Whatever It Takes (ITZY x Male Reader)

First Game, First Loss

(A/N): Yes, it's another update!!! I have nothing to say, honestly

Welp, I sure hope you enjoy this chapter!! Hehehe.

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"Basket counts! Team IZ*ONE wins!!!!!!"

It was quiet for a moment as everyone processed what just happened. Yujin tipped the ball to the hoop and sank it...

"YEAHHHH!!!!!!" IZ*ONE erupted in cheers and celebration. They held their fists up high and hugged each other.

Meanwhile, AeZy looked at the winning team in shock before walking back to the bench.

'We lost...' That was what's in their minds. They felt such a sharp pain inside them, the sadness and frustration filled their hearts.

They continued to dwell on the loss when suddenly...

"Hey," You called with a proud smile on your face. "Keep your chins up."

The girls looked at him in confusion. How come you're still so optimistic and calm, they wondered.

"W-we lost..." Yuna croaked. "We did bad..."

You chuckled at how they were taking their loss. As their coach, it's your job to help your players bring the best out of them, but that also means that it's your job to encourage them to get up when they fall down.

"I know it's frustrating, but you didn't do bad," You knelt down in front of them. "You gave it your all, you also managed to come back from a double-digit deficit! That was amazing, really."

"He's right. Each and every one of you did your best. It just so happens that Yujin managed to tip the ball before the buzzer." This time, it was JYP who spoke up. The girls turned around to look at the man who sported the same smile you did.

He was proud of them from start to finish, and he was also proud of how you coached them. Judging from how the girls played, he knew that accepting Yeji's offer to make you their coach was a good decision.

"You all did well, both the players and you, (Y/N). Keep up the good work." JYP went beside you and patted your shoulder.

The girls' frowns were then replaced by smiles. To be honest, your words of encouragement, plus JYP's, were enough for them to feel happy.

"Players, line up!" The announcer called as they got ready for the high-fives.

The girls walked by each other while giving one another high fives. You and Eunhwa met by the officials' table for a handshake.

"Good game, Eunhwa."

"Yes, good game."

"I must say, not using two of your starting five in the first half was smart," You chuckled, making him do so as well.

"Hehe, thank you."

"And that last shot. That was actually impressive, did you plan that out?"

"Well, to be honest, it wasn't supposed to turn out like that. Wonyoung made a mistake and just seemed to improvise."

"Wait, really? Wow."

"It was definitely thanks to luck, but don't tell them that."

You and Eunhwa shared a heartfelt laugh at his statement. For you, luck or not, it was still a win for them.

"You got potential in being a coach, kid," He compliments as you just simply thanked him. "I knew I shouldn't expect less from the Miracle Gems' little brother."