Competing Hearts || A Yun Sung-bin fanfiction

|| CHAPTER NINE ||

TEASING TIES
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"THE VOTING IS COMPLETE. I'm going to announce the ten team leaders you voted for," the booming voice echoed through the room, prompting contestants to gather in anticipation. Sung-bin reached out for Haneul's hand, a subtle yet intimate gesture, as he helped her up from the floor where they'd cast their votes. Their fingers interlocked for a moment before he led her towards the growing crowd.

"The one who got the most votes is... Yun Sung-bin," the announcement sent a ripple of applause and cheers through the room. Haneul clapped enthusiastically, her smile beaming as she joined in the celebration. Sung-bin, despite his confidence in many aspects of life, appeared genuinely humbled by the honor, a fact that only made Haneul admire him even more. His fingers brushed against her waist ever so gently as he moved ahead to claim his rightful spot on one of the 10 leader's platforms, eliciting a delightful shiver that danced down her spine.

The applause continued as each of the other nine team leaders was revealed, and while Haneul couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment about not being chosen as a leader, she brushed it aside, knowing that most people were currently having the same thoughts.

"Physical: 100's ten team leaders have been chosen" Haneul admired the leaders in front of her, they all stood tall, proud, although there was one she didn't think should be there.

"Now it's time to decide on the teams. Contestants, you will select one of the ten leaders you'd like to team up with. However, if more than four contestants choose a single leader, that leader can only select four of them as their teammates. Please stand in front of the team leader you want." The announcement echoed through the room, setting off a flurry of activity as contestants rushed to their preferred leaders.

Haneul found herself torn between two leaders she admired. With both already having more than four contestants in front of them, she hesitated. Finally, she made her choice and joined the queue behind her selected leader, though she didn't hold high hopes of being picked given her position at the back of the line.

"Team selection is now complete, and it's time for the team leaders to make their decisions."

As Haneul glanced around, her heart sank when she noticed Eun-sil with only one other contestant in front of her. Considering she was the only female leader, Haneul felt Eun-sil should have had more contestants vying for her team, including herself.

"First, team leader Yun Sung-bin will select his team", Haneul's eyes went to Sung-bin who started to descend down the long line of admirers so he could see who had lined up more clearly.

"Kim Sik," Sung-bin's voice boomed, confirming his first choice. It was a clever selection, considering Kim Sik was his dedicated coach—the one who'd guided him to gold medal glory, there was no way he would have let him go.

Sung-bin's next choice rang out, and Haneul's mind shifted. "Son Haneul." He called her name, a radiant smile gracing his face, causing her to snap her head up in shocked disbelief.

- Interview room -

Interviewer: "Why did you choose Haneul?"

Sung-Bin: He paused, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Haneul and I have a special connection. We understand each other in a way that goes beyond our athletic careers. She's not just a fantastic athlete, but also someone I trust completely. I know that when the going gets tough, we'll have each other's backs. She's an all-rounded athlete and I know she can face any challange "

Interviewer: "Is there any other reason?"

Sung-Bin: A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as his cheeks heated up and tinged a shade of rouge. "I think we make a great team both in and out of the competition."

- End of interview -

Sung-bin walked down the line, his charismatic grin lighting up the room as he handed everyone their team color ribbon. He was full of enthusiasm, making sure each teammate felt valued. When he reached Haneul, he teased her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I thought I would have lost you to Choo Sung-hoon," he said, his voice playful.

He took a step closer, a subtle intimacy in his approach, making the moment feel like it was just the two of them. Gently, he picked up her wrist and deftly tied the team's ribbon around it. Haneul's heart fluttered at the touch. "He may be an idol of mine," she confessed with a smile, "but I would much prefer you as my leader." Her eyes darted to their connected hands, and she could feel her heart racing.

Sung-bin's response was just as flirty. "Is that so? Then, I suppose you better call me 'sir' from now on." He winked, and Haneul couldn't help but laugh at his playful remark. "In your dreams," she retorted, playfully knocking his shoulder with her free hand. Unbeknownst to her, those dreams might not have been too far from reality in Sung-bin's mind amongst some other names he had thought of.

When it was announced that the leaders would be choosing their teams to go up against, Haneul could tell Sung-bin was thinking carefully about his decision considering he was still unsure of the game ahead but it was safe to say the team was happy with his choice of REDACTED team. Cause Haneul sure as hell knew they would crush them.

He seemed shocked that his group was chosen which only added more confidence to Sung-Bins's team and when everyone's matchups were chosen and they were told of the order they would be going in Haneul quickly met up with her other friends before they were separated. Hugging Eun-sil she wished her luck with her upcoming match, not that she needed it before they left to get ready. And as she stood there watching the team leave a voice caught her off guard.

"It's nice to finally meet you" Kim Sik smiled.