Introduction to Romance

I - Her. Him.

Bae Suzy is the chairwoman of the student executive committee that leads the General Association of Clubs at Yonsei University. Given the position she holds, when assigned to help in organizing the Korean University Basketball League game that is hosted by Yonsei this year, Suzy leads the task along with the GAC members and Sports Club division representatives.

As the anticipated U-League event commences, during its opening ceremony, Yonsei's famous 'The Eagle' mascot is set to have an appearance. But when the supposed mascot performer does not show up, and no one else is willing to play the role, Suzy takes over and wears the costume instead.

Dressed in a heavy eagle costume, Suzy pulls off a few cute acts she has seen before in the past U-League programs. Her appearance made the crowd go even wilder, roaring cheers filling the arena.

- - -

When the opening ceremony came to an end, Suzy let out a grateful deep breath as her extra work as a mascot performer finished. With the exhaustion and heat that overwhelmed her, she immediately took her much needed break.

As Suzy pulled the head off the heavy mascot costume, she sighed as a cool breeze from a fan chills her flushed cheeks. Without further ado, she stepped out from the rest of the costume, but then she felt someone standing behind her.

As she turned around, she found herself face to face with player number 20. He was wearing the jersey of Yonsei basketball team.

"I didn't realize that the mascot performer is a girl," he said, his voice smooth like honey dripping off a spoon. "And it's the pretty GAC chairwoman." He added, flashing a grin.

Suzy couldn't help but feel her cheeks flush at his comment. She tried to play it cool and replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Well, I guess I can add 'mascot performer' to my impressive resume now."

He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Impressive indeed," he said, leaning against the wall casually.

Before anything more could be said or done though, Suzy heard someone calling out for him from across the gymnasium.

He sighed softly and reluctantly tore his gaze away from hers. "Duty calls," he murmured regretfully before giving her one last charming smile.

"Good luck with the tournament" Suzy replied, trying to say it nonchalantly but deep inside, there are unexpected butterflies fluttering in her stomach like they were auditioning for a cheering dance competition.

The man felt his heart race at Suzy's words. He couldn't help but put his hand on his chest as if guarding his heart, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "Oh, I can die now," he teased, winking at her. "The GAC chairwoman noticed me."

Suzy rolled her eyes playfully, trying to hide the blush that crept up her cheeks. "Don't flatter yourself too much, player number 20," she replied coyly. "I just have a knack for recognizing talent when I see it."

He chuckled, stepping closer to her with a twinkle in his eyes. "Well then, Chairwoman Suzy," he said with mock formality. "You clearly have excellent taste in recognizing talent." His voice was laced with amusement and a hint of flirting.

She tilted her head slightly, studying him with curiosity. "And what makes you think you're so talented?" she asked teasingly.

He leaned in closer, their breaths mingling ever so slightly. His voice dropped to a low whisper filled with mischief. "Because every time I step onto that court," he paused for effect, his gaze locked with hers, "magic happens."

Suzy's heart skipped a beat as she felt the electricity between them intensify. She bit her lip gently before responding slyly, unable to resist the banter between them. "Magic? Are you sure it's not just beginner's luck?"

"Oh please, I'm not even a beginner," he replied confidently and took a step back, giving her an exaggerated bow before walking away backwards towards the gymnasium doors. The mischievous glint remained in his eyes as he called out over his shoulder, "I guess you'll have to come watch one of the games and find out for yourself!"

Suzy couldn't help but smile at his remark. Basketball was never really her thing. She had always been more focused on academics and social activities, finding herself drawn to the world of books, humanities, and art rather than sports. But maybe things would be different now.

As she watched him walk away, she saw the name imprinted on the back of his jersey. A thought crossed her mind. Maybe basketball could be enticing, especially when there was a player as cute as Nam Joohyuk involved. The idea of attending one of the games certainly piqued her curiosity.

With a playful glimmer in her eye, Suzy called out after him, "Well, don't get too confident!" She shouted at him before turning to head back towards the GAC office.