Why Are Bad Premonitions Never Wrong?
Why were bad premonitions always spot on? Time flew by in a blur, and before I knew it, a month had passed, bringing the first half of the high school weekend league to a close. From what I'd heard, our results weren't quite as impressive as we'd hoped. We won, sure, but it wasn't dominant, and our losses exposed some clear weaknesses. Still, the silver lining was that we'd secured enough points to qualify for the Golden Lion Tournament in May. Teams with poor records don't even get to enter. So, at least Seoul Jeon-san High wasn't completely out of the running.
A few days later, the Director called me aside. He paused while sorting some papers and looked at me matter-of-factly.
"Jeong-ui, you're on the roster for the Golden Lion Tournament now. You can play."
My mind blanked for a second. Then an inexplicable thrill surged through me.
Finally...
The Director added, "I'd like to give you a shot if possible. But with the tight schedule, it might not happen."
That was obvious. I knew my place all too well. Put bluntly, I was barely a step above the freshmen who'd just started. Sure, my control and my dad's fame had people expecting big things, but I hadn't reached the seniors' level yet. Tournaments like this were for third-years. So, even one appearance would be a win.
And honestly... our school wasn't exactly powerhouse material. If one senior went pro, that'd be a miracle; a few heading to college on baseball scholarships would be a good year. They'd have to lean hard on their top third-years. Survival came first. It wouldn't be weird if I sat out.
Still, saying that out loud might sound like I was downplaying the team, so I just told the Director, "Got it."
One corner of my heart was buzzing, though. Just making the roster meant something. And thinking about telling Sera made me inexplicably happy.
Finally, I'm in an official tournament.
The next morning, I casually brought it up to Yoo Sera.
"Looks like I'll get some tournament action. Might play in the Golden Lion."
Her eyes widened. "Ooh! After a month of prep, you're finally hitting the field?"
I couldn't nod right away. "They'll probably send the third-years first. I might get a turn after, but who knows. Winning comes first anyway."
I knew my spot was shaky. Sera went quiet for a beat, then looked a little disappointed.
"Hmm... Is it 'cause you're a pitcher? Aren't there already two ahead of you in the year above?"
Nailed it. I thought for a second and answered honestly. "Yeah... that, and I haven't proven myself in real games yet. No clue how it'll shake out. If I was killing it, I'd get in, but I'm not there. Still, if we're blowing them out or getting crushed, my odds go up."
I said it with a grin, but there was cold math underneath.
"I see."
She nodded, then suddenly switched gears. "Oh, right! My thing's coming up soon too. Practicing the same piece over and over was getting old."
I shot back, "Nah, it's fine."
Meant every word. No matter how many repeats, that morning violin never got old. Hell, it felt comforting now.
Silence hung for a moment, then curiosity hit me. "How much do you practice a day, anyway? Not just mornings, right?"
"About like you. After classes, straight to practice... till 10 p.m. Then early mornings for the prime time."
I was speechless. "And you still get up early for more?"
"Yep."
I shook my head. "Damn... that's impressive."
She laughed and waved it off, beaming. "Nah. I slack off plenty. Start with violin vids, end up on mukbangs."
I cracked up too. Even the perfect ones had their moments like me. Felt reassuring.
Friday afternoon rolled around, the eve of the Golden Lion Tournament. The Director wrapped practice and gathered us.
"Head home early and rest. Game tomorrow—be here on time in the morning. Got it?"
Recovery before games was key. No afternoon session that day. For once, I headed straight home after classes.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I passed the school gate and spotted two familiar backs in the distance. They sharpened as I approached.
"Really?"
"Yeah. So I might play."
"No way? Nice."
"One outfield spot opened up, and I'm the best second-year for it."
Yoo Sera and Lee Seung-min, walking side by side, chatting. Way more natural than I'd imagined. Their laughs synced, steps matched. Anyone would think they were close.
"But the opponents are tough. Kinda scary."
"You dropping out right away?"
"Maybe."
"Big loss?"
"Probably?"
Something twisted deep in my chest. Hard to pin down, but instinct screamed no. Not anger—more like my heart recoiling. No urge to butt in. Just wanted out of there. Didn't want to see it.
My stomach churned.
Ugh... no way...
Nah, I'm overthinking. They're old friends.
Tried calming myself, but my eyes stuck. Finally, I turned away and hurried off.
Face blank the whole walk home. The big tournament ahead, the Director's rest order—all faded. Mind empty, I just got home.
Next day, off to the Golden Lion Tournament. Nearly overslept and rushed, but made the bus on time.
Stared out the window the whole ride. Yesterday's scene looped in my head. Tried ignoring it, but a weight lingered.
At the stadium, I dropped my gear in the locker room and stepped out.
"This is Mokdong Stadium."
Hmm... Mokdong Stadium. Once home to the Gocheok Turkeys, now hosting major high school games in place of the demolished Seoul Dongdaemun Stadium.
No games yet, so I wandered, checking the field. Normally, nerves and excitement would hit first, but today? Numb. Forcing yesterday's sight and sounds out of my mind.
Heading back to the locker room, voices from inside stopped me. Lee Seung-min and Kim Na-seong, same year as me—second-years.
Wasn't eavesdropping on purpose, but their words rang clear.
"Dude, you were with that girl yesterday. Class 5 chick?"
Kim Na-seong's question got a casual reply from Lee Seung-min. "Yeah."
Then: "What's the deal? Girlfriend?"
No pause. "Pretty much."
I clenched my teeth. Brain fogged instantly. I'd suspected, but hearing it so direct, so offhand—it hit like a wave.
"Damn, she's hot. When'd that happen? Spill on this stuff."
"Eh, do I have to? Gets awkward..."
"Fair. What'd the baseball team say about dating? No time anyway."
Despair welled up inside. Kim Na-seong chuckled and pressed. "So that's why you're subbing for Class 5?"
Lee Seung-min laughed. "Yep. Thanks to Jeong-ui, I can chat with Sera at school freely. Hates other guys from her class coming over, but baseball gives me a pass."
Then, casually: "Plus, Jeong-ui makes great convo fodder. Lets us talk about all sorts of stuff."
"Be grateful to him."
"Should I? He's lucky I joined. Heard he was kinda antisocial—should thank me."
With that, I turned silently. No point, no strength to hear more.
Haa, fuck.