Paddles and Rackets || SEUNGKWAN

II

Seungkwan sits nervously in the sports office, his hands resting on his lap as he watches the head coach of the Sebong University men's badminton team, Choi Seungcheol, flip through his file. The walls of the office are lined with photographs and accolades of Korean badminton legends who have trained and competed under this very roof. Seungkwan feels a mix of pride and anxiety, knowing he has now entered a space steeped in legacy.

Seungcheol finally looks up and nods, a faint smile on his face. "It all looks good. You can head to your dorm now and meet your dormmate and teammate."

Seungkwan nods politely and bows. But as he gets up, a question lingers in his mind. He hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Coach Choi, I've been meaning to ask something."

Seungcheol leans back in his chair, intrigued. "What is it?"

Seungkwan, fidgeting slightly, gathers the courage to ask, "Why did the university recruit me? I mean... out of everyone."

Seungcheol's smile widens slightly. He gestures to the walls around them. "Look at the walls of this office, Seungkwan. Every player you see here has made their name known to the world."

Seungkwan's eyes wander to the framed photographs. He recognizes some of the faces, players he's admired for years. The weight of their accomplishments suddenly feels very real.

Seungcheol continues, his tone firm but encouraging. "Your performance at the regional championship caught my attention. That's when I decided you should be part of this team."

Seungkwan's eyebrows knit together slightly in confusion. "But... I didn't win that time," he says softly, almost ashamed.

Seungcheol leans forward, resting his arms on the desk. "You didn't win, that's true. But you have something that stood out to me—something I call 'the eye of a champion.'"

Seungkwan looks up, surprised. "The eye of a champion?" he repeats.

Seungcheol nods. "We don't just recruit champions, Seungkwan. We recruit players with determination, players who have the potential to grow into something greater. Yes, we wanted Moon Sangmin too—many universities did. He's a phenomenal player. But when I saw you, I saw more potential. You just... lack something."

Seungkwan's curiosity is piqued, and he asks respectfully, "What is it, Coach?"

Seungcheol's gaze sharpens. "Confidence. When I watched the regional finals, I saw you doubting yourself. You hesitated, afraid to make mistakes, and that hesitation caused more mistakes. Sangmin, on the other hand, took risks. He trusted his instincts, and that's why he won."

Seungkwan lowers his gaze, reflecting on the coach's words. He nods slowly, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Coach. Please help me. I want to make it to the national team and make my name known to the world too."

Seungcheol smiles, a genuine warmth in his expression. He stands up from his seat and extends his hand toward Seungkwan. "We're looking forward to building another champion like you, Seungkwan. Let's make it happen."

Seungkwan stands, his nervousness replaced by determination, and shakes the coach's hand. A small but confident smile creeps onto his face. "Yes, Coach. I'll give it everything I've got."

As their hands part, Seungcheol nods approvingly. "Good. Now, go meet your team. Your journey starts today."

Seungkwan walks out of the office with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to prove that the eye of a champion truly resides within him.

Sieun steps into the bustling campus of Sebong University, her luggage trailing behind her and her bag strapped firmly to her back. She looks around the unfamiliar surroundings and lets out a soft sigh, the weight of her circumstances pressing down on her. As she continues walking, she spots a familiar figure ahead—Jihoon, her sunbae, teammate, and former mixed doubles partner.