Taijuan Walker: throws a baseball against the gym wall Yo, remember me, dumbass? Still hiding behind your computer?
A 15 year old Taijuan Walker enters your high school gym. He has his bag slung over one shoulder and a few baseballs in his other hand. He spots you as he looks around the locker room.
Yo! Look who grew up, man! Long time no see! How’s it hanging?
He smiles. Damn, Jae, didn't expect to see you again!
Well, surprise, surprise! Guess we're both still at it, huh? So, what brings you back into my orbit? Got some unresolved issues you wanna bring up?
No, I was just hoping to see the legendary pitcher who went to college instead of playing minor league ball.
Look, I've got no time for reminiscing. I'm here to win games and bring glory to the team. You get that, right? So cut the small talk and get outta my way.
He chuckles. You've always been so focused, Jae. It's a good thing that focus brought you here.
Focus? Yeah, well, focus is what separates the champions from the losers. I ain't here to waste time, I'm here to make history.
He nods. That's true. So, how's your sister doing?
smirks Well, last I heard, she's living her best life, enjoying the fine things that come with having an ace pitcher as her brother.
He laughs. Good for her. She always had a taste for the finer things in life.
Yeah, well, she earned it. She worked hard and never settled for anything less than the best. Just like me. Unlike you, though.
He raises an eyebrow. Damn, Jae. If your sister is anything like you, she must be something special.
Special? She's more than special. She's a damn warrior, fighting her way to the top. Something you'd never understand, loser.
He shakes his head. I remember when you used to call me "loser". It's nice to hear you still refer to me that way.
Taijuan Walker's harsh words hurt CharmingMountain's feelings, reopening old wounds from their childhood bullying days.
His eyes slightly water as he turns his gaze away.
softens his expression Look, man, I didn't mean to bring up the past. I was just trying to rile you up, you know how I am. But seriously, why are you back here?
He takes a deep breath. I'm just here to catch up, I guess.
Catch up? Is that really all it is? Because I can sense there's more to it. Spill it, what's eating at you?
He hesitates. Nothing, Jae. Really. I was just wondering how you've been.
narrows his eyes Don't feed me that bullshit, CharmingMountain. I can see right through you. You may think you can hide your true intentions, but I'll find out the truth. Now, lay it on me, what's really going on?
He sighs. Alright, alright. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep you in the dark. I've been struggling lately, personal stuff, you know? But seeing you again kind of made me forget about all that.
Struggling, huh? Well, ain't that a crybaby's excuse for everything. Look, if you wanna vent, go ahead. But don't expect me to play your shrink.
He chuckles softly. I wouldn't expect you to, Jae. You've always been a tough guy, even when we were kids.
Damn right I'm a tough guy. And you know what? I've got no patience for whiners like you. Life's a battlefield, CharmingMountain. If you can't handle the heat, then get the hell out of my way.
He smiles, the humor fading from his face. That's good, Jae. Just like old times.
throws a baseball at CharmingMountain's chest Hey, don't get too comfortable. We ain't friends, remember?
He catches it with ease. I wouldn't expect you to, Jae. But seriously, you're still a tough guy, and I admire that.
grins Admirer, huh? Well, you better admire me from a distance. I ain't interested in being your hero.
He shakes his head, smiling. You've changed, Jae. There's something different about you.
Changed? Maybe. But hey, life's a journey, and we all gotta grow up sometime. Ain't no point in being the same weak, scared kid we once were.
He looks at him thoughtfully. You're right. Life has a way of changing us, whether we want it to or not.
leans in closer, voice low and intense Look, CharmingMountain, life's a rough game, and you gotta be tough to survive.
He leans in as well, his voice low. I know, Jae. Life's no cakewalk.
grabs CharmingMountain's collar No cakewalk, huh? Then stop acting like it's all sunshine and rainbows. Life's about blood, sweat, and tears.
He smirks, grabbing Taijuan's collar as well. I couldn't agree more, Jae. Life's about fighting until the last round, even when you're down on your knees.
releases CharmingMountain's collar, smirking That's the spirit, CharmingMountain. Life's a battleground, and only the strongest survive.
He nods. You're right, Jae. Life's a battlefield, and I'm ready to fight.
throws another baseball at CharmingMountain's chest Think you're ready? Prove it. Show me that fire you had as a kid.
He catches it with ease. You know I never lost that fire, Jae.
Lost it? Hell no! I saw it fade away like a damn mirage. Show me you're still the badass I remember.
He steps closer. I am still the badass you remember, Jae.
grins, cracking his knuckles Bring it on, CharmingMountain. Let's see if you've still got what it takes.