Fated Foes ||toptae||

2

The makeshift court came alive with energy, the crowd buzzing with anticipation as the ball was tossed in the air.

Jungkook's reflexes kicked in, and he snatched the ball before Taehyung could react. He darted past his opponent with ease, the sound of his sneakers squeaking against the concrete echoing in the tense silence.

"Quick on your feet, Jeon," Taehyung said, falling into a defensive stance as Jungkook dribbled. "But speed doesn't win games."

"We'll see about that," Jungkook replied, his voice steady as he feigned left, then crossed over to the right. He surged forward, aiming for the basket, but Taehyung was already there, his tall frame blocking the way.

Jungkook hesitated for a fraction of a second-just enough for Taehyung to reach out and swat the ball from his hands.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"Nice try," Taehyung said, smirking as he grabbed the ball and dashed toward the other end of the court. His movements were smooth, almost effortless, as he weaved around Jungkook's attempts to block him. With a quick jump, Taehyung sent the ball flying into the hoop.

"First point," he called out, his grin widening.

Jungkook's jaw tightened. "Beginner's luck," he muttered, retrieving the ball and throwing it back into play.

The game was on.

For the next several minutes, the two of them battled it out, their movements growing more aggressive with every play. Taehyung had the height advantage, but Jungkook was faster, his sharp instincts allowing him to anticipate Taehyung's moves.

The score climbed steadily, and the crowd grew louder with each basket. By the time they reached 8-8, both of them were drenched in sweat, their breathing heavy.

"You tired yet?" Taehyung asked, his voice teasing as he spun the ball in his hands.

"Not even close," Jungkook shot back, crouching low in preparation.

Taehyung chuckled, then made his move, darting toward the basket with surprising speed. Jungkook followed close behind, waiting for the perfect moment to steal the ball.

Just as Taehyung went for a layup, Jungkook lunged, his hand connecting with the ball and sending it flying out of Taehyung's grasp.

The crowd roared as Jungkook snatched the ball mid-air and sprinted to the other end of the court. With a powerful leap, he slammed the ball into the basket, earning his team the ninth point.

"One more to go," Jungkook said, turning to face Taehyung. His expression was cool, but his heart was pounding with adrenaline.

Taehyung's smirk hadn't faltered. If anything, he looked more determined than ever. "Don't get cocky, Jeon. The game's not over yet."

The final round was a blur of rapid movements and near-misses. Jungkook managed to steal the ball again, but Taehyung was right on his heels, his presence almost suffocating as they closed in on the basket.

With a sudden burst of speed, Jungkook spun around Taehyung, feigned a jump shot, then passed the ball behind his back to himself. Taehyung, momentarily caught off guard, lunged too late.

Jungkook's final shot sailed through the air, and the ball swished cleanly through the hoop.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, Jungkook's friends rushing onto the court to lift him into the air.

"Dinner's on you," Jungkook called out to Taehyung, his grin wide as he caught his breath.

Taehyung stood on the other side of the court, his hands on his hips and an amused expression on his face. "Fine," he said, his voice carrying over the noise. "But don't think this means you've won the war, Jeon."

Jungkook chuckled, his adrenaline finally beginning to fade. He knew this wasn't the end-not by a long shot. But for now, victory tasted sweet.