It had already been weeks since Ken had confessed to Alex about Noel, and even though Alex had been supportive, he was still in shock from the sudden confession.
It was Friday, and most of the students had gathered at the court to watch the big match — Saturn High versus Topper High.
This wasn't just any game; it was their last match as students of Saturn High. In just two months, the final exams and graduation awaited them. The entire school buzzed with excitement, eager to see the team give their all one last time.
The students in the stands were buzzing with energy. The cheers, chants, and stomps on the bleachers made the whole place shake. The atmosphere was insane.
As expected, Noel was on the team — the sub-captain, organized, and strong. Cheerful and ambiverted, he was incredibly popular among the girls because of his cuteness. Yet, he hadn't dated anyone since joining Saturn. Every time a girl confessed, he always had a reason to politely reject them — logical, mature, and never basic.
When Noel stepped onto the court and positioned himself, the whistle blew. The match started aggressively. Topper High came out strong, putting Saturn High under immediate pressure.
But then, disaster struck. Jihoon, the captain of Saturn's team, sprained his leg only minutes into the game. The accident left a major hole in the lineup.
The entire crowd gasped. Worry spread across the stands, their concern written all over their faces.
"There's no perfect replacement for him," one of the players muttered to the coach.
The coach scanned the crowd frantically. "Well… what about Alex? Has anyone seen him?" His eyes landed on Alex sitting with the students.
The coach immediately rushed to him.
"I'm not trained well, sir. I won't be good for the team," Alex said quickly, trying to escape the responsibility.
"But can't you see? We have a huge weakness here! We can't let them take over," the coach insisted, gripping Alex's shoulder.
"Well, I think you should consider… consider Ken! Yeah, Ken's perfect for the match. He's been practicing on the court by himself all the time. He must be ready to help," Alex blurted, slipping out of the coach's grip before he could protest further.
The coach turned to Ken.
"Sir, I've never practiced for a ma—" Ken started, but Alex grabbed his arm and cut him off.
"You can go, sir. I'll make sure he plays," Alex said firmly, silencing Ken with just a look.
"Then make it faster," the coach ordered, before hurrying back to the bench.
Ken glared. "Are you nuts?! Why can't you—"
"Shhh!" Alex slapped a hand over his mouth.
"Don't waste this chance, you freak," Alex hissed, shaking his head.
"What do you mean?" Ken asked, looking lost.
"Well… Noel is on the team. This is your best shot to show you exist in his world. At least try to be his friend."
Ken pouted. "What if I just get friend-zoned forever?"
"Put some effort, at least. That's all that matters." Alex tapped his shoulder reassuringly, before heading back to the audience.
As he walked away, he muttered under his breath, "Don't let Noel say no so fast… don't get friend-zoned immediately… that bastard will kill me."
ready to go