Enthralled || Liskook

Chapter 74

As twilight draped the arena, Lisa, a warrior queen on the emerald battlefield, joined forces with her sisters in arms, Jisoo and Taehee. 

Together, they vanquished their opponents, securing the 9 ball team championship South Korea's fifth gold medal. 

The weight of dominance pressed down on their shoulders, a golden mantle that gleamed ever brighter. 

Exhilaration crackled around them. But for Lisa, the victory wasn't just hers. It was a lifeline thrown to the men’s snooker team, a silent promise whispered across the stage. 

Backstage, the air buzzed with the murmur of post victory meals. Lisa, her smile a radiant echo of triumph, slipped beside Jungkook. In a gesture brimming with unspoken affection, she offered him a morsel of rice. 

His lips quirked into a tender smile. "Don't worry," he murmured, his voice a caress. "I can still manage to eat my food.” 

A hush fell over the room. The games were done, and a collective sigh of relief mingled with the clatter of post victory meals. 

Players drifted towards their phones, eager to see the online buzz around their triumphs. National pride swelled as they saw headlines celebrating Korea’s dominance. 

The Asian Games, though not a global spectacle, held a special significance for these athletes. 

They were aware of the negativity swirling online about the upcoming snooker matches. A silent pact of support hung heavy in the air 

no negativity would reach the ears of their teammates yet to compete. 

But a fire burned within them. They scrolled past barbed comments questioning the commitment of the snooker players. 

Dismissive remarks like ‘Just excuses’ 

And the cynical jabs about endorsements fueled a quiet determination. These athletes knew the heart of competition, and the dedication it demanded, and they wouldn't let negativity extinguish the spunt of the Games. 

Jungkook hunched over his lunchbox, the posture a stark contrast to his usual imposing stature. Two frustrated bites m, he mumbled, “Move a chair, please.” 

Lisa hurried to his side, silently understanding his unspoken struggle. As she helped him adjust his lunch, a pang of worry flickered in her eyes. 

“One gold, one silver," she began cautiously, "Still not enough for our champion?" 

Lisa's attempt to lighten the mood hung heavy in the air. Jungkook offered a faint smile, but his answer remained unspoken. Their gazes met a silent conversation passing between them. 

“After the games,” he finally said, his voice low. 

He passed her the lunchbox and utensils, then took a swig of water, the clink of glass echoing the tension in the room. 

Tonight, the spotlight would fall on the final match of the Asian Games, the men's snooker team event. The tension crackled in the air, a stark contrast to the casual arrangement of chairs and coffee tables near the arena. 

Jungkook strode towards the referee, the Indian captain by his side. 

The stakes were clear: 12 unnings, a grueling test of skull and stamina. 

Singles matches would pit each player against three opponents, followed by a round of doubles. 

The weight of expectation settled on Jungkook's shoulders. He knew tonight's first match hinged on his performance. In a display of steely focus, he secured the first point in a mere 12 minutes.