Nearly a week had passed since my arrival in Korea, and I had experienced so much already. I had explored bustling markets, marveled at ancient palaces, and indulged in the delightful array of street foods. I had also visited some beautiful temples, strolled through vibrant neighborhoods, and even tried my hand at a bit of Korean language practice with friendly locals. Each day was a new adventure, filled with excitement and discovery. Despite all these adventures, I hadn't had the chance to meet up with Jake again. We had exchanged messages whenever he had a free moment, but his busy schedule kept him occupied.
One evening, as I was winding down from another day of exploration, my phone rang. It was Jake.
"Hey, are you at your apartment and free right now?"
"Yeah, why?" I replied, curious about his sudden call.
"Do you want to play some basketball? We have some free time this evening."
Basketball? The last time I played was in school. I could already feel the embarrassment creeping in.
"I haven't played basketball in ages. I'll probably embarrass myself."
"Don't worry about it. It's all about having fun. And, um, Heeseung and Ni-ki will be joining us. Is that okay with you?"
"Wait, do the other members know about me?" I asked, feeling a mix of surprise and nervousness.
"Yeah, I told them about our meeting. Is that a problem?"
"Oh, no. I was just a bit surprised," I replied, pausing for a moment.
"What if someone sees me with you guys?"
Jake chuckled softly. "That won't happen. We're not playing outside; it's in a small indoor gym. So, are you coming? The guys don't bite, I promise."
I couldn't help but laugh at his comment. "Hmm, okay. Send me the address. I'll get changed and head over."
"Awesome! We're almost there, but take your time. I'm excited to hang out again and introduce you to some of the members. They're pretty curious about you."
"Okay, sounds good. See you soon," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
After Jake sent me the address, I quickly changed into something suitable for basketball. My nerves were building as I imagined meeting more of the Enhypen members. I tried to calm myself by thinking about how friendly and down-to-earth Jake had been. If the others were anything like him, maybe it wouldn't be so daunting after all.
I arrived at the small indoor gym Jake had mentioned. It was tucked away, offering a sense of privacy. As I walked inside, I was greeted by the sound of basketballs bouncing and laughter echoing through the space. The gym was well-lit, and I could see Jake and two other boys, presumably Heeseung and Ni-ki, shooting hoops and chatting animatedly.
Jake was effortlessly dribbling the ball, his movements fluid and precise. His hair was slightly tousled, and there was a light sheen of sweat on his forehead, but he seemed relaxed and in his element. Heeseung, taller and more built, was leaning against the wall, laughing at something Jake had said. His laughter was deep and infectious, resonating through the gym. Ni-ki, the youngest, was practicing his shots, his face a picture of concentration. His every move was deliberate, showing a level of skill and focus that was impressive for someone his age.
The camaraderie among them was palpable. They moved with an easy familiarity, passing the ball and exchanging playful banter. It was clear that these were not just teammates but friends who genuinely enjoyed each other's company. The sight was heartwarming, and I felt a pang of nervousness mixed with excitement as I watched them.
Jake noticed me first and waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Chloe! Glad you could make it."
Heeseung and Ni-ki turned their attention to me, both of them smiling warmly. Jake quickly introduced us. "Chloe, this is Heeseung and Ni-ki."
"Hi, nice to meet you," I said, trying to keep my cool.
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