The steady rhythm of basketballs bouncing against the court slowed to a pause as the teams caught their breath. Sweat glistened on foreheads and laughter bubbled up from tired throats, but Jake didn't move back to the group just yet.
Instead, he slid down onto the concrete bench beside Bella, who was already seated, adjusting the strap of her tote. The noise of the ongoing games softened around them, leaving space for a quieter moment.
"Not bad out there. It's a pretty school, swanky new with all the nice courts for you trust fund babies." Jake said casually, eyes glancing toward the court before settling on Bella.
He smirked, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "You know, I'm pretty unstoppable on the court, both here and back at my own school."
Bella chuckled softly. "I guess you guys really are the legend everyone talks about. I mean Keith."
Jake laughed low and easy. They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the distant thud of the ball punctuating the quiet.
Jake shifted his gaze, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "So… where's that swim captain guy?"
Bella blinked, caught off guard. She stammered slightly, "I, I don't really know where he is right now."
Before Jake could press further, a tall figure approached, dribbling a basketball with easy precision.
Yunho moved with a smooth confidence, his height giving him an effortless advantage on the court. He glanced at Bella and Jake with a small, almost shy nod.
"Mind if I join?" Yunho asked Keith, who was sprinting around the court.
Keith glanced over, a quick nod signalling welcome. Yunho stepped onto the court, bouncing the ball with a steady rhythm, his calm presence quietly shifting the energy of the game.
The others paused for a moment, sensing something different as Yunho took his place. His movements were precise and controlled, but underneath, there was an unmistakable edge, a fierce competitiveness that simmered just beneath the surface.
Jake watched with interest as Yunho sized up the court, then suddenly exploded into action. With a swift crossover, he bypassed one defender, then another, driving hard toward the basket.
Logan's jaw dropped. "Wait—Yunho plays?" he whispered to Emily.
"He's the swim captain, isn't he?" someone else said. "What the hell is this?"
Yunho didn't let up. He leapt, releasing the ball with perfect form, and it swished cleanly through the net.
A ripple of shocked laughter and gasps moved through the students. From the sidelines, a cluster of girls near Bella broke into excited whispers.
"OMG, that's Yunho on the courts, right?"
"He's kind of hot. I'm waiting for him to peel off his top in this weather…"
Bella arched a brow, glancing at Emily, who snorted.
"I swear, this is how cults start," Emily muttered under her breath.
Jake raised his eyebrows, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Not bad at all."
Jake hurried back to the courts to join Keith to corner Yunho. Yunho's eyes flicked toward Jake, a silent challenge burning in their depths. When Jake took the ball, he pushed back just as fiercely, weaving through defenders, testing Yunho's limits.
Yunho stretched out his full height and blocked a shot from Jake with a clean leap, surprising everyone, then sprinted downcourt for a fast break, the ball pounding the pavement like it belonged to him.
Emily leaned toward Bella, wide-eyed. "I didn't even know he liked basketball."
Bella watched from the sidelines, surprised by the intensity radiating from Yunho. It was more than just a game to him, it was a battle he was determined to win. "Must've felt like proving something today." Bella muttered.
As the play paused for a brief moment, Jake jogged over to Yunho, wiping sweat from his brow. "You've got game," he said, nodding in respect.
Yunho gave a smile but didn't respond. His focus was already on the ball, ready to dive back into the next play.
The game slowed as players took a breather, stretching and wiping sweat from their faces. Yunho stepped off the court, ball tucked under his arm and walked over to where Bella sat, still catching her breath.
Jake followed close behind, flashing a grin. "So, Bella," he said casually, "what's the deal with this swim captain guy? You didn't say much earlier."
Bella blinked, caught off guard. She glanced at Yunho, who was quietly leaning against the fence, arms crossed but watching her with those sharp, curious eyes.
"I… I don't really know him that well," Bella stammered, shifting her weight nervously. "He's kind of… popular."
Jake chuckled, nudging her shoulder lightly. "Popular, huh? Sounds like someone's got a little crush."
Emily, standing nearby, smirked but stayed quiet, watching the exchange with amused eyes.
Yunho stepped forward then, voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of intensity. "If you ever want to talk about him," he said, "I'm around."
Bella hesitated, glancing between them. "He's… Yunho," she said softly, "he's the swim captain."
Jake raised an eyebrow, nodding slowly. "The swim captain, huh?"
"Look at you," he teased Yunho, "getting all serious."
Yunho didn't respond, but his eyes flicked to Bella and she felt a flicker of something unspoken pass between them.
Emily finally broke the silence, looping her arm through Bella's. "Come on, Bella. Let's grab some drinks before the next round."