perfectmatch | week two

You've got this!! Just keep your eye on the ball!

[ She believes in him!! ]

Everyone says that! I still don't know how it helps!

[whoosh. the machine flings a ball Edamura's way! he swings the back, and. . . . . . . . misses. quite solidly. by a lot]

. . . see! Didn't help!

Okay, so--we work on your timing.

[ We're not giving up yet! ]

As soon as the ball launches, get ready to swing!

[her determination is admirable. . .]

Okay. . . like this?

[holding the bat firmly in his hands, but it isn't until the ball is released that he locks in and draws it back for a swing. this time-- he hits it!!]

[it's an awkward ground ball to the left, but he hit it]

Oh! There we go.

There we go!!

[ Much more joyfully. ]

Great job, Makoto! I knew you could do it!!

T. . . thanks.

[for such a tiny win, he does seem pretty pleased!]

Your talent must have rubbed off on me.

That's not a possibility. You did this yourself, you just found a way that worked for you!

[ She's so proud of him. ]

[. . . Maya you're too sweet and earnest. it's endearing]

Do you want to make a game out of this? It might keep things more interesting.

[handing her the bat so she can take another turn]

Something. . . mildly competitive.

First to hit a homerun, or...?

[ Wow. ]

What?? No way; I'd lose that one in a heartbeat.

[he can hit a ball but he can't hit a homerun]

Dates are supposed to be about getting to know each other, so. . . what if-- ever time one of us hits a ball-- we get to ask the other a question?

[they don't need a game for that, but he thinks incorporating their date spot into it might be fun??]

That seems fine to me!

[ She's simple. ]

Do we want to count that as the first, or is this starting now?

Starting now. It wouldn't be right if I got a freebie and you didn't.

[sage nod. he plays fair!!]

Okay, then! Let's try at the same time, so there's less pressure.

[ Different batting cages, but they can still talk. ]

[perfect idea! he picks up a new bat of his own and scoots over the next cage over, lifting one hand to his mouth to call out]

Heeeeey! So you can still hear me?

Loud and clear, competitor Edamura!! Are you ready to get started?

[ She's ready! Bat is being brandished! ]

[a mock salute! and then he assumes the batting position]

Ready! On three. One, two. . .

[the machines load up their pitches]

Three--!!

[ Of course, now that she's hype for it, this is the moment she misses the pitch, prompting a loud but good-natured groan. ]

[MEANWHILE, Edamura's bat solidly connects with his ball! it's another awkward chopper that probably would have gone foul, but he perks up in triumph anyway]

First point to Edamura!

Don't think I won't make a comeback, Question Asker!!

[ Wow.

Fierce. ]

[laughs! and props the bottom of his bat against the ground, hands folded against the handle as he leans forward to grin at her]

I'll be waiting! But for now--

What made you want to become a journalist?

Oh--

[ Right. ]

My dad was one. He unearthed a ton of huge scoops and traveled around the world, covering important subjects and even a war or two. I really wanted to be just like him.

[heck. that's cute?? that's cute!! his smile softens]

Your dad must have been pretty amazing if you wanted to be just like him. I bet he'd be proud.

I wonder. But I do hope so!

[ As she moves back to the starting point. ]

Are you ready, Makoto?

-- right!

[noooo he has so many follow up questions. but for now, he assumes the position again]

Round two. Three, two, one--

[the machines whir to life and throw their balls at the dueling batters]

[ And Maya lets out a triumphant whoop as she hits the ball this time, a straight line drive. ]

Triumphant comeback!!

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