After six straight wins, Dranred's team had proven themselves unstoppable. Before they could face the Major League players, the country's baseball federation decided to form a new national team — a lineup strong enough to represent them at the World Cup.
Because of their stellar performance, many of Dranred's teammates were chosen for the first string, while others joined the second string under private sponsorships. Nathan made it as one of the catchers, and Dranred, naturally, secured a spot as one of the pitchers.
A week later, the newly formed National Team was introduced at a grand press conference. The room was filled with reporters, sponsors, and scouts, all offering their congratulations and hopes for the team's success.
When the crowd began to disperse, Charlie approached Dranred, a rare proud smile tugging at his lips.
"You're one step away from your dream," he said, handing his nephew a small envelope.
Dranred blinked, curious. "What's this?"
"Open it," Charlie replied.
"You could just tell me, you know," Dranred joked as he tore the flap open. Inside was a neatly folded letter — an official invitation from the Major League team where Charlie had once played.
"They were impressed with your performance," Charlie said, his tone calm but brimming with pride. "They believe you have what it takes to play in the Majors. So—what do you think?"
Dranred stared at the letter for a moment, his voice catching slightly. "This is… incredible. Everything's happening so fast."
"Overwhelmed?" Charlie asked with a faint smirk. "You shouldn't be. You've got the skill and talent. You could've reached this point years ago if not for—"
"Stop," Dranred interrupted, his tone firm. "I can feel the bitterness every time you bring up the past." He looked at Charlie, eyes steady but not angry. "I understand why you're upset. Maybe even why you said what you did to Rosette. But you need to understand something, Uncle. Whatever happened back then—it was my choice. No one forced me. And if I had to do it all over again, I'd make the same decision."
Charlie was silent for a moment, then sighed. "I knew you'd say that. And you're right—I was rude. I didn't mean any harm. But you also know that what I said wasn't entirely wrong. If you want to succeed this time, you need to set aside all those distractions—"
"Set aside?" Dranred cut in, his voice sharper now. "Uncle, I'm not hearing this from you of all people."
He took a deep breath, his grip tightening around the letter. "Rosette and her family — they're my family too. She's not a distraction. It's the opposite. Because she's by my side, I feel stronger. I can face anything, achieve anything."
He lifted his gaze, his tone steady and sincere. "So don't ask me to turn my back on what I feel. Because my feelings… they're what give me strength now."
"Now you're talking like a man," Charlie said with a faint smile.
"But tell me—can you really be sure she'll stay by your side? People leave when it's convenient for them. Especially since you and James still don't see eye to eye."
Dranred's expression didn't waver. "Then all I have to do is make her stay—and never let her go."
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"
"You'll have to watch and see," Dranred replied, smiling with quiet confidence.
Charlie chuckled under his breath. "You're talking with full confidence now, huh?"
As he looked at Dranred, something in him shifted. This wasn't the same young man who once ran from his dreams.
No matter what Charlie said, he knew his words could no longer sway him. Dranred's eyes were fixed firmly on his goals—and on the woman who gave him the strength to pursue them.
For the first time, Charlie truly saw that determination. It wasn't just ambition burning in Dranred's gaze—it was love, steady and unyielding.
He sighed softly, a mix of pride and worry tightening in his chest
I just hope this time… he can have both.
"Commissioner!" Dranred exclaimed, startled when the commissioner of the Basketball Federation arrived at the baseball practice field, accompanied by several board members—and Peter, who seemed to be guiding them around. The group smiled warmly when they saw Dranred. He hadn't expected a visit like this.
"So this is your new stage," the commissioner said, looking around the field. Some players were practicing their swings, others running drills. "I must say, I'm impressed. I watched a few of your games. You've adapted to baseball faster than anyone expected. I even heard several major league teams are after you. You really excel in everything you do."
"Thank you for your kind words, sir," Dranred replied humbly. "But I still have a long way to go. So… what brings you here? I doubt you came all this way just to compliment me."
The commissioner chuckled. "You're still as sharp as ever. Well, you're right—we're here for a reason. You see, it's the finals season."
Dranred smiled faintly. "Yeah, I heard. Phoenix and Falcons again, right? Looks like my old team's back in the championship."
"You sound pleased," the commissioner noted. "Of course, you would be—they were your teammates, after all." His expression softened, then turned businesslike. "The reason we came here is to invite you to an All-Star Exhibition Match before the finals. It'll be the retired basketball legends versus the new generation of All-Stars. We believe it will make this year's finals unforgettable."
"An All-Star Exhibition?" Dranred repeated, his brows lifting. "That's quite an event. But to pull that off, you'll need every retired player's agreement."
"You're right—and we already have them. We're just waiting for yours."
Dranred hesitated. "Why me?"
"Well, that's simple," the commissioner said, smiling knowingly. "You were the basketball superstar—the 'Legendary Shooting Star.' The fans would love to see you in your jersey one last time. Your rivalry with Drake was just heating up when you retired. Everyone's been waiting for the day you'd meet on the court again."
Dranred looked down for a moment, a faint nostalgic smile forming before fading just as quickly. "That's flattering, sir… but I'm a little busy now. We're preparing for a major baseball exhibition."
"Ah, we knew you'd say that," the commissioner replied, glancing toward the dugout. "That's why we already spoke to the Baseball Federation."
Dranred turned, surprised, as his coach and Charlie approached. Both men looked like they already knew about the visit. Charlie's expression was unreadable—part pride, part warning.
"Uncle Charlie! Coach." Dranred blinked in surprise as the two approached. "You knew about this?"
"They were actually the first ones we spoke to," the commissioner replied before Charlie could answer. "They said they'd support you, as long as it doesn't interfere with your upcoming games."
"Really now?" Dranred said, turning to his uncle.
Charlie crossed his arms, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I think it'll be fine. We still have time before your baseball exhibition. Personally, I'd like those major league players to see you play basketball again. Just thinking about their faces when they realize the ace pitcher used to be a basketball prodigy—that excites me."
The coach nodded. "I agree with Charlie. The whole national team will probably be watching. It could be great publicity for us. What do you think?"
Dranred rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm… not sure about that."
The commissioner stepped closer, his tone friendly but firm. "What's your decision, Dranred? Personally, I'd really hope you'll agree."
Dranred exhaled slowly. "Well… I guess it's fine. It's just an exhibition match, after all. But are you sure it's okay with the All-Star players? Some of them will be competing in the finals. They'll be exhausted if they have to play before that."
"That's already been taken care of," the commissioner said confidently. "We've postponed the first finals game until the Sunday after next. Everything's set."
He offered Dranred a handshake. "Thank you for your cooperation."
Dranred hesitated for a second before shaking his hand. A faint, almost nostalgic smile flickered on his lips.