ONESHOTS™✓

the basketball leader |minamz

In the small town of Willow Creek, basketball was more than just a sport—it was a way of life. The community gathered around the shiny, blue courts at the local high school every Friday night, cheering on the players who wore the emblem of their pride. Among those players was Jiwoong, the charismatic and skilled captain of the Willow Creek Wildcats. At seventeen, he exuded confidence; his tall frame and sharp smile made him a natural leader. His passion for the game was as contagious as the energy in the gym when the Wildcats were on the court.

But little did Jiwoong know, the arrival of a new teammate would change his life in ways he had never anticipated.

Ricky, fifteen years old and a timid yet determined boy, had recently transferred to Willow Creek High School. He had always dreamed of joining the basketball team, mesmerized by the skillful plays and the camaraderie he observed from the stands. However, he was painfully aware of his limitations—he struggled with his dribbling, his shooting form was awkward, and he felt awkward in athletic settings. Despite that, Ricky was determined to make the team and prove to himself that he could play.

One afternoon after practice, Ricky summoned his courage and approached Jiwoong, who was chatting with his teammates. “Um, Jiwoong?” Ricky’s voice quivered slightly, but he forced himself to speak louder. “I’d like to try out for the team…but I need help.”

Jiwoong looked at the younger boy, seeing the determination in his eyes mixed with a hint of insecurity. “Of course! We can work on your skills. When do you want to start?”

“Maybe… tomorrow?” Ricky suggested, his heart racing from the prospect of spending time with the captain.

“Sounds good! Just meet me at the court after school,” Jiwoong said with an encouraging smile.

The next day, the sun cast a warm glow over Willow Creek as Jiwoong arrived at the court, bouncing a basketball between his hands. Ricky walked up with both excitement and nerves. He wore a loose-fitting jersey, a hand-me-down from his older brother, and basketball shoes that had seen better days.

“Hey, man! Ready to work?” Jiwoong’s smile was infectious, easing Ricky’s anxiety slightly.

“Yeah, I think so!” Ricky replied, his confidence building.

As they spent the afternoon working on the basics—dribbling, shooting, and passing—Jiwoong’s patience and enthusiasm shone through. He taught Ricky how to balance his body, how to aim his shots just right, and how to read the movements of the game. At times, Jiwoong would demonstrate the techniques, his fluid movements a beautiful sight to behold. Ricky found himself mesmerized, not only by the game but by Jiwoong’s leadership.

“I can’t do it like you,” Ricky eventually admitted, frustration bubbling in his voice as he missed another shot.

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself!” Jiwoong reassured him. “We all start somewhere. Just keep practicing, and you’ll get there. Plus, I was terrible when I started. You should’ve seen my first shot!” Jiwoong chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

Ricky smiled, imagining the captain’s awkward beginnings. But every practice pushed him not just to improve his game but also to draw closer to Jiwoong, feeling an affection beginning to bloom that went beyond friendship.

Over the following weeks, their practices became more than just basketball. They would often find themselves laughing together, sharing stories of their lives, and talking about their dreams. Ricky learned about Jiwoong’s family, his aspirations to play college basketball, and the pressure he felt to lead the team. In turn, Ricky shared his journey, his struggles to fit in, and how basketball had always been a source of solace for him.

One evening, as they were cooling down after practice, Jiwoong challenged Ricky to a friendly game of one-on-one. Ricky could feel his heart racing—a mixture of excitement and dread—but he accepted. As the game progressed, Ricky was surprised at his own skills developing; he moved with more confidence, and eventually, he managed to score a point against Jiwoong.

“Nice!” Jiwoong exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with pride. “You’re getting better every day!”

“That wouldn’t have been possible without you,” Ricky said, feeling a rush of warmth as he met Jiwoong’s gaze. There was a moment of silence, their eyes locked, and Ricky felt an undeniable connection.

As the seasons changed and school spirit soared, tryouts for the basketball team drew closer. Ricky’s heart raced with anticipation and fear. Jiwoong, sensing Ricky’s apprehension, took him aside one day after practice.

“Ricky, I want you to know something,” Jiwoong began, a serious tone in his voice. “You’ve come a long way. I believe you have what it takes to make the team. Just play your heart out. You belong here.”

Ricky felt warmth flooding his cheeks, not only for the encouragement but for the way Jiwoong said it—all the emotion behind it, the way Jiwoong truly believed in him. The bond they had formed felt deeper than friendship, opening up doors to feelings Ricky had never acknowledged before.

The day of tryouts arrived, and Ricky poured his heart into every dribble, every shot. He felt Jiwoong’s presence by the sidelines, cheering him on in spirit, and it made all the difference. When the results were announced, Ricky couldn’t believe it—he had made the team! Overcome with joy, he searched for Jiwoong, his heart racing with gratitude.

“Jiwoong! I did it!” Ricky exclaimed as he ran up to him, breathless.

“I knew you would!” Jiwoong beamed, pulling Ricky into a quick hug. As their bodies connected, Ricky’s heart raced even faster, an inexplicable spark igniting between them.

As the school year progressed, their friendship deepened like the roots of a tree, grounding them through the ups and downs of adolescence. Jiwoong found himself drawn to Ricky in a way he had never anticipated. He admired not only Ricky’s perseverance and dedication to basketball but also his delicate nature, the way he approached life with earnest sincerity. Ricky became Jiwoong’s anchor, helping him with the pressures he faced as a leader.

One quiet evening, after a long practice, they found themselves sitting on the bleachers, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The air was cool, and the sky painted in soft hues of orange and pink.

“Ricky,” Jiwoong said softly, turning to face him. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us…” The moment hung thick with anticipation.

Ricky’s heart thundered in his chest. “Yeah? What about us?”

“I think…I have feelings for you,” Jiwoong admitted, his voice steady but vulnerable. “It’s more than just friendship for me. You inspire me every day.”

Ricky’s breath caught in his throat. “I feel the same way, Jiwoong,” he confessed, unable to contain the rush of emotion spilling over. “You’ve always encouraged me, and I’ve grown to care about you—more than I thought possible.”

A smile broke across Jiwoong’s face, relief washing over him. They leaned closer, and in that moment, the world faded away. Jiwoong’s lips brushed against Ricky’s, a tentative yet electric kiss that spoke volumes of their journey, struggles, and deep emotions now laid bare. It was a promise of what was to come—a new chapter in their lives that intertwined their passions, dreams, and hearts.

As the basketball season progressed, so too did their relationship. They faced challenges, practiced together, and supported one another through the ups and downs of high school life. Jiwoong continued to excel as captain, and Ricky blossomed into a promising player, no longer the timid boy who had approached him on that fateful day.

Through basketball, they discovered themselves and a love that would carry them through their teenage years and beyond. In the heart of Willow Creek, beneath the glow of the gym lights and the echoes of a bouncing ball, Jiwoong and Ricky found not just a game, but a love story that would last a lifetime.