INSEPARABLE

Chapter 40

THIRD PERSON'S POV

After an entire month of rigorous preparation, the much-anticipated day has finally arrived for the opening of this year's Universities Basketball League season. A diverse array of Universities will be participating, each fielding their own team to compete in the regular season.

Following this, only the top six teams will advance to the playoffs, where they will battle it out until only two teams remain. These two finalists will then vie for the coveted championship title of this season.

Currently, the campus of YG International University is buzzing with excitement, teeming with a diverse crowd of students, professors, and spectators hailing from various Universities and cities across South Korea.

The opening ceremony, which took place earlier, was a grand spectacle. It featured the introduction of the participating teams, the hoisting of the flag from each University, a speech delivered by the Principal of YGIU, and the debut of the new basketball anthem for the YG Timberwolves. This anthem, penned and performed by Somi, was unveiled to the public and will serve as the team's rallying cry throughout the season.

As of now, the indoor sports arena of YG International University is filled to capacity, with the crowd eagerly awaiting the commencement of the season's opening game. Today's match will see the home team, the YG Timberwolves, go head-to-head against the visiting team, the SM Hawks from SM Town University.

"Thank goodness Coach Lee isn't as hard-nosed as Coach CL. He's cool with us popping into the locker room to wish them luck before the game," Irene said, her smile spreading across her face. You could practically feel the excitement radiating off her, especially at the thought of seeing Seulgi.

With Chanty and Chaeyoung tagging along, the girls began their trek to the players' locker room. They were buzzing with anticipation, eager to see the squad in action again after watching their friendly match-up with the team's old-timers months ago.

Rosie, Sana, and Nayeon were already in the loop about Chanty being Lisa's younger sister. Lisa had finally made the introduction last Sunday, clearing up any lingering questions.

"Your volleyball coach is pretty intense, Unnies. I saw how she was acting all intimidating towards Coach Lee before your friendly game against the JYP Spikers," Chanty said, trying to keep her voice steady.

But inside, she was barely holding back a giggle, knowing that Coach Lee and Coach CL had some history. This might just explain the frosty vibes Coach CL was throwing Coach Lee's way.

"Honestly, Sissy, that was the first time I've seen them interact too. I mean, I know they're both part of the University's sports organization, but it's still weird how Coach CL seems so cold towards Coach Lee," Jennie said, her eyebrows furrowing slightly in confusion.

"Maybe it's because they're from different departments? Like, Coach CL is all about volleyball, and Coach Lee is the basketball guy," Sana suggested, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Don't all the coaches from different sports get along, or at least act civil towards each other? I can't help but feel like Coach Lee must've done something to tick off Coach CL. That's why she's so cold to him," Rosie chimed in, adding her thoughts to the mix.

"Or maybe Coach CL had a thing for Coach Lee, but he turned her down. Now she can't get over it and holds a grudge against him," Irene suggested, her voice laced with a hint of humor.

"You could totally write a novel, Baechu. Your imagination is running wild," Nayeon said, her laughter filling the air.

Chanty kept her thoughts to herself, biting back her giggles. The thought of Uncle Lee turning down Coach CL was almost too much. He'd been a shell of himself when they broke up. I remembered the pandemonium at the airport when I was rushing back to South Korea from Thailand. Some jerk had tried to snatch my bag with my passport in it. I'd been livid, arguing with the airport staff about how they could let a man with a knife just wander around. Luckily, I was quick on my feet and managed to catch the guy and get my stuff back. I'd even come close to choking the life out of the snatcher. All this drama because my Mom had called to say Uncle Lee was in the hospital after nearly drowning in the pool at midnight.