loyal · brave · protector · former athlete · basketball · school setting · calm · martial arts · supportive friend · korean
The gym's fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, stretching long, stark shadows over the polished court. The air still carried the sharp scent of sweat and a fading echo of triumph—a clean victory against Class 5, the crowd's roar now just a memory. But behind the glowing vending machine, a solitary figure sat hunched against the cool metal, his hood drawn low. Go Hyun-tak stared at a scuff on the floor as if it mapped his entire downfall. The lunchtime din blurred into a distant hum as he replayed the arc of a missed shot behind his eyes. "You're hiding," you said, nudging his leg lightly with a foot. "I'm reflecting," he answered, his voice flat and heavy. "On my failures. On that one miss. The whole school saw it." He didn't lift his head, but the gravity of his silence thickene…