From where I was, I observed Jake and Ni-ki with a mixture of admiration and amusement. They moved across the court with a fluidity that spoke of countless hours spent practicing together. Their interaction was effortless, filled with playful banter and shared inside jokes that reflected a deep camaraderie beyond just being bandmates. Each pass of the ball, each shot taken, seemed to reinforce their bond—a bond forged not just through music and performances but through genuine friendship. Their easy laughter echoed through the gym, punctuating the air with a sense of joy and companionship that was infectious. It was evident that their connection ran deeper than mere colleagues; they were friends who found joy in each other's presence, both on and off the stage.
Suddenly, Heeseung broke the quiet moment between us with unexpected words, his voice sincere yet slightly reserved. "I can see why Jake likes you and trusts you. There's this calmness and honesty about you that just makes it easy to be oneself around you."
Startled by his directness, I turned to look at him. He was already gazing at me, his expression open and friendly. I felt a twinge of nervousness at being the subject of such praise. "Oh, thank you," I managed, my words stumbling out awkwardly. "That's... um, that's really nice of you to say."
Heeseung's grin widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Then, he looked away momentarily before meeting my gaze again. "To be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first when Jake mentioned giving his number to a girl who knows us," he admitted. "But now I can definitely see why."
I was taken aback by his candidness but also touched by his honesty. "I'm glad you feel that way," I replied sincerely, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. Compliments always made me slightly uncomfortable, but Heeseung's genuine manner put me at ease.
"Do you... like him?" Heeseung asked suddenly, his tone casual yet probing.
"Huh?" I blinked in surprise at the unexpected question.
"Do you like Jake?" he clarified, his expression curious yet unreadable.
"I... I like all of you," I answered honestly, meeting his gaze with a slightly bewildered look. "I try to treat everyone equally. Each of you has different personalities and strengths. It's really hard to pick favorites among you guys as a fan, you know?" I added with a light laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
Heeseung chuckled softly at my response, standing up from where he leaned. "Shall we go back to the others?" he offered, extending his hand to help me up.
For a brief moment, I hesitated, my eyes flickering down to his outstretched hand and then back up to meet his gaze. He held my gaze steadily, a small smile playing on his lips.
I nodded wordlessly and placed my hand in his, allowing him to pull me to my feet. Together, we walked back towards Jake and Ni-ki, who greeted us with friendly smiles.
As we resumed our evening together, shooting hoops and exchanging stories, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of camaraderie with the Enhypen members. They had welcomed me into their circle with openness and warmth, making me feel like more than just a fan.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, playful competitiveness, and genuine connection.
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