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+*___________*+
Jake, always the playful one, quickly dismissed any formality, letting out a playful comment that instantly made me feel more at ease. "You don't have to be so formal, Ji-yoon. Besides, we already know you as Jungwon's competition," he said, enveloping me in their comfortable environment. I glanced over at Jungwon, who had his face resting in his palm, seemingly embarrassed by what his teammates might say next.
The team responded to my greeting with friendly nods and smiles, their curious eyes reflecting their interest in getting to know me better. Heeseung, with mischief glinting in his eyes, took it upon himself to introduce the team, playfully teasing their captain in the process. "Alright, guys, gather around! This is Jungwon, our fearless leader," he announced, motioning towards Jungwon with a smirk. "But off the soccer field, he's a soft little cat." Heeseung's words caused laughter to erupt from the team, and I couldn't help but widen my eyes in surprise. Did they know about Jungwon's feline tendencies? Our eyes met, and with just one look, he understood my thoughts and shook his head, silently signaling that it was a secret he preferred to keep hidden.
The playful energy of the team matched Jungwon's mix of embarrassment and amusement, further highlighting their strong bond. It was evident that they felt comfortable enough with each other to engage in light-hearted teasing.
As the conversation continued, I found myself drawn into an engaging discussion with the team. They expressed genuine interest in my soccer journey, sharing their own stories and experiences in return. It was as if we had known each other for a long time, the natural chemistry among us fostering a sense of instant friendship.
In the midst of the banter, Sunoo, known for his infectious energy, suddenly enveloped me in a tight hug. Caught off guard, I blushed, feeling a rush of warmth spread through me.
"I like her!" he exclaimed with genuine affection, his voice filled with excitement. "I don't understand why you don't like her, Jungwon!"
I couldn't help but smile, returning the hug and reciprocating the affection. I smiled as I enveloped him in a hug as well. "I needed a friend who likes Mint chocolate and I finally have one." Sunoo grinned happily as he shut his eyes, hugging me tighter.
"I'm glad to have you as a friend too, Sunoo," I replied, appreciating the genuine connection we were forming.
Sunoo's enthusiasm was contagious, and it sparked an idea within me. "Let's go get ice cream sometime," I suggested, looking over to see his reaction. His eyes glistened with excitement and awe, his enthusiasm evident. The idea of indulging in a sweet treat seemed to resonate with him on a deep level.
"I want to go too, but you guys better not force me to try that nasty toothpaste you call ice cream," Niki chimed in, his expression displaying clear disgust at the thought of trying a flavor he deemed horrendous. The team agreed to join us for an ice cream outing, leaving Jungwon as the only one who hadn't voiced his opinion.
Sunghoon, showing empathy towards his captain, patted Jungwon's shoulder gently, extending a soft smile. "There's no choice for you, Jungwon. You're coming with us," he declared, his words leaving no room for argument. Jungwon stood there, arms crossed and lips slightly pouting, seemingly unaware of his appearance. At that moment, he truly resembled an angry cat, and I couldn't help but imagine his imaginary cat ears drooping with discontent.
The team burst into laughter, teasing Jungwon as they continued to poke fun at his hidden feelings. But behind their playful banter, there was a sense of camaraderie and support, a testament to the strong bond they shared.
As the teasing continued, Niki said something all of a sudden that caught me off guard. "You should see him in practice when you're there, Ji-yoon," Niki said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Jungwon's eyebrow raised a bit, wondering what his young teammate was thinking in that mischievous brain of his. "He tries his hardest, showing off his skills. It's like he wants to intimidate you with his soccer skills."
I couldn't help but laugh at their playful comments, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance from the team. They made me feel like a part of the group, even if Jungwon and I didn't feel the same way about each other.
Soon, the conversation shifted to the upcoming game, the highly anticipated boys vs. girls high school match scheduled for tomorrow. The team turned their attention to me, their eyes filled with mischief. "We're in trouble, guys," Jay said, grinning mischievously. "We're definitely going to lose. Ji-yoon is way better than our captain."
The team erupted into laughter, their teasing enveloping the air. I blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. "Oh come on, I'm sure it'll be a fun and competitive game!" I smiled.
The banter continued, with the team playfully discussing strategies and jokingly comparing skills. It was clear that they held a deep respect for my abilities, even if it was all in good fun. The anticipation for the game grew, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.
However, just as the conversation was flowing smoothly, the weather took an unexpected turn. The sky darkened, and raindrops started to fall lightly, accompanied by distant rumbles of thunder. I could see a flicker of concern in Jungwon's eyes as he glanced up at the darkening sky. It suddenly dawned on me that he had a fear of thunderstorms, a fear that he had confided in me before. He warned me this morning that there was going to be a thunderstorm and it completely slipped my mind.
+*___________*+ 23rd chapter
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Question of the chapter: Summer or winter?
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