Imagine Book 2

A Special Game Day- Minh Souphanousinphone (King of the Hill) Pt.2~ Hoops

As requested by Antisuperstar! Male Y/N.

The sun hung low in the sky, painting the outdoor basketball court in hues of gold and amber. Minh leaned against the hood of their car, arms crossed and a soft smile playing on her lips as she watched Y/N and Connie in the middle of an animated lesson. A crisp autumn breeze rustled through the nearby trees, carrying the sound of Connie's laughter and the rhythmic dribbling of the basketball.

"Okay, Connie," Y/N said, spinning the ball on his index finger before passing it to her. "Show me what you've got. We're working on layups today." His tone was equal parts coach and cheerleader, the perfect blend of patience and encouragement.

Connie caught the ball with both hands, her expression serious as she squared her shoulders. "I'm ready," she declared, dribbling toward the basket with determined focus. Her movements were slightly clunky—she hadn't quite mastered the smoothness of Y/N's technique—but she made it to the hoop, jumped, and released the ball. It hit the backboard and bounced off the rim.

"Almost!" Y/N said brightly, jogging over to retrieve the ball. "That was great for your first try. Now, let's tweak your form a little." He crouched beside her, adjusting her stance. "Keep your knees bent like this, and when you jump, aim for the top corner of the square on the backboard. That's your sweet spot."

Connie nodded, gripping the ball tightly as she practised the movement in slow motion. "Top corner of the square," she murmured. Her face was scrunched in concentration, and Minh couldn't help but chuckle at how much she resembled Y/N when he was studying game footage at home.

"She's got your serious face, tiger," Minh called out, her accent thick with affection. "You know, the one you make when you eating soup too hot but don't want to admit it."

Y/N laughed, glancing over his shoulder at her. "You're not wrong," he admitted, then turned back to Connie. "Alright, let's try again."

This time, Connie dribbled with more confidence, her feet moving a little faster and her eyes locked on the backboard. She jumped, released the ball, and watched as it kissed the top corner of the square before dropping cleanly through the net.

"I did it!" Connie shouted, spinning in place with her arms raised in victory.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Y/N whooped, scooping her up in a playful hug. "First layup in the bag. Pretty soon, you're going to be breaking records like your old man."

"Stepdad," Connie corrected, though she was beaming. "And it wasn't a record—it was a layup."

"Details, details," Y/N teased, setting her down. "Now, let's do ten more. Repetition is the key to greatness."

As they continued practising, Minh felt her heart swell. Watching them together like this, she saw every reason why her life had felt whole since Y/N had entered it. He didn't just teach Connie basketball—he built her confidence, cheered her on, and made her feel like she could conquer anything.

When Connie missed a shot, Y/N was quick to offer encouragement. "No worries. That's why we practise," he said, handing her the ball again. "Remember, knees bent. Sweet spot. You've got this."

Connie nodded resolutely and tried again, the ball swishing through the net on her third attempt. Minh clapped her hands together, shouting, "That's my girl!"

"Thanks, Mom!" Connie called back, her cheeks flushed with pride. She jogged over to Minh for a quick water break, leaving Y/N to adjust the net.

Minh handed her a bottle of water and brushed a strand of hair out of Connie's face. "You getting better already. Soon, maybe you play in big stadium like stepdad."

"Maybe," Connie said, sipping her water. "But first, I need to work on my free throws. Y/N says they're really important." She looked over her shoulder at him, her voice softening. "He's a good teacher."

"The best," Minh agreed, her gaze lingering on Y/N. He was spinning the ball on his fingertip again, a playful grin lighting up his face as he watched them.

When Connie ran back to the court, Minh decided to join them. "Tiger," she called, sauntering up with a mischievous glint in her eye, "you think you so good at teaching. Let's see you teach me something."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, tossing her the ball. "Alright, Mrs. Lucky Charm, let's see what you've got. Layup or free throw?"

"Free throw," Minh replied confidently, standing at the line and adjusting her stance. She raised the ball over her head, squinted at the hoop, and hurled it with all her might. It soared high—and landed a good five feet short of the basket.

Connie burst out laughing, doubling over as she held her stomach. Y/N tried to stifle his chuckle but failed miserably. "Not bad for your first try," he said diplomatically, retrieving the ball. "Want me to show you a trick?"

Minh crossed her arms, feigning indignation. "What I need is smaller ball. This one too heavy. Made for big man hands like yours."

Y/N walked over, placing the ball back in her hands and positioning himself behind her. "Okay, fine. But I'll help this time." He guided her arms into the proper shooting form, his chest pressed gently against her back. "Now, just relax, bend your knees, and push the ball up toward the basket. I'll do most of the work."

With his guidance, Minh released the ball, and it arched beautifully toward the hoop, swishing through the net. Connie clapped wildly. "She made it!"

"I knew I had it in me," Minh declared with a triumphant grin, turning to face Y/N. "But maybe your help didn't hurt."

"Glad I could assist," Y/N said, his eyes sparkling as he looked down at her.

Impulsively, Minh reached up, cupping his face in her hands before pulling him down into a kiss. It was warm and unhurried, a perfect expression of all the love she felt in that moment.

"Gross," Connie muttered from the sidelines, though her tone was laced with affection.

Minh pulled back, laughing softly. "You keep calling it gross, but someday you find someone who make you feel this happy, you change your mind."

"Maybe," Connie said with a shrug, though her smile betrayed her true feelings. "But for now, can we get back to basketball? I want to try a three-pointer."

"Three-pointers already?" Y/N asked, clearly impressed. "Alright, kiddo. Let's see what you've got."

As the lesson continued, Minh returned to her spot by the car, her heart full. Watching Y/N and Connie together, she knew she'd found something rare and precious: a love that had made her family stronger, one layup at a time.