Itsyou84
Choi San used to believe that some people were permanent.
That no matter how much time passed, no matter how far life dragged them apart, they would always find their way back.
Jung Wooyoung was one of those people.
Until he wasn't.
As kids, they were inseparable.
Bound together by scraped knees, late-night practice, and a rivalry neither of them ever needed to explain.
They made promises back then.
To go to Nationals together.
To become the best-known players in the country.
To stand on the same court at the very top.
San was the natural talent.
Wooyoung was the one who stayed after everyone else left.
No matter how hard Wooyoung trained, San was always just a step ahead.
One point higher.
One second faster.
One spike stronger.
But Wooyoung never stopped chasing him.
And San never stopped believing that if anyone could one day surpass him, it would be Wooyoung.
Then, years ago, Wooyoung left.
No goodbye.
No explanation.
A broken promise.
Just an empty room and a dream San had to chase alone.
He learned quickly that anger was easier than missing someone who chose to disappear.
Now, at the most prestigious volleyball university in Korea, San stands at the top.
Unmatched in talent. Untouchable in skill. Feared for his temper.
No one dares to challenge him.
Until one day the gym doors slid open.
The sound was quiet, barely noticeable.
Yet San turned instantly.
And there he was.
The boy who promised him Nationals.
The one who was always just one step behind.
The only person who ever made first place feel like it meant something.
Wooyoung.
San never lost to him.
But he never forgave him either.
Some reunions aren't gentle.
Some come like a storm.