Echoes of Encounter

Chapter-11: Tensions on the Court

** Setting: At the basketball court **

Sea, Love, and Nanon were deep in discussion, strategizing for the upcoming match, when Piploy entered the court with her friends and took a seat behind them. Unbeknownst to the trio, the girls had devised a mischievous plan earlier, intending to blow some dust particles into Sea's eyes during their conversation.

As Love excused herself and left the duo, someone approached her, claiming that a teacher was calling her to the staff room. Sensing something amiss, Love nodded and quickly made her way towards the staff room, leaving Sea and Nanon behind.

Meanwhile, Piploy's friends approached Nanon and engaged him in conversation, effectively distracting him from Piploy's actions. Nanon, caught off guard by the sudden introduction, smiled nervously and reciprocated the greetings. "Uh, hi. Nice to meet you all," he replied, trying to maintain his focus on the conversation with the girls.

As Nanon conversed with Piploy's friends, Piploy discreetly blew some dust particles toward Sea's face. The tiny particles landed in Sea's eyes, causing him to rub them in discomfort. "Ouch," he exclaimed, trying to alleviate the irritation.

Seeing Sea's discomfort, Nanon became concerned. "Sea, what happened? Are you okay?" he asked, turning Sea to face him. Sea, still trying to rub the irritation out of his eyes, replied, "Yeah, but something fell in my eyes."

Nanon, now worried, gently took Sea's face in his hands and said, "Let me take a look. Open your eyes." Sea complied, and Nanon carefully blew air into Sea's eyes, trying to dislodge the particles.

As the basketball members made their way onto the court, dribbling the ball with practiced ease, they were met with a surprising sight. From their angle behind Nanon's back, it appeared as though Nanon sat before Sea, gently holding his head as he leaned in for a kiss. The unexpected display of affection caught everyone off guard, prompting a stunned silence to fall over the court.

Jimmy, rushing onto the court, was taken aback by the sight of his teammates standing in silence. His shock escalated when he perceived Nanon and Sea in what seemed to be a compromising position, though the perspective was misleading.

Reacting impulsively, Jimmy pushed Nanon away from Sea and enveloped his friend in a tight hug. "What the hell are you doing?" he demanded, his voice edged with concern.

Nanon, now on the floor and bewildered by Jimmy's aggression, asked, "What's wrong with you? I was just blowing dust from his eyes."

As Sea broke free from Jimmy's embrace and moved to assist Nanon, he retorted, "Yeah, what's wrong with you? He was just helping me."

Stammering, Jimmy attempted to explain, "Well, from behind, it looked like you both were kissing."

Flustered by the misunderstanding, Sea snapped, "It was nothing like that, and even if we kissed, it's none of your business." With that, Sea stormed off the court, with Nanon following closely behind. As they made their way out, Love, returning to the court, accompanied them, her expression a mix of concern.

As the trio exited, Piploy and her friends celebrated in silence as their plan worked out. The team was shocked by the turn of incidents that took place. During the entire practice session, Jimmy was not able to concentrate and was frustrated, so no one dared to approach him.

** Setting: On a street near the school **

Sea, Love, and Nanon emerged from the school building, the tension from earlier still obvious in the air as Sea struggled to contain his anger towards Jimmy's actions. Sensing the need to change the atmosphere, Love suggested they visit the food stall they had enjoyed before with Milk.