Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 10

On the court, a group of players was practicing their skills, allowing Kai and Taehyung to create teams of five players each.

The match kicked off with fervour; Kai led the charge for the offence while Taehyung anchored the defence. The competition was fierce, with both teams locked in a tight score, trailing just two points behind each other at every turn.

As the final quarter approached, the tension escalated, and neither side was willing to concede defeat. In a strategic stance, Kai shifted his hips back slightly, lowering the ball while keeping his posture upright, eyes scanning the court for opportunities.
With deft control, he dribbled the ball, fingers splayed, before launching a jump shot that put Taehyung a point behind.

But Taehyung wasn’t about to let that slide. Seizing the moment, he snatched the ball from Kai’s team and soared into the air for a spectacular slam dunk, effortlessly guiding the ball through the hoop with one hand.

Now in possession, Taehyung swiftly passed the ball to a teammate, darting past Kai to receive it back. In a flash, he sent it flying into the basket just as the buzzer rang, signalling the end of the game.

With victory in his grasp, Taehyung approached me, his charming smile illuminating his sweaty, dishevelled appearance. He looked incredibly attractive, his hair tousled and his singlet clinging to his toned physique—he had discarded his shirt in the third quarter, perhaps to show off for me.

To be honest, I hardly paid attention to the game; my focus was entirely on my attractive best friend and fanboy. Call me a creep, but they looked incredible—so hot playing basketball, all sweaty.

Out of nowhere, Taehyung appeared right in front of me, catching me off guard since I thought he was moving in slow motion.

"Take a picture; it’ll last longer," he joked, clearly noticing that I was checking him out.

"Don't get too full of yourself," I retorted, brushing past him.

"Aren't you going to give me a kiss?" he called out just as Kai and his girlfriend joined us.

"No," I replied flatly, a silly grin spreading across my face as I felt my cheeks flush.

"Go take a shower; you smell like sweat," I said, playfully nudging him away.

"I thought you liked my natural scent," he teased again. This time, I dashed away, glancing back to see him heading to the restroom to freshen up.

I walked over to Kai, who wore a frown that could rival a gloomy day.

"I hope you're not sulking," I teased, and for a brief moment, his frown lifted, bringing a smile to my face as well. "I did warn you," I added just as he grinned and unexpectedly took my hand.

Oh great, butterflies again.

"What are you up to?" I asked, a hint of surprise in my voice.

“Let’s go for a swim,” he replied, his grip firm as he led me along. “It’s been ages since we’ve done that.”

“Sure, but I didn’t bring my swimsuit,” I protested, though he seemed unfazed.

“I wouldn’t mind swimming in the buff with you,” he chuckled, and warmth crept into my cheeks.

“Knock it off,” I said, playfully swatting his arm.

“I would,” a voice suddenly interjected from behind us.

Soyeon strode up, stepped in front of me and yanked my hand away from Kai’s grasp.

“It was just a joke,” Kai defended himself, but she brushed him off and turned her attention to me.