TJ Johnson stood awkwardly outside the pitcher's mound of the baseball diamond. The ball was perched tightly in his grip as he prepared to strike the batter out. He wasn't the best pitcher Angel Grove High had, but he was decent. He glanced briefly up to the bleachers, where many AGHS fans sat, all cheering him on. His breath stopped, lingering on the most beautiful sight he had ever seen: Cassie Chan.

"...And Angel Grove pitcher TJ Johnson is about to make his..." TJ's mind blocked the announcer's voice as his gaze lingered on Cassie's form. She wasn't looking at him; Her eyes were staring out into space, oblivious to the fact he was watching her. His heart melted, thinking of her bright personality and loveable attitude to the world.

His mind snapped, remembering suddenly that he was at a baseball game and he trained his attention to the waiting batter. Swinging his arm back, he made his pitch. . .

* * *

It was a few hours later, the five friends sat around a table in the Surf Spot, talking about the game Angel Grove had won over Stone Canyon, AGHS's rival for years.

"You played a great game," Carlos told TJ with a smile. "We creamed Stone Canyon so badly!"

TJ nodded, smirking as he ate the fries that sat in the middle of the table, "Yeah, we did. It was unbelievable!"

"It was pretty cool," Cassie added, glancing side-ways at TJ with a smile. "I'm glad you guys won."

TJ blushed faintly at her words, smiling at her in return. "I'm glad we did too."

TJ's gaze flickered across her features, taking her hungrily in one gaze. She was beautiful, the most beautiful girl he'd ever laid eyes on. Why would she ever want someone like me? He wondered, glancing at the table with a sigh. I'm no one special, and I'm going to guess that she loves the Phantom Ranger. . . Not that I blame her. He's full of mystery and charm; What do I have to offer her? Nothing.

His eyes flickered to her face again, and he paused, catching her eyes on his. She looked away with a blush, and he had to smile. Even if nothing happened, he was almost glad he could cause her to blush.

Maybe there is something there, but. . . If I ever do anything, I think it would be smart to remain quiet about it. I don't want to bring that much attention on me. . . Or do I?

Cassie glanced at TJ, her eyes widening lightly when she caught his gaze on her. She looked away with a blush. The things TJ could make her feel were unbelievable, and sitting at a table in the middle of the Surf Spot was not exactly the best place to feel that way. She sighed softly, and glanced up again at him, and again, caught his gaze on her. She smiled at him, and she had to laugh when he returned the smile.

I wish I knew how he felt about me, Cassie thought with a fading smile. If I knew what he felt, telling him my feelings would be so much easier. If only. . .

"Teej?" She whispered softly.

"Hmm?"

She turned her gaze from the table to his face, "Can we. . . Talk?"

TJ paused, his eyes trained to hers. He nodded slowly, "Of course Cass."

Cassie stood up, excusing herself from her gossiping friends and led TJ outside into the cool evening air.

"What's up?" He asked, once both Rangers stood in the raising moon light.

"I wanted to tell you something," She whispered.

"What?"

"TJ, I. . ." Cassie faltered, her eyes staring at him in deep thought. She looked away with a sigh. She opened her mouth again, and a flash of black crossed her eyes. The Phantom Ranger. She whispered in her head. She gazed back up at him, and shook her head. "Never mind, it's not important."

"Are you sure?" TJ stared at her, trying to read the thoughts floating through her head. She nodded. TJ glanced away, hiding the crest fallen expression he wanted to wear on his young face.

"Yeah." He doesn't need to know yet. . . Not when I'm so unsure.

TJ nodded and turned and headed back inside the Surf Spot, Maybe it's better she didn't tell me. He mused to himself. I don't know if I can handle the rejections. . .

No one needs to know right now...