#inflatable rentals near me

[ultimatepartyjumpca]

Are you ready to scale up your party game? With a large selection of jumper rentals, Ultimate Party Jump has got you covered to make the occasion one that everyone remembers for a lifetime. You can just tailor your party to your guests’ specific interests and demands by searching for this inflatable rentals or a bouncy house rental service nearby.

[partytimerentalnj]

Website : https://www.partytimerentalnj.com

Address : 128 Don Connor Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527

Phone : +1 973-256-1550

We are a family-owned Party and Event Rental Company, specializing in party rentals like Bounce Houses, Water Slides, Combo Units, Obstacle Courses, Tents, Tables, and Chairs. We pride ourselves on good old fashion customer service. Our high-quality inflatable party rentals are state of the art and are cleaned and sanitized before and after every event. At Party Time Rentals NJ, our motto is ""We Plan so you can Party!!

[floridatentsandeventsfl]

Website : https://www.floridatentsandevents.com/

Address : 17649 US-27 Building B Suite 14, Clermont, FL 34715

Phone : +1 407-777-4776

Florida Tents & Events in Orlando is your #1 choice for inflatable fun! Our huge selection of party rentals includes bounce house rentals, wet and dry slide rentals, obstacle course rentals, and more. We also have a selection of carnival game rentals, concession machine rentals, tent, table and chair rentals, as well as other party rental items you need to make your event a success! Florida Tents & Events event rental items include high-quality inflatables and other party rental items that are cleaned and sanitized between every rental to ensure your guest’s safety. Check out our website to browse our selection of party rental items for your corporate event, backyard party, fundraiser, church or school event, and more!

[topchoicepartyrentals]

Website: https://www.topchoicepartyrentals.com/

Address: 10106 Blanchard Park Lane, Cypress, TX 77433

Phone: +1 346-200-5278

Top Choice Party Rentals is a family-owned Event Rental Company based out of Cypress, TX. We service Cypress, Tomball, Katy, and surrounding areas, and we offer the highest quality Bounce Houses, Wet and Dry Slides, Obstacle Courses, and other essential Party Supplies available. Our goal is to serve our community with exceptional quality and superior customer service, as well as offering the best selection of Inflatable Bounce House and Party Rentals available. Our Top Choice Party Rentals family holds safety and cleanliness in the highest regard, as it is paramount to our success. Make Top Choice Party Rentals your #1 choice in the Cypress area for all of your Party Rental needs!

[jumptasticatlanta]

Jumptastic Party & Event Rental

Address- 1650 Lakes Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA, USA 30043

Phone- (404) 436-6793

Email- info@jumptastic.com

Website- https://www.jumptastic.com/

We are Atlanta Area's choice for Inflatable Rentals & Party Rentals! Our vast rental inventory of Bounce Houses, Slides, Water Slides, Trackless Trains, Water Games, Obstacle Courses, Inflatable Games and much more will be the perfect centerpiece to any Event or Children's Party. In addition, we offer table rental, chair rental and traditional carnival fun food rentals like cotton candy, popcorn and snow cone machines. Reserve Online 24/7.

We are open on- Monday - Sunday: 8 AM - 5 PM.

We accept- Credit Card, Cash.

Facebook-          https://www.facebook.com/jumptastic/

Twitter-               https://www.twitter.com/jumptasticparty/

YouTube-            https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3fE83K4xl5JG6FVXMDU9Tg

LinkedIn-            https://www.linkedin.com/company/1074492/

Instagram-          https://www.instagram.com/jumptasticparty/

[littlejumpersnj]

Renting a Bounce House in New Jersey?

We offer Bounce House Rental services in North Jersey, NJ.

Little Jumpers LLC is a trusted provider of bounce house rentals in North Jersey, NJ. Offering a wide selection of inflatable options, our services are perfect for birthdays, events, and special occasions. When it comes to price range, our bounce house rentals start at an affordable rate, making it accessible for customers with different budgets. Renting a bounce house from Little Jumpers LLC guarantees a reliable and fun-filled experience. We offer professional bounce house rental services in North Jersey. Our extensive range of inflatables guarantees fun and entertainment for all ages. Contact us now to book your next event and make it an unforgettable experience. Little Jumpers LLC is a premier provider of bounce house rentals in Westfield, NJ, serving the North Jersey region. Our commitment to professionalism ensures a seamless experience for all our customers. With a diverse selection of high-quality inflatables, we guarantee an unforgettable and fun-filled event. Book with us today to create memories that will last a lifetime. You can rent a popcorn machine from Little Jumpers LLC in Westfield, NJ. They offer bounce house rentals in North Jersey as well. We offer professional bounce house rental services in Westfield, NJ. Our wide range of inflatable options caters to various events and guarantees a fun-filled experience. Contact us today to book your bounce house and make your next event unforgettable.

Little Jumpers- Party & Bounce House Rentals in Westfield, NJ

A bounce house rental in Westfield NJ offers numerous benefits for both children and parents alike. Renting a bounce house provides children with a safe and exciting way to engage in physical activity, promoting healthy development and active play. Moreover, bounce houses offer a unique form of entertainment that can keep children engaged and entertained for hours, making it an ideal choice for birthday parties, family gatherings, or other special occasions. Additionally, bounce house rentals provide convenience and ease for parents. By opting for a rental, parents can avoid the hassle of purchasing and storing a bulky bounce house. Rental services typically handle delivery, setup, and takedown, making the process easy and smooth. We offer professional Bouncy House Rental services through our company, Little Jumpers LLC. Our team provides top-quality equipment and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Contact us today for your next event!

Call us: 201-877-1193

[ultimatepartyjumpca]

It’s time to stop looking for water slides for rent near me, because Ultimate Party Jump has so many water slides that are perfect for your kids party. Our slides come in a wide variety of sizes, including 18' Rock Slide with Pool, Super Splash Down 2 with Pool, 27' Roaring River 2 Lane Run ’N’ Splash Combo and others. Please call 323–693–9997 or email info@ultimatepartyjump.com to reserve your water slide and jumper rentals.

[littlejumpersnj]

Bouncy house rentals in New Providence, NJ

Join New Providence, NJ’s evolution in Bouncy house rentals njs with Little Jumpers LLC.

Our bouncy house rentals njs are available for rent in New Providence, NJ. So if you want to have a get-together in New Providence, NJ, you should definitely consider hiring us for your bouncy house rentals nj. High quality parties like the one you are planning need top notch equipment, and you can get that from Little Jumpers LLC.

Little Jumpers LLC is your source for high quality bouncy house rentals njs.

You may want to consider these other items in New Providence, NJ:

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In addition to offering #1 bouncy house rentals njs in New Providence, NJ, we also offer: Bounce House Rental. So if your children are bored this year, then you might want to consider Little Jumpers LLC for your next rental so they can have a blast with their friends outside in the grass. We have a big selection so, be sure to check out all of our inventory.

We have everything needed to throw awesome, once in a lifetime parties. Whether it’s in your backyard or a large corporate event, we want to make sure your event is a fun, relaxing experience from start to finish.

Interested in hosting a memorable party? Little Jumpers LLC has got you covered! With everything you need, we can help make your party absolutely special. Whether it’s intimate gatherings or large-scale company parties, we offer a wide range of inventory to suit your needs.

Experience the power of Bouncy house rentals njs in the heart of New Providence, NJ.

Little Jumpers LLC is your high quality source for bouncy house rentals njs. We love providing the top bargain for your money in the area. With every rental and every event, we focus in on providing quality service so you can focus on having FUN. We also pride ourselves in providing safe, clean equipment at the most competitive pricing around. Each item is cleaned and sanitized after every event to ensure your safety and satisfaction. We always follow the strictest safety rules and we will not ignore your safety for business. EVER.

Transforming Bouncy house rentals njs one project at a time – that’s Little Jumpers LLC.

[ultimatepartyjumpca]

Whether you’re looking to plan a party for children, or just want your guests to feel like a kid again, nothing says fun like an inflatable rental. Experience that same joy or pass it on for other children to experience with ultimatepartyjump.com! Check out our inventory pages for information on single rentals and combo units or contact us today to get more information on how we can help make your event one that guests will never forget.

For more information visit here bouncehouse near me

[pro-inflatables]

Party Rentals Near Me Mobile AL

Planning a memorable event can be a challenging task, especially when you're trying to keep costs down, but with strategic use of party rentals near me in Mobile, AL, you can create an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and ideas on how to maximize your budget with smart party rental choices.

1. Prioritize Essential Rentals

When planning your event, start by identifying the essentials. Tables, chairs, and tents are often necessary for most gatherings. Prioritizing these items ensures your guests have a comfortable place to sit and socialize, and a tent can provide much-needed shade or protection from rain. By focusing on essential items first, you can allocate your budget more effectively and avoid overspending on less critical rentals.

2. Opt for Multi-Use Items

Selecting rentals that serve multiple purposes is a great way to get more value for your money. For instance, tables with removable tops can be used for dining during the day and converted into a dance floor in the evening. Chairs can double as seating for a ceremony and dining, reducing the need to rent separate items for different parts of your event. These multi-use items help streamline your rental list and cut down on costs.

3. Go for Basic, Upgrade with Decorations

Another cost-saving tip is to rent basic versions of essential items and then upgrade them with your own decorations. Basic tables, chairs, and linens can be transformed with a little creativity. Add some DIY centerpieces, chair covers, and themed decorations to give a personalized touch without the high rental costs. This approach allows you to customize your event while keeping expenses low.

4. Choose Cost-Effective Entertainment Options

Entertainment is a crucial part of any event, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Instead of hiring a live band or DJ, consider renting a high-quality sound system and creating a playlist with your favorite songs. This can significantly cut down on entertainment costs while still ensuring your guests have a great time. Additionally, inflatable games and photo booths can provide hours of fun without the hefty price tag of other entertainment options.

5. Utilize Local Resources

Leveraging local resources can also help you save money on party rentals. Look for community centers or parks in Mobile that offer rental spaces and equipment at reduced rates for residents. These venues often come with added benefits such as built-in tables, chairs, and sometimes even basic decorations. Using these local resources can significantly reduce your rental needs and overall event costs.

6. Plan Ahead and Book Early

Planning ahead and booking your rentals early can save you money as well. Rental companies often offer discounts for early bookings, especially during off-peak seasons. By securing your rentals well in advance, you can take advantage of these discounts and ensure the availability of the items you need. Additionally, early planning gives you more time to shop around and compare prices, ensuring you get the best deal possible.

7. Package Deals and Bundles

Many rental companies offer package deals or bundles that include multiple items at a reduced rate. These packages are designed to provide everything you need for your event at a fraction of the cost of renting each item separately. Look for bundles that align with your event needs, such as wedding packages, birthday party sets, or corporate event deals. These packages can provide substantial savings and simplify the rental process.

8. DIY Decorations and Personal Touches

Adding your own personal touches through DIY decorations can significantly cut costs while adding a unique flair to your event. Simple, cost-effective decorations like fairy lights, homemade centerpieces, and custom banners can enhance the ambiance without the need for expensive rental items. Plus, DIY projects can be a fun way to get involved in the event planning process and add a personal touch to your celebration.

9. Consider Alternative Seating Options

Instead of traditional seating, consider alternative options that can be both cost-effective and stylish. Options like picnic blankets, hay bales covered with fabric, or even rented benches can create a cozy and informal atmosphere while saving on the cost of individual chairs. These alternatives can be particularly effective for outdoor events and add a unique charm to your setup.

10. Rent Versatile Lighting Solutions

Lighting can dramatically enhance the ambiance of your event, and versatile lighting solutions can be a cost-effective way to achieve this. String lights, lanterns, and LED candles can be used in various ways to create different moods throughout the event. These lighting options are usually affordable to rent and can be easily set up to highlight key areas of your venue.

By incorporating these tips and utilizing party rentals near me in Mobile, AL, you can host a spectacular event without straining your budget. Focus on essential rentals, get creative with decorations, and plan ahead to make the most of your resources. With careful planning and strategic rental choices, you can create a memorable celebration that’s both beautiful and budget-friendly.

Featured Business:

Anyone searching for party rentals near me in Mobile, AL, will find an exceptional selection with Pro Inflatables. We offer top-notch, impeccably clean, and incredibly reliable party gear that brings the fun to any event. Pro Inflatables is not just any party rental company; we're experts in creating memorable experiences with our impressive array of inflatables, games, and equipment. Every rental from Pro Inflatables guarantees quality and safety, making us the go-to choice for party rentals near me in Mobile, AL. Our

Contact: Pro Inflatables 5675 Rabbit Creek Dr, Theodore, AL 36582, United States HVCC+W7 Theodore, Alabama, USA (251) 895–5714 https://www.pro-inflatables.com/

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[samparoy]

Inflatable Nightclub & Party Rentals in Charlotte, NC

We specialize in providing unique, customizable inflatable nightclub rentals in Charlotte, NC. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, or just a fun night with friends, our setups come equipped with the latest party technology for an unforgettable experience.

Check us out: Don't forget to visit our website for more information and to book your next event! https://www.inflatethenight.com/ Have any questions or want to share your Inflate The Night experience? Drop a comment below!

Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/InflateTheNight/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InflateTheNight/

[allsonsinc]

Summer is the time of the year when everyone is eager to dive into refreshing activities. As the sun shines brightly, there's nothing more exhilarating than plunging down a water slide, feeling the rush of water, and splashing into a pool.

[littlejumpersnj]

Why Rent an Inflatable Water Slide in Paramus, NJ- May 2024

The sometimes record-breaking summer heat in Paramus, New Jersey, can sometimes be enough to keep you inside most of the day but, our summer days are also the perfect opportunity to cool off with a inflatable water slide rental from Little Jumpers NJ.

A trip to the water park can be expensive and time-consuming, not to mention frustrating. By the time you get everyone in the car, battle the traffic, and shell out the money for parking and tickets, you would spend a lot of money.

Why not keep your cool, avoid the lines, crowds and turn your backyard into a water park with your own Waterslide rental in Paramus, NJ. What better way to beat the heat than with an inflatable Waterslide rental from Little Jumpers NJ.

Benefits of Renting an Inflatable Water Slide

Fun for All Ages: Whether your guests are kids or just kids-at-heart, we have a water slide where everyone can get their splash on! With kid-friendly water slides perfect for children, tweens and teens and adult-sized inflatable water slides for grown-ups, no one is left out of the fun!

Slide N’ Splash

Hassle–Free Everything: All of our inflatable water slide rentals come with free delivery, set up, and tear down/pick up within 15 miles of Kearny, NJ. That means less stress for you, and more time to enjoy your party!

Kids birthday party rental in Paramus, NJ

Convenient & Affordable: Instead of packing everyone in the car and heading out to the water park, we bring the water park to you. Stay home, save money and keep cool.

How to Choose the Perfect Inflatable Water Slide for Your Party!

Before deciding on which inflatable water slide to rent, you will need to consider your guests. Who will be attending your party and using the water slide? If you are hosting a children’s party, we have a kid-friendly water slides and inflatable that are perfect for children to enjoy.

Considerations with Inflatable Water Slide Rentals

When renting an inflatable water slide, or any inflatable bounce house, there are certain criteria you will need to consider while planning to make sure your water slide or inflatable can be set up and used safely at the location where your summer party will happen.

Space

Whether in your backyard or a neighborhood park, you will need to make sure the location has the necessary space to accommodate the inflatable you choose, including fairly flat, even ground where you plan to have the water slide set up. In the description of every one of our water slides and bounce house rental we provide the length, width and height needed to properly set up and use that particular inflatable.

Safety

Safety is our first priority when it comes to our inflatable water slides and our other inflatables, and it should be yours as well. All of our inflatables are manufactured from materials that are free from lead and safe for children to play on. Always follow all safety precautions, including weight restrictions, when using any of our inflatables. All children should be supervised while they are playing on any one of our water slides or bounce house to insure that everyone has a safe, good time.

Electricity

Wherever you plan on having your bounce house set up, you will need to make sure the location has easy access to an electrical outlet, sometimes more than one. We include the number of outlets needed, and the amps required in the description of each of our bounce house so that you can be sure the location you choose has electricity available that can accommodate the equipment.

Water

In addition to electricity, our inflatable need access to an outdoor water source. When considering locations for your party, you’ll need to take this into consideration as well.

Insurance & Permits

Our contracts outline what our company insurance covers when it comes to our waterslide. Before renting any inflatable water slide for your backyard party, you should be aware of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy coverage in the event of an accident or injury. If you are holding your party at a park or other public space, you should be aware of any permit and insurance requirements the location might have in place and allow yourself the necessary time to obtain those before your party. Little jumpers in Paramus, NJ

[funjumps12]

Searching for 'fun jumps near me'? Look no further! Our bounce house rentals offer the ultimate in inflatable play zones and party entertainment. Whether you're planning a memorable kids' birthday party or just want some family fun, our inflatable bounce houses are perfect for all occasions.

[sandiegokidspartyrentalsca]

San Diego Kids Party Rentals

San Diego Kids Party Rentals has everything that you need to put on a great party for your kids. Bounces Houses, water slides, obstacle courses, inflatables, inflatable games, carnival games, and more. Easy online ordering makes your time even easier. We are fully insured and make sure every inflatable unit is cleaned and sanitized before it arrives at your party.

We are open on- Monday - Sunday: 9 AM - 6 PM.

We accept- Credit Card, Cash.

Address- 4676 Brinell St #102, San Diego, CA, USA 92111

Phone- (858) 560-2700

Email- info@sandiegokidspartyrentals.com

Website- https://www.sandiegokidspartyrentals.com/

Facebook-          https://www.facebook.com/sandiegokidspartyrentals

Yelp-                   https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-diego-kids-party-rentals-san-diego

YouTube-            https://www.youtube.com/user/sdkidspartyrentals

Instagram-          https://www.instagram.com/sandiegokidspartyrentals

[egoistars]

HIT BRAKE! sae itoshi

(Sae needs to practice his goals and you… driving)

~3.8k words, humor, fluff, angst if you grab a magnifying glass, use of soccer instead of football (i have too much pride to do that), theyre so polar opposite they unfortunately come full circle and match each others freak

Sae Itoshi returned to Japan with several new things under his belt:

The ability to speak spanish (although his grammar structure can use some help from time to time)

An insane growth spurt

Probably shell shock syndrome

And the scariest new update to a chronic Resting Bitch Face that you had the displeasure of seeing thrown your way when you accidentally ran over his ball driving home. Maybe this is why most Japanese people rely on public transport instead of using their licenses

TWO was the number of times you had failed your driver’s test. Yes, you could always use the bus or ask your friends for a ride, but college doesn’t start for another few weeks and you’re determined by pure stubbornness to be driver certified before starting school. You think you’re doing pretty good so far: no accidents, no being pulled over, no getting cursed, and no one loudly complaining about your skills (no one has trusted you to drive them). The only thing you had left to master was parallel parking. 

It was a legacy in your family to be horrible at city parking.

One of your earliest memories was in the backseat of a rental car in a foreign country while your mother tried to park on the side of the street, only to get honked at by cars and drive against the flow of vehicles in a one-way zone. 

A bag of groceries lie in the trunk of your car as you drive to your family’s home. Humming along to the song softly playing through the radio, you slow down as you near the residential area, confident that this drive will end without a single thing gone wrong. Without speaking, you jinx your thoughts as you jolt when your car goes over a bump and a loud wheeze follows it. Turning your head to the side, your entire body freezes and your eyes go wide upon seeing the pissed off glare of Sae Itoshi, the infamous Japanese soccer player who just returned from Spain with a sexy tan.

With a shaky hand, you roll down your window and immediately start tumbling over your rushed apologies. You don’t even understand what you’re saying but you hope that Itoshi somehow understands. When he doesn’t react, which is what you expected but it hurts nonetheless, you immediately shut up and tumble out of your car before getting on your knees and seeing what you ran over. 

Your hand reaches and pulls out a deflated soccer ball, the entire thing flat with a large hole on the side from when it got run over by your car. You almost feel inclined to inflate it with the tears that are about to spill out of your eyes but the only realistic and socially acceptable choice was to give it to Itoshi and once again, apologize but with words that he and the average person can understand. 

Itoshi mumbles a “it’s okay” before taking the ball (can you even call it that?) a once-over. “I have more at home, I’ll just throw it out.”

“Holy shit I’m so sorry about that I can buy you a new one just please don’t sue me I can’t afford a good lawyer, I’m in student loan debt.”

“...why would I sue you?” he asks, his face slightly scrunched up in confusion. It’s not much different from his normal expression, just a slight crease of his brows but it makes all the difference.

“I didn’t mean to assume that you’re gonna sue me, please don’t sue me for assuming!” You think that you should begin to pack your bags and take out a loan to move to another country. It would be easier to be a criminal than to deal with a conversation with a guy who multiplies your humiliation. “I just thought that you might get your super prestigious and rich and wealthy and prosperous and exquisitely-copious-in-currency soccer team on my ass ‘cause I ran over one of their balls,” you nervously rambled. Your face heats up at every word and one Itoshi divides into two Itoshis and two Itoshis split into four.

“Are you schizophrenic? I thought you were normal back in middle school,” sixty-eight Itoshis say in unison.

Your body freezes, the now one hundred twenty-eight Itoshis all morphing back into one. “Wait, we went to middle school together?”

“Uh, yeah,” he blinks, this time looking even more awkward than you. “We were in the same class for two years straight and I sat next to you the semester before I left. I think I would remember the kid who slept through each period but still got all the answers right when called on.”

“Oh!” You perk up at the recollection of a scrawny red-haired boy from five years ago, one who would try to not-so-discreetly look at your worksheet answers and peek at your notes during class. “You’re the boy who would always copy off my work. I do remember you!”

“Is that all you remember about me?” If Itoshi were any other person, you’d say he looked uncomfortable but all he did was tilt his head a little more to the left and shift on his feet. 

“I mean, the only reason why you remember me is ‘cause I saved your academics without even knowing. Don’t think I didn’t hear our teacher whispering ‘good job’ to you while returning our tests and how you suddenly moved up in our class rankings.”

“Well you didn’t bother to hide anything when you were snoozing away so whose fault really is it?”

“You were gonna leave for Spain, anyway!” you point out, remembering being pissed off when hearing the reason why your seatmate left was because he was some kind of sport prodigy, basically having his entire future as a star secured at the age of thirteen.

“My parents would’ve killed me and held me by my feet if I flunked.” Itoshi grimaced, kissing his teeth and brushing his hair back as it had fallen over his eyes. His cheeks had returned to its usual color, removing the red flush of running and exhaustion.

“Huh, I guess I should be credited for your success. Spain should thank me.”

“Are we forgetting that I’m the one who plays the sport?” Sae’s voice came out harsher than he intended and cut through the playful atmosphere by the first syllable. His demeanor appeared unchanged but he felt himself tense. 

Conversation had never been strong for Sae, only ever talking when he needed to and the most of his words going to his teammates on the field or his little brother. His success was a sensitive subject whether he liked to admit it or not. Spain served as an eye-opener to the teenage boy, being left in a country where no one looked like you and no one spoke your language. The only thing he could rely on was a translator he barely trusted and the expressions of the people around him. 

When you don’t respond, Sae observes your face, noticing how you began to fidget with your fingers just as you had when you first stepped out of the car. You weren’t his previous coaches; you were just a former classmate who he happened to run into, or rather, you drove into. It was too late to laugh and he felt slightly guilty at freaking out someone that wasn’t his brother, an opponent, or a bothersome news anchor. 

“If you want to repay me for the ball, meet me at the sports store nearby.”

“Sorry, but I don’t really know where you’re talking about,” you sheepishly reply, wanting to sink more into the ground with every word. You decide that talking to athletes is more tiring than playing an actual sport.

“Give me your number, I’ll send you the address.”

You hand him your phone, hoping he doesn’t comment on the horrendously cracked screen protector that you had been telling yourself to replace for months. At the same time, you also want him to notice the small possibility of him offering to buy you a new one, taking advantage of rich people or whatever. “I can pick you up if you don’t mind.”

“Should I trust you to drive me?” he asks, carefully looking between you and your car with his turquoise eyes as if analyzing his opponents on a field, only, this was a residential street and the only other player was a balding middle aged man walking his dog. 

“I mean, you’ll be my first passenger so you can find out for everyone else.”

“If I get into an accident I’ll sue you for real.”

“I’ll try not to, I don’t have a job anymore and I’m going to college soon so even if I do please be merciful I swear I have good intentions.”

“Pick me up tomorrow at 11 and I’ll give you a review,” he decides, handing over his phone with the contact ‘Sae Itoshi’ at the top of your phone and the name of a sports store sent to your conversation. You ponder for a moment about asking for a contact picture but you’d like to stay alive for at least one more day so you bid him farewell and sit back in the driver’s seat, hoping he doesn’t hate your taste in music when you turn the radio back on.

—

The Itoshi residence is rather normal, differing from your expectation of a lavish mansion with fountains and fences of gold, given that Sae was a famous athlete and his younger brother Rin was known throughout the prefecture for being a mini Sae. The previous night when you had just finished brushing your teeth, your phone screen illuminated with the presence of a new notification: a text from the older Itoshi.

>make sure you don’t have anything planned for tomorrow

>i’ll need to try each ball out

>you did this to yourself

>shitty driver

A jolt of pain had struck your pride, crumbling your ego at the realization that he was, unfortunately, right about needing to sacrifice your entire afternoon to babysit a (grown) stranger whom you haven’t talked to in years; those conversations were brief, lacking any substance to consider them actual conversations. For a moment, the thought of bailing on him had crossed your mind, the idea of leaving him stranded at his residence while you enjoyed a night in, marinating before a tumultuous college career seemed insatiably tempting. 

Disaster struck when you Googled Sae Itoshi’s net worth, his bank account leading you right to his front doorstep.

“Don’t get into any car accidents,” Sae told you as he dipped his head down to step into the passenger’s side of your car. You were suddenly struck with a moment of insecurity; a wealthy athlete who could probably buy your family and your ancestor’s mummified corpses is sitting in your car and is probably rich enough to get away with murdering you for having half a particle of dust fall onto his lap.

You realized you zoned out when Sae cleared his throat, blinking a few times at you with an unamused expression and eyebrows furrowed in judgment. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, man. Just trying to remember the name of the place you mentioned. It’s a technique I use where if I think really hard in the same place I was when I thought of that thought, that thought I had thought of can reappear in my thoughtless mind.” You aren’t sure if you understand what you’re saying but you think you can get away with spouting bullshit if you use enough hand movements like a person on TedTalk.

“What the actual fuck are you saying?” Sae doesn’t seem to believe you but you’re an innovator—you simplify the problem down to something the average person (underling) can understand. 

“Can you give me the address again..?”

“You’re a freak.”

Sae picks up your phone, which was opened to the navigator app, and quickly typed in the name of the sporting good’s shop he had mentioned the day before. It was a small place, smaller than you would expect a star athlete to go to for equipment but you suppose it makes sense at the same time: less people, less paparazzi, less crazed fans, and a selection of items picked specifically for trained athletes. 

“So, uh, are you gonna make me pay for the ball too ‘cause I’m at least, like, five yen in student loan debt,” you sheepishly ask, hoping Sae can appreciate your humility in being a college student, taking a step forward in life by pursuing a higher education. 

“How cheap are you?” Sae scoffs, letting out a sound that started off as half of a chuckle but ended as a constipated grunt, making him sound like a diseased lab-grown goat that was raised by war-stricken alien society. You think Sae should become an experimental musical artist if soccer doesn’t work out, sorta like a fucked up version of Björk who’s slightly less musically talented and a total cunt instead. 

“I’m not cheap! I’m just curious. I brought my credit card just in case. I’m a responsible adult; this is all for budgeting and logging my payments or whatever else people do to save money.”

“You’re lucky you’re funny,” Sae comments as if it’s the most nonchalant thing in the world. For you though, you almost stepped on the breaks and begged him to repeat what he said. It would have been just another condescending compliment from anyone else but Sae Itoshi is notorious for not humoring anyone in the media and you quickly realized, even those in real life. Before you could doubt your memory, Sae opens his mouth again. “You lucked out on pretty privilege. All the bullshit you say would not slide if it came from any other person. I’m convinced the only social experience you have is talking to a mud wall.”

Any negative statement he had made went through one ear and directly out the other, keeping only the compliments for your brain to process. Without noticing, a giddy smile appeared on your face and to Sae, it was wildly masochistic the way you tolerated his foul personality and even relishing in his attention—no matter good or bad. He could almost pity you, deducing your attitude as a lack of self respect, but you somehow manage to surprise him every time.

“Nah, I think I had a lot of friends. I don’t know if we were actually friends but I knew their names so it’s probably good enough. Speaking of, there was this guy named Kota who I knew when I was seven and he seemed pretty cool until I caught him picking at his feet in the middle of class. Sometimes I wonder how he’s doing and if he’s still collecting foot gunk. But yeah, I think you’re just self projecting with the whole ‘no people, only soccer’ thing and moving to Spain with zero spanish skills. Damn, wait, that’s kinda sad. Shit, now I feel bad,” you take a look at Sae, searching for any sort of discomfort or offense but he simply shrugged. 

“It’s whatever, they all bothered me anyways. I was there to play soccer, not make lifelong friends. It’s not like I’m gonna stay in Spain forever. I’m back in Japan to renew my passport ‘cause I know I’m gonna come back eventually.”

“You’ve already made a name for yourself and you’re making insane money that can last more than a lifetime for the average person once your contract is over. It’s not gonna be long before you get onto the Olympic team for Japan. When you do make it on, you better thank me for making sure you kept on playing by bringing you to buy a replacement for a ball I ran over.”

You drove into a parking lot with two other cars directly in front of the sports shop. The building was in the middle of a small plaza, adjacent to an udon shop and a bar. It was undoubtedly an odd place for a sports shop to be and that might have been what caught Sae’s eye in the first place. In the window display, a tennis racket and a pair of soccer cleats are put on display and on the glass door, countless advertisements for events and brands are taped on, each barely correlating to the others.

Right in the corner of the shop is the checkout where an elderly man sits, scribbling something in a beaten journal. There is a stack of newspapers behind him, every issue marked with highlighted annotations and then neatly folded as if it were untouched. Sae greeted the man and turned to find someone else, this time, being a younger man who appeared to be in his thirties or forties. He gave Sae a warm smile and shook his hand, not as a business partner, but as an acquaintance. 

It’s here that you realize you’ll never be able to see the world the way Sae does. In your car he was just another boy in your neighborhood that you decided to get to know. But to others, he was Sae Itoshi, a prodigy who could conquer the world with just himself and a pair of cleats. Although his eyes are dimmed and his apathy anything but silent, his shine was lost to know one and when he boards a plane back to Spain while you settle into college, you think you’d be content calling him a shooting star.

Sae notices that you stopped following him and turns around in confusion, tilting his head to motion you to follow him. It takes a breath before you put your hands in the pocket of your jacket and tentatively follow him. It wasn’t until you walked into the store that you truly realized how out of place you felt and if it were just you and Sae, you might’ve thought to ask him what everything did. He’d call you a dense fuck and tell you that he plays soccer, that he doesn’t deal with anything else. You had even the smallest bit of shame so you kept your mouth shut and continued to trail after him, stealing glances at the stacked shelves until the employee came to a halt.

Before you was a wall, lined with four shelves of nothing but soccer balls, each decorated with the signatures of different brands and their series’.

“The guy said I can try them out in the back.” Sae tapped your shoulder and grabbed onto the fabric of your jacket, dragging you with him like a pet cat. “They have a lot of empty space there. You can help me carry everything I want to try.”

Agreeing turned out to be a mistake. In your arms you struggled to carry six different balls, with Sae dribbling one between his feet as the owner of the stop unlocked the door to the back where Sae would be testing things out. You felt like an overworked butler from some bad comic and in your head, you imagined yourself as a fainting princess—a damsel in distress being overworked by the evil kingdom in which she is supposed to be respected.

“Stop being dramatic,” Sae sighed, noticing your dejected pout and lost eyes. He could almost pity you if you didn’t look comically pathetic in the moment, almost adorable if he wanted to be slightly sentimental. “You can put them all down now. Just sit here and wait. Take a nap or something, you’ll be fine.”

The lack of standards you have would be an issue to address at a later date because the barely comforting words of the ever eloquent motivational speaker Sae Itoshi had you immediately perking up and cheering for him.

“Go! Go! You got this! Get that goal, ugly!”

“Who are you calling ugly? I could knock you out with this ball, you know. If you want to be supportive, don't be a freak.”

“Are you really gonna disrespect the only fan you have at the moment? What if I tweet about this and get you canceled or some shit?”

“Do you really think I care about that?”

“...no…”

“...”

“...”

“Whatever. Do what you want.”

“Kick that ball, little boy! You’re a prodigy! Number one soccer player in the world! Bend that net over!”

—

By the time Sae had finished shooting several goals and alternating dribbling between them at least five times, the sun had set and your throat was sore from bullshit cheering, half of which were incoherent sounds of moral support. Sae grabbed an unopened box of the ball he had chosen and denied a pump when offered one. When he placed the cardboard packaging onto the checkout table, your wallet was in your hand and ready to check out and pay off your debt to the Itoshi. 

However, you were met with a receipt in your hand instead and a farewell from the owner, bidding you and Sae a happy rest of your day. You quickly turned your head toward Sae, mouth agape as your brain twitched, trying to process if he was fucking with you or not.

“Do you want me to pay you online or write a check or what? Wait, why did you pay? I thought I owed you it? My complaining earlier was all joking. I literally popped your old ball. The least I can do is pay for a new one!” You rant, quickly taking your phone out of your bag to open up your banking app but Sae was quicker to take your hand in his and bring it down to where it was before.

“And I was fucking with you too, dumbass. Or are you too stupid to remember back in the car how I didn’t respond to you asking if you needed to pay? Start listening, will you?”

“I think this is the meanest act of generosity I’ve ever seen.”

“I’m not being generous, I’m telling you that you owe me something else.”

“What the fuck?” You’re perplexed by the audacity of this man. You hope his athletic career flops and every brand deal that he has gotten offered drops him. “Are you gonna start charging me an insane amount of interest like a loan shark? Dude, aren’t you rich?”

“I’m not asking for money.”

“Then what is it?”

“Go on a date with me.”

“Are you being for real right now?” You’re still perplexed by the audacity of this man. You’re perplexed by how his words are chosen to form the most foul sentences with sweet meanings. You’re perplexed by how out of all who know him, and all whom he knows, he would take an interest in you. But you’re a selfish person—if Sae Itoshi is offering his beauty and his awful personality to you, then you’ll take it with all your heart. 

You move to Sae’s side, putting everything in your hands into your bag and intertwining your fingers with his, a dumb smile planted on your face. As you skip to the car and swing your hands between the two of you, Sae Itoshi’s grin is highlighted by the golden glow of the setting sun. 

He really can’t wait to come home.