fever | ateez lore story

CH 8

•jongho•

I'm so glad that San's birthday gift was a success. Even I surprised myself with that high note. Hongjoong-hyung just asked for improvisation and I just happened to pull that one out of the bag. Guess I am full of surprises.

I expected to find the team stretching and tossing a ball between the lot of them, but when I enter the gym, they're crowded like chickens on the bleachers, huddled around Kyungmin.

"Knock knock?" I say softly, but no one responds. The only thing that greets me is awkward silence and...Inception?

"Whoa~ I didn't know Jongho can sing like that!" Beomsu gushes, smacking the palm of his hand to his opened mouth.

No way did they find Inception...I tried hiding it from them for a long time because I know they will wring me out for it forever that I won't hear the end of it.

"This is awkward." I say louder, and I flinch with the way their heads snap to look at me in sync, the whites of their eyes evident from a mile away with how wide they are. I press my lips together, trying to supress a smile, trying to look disappointed and betrayed. I slowly make my way over to them, dropping my back roughly, the action causing a loud bang to echo throughout the gym like a scream. No one says anything, so I just watch them mentally make up an excuse.

I cock an eyebrow, eyeing all of them at once.

-"Well?"

They exchange looks, trying to avoid eye contact with me. Being the captain of the team, I know they are scared by my reaction. Stalking the captain? I don't think so.

"Well...what, Captain?" Kyungmin finally speaks, the words catching in his throat.

I roll my eyes, looking down at the phone being clutched in the shaking hands of Kyungmin.

-"Well? What do you think? Is it good or not?"

My question catches them by surprise, their eyes even wider than earlier. They turn to each other for confirmation whether I actually asked that question or not.

"Didn't expect your captain to sing like that now, did you?" I say, allowing the smile to blossom on my face. Their tense shoulders relax as they exhale, and I can't help but laugh at them.

"Jongho, we're so jealous. How can you be good at sports and singing as well?" Young-il whines, aggressively scratching the back of his neck, as if to find some form of comfort from the jealousy. This only causes me to laugh harder, not knowing what to do with all of this admiration.

"If you can train us in basketball, can you teach us to sing like this?" Beomsu asks, drawing only shy laughter from me.

"Can't guarantee it. I guess it just runs in the family." I say, unpacking my knee pads and basketball jersey. I realise none of them have changed or prepared, so I bark at them to go get ready as training starts in 5 minutes.

"Yo, Jongho. Why didn't you tell us about this?" Kyungmin asks, suddenly taking me back.

I'm not sure why I never did. I love my team with my whole heart, with all of the hard work and effort they put into our games, but also just as human beings who care for one another like brothers. But, how come I never told them? Was I scared of being embarrassed? That I would be seen less of a sportsman when I use the voice to shout out commands on the court, to sing notes higher than one can reach? I guess so...

"Forgot, I guess." I lie. I watch as Kyungmin scoffs and runs to the changing rooms, adjusting my kneepads before I suffer an injury.

These knee pads have been a saviour of mine when it comes to sport. I feel as if I have become more prone to injuries, especially in my legs. Last year, I suffered a torn ligament in my ankle by landing wrong after jumping. Not long after, I shattered part of my kneecap after being pushed by the opponents of Minori High during a game. That was the longest I have been out of training and games. I felt so useless, and I never want to experience that again. I'm staying extra careful with what I do, making sure I trained at home to land properly and strengthen my legs. They're a huge help during sport, but only if I take care of them.

The team return after getting ready, and I grab the ball from the basket, approaching them calmly.

"Think fast!" I yell, chucking it to the nearest person, testing their reflexes. Luckily, they were good, and they managed to catch it before it hit their chest.

"Good. Start your usual exercises before we begin. Make sure you're stretched and warmed up. I don't want any injuries." I command, watching as they all space out and begin.

I'm proud of the team I've created. We're built upon strength and teamwork, so Jinju Academy better watch out.