STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTES

CHAPTER 14

The university is getting a little challenging now, especially since the Sports League is just around the corner.

Tantiana's athletes are already excused from classes for at least a month now, conditioning their physical and mental state for their specific games.

One of them is Jeno, dominating the pool and winning with a straight shot. His teammates loudly cheered for him, and their coach gave him a proud thumbs-up.

His eyes met with Renjun and Jisung—the two whom he labeled as his cheerleading friends.

He smiled at them and walked towards them after settling his cue stick on the side.

"Nice play", Renjun acknowledged.

"Thanks, why are you here?"

The latter scoffed, "We can't watch the practice. Other non-players are here too."

"No, I didn't mean to sound rude", Jeno chuckles. "There are still a few rounds left; you guys can watch there", he points at where they can see better.

"Nah, we're here to ask you something, actually", Jisung says.

"Hmm, we can talk outside; it's getting crowded here."

Jeno led them outside the billiard space, and since many athletes are busy running around, the three settled on the bleachers by the basketball court.

There they saw Chenle sitting on the last row, their presence gaining his attention.

Jeno and Chenle shared a small eye contact; Jeno lightly smiled while the other just nodded.

"So?", Jeno looked at the other two.

"You know Hana Rae and your cousin Mark's engagement, right?", Renjun straightly asked, surprising not only Jeno but also Chenle, who's brows furrowed.

"Uhh, so sudden", Jeno lightly chuckled. "But yes, it's a hot topic within the family; why?"

"Both of them agreed?", Jisung asks.

"Well, they have a couple dates based on what my mom said", Jeno shrugged.

"You haven't asked Harae about it."

"Yeah, I haven't seen her for a month. I'm like going to school and straight to the sports center."

"That's just sad. You're the only one that we can ask about them", Renjun pouted.

"Anyway, why are you suddenly asking me about them? Do you guys have any problems about it?"

"Not us", Renjun and Jisung said, shaking their heads.

Renjun spared a glance at Chenle behind Jeno and then stifled his laugh.

Chenle saw it and rolled his eyes, shifting his attention back to the basketball practice.

"Okay? But I'm pretty sure they're both fine. They're good friends and surely getting closer these days. Though I'm still confused why you guys suddenly have an interest in them", Jeno says, piquing Chenle's attention again.