Chapter 12

"What the hell is happening today?" Yoongi asked Jennie, who was licking the ice cream she had bought.

"Well, since we were lacking students, we didn't have our sports fest, right? So now, they had to send teams for every sport we have to a triangular meet," Jennie answered casually as she continued eating.

"Oh, oh! The triangular meet? Three schools merging together for a competition? Ah, I've heard about that before even though I never really participated," Yoongi said, watching the busy students setting up for practice.

KNHS and St. Andrew Academy (the school Yoongi was attending) were in one town, while the other school was far from the said town.

"I'm too nervous for Jimin, though." Yoongi choked on his own saliva.

"What about him?" he asked.

"He has this rival from the other school. Not your former school, but the other one. Last year, they nearly fought physically. Have you heard about that yet?" Jennie said, pointing her ice cream at him.

"Not yet, but how did he get a rival?"

"Jimin's quite good at playing basketball; they made him the captain of their team. Hoseok and Taehyung will be playing basketball as well. Jin will play badminton. Namjoon, scrabble. And Jungkook, volleyball."

"Wow, Jennie. You sure know a lot about them. Such a big gossiper," Yoongi said, pushing Jennie teasingly.

"Duh! Can't live without one. You could join chess, you know? I've seen you playing chess on your phone when the nun's teaching," Jennie said, finishing off her ice cream.

"Eh, I don't know, Jen. I'm shy."

"Oh, come on, represent your school! Aren't you proud of it?"

****

Yoongi and Jennie found themselves in front of the room where registration for certain sports was being held. She gestured for him to go in, but he whined instead. So she opened the door and pushed Yoongi in, causing a slight commotion. The people inside looked at him with confused eyes as he could only smile awkwardly.

"Uhm, I'm here for the registration for chess?"

"YES!! FINALLY! SOMEONE WHO PLAYS CHESS!" a man with a beard said, raising his fist in the air.

The ladies rushed to grab the registration forms and handed them to Yoongi, who wore a confused expression. "Sign this, kid. We'll have a few training sessions; next week is the competition," the man said.

Meanwhile, Jimin was in the gymnasium already, wearing his jersey. He was with Hoseok and Taehyung. Jimin looked at his team practicing as he took a sip from his bottle. His jersey had the number '13' on it; it was a black and white jersey.

Their coach, Mr. Kim, clapped his hands to gather the team around. "Alright, team, listen up. We're going up against some tough competitors next week. I want you all to focus on our gameplay strategy. Jimin, you're the captain. Lead by example. Hoseok and Taehyung, work on your coordination. Communication is key on the court."

The other two members of the team, Minho and Hyunwoo, nodded in agreement. Minho was known for his speed and agility, while Hyunwoo was their strongest defender.

"Minho, your speed is crucial. I want you to focus on quick transitions and fast breaks. Hyunwoo, keep anchoring our defense. Make sure to communicate with your teammates and keep the opposition out of the paint," Mr. Kim continued.

Jimin nodded, determination clear in his eyes. "Got it, Coach."

Mr. Kim continued, "Alright, let's get back to practice. Focus on your passes, maintain your defense, and keep the energy high. We've got this!"

****

Yoongi sat at the chessboard, nerves tightening his stomach as he faced his first opponent. The room was filled with murmurs and the clicking of chess pieces being moved. His palms were slightly sweaty, but he took a deep breath and focused on the game before him.

His last opponent was a serious-looking boy from South Korea Academy. They exchanged nods, and the game began. Yoongi's mind raced, calculating moves and anticipating his opponent's strategies. Each move felt like a mental battle, the pressure mounting with every passing second.

As Yoongi made his moves, he noticed a familiar figure standing by the window. It was Jimin, watching intently. Seeing Jimin there gave him a surge of confidence.

His opponent was strong, but Yoongi managed to keep up, countering each move with one of his own. The game was intense, each player deeply focused.

After what felt like an eternity, Yoongi saw an opening. He seized the opportunity and made a decisive move, putting his opponent's king in checkmate. Relief washed over him as the referee declared his victory.

Jimin clapped silently from the window, a proud smile on his face. Yoongi returned the smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment. However, their moment was cut short when Hoseok appeared, looking slightly frantic.

"Jimin, it's time for our game. We need to get ready," Hoseok said urgently.

Jimin nodded, giving Yoongi one last supportive look before following as Yoongi watched them go.

****

The gymnasium was buzzing with energy as the basketball teams prepared for the game. The stands were filled with spectators, the noise level rising as more students filed in. Jimin stood with his team, adjusting his jersey and lacing up his sneakers. He felt the adrenaline pumping through his veins, knowing that this game was going to be tough.

"Alright, team," Mr. Kim, their coach, said, gathering them in a huddle. "Remember our strategy. Play smart, play together, and keep your heads cool. Jimin, lead the team and watch out for Taemin. He's their key player."

Jimin nodded, his jaw set with determination. He glanced over at the opposing team and spotted Taemin, a tall and athletic player with a fierce look in his eyes. They locked gazes for a moment, the rivalry palpable in the air.

The game started with a whistle, and the ball was tossed into the air for the jump ball. Jimin leaped, tipping the ball to Hoseok, who quickly passed it to Taehyung. The game was on.

The pace was fast and intense. Jimin maneuvered through the court with agility, passing and shooting with precision. Taehyung and Hoseok provided solid support, coordinating their movements seamlessly. The opposing team, led by Taemin, matched their intensity, making it clear that this was going to be a fierce battle.

As the game progressed, the score remained close. Jimin and Taemin guarded each other tightly, neither giving an inch. The tension between them was electric, each move calculated to outdo the other. The crowd roared with every basket, the noise echoing through the gym.

Midway through the second quarter, Jimin managed to steal the ball from an opposing player. He dribbled quickly down the court, Taemin hot on his heels. As Jimin went for a layup, Taemin blocked him aggressively, sending Jimin sprawling to the floor. The referee blew the whistle, signaling a foul.

Jimin got up, wiping the sweat from his brow. He walked over to Taemin, his eyes blazing. "Is that the best you can do, Taemin?" he said, his voice steady but laced with challenge.

Taemin smirked, stepping closer. "You haven't seen anything yet, Jimin. This game is ours."

Jimin's fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to stay calm. "We'll see about that."

The referee intervened, separating them and calling for free throws. Jimin took a deep breath, focusing on the basket. He made both free throws, tying the score again.

The game continued with renewed intensity. Both teams fought hard, every possession a battle. Jimin's team played with incredible coordination, but Taemin's team was relentless, their defense strong and their offense sharp.

As the clock ticked down in the final quarter, the score remained neck and neck. Jimin's heart pounded as he dribbled the ball, scanning the court for an opening. He passed to Taehyung, who shot and missed, but Hoseok grabbed the rebound and scored, putting their team ahead by two points.

With less than a minute left, Taemin's team had possession. Taemin drove towards the basket, but Jimin was right there, blocking his path. They collided, the referee blowing the whistle for another foul. The gym was in an uproar as Taemin went to the free-throw line.

He made the first shot, bringing his team within one point. The gym fell silent as he took his second shot. The ball hit the rim and bounced out. Jimin grabbed the rebound, and their team quickly moved down the court.

With only seconds left, Jimin passed to Hoseok, who was open near the three-point line. Hoseok took the shot, the ball sailing through the air as the buzzer sounded. The ball swished through the net, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Jimin's team had won.

Jimin collapsed to his knees, exhausted but exhilarated. His teammates rushed to him, lifting him up in celebration. Taemin stood at the other end of the court, a look of disappointment on his face.

Jimin was still catching his breath when he suddenly hitched as someone pounced on him. He realized it was Yoongi just by his scent as he hugged back.

"I SAW THE WHOLE THING. WHY DID THAT BITCH TOUCH YOU?!" Yoongi said, jumping excitedly once he got off Jimin's grip.

"Aish, don't mind him. He's a pain in the ass," Jimin said, rolling his eyes.

"Hey, Yoongi? You really did well back there. Let me see your medal!" Jimin said as Yoongi fished it out of his pocket and held it up proudly.

"I'm so glad I joined! Ah, this is all so new to me. My former classmates were also cheering when they realized I joined! I never knew I could win this when I just play it on my mobile. I'm such a smarty pants," Yoongi said cockily, wiggling his eyebrows. Jimin laughed, throwing his head back.

"JIMIN-AH! WE DID IT!" Hoseok pounced on Jimin, who just rolled his eyes at him.

"Aish! Hoseok! Don’t just jump on someone like that; they could be injured!" Jimin said, rubbing his back.

"Oh, and Yoongi won’t?" Hoseok teased, having seen Yoongi earlier pouncing on Jimin and twirling him in the air.