A portrait of the unseen [COMPLETE]

Secret

One day, after a practice game, our coach gathered us for a meeting. He looked concerned.

"You guys are playing differently," he said. "Something's wrong. What's going on?"

We all stayed quiet, avoiding eye contact. After the meeting, we went back to our respective groups. Mira went straight to her bed, ignoring me the whole time. I sighed and decided to go to the common area.

In the sala, I saw Yugen on the couch. I sat down next to her and tried to start a conversation. "Hey, Yugen. What happened between you and Mira?"

She shrugged, looking indifferent. "Nothing important."

I decided to change the subject. "What are you going to do during our break next week? We have three days off."

She perked up a bit. "I don't know, probably just play some games. I was thinking of visiting Jess's shop. Want to come?"

I thought about Lexa immediately, but I wasn't sure what our plans would be. "Maybe. I haven't decided yet."

Yugen leaned closer. "What about you? What are your plans?"

"I don't know yet," I replied. "I might just stay home."

She raised an eyebrow. "Can I come over to your house then?"

I hesitated, then nodded. "If I'm free, it's okay."

"Why, do you have something else planned?" she pressed.

I just nodded again, feeling uncomfortable. Sensing my unease, Yugen excused herself and left me alone on the couch.

As I sat there, I felt a wave of guilt. I had a girlfriend, Lexa, and yet I couldn't even bring myself to mention her to a friend. It made me feel so bad.

The three-day break finally came, and as soon as I received my personal phone, I checked my messages eagerly. But there was nothing from Lexa. I wasn't entirely surprised, but I had hoped too much.

To distract myself, I spent time with Jess, checking in on our business and trying to keep busy. Later that night, I received a message from my father.

"I’m proud of you, Ryu. I saw you on TV. Do you need any help?"

I replied, "Thanks, Dad, but I'm good."

The next day, our team group chat lit up with exciting news. We had an offer from an entertainment company. I looked closer and realized it was my father's company. I felt a surge of frustration, but it dissipated when I remembered Lexa worked there. This could mean we'd get to work together in the future.

Along with that, I received some modeling offers. I knew my father had a hand in it, but I decided to let it go.

One day, while I was in the entertainment company's lobby with my teammates, someone held my hand. It was Lexa. Her face lit up with happiness when she saw me.

"Ryu! I can't believe you're here!" she exclaimed.

But our moment was brief. Her manager called her, and she had to leave. We exchanged smiles and glances, silently promising each other we'd meet again.

As she walked away, I felt a mix of hope and determination. Despite the challenges and the distance, I knew we'd find a way to be together.

Our team was relocated to a new building near the entertainment company. It was a new camp for us, but there was only one big bedroom, so all five of us shared the same space.

One evening, Shie, one of my teammates, broke the silence. "Hey, Ryu, do you have social media?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I only have Instagram."