No one knows how star basketball player Choi Minho and Associate Professor Kim Kibum got together but their story will now be told.

This is what happens before "The Ball is Round".

Author's Note: well, i did say i'll write more of this universe as long as the response is good or if i have the time. gosh it took me more than a year but i'm finally doing it!! trust me dear readers, this has been my number one priority because i love this au so much. it has honestly been haunting me everytime i think about the stuff i want to write. just so glad to finally be able to post this. and well, i do hope all of you will find your way back here and enjoy the fic!

ps: just a little background info. the title of this fic is a basketball term. apparently, the paint is the most valuable position on the basketball court because of its proximity to the basket. A player in the paint will have a higher percentage of success. Coincidentally, in the paint also means in the “key” area... need i say more? lol. all pun intended of course~ :D