The tall boy stepped forward, proposing to take over pitching duties so the pitcher could step up to bat. Amidst the playful banter, the wavy blonde exhaled a ring of smoke before speaking up,

"Still gotta make sure the rule's off though, Dom. You know how strict they are with their rules."

Shrugging a shoulder, Hunt still gazed at the back of the batter—still remained unbothered. Starting to get irritated—especially due to his bro's continuous disregard of him for the past few weeks, Hunt sighed in frustration. Out of honest interest, the big boy sitting beside the doodler chimed in,

"Hold on, let me get this straight—are you really planning to date her, or are you just—you know."

The question reverberated through the whole group, as everyone was also curious, especially knowing his renowned reputation. His bro that's been supporting this situationship even paused, immediately adopting a serious expression as he turned to Hunt. The towering pitcher shrugged casually, almost letting the ball fly, not giving a damn.

Yet, he paused mid motion, retracting his arms as he caught sight of the batter's expression. Gripping his wood bat tightly, the pitcher slammed its end onto the base with force—to slightly glance to the side, awaiting Hunt's answer. Dominic noticed the shift in amusement before catering back to his Q&A session.

"I guess we'll see for now. Just making sure I come off well in front of her.. and if it turns out I'm not into her, well.." keeping his eyes fixed on the back of the batter's head, he smirked, "I'll go find another girl."

The others teased him, calling him hopeless—only the boy beside him felt uneasy about his answer. Everything seemed to pause—until the pitcher's voice echoed from afar, calling out a name. The gray eyed blonde quickly went on guard—but it was too late.

The figure was already striding over—and in a flash of lighting, he had already clenching Dom's shirt—slammed him against the fence and bashed his wooden bat beside his head with a resounding clang!

"THAT'S EMILY YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT, ASSHOLE!"

The tension spiked as everyone immediately went on alert. Luke hurried to the scene, nearly stumbling in his haste. Scott, Brad, and the others quickly stood up. Wyatt swiftly stashed his pods in his pocket—inadvertently burning himself in the process, exclaiming a "Fuck!"

"Now you're talking to me."

Hunt smirked as he glared back at him under the angry tight grip.

"Are you interested in her just to show off how skilled you are, Hunt? That you can hook up with my Em?!"

"Rub it—what the fuck, Ty? What's there to show off?! Shit, you gotta get your feelings straight dude, do you fucking fancy her?!"

Strangely, Tyler was at a loss for words, looking puzzled as Dominic clarified, "I'm not that trash, dude. I do like her."

Tyler loosened his grip slightly. Luke almost reached out to touch Tyler's shoulder when Wyatt stopped him. Exchanging a telepathic nod, Luke understood and refrained. Liam knew Tyler well enough that he couldn't be touched when he was furious.

"Right now, what I want to clarify is whether that's going to be a problem for you." Hunt asked firmly. Pausing for a moment.. Tyler released his grip on Dominic and stepped away only to mutter,

"What if it is?"

Knitting his eyebrows, Dominic held back his frustration as he grunted, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"The fucking rule, Hunt."

"Fuck! Ok—the rules are there for a reason—now what's the fucking reason?"

Hunt turned to Wyatt and gave him a 'what the fuck is wrong with him?' expression as Wyatt reciprocated with a tired sigh.

"Think. What happens when it doesn't work! Fuck let's just say she's in the wrong and hurt you—what will my relationship with her be like then? And God forbid if you're one who hurt her—"

For a moment, he stopped, overwhelmed by the weight of the feeling—with the probability. Dom fell silent, dropping his head to think. Everyone contemplated, realizing that.. Cavill is right. That this. could cause damage to everyone involved. That one.. single change.. could alter everything.

However, bringing his head back to Tyler, Dominic fixed his posture and confidently encouraged, "If we never try, we'll never know."

Tyler scoffed and averted his eyes to Wyatt's side to mumble, "Dominic Hunt. The amount of bullshit he spat—"

"Bro, listen! You know me! You know I don't approach a girl first!"

If Dom had been giving a speech to save his life, you would've known that he was doing it right then. Because it worked. Tyler's face morphs into more of a sour expression—like a sudden realization had flashed before him.

"You know I don't offer them my drink just because I feel like they need it. Even though—she turned out to get drunk because of it—I know, sorry," he cringed. Tyler exhaled as he averted his eyes wearily—when Liam let out a smirk, the others chuckled at his sudden apology.

"You know I don't offer to get someone home just because I feel like it, Ty," he professed, garnering back his serious composure, "listen! I know we're just scared little shits right here, but what's life without trying? I respected your rule all this time—but Ty.. please. She's different."

The others watched in astonishment as Dominic redeemed his sins, their eyes widening in surprise. The River High playboy.. tamed at last. When did he ever make a speech about a girl? Nada. This really might be it. His first real girlfriend. Even the thought of it felt ticklish to them, but the possibilities excited them to the point where they were so speechless—they kept exchanging glances at each other and cheered.

However, amidst the jubilant celebration, Tyler's thoughts raced.

Among his buried consciousness.. among other lingered reasons.. one thought stood out the most, stealing the spotlight of his never ending confusion. One thought.. that brings all to square one. One thought.. that might make every puzzle make sense..

'Problem is.. you're not the only one who thinks she's different, Hunt.'

But he remembered the way you spoke about him.. How it seemed like you genuinely liked him.. your sparkling eyes when you talked to him.. looked at him.. and he remembered the way he repeatedly disappoint you these recent days—

"Come on, Ty! Look at him! He's on the verge of tears!"

Suddenly shouts from the rogues woke him up from his reverie. At first, Cavill looked reluctant, however it seemed like something set up his mind.

"You'll treat her right?"

Beaming, Dominic let out a big grin, and appealed, "I will, bro," then everyone cheered, anticipating a happy ending. Trying to lighten up the mood, Dominic joke, "Damn bro, you're too—" but in a split second, Cavill grabs his collar firmly and growled,

"I'm serious, Hunt."

The fiery gaze—peeking between his curled strands of jet black hair—locked onto Hunt's widened blue eyes. Taken aback, Dominic, along with the other swallowed hard.

"If you like her, do her right. Or at least try to, you lazy ass asshole. If you want to end it, end it right. And if you dare to play with her heart—if you hurt her—"

Then he leaned in closer to Dom's ears, threatening, "I will fucking make sure you won't see the light of day, bro. I will make your life hell. And everytime you think it's over, know that it'll fucking double, because I'll make sure her daddy knows." After pulling away, revealing a wide eyed Dom, he smiled despite his fiery gaze and added,

"And for God knows when. Don't 'bro' me, bro."

Then he went to slap Dom's cheek twice, making him flinch in pain. Casually slamming his body between Hunt and Wyatt, Cavill nonchalantly nodded, "She likes you," finally responding to Dominic's initial question. Beside him, Wyatt watched his bipolar tendencies with mouth agape.

"Don't touch her hair. She doesn't like it when I—" coughing slightly at the slip up, he corrected himself, "when people—ruffles her hair." Casually flicking his cigarette in a calm manner, he exhaled a smoke, leaving the others still looking traumatized.

Scott, remaining silent and still bewildered, quickly shifted his attention to his piece of paper. Scanning through his list of doodled names of 'River Girls to Date', he carefully crossed out a name with trembling hands.

"Nope. I'd rather die curious than have to live with Tyler Cavill as my brother-in-law."

Caught in the spotlight of the Kiss Cam, the world around you seemed to fade into a blur. Leaving only the intensity of the moment lingering between your gazes. And for the first time in forever.. you see a blush creeping onto his face.

Clearing his throat nervously, Hunt hesitantly gets closer to you.. bridging the gap between your bodies until there's barely a breath of space between you. His voice is barely a whisper as he leans in, his lips hovering tantalizingly close to your ear..

"Em," he begins, his words soft, enchanting, "I know this is our first date.. I know this surely isn't supposed to be a Kiss Cam moment—but—somehow.. it's like the universe compels me to—"

His voice falters momentarily as he grapples with his nerves, but then he pulls away—and as he levels his gaze to you, determination shone in his eyes. "It's like the world has aligned perfectly in this moment, and I can't ignore the overwhelming feeling that.. in fact—I too, want to—"

His hand trembles slightly as he reaches up to gently cup your cheek—his thumb caressing your skin tenderly. Time seems to stand still as you lock eyes with him, feeling your heart racing in your chest. However, after exchanging a brief gaze, he finally mouths,

'Can I kiss you?'

You bite your lower lip. What more to wait?

With a barely perceptible nod and a smile, you give him your answer sheepishly. Slowly.. Hunt closes the remaining distance.. and his lips meet yours.

And it really feels like a dream come true.

They're gentle.. and yet—filled with raw intensity that sets your heart ablaze. As his plump lower lip presses against yours.. warmth rushes through your veins, enveloping you in a sweet embrace.

When you finally part, a smile graces your lips as you share a moment of laughter. With a contented sigh, you lean the side of your head against the bleachers, gazing at his beautiful face with a sense of wonder and gratitude for this magical moment. The entire stadium erupts into thunderous cheers, the sound echoing through the air like a symphony—above you, it's as though butterflies are dancing gracefully.

Wyatt and Eve watch the screen with wide grins plastered on their faces. Eve's voice rings out excitedly, "Whoo! That's my bestfriends right there!" Wyatt echoes her enthusiasm, shouting at the top of his lungs. But then, a sudden realization dawns on him..

"Shoot, but babe—"

That's when the camera pans back to capture the reactions of people cheering for the Dodgers' win. Amidst the celebratory atmosphere.. among that many faces.. they spot someone they know very.. damn well.

Tyler sits there, his mouth slightly agape.

Confusion clouds his thoughts, mingling with other feelings—leaving him feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty. He clenches his jaw, trying to make sense of the rush of emotions coursing through him. Staring straight with a furrowed brow, he struggles to understand. But the more he tries to make sense of it, the more elusive the answers become, slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.

Why.. does seeing you with someone else stirs such a tumultuous storm within him? There's also a flicker of something else.. something.. he can't quite name.

Jealousy..? Regret..? Or something.. deeper, something..

He's been too afraid to acknowledge?

Taylor is seen repeatedly calling after Cavill's jaded self. But before any further response can be discerned, the scene abruptly shifts to his favorite team's jubilant celebrations of victory.

Running to Cavill's room, you burst through the door and call out, "Tyty!!"

Only to find him in the middle of something with Taylor, causing him to jump in surprise. Cavill jerks his head towards you while Taylor lets out a high-pitched scream, making you freeze in the doorway with wide eyes. You purse your lips cheekily and dart your eyes anywhere. Shrugging off the awkwardness, Cavill runs a hand through his hair in apparent vexation.

Whatever. My apologies, ladies and gents, this news is not something to be postponed compared to this mere.. casualty.

"Oops! Ok sorry—but—AAAA I'm so happy!" you scream with the top of your lungs, putting both hands on your chest joyfully.

With a roll of his eyes, Cavill tilts his head, asking, "What, Winters? Can't you see I'm in the middle of something here?"

Taylor looks at him in utter disbelief and rants, "So we just gotta ignore the fact that she casually barged in on us, naked?!"

Turning his attention back to his girlfriend beneath him, he responds calmly, "We're under the covers Tay, we're fine—"

"He asked me to be his girlfriend!"

You excitedly drop the bomb, causing him to panic and snap his head back to you in alarm! In his haste, he loses his balance—tumbling off the bed—and instinctively grabs the sheets to cover himself. Quickly standing up, he shouts,

"WHAT?!"

Panicking, Taylor hastily pulls the pillows over herself, screaming with all she might, "TYLER!"

"How?!" he shouts, ignoring her.

"He did it just like in my favorite fanfics, Ty—he arranged a special dinner at The Scenic! There were candles, flowers.. and suddenly he went to the stage—he. sings?! Oh my God he's so dreamy! And after he sang Girl of My Dreams—he asked me to be his girlfriend! You never told me how romantic The Dominic Hunt is?!"

"Ok great. Congratulations! Now can you let us continue with our—yeah?!" Taylor sasses as she nods in exchange of the last verb, momentarily confused about how to express—

"Sex?" you clarify, raising an eyebrow at Taylor as she exhales and rolls her eyes. Then, shifting your gaze to Tyler's bewildered self, you grin and jump in excitement.

"Isn't it too soon?! You barely even talk!"

Giving him a 'WTF' look, you extend your hand towards them and exclaim, "Look at yourself? And now I—EEEK! Ok you can continue! Ciao!" Leaping in excitement, you flash them a wink, and flee. Tyler squints his eyes in confusion at first—but after a few moments, he rushes to his door and grasps the doorframe to shout,

"Hey—HEY! WINTERS! WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"

Taylor rolls her eyes behind him, already reclining on the bed's back as she seductively beckons, "Now, now—come here baby~" In a fit of annoyance, he unintentionally hurls the sheets in her direction and bellows,

"I'm not in the mood anymore!"

Emerging from beneath the sheets, she finally pops her head out and screams, "WHAT?!"

As you make your way out the main door, you notice Violet gets into the house—probably just got home from work. "Emily honey~ Hanging out with Tyler?" she greets, hugging you briefly.

"Oh hi, Auntie Vi! Oh no no! He's in the middle of something anyway," beaming in joy, you casually answer and exit, leaving Violet's perplexed self behind. However, as if catching onto your hint—she knits her eyebrows and narrows her eyes. She immediately sprints upstairs, and the last thing you could hear before entering your house was..

"Tell me WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!"

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Cecylia Costania @rcpcswrites

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! Full Playlist on bio💖

The song that matches this Chapter's vibe:

https://youtu.be/qN7gSMPQFss