Jisoo's group was a basketball group.
He was exceptionally good at it.
So was Seungmin.
Back in middle school, the two of them had been unstoppable. When they played together, no team stood a chance. Their names were known. Girls used to crowd the court just to watch them play.
They were legends — once.
They sat together to plan.
Without thinking, Seungmin sat beside Han.
Jisoo noticed.
The sight made something burn violently in his chest, but he didn't react. He straightened his posture and spoke calmly, professionally.
"We'll practice every morning," he said. "During sports period, in breaks, and one hour after school. I want everyone punctual. If we're doing this, we're doing it properly."
Chahyuk grinned. "Of course. We have you and Seungmin. We'll be on top."
Jisoo shot him a sharp look.
"This is a team," he said coldly. "Not a two-man show."
The room went quiet.
Woohyun, Minho, and Jisoo started discussing strategies. Seungmin listened without interrupting.
While Han leaned closer to Chahyuk and whispered, "Are Jisoo and Seungmin really that good?"
Chahyuk nodded instantly. "You have no idea. Back in middle school, when they played together? No one won against them. Together, they were dangerous."
Han's eyes widened. "That's… kind of amazing."
Jisoo glanced at them. "What are you two talking about?"
Chahyuk laughed awkwardly. "I was just telling him how good you both are."
Silence followed.
Trying to ease it, Han spoke up. "Jisoo… I've never played basketball before. I don't even know the basics. I might hold you all back."
Jisoo took a breath. "It's fine. I'm a good teacher."
He paused. "Once, I taught someone. He became better than me. Even I can't deny that."
Han smiled faintly, still unsure. "I don't know if I can learn. I'm not good at sports. I even quit boxing."
"He taught me."
Seungmin's voice cut through the room.
Everyone turned to look at him.
"I'm the one he taught," Seungmin continued. "What I am now is because of him. If he could teach someone like me, he can teach you too."
Chahyuk laughed without thinking. "Yeah, but you still stole his girlfriend."
The room froze.
Every head turned toward him — disappointment clear on every face.
Things were already fragile. That comment was gasoline on fire.
Before anyone could respond, the teacher walked in.
"Have you selected a captain?"
They looked at each other.
Seungmin spoke first. "Yes, sir. Jisoo is the captain."
The teacher raised his eyebrows. "You can talk?"
He chuckled. "You have a strong voice. Use it more. Alright — Jisoo's the captain. Now get up. Thirty laps."
Chahyuk groaned. "Sir, why are we running? We're playing basketball."
The teacher lifted the stick in his hand and tapped it sharply against his head.
"Run. Or I'll give you something worse to complain about."
Everyone stood up instantly.
Most of them ran easily.
Han didn't.
After two laps, his breathing broke apart. His vision blurred. He slowed, struggling to stay upright.
Seungmin noticed immediately.
He sprinted toward the cafeteria and came back with an energy drink. When he returned, Han was barely jogging.
Seungmin grabbed his hand and guided him to sit down. He opened the bottle and pressed it into Han's hand.
"Drink."
Han did, fast and shaky.
"Do you want to go to the nurse?" Seungmin asked.
Han shook his head. "I'm okay now. Let's run."
Seungmin nodded. "Then run with me."
He helped Han up, slipped his arm around him, steady and firm, and they started running together.
From the far end of the track, Jisoo watched.
In his hand was a bottle — the one he had brought for Han.
Too late.
Something heavy settled in his chest — regret tangled with jealousy and resentment.