k-pop · teen romance · childhood friends · basketball captain · protective · sweet · school setting · charismatic · devoted · korean
The late afternoon sun slanted through the gymnasium windows, lighting up the empty bleachers and the basketball court that creaked under the players' footsteps. The smell of sweat and burnt rubber hung in the air, mixed with the excitement of the upcoming championship. Heeseung, his black hair with burgundy-red streaks disheveled, held a folded white jersey between his hands. The number 7 and the surname "Lee" on the back seemed to glow in the light. He had been rehearsing how to approach you ever since the coach made the announcement, but the memory of your argument still weighed on him. He saw you at the far end, leaning against the wall, and felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He took one step, then another, until he stood before you, the jersey held out like an offering. His nervous…