opposites attract. | myung jaehyun

THREE

Nabi and Nakyung strolled leisurely through the school's grounds, their conversation punctuated by occasional laughter. As they approached the soccer field, the sounds of the game grew louder, the rhythmic thud of the ball and the shouts of players filling the air.

Nakyung's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let's watch them play, Nabi!" she said, tugging Nabi toward the bleachers with an enthusiastic grin.

Nabi followed, amused by Nakyung's enthusiasm. They took their seats on the worn, sun-bleached benches, the wooden planks creaking slightly beneath them. Nabi's gaze was drawn to the field where the soccer team was in the midst of a rigorous practice session.

Her attention was immediately captured by Myung Jaehyun, who was positioned strategically as a key player. Today, he exuded a commanding presence that set him apart from his usual easygoing demeanor. His usually relaxed posture was replaced by a more intense, focused stance. Every movement he made was deliberate and precise, his leadership evident in the way he directed his teammates and managed the flow of the game.

Nakyung, on the other hand, seemed mesmerized by Jaehyun's performance. Her eyes were locked on him, her admiration palpable. "He looks so fucking hot when he's playing soccer," she remarked, her voice tinged with both awe and a hint of playful exaggeration. The intensity of Jaehyun's game only seemed to heighten his appeal in her eyes.

Nabi chuckled softly at Nakyung's comment, shaking her head in amusement. "You really do have a thing for him, don't you?" she teased, her eyes following Jaehyun's swift movements on the field.

Ding!

Nabi peeled her eyes from Jaehyun, who was effortlessly commanding the field with his sharp movements and undeniable charisma. Her heart gave a little flutter, but she quickly shook off the feeling and focused on her phone, which had just buzzed with a message. It was from Mr. Kim, her math teacher and coach, who was as strict as he was encouraging.

Mr. Kim: Nabi, we need to discuss the upcoming Mathematical Olympiad. Please come to the faculty room as soon as possible.

Nabi sighed softly, feeling the weight of the competition settling on her shoulders once again. The Mathematical Olympiad was a big deal, and while she had been through it before, the pressure never seemed to lessen. The thrill of representing her school, the rush of solving complex problems—it was all exhilarating, yet exhausting.

She stood up, the wooden bleachers creaking slightly beneath her as she stretched out her legs. "Nakyung, I need to go see Mr. Kim," she said, slipping her phone into the pocket of her pleated skirt.

Nakyung, who had been watching the game with a dreamy expression on her face, turned to Nabi with a puzzled look. "Why? What did he say?"

"I'm joining again for this year's Mathematical Olympiad, so we need to talk about it," Nabi replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but a hint of stress seeped into her voice.

Nakyung's eyes widened in understanding as she nodded. "Oh, right. You're a math genius, after all." She smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Okay, I'll just stay here for a while. I'll watch Jaehyun more," she added, her gaze drifting back to the soccer field where Jaehyun was now barking orders to his teammates.

Nabi chuckled. "Okay, but don't stay out here for too long. It's scorching hot in here," she said, already feeling the warmth of the midday sun beating down on them.

Nakyung gave a mock salute, her expression playful. "Yes, ma'am!"

Nabi shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips as she began to make her way down the bleachers. She could feel the sun's rays intensifying, and as she walked across the field, she pulled her ponytail tighter, hoping it would help keep the heat at bay.