Just for Today
"Game over! The Turkeys sweep the Pigeons!"
The caster's booming call echoed as the final out flashed on the scoreboard. Cheers erupted from the Gocheok Turkeys dugout, while a heavy silence hung over the visitors' bench.
Catching his breath, the caster wrapped it up.
"And with that, the Turkeys complete the sweep over the Gwangju Pigeons in this three-game series. The standings are shaking up—the Turkeys jump to sole possession of fifth place, while the Pigeons' postseason hopes are flickering."
Commentator Lee Seo-jin nodded.
"Exactly. The real scary part is the momentum. The Turkeys look like they've got more room to climb, while the Pigeons are stuck in no-man's-land, dragging their feet."
The caster smoothly shifted gears.
"And we can't wrap up today's highlights without mentioning Kim Hu-seong."
Lee Seo-jin smiled.
"Spot on. He's stepped up as one of the team's aces now. Sure, his OPS and wRC+ aren't elite yet, but he's batting over .300, just two steals shy of the league lead, and he's pulled into first place with 75 runs scored. He's the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year."
The caster chimed in.
"Beyond the stats, his presence is huge. Check out the stands."
The camera panned to the crowd, Kim Hu-seong jerseys dotting the seats—nearly half the Turkeys fans were wearing them.
"With his lean build and sharp features, he's got massive appeal. A star like that on a team like the Turkeys? It's rare to see this many fans."
"Reminds me of you back in the day, commentator?"
"Haha..." Lee Seo-jin burst out laughing.
"Oh, and word is, if you want his autograph, get to the stadium early. The lines are insane, and it's cutting into his training time."
The caster played along.
"That's how high the expectations are from the team and fans alike. Kim Hu-seong was at the heart of this sweep—no doubt about it."
As September rolled on and the Turkeys kept racking up wins, the vibe around the team shifted noticeably. Young, talented players—capped by a star with good looks—drew in female fans, while the upgraded cheer squad pulled in the guys. The Turkeys' popularity skyrocketed online and off, with community posts popping up daily and crowds swelling around the stadium.
The cheer team felt it too. Seo Ha-yoon's squad saw their value surge, offers pouring in nonstop. Team leader Jeong Su-a fielded glowing reports from upstairs: volleyball and basketball teams dangling fat contracts, even talk of Taiwan gigs next year with a huge pay bump.
It was the golden age for the cheer group. But there were strings attached: keep the girls in line, especially the hottest one, Seo Ha-yoon.
As team leader, Jeong Su-a managed them up close. She pulled Seo Ha-yoon aside.
"Ha-yoon. Good, you're here."
"Yeah, what's up?"
"We've got some team business to discuss."
Jeong Su-a spoke calmly.
"Things are booming for us right now. Our schedule's packed solid from fall onward. Honestly, even if the Turkeys make the playoffs, we might be busier."
Seo Ha-yoon nodded quietly.
Jeong Su-a paused, then eased into the point.
"So... just a heads-up from the contacts: they'd prefer no guy drama if possible. We're on the rise—hold out a bit, and influencer doors open up. Build the fame now, and later it's smooth sailing. Total freedom."
Seo Ha-yoon's gaze dropped briefly. Her family wasn't well-off; she knew exactly what this meant. And if Jeong Su-a was pulling her aside like this, the stakes were clear. She nodded.
"Got it."
Then, softly:
"But... since it's not crazy busy yet, let me have a little fun."
Jeong Su-a's expression flickered— she knew she couldn't lock it down completely. But she added firmly:
"Be careful. Seriously."
Seo Ha-yoon nodded again.
"No worries. Just... chilling before it gets hectic."
October loomed as the season wound down. With my stamina shot, I treated Mondays as full rest days. Today was no different—I was zoning out when a text from Seo Ha-yoon hit.
I almost said no. But something about it nagged at me—bad vibe. I replied okay, let's meet.
I drove to the spot. She hopped in the passenger seat, we exchanged easy hellos. As she buckled up, I asked,
"What's going on?"
She looked totally casual.
"Let's hang out today. You need the break anyway."
Tension eased. Whew, nothing serious. Half-joking:
"Man, I thought it was bad news."
But she didn't laugh—just stared, long and steady.
...Huh? Something's off today.
Quietly:
"Kinda is... Can you treat me like your girlfriend today?"
I froze, grip tightening on the wheel.
"What? You know that could stir up trouble. It's not just me anymore—it'd hurt you."
I couldn't hide the panic. She rushed on:
"Just today. One day only. Promise I won't ask again."
Her eyes weren't playful like usual—distant, desperate. Hard to say no. I swallowed.
"Fine. But problem: I've never had a girlfriend. No clue how to act."
Silence. Then her face lit up, mischief back.
"So I'm basically your first? Even if just for today."
The day's date kicked off. We settled into the dark theater; as it quieted, she took my hand. Focus shattered—screen blurred, all nerves on that soft, warm touch. I clenched and released, clenched again.
Then she traced my palm with her finger.
"Eek."
Weird noise in the theater—eyes on us. On purpose... She smirked.
Time flew; credits rolled before I snapped out. She grabbed my hand again. We ate, ended up at that quiet private café—side by side, not across.
Is this how it's done?
Coffee ignored; her hand lingered in my mind. I kept glancing. She noticed, chuckled, started:
"Turkeys are blowing up lately, huh?"
I nodded.
"Yeah. Autographs are killing me."
"We're swamped too. Volleyball, basketball deals from fall—overlapping with playoffs."
Ah, so that's why—stock up on fun now.
"Taiwan next year too."
Taiwan...? I hesitated.
"Wow... super busy. That's why today?"
She met my eyes, breathed deep.
"I like you."
Brain blanked. I'd suspected, but hearing it...
"But I'm going pro now. Top cheerleader—they want no guy entanglements if possible. Boyfriend's okay, but it costs extra. Feels bad for the team."
Real talk.
"And before... I caused you enough trouble. So I'm letting go. Just confessing first. This was my heart."
"I knew."
"Your answer?"
Eyes shook; no words.
"Thanks for today. Before we part... one last..."
She stood.
"Can I have a kiss?"
Panic. Pink lips in view. But:
"Girlfriend for a day... first kiss is too precious. Maybe not."
She thought, teased:
"Hug then?"
"All you want."
Arms out; she slipped in gently. Warmth shared, we stood silent.