𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚 - 𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐢

10. euro step (filler episode pt. 2)

‧˚₊⋅ ୨୧ ⋅₊˚‧

     You watch as the bus drives off, your hair blowing with the wind. The sun was slightly setting as you finally reached your destination even though it was barely 5:00. Usually before games, the atmosphere would be very tense. But as you observed the players and their body language, you could tell that this game would be an easy sweep. The one you knew as Heeseung was munching on gummy worms and Niki's group were laughing and messing around. Somehow Sunoo managed to put Jay in a chokehold while Sunghoon and Niki attempted to pull the poor boy out of the smaller's grasp. You looked around wearily for Wonie but it seemed she already made her way into the gymnasium. You sighed and adjusted the strap of your camera bag, mentally preparing yourself  for the curious stares of the opposing side's students.
Each step filled you with dread as you got closer and closer to the entrance, until you finally took one step in. As if on cue, all eyes turned towards your direction. You walked quickly to your guys' side of the court and set your equipment down on one of the chairs. You noticed from the corner of your eye Wonie was busying herself with her usual duties. As she walked past you she whispered in a hushed tone,"Looks like your boyfriend's got some fans." You looked over at the direction she nodded at, confusion painted on your face. Your eyes focused on the tall boy by the door, two girls surrounded him, both giggling and twirling their hair. They were pretty girls. Whatever uneasiness you felt inside, you easily concealed with nonchalance. "He's not my boyfriend", you mumbled. You noticed that your friend was struggling with the boxes she was currently carrying. "Need help?" Wonyoung shook her head cutely,"But could you find a vending machine and get me some water, please." You nodded your head, remembering the vending machine you passed on your way in. You walked systematically so as to conceal yourself from the crowd. Walking past Niki, pretending you didn't see him, you turned left and made your way down the long hallway towards the light of the vending machine. You didn't understand why you felt so uneasy. For some reason you were completely lost in thought. So lost in thought that you didn't hear the pair of footsteps approaching from behind you as you waited for the water to be dispensed.
"Excuse me", said an unfamiliar voice from behind. You turned around, your gaze locking on an also unfamiliar face. Looking down at his sweatsuit, you realized he's a player from the opposing team. "Um I'm almost done", you said turning back around.
"No I actually meant to talk to you." You turned back around, two waters in hand. "Oh, okay." He laughed, grabbing your shoulder and moving closer to you. You side-eyed his extended arm. It took every ounce of your body not to cringe. "Why're you so quiet. And tense. Loosen up a little!" All you could do was laugh awkwardly and look down at your shoes. "You have a boyfriend? Someone as pretty as you shouldn't be walking around here alone." His grip felt like it was tightening every second and the space between you both was evidently decreasing. Wtf is up with men these days and personal space. "Um I-"

"Speak up I can't hear you."

Oh God.

Suddenly you were pulled back from the boy's grasp. "Dude back up", said a familiar, angered voice. Why is Niki always saving you? He clutched your waist tightly, pulling you closer to his side. Though not too tight in a way that would cause you pain. You watched as he stared down the opposing player. One earphone still in his ear, the other hanging loosely while his lips enclosed a lollipop, the stick pushed to the side. His brows were furrowed and his back straight, easily towering the boy. "Chill dude we were just talking", said the player, putting his arms up in defense. Niki scoffed, shaking his head in annoyance.

"What is she your girl or something?" he sneered.

"No", you mumbled without thinking. Your fast response caught you off guard but you remained stoic. Even Niki faltered as he glanced down at you. You failed to reciprocate eye contact, missing the hurt expression that painted his face. "but I'm not interested in you. Please leave me alone." The boy laughed nervously then scoffed a whatever, immediately leaving the situation. Niki grabbed your upper arms, turning your body towards him. "You okay?" he asked, concern laced in his face as he moved your hair behind your ear. "I'm okay Niki. Thank you."

He sighed, leaning down to hear your voice. "Stop wandering off by yourself. If you wanna go somewhere tell me."

"You looked busy", you said quietly, leaning towards his ear as well.

The boy looked confused at first, wondering what you were talking about, until he remembered the predicament he was in. He mentally face-palmed. "YOU SHOULD'VE JUST TOOK ME AWAY FROM THEM. THOSE GIRLS WOULDN'T LEAVE ME ALONE AND I WANTED TO GO TALK TO YOU SO BAD BUT-", he cut himself off with another exasperated sigh. You knew he wasn't yelling, he just couldn't control his volume the way he usually does around you."We need to have each other's backs Y/n. But I know you don't like confrontation...it's just-never-mind." How could Niki tell you that he wanted you to be jealous and and possessive the way he does? That he wanted you to push them away and grab him by the hand. He couldn't. You guys weren't a couple after all. It frustrated him. Before you could answer, the shot-clock buzzer rang throughout the gym. "I gotta go. Please be careful", Niki said sadly, jogging back into the gym. You stood there, a weird sensation filling your chest. Realization hit you quite hard. Niki was there to save you because he always acted without thought. As if coming to your rescue was his sixth sense. But you never did. In fear that you would be embarrassed. Why does it even matter? Your face reddened and you clenched your fist. God, what was this boy doing to you.

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It seems the boys knew their opponents well. They had a significant lead in the game, the score being 41-73. But Niki on the other hand, wasn't doing so well. Playing wise he was doing outstanding, being the top scorer in the game. You were amazed watching the boy. Getting excited during every play he made. How he skillfully redirected the ball to get some good assists that led to wide open shots. How he used his body to push his way to the basket. You gasped at a certain play where he raced down the court after a turnover and did a euro step, passing his defender, and making a layup. Niki was definitely the star of the show. But, he was also in a lot of foul trouble. He was being rough with a certain boy, and it just so happened to be the one whom you encountered pre-game. It got so bad that during the third quarter, after Niki forcefully pushed the poor boy down, the ref called a tech, and Niki fouled out the game.

You expected him to be mad like he was during the rival game, but as he walked towards the bench, you noticed the boy carry a smug look on his face as if he was proud of what he did. Wonyoung nudged your side,"Is that the boy from earlier?" You nodded your head, a small smile forming on your lips. "Yeah", you said proudly.