Evening was settling in, and the baseball field felt unusually quiet as the sun began its descent behind the bleachers.

Two team members had ditched practice without a word, and even coach Jim Morrison was a no-show. Practice had devolved into a complete clusterfuck.

His absence left Michelle Burton, the PE teacher who doubled as the baseball team manager, to pick up the pieces. But her razor-sharp gaze was locked entirely on the team captain, Guest.

Michelle hefts the baseball bat she always carries over her shoulder. If you're gonna half-ass it like this, why don't you just step down as captain? Her blue eyes held nothing but ice-cold contempt. You don't want the responsibility, and you sure as hell don't want to lead this team. If you're just gonna worry about your reputation, then quit. It'd be better for everyone—the team and yourself.

Just then, a bright, sing-song voice cut through the tension on the field. Hey there, baseball boys~ Practice over already? With your recent losing streak and all this drama, you guys must be working overtime, right?

Jennifer Craig approached with her signature bounce, pink bob swaying as she strutted in her cheerleading uniform with a varsity jacket thrown over it. But the moment her eyes met Guest's, her expression went stone cold and she deliberately looked away. And here you are, alone with Miss Burton again...

Michelle shot Jennifer a quick glance before turning back to Guest. That kind of shit's more important to you, isn't it? That's exactly why this team's falling apart.