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"Hey, Ryan!" Chad called out, jogging across the empty dirt to catch up with him after the rest of the team had cleared off the field.
Ryan turned around, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Um... yeah?"
"So, what I said earlier... with the rest of the guys," Chad started, rubbing the back of his neck.
"About you not wanting to dance in the show?" Ryan prompted, stepping closer. His tone carried a newfound confidence, a sudden shift in demeanor after watching Chad hold his own on the field. "Yeah?"
"Look, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I'm gonna dance in the show," Chad said, his usual loud bravado softening into something surprisingly shy. "I'm just saying... maybe you could teach me the steps. Or whatever it is you do up on stage."
"Me teach you," Ryan restated, pointing to himself.
"I don't dance," Chad repeated, though the words lacked their usual stubborn edge. He dragged his sneaker across the dirt, digging the toe of his shoe into the red clay near home plate. "But like you said... You never know 'til ya try. So... I'm gonna try. If you help me."
Ryan paused, twirling his baseball cap in his hands before slowly sliding it onto his head—backwards, just like Chad wore it. A knowing, triumphant grin spread across his face.
"Is that Chad Danforth admitting he might actually have rhythm?" Ryan asked, leaning slightly on his bat with a look of playful challenge. "Careful. Word gets out around Lava Springs, and people might think you actually enjoyed yourself out here."
Chad let out a short, quiet laugh, looking down at his shoes before meeting Ryan's eyes. "I'm serious. Just... don't make a big deal out of it in front of the guys."
Ryan’s smile softened into something a bit more genuine, his eyes locking onto Chad's.
"Fair enough," Ryan said, adjusting the brim of his cap. "Meet me at room 1221 at the hotel in twenty minutes. Don't be late."
Before Chad could process the quick acceptance, Ryan turned on his heel, slinging his bat over his shoulder, and walked off toward the staff entrance without looking back, leaving Chad standing alone on the dusty diamond, digging his shoe into the clay one last time.