I found myself standing in the small indoor gym, surrounded by Jake, Heeseung, and Ni-ki from Enhypen. Jake had welcomed me warmly, and now it was time for introductions.
Heeseung, the eldest among them, stepped forward with a reserved yet friendly demeanor. His smile was warm, but there was a hint of quiet contemplation in his eyes. Heeseung had a calm presence about him, as if he was carefully observing everything around him before fully engaging. When he spoke, his voice was gentle yet assured, leaving a lasting impression of sincerity.
"Hi, I'm Heeseung," he said, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you, Chloe."
I shook his hand, feeling a sense of ease despite my nerves. Heeseung's welcoming manner helped to settle my initial apprehensions about meeting the members of Enhypen.
Next up was Ni-ki, the youngest member of the group. Ni-ki exuded a youthful energy and confidence that was infectious. He approached me with a bright smile, his enthusiasm evident in every gesture. Ni-ki's excitement to meet someone new was palpable, and he greeted me with genuine curiosity.
"Hey Chloe, I'm Ni-ki," he said cheerfully. "It's great to finally meet you!"
His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile back at him. Ni-ki's presence added a refreshing lightness to the atmosphere, making me feel more at ease in their company.
Jake, ever the facilitator, then turned to the practical matter at hand. "So, shall we play 2v2 right away, or do you want to warm up with some shots first?"
I hesitated for a moment, feeling a twinge of self-consciousness. "Um, would it be okay if I warmed up a bit first? It's been a while since I played, and I don't want to look like a complete beginner next to you guys," I admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Heeseung chuckled lightly at my honesty, his laughter warm and reassuring. "Sure, no pressure. Ni-ki and I can shoot some hoops in the meantime. Join us when you're ready."
Ni-ki eagerly grabbed a basketball, his movements quick and precise as he joined Heeseung by the hoop. They started practicing their shots effortlessly, their coordination and skill evident even in this casual setting.
Jake grinned at me. "We'll take the basket then," he said playfully, tossing me a basketball. "You can start by catching some passes."
I caught the ball with a sense of determination. Despite my initial nerves, I was eager to prove myself and make a good impression. Growing up, I had always been somewhat athletic, and the competitive spirit kicked in as I focused on Jake's passes.
"Okay, seriously? Do you think I'm that bad?" I retorted with a hint of competitiveness, determined to show them what I could do.
Jake chuckled, clearly amused by my sudden burst of determination. "Hey, you're doing great," he reassured me.
"Ready to join the others for a game?"
"Definitely," I replied, feeling more confident now. I joined Heeseung and Ni-ki by the hoop, ready to participate in their friendly game. The basketball court suddenly felt like a place of camaraderie and shared enjoyment, rather than a source of nervousness.
As we played, the mood was light-hearted yet spirited. Heeseung and Ni-ki's skills were impressive, but they never made me feel inadequate. Instead, they encouraged me and cheered for every shot I made, creating a supportive environment that boosted my confidence.
After a while, we took a break, catching our breath and sharing laughs about some of the more amusing moments during the game. I felt a sense of camaraderie with Jake, Heeseung and Ni-ki, as if we had known each other for much longer than just this evening.
As we cooled down, Jake turned to me with a grin. "See, I told you that you'd do fine. Basketball's all about having fun and enjoying the game."
We chatted comfortably, the gym echoing with the rhythmic bounce of basketballs and the occasional laughter from Jake and Ni-ki as they resumed their game. Heeseung and I opted for a bit more downtime, leaning against the side of the court to catch our breath.
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