V O I C E

1.7 B A L L E R

Felix made his way towards us with a ball under his arm. "So you think you're the shit, huh?" He asked like some smug bitch.

"Obviously not," Jangmi intervened, "Cause then you'd have to share, and we all know how you feel about sharing."

"What?" He asked. Jangmi just shrugged and stole the ball from him.

She dribbled to the farthest net from where he was standing, and I followed her. "So, wanna play H.O.R.S.E?"

"We aren't learning anything, like in the last class?"

She shook her head and passed me the ball. "Some of the classes are weird. Like swimming, you need lifeguards and some people struggle with it so we run basic lessons, but with stuff like basketball or "easy" sports, we don't. Just cause people know what they're doing, and one coach to watch a handful of kids is no biggie."

"I guess... that makes sense..." I muttered, glancing at everyone around me. "So it's just me and you, right?"

She nodded and passed the ball to me. We played a very short game of H.O.R.S.E, Jangmi isn't very good at three-point shots, and then we played another game of one-on-one. It was a tie the entire game. As soon as I scored, she would do the same thing I did. At one point I felt myself getting competitive and more aggressive with my plays. I launched the ball from half-court and it ricochetted off the backboard and arched toward us. I flinched, waiting for the impact, "OW!" I heard someone shout.

I turned around to see Felix storming his way over. He had a look on his face of pure rage, but his eyes had started tearing up. They were red like he was trying not to cry.

Jangmi held back a laugh as he approached. "He looks like a baby who didn't get their way."

"What the hell, Y/n? You did that on purpose, didn't you?" He questioned me, rubbing the back of his head where the ball hit.

"Why would she waste her time to do that?" Jangmi asked, standing up for me.

"Because you hate me for, like, no reason?" Felix said, addressing me, but still responding to Jangmi. Almost like he and I were having a conversation, and Jangmi was my translator.

"No reason? You've been almost entirely inconsiderate to her and picking on her for not talking -"

"And pushing me off the diving board." I interuppted Jangmi in a whisper. After I said it, however, they both looked at me confused. "W-what? You've both already heard me speak before. How is this surprising?" I asked in another whisper.

"I-it's not that... um..." Jangmi started, glancing at Felix.

Felix was equally confused. "I tried to grab you and stop the board shaking. I'm the one who dove in to grab you after were you not conscious or something?"

"Obviously not!" I raised my voice at the dumb question.

Felix's eyebrows furrowed, "but you responded to me. You mumbled, but your eyes were open and you were responsive. It wasn't until I laid you down and Chan came over that you knocked out."

"That doesn't mean that I was responsive. You should've started CPR immediately." I crossed my arms and turned to Jangmi. "So if he didn't shake the board, who did?"

The two looked at each other and then back at me. "It was Ella. She says someone dared her to do it, but I think she's just jealous." Jangmi shrugged.

I responded with a confused look, "Chris is her boyfriend. She probably saw you call him hot." Felix huffed, crossing his arms. "It's not like Chris would cheat or leave her. He would never abandon his soulmate like that; he's better than that." Felix muttered.

Jangmi wrapped an arm around my shoulders with a grin, "Where are we going next then?" She asked, completely changing the topic. "I've got my creative writing club on the main campus; am I walking back alone?"

"No, I'm getting a volunteer credit so I can skip my art class," I replied. "I have to go back to the main campus and wait for like a taxi or Uber or something, so I can walk over with you."

"Oh, uh, I can go with you guys. I'm pretty much done for the day." Felix shrugged. We all walked out of the court together and walked along the narrow path in front of the parking lot.

As we crossed the street, I noticed Hyunjin walking towards us. "Hey! How was basketball?" He shouted, waving us over.

"It was good," I responded once we got close enough. "I'm going to the studio, where are you going?"

"I'm heading back that way, soccer field." I nodded and we stood there awkwardly.

'Why are we so awkward? Is it my fault? Does he hate me now? Did he realize I'm not good enough-'

"Y/n? Are you alright?" Jangmi asked, placing her hand on my shoulder. I nodded quickly, glancing at everyone's face and then back at the ground.

Hyunjin stepped closer to me, "are you sure? You look pale, do you need to sit or anything?"

"I'll sit on the drive to town. I'm fine, really." He nodded begrudgingly. "You can come over later if you want. You too, Felix." I added, not wanting anyone to feel left out.

"Um... yeah. Alright." Felix nodded, a small smile growing on his face.

Hyunjin grinned wide, "I'll be there! Text me when you get back! Oh, what if we made a groupchat?"

"That would be so fun!" Jangmi exclaimed. "Hyunjin, send me both of your numbers. I'll send a text when everyone's in it."

I watched them mumble and hover over her phone. "Hey, I've gotta get going. See you guys later?" Felix announced.

"Of course! Have fun!" Jangmi responded. Eventually, I was left alone at the crosswalk. I ordered an Uber and waited for it anxiously.

[chapter part finished: June 13, 2020]
[chapter part edited: April 30, 2024]