Frim Decision

American high schools are similar to Korean universities. Graduation from high school was possible only if you completed the required credits before graduation.

Except for the required subjects, students could take all the liberal arts subjects they wanted.

Now that the new semester had begun, classes may or may not be held due to the adjustment period.

To put it simply, it was an orientation week to learn what the class would offer.

Therefore, most students could move around freely during this leisurely week.

But Lucas was not like that. Even though he was given free time, he didn't hang out with other friends.

"Hey, Bright."

When it was time for assembly, Mike visited Lucas. Lucas didn't want to talk about yesterday, but nothing was going his way here.

"Why on earth aren't you playing baseball?"

"Well, Because I can't be the best."

Mike furrowed his brows.

"You can't be the best? Who said that?"

"You don't need someone to tell you to know."

When Mike tilted his head, Lucas asked a question this time.

"Do you know what it means to be successful in baseball in America?"

"Major league."

"Yeah. I don't have the talent to be a major leaguer."

Mike furrowed his brows.

"Have you tried? Have you even tried?"

Mike was a friend who always talked to him from the moment he entered this school.

To say they were friends was just to say they greeted each other or had light conversations.

The only friend who didn't ignore him, who always tried to cut off from people.

It was a great shock to Lucas to see this good friend get angry, but he still kept his expression.

"I don't want to risk my future because of my uncertain talent."

Mike showed his disapproval by baring his teeth. There was also disappointment in his eyes.

Lucas read Mike's eyes but turned away.

'Have I tried?'

'No. I haven't tried it.'

You know how long and short it is, but is the world really that easy?

It was easy for Mike to say because he didn't know Lucas's family's circumstances.

Was baseball a sport that could be played without equipment?

Was it a sport you could enjoy even without money?

If a dreamer who only dreamed of baseball did not become a major leaguer, would he be able to live a stable life?

It was then that Mike's anger faded after reading Lucas's somewhat sad expression.

"They want you in the principal's office."

"The principal's office?"

"Yeah. You should go right now."

Lucas slowly got up from his seat.

In the United States, being called to the principal's office meant you had made a terrible mistake.

Lucas's steps toward the principal's office were heavy.

'Shit. What did I do wrong?'

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't come up with an answer.

He hadn't fought with anyone or neglected his studies. But there was no way the call was fake.

He arrived in front of the office.

Knock, knock.

"Come on in."

As the voice came through the crack in the door, Lucas sighed heavily and turned the doorknob.

The moment he entered the principal's office, his eyebrows naturally furrowed at the sight of a familiar face.

Donald, the baseball team manager, whom he met yesterday, was smiling brightly at him.

When Lucas appeared, the principal invited him to sit on the chair in front of him.

"Then let's get straight to the point."

The principal nodded, rested his chin, and continued speaking leisurely.

"Lucas, I heard you have a talent for baseball?"

'Of course. I didn't do anything wrong.'

Lucas was relieved for now.

"No."

"Coach Donald next to you is probably not lying, is he?"

Lucas licked his dry lower lip with his tongue.

There was a lot he wanted to say, but his English wasn't good enough, so he had to keep his mouth shut.

The principal lifted the document in front of him and read it silently. Then he nodded a few times and opened his mouth again.

"Did you give up baseball because of family circumstances?"

There are essential things to write down when enrolling in school in the United States.

The principal probably read them and noticed.

Lucas did not answer.

He didn't want to use family circumstances as an excuse.

"No. I just want to succeed in my studies. In Korea, being able to use English fluently is a great help in life."

The principal nodded. "That's obvious. The value of someone who speaks two languages is clear. However, this is America. Students should do what they want to do. It is our role to make sure they can move in that direction."

Lucas couldn't look the principal in the eye. He stared at the empty space in front of him.

"I don't know exactly what kind of culture Korea has, but as I said before, this is America. American students should pursue their passions. We are here to support that."

The principal's voice continued,

"FS High School was once known for its baseball program. Of course, now its prestige has faded as other schools have excelled. That's why we need people like you to bring back the school's reputation. Of course, this also has to be something that you want to do."

The principal leaned forward, his expression serious.

"There are rewards. We will provide you with baseball equipment free of charge. Furthermore, if you achieve excellent grades, we will offer additional benefits, such as a scholarship. So, let me ask you again. What is your dream? What do you want to pursue? If your dream is truly to focus on your studies, I won't ask any more."

"Well, studying..."

Lucas couldn't finish his answer.

He was confused.

What should he choose to ease the lifelong burden that his parents had placed on him?

Also, what did he really want to do?

He was so choked up that his voice couldn't come out. Instead, hot tears flowed down his cheeks.

About five minutes passed like that.

The two adults in the principal's office waited patiently until Lucas opened his mouth.

Finally, his voice emerged from the crack in his mouth.

"I want to play baseball."