Enthralled || Liskook

Chapter 31

The roar of the arena used to be his symphony, a testament to his reign as the undisputed king at the tender age of thirteen. 

But today, a different melody filled the air, the amused giggles of a young girl who, barely a season into her professional debut, had just declared him as her queen. 

Jungkook gently reached out, his fingers brushing against hers before withdrawing. A ghost of a smile played on his lips. "The year I won the championship," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "You were just a little girl in elementary school." 

Lisa, the girl who dared to challenge the king, simply smiled in response, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. 

As she turned and bid farewell, the echoes of laughter from the two boys behind Jungkook pierced the silence. 

He straightened, his smile fading into a steely resolve. "Let's go," he said, his voice firm, a quiet declaration that the king, though challenged, was not yet overthrown 

Stepping out of the lounge, Jungkook was greeted by the bustle of departure. Min Yoongi, his old rival from Seoul, stood amidst the group, each member clutching their cues and luggage, the picture of a team prepared to leave the arena. 

Their eyes met, a silent acknowledgment across the years. 

Just moments ago, in the confines of the lounge, it was as if Min Yoongi had never existed, yet here he was, a constant melody returning in the symphony of Jungkook's life. 

The years, etched in the meticulous details of Yoongi's attire - every button from cuff to neck meticulously fastened and passed served as a poignant reminder. 

A wry smile touched Jungkook's lips. 

"Let's have a drink,” 

The words hung in the air, an unexpected olive branch proffered by Min Yoongi. Behind him, murmurs rippled through the Seoul contingent, their brows furrowed in confusion. 

Even the future brother-in-law seemed bewildered by Min Yoongi's sudden enthusiasm, a stark contrast to his usual stoicism. 

Little did they know, this trip to New York wasn't primarily about Lisa's debut. 

It was about bridging a long-standing gap, a silent plea to reconnect with the man who had vanished years ago and once wouldn't even spare a greeting in the shared lounge. 

Jungkook's lips curved into a knowing smile. 

Before he could respond, a voice chimed in from behind him, the answer ringing with unwavering support: "Of course." 

Kim Namjoon, a glint in his eyes, subtly repositioned his Busan crew, creating space for them to observe the unfolding scene. 

"It's not every day the two snooker powerhouses find themselves at a nine-ball tournament,” he declared, his voice carrying a subtle edge. "Since fate has brought us together, wouldn't it be fitting to make the most of it? Consider it a chance for these youngsters to witness a true legend firsthand." 

“Find a place." Yoongi's gaze swept over them. 

Namjoon, ever the strategist, stepped forward, placing a hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Let's do it," he declared, his voice firm. "I'll book a suite at the hotel. We can buy whatever we like and drink in comfort." 

Yoongi, a hint of his shrewd nature reemerging, nodded in acceptance. "Split it down the middle. Good wine doesn't come cheap." 

Jungkook, largely silent throughout the negotiation, turned to the two boys lingering behind him. His voice, though gentle, held the weight of experience. "Go get some rest, both of you. One of you has a quarter-final match tomorrow. Get some proper sleep and be ready to give it your all."