Chaewon was about to take a shot when suddenly someone shouted,
"Han hyung is here!"
The ball froze in Chaewon's hands. His head snapped toward the entrance.
There he was—Han, black hair cropped short, walking in like he owned the place. But the moment Chaewon's eyes landed on the girl beside him, his face twisted into pure disgust. His lips pushed into a hard pout, and he stood there sulking like a child caught off guard.
(The only reason han cut his hair was because he somehow knew that chaewon is attracted to him. And he didn't wanted him to like him. So because Tomorrow he told him that his hair was attractive Han though maybe he likes my hair so he cut them off.)
The juniors abandoned the game instantly, rushing to Han as if the match had never existed.
"Guys! We're still in the middle of a match. Focus!" Jun called, annoyed.
But chaewon couldn't move. He stood frozen, clutching the ball, eyes locked on Han. His chest was knotted—something sharp, something ugly—and he couldn't tell if it was anger, jealousy, or both.
"Hyung, you look so handsome!" a junior shouted.
"Yeah, so manly!" another added.
Then came the dreaded question.
"Hyung… is she your girlfriend?"
Chaewon's grip tightened. His eyes went wide, his mouth dropped open in disbelief.
Before Han could even speak, Christine leaned her head against his shoulder, her voice honey-sweet.
"Yes. I am."
Chaewon's jaw clenched. He threw the ball down, walking toward them slowly, his pout deepening.
But Han shut it down immediately.
"No, she's not."
Christine's smile cracked. She pulled away, folding her arms in mock anger.
"You're breaking my heart."
The juniors burst into laughter and teasing shouts.
"Hyung! How can you do that? She's so beautiful!"
"Hyung, that's so mean, saying it right to her face!"
Han sighed. "Noona, don't do this."
At the word noona, Chaewon finally relaxed, a wave of relief flooding him. Still, suspicion lingered. He looked at Han, then at Christine. Then again. Back and forth, at least three times. Noona? She looks American… how can she be his sister? Maybe… step-sister?
While he was spiraling, Han casually asked about the match. "How's it going?"
Jun came forward, smiling brightly and parting the crowd.
"Noona, how are you?"
Christine's mood flipped instantly. She patted his head affectionately.
"Ohhh, our Jun has grown so tall. My baby. So cute. How is your—"
"Ahh—noona, I'm good!" Jun cut her off quickly, flustered. His cheeks flushed pink as he lowered her hand, chuckling awkwardly.
Trying to be polite, he added, "Since you're here, why don't you watch the match?"
Christine nodded happily. "Leemin! Bring something to drink for her," Jun called.
She sat down, glowing with satisfaction as if the whole court was hers.
Han slipped away to change into his sports uniform.
The match resumed.
From the sidelines, Christine's voice boomed.
"Hani, you look so handsome!"
Chaewon winced. He repeated her words in a mocking, cringey voice. "Hani, you look so handsome~" Then scrunched up his face. "Ugh… so cringe. How can she even say that?"
The boy standing beside him blinked at him. "What's up with you, man?"
Chaewon quickly looked away, pouting harder.
Meanwhile, Christine kept snapping photo after photo, shouting, "Han, look here!"
Chaewon rolled his eyes. He's playing, and she wants him to look at her?
Then, with a sly grin, she sent the photos directly to Seungmin.
On the court, Chaewon's gaze never left Han. But every time Christine's voice rang out, his chest burned hotter, his pout deepening into a quiet storm.