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As usual, practice was rough and merciless when it came to coach Song Seungdeuk’s routine but it was nothing new to them–ever since the start of the new year, they’ve been whipped up to shape. If it made them want to throw up and not getting out of bed for the rest of the week at first, then it was as easy as breathing now–they’re used to it and proud to say that their endurance spiked quite sharp because they managed to last until five sets.
When their old coach retired because his youth spirit couldn’t keep up with his aged body, they had difficulties in recruiting new one but thankfully Seungdeuk was more than happy to fill the position while advisor Bang was still loyal with his. A new coach means a new training regime, and they tried to keep up as best as they could.
The gym was previously filled with balls flying and hitting the floor with high speed and people running around to either jump and spike or dive to receive, now it was quite silent since most of their volleyball members were sprawling on the wooden floor to catch their breath with a short break and cooling down.
“You’re receive still need more fixing, Taehyung.” Jimin commented after downing half of his bottle’s content to rehydrate and sitting beside the middle-blocker. “Every time you dive, you’re going to give me a heart attack.”
“I agree with Jimin,” Namjoon added, wiping beads of sweat running down his neck with a towel. “But, you’re improving and doing much better than the start, so good job.”
Hoseok laughed, rolling onto his stomach. “Yeah, the first time was scary. I thought your chin would dent from how much you hit the floor.”
The comment made Taehyung felt flares filling his cheeks and the back of his neck, if not for the flush from their practice covering it, he’ll surely look like a ripe apple. The first year argued, “H-hey, I’m not that horrible now!”
“That’s good because it frustrated me. I feel like aging overnight,” Yoongi said, wiping his mouth. Taehyung whined at the comment while slumping back on the floor.
“Dive penalties really save Taehyung from eternally suck at receiving.” Jungkook snickered and immediately ducking his head, missing a flying shoe that was meant to hit his head. It ended up with the two of them playing cats and mouse filled with yelling around the gym.
Just as Taehyung managed to tackle the youngest to the ground, the whole gym heard shuffling and obvious giggles coming from outside the gym.
“Ah, it’s your fangirls, first years.” Hoseok called out. “It’s scary how they managed to always arrived on time.”
“It’s dedication, I guess…” Jimin laughed nervously.
The three first years were stars in the school currently–there’s no one who didn’t know about them or never heard of their name. They were idols with many fans surrounding them even as far as having fan-clubs under their name.
Ever since they blocked the gym’s entrance and disturbing their concentration when practicing with lots of shrieking and cheering, Namjoon practically set up a strict rule–banning the fans from watching them practice ever again and could only come to the gym after their practice was over. The captain could be scary when he wanted to.
Speaking of hordes of fangirls…
“I really think we should get a manager,” Jungkook thought outloud and referring to one in general–just voicing out his opinions in a harmless way. But the topic sure made his teammates even advisor Bang and coach Song’s attention diverted for a second.
Namjoon rose an eyebrow, not expecting such a sudden idea. “And why do you think we should get a manager?”
“If this is about you being too lazy to wash the practice bibs, kneepads and uniforms, then don’t even think about it.” Yoongi deadpanned, making Jungkook sputtered at the blatant accusation.
“NO! It’s not like that, hyung!” the youngest whined as he fell back to lay on the floor, hiding his reddening face with under his towel. “I think it’s just nice, you know? Having someone who supports you all the time.”
“Ah, you want a personal cheerleader? You already have those gathering outside the gym at the moment.” Hoseok teased. He was definitely referring to the girls who were already on their stand by to greet the three first years after practice–another routine they got used to. “Or just pick one.”
“Not that too!” Jungkook retorted, arms flailing around. “I’m talking about someone who has that passion like us! Besides…”
The young ace sat up and pulled his knees closer to his chest. “It’ll be better if we have someone who supports us because they know how hardworking we are as a team, not only as individuals.”
Jungkook was forever grateful with his… supporters (he couldn’t exactly call them as his fans because he’s not an idol) but he wants someone who loves them all equally and not playing favorites. Supporters were there but they were there because of him, Taehyung, and Jimin. Before that, his team was like any usual after-school extracurricular club–normal dan low-profile. However, after they were recruited as regulars and official members, an instant spotlight almost immediately shone on them and suddenly every inch of the school knows them.
“Well, why not?”
As a surprise, coach Song was the first one to agree with the idea. Everyone in the room instantly focusing their attention on the said man with eyes widened.
“Besides that, they will help you a lot with preparations and reserving your energy over menial things like filling the water bottle and handing out towels and such. It will be a good addition, having someone who also noted your development and keep them in track.” he reasoned. “But like Jungkook said, this person needs to be as passionate as you guys because being a manager isn’t an easy task either.”
“You’re… okay with this, coach Song?” Jimin repeated slowly, mind still trying to process the whole ordeal happening in a very fast pace.
“Most definitely,” the man answered without hesitation. “As long as they are not from your lining up fans and as long as you’re okay with it. Remember, we need someone who’s really competent for this.”
“Wow, thanks coach!” Jungkook grinned widely, radiating happiness because someone backed him up.
“If coach says so then we have nothing to argue,” Hoseok said, smiling. And looking from the others, they had no refusal–having someone who helped you throughout practices and write down opponents’ stats for their strategies were undoubtedly really helpful. It was unanimous decision.
Namjoon ordered them to gather in the middle of the court–sitting in circle wide enough to face one another. Knowing this was a quite serious topic, a meeting was a must.
“So, we agreed on having a manager,” the captain started. “Anyone had an idea on how we recruit one?”
Taehyung rose his hand and Namjoon nodded at him to continue. “We can’t open a public registration in the wall magazine since many… people will definitely trying to register and we don’t have that much time to hold an interview either so it’s best if we have internal recommendation.”
“I agree with Taehyungie,” Jimin chimed in, shifting to straightened his legs. “A member’s recommendation is more convincing because we trust that person.”
Because this wasn’t a competition they were looking for.
Namjoon hummed in agreement, acknowledging the logic. “True. Then, this stays between us only, deal? Outsider doesn’t need to know.”
“Jungkookie, since you’re the one who has the idea, you must have someone in your mind, right?” Hoseok said, his cheek resting on his right palm. Those words immediately dampened the said youngest’s mood.
“I did…” he sighed dejectedly, gloomy aura surrounding him. “And she rejects it without a second thought.”
“You mean, Yunha?” Taehyung blurted.
Yoongi furrowed his eyebrows, feeling alien with the name. “Who’s that?”
“Our classmate,” Jimin answered. “She’s a martial arts specialist and said she’s not interested in volley so she refused.”
Hoseok winced. “Well, if that’s the case then persuasion is definitely out of the list along with her as a candidate.”
“Not only that, she said the same thing as what coach said.” Taehyung chimed in. “Being a manager is not all sunshine and rainbows, it definitely needs someone who’s hardworking and competent. It’s not easy at all.” He quoted the girl.
Namjoon sighed, knowing that their first candidate was gone as fast as they were mentioned. “Okay, any other names?”
“How about you guys continue this tomorrow?” coach Song interjected, thumb pointing at the clock resting against the wall. “It’s already 6pm. Go pack up and rest.”
Obeying their coach, the team divided the task so the it could be covered and finished quickly. After cleaning up the whole gym–folding the net, moving the poles into the storage, gathering the stray balls in the cart–they thanked their coach and advisor before bidding one another goodbyes. Once they’re out of the building, they went their separate ways to their own home.
Yoongi bid his teammates goodbye before pulling the metal door to close. He sighed and shifted his bag’s strap on his shoulder before lightly stomping his sole to get comfortable.
The setter craned his neck up, watching the cloudless dark sky filled with glimmering stars. Just like what their reminded, it was late. Without having to look around, he walked to the turn beside their practice building–finding a certain someone already stood with his back against the brick wall and hand fiddling with his pastel colored phone.
“Hey, do I make you wait too long?” Yoongi asked, startling the boy to the point where he almost dropped his phone.
“No, I’m peachy.” Seokjin laughed lightly, placing his phone back in his bag. “How’s practice?”
The setter shrugged his shoulders as the two of them automatically maneuvered their way to the school gate. “Taehyung is getting better on his dive receives although he’s still dives his face sometimes.”
Seokjin burst out in fits of giggles and Yoongi couldn’t help but smiling at the reaction–feeling warmth engulfing his chest.
Seokjin was a simple student living a simple life and having simple daily routine. He was the first person to approach Yoongi when they became classmate way back in the first year. While others were wary to be near him because apparently he radiated coldness and being quite scary, Seokjin managed to slowly making a room for himself in Yoongi’s life through an introduction with a lot of stutters.
It was amusing seeing the other boy facing him in front of his desk, smiling nervously and hands shaking, trying to form a clear set of sentences smoothly. But he was pretty much failed to do so–which turned into a mess of fluster, barrage of apologies, and in the end Seokjin almost cried because he thought he blew everything up.
Yoongi stopped his tears from spilling by holding his hand in a firm grip and introduced himself with a small smile. Seeing Seokjin’s watery but bright and warm smile became an unforgettable moment for him.
They became inseparable after that–walking home together, having lunch together, studying together, and basically do everything together. He was Seokjin’s support in opening himself a bit more to the world and being more confident while Seokjin was an anchor for his short temper and the mood-maker in his life. Honestly, it became quite hard to imagine a life where Seokjin wasn’t a part of it.
“That’s good then,” Seokjin commented. “He’ll ace those receives for sure. Are those penalties worked?”
“Considering Jimin becomes his demon coach for that department, no doubt he will. And yeah, your idea on those is more than helpful.” Yoongi hummed, shoving his hands into his pants’ pocket. “Hey, if you’re so interested in volley, why aren’t you joining the team?”
Seokjin smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I like volley but I practically know nothing about it, just the positions and general rules in the court…”
Volley was one of the things that made them clicked fast–Yoongi has a passion for being a setter and telling Seokjin, who’s a volley ball enthusiast, all about his matches, his opponents from other schools, and his experience being a lineup setter in a team. And after each practice, the setter always updated Seokjin about his team’s progress.
“Are you kidding?” Yoongi asked incredulously–he was serious about this. “You’re practically giving me little tips and all and most of the time it worked. You’re really helping us. You have to join.”
His friend was a great observant–he’s only listening to Yoongi and he managed to gave him simple advises to help the team indirectly. Dive penalties to fix their dive receives, running on the sand to make their steps felt lighter, one-on-one training to gave one another their own correction–those were little things but they were proven to be extremely helpful for their practice.
Seokjin pouted. “But I have nothing to offer and skill definitely matters! Besides, we’re already in the second year. It’s too late for that.”
Yoongi sighed, knowing he was fighting a losing battle when it came to the boy’s rejection. “Suit yourself. At least watch our practice sometimes. You should see Taehyung and Jungkook’s freaky combi, it’s cool.”
“I’ll think about it.” Seokjin said as he smiled softly. Yoongi stared at him for a moment before patting his back gently–an idea nagging his mind.
If he listed Kim Seokjin as a manager candidate, would the boy accept the position?
Jimin groaned as he lifted a tray full of water bottles already filled to the brim. Usually, lifting things like this didn’t even made him puffed his breath but doing it after hundreds of receives and keeping the ball off the floor, it took a toll on his arms–plus the need to walk from drinking fountain with additional weight made his thighs screamed in exhaustion.
Today was his rotating duty in fetching drinks–yes, they made list and split chores in every aspect that a manager usually covered and filling water bottles on practice break were one of them. Feeling how his arms were slowly giving up from the weight, Jimin realized how manager was a huge help if they were lucky enough to get one.
Thankfully the absence of their loyal spectators, which were mostly the female population of the school, made his duty a bit easier. He could return to the gym immediately without any hitch and prevent his teammates from drying out because of the lack of fluids.
Jimin already had everything mapped out for the day–he went to school in his designated time, he joined practice until the coach sent them home, and when he got home, he would prioritize his homework before collapsing on his bed and snoozed until morning to repeat his daily routine.
Except today an unusual thing occurred–an unknown person stood on the front of their gym entrance. His back was facing Jimin and every second he would shifted on his feet uncomfortably–that someone was definitely nervous to the bone but for what?
“Um…” Jimin called out softly, which made the said boy startled and letting out a squeak–reminding Jimin of a hamster for a second. “Is there something I could help-“
When he turned back, the libero lost his words. His mind failed to arrange everything at the moment because, holy crap, the boy in front of him was a textbook definition of good-looking–skin as smooth and flawless as porcelain, big round eyes, lips as red as cherries, and face looked like it was carved by the most talented artist in the whole galaxy.
A model–he had to be a famous model, or at least an actor or an idol because there’s no way he’s a no one.
“Sorry! I just wanted to give this to the volleyball team!” the boy squeaked again frantically, placing a stack of huge lunch boxes on the gym stairs. “Thank you for your hardwork!”
Then he bolted away and gone in just a minute while Jimin was still frozen on his place–trying to digest everything that happened in a flash. Thankfully, he managed to snapped out from his trance to regain his composure at the same time as the metal door opened revealing Taehyung.
“I heard yelling, what happened?” he asked, head peeking out from the door gap to look around cautiously.
“Well, I guess we got ourselves an admirer because,” Jimin pointed at the stack of lunch sitting innocently on the stairs. “He dropped lunches just now.”
“What!?” Taehyung looked down on his feet where the lunch boxes were placed. The middle-blocker picked it up and brought it inside.
“What’s that?” Hoseok asked.
“Lunches from a fan,” Taehyung answered happily. “Come on, let’s eat!”
“Thank goodness, I’m starving,” Jungkook groaned, placing himself to sit beside Taehyung. “So, who is this… fan we’re talking about?”
“A super good-looking one who dropped this on the stairs for all of us to eat.” Jimin pressed. “You guys should’ve seen him, he’s no joke. And he’s super shy it’s so cute.”
“I’m opening this up because you guys are just staring at it,” Namjoon announced, unwrapping the cloth covering a two-stack big lunch boxes. He was quite taken aback by the size to start–it was family sized probably one box could feed four persons. He unstacked the boxes and the others opened them–immediately greeted with faint scent of food, which triggered stomachs to grumbled.
The first stack was filled with rows of kimbaps, while the second stack was stuffed with gyeran-mari, sigeumchi-namul, and chicken–a feast indeed.
“Whoa, those looks so good,” Hoseok commented and without further ado, they began scarfing the whole content. Thankfully, there’s several pairs of chopsticks in the cloth also.
“And it’s good,” Taehyung groaned at the taste, mouth full of kimbap. “Homemade food, I’m in tears.”
“They really outdid it for us,” Namjoon muttered, his chopstick reaching out for a chicken. “I wonder if they are vacant for the managerial spot.”
Then the clacking stopped for a while to let silence engulfed them. Hoseok slapped the captain’s back so hard Namjoon thought he would choke to his death. “Well, done captain! Guys, I think we found our very promising candidate!”
Now, they were burning in flames of determination–a determination, fueled by homemade lunch, to win their candidate over.
“Uh, what’s happening?” Yoongi asked coach Song when he arrived at the scene–where seemingly his teammates radiated newly attained determination.
“They finally decided a certain candidate for manager position,” the man chuckled at their antics. “And it’s focusing on one person. They’re ready to give their everything to persuade them to join the volleyball club.”
That fast? Yoongi blinked in disbelief, trying to figure out what kind of sorcery this mysterious person committed to knocked his teammates off their standing. He scanned the room for anything unusual and his eyes landed on stacks of empty lunch boxes on the floor–cleaned from its contents. It all came together in the matter of seconds–homemade lunch for the team without prioritizing a member.
Yoongi sighed–of course it would work, his friends were suckers for genuine little things.
“Hyung! Come eat with us!” Jimin called out to him but Yoongi just shook his head.
“I’m fine, already had lunch.”
He’s not lying because he did have lunch in his class before going to the gym. How could he resist the lunch Seokjin made for him? He must be a demon if he refused.
The first plan was using the first years’ charm because charm could get them anywhere and anything–and hopefully it would score them their dream manager.
From the intel they gathered (it’s really just asking their fans for infos), the boy was a senior went by the name Kim Seokjin and currently he wasn’t a member of any clubs. He was quite well-known for being good-looking (extremely godly, if Jimin could argue) and really kind–and, for only this time, they’re going to take advantage of his kindness to persuade him in joining the volleyball club.
He usually spent his lunch in class, but every Wednesday he would spend it in the library reading in the third section with a friend of his (the information was really detailed they were scared at first if their intel ended up stalking the senior).
But true to their words, Kim Seokjin really went to the library to read at the third section–thankfully he was alone at that time and that’s how their first plan executed. They were watching from the gap between the books and most of them, having their first time seeing Seokjin, almost blew their cover up.
“That’s him!? How can someone be so extremely good looking!?” Taehyung sobbed in disbelief.
“Those lips!? Those are illegal!” Jungkook gripped the shelve so tightly Jimin thought it would leave crescent marks from his nails.
“I refuse to believe that he’s only a student.” Hoseok whispered breathlessly. “And also the same year as me and Namjoon!? Unbelievable.”
Meanwhile, their captain was stripped off his ability in forming poetic words because he was too stunned at the moment.
“So, how do we do this?” Hoseok asked directly to his juniors–the current mastermind of the plan.
“We coax him to join us, simple.” Taehyung answered confidently. “With a little bit of compliments.”
Hoseok rubbed his neck. “Are you sure that would work? It looks like he’s really… shy and timid. Aren’t you going to scare him off?”
“Let’s just see the outcome!” Jungkook interjected. “We won’t know anything if we never tried.”
The youngest was right in his part so with that, the three went to execute their plan.
“Excuse me, you’re senior Seokjin, right?” Jimin was the one who started, being the only person who knew Seokjin even for just a moment. Seokjin looked up from the book in his hand, and when he did so, his shoulder tensed for a moment before slightly relaxed.
“Y-yes, how can I help you?”
“Could we talk to you for a moment, senior? I promise we won’t be long,” this time, it was Taehyung who chimed in and boldly placing himself to sit in front of the older. “By the way, you’re really breathtaking today.”
Just as Jimin predicted, the compliment was making Seokjin sputtered and turned into a stuttering mess–even his ears and neck turned red. He began to think twice about the plan.
“Say senior, why aren’t you in any club?” Jungkook asked, smoothly sitting closer to Seokjin’s side.
Seokjin smiled nervously, not completely oblivious towards the approach. “I don’t find my passion in any of the clubs currently…”
“What, really!?” Taehyung said. “I thought the clubs are fighting over you right now. I mean, anyone would be grateful to have you.”
“I-I think it’s impossible,” Seokjin replied. “I’m not talented in anything.”
“Are you kidding, senior?” Jungkook rested his cheek on his palm. “If I was them, I’m definitely going extra miles to get you.”
Seeing Seokjin’s ears turned completely red sent a certain satisfaction to Jungkook.
“Come to our practice, senior!” Taehyung coaxed. “Volleyball practice! We’re glad to have you around.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not looking to join a club at the moment.” Seokjin refused softly as he shook his head but that’s not enough to made the boys back down–well, at least Taehyung and Jungkook.
“Come on, senior. Just this one time?” Jungkook added with an arm slung over Seokjin’s seat. “It’ll be fun, I swear.”
Jimin began to frowned as he saw Seokjin began to shifted uncomfortably in his seat–a voiceless sign that they need to back up and not being too pushy. “Uh, guys-“
“I think I’ll pass this time, I’m s-sorry,” Seokjin began gathering his things and clutching the book closer to his chest.
“Guys-“
“We’ll show you some really cool moves, how about it?”
“Yeah! Special just for you!”
“I’MSORRYBUTIHAVETOREFUSE, SEEYOULATER!”
With that, Seokjin sprinted towards the exit as fast as he could–leaving Taehyung and Jungkook slouched down from their chair with their hands and knees on the floor, reaching out for the terrified senior dramatically.
Jimin sighed at his two friends who had their eyes widened–horrified by their unexpected outcome. “I tried to stop you, just so you know.”
The two slumped on the floor surrounded by depressing aura.
“We failed…” Taehyung said dejectedly.
“We scared him, now he will never be our manager…” Jungkook added.
“Seducing him is too much,” Hoseok corrected, frowning at his juniors. He and Namjoon left their hiding spot to approach them. “He’s really timid, of course he’ll run away.”
“I think the best way is talking and asking him directly,” Namjoon suggested after seeing the horrible results.
“How about you try it yourself, hyung?” Jimin pouted, pulling his friends to stand straight and not humiliating themselves in the public because now many eyes were watching them. “It’s hard, trust me.”
“You know Namjoon, talking is easier than doing it for real.” Hoseok deadpanned.
The said boy looked at his friend incredulously. “Just how big is your doubt on me exactly!?”
So, that concluded their second plan–talking nicely and normally to Seokjin. They couldn’t afford to make any more mistake or chances on having Seokjin as manager was as good as dead. And being the most reasonable person and the one who suggested the idea, Namjoon was the chosen one to complete the mission.
The plan was extremely simple–meeting Seokjin in his classroom, talked about how they were in need (read: completely desperate) of a manager to help them with club activities, and in the end handing him a registration form he got from advisor Bang.
See? Easy as peasy.
.
.
“Uh, Seokjin, why are you… acting like that?”
Yoongi could read Seokjin like an open book, but he usually stayed silent and wait for the other to talk rather than bringing anything up. So, when he saw Seokjin being extremely fidgety–turning his head over his shoulder every minute–there’s something wrong.
It reminded him of their practice just before. The entire first year, especially Jungkook and Taehyung was sulking and having no spirit to even move a muscle–just laying around on the floor depressingly until coach Song yelled at them to start moving.
(“What’s wrong with them?” he asked Namjoon and the captain just rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
“Our candidate ran away because they scared them.”
“Understandable.”
“HYUNG, WHY ARE YOU SO MEAN!?” Taehyung wailed.”)
“W-what!? No!? Why do you think like that!?”
“You’re practically shrieking at me, so,”
“S-sorry!”
The setter sighed. “It’s fine, but if something’s bothering you, tell me okay? Who do I have to kill tomorrow?”
Thinking about someone spitting out some nonsense on his friend to lower his self-esteem made fury running through Yoongi’s bloodstream. He swore they wouldn’t be able to see the light of the next day if he got his hands on them.
Seokjin shook his head rapidly. “No! I’m fine, please don’t kill anyone.”
“Okay, beat up at the most.”
“Not that too!”
“At least tell me because you’re worrying me.” and that was the card he played when Seokjin didn’t want to tell him anything–no matter what condition, it would work smoothly everytime. Obviously Yoongi was being forced on using it because Seokjin looked really bothered and he hated it.
Seokjin shoulders sagged and suddenly his gaze was more interested on the ground beneath he soles–it didn’t need Yoongi to be told twice to held the boy closer, hand pulling his nape so Seokjin’s forehead could rested on Yoongi’s shoulder.
“Sorry for worrying you but it’s nothing, really!” Seokjin said, hands moving to clutch on Yoongi’s practice shirt. “Someone’s just being nice and I just took it a wrong way because they’re… too eager to invite me on club practices. But they’re not bullying me!”
“Okay, thank you for telling me.” he said, letting go of Seokjin so he could stand straight. “How about we’re getting spicy rice cakes on the way home? My treat.”
If something could cheer Seokjin up really fast, it would be street snacks. Yoongi laughed lightly as he watched his friend perked up in interest and eyes filled with sparkles.
“After that can we watch a movie together in my house?”
“Anything for you.”
Internally reviewing his masterplan, Namjoon walked through the third floor of their school building where the entire place was filled with second year classes–exactly the hallway he always had his classes. As a second year he knew every inch of the floor like the back of his hand and Seokjin’s class today was just two classes away from Namjoon’s current class.
Of course, the perfect time for him to confront Seokjin was lunch–it wouldn’t be too suspicious and it wouldn’t attract many curious eyes either.
However with every step he took, he felt his confidence decreased in an unhealthy amount because now his hands were drenched in cold sweat. But he pushed himself to keep moving until he stopped in front of the door–it was closed. Namjoon swallowed the lump in his throat and raised his hand to knock.
But it seemed fate wanted to make his life a joke, because the door slid opened and revealed Seokjin standing right in front of him. The boy was quite surprised and almost rammed onto Namjoon. When he looked up, Namjoon’s confidence was damned.
“Is there something I could help you with?”
Get a grip, Kim Namjoon! You’re a captain with dignity for God’s sake!
Instead, he turned and whipped his hand so hard to reach for the form–only to receive a dull pain on his elbow and followed by yelping, which definitely wasn’t him. He froze, neck stiffly moved to look at Seokjin.
Face white as sheet, the captain watched Seokjin clutched his nose which was stained with dripping red blood running down from it.
“I-I’M SO VERY SORRY!!”
Namjoon, after bowing low ninety degrees, immediately bolted out from the class, yelling out his apologies, and wanting the world to suddenly opened up a hole on the ground and swallowed his miserable existence. Fate seemed to have its own fun by ruining Namjoon’s life from just a simple thing.
Seokjin, who’s being helped by his classmates, was currently sitting on a chair, head cranked up to look at the ceiling, and bloody tissues stuffed into his nose to stop blood keep trickling down his nose. The boy from before surely wasn’t meant to knock his nose with his elbow so Seokjin couldn’t possibly be angry at him–it was an accident and the poor boy was just so clumsy.
“Are you okay? Do you feel dizzy?” Heeyeon asked him, standing by with a pack of tissue in her hand.
“A little bit but I can manage.” Seokjin answered, his voice sounded nasally.
“Dude, he hit you pretty hard, you sure about that?” this time, it was Jaehwan asking. Seokjin nodded.
“I’m fine, besides it’s just an accident. He didn’t mean to.” But Seokjin would be a hypocrite if he said it wasn’t hurt because a few stray tears running down his cheeks as a form of pain reflex. His classmates were still surrounding him to keep an eye on him, every one of them looked worried and it touched Seokjin a little.
“I’m back-WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED!?” the class’s door opened and followed by a booming voice which spitted cursing. Seokjin didn’t even need to turn his head to know the source.
“Ah, Yoongichi,” he greeted, grinning behind the tissues he held against his nose.
“Don’t ‘Yoongichi’ me, you dumbass,” Yoongi deadpanned. “I only left you to get a fucking juice and the next thing happening you have nosebleed? I’m never leaving you alone again.”
“Someone wants to talk to Seokjin and he’s kinda nervous,” Sandeul explained, trying to fill the clueless and furious volleyball player. “So, he ended up hitting Seokjin accidently on the face with his elbow.”
Yoongi sighed harshly at the news–covering his eyes with his hand. “You’re going to the nurse’s office, that’s final.”
“But I’m fine-“
“Define ‘fine’. Don’t even try to argue with me.”
After the bleeding stopped from the constant pressure and stuffing of tissues he put in his nose, Seokjin was pulled out of the chair by Yoongi by his wrist–the two immediately walked towards the nurse’s office in the first floor with Seokjin being dragged by Yoongi the whole way. Hyunsik was kind enough to volunteer himself in telling the teacher about their absence.
Seokjin ended up sleeping in until the end of the day and went home afterwards.
“He will never be our manager,” Namjoon muttered depressingly, remembering the disaster he made the other day. “It’s over. All hope is lost.”
“To be honest, I thought something will happen but not to this extreme,” Hoseok sighed after hearing the whole series of events that happened. The two were currently sitting in their class with lunch boxes on the table. Since it’s lunch and everyone was free at the moment so they also used it to held a meeting–reporting and keep in check about their progress.
Jimin shook his head. “I’m amazed on how you did it, hyung.”
After their second try, it’s safe to say they’re back to square one. It seemed their progressed degrading itself into a jumbled mess and now they began to lose hope.
“I’ll try,” Hoseok decided, initiating four pairs of eyes directly looking at him. “But, don’t put much expectations on me. If I fail, then Yoongi-hyung’s candidate is our only hope.”
In their last practice, the setter informed them about someone who could fill their open managerial position. However, he said the exact same thing as Hoseok just now–not putting much hope and expectations on him, but that didn’t mean Yoongi would give up just yet. He would persuade them first and told the team to be patient because he’s still waiting for the right time to discussed it.
And for someone to become Yoongi’s recommendation, they sure are a big deal and being put as a consideration knowing Yoongi was a very picky person too.
“Joon, can I have that registration form?” Namjoon handed the paper without hesitation.
“Hyung, you bring the lunch boxes.” Jimin said, noticing the boxes being wrapped in the same cloth from two days ago being held by the older.
“Ah, we don’t really have time to return it because of some circumstances,” such as Seokjin running away out of fear and being sent home early because of nosebleed. “So, I’m thinking to return it today. A plus point for an excuse to talk.”
Hoseok took liberties to brought it home and washed it thoroughly after knowing they couldn’t return it immediately because they didn’t know who’s Seokjin or what homeroom class he was in. The wing spiker decided to keep them for a while and looking for a good chance to give it back to its rightful owner.
After bidding his friends goodbye and receiving encouraging words, which was necessary at the moment knowing he needed as much as luck he could get, Hoseok made his way towards class 2-1–just like what Namjoon told him. His trip was short knowing the class was just two classes away from his.
When he arrived at his destination, he asked one of the residents if he could talk to Seokjin. Fortunately, they didn’t ask much or being too curious about other’s business and called out for the said boy. Surely nervousness began stirring in his stomach and suffocating his chest as he watched Seokjin approached him who was standing near the entrance–but Hoseok stood on his ground.
“Hello,” Seokjin greeted him with a smile and Hoseok nearly lost his composure. “Is there something I could help you with?”
“Seokjin-sshi, right? I’m Jung Hoseok from volleyball club, nice to meet you.” the wing spiker applauded himself internally for introducing himself so smoothly. “I want to return this lunch boxes. Thank you for the lunch by the way, they were delicious.”
Handing Seokjin the clean boxes, Hoseok was amused seeing the boy’s cheeks turned slightly pink. The conversation went well and he found himself feeling more confident.
“Y-your welcome, it wasn’t that much but I’m glad I could help out a little.”
“Believe me, we’re really grateful. Oh, and could I ask a favor from you?” this made Seokjin tilted his head slightly and Hoseok couldn’t help squealed in his heart.
“Depends on what the favor is, but I’ll try to help as best as I can…”
The wing spiker handed Seokjin the registration form, which the boy accepted. “Truthfully, our club is in dire need of a manager and knowing you would go as far as making us lunch even though we don’t know you at first is really admiring. We’re looking for someone who cares about the team a lot and we think you’ll fit the position. Would you consider in being volleyball club’s manager?”
It was silent at first because Seokjin was reading the form registration seriously, but the silence stretched even longer than a few minutes Hoseok began to panic–afraid he might be too pushy.
“Uh, I’m sorry, I think I’m too forceful, it’s okay if you refused to-“
“Could you give me a day or two?”
Hoseok blinked, his brain was late in comprehending the question. “Pardon?’
“Could you give me a day or two to think about it, Hoseok-sshi?” Seokjin asked again, smiling nervously. “I have to discuss it with my parents first. I hope you’re okay with it…?”
The wing spiker couldn’t help but grinned widely. “Take all the time you need, Seokjin. Is it okay to call you that? You can call me Hoseok too. I think -sshi is just too much because we’re the same age.”
Seokjin smiled, this time more relaxed. “It’s fine, Hoseok. I’ll make my decision as fast as I could.”
“Thank you. Really, thank you, Seokjin.”
“No problem.”
With that they parted ways after Hoseok told the boy he was from class 2-4. He also said if Seokjin was really sure about his decision, he could go straight to advisor Bang to gave back the registration form and went to watch practice afterwards.
Back in the class, he was met with curious and hopeful eyes waiting for the good news.
“So…?” Taehyung asked in a whisper.
“He’s considering it.” Hoseok gave them his signature heart smile.
The five of them almost got kicked out from the screaming of victory.
.
.
The first was Seokjin being extremely fidgety, the second was him suffering from nosebleed, and now, the third was the charm they said, Seokjin almost ignoring him fully if Yoongi didn’t literally called his name right beside his ear–causing the boy to shrieked so loudly and scared a stray cat that passed by.
“What’s happening today because you’re looking like your soul detached from your body.”
“Well,” Seokjin opted to rummaged his bag rather than answering in never ending stutters. He pulled out a paper and handed it to Yoongi, which the other boy accepted.
And Yoongi had his eyes widened after reading the bold letters on the header–the registration form already spoke a thousand words. “Where did you get this?”
“Someone from the volleyball club, Hoseok, just offered me position as a manager at lunch.” Seokjin explained, fiddling his thumbs. “I’ve been thinking if I should accept or not.”
Suddenly it all seemed to clicked in place–him being fidgety was because of the first years trying to persuade him in their own way, him having nosebleed was Namjoon’s clumsiness at fault, and finally those lunch boxes he saw.
“Wait, so the candidate everyone is talking about all this time is you?”
Talk about coincidence.
“Huh?” Seokjin blinked in confusion.
“Nevermind,” Yoongi interjected. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“They’re pretty harmless, so I think it’s doesn’t matter. Besides,” Seokjin played with the sleeves of his sweater. “They’re your teammates so...”
True at that–the boys were practically dorks and there’s no way they intended to intimidate or hurt someone without a very logical reason or being force to.
“Tell me about what they did in trying to recruit you.” Because, they better started praying for mercy. Yoongi wasn’t pulling back his punches in the practice routine next time–he’ll make sure they tasted hell. Fortunately, Seokjin didn’t seem to mind telling him everything–from how the youngsters trying to use their charms, Namjoon being a huge lanky mess, and Hoseok being the only sane person around.
The setter couldn’t help but slapped his forehead and groaning in disbelief in every chapter. “I’ll make a hundred receives for them next time.”
Seokjin stared at him in horror. “That’s too mean!”
“But, back to the start, do you want to be the manager?” Yoongi asked this time–every inch of his voice laced with seriousness. It took Seokjin aback a little.
“Isn’t manager a position for a girl, though?” the boy smiled nervously. “I’m quite uncomfortable thinking about it.”
“No.” Yoongi answered firmly. “Sure, usually managers in other schools are girls but that position doesn’t have gender in criteria so it doesn’t matter. Everyone can be a manager if they’re passionate enough to be one. So, Seokjin,”
The setter halted his steps, eyes boring into Seokjin’s. “Be our manager.”
Seokjin stared at him with widened eyes before a small smile appeared on his lips. “Even though this is the first time I’m being one? I don’t have any experience.”
“That’s why we’re a team,” Yoongi stated. “As a team, we’re going to help you out as much as we can.”
It was silent for a while and in that moment Yoongi cursed himself internally for being so straightforward–he should’ve approached the topic slowly, not pushing them to dive freely in it. He’ll be doomed if he messed this one up.
In the middle of his turmoil of regretting his decision, Yoongi was brought back to reality by Seokjin pulling the registration out of his grip. Bathed illumination street light, the boy smiled gently at him–which almost sent Yoongi’s heart into cardiac arrest.
“Sure, Yoongichi. I’ll be your manager.”
“Now, I just realized something,” Hoseok suddenly said in mid practicing his sets–which made the whole team looked at him in confusion. “Class 2-1 is Yoongi’s class, right? Why don’t we ask for Yoongi’s help instead?”
Namjoon blinked in realization. “Now that you mentioned it,”
“Well, it’s too late for that,” Jimin said, spinning a ball on his hand. “We just have to wait for his answer.”
“Hoping for the best,” Taehyung was looking calm but Jimin knew the boy was running in anxiety–waiting was a hard thing to do.
The door slid open to reveal Yoongi and Jungkook arriving at the practice gym–the two greeted them. While Yoongi took time to change his shoes, Jungkook just barging into the place already in his trusty sneakers.
“Okay, let’s begin practice!”
Namjoon’s orders were greeted with yells of agreement and soon enough they were back on their routine track after warming up. Stray balls were flying in the air, thumping of balls hitting the ground, and squeaks of shoes against the wooden floor. Everything was normal, until the door opened for the second time because of their advisor.
“Good work everyone!” advisor Bang’s greetings were returned but with more intense. “I have something to announce, can you gather around please?”
Quickly, Namjoon gestured them huddled close in order to face their advisor who still stood near the entrance. “Is there something you need, sir?’
“I want you to meet someone today,” the statement was vague. Each of them looked at each other in confusion. Advisor Bang stepped away to make room by the entrance, letting a person took his place being the center of the team’s attention–followed by yells of excitement.
“Senior Seokjin!?”
“You’re here!!”
Namjoon was ready on his guard–hands pulling on Taehyung and Jungkook’s collar shirt to prevent them jumping on the said senior.
“Control yourself,” he hissed, making the two shrunk and stood still. Advisor Bang laughed at the two’s beaming excitement.
“Just before practice Seokjin came to me and handed the registration form,” he informed them. “So, from now one he will be your manager, treat him well, okay?”
“YES!!”
Advisor Bang moved his gaze towards the new manager and nodded, which Seokjin returned quite stiffly–probably from being nervous. But he kept his head up to meet the team straight to their eyes.
“M-My name is Kim Seokjin, second year,” he started, hands fisted tightly. “I-I don’t have any experience in being a manager nor I ever played volley, but I want to help you as best as I could. So, please take care of me!” He finished his introduction with a ninety degrees bow–eyes clenched shut.
“WELCOME TO KKAMAGWI HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL CLUB!! WE’RE ON YOUR CARE!” Seokjin almost flinched and took a step back from the intense reply and welcoming he got–even with the ninety degrees bow he got from them, however he soon found himself smiling at their limitless spirit.
“I think I’m in love,” one of them, the one Seokjin recognized as one of the first years, whispered and Seokjin felt blood immediately rushing to his face.
“Save it for yourself,” Yoongi deadpanned and looked at him in the eye, giving him a small smile. “Today we don’t do much, you can watch so you’re getting a little hold of our routine. For the rest, you can ask coach Song. Until you get used to being a manager, we’ll help. Oh, and you’ll have our jersey next week.”
Then Yoongi turned to the tallest person of the team, and from the charisma he radiated Seokjin guessed he was the current captain. “Namjoon, introduction.”
Namjoon immediately complied. “Everyone, introduce yourself.”
The first who got the chance was the person who Seokjin met in front of the practice gym. “I’m Park Jimin, nice to meet you, senior. I’m the libero.”
Seokjin shook his head and smiled. “Just call me, hyung. And nice to meet you too.”
The second one had an endearing boxy smile. “Kim Taehyung, your service! I’m the middle blocker!”
Then, the third one who’s smile reminded Seokjin of a cute bunny. “Wing spiker and ace, Jeon Jungkook.”
“You already met me,” Hoseok laughed sunnily. “I’m also a wing spiker, welcome to the team.”
“A-And I’m Namjoon, the captain and middle blocker.” Namjoon gave him a nervous smile, which made his dimples showed up cutely and Seokjin wanted to squeal at the view. “I’m really sorry for last time.”
He was referring to the nosebleed incident and Seokjin waved his hand, dismissing the issue. “It’s okay, it was an accident.”
The captain nodded and gave him a smile more relaxed that before. He then turned to Yoongi, gesturing him to introduce himself. “Hyung, you’re turn.”
“I already know, Yoongichi,” Seokjin said, gathering enough courage to speak. “He’s my best friend.”
“What!?”
“I thought you only know each other as classmates!”
“No fair, hyung! You never mentioned him!”
“That’s right, you brats,” the setter said lowly, menacing aura began to flood the place–Yoongi stared at them dead in the eye. “And for traumatizing Seokjin with your so called plans, you better prepare for the consequences.”
They paled, remembering the series of events happened before. “Y-yes, sir.”
“Hoseok, I’m letting it easy for you this time, but don’t ever think you’re escaping the punishment either.”
Hoseok saluted stiffly. “Understood.”
With the rest of them began their so-called punishment, Yoongi spared a minute to pat Seokjin’s back. “Welcome to the team.” He said before walking to the court.
Just for a day, Seokjin felt it almost immediately–he was never so sure in his life before, but he’ll definitely fit right in the team.