ａｓｙｍｐｔｏｔｅ // guanho

Twelveth

Today is the day Seon Ho gets to prove his worth to the team, but only if a team player has to be substituted out which he doubt so since he has immense faith in his team. It is his first that he can be excused from lessons for a valid reason, and that means no long boring hours holed up in class.

However, it also means he will miss out on learning new things, and that he needs more time to catch up, but nonetheless, he is still happy. He will get to see Guan Lin and Jeno competing for himself after all, and the view will definitely be great since he is going to be at the bench next to the court itself. The thought of seeing those duo scoring in front of him sent him into an adrenaline rush, a grin plastered foolishly on his face.

"Dude, you look weird."

Seon Ho turned, meeting face to face with his best friend, smile not in the least faltering as he spoke. "We'll finally get to see our team compete! Imagine how awesome it will turn out later!"

Justin rolled his eyes, questioning if Seon Ho is being serious. Both of them soon reached the meet-up point, seeing Jeno and Guan Lin are already there with a few more seniors.

Though, both boys could see how distracted Guan Lin is, his eyes evidently clouded. It was as if he could hear nothing and feel nothing. Seon Ho gulped in worry, casting a concerned look before he turned to Justin who also had no idea what was going on.

Jeno noticed them so he waved, too enthusiastically that it was made obvious that his excitement is fake. They still made their way there, greeting them politely but not for Justin when he greeted Jeno. Seon Ho sighed at how Justin acted hostile towards Jeno, knowing he still haven't gotten over the past. He ignored soon enough as they made their way to gather in front of Coach Lee alongside others.

"Today is finally the start of the annual interschool, let's claim victory again with flying colours!"
"Yes sir!"

With the short and sweet encouragement from their coach, the basketball team boarded the bus and the seating arrangement was however unexpected. The others didn't have problem with their arranged seats, except for Jeno and Justin who were beyond astonished to know they have to sit next to each other. That means 45 minutes of hell for both of them.

"My luck today must have been the worst today, since I'm stuck sitting with dog shit."
"Shut the hell up. I'm still your senior so give me some respect."

That also means it isn't good for Seon Ho who sits behind Justin, having to hear their bickering which can get irritating after some time. He put off their quarrelling as of now, turning his head towards the window which the senior beside him is still in a daze, soul sucked out of his body.

"Guan Lin-hyung," He called out but the boy did not react or flinch like how he would usually do. It made Seon Ho even more worried as he nudged him softly, seeing how Guan Lin then backed away, fear glinting in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

Guan Lin's eyes softened knowing it was just Seon Ho, head looking out of the window as he nodded, a lump in his throat. He was definitely not okay, but he can't let himself be affected when the competition is only a few hours later. Yet, he can't stop his trembling hands. He clasped them tightly, eyes searching for a distraction but buildings, stores aside, there was nothing to ease him.

He knows something lives in his head, accounting for all the anxiety and paranoia latching onto him, but rather than wanting to know it, he wants to rid it, if possible, erasing it from his life permanently.

Chills were sent throughout his body when something touched him. He turned, seeing it was only Seon Ho whose palm was over his shaking hands. He furrowed his brows. "What are you doing?"