Taekook/ This Is Us

6. how to maintain eye contact

Jungkook figured it a little unfair for him to be partnered with the ace of the team, especially considering he hadn't played in almost a year. However, in this case, he didn't mind too much. He grabbed a ball and got in line to dribble. Jimin was dribbling at the moment, bouncing the ball between his legs skillfully to avoid Jhopes attempts at a steal. Jhope managed to hit the ball with his palm angled to make it bounce away, but Jimin threw his body in front of it, blocking Jhope from gaining possession. He clasped his hands firmly around it, before turning and jumping, shooting the ball towards the hoop, Jhope didn't react in time, and the ball sailed perfectly into the hoop. Jimin let out a whoop, and Jhope high fived him.

"good job Jimin! Nice getting it back. Jhope, you did good, but don't be afraid to move around more!" Yoongi called.

Jungkook stepped up, it was his turn. He began at a steady pace, picking up speed. He'd dart left and right to confuse Taehyung, then do a feint and shoot. He saw Taehyung stepping forward to try and intercept. The boy reached up and pushed his hair back, giving Jungkook a full view of those, warm, brown, beautiful eyes that-
The ball was gone from his hands, Taehyung had it, then he let go and it was through the hoop.

Whoops.

"Jungkook?! What was that? Stop gazing into Taehyungs eyes and try!" Yoongi yelled.

"i wasn't!" Jungkook yelled defensively

"i know... I was kidding calm down. Come on get your head in the game." Yoongi said.  Taehyung and Jungkook moved to the back of the line. Taehyung then cupped the nape of Jungkooks neck and smiled reassuringly,
"focus man, you've got this."
Jungkook gulped.

"yeah, sorry."

"don't sweat it."

Soon enough it was their turn again, but this time, he was stealing from Taehyung.
The other started dribbling at a fast pace, faster than Jungkook had expected. He moved forward, an idea sprouting in his mind, and pretended to try and change the balls bounce path, like Jhope had. Taehyung moved it out of the way with ease, and dribbled further, Jungkook leant back on his right foot, then launched forward and used to same move he'd used in that last match. He swiped the ball from Taehyung mid bounce, and spun on his heel as he landed, releasing the ball towards the hoop. He scored. Taehyung jumped on Jungkook, looping his arms round his neck.
"that was amazing! You need to teach me that move." he gushed. Yoongi made his way over.
"that was really good Jungkook, I've seen a couple moves similar to that before, but the footwork is a little reckless. We'll work on it. Good job though."

"thanks."

They made their way back to the line, a tenth grader turned to them,
"better watch out Tae, he might take your role as Ace." the kid smirked and threw a condescending look to Taehyung. It made Jungkooks blood boil.

"what?" Jimin appeared by Taehyungs side, looking angry, the opposite of his usual chilled out demeanour.
"Taehyung is our ace. Your ace you little punk, show some respect to those older than you." he snapped.

"Chim, leave it." Taehyung muttered. Jimin took a few deep breaths.

"everything ok back there?" Yoongi called.

"yeah!" Taehyung called back.

"Jimin?" Yoongis face softened into one of concern.

"everything's fine." Jimin said, throwing one last glare at the tenth grader before stalking away. 

The rest of practice went quickly, Yoongi came and spoke to Jungkook afterwards, telling him he'd done well, which made Jungkooks chest swell with pride. the ride home with Namjoon and Jin was alright, but there was still tension in the air, and Jungkook wasn't sure how long it would take to disappear.