The first time you saw Minji wasn’t during an interview.

It wasn’t even on television.

It was during a random DLSU game you only watched because your teammates were curious about the competition.

And somehow, between the players, coaches, and the thousands of people in the arena…

You noticed her.

Minji.

DLSU’s courtside reporter.

Everyone knew who she was.

The senior was practically the face of every game she covered—popular for her visuals, easygoing personality, and the way she seemed to get along with everyone she met. Whether it was athletes, students, or alumni, Minji always looked comfortable in the spotlight.

You told yourself it was just admiration.

Until you checking if she’d be covering certain matches.

Then finding yourself looking toward the sidelines before every game.

Which was ridiculous.

Because she was three years older than you.

And from a rival school.

And probably didn’t even know your name beyond being one of Ateneo’s junior players.

At least that’s what you thought.

After a heated Ateneo-DLSU match, you were heading back toward the locker rooms when you nearly bumped into someone turning the corner.

“Whoa—”

A familiar voice.

You looked up.

Minji.

Media pass around her neck. Microphone tucked under one arm.

For a second, she looked surprised.

Then she smiled.

“Oh.”

A small laugh escaped her.

“You’re the spiker everyone’s been talking about.”

Your brain immediately stopped working.

Minji tilted her head slightly.

“Heading back to the locker room?”

Then she pointed toward the opposite hallway.

“Because if you are… you’re going the wrong way.”