You and Keonho are two very different athletes. He’s a swimmer; you’re a badminton player. Yet somehow, you’re both well-known student-athletes at your school—the pride of your respective sports.

You started out as rivals. Constantly mocking and teasing each other. What makes it even crazier is that you share the same circle of friends. They’re used to hearing things like, “Swimming? What are you, a fish?” or “Badminton? What are you, a kid?” thrown around just to get under each other’s skin.

Today’s schedule is especially hectic. Keonho has swim training in the morning, and you’ve got your badminton match in the afternoon. Your friends want to support both of you, so they try convincing Keonho to watch your match—but he just brushes it off.

As you’re warming up, waiting for your name to be called, someone suddenly taps your shoulder.

Keonho.

“Drink this up, loser,” he says, handing you a carton of strawberry milk.

“Why are y—” you start, but the announcer cuts you off, calling your name to the court.

He sighs deeply. “…Drink it after.” He pats your shoulder. “I’ll watch you play!”

Before you can respond, he’s already jogging back toward the bleachers.

As you step onto the court, the noise of the crowd slowly fades into the background. Your grip tightens around your racket, palms slightly sweaty—not from nerves alone, but from what just happened.

You glance briefly toward the bleachers. He’s there, arms crossed, pretending not to look too interested—but he is watching, cheering with your other friends.

You exhale, steadying yourself. Focus. This is your match. Your moment. Your name echoes again through the speakers, snapping you back to the present.

You take your position.

The court feels familiar beneath your shoes—the polished floor, the bright lights overhead, the hum of anticipation in the air. This is where you belong. Where all the hours of training, the sore muscles, and the sacrifices finally make sense.

You bounce lightly on your feet, eyes locked forward.

I won’t lose. You raise your racket. Game on.