Request

Jared was in the middle of the crowd, eyes fixed on the stage as King Rhyme unleashed his sharp rhymes against Lil' Flex. Each word was like a blow, and Jared felt his heart race with the intensity of the battle. He had never seen anything like it.

When the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, Jared felt as if all that energy was being directed at him. It was electrifying. For a moment, he imagined himself on that stage, feeling the same adrenaline, commanding everyone's attention with his own words.

"This is crazy," Jared thought, his chest pounding. "I want this. I'm going to do this." He made up his mind.

After the rap battle, still determined to enter that world, Jared approached the host who was still on stage arranging the equipment.

"Hey, man, I need to talk to you. How do I sign up for these battles?"

The host looked at Jared, sizing him up with interest before replying. "What's up, kid? How old are you?"

"I'm 16."

The host, who was drinking water, choked and spit out the water in surprise at the response. "Damn! What did your mom feed you to make you grow that big, kid?"

Jared gave a half-smile, already used to that kind of reaction. "Good nutrition and a lot of attitude, man. So, how do I get in?"

The host shook his head, still impressed, but laughed. "Alright, kid. Here's the deal, we have these battles every week in the square. But tell me, have you ever rapped before?"

Jared hesitated a bit before answering. "I've never competed, but I have some rhymes saved up."

The host raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "This is all about freestyling, kid. Pre-written rhymes won't cut it. You've never rapped in public, have you? And you think you can take on this crowd right off the bat? Look, kid, this isn't a game. The guys here are tough, they don't go easy on beginners."

Jared kept his gaze steady. "I know what I'm doing. I just need a chance to show it."

The host still seemed skeptical, but there was something in Jared's confidence that made him reconsider. "Alright, here's what we'll do: show up next week and show me what you've got. I'll give you a spot to warm up before the main battles. If you impress, I'll put you up against the crew. But I'm warning you, I won't go easy just because it's your first time."

Jared smiled, satisfied with the opportunity. "Deal. I'll be here and I won't disappoint."

The host shook his head, still doubtful, but gave Jared a pat on the shoulder. "Good luck, kid. You're gonna need it."

"Wait a minute, kid. What's your nickname?"

Jared frowned, a bit confused. "Jared."

The host shook his head and laughed. "No, man. That's not how it works. The nickname is what the crowd will call you, how you'll be recognized. For example, I'm Razor, that's what they call me."

Jared thought for a moment. He remembered how his mom called him "Jay," but preferred to keep that just between them.

Razor observed Jared with a thoughtful expression. "No nickname, huh? Alright. I'll think of one for you and put you on the list. But I'm warning you, don't come complaining after I choose."

Jared shrugged. "It's fine."

Razor smiled, appreciating the kid's attitude. "That's the spirit, kid. Now go home and practice. Next week you'll have your chance." Then he fist-bumped Jared's shoulder.

.

.

.

Jared jogged back home, his mind still buzzing with the adrenaline of the battle he had just witnessed. When he entered the front door, he found his mom in the kitchen, who immediately noticed the excited and agitated expression on his face.

"Jay, where were you? I was worried."

Jared took a deep breath. "Mom, I was walking around the city and I stumbled upon something amazing in the square. It was a rap battle competition where people show their skills with words. I decided I want to participate."

Lucia frowned, not fully understanding. "Rap battle competition? Is that some kind of event?"

Jared smiled, trying to simplify. "It's more like an event where people challenge each other to create verses creatively and quickly."

Lucia looked at him for a moment, thoughtful. She knew her son needed something to motivate him. 'At least he found something he likes. I can't stop him; who knows when he'll have another opportunity like this.'

She sighed and looked at Jared with a resigned smile. "Jay, I don't understand much about this, but if it's something that makes you happy and motivates you, I'll support you. But remember your responsibilities, okay?"

Jared thanked his mom, feeling relieved to have her support. With that, he decided to prepare seriously for his debut in the rap battles.

Jared's mom smiled, proud of her son's excitement. "That's great, but now, can you help me prepare dinner?"

Jared smiled back at her. "Sure, mom. Let's do it."

The two spent the rest of the evening cooking together, sharing stories of the day and enjoying each other's company. Later, they sat together to watch TV.

.

.

.

Reader-kun: Create a good nickname for him, author-sama!

Author-sama: Leave it to me, reader-kun, I'm known for my sense of naming. He'll be Dog-Dog. ◡̃ ͜ʖ◡̃

Reader-kun: (╥︣﹏᷅╥᷅)

Author-sama: Emhine? ͡◡ ͜ʖ͡◡ 

Reader-Kun: (╥︣﹏᷅╥᷅)

Author-sama: Pactuc? ͠◡ ͜ʖ͠◡ 

Reader-Kun: Stop, author! They're going to cut us off! （ つ̥︣﹏╰̥̥）

Author-sama: (•◡•) /Copyrights