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Hyunjoon never experienced love before. It’s something that he feels needs to be special. Hearing stories from his older sister who met her fiancée and they became each other’s first relationship and now on the way to the aisle in 6 months. He knows it will come eventually, just like a spring snow, a flower blooming after the harshest winter, it’s bound to happen.
So he waits.
Despite the constant teasing among his team about being the only player to never date anyone despite his popularity and charisma. They know if he courts anyone, even the most popular girls and boys would fall for him. They would grab any opportunity to even hold the team captain’s hands. Everyone in the university knew that he could have the world on the palm of his hand. With his smile, a simple hello would send everyone fainting, and what more if he talked to them, with his kind personality, they will surely kneel.
Moon Hyunjoon is that person. He is the campus hunk, first love of everyone, the ideal person.
But somehow, he never came around. He never dated anyone. Even the prettiest cheerleader captain, even the smartest science major, even the campus IT girl.
Even with the constant date set-ups, the teasing of their coaches and faculties. He just won’t budge. It’s as if he already has someone. But they all knew he doesn’t. So what is the reason?
Hyunjoon just answers. “Just because”
Jeonghyun shrugs, “Here he go again. Let’s just go, this person has no hope in love.”
Their captain just ignores them when they all leave with their bags out of the court. He was left alone, drinking his water and deciding to practice more. He picks up the ball, masterly dribbling it in between his legs. Swiftly moving from side to side. Stepping back behind the three pointer line, he shoots comfortably, as if he done it a million times before, which he probably did. He smiles as it falls to the ground.
3 POINTS
“Wow.” A small mumble is heard. With no one around, that quiet voice became so loud, echoing around the court. And startling Hyunjoon. He looks at the voice.
There stands a 5’8 person. His figure is tall, but not the one that scares you. His body is not as fit as Hyunjoon but not fat. His disheveled hair is atop of his head, like a fluffy cloud, making Hyunjoon want to ruffle it badly. He wears a square rimmed glasses, his cheeks full and pinkish. His mouth opened after being amazed but still wearing a cute pout.
Hyunjoon snapped back to reality, realizing how weird he probably looks while looking at the boy.
“What are you doing here?” He asked, as normal as he can, but he feels like he probably startled the boy specially when the other looked down immediately, fiddling with his hoodie.
“Sorry” the boy uttered. “Uhm I just got lost. It’s my first day here in the University.”
“Oh, ah.” The realization hits Hyunjoon. “I’m sorry too, if I came off as rude. Where’s your class? I’ll take you there.” Hyunjoon said. And he starts to pick his bag up coolly holding it with one hand. He walks forward, now just standing a feet away from the other. He now notices more things about the other person. How his glasses seemed too small for his cheeks, how his cheeks were looking like marshmallows that Hyunjoon wants to squish and probably kiss. How he has a lighter skin. His eyes round and dark but still shines bright like it has stars.
“Wha.. what about your ball?” This makes Hyunjoon stop looking at the other again.
“It’s fine, I’ll get it later.” He answers. “Let’s go.” And that’s when the Captain of the Tigers finally found something more important than his ball.
That’s when his first love came.
2 years later~
The clock ticks, the final 30 seconds of the 4th quarter of semifinals began.
“96-94, the Bears are still leading with 2 points, but the ball is in the hands of the Tigers. Kim dribbles it running past two defenders, he passes it to Lee Minhyung who tries to make his shot. But he is surrounded, he looks for another player free. And low pass to their captain, Moon steps back the three pointer line. He shoots the ball -“
Wooje feels his palms sweat, watching their team struggle and barely scrape through playoffs, he’s desperate. He closes his eyes with hands clasped together as Hyunjoon shoots the ball. He trusts him, he knows it. He trusts his best friend.
“I’ll win tomorrow, don’t worry too much Wooje-ah.” Hyunjoon confidently says as he watches the other eat his ice cream.
Wooje stops eating, “I hope so, or I’ll cry.” He softly says.
“Don’t you have faith in me?” The other jokes. “Of course you must have, you are after all my number 1 fan, right?”
“Uhm, technically, I was forced to be your number 1 fan. After all, I do think Seung Min hyung is much better than you. But I am your best friend so they said I should be your fan club’s president.” A silence reigns between them. “But I do… I think you can win.”
Hyunjoon laughs. “Mentioning another boy’s name while in my house. You’re a menace Choi Wooje.” He stares seriously. “I’ll win, and prove to you I’m better than anyone. Watch me pull a three pointer.”
Wooje looks at his friend. “Sure, Moon.”
The sound of the buzzer echoes. As nobody moved. Wooje still has his eyes closed. Waiting for anything, any sound, any whistle, cheer, a scream.
“And he scores!!!!!!!”
Screams erupt around Wooje, and he opens his eyes.
96-97
He then looks at the court. Finally able to breathe normally. He sees Hyunjoon celebrating with his team. All of them huddling the Captain. He smiles.
“Yeah!!!! That’s our captain!!! Let’s go. Wohoooo” he screams, maintaining his president status..
Hyunjoon meets his gaze. Arrogantly smirking and mouthing ‘told you’.
He nods and smiles back.
“The Tigers will enter the Finals and will go against the Hawks for the championship.”
~~~
He waits until the entire crowd disperses. All the players went to their lockers. Wooje knows though that Hyunjoon will meet him here. Like they always do after games.
“Wooje, I have a class so I’ll leave first.” Minseok says as he picks up his big cheer card for his boyfriend, Lee Minhyung.
“Okay hyung, be careful!” Wooje says. As a fellow club president of another player, in this case Minhyung, both Minseok and Wooje became really close. He somehow wonders why does Minseok need to make a great effort to cheer for Minhyung, knowing that Minseok is the cheer captain and Minhyung’s lover. But as always Minseok brushes him off with ‘I just want to’ or ‘because he’s special’.
Wooje just shivers with cringe. He never really experienced love before. Never entered a relationship. He just feels like it’s not necessary at the moment, he needs to focus with his studies a junior medical student is not the easiest anyways. He feels like the only thing that matters is his other interests, which is fan boying to KPop idols, soccer and basketball. He also believes that the right person will come, eventually… but sometimes, he can’t help but wonder. Is it really because of those things?
Because he also feels afraid. He hates risks, hates putting himself out to people. Hates showing his vulnerabilities to them. He can’t show his true self to them, and he is afraid that if he does, they’ll leave him. Because he is not easy. He can’t do a lot of things by himself. He is moody and changes his behavior very frequently than Hyunjoon misses his shots. And he feels as if he is not lovable enough for people to pursue. To like sure, many confessed to Wooje before. But they never crossed that line of courting him or asking him to become his.
He feels sad sometimes, but he accepts it ultimately. It’s fine. He’s still young.
“Wooje-ah!” He was broken at his trance. When Hyunjoon approaches him. Hair still wet, probably, he just finished showering. Wearing their team jacket, which is not preventing to show his great figure. Wide shoulders, small waist, thick thighs and big shoulders. He looks good. As always. So sexy and ethereal.
Wait. What am I thinking?? He shakes his head, though he feels his cheeks burn. What the hell, Choi Wooje?
“Oh! Hyunjoon hyung. Congrats!” He tries to utter without nervousness hinged on his voice. Seemed like a failure, since Hyunjoon noticed it.
“What’s wrong?” He asks while sitting beside Wooje.
“Nothing!” He squeaks, a voice crack.
Hyunjoon laughs. “Seems like my Wooje is going through puberty.” He says as he ruffles Wooje’s hair.
My Wooje
He feels his heart beating faster. Cheeks reddening. Palms sweaty. Signs of increased hormones, happy ones. He covers his cheeks and slides away from Hyunjoon.
Uhm, my brain is sensing the need to activate fight, flight or freeze. It’s the way to cope with stressors that my body encounters and I need to go as far away from Hyunjoon or else I’ll do something stupid and.. and… and..
And he feels someone put his palms against his hands. It seemingly makes him look at Hyunjoon.
“Choi Wooje, it’s fine.” He whispers softly.
Wooje nods. And he tries to calm himself. He closes his eyes. Still feeling the warmth from Hyunjoon and the hands on his cheeks.
“I’m okay.” Wooje says and Hyunjoon lets him go. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“You did well today.” Wooje tells the Captain.
“Of course I did, I always do.” Hyunjoon smiles.
Wooje pouts. “So confident in yourself, eh Moon?”
“Yeah, and also because-“ Hyunjoon looks at him. “Because I have you.”
Not again!
He feels all the blood rush to his ears..
“Stop teasing me!” Wooje huffs, softly pushing the other away.
“Fine. I’ll stop.”
Wooje realizes something. It’s understandable that he never had a relationship but why is Hyunjoon still single? He’s been single since the moment they met and Wooje knew that like him, he was never in a relationship before.
“Hyunjoon-hyung” Wooje begins. That made Hyunjoon look at him directly, it’s not everyday that Wooje calls him hyung after all.
“Why are you still single?” He asks. Which startled Hyunjoon.
“Huh?”
“I mean, you told me before right? You never experienced being in a relationship with someone. Ever.”
“Just because.” Hyunjoon answers the same way he answered other people.
Wooje felt disappointed, because he knew that’s how Hyunjoon answered everyone when they are teasing him. He pouts.
“Then have you ever fallen in love before?” He asks again.
Hyunjoon sighs. “I have.” I am in love
Wooje looks at him. “Really?”
Eyes shining. Hyunjoon sees his own reflection in those eyes.
“How did it feel?” Wooje asks curious about this new information.
“It feels amazing. It feels as if you can give the world to them just to see them smile. Just so you can be near them, you’ll go through lengths. You always want the best for them. Always cares for them.” He reveals, trying his hardest to not confess to Wooje at the moment.
“I also want to experience love. Relationship love, you know. But I’m always afraid that I’m not worth it.” Wooje explains.
“What do you mean not worth it?” Hyunjoon is startled with this information. Wooje is never low, he is so precious. He is worth everything.
“You know. People before confessed to me but they never really crossed that line of courting me and being with me.” Wooje says as he looks far away.
“When did this happen? How? Who is that person?” Hyunjoon feels angry, how dare they confess to Wooje and leave him hanging.
“It doesn’t matter now. It was when I was still a freshman. Way back when we were not friends yet.”
“But still, how dare they. You should not think that you are not worth it, okay? Choi Wooje, they are dumb. They are so dumb that they never courted you. You are so intelligent, kind, cute and interesting. You are worth it. And if they can’t see that, then it’s their loss.” Hyunjoon explains looking directly at Wooje’s eyes.
Wooje feels his heart race again. ‘Am I in love with Hyunjoon?’
~~~
“Minseok hyung” Wooje pants as he rushes to Minseok.
The other person is currently studying, his tablet on his hand and multiple books on the floor. “Yes?” He says not looking at Wooje and still reading his notes.
“How did you realize that you liked Minhyung hyung?” Wooje answers as he sits across Minseok.
Minseok raises his eyebrows, his love meter is ringing. He knows it. He lays his tablet down and looks at Wooje. “So who’s the lucky person?” Minseok smiles.
“Huh? Uhm. Uh. It’s not me though!” Wooje answers defensively. “It’s my Friend! Yes my childhood friend.”
Minseok’s lips curl upward and it almost reaches his ears. “So this friend? What’s his problem?”
“He is kind of confused, because he has this person, which is his best friend and he’s kind of feeling things while being with that person. And he’s also a fan of that person, he’s part of a fanclub which is dedicated to his best friend, because he plays sports and he’s good at it. Even the captain of the team. And he’s kind of also confused if he likes him as a fan boy or as in like that can turn in to love.” Wooje rants. And Minseok is trying so hard not to laugh. He exhales and looks at Wooje.
“Okay, so he’s not sure whether his feelings is because he’s a fan or because of something else. Well, first of all, I think he’s stupid.” That sentence startled Wooje, he tried to open his mouth but was shushed by Minseok. “Just saying, to get my thoughts out of the way first. Idolizing someone is different from liking him. Sometimes it’s confusing. But the more you think about it, the more it’s easily differentiated. Idolizing someone is wishing that they are happy, regardless of who or what the cause is, for as long as the person is happy, you’re happy for them. You don’t care whether it was you who made them happy. You also want to sometimes be like them. They become your standard, because they’re so talented at something. Meanwhile, liking someone. You want them to be happy, but you want it to be because of you. You should be the reason of their happiness. And you hate seeing them happy because of others. You don’t want to be like them, but have them by your side. Keep them, protect them from the world, love them. They are talented at something, but you also admire their flaws. That’s the difference, Wooje-yah. So whoever this ‘friend’ is, tell them to think about it. They’ll notice it for sure.” Minseok explains.
This leaves Wooje wondering, what did he really feel about Hyunjoon? It took a long time before Minseok just sighed again.
“Here’s a practical application. Try to go on a date with someone, Wooje. Then try to compare your feelings to that person against what you feel about Hyunjoon.”
Wooje started to nod. “Mhmm. Yeah, you’re r-, wait what? Who? To who?” Wooje asked flustered at Minseok.
“Your feelings? To Hyunjoon?” He repeated, smiling at Wooje.
“Hyung what are you talking about? I have no feelings for Hyunjoon hyung.” Wooje denies it, shaking his head.
“Well, you haven’t realized it, I guess.” Minseok smiled.
“Hyung… uhm… how did you know?” Wooje says the last sentence quiet than the other.
Minseok shrugged, “Instincts, skill diff.”
Wooje huffs, “Do you think, it’ll help me though?”
“You’ll never know, until you try.”
And so Wooje tries.
~~~
“Don’t think about it too much Wooje-yah.” Minhyung comforts the youngest.
“Yeah, have faith in yourself. You’ll be fine.” Minseok taps his shoulders smiling.
Wooje nods. It’s just a smile meal anyway, nothing could really go wrong.
For the first time ever, Wooje went out without wearing just a hoodie and jogging pants. With the help of Minhyung and Minseok, they miraculously found decent clothes fit for a date for Wooje to wear. He’s now sitting at the restaurant. He ordered an Oreo Milkshake while waiting.
The first few minutes were hectic in Wooje’s mind. He tried to practice what to say to the other. Should he stand up? Bow? Offer his hand? Should he have ordered for him too?
He checked his phone.
9:55…
Five minutes before the meet up time.
He feels his heart pound over his chest. It’s gonna be okay. He tried to calm himself.
9:57
He sips his drink, nervously fiddling with the straw.
9:59…
Any second now…
10:00..
10:01..
10:02
10:03
~~~
11:10
For the first time, the happiness he felt ended up saddening him. The moment that he tried to open himself up to the world, it all came crashing down.
Wooje feels tears pool on his eyes. He wasted 1 hour of waiting. 1 hour of long wishing that the person would at least show up. Even a small shadow. Even a message. A reply.. anything… but nothing came.
He ordered a small meal, wanting at least to save his face to the restaurant. But he didn’t really had any energy left to even swallow water. He felt empty… this is why people don’t try.
There are some people that will lift you so high, that you begin to expect. Begin to hope. But they will immediately let you go. Let you fall.
He found himself walking mindlessly.
“Oww” a voice was heard.
He bumped into someone. Startling himself.
“I’m sorry.” Wooje uttered in a hurry. Helping the other with his things.
“Choi Wooje?” The other person said. Making Wooje look at him.
“Seung Min hyung? I mean Jung Seung Min ssi.” Wooje managed to say respectfully, after all, they’re not really close.
Jung Seung Min was the team captain of the Hawks. He is Wooje’s idol, of some sorts. Not a deep supporter but he also knows that other than Hyunjoon, Seung Min was a great player and captain.
“Are you okay?” Seung Min asked Wooje.
Wooje nods. “Yeah. I’m sorry Seung Min-ssi.” He answers and looks him at the eye.
It’s different. Wooje felt it. It’s not the same.
“But how did you know my name?” Wooje asks, breaking the eye contact.
“Oh.. I saw you before. During the games. You were with the Tigers, supporting Moon Hyunjoon.” Seung Min explains.
“Ahh. But still that doesn’t explain you knowing my name.” Wooje said ever so bluntly.
“Well, you were one of a kind, I guess.” Seung Min answered shyly.
Wooje blinks tilting his head like a curious cat.
Seung Min looks at him. And laughed. “You look adorable.”
Wooje was flustered with the sudden compliment. He cleared his throat. “Anyway, Uhm I’m sorry again. See you around Seung Min ssi.”
“Wooje” the other said hurriedly. He ran to catch up to Wooje. “Can I get your number?”
Wooje felt flustered for another time. “Uhm.. okay.” He typed his number on the other’s phone.
“I hope to see you soon.” Seung Min smiled.
Wooje just nods and smiles at him.
It’s different. From the way I feel with Hyunjoon hyung.
I really like him.
I like Hyunjoon…
“Whattt?” Minhyung asked.
“That little bitch, how dare he leave you hanging?” Minseok cursed as Minhyung tries to calm him down.
“I’m okay hyung! In fact, I feel better. Now I know what you meant before.” Wooje genuinely answered.
“Still! If I see that person’s face at the university, I’ll kill him!”
“Hyung.” “Minseokie!”
“Calm down, love.” Minhyung uttered. “Wooje said he’s fine. Besides, I don’t think that’s the major problem right now. The problem is how the hell did Jung Seung Min get your name? And why did you give him his number?”
Minseok looked at Wooje. “Don’t tell me you’re switching sides?”
“Hyung! Of course not! I’ll forever support the Tigers. I also don’t know how he knew my name, and I didn’t want to be rude, so I just gave him my number.” Wooje explained.
Minhyung nodded. While Minseok is thinking deeply…
Wooje stood up, wanting to eat something.
“OH! I GOT IT, I have an idea!” Minseok explained, startling Wooje in return.
“Nope. Not happening.” Wooje denied immediately.
“What is it Minseokie?” Minhyung said gently.
“What if you meet up with Seung Min?”
“WHAT?” Minhyung raised his voice. Which earned a smack from Minseok.
“Be quiet.”
“You know the first date did not really work.” Minseok said.
“Yeah, obviously.” Wooje uttered under his breath.
“Shush. Now, what if you try again?”
“But why with Jung Seung Min. Minseok-ah, they’ll be our opponents next week.” Minhyung rebutted.
“So what. This is not basketball.” Minseok answered
“If Hyunjoon found out. He will be so mad.”
“Uhm that’s the point?” Minseok looked at his boyfriend. “We need to make Moon Hyunjoon jealous. So that we’ll understand whether he likes Wooje or not.”
Minhyung pouts. “It’s… ugh it’s so complicated. But why not just leave them to get their shit together?”
“That’s no fun!”
“Uhm guys? I’m still here?” Wooje waved his hand. “I’m the person y’all are talking about? And besides, now I know my feelings.”
“Yeah, you like Hyunjoon and this is the second step.”
“How is this the second step?” Minhyung asked.
“As if you didn’t go apeshit when I was with Hyukgyu hyung.” Minseok sassily replied which made Minhyung scrunch his nose. Still jealous of Minseok and Hyukgyu’s closeness.
“And so this is the best 2nd step to the best plan.” Minseok smiled at Wooje.
“But will that work on Hyunjoon though?” Wooje asked.
“Only one way to find out.” Minseok’s smile grew bigger, earning a sigh from Minhyung.
“I don’t like this..”
~~~
“Wooje!” Seung Min said smiling while running towards him. Unknowingly, it made him remember Hyunjoon.
“Wooje-ah!” Hyunjoon breathes heavily, panting. He bows his head, trying to catch his breath. He looks up at Wooje, flashing his signature stingray smile… “Why are you too fast?”
Wooje looks at him. “I have a class. What is it Hyunjoon?”
“You forgot your food. Eat while in class. Study well. I have practice, see you later.” Hyunjoon rushes and gives him his packed lunch.
“But-“ Wooje tries to reply but Hyunjoon already left.
“Thanks.” Wooje looks at the brown bag. “But I never prepared any lunch.“
“Wooje?” He felt a hand tap his shoulders. “Are you okay? Do you have a fever? Your cheeks are red.” Seung Min asked.
Wooje nodded. “I’m okay. Just a tad bit cold.”
“Oh…” Seungmin looked at him and removed his scarf. “Here, wear this.” Seungmin offered.
When Wooje was about to refuse, Seungmin came nearer and put the scarf over his neck. Wooje can’t help but stare…
“You should always wear something warm. The weather is getting colder.” Hyunjoon utters as he walks beside Wooje.
“Yeah.. I’m not a kid anymore.” Wooje grumbles and pouts.
Hyunjoon laughs. “Sure, Wooje-ah.” He then proceeds to remove his scarf and covers Wooje. He pats his head fondly.
Wooje realizes it and moves away. “I can do it. Thanks.” He utters.
Seungmin smiles and backs away.
They both enter the arcade. Wooje shakes his head. I should stop thinking about Hyunjoon.
“Wooje-ah.”
He looks at Seungmin. “Mhm?”
“Are you hungry? We can eat first before walking around.”
“Oh.. no. I’ll never be able to go anywhere when I’m full.” Wooje answers honestly.
“Oh. Okay. I’ll remember that.” Seungmin smiles. “Let’s play first then.”
They exchange money for tokens. Wooje was supposed to grab his share but Seungmin insisted on carrying all the tokens. They both walk around. Looking for something interesting to play.
“Dart game. I want to try this.” Seungmin said. “Is it okay, Wooje?” He asks. To which Wooje just nods.
“How many for the psyduck plushie?” Seungmin asks eagerly.
“20” the owner said.
“I’ll get that for you, Wooje.” Seungmin smiles.
“Psyduck. Psyduck.” Hyunjoon asks while looking around. “I saw that somewhere here.” He said as he walks across every aisle of stuff toys in the department store.
“It’s fine, hyung.” Wooje pouts. “I’ll just get it online.”
Hyunjoon stops. “But you want it right? Just give me time. I’ll find it.”
“Ahh Hyunggg~”
“Uhm excuse me? Do you have any psyduck plushie?” Hyunjoon asks.
“Oh. There hasn’t been a restock for a while now. Maybe try the arcade.” The employee answers.
“Thank you.” Hyunjoon utters as he runs immediately.
“Hyung!!!” Wooje runs after him.
“Wooje-ah!!! There. They have a psyduck plushie. I’ll get it for you.” Hyunjoon smiles.
I’m fucked… Wooje thinks.
“Sorry, try again.” The employee says.
“Can’t you be a tiny bit flexible? I got 18 balloons” Seungmin tried to negotiate.
“Sorry.” The employee replied. And leaves to replace the balloons.
“Sorry, Wooje. I really wanted to give you that plushie.”
“It’s fine.” Wooje replies. “It doesn’t really matter.”
“But I know that you like psyduck.”
“I have enough Plushies already.” Wooje smiles.
“Next time, I promise.”
Wooje can’t nod… because he knows, there won’t be a next time.. not with a person other than Hyunjoon.
"Wooje, is there something you want to do?" Seungmin asks as they continue to walk around. Wooje looks around. Wooje looks around. "I guess let's play those things?" Wooje says as he points to the racing games.
“Wooje, is there something you want to do?” Seungmin asks as they continue to walk around.
Wooje looks around. “I guess let’s play those things?” Wooje points to the gun game. One that reminds him of someone.
He shook his head. Stop thinking about him, Choi Wooje.
”Hyung, You suck at this game.” He utters as he watches Hyunjoon struggle with the game.
“Nooo. I’m just adjusting.” Hyunjoon tried to explain.
Wooje just smiles and walks. “Here, I’ll help.” He says as he holds the gun with Hyunjoon.
Wooje feels the warm hands of Hyunjoon. His back, which was broad now much smaller than his. “There.” He whispers directly at his hyung’s ears. Startling Hyunjoon.
“Yah!! Stop teasing me.” Hyunjoon said.
Wooje laughs. “Why you’re so sensitive hyung-ie?”
Maybe I shouldn’t have done that…
“Okay! Let’s play that.” Seungmin says. He holds Wooje’s hand and drags him along.
There’s no warmth, not like Hyunjoon’s hold.
He lets himself be dragged along. Seungmin lets go and holds the gun.
He masterly shoots all the targets. Relaxed and calm, as if he’s done this a million times.
“You’re good, Seungmin ssi.” Wooje says in awe.
“Oh! It’s nothing. I love to go to arcades frequently.” He explained with a shy smile.
Wooje just nods and smiles back.
“Here.” Seungmin gave the ice cream to Wooje.
“Thank you.” Wooje said politely.
“I really had fun today.” The other smiled. Wooje just nodded.
They both remained quiet as they started eating their ice cream.
“Wooje-ah. I need to tell you something.” Seungmin begins as he looks at Wooje.
“Mhm? What is it?” Wooje utters as he looks back.
He started to squint his eyes. He saw someone familiar.
“I really l-“ Seungmin’s voice started to fade. His ears were ringing… his eyes started to tear up.
The someone was hugging a girl, they were laughing. As he lets the girl go. He ruffles her hair. Just like the way he does to him…. He’s far away, yet he can hear his laugh. He can see him clearly, but he can imagine the way his eyes would crinkle and the way his smile would spread across his face. And ultimately, Wooje feels his heart break.. just as he realizes it. Just as he was able to piece it all together, it all came crashing down.
“Wooje-ah! Are you okay?” Seungmin’s voice finally caught Wooje’s attention. “Oh. Gosh. I’m so sorry. Why are you crying? Did I do something? Or said something?” He worriedly asks Wooje.
Wooje shakes his head. “Can we leave now?” Wooje asks.
Seungmin immediately nods. “Of course. Let’s go.”
Wooje leaves. Walks faster than he ever thought he can. Seungmin following him closely.
Hyunjoon already has someone…
~~~
Wooje arrives at the cafeteria after 3 straight hours of lecture. He sits in front of Minseok, knowing well enough that Minhyung will arrive soon and sit beside Minseok. He lays his head. Closing his eyes.
“Here.” Minseok opened the can of Coke Zero. “How was your date?” He asks with a hint of mischief.
Wooje snorts. “It was fine.” He answered jokingly.
“So it was a date…” a voice suddenly entered. And Wooje feels his heart beat faster.
“Hyunjoon-ah.” Minseok utters in shock. “When did you get here?”
“Just now.” Hyunjoon casually replied.
Wooje feels his side move. Meaning Hyunjoon sat beside him. I mean. That’s normal. It was their usual position… but after what he saw yesterday. Wooje wants nothing but to be far from him. He still kept his head low, but he feels the someone looking at him.
“So, how did you meet Seungmin?” Hyunjoon asks.
“Somewhere.” Wooje mumbles.
“You’re not answering me, Wooje-ah.”
“Just by chance.” He frustratingly answers. Looking at Hyunjoon but he immediately regrets it. He looks away. Chugging his coke zero.
“Yah!” Minseok tried to stop him. But he drank it in one drink. He felt his throat get angry at him.
That hurt…
He then stood up, getting his bag and leaving.
“Choi Wooje!” Hyunjoon calls his name. But he ignored it. Walking fast. Until he hit someone.
“I’m sorry.” He apologized, bowing his head.
“It’s okay.” The other said. He immediately looked up.
“Seungmin Hyung.” Wooje whispered.
“Hi! Wooje.” He smiled at Wooje.
“Wh-“ he was cut off by the hands that held his shoulder. Making him look at the person who pulled him.
“Are you okay?” Hyunjoon asked worriedly. His eyes scanning Wooje. Grip getting tighter as time passes by.
A worried Hyunjoon, it’s not the first tike that Hyunjoon looked at him this way. But he feels his heart jump in happiness. But it also felt confused and hurt. He already has someone else. He moves away from the touch. Farther from Hyunjoon, closer to Seungmin.
Seungmin holds his shoulder.
Whispers and gasps were heard among the forming crowd. Well, it’s not everyday that you will see the two captains and basketball superstars of the two schools in one place. And specially not like this. Seungmin holding onto Wooje, the president of Hyunjoon’s fanclub and his best friend.
Hyunjoon’s worried face became full of anger, jealousy and everything combined. He smiles sarcastically. “Jung.”
“Moon.” Seungmin smirked.
Wooje can feel a tension bubbling. The air was so thick that he felt like if anyone of them moved right now its enough to kill someone.
"What are you doing here, Jung?" Hyunjoon asked.
"Oh, just visiting Wooje." He smiled looking at Wooje. "He also forgot this." Seungmin raised his other hand, holding a see through plastic, with a plushie that Seungmin won at the arcade.
Another round of gasps were heard in the crowd. "Choi Wooje went out on a date with the team captain of the Hawks?" someone murmured but Wooje heard it.
He blinks his eyes. He knows how bad this looks. Knowing that they will meet at the finals in 5 days... And technically he is still the president of Hyunjoon's fanclub. Meeting Seungmin at any chance will look bad. For both him and Hyunjoon. But he still can't get himself to talk. To say it's not a date. Not in front of Hyunjoon.
"So what if it's a date?" Hyunjoon asked the crowd. "Wooje can do whatever he wants. No one gets to tell him what to do. He's my friend, and if it's a date, I would be happy for him. For as long as he's happy." He explained further. "No one will talk about him or say anything about this." Hyunjoon spoke harshly to the crowd, he looked at Wooje and turned his back, leaving.
Wooje felt his heart burst. Hyunjoon defended him, like he always did. Always chose Wooje's happiness and sake before his. It also showcased how Hyunjoon trusted him. But he also felt hurt that he was only a friend, he wanted more... The previous Choi Wooje would probably chase after Hyunjoon. Explaining his side. But this time, he knows he can't. He doesn't have the right to. He was only a fan. He's only a friend. Hyunjoon doesn't need an explanation from him.
He went the other way. Ignoring the calls of both Minseok and Minhyung.
~~~
Hyunjoon's POV
He felt his anger bubbling as he saw Seungmin's hold over Wooje. Jealousy more so...
Wooje..
Wooje...
His lov-
"Choi Wooje went out on a date with the team captain of the Hawks?" He hears someone say.
Wooje will be hurt...
The only thing that blared in his mind was to protect Wooje. Like as he did. It's his Wooje, always would be. And will be.
"So what if it's a date?" Hyunjoon asked the crowd. "Wooje can do whatever he wants. No one gets to tell him what to do. He's my friend, and if it's a date, I would be happy for him. For as long as he's happy." He explained further. "No one will talk about him or say anything about this." Hyunjoon spoke harshly to the crowd, he looked at Wooje and turned his back, leaving.
Even if he's only a friend. And even if Wooje isn't and won't be his.
"Hyunjoon." Minhyung called.
"I'm fine." He nodded, gathering his stuff as he leaves.
His feet bring him to the court. His solace.
He picks up the ball, skillfully dribbling and running.
He positions himself, 3-points... Aims, and relea- he can't.
He can't let the ball go...
He frustratingly throws the ball.
"ARGHH!!!!!!!!" he shouts at nobody, probably himself. "It's so frustrating," He says to himself, and he feels tears fall down. He laughs while crying. Probably insane. he looks insane right now.
He breathes in and out deeply.
He lays down the basketball court. Closing his eyes.
How did I fuck everything up? How can I let him go? For as long as he's happy, right? That's what you want right, Moon Hyunjoon?
Flashback
"Oppa, can you please just show me around?" Heewon bugged Hyunjoon.
"Yah, I'm not your babysitter. Just watch the TV." Hyunjoon said as he pushed his cousin away playfully.
"Fine. Can you just please go with me to the mall? I need something for school." Heewon pouted while blinking her eyes.
"Just this once." Hyunjoon gave in.
"Yasss"
It was going fine, they were going over some school supplies. Until Heewon took a magically wrong turn to the arcade.
"YAH, Moon Heewon!" Hyunjoon shouted. The younger one just make face to Hyunjoon and laughed.
"I need to go to somewhere." Hyunjoon explained.
"Ahh. To Choi Wooje?" Heewon teased him.
"I have practice."
"Yep and then go to Choi Wooje?" She continued as she looks around the arcade.
"Moon Heewon." Hyunjoon sternly looked at her.
"What?" She asks. "I know, oppa. And besides, I agree. I support both of you." She smiles at him.
"It's not like that." Hyunjoon reasons out.
Heewon nodded. "Oh.. so oppa did not confess yet?"
Hyunjoon looked at her. "Stop talking."
"I guess the great Moon Hyunjoon has met his match." She laughed.
"Be quiet."
"Just this once, okay Hyunjoon oppa?" She blinked her eyes fast.
"Fine..." Hyunjoon gave up. Ruffled her hair and laughed. "Why am I so easy to convince?"
Heewon just shurgged. And opened her palm. "Money?"
Hyunjoon smiled and gave her money.
She ran away, exchanging the bills to tokens.
At the corner of his eye. He notices someone familiar.
"Wooje?" He utters. But he sees the other with another person. Not Minseok, nor Minhyung.
Jung Seungmin?
He was about to approach them when Wooje ran away, and Seungmin followed him. So he followed them.
"Wooje? Are you okay?" He hears Seungmin ask.
Wooje just nodded. And he sniffled. "I'm fine. I just wanna go home."
"Okay. But Wooje, I meant what I said earlier." Seungmin explained.
"I need time." Wooje answered.
"Okay, I'll wait. I had fun today Wooje-ah."
Wooje just mindlessly nodded.
"Do you think we can have another date?" Seungmin asked.
Do you think we can have another date?
Another date?
That made Hyunjoon stop on his tracks. A date?
They met each other and Wooje never mentioned it to me?
I never saw Wooje's reply but I felt confused. I mean, I thought me and Wooje were at least friends. He would've told me. I needed an explanation from him.
I almost ran past everyone after practice.
"Captain? Why are you in a rush?" Jeonghyeon asked.
"I have to do something."
"Hyunjoon-ah. Wait for me, Minseok and Wooje are already in the cafeteria." Minhyung uttered as he dries his hair.
"I'll just go first." Hyunjoon said in a rush, ignoring his teammates' teasing.
"Looks like Captain, has someone." Everyone joked.
I sprinted along the hallways, ignoring the look everyone gave me. I immediately saw Minseok with Wooje in front of him. I smile as I notice Wooje's puffed up cheeks. He's clearly pouting.
“How was your date?” I stopped at my tracks. Oh yeah, the date.
Wooje answers. “It was fine.” I couldn't hear anything else, but his answer. I swallowed the growing pain and cleared my throat. I walked confidently, hiding my hurt expression and playfully asked.
“So it was a date…”
“Hyunjoon-ah.” Minseok called my name, yet I couldn't bother to look at him. Eyes still focused at Wooje. “When did you get here?”
“Just now.” I casually replied.
Wooje never looked up.
“So, how did you meet Seungmin?” I asked.
“Somewhere.” Wooje mumbles.
“You’re not answering me, Wooje-ah.” I tried to remove the frustration in my tone.
“Just by chance.” He answers. He finally looked up. He met my eyes, but not even one second he looked away, chugging his coke zero.
“Yah!” Minseok tried to stop him. But he drank it in one drink.
I knew that must have hurt…
He then stood up, getting his bag and leaving.
“Choi Wooje!” I called his name for the first time this day. But he ignored it. Walking fast. Until he hit someone.
I immediately ran. Then I saw the other person.
“It’s okay.” The other said.
“Seungmin Hyung.” Wooje whispered, his voice ever so soft.
“Hi! Wooje.” He smiled at Wooje. I tried to calm myself down.
“Wh-“ I pulled him away from Seungmin
“Are you okay?” I asked worriedly. Eyes scanning Wooje. Grip getting tighter as time passes by.
But he backs away...
He backed away from me.
End of Flashback
Hyunjoon never noticed the soul who entered the court.
"Hyunjoon." Minhyung said softly. He placed the lunch food on Hyunjoon's stomach. "Eat."
"I don't want to." Hyunjoon utters.
Minhyung sighed. "I'll tell you everything after you eat."
Hyunjoon opened his eyes. "What do you mean? You knew something?"
"Of course, Minseok is my boyfriend remember? I'll tell you everything I know, just eat first."
Hyunjoon ate at a rapid pace. Like a tiger devouring his favorite prey.
"Spill."
Minhyung rolled his eyes. "They met at a bus stop, Wooje got stood up by someone."
"WHAT?" Hyunjoon raised his eyes.
"Hey calm down there tiger." Minhyung tapped his legs. "Anyway, they both met accidentally. But Seungmin knew who Wooje was. Hence, Seungmin got his number and now were here."
Hyunjoon calmed down. "So was it a date?"
Minhyung shrugged. "Not my place." He smiles.
Hyunjoon pouted like a little tiger left by his mother.
"But, Wooje will be fine." Minhyung answered. "If there's someone that can hurt him, it's not Seungmin." He said with a knowing smile.
~~~
Third POV
After the cafeteria thing happened. Both Wooje and Hyunjoon never crossed paths again. Courtesy of Hyunjoon having practice and Wooje having his practical exams.
"Do we really need to train here Coach?" Hyunjoon asked as they arrive at the homebase of the Hawks.
A simple tradition to play at each other's courts days before the finals.
"It's a tradition, Moon. Just for 3 hours." Their coach said.
Hyunjoon sighed. Fuck this tradition.
Some girls watch in awe as the Tigers walk towards their court. Even though they're rivals, no one can deny the aura of Moon Hyunjoon and the team.
His jacket on top of his broad shoulders.
He sighs deeply as he sees a familiar figure. Smiling at them.
The whole team of the Hawks are waiting for them.
"Coach Kkoma, welcome to the Hawks home court."
"Coach Jung, thank you for the warm welcome." Both the coaches greeted each other with respect.
"Moon Hyunjoon! Heard and seen so much about you." The Hawk's coach approached him.
He smiled and bowed to show respect. "Likewise, Coach Jung."
"And probably you've met my son. Jung Seungmin. Captain of the Hawks." He boasted.
"Of course." Hyunjoon nodded with a smile.
Seungmin held his hand out. Waiting for a handshake with Hyunjoon.
Hyunjoon, smiled sarcastically but eventually grabbed the handshake. They both smiled at each other, while squeezing each other's hands.
The coaches felt something wrong.
"Shall we go inside? We'll get you to your lockers." Coach Jung said. Making Hyunjoon let Seungmin's hands go.
They all enter inside. A small tour was given by the Head Coach along the way. And finally they arrived at the lockers.
"Hyunjoon-ah. Let's talk for a while." Their coach called the team captain. "You've been distracted lately, are you okay? Do you want to rest for today?"
Hyunjoon knows the reason why he is distracted. Wooje is still on his mind. He wants to talk to him, but can't bring up the courage to do so. Every time he see Wooje, he would chicken out and go the other way, even if it meant being late to his class. But the thing is he doesn't understand why. It's not like he's angry because Wooje has someone now. The only thing he is upset about is the fact that it's not him. But that's not the real problem really, and that's the main problem.
"No, it's fine Coach, I need to train with the team. I'll focus." Hyunjoon promises. Their Coach nods and taps his shoulders.
"Okay, go and prepare then."
At the start, everything was going well. Hyunjoon was trying his best to focus. Still not his best performance as the captain, but sufficient enough that the coach never called him out.
"Seungmin-ah, you have a message." The other opponent at the bench says as he passes the phone to Seungmin who just sat to rest.
"Oh.... who texted?" Another teammate of Seungmin teases.
"Choi Wooje?" They loudly called out. Making Hyunjoon still.
"Guys, stop looking at my phone." Seungmin smiles as he opens the message.
"Seungmin-hyung, can we meet later? OHHH!!!!" Everyone started teasing Seungmin more. "Seungmin hyung..." They repeated.
Hyunjoon's hands curl inwards. Fuck jealousy....
He was frozen in his place when suddenly Minhyung called him.
"Hyunjoon-ah." Minhyung shouted as he passes the ball. He was broken in trance.
Unfortunately, he's reaction time was not enough. The ball collided with his jaw.
"FUCK." He uttered. "HYUNJOON!" Everyone shouted as he fall.
"Oh my god" "I'm sorry." "Hyung, are you okay?" "Captain..." He feels his world spinning.
"Moon!" Their coach's scream was the last thing that he heard until he fully closed his eyes.
~~~
Hyunjoon wakes up and sees a white ceiling. He looks around, no one was near him. He touches his jaw, thank god he has a thick skull. It still hurts but he's not really injured.
He slowly sits up. It looks like a school clinic.
"Oh.. you're awake." An unfamiliar voice says. "Lee Sanghyeok, University Doctor." He utters as he approaches Hyunjoon.
He examines Hyunjoon. "Look here." He points to his nose bridge. "Follow my finger." He sways his finger left and right and back. "Can you move your head for me?" Hyunjoon does as he was told. "Next, say ahh.."
"Ahhhh" Hyunjoon opens his mouth.
"Mhmm, not bad. Guess athletes really are built different. Anyway, you're fine. You can go back or rest, whatever you want, your call. Just keep this ice pack at your jaw for a while. And always eyes on the ball." He utters. "Can't have you failing to play at finals."
"Do you know me?" Hyunjoon asks.
"Of course.. Moon Hyunjoon, team captain of the Tigers. Minhyung is my nephew." He then smiles.
"Your what??" He raises his voice.
"Yeah, Lee Minhyung, Lee Sanghyuk. I'm just working part-time here. A hobby." His smile grew bigger.
A clinic doctor? For a hobby?
"Sounds crazy, but it's fun." He then places the ice pack at his jaw, startling Hyunjoon.
"Did the team leave?" Hyunjoon asked.
"Nah. They're still playing. You just passed out for 15 minutes, not really long."
Hyunjoon nods.
"Just know that whatever it is that you are thinking about, it will all be fine in the end." He said knowingly.
"What do you mean?" Hyunjoon asked curiously.
"You know what I mean, Hyunjoon. He'll come around, or maybe he actually never left and was always yours." Sanghyuk smiled as he gathers the small towels used earlier for Hyunjoon's jaw.
He then leaves. Leaving a very confused Hyunjoon behind.
What did he mean?
Hyunjoon started walking towards their locker room. He'll rest for a while. Still with the ice pack in hand.
"Yah.. Your plan really worked." A voice said laughing.
"As always, don't doubt our captain." Another said.
"Told you, that Moon will have a weakness." Seungmin said as he smirks.
What?
"But how did you know that Choi Wooje was his weakness?"
"Oh, I saw them one time after a game. So close and saw how sappy Moon could be. Hence, I just tried, and it worked." Seungmin explained.
He felt his anger grow. How dare he play with Wooje? How dare he use Wooje to get into Hyunjoon's mind.
Suddenly all he saw was red.
He angrily opened the door, ignoring the pain on his jaw.
"JUNG SEUNGMIN!" He walks towards him. "HOW LOW WILL YOU GO TO PISS ME? EVEN USING MY FRIEND?" He punches Seungmin, thankful that he accepted taking Taekwondo and Boxing lessons before.
He grabs his collar. And everyone around them started calling for help. Trying to pull Hyunjoon's hold on to Seungmin, but he remains at his palms. He smirks as he sees the flash of fear on the other's eyes.
"Now, you're afraid? Why? Afraid that I'll break you? Because I can. Don't mess with me, and stop being near Wooje, or I'll kill you." He threatens. "You messed with the wrong Tiger."
"MOON HYUNJOON!" He hears their coach call. He lets Seungmin go.
Minhyung holding his shoulders.
"To the office, now. Both of you!"
~~~
"Wooje-ah. Have you heard?" Minseok said as he approached the lunch table.
"What hyung?" He answers not bothering to look at Minseok.
"Apparently, Hyunjoon got suspended. He can't play at the finals." That made Wooje stop.
"What do you mean? What happened?"
"Minhyung said he fought with Seungmin."
"Why?" Wooje knows his hyung never fights someone. Not ever. His hyung will never hit someone, even though he can.
"Hyunjoon apparently won't talk. Not to the coaches, not to Minhyung."
"Where are they?" Wooje asked.
"They'll arrive in 15 minutes."
Wooje sighed. Guess he needs to have a word with Hyunjoon.
"I'll try and talk to him."
Minseok just nodded.
Wooje sits and waits as he watches the basketball team's bus arrive. Each player goes down, all very quiet. What happened seems very serious that even the playful players are just silent and all went their own ways. Minhyung walked out and Wooje stood up, knowing that Hyunjoon will follow next.
But there was no Hyunjoon...
"Hyung." Wooje called out.
"Wooje-ah. Why are you here?" Minhyung asked. "Oh, Hyunjoon?"
Wooje nodded.
"He didn't went back with us." Minhyung honestly answered.
"He really did not tell you what happened?" Wooje asked cautiously.
"He kept quiet, even our Coach got angry."
Wooje sighed. "Okay, I'll go to his apartment."
"Mhm, talk to us when you find him." Minhyung said as walked pass Wooje.
Wooje knew that Hyunjoon is in his apartment. Where he always is when something is wrong.
He confidently put the password. Unlocking it easily. He notices the untidied sports bag.
He's here
Wooje calms himself down. "Hyung?" He hears a shuffle.
"Wooje?" Hyunjoon finally showed himself.
"What happened?" Wooje immediately asked him.
Hyunjoon breathes in. "That bastard, Jung Seungmin. He played with you." He said honestly with a hint of anger.
"What?" Wooje asked.
"He basically got close to you to piss me off and messed with my head."
"Hyung, you're not making any sense."
Hyunjoon frustratingly answered. "He intentionally approached you and made me angry."
"That's why you hit him? That's the reason why you got suspended? That's why you'll miss finals? Your dream?" Wooje's voice kept getting louder at every sentence.
Hyunjoon looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"Hyung that was so dumb... Why did you get mad at him for that?"
"Choi Wooje! He played with you and that's what you will say to me?"
"Hyung, if there's someone that should hit him. It's me.. And why do you even care?" Wooje got closer.
"Care? Why would I care?" Hyunjoon laughs sarcastically. "Why wouldn't I care, Wooje? I'm your friend, the last thing I want is for others to use you just to mess with me. You don't deserve that Wooje."
"Do you think it was worth it? Getting suspended, days before your final match. Hyunjoon, I can handle it. Besides Seungmin and I are not even dating each other. We just went out. Wasn't even a date. Though I don't know why it matters to you all of a sudden."
"I told you! You matter to me Choi Wooje, more than you ever think." Hyunjoon slowly approached Wooje.
Wooje was startled with his movement. He slowly backs away. He feels his heart beat faster. Why now?
He did not notice the table until he hit it with his back, forced to stop backing away. Hyunjoon was getting near. Eyes never leaving Wooje.
Hyunjoon placed his hands on the table. Trapping Wooje.
Wooje felt his breath hitch. He looks at anywhere except Hyunjoon, suddenly the black curtains look so interesting.
"Choi Wooje" Hyunjoon calls his name, voice ever so deep. "Look at me." He commands.
Wooje gathers his courage and looks him at the eye. He's hot... He feels his cheeks burn. He immediately looks away.
"Eyes here, Choi Wooje." Hyunjoon utters, as if making his prey slowly fall for him. Well he is currently like a trapped rabbit at the mercy of a tiger.
"What?" Wooje tried to form coherent words. Hyunjoon slowly closes the distance between their faces.
Wooje feels Hyunjoon's forehead touch his. He instinctively closes his eyes.
"Please let's not ignore each other anymore." Hyunjoon whispers, begging. Making Wooje open his eyes. He sees Hyunjoon's eyes closed but a stray tear fell. "I can't handle it anymore. Please."
Wooje breathes out and hums. Hyunjoon opens his eyes. Meeting Wooje's round big ones. He looks for hesitation and disapproval from Wooje's eyes.
He found none...
Hyunjoon goes forward, capturing Wooje's lips with his. Wooje closed his eyes, stood still while Hyunjoon's hands move to Wooje's waist and neck. Deepening the kiss. After a while, he lets go. Breathing heavily...
Wooje breathes heavily with him. Eyes still closed. WHAT THE FUCK? He then realizes it and pushes Hyunjoon away.
"Wooje-ah"
"No. Don't." Wooje felt confused. "What did you do? You can't. We can't. You already have someone." He breathily answered.
"I don't have someone."
"Huh? The girl.. The arcade?"
Hyunjoon smiles. "Ah. She's my cousin." He answers. Wooje found himself dumbfounded.
Cousin?
Hyunjoon can't help but laugh. "Did you really think she was my girlfriend?"
Wooje just nodded. Hyunjoon started to walk towards his baby.
"She's not." He answers, holding Wooje's waist. Seemed like Hyunjoon found his favorite thing to hold than a basketball. "I like someone else." He whispers directly to Wooje's ear.
Wooje felt a shiver up his spine.
"You" Hyunjoon confesses. He lets the other's waist go.
"I liked you the moment you entered that court two years ago. I liked you the moment you asked me Where your building was. I have loved you ever since, and still do now." He says sincerely. Wooje just listens. Looks for any lies, but found none. Hyunjoon is honest with him.
"I was just afraid that we'll stop being friends the moment you knew. I can't lose you like that, Wooje-ah. I'd rather live my life as your best friend, than live a life without you by my side."
Wooje smiles, and laughs. "That was so (lovingly) cringe." He looks at Hyunjoon and holds his shoulders. "Me too, hyung. I like you too." He confesses.
"Really?" Hyunjoon asks, still can't believe what he heard.
Wooje nods. And suddenly he is showered with kisses. His forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose, lips, hair and even his ears. Wooje giggles, a melody to Hyunjoon's ears.
"So we're boyfriends now?" Wooje asked.
"Of course.." Hyunjoon immediately answered.
"Wait... How's you jaw? Your hands?" Wooje asked. Holding Hyunjoon's hands and dragging him to the couch. He checks every crease on Hyunjoon's hands and his jaw. While Hyunjoon just fondly looks at his boyfriend.
"Does it hurt?" To which Hyunjoon just shook his head.
"You should have just left him." Wooje pouted. Making Hyunjoon smile even more, so cute.
He pecked the pouty lips. "I would have done the same even if I get another chance."
"Now you can't play." Wooje reasoned out.
"It's fine. The team will do well. Though it's a shame, I really wanted to win that FMVP for you."
Wooje giggles and playfully hits Hyunjoon. "How many days was your suspension?"
"Three days." Hyunjoon looks at him fondly while answering. He hugs him, resting his chin on Wooje's shoulders.
"Three? Wait..." Wooje looks at Hyunjoon, letting him go.
"What?" Hyunjoon curiously asks a now smiling Wooje.
~~~
Finals Day
"Minhyung, I trust you to lead the game, okay?" Their coach uttered. Minhyung nodded. "On three, One, Two, Three, Tigers."
"WAIT!" Hyunjoon came running.
"Moon Hyunjoon, what are you doing here?"
"I need to play."
"You're suspended." Their coach honestly said.
"Yep, until the third quarter."
"Hyunjoon-ah, what do you mean?" Minhyung asked.
"See, my suspension is three days after the events of the issue. Well, it was 10:30 a.m. when they suspended me. So by the time this day hits 10:30 a.m., the suspension is lifted."
"It was three days, Moon." Their coach said.
"Yeah. And it happened three days ago, no?"
The coach started to count using his fingers. A realization dawned on him. Hyunjoon was right.
He then smiles. "Okay... Let's go. Let's do our best until Hyunjoon returns, I know you can handle it guys. Defend well and make sure to stick to our plan."
All of them nodded, it was really nice to get their captain back.
"You guys can do this." Hyunjoon said. "One, Two, Three. Tigers! Let's GO!"
Hyunjoon sits for the first two quarters. Supporting the team from behind.
Minhyung meanwhile is carrying the team hard, scoring points back to back. But despite his efforts they remain behind.
50-41 Hawks
"Jung Seungmin receives the ball, running past the defenders, jump and lay-up. Points for the Team captain of the Hawks. 52-41. End of the first Half"
Seungmin looks directly at Minhyung then at Hyunjoon and a smile is lingering on his face. Hyunjoon rolls his eyes. This mf...
The first half was finished and the team goes back to the locker room.
"I still need time." Hyunjoon answering the team. "It's still just 10 am."
"Okay we'll play the third quarter without you." Minhyung says. Hyunjoon nods.
"You're doing great." He smiles to his friend. Minhyung taps his shoulder as an acknowledgement.
"I know." Minhyung says confidently.
"Guys we have 5 minutes left. Let's talk about strategies." Their coach says and both Hyunjoon and Minhyung listens in.
"Halfway through the third quarter and the Hawks are still leading by a margin of 10. On the side of the tigers, Lee Minhyung is on fire, with the absence of their captain will he able to carry the team to victory? Lee swiftly avoids two opponents, his moving is really one of a kind. he steps back, and shoots. 2 Points for the tigers."
"WOHOOOOOO!!! That's my BOYFRIEND. LET'S GO LEE MINHYUNG." Minseok screams as Minhyung scores and Minhyung looks at his way, winking at him. Minseok suddenly feels his cheeks burn. Wooje meanwhile laughs at this scene. Years of relationship and yet Minseok still blushes when Minhyung flirts? Will him and Hyunjoon be the same? He could only hope. But they're different, either way, he knows that Hyunjoon will make him happy, and he will do the same to Hyunjoon.
Speaking of Hyunjoon, he starts to remove his varsity jacket, revealing his jersey. He smirks and nods at his coach who immediately signals for a substitution.
"OH? What is this? Moon Hyunjoon is entering the court." The casters utter in awe...
He jogs confidently, noticing the shocked faces of Seungmin and his team.
"What? Seen a ghost, Jung? Hyunjoon utters as he nears Seungmin. On the position to receive the ball from his teammate.
"You're still suspended, Moon."
"Technically, not. See my boyfriend, Choi Wooje realized that there are loopholes on the punishment. It said 3 days, from the beginning of the verdict. It came out at 10:30 on Tuesday, it's now Friday 10:30." He smirks.
"Whatever Moon, you'll still lose to me." Seungmin answers
Hyunjoon just shrugs. "Sure..."
Whistle...
He immediately receives the ball. He escapes Seungmin's defense. He dribbles the ball and throws it pass Seungmin, running past him at the same time. Skill diff.
He nears the 3-pointer line. Steps back and shoots.
"Amazing offense for the team captain of the tigers.87-84 Hawks still in the lead."
Minhyung high-fives him.
Hyunjoon and Minhyung take turns shooting the ball. Until the third quarter ended. 98-95
"Let's go Hawks!!!"
"Tigers, Roar, Let's win the Goal."
Wooje sits in the crowd with Minseok. He really wishes Hyunjoon and the team win. They must win. This is Hyunjoon's last game of the season. How much Hyunjoon wanted this. They both prayed hard and wished to every being in the universe for them to win.
Hyunjoon looks at him as the third quarter ends. The other smiles at him. Wooje just mouthed "Fighting!" Hyunjoon nodded with a smile. A simple promise, that he'll try his best to win. That he'll win this for him.
In the beginning of the fourth quarter, almost all of the opponent's team stopped Hyunjoon. Either 3 or 4 made sure to defend against him. Sometimes even pushing him.
"Ref? That was foul." He complains to the referee. To which the official just shakes his head. That was not the first time and Wooje feels Hyunjoon's frustration.
His face says it all. With their coaches and the whole team complaining too.
After a while, the coach just nods and stops the team. "Just play.."
Hyunjoon breathes in and starts to dribble the ball. Rushing forward. He passed it to Minhyung, who immediately passes it back as he has 2 people guarding him, can't shoot.
Hyunjoon decides to go forward. Looking for an opening to one of his teammates. Still none. Hyunjoon can't shoot too, Seungmin is on his front guarding him. And not underestimating Seungmin, he can't let the ball go now. He passes it to his teammate. Looking for a better position. He signals the other to pass it back to him.
But someone pushed him again. This time the force was much stronger, putting Hyunjoon to the ground.
The impact was so strong that they all heard a loud thud.
Wooje stood up worried. Minseok stands up with him. Assessing Hyunjoon's condition, they can only see a part of the commotion as the coaches immediately ran towards him. The referees finally called a foul.
Hyunjoon stands up. But he feels pain on his ankles. He curses, with the help of their medical team he manages to sit on the bench. They all provided first aid for him. Ice packs and sprays to alleviate the pain and prevent the swelling.
Another player replaces him as the game continues. 4 minutes in the clock. Yet, Hyunjoon still can't move his ankle properly. The medical team advised him to not play the game anymore. Yet he wants to. He needs to...
Somehow, Wooje was able to go near his seat. "Hyung." He calls out.
Hyunjoon looks at him. "Wooje-ah."
"Are you okay?" Wooje asks worriedly.
Hyunjoon smiles and nods. "Of course."
"Of course." Wooje repeated, almost sarcastically because he knows that it's hardly true with his ankles red with ice packs covering the area.
"I'm okay, been through worse."
Wooje looks at him. "I'm a medical student, I know how sprains work, Moon Hyunjoon."
Hyunjoon just laughs. "Of course Wooje-ah..."
"But you know right?" Hyunjoon looks away, gazes back at his team trying to score. "You know how much I want to win this."
Wooje nods. "Of course, Of course I know."
"Then you know I'll get on that court the moment the timer hits 6 minutes." Hyunjoon looks at him.
"Yeah... And I won't stop you." Wooje starts playing with his hand, fidgeting. "Just.. Be careful."
Hyunjoon stands up, trying to ignore the pain he feels. He starts to hold Wooje's hands. "I'll be okay..." He comforts him. "You'll take care of me anyway." Hyunjoon smirks.
Wooje playfully hits him, but nods nonetheless. I will....
6:00.......
The whistle blows as their coach calls for a timeout.
"I'll enter, Coach." Hyunjoon says.
The Coach first hesitates, looking at his foot. But he knows, that Hyunjoon will help them win the championship. "Okay. But if you fall one more time you'll never enter the court again."
Hyunjoon smiles and salutes. "Aye aye, Coach."
Minhyung taps his shoulders and nods. "Let's do this."
"It seems like Moon, will return to the court. He and Lee Minhyung is really the main point of this team, so I understand why they let him play even with that fall earlier."
"Well it's Moon Hyunjoon, he won't back down without a fight. He won't give up easily. He's that player." Wooje hears the crowd say, he smiles. He really is just that.
"Hyung, I don't get it. Why do you need to learn taekwondo? Aren't you already playing basketball?" Wooje says as he watches Hyunjoon tighten his belt.
"Wooje-ah, it's for self-defense... But more so I could protect you." Hyunjoon teases.
Wooje pouts. "I can protect myself just fine."
Hyunjoon is not good at the sport at first. Actually, he totally failed every move...
"When are we leaving?" Wooje asks as he closes his anatomy book, sky now dark outside.
"Not until I master this move." Hyunjoon answers as he prepares himself to do a back kick.
Wooje sighs as he watches him.
Hyunjoon steps back, spins and kick.
Wooje gasp. "Wow!"
"I DID IT!!! Hyunjoon screamed as he looked at Wooje proudly.
Wooje smiles at him. "Finally!!!" He runs to him. "Now we can go right?" Wooje asks.
Hyunjoon nods looking fondly at Wooje.
"Is he really good to go?" Minseok asks Wooje.
"He wanted to, hyung. And you know him too." Wooje says as his eyes follow Hyunjoon as he runs across the court.
"Typical them.." Minseok utters, knowing that not only Hyunjoon but also Minhyung is like that.
"After a fierce back and fourth among the teams. The score sits at 110-107. As the final minute approaches... Who will make the final sprint.
The tigers have the ball.. Lee Minhyung dribbles it confidently, passing his opponent easily with a spin move."
Hyunjoon looks at Minhyung and the court. Where is the best place to go... He decides to jog near the basket. One point at a time. Or Two really..
He signals Minhyung and immediately the ball is on his way.
He catches it easily and jumps as high as he can.
110-109
One point separates them as the timer hits 49 seconds.
Wooje feels the nervous. He prays hard. Desperate... He closes his eyes. Please please please, good defense...great offense... please...
"Moon Hyunjoon successfully blocks Jung's attempt. Ball is in Tigers' hands. Han dribbles the ball constantly looking for both Moon and Lee. He passes it to Kim, who passes it to Moon, finally arriving one of the two stars."
Wooje closes his eyes again. Please please just make the basket.
"Moon attempts to shoot, but hesitates. He passes it immediately to Lee, who was left open. He shoots...
AND SCORES!!!! THE HANWOOL TIGERS ARE YOUR CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINAL SCORE 110-111."
Wooje opens his eyes as Minseok hugs him. "THEY DID IT!!!!" They both laugh and drags each other to go near the team.
The team is currently celebrating lifting Minhyung, and then Hyunjoon. All happily teasing each other and saying their congratulations.
Minseok was able to squeeze the both of them in. And amidst the chaos they both found their other half. Minseok lets go of Wooje and runs to Minhyung.
Minhyung hugs him, and kisses his hair, both happily celebrating.
Wooje smiles at them but also looks for Hyunjoon.
"CHOI WOOJE!" He hears someone shout his name.
He looks at the voice, also running to him.
Hyunjoon's arms wide open. Wooje laughs and hugs him trying his best to collect all the warmth Hyunjoon has to offer.
Where's the trophy? He just comes runnin' over to me
Hyunjoon lifts him up, his personal trophy, his and only his. And Wooje instinctively wraps his legs around the other's small waist. They both whisper sweet nothings to each other's ears.
"Congrats. Moon."
"Told you, Wooje-ah."
They both at each other smiling...
Hyunjoon lets him go as the announcer's voice echoes the court.
"Now, let's find out the FINALS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. From the TIGERS...."
Wooje looks at Hyunjoon, who looks at him back. They both nod knowingly.
"LEE MINHYUNG!!!!"
The team congratulates Minhyung also tease him. Minseok is just hugging him.
Wooje and Hyunjoon laugh at each other. They're fine... Finally...
After the high of winning comes down, everone disperses, they all promised to meet at dinner for the celebration and also to bid farewell to all the seniors who played their last collegiate game.
Wooje waits for Hyunjoon, as always.
Hyunjoon walks like a model, striding with his bag and jacket on hand.
Wooje smiles when he remembers the event of last week. Same situation after winning, waiting for Hyunjoon, and as he walks in looking like the hottest person on earth.
"You look hot." Wooje honestly said, giggling after seeing Hyunjoon's small blush.
"When did you learn to compliment me?" Hyunjoon asked as he sits beside Wooje.
Wooje shrugs. "Always knew how. Just didn't have the rights to say it without it getting out of context."
"So now it can be taken out of context?" Hyunjoon smirks whispering sultry at the other's ears.
Wooje pushes him away. "Stop teasing.." A small blush creeping up his cheeks.
Hyunjoon laughs. "We're tied.."
They both remained silent.
"How do you feel?" Wooje asks not providing enough context, but he knows that Hyunjoon knew what he meant.
"Relief, probably sad that this is probably the last time. But happy that we were able to finish well." Hyunjoon answered.
"I'll also miss supporting you." Wooje also answered honestly.
Hyunjoon looks at him. "You'll be able to support me in many ways though."
Wooje looks back. "I know... and I will. It's just we have a lot of memories here. In this sport, in this place..."
Hyunjoon nodded. "Yeah.. Come to think of it you're right."
"Hyung..."
"I love you" .... "I love the team captain of the Tigers, Moon. I love my best friend Hyunjoon. I love the real Moon Hyunjoon."...."I love you, both as a fan, and more so as a person, the real Choi Wooje."
"Me too. I love all of you. The medicine student Choi Wooje. The president of my fanclub, Choi Wooje. And even more so my first love, Wooje."
They both looked at each other's eyes. Finding comfort and love in them.
"I promise to make your first be the last." Wooje replied
"I would gladly accept that." Hyunjoon smiled.
The both held hands. "Let's go to the dinner, they're probably waiting for you." Wooje said.
Hyunjoon nods, standing up with Wooje and walking towards the door.
Wooje stops him. "Hyung, what about your ball." He points to the orange-colored ball.
Hyunjoon smiles at him. "Nah, it's fine, it is where it's meant to be." ... "Besides, I already have my hands full." He replies as he squeezes Wooje's hand.
Wooje nods at him and returns the smile with a small squeeze of his palm.
And that's how they became each other's first love...
Love takes time, but when it comes all of it is worth it.
Love is Patience
Always is, and always will be.