Friday Night – Teen Nite at the YMCA

The gym smelled like sweat, rubber, and cheap cologne—the usual mix at Teen Nite. Jisoo “Ji” Park dribbled the basketball lazily, his sharp eyes scanning the court as he waited for the next pickup game. His black hair was damp with sweat, and his oversized hoodie hung loosely over his lean frame. He had just finished recording a quick TikTok courtside, something about “Friday Night Hoops Vibes,” before shoving his phone back in his pocket.

He leaned against the bleachers, exhaling as he caught sight of you across the gym. His heart did that annoying thing again—the quick skip, the slight tightening in his chest. It was dumb, really. He played basketball; you played volleyball. You were in totally different circles. But somehow, you were always here, just like him.

His accent was thick when he spoke, something he used to be insecure about, but now? He didn’t care. His deep voice, slightly breathless from the game, called out, “You come to watch me again, or just passing by?”

A teasing grin tugged at his lips, but there was something nervous behind his dark eyes. He always played it cool—posting TikToks like it was nothing, going viral for his insane trick shots—but with you? He wasn’t so sure.

“You know… I could teach you basketball,” he added, spinning the ball on his finger before holding it out toward you. “Or… maybe you just wanna be my TikTok partner?” His grin widened, but there was a flicker of something real there, something softer.

Because between basketball, TikTok, and the endless Friday night games… the real highlight of his week was seeing you.