ａｓｙｍｐｔｏｔｅ // guanho

Eleventh

"You're early, Guan Lin-sunbae." Seon Ho said, placing his bag at the bench next to the basketball court that has been dominated by Guan Lin's presence itself.

Guan Lin spared the other boy a brief glance before he tossed his basketball into the hoop. The ball touched the rim before going in, making him click in tongue as he ran to get his ball. His fingers brushed the surface of the ball as soon as he picked it up, the unfamiliarity not lessening even for a bit.

He knows he can't blame the ball for the failure of a perfect three-pointer since it is just a reflection of his capabilities, which he knows he has to quickly hone, but he isn't flexible enough, also a factor why he can't move on from things of the past. He is overly attached to his favourite basketball, and he has to change that, removing every trace of things that will hinder his progress. He needs to focus on the upcoming match in five days and in his current state, he doubt he will be satisfied even if his team won.

"Sunbae...? Are you okay?"

Guan Lin quickly pulled himself back to reality, looking at Seon Ho whose face was filled with concern. "I told you that I don't like you calling me 'sunbae'." He did not waste time any longer, dribbling his ball in hand to the side of the court, jumping as he threw the ball into the hoop from the side flawlessly. Seon Ho beamed excitedly.

"Woah, that's a perfect lay up! Please teach me that, Guan Lin-sun—hyung!"

Guan Lin didn't care about what Seon Ho said, or rather, he couldn't when his eyes fell on a familiar figure. He doubted his eyes for a second, blinking in case he was just thinking too much that he is seeing things. Apparently, he has near perfect vision so when he lifted his eyelids again, what he thought happened is indeed the reality.

"Why are you here?" He asked with hostility, unable to see Seon Ho who was panicking at the sidelines. The boy he directed that to merely scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Not to see you, of course. I should be asking you that instead. Why are you here?" Jeno asked, his arms folded as he waited for Guan Lin to explain. The latter however has no intention to talk to the older any longer, turning away from him as he continued dribbling his ball. He can't let Jeno affect him now, he has to let go anyway. Just pretend he is a stranger. It's the best for you, Guan Lin.

"I'm sorry, Guan Lin-hyung and Jeno-sunbae..." Seon Ho suddenly started, capturing the oldest's attention while the second year pretended not to hear. "I actually invited both of you here to practise for the upcoming competition, and also to make you guys reconcile."

The ball hit the court floor, bouncing with a loud sound that silenced the other two before it gradually stopped, an uncomfortable stillness in the air. Seon Ho ducked his head, knowing he is going to get hated by Guan Lin for doing that.

"Reconcile? What for?" Guan Lin looked at Seon Ho, an emotionless expression all over his face. Seon Ho didn't hear any malice from his words, looking up to see Guan Lin who seemed calm. He watched as the second year went to take his ball, proceeding to make a few more shots. Seon Ho was astounded by what he heard, but he has no intention to inquire further.

"Let's just practise." Jeno let out after a while, sighing as he put his bag to a side. "Let's start with our two-on-one. Guan Lin, we'll start with you."

Guan Lin grunted hearing that. He dislikes two-on-one, as it requires more efforts for him to shrug his opponents off. Though, he is still competent enough to without ordeal.

Before he could comprehend anything due to his silent thoughts, his ball was gone from his hand, looking up to see Seon Ho who had successfully snatched the ball away from him, but the younger kept apologising, making Jeno and Guan Lin sweat-dropped. Guan Lin sighed in the back of his mind before he swiftly took the ball back, aiming for a two-pointer with Jeno's impregnable defence at his sides. Seon Ho jumped, finger missing the ball by an approximate 1cm. The ball went into the hoop so they have to switch now, Jeno now the sole opponent.