A/N: Yoh! Yoh! HAHAHA ;)) I'm on with a JaeChun one shot fic ^^ hopefully, you all will like this. And uh, I don't know much about basketball, so forgive me. But I've watched some anime about basketball like Slam Dunk and Dear Boys... Hee~ And oohhh, this is inspired by Rebecca Brown's story entitled "Bread".. ;) Hope you'll like it.. ;]

*****

It wasn't love at first sight. Yes, it wasn't. But you know how love does its deeds. As time pass and as I got to see him play, the more I got drawn to him.



I was a weakling. Though, I don't have any illness but I was considered as a weakling. I'm the type of person who sits in a silent corner and would just read a good book. I wasn't really into sports. And I wasn't planning to get to know any of them. But - that day, when I finally realized that I wasn't only admiring him, that I was in love with him, was the day I've finally decided that I shouldn't just be a bookworm. I'm going to be a basketball player.



~~~~



I was not expecting that trying out would be so hard. I'm not used to running and I don't know how to handle a ball. The others who were trying out too were giving me disgusted looks. I could hear them say, 'Is he even a guy?', 'He shouldn't have tried out if he doesn't know how to play', 'What a dork'. I admit that I got hurt by what they said. I was about to give up and lose hope. I was about to cry and was on the verge of running away so that I could just stop from making a fool out of myself when.. - he came to my rescue.



"You don't have to try hard, you know. You just need lots of practice, that's all"



I remember that soothing voice of his say. Those same exact words. Those words that gave me strength.



I could feel that I was on cloud nine when he said that. Perhaps, I could die happy right now. Knowing that he managed to notice me and even had the effort to encourage me.



So, I did try to do my best. And I got in the team! But not as a player, I was tasked to be the towel/water boy.



~~~~



A month has passed and I was still the towel/water boy. At first, I got so upset about it but then, after a while, I got used to it. I started to like my role in the team and I wasn't really bothered that I'm the towel/water boy at all. As long as I could be with him and watch him play, it's fine with me.



I just can't tear my gaze away from him. Every time that they would start doing drills, I just couldn't help but gape. There was just something in him, something about Park YooChun that intrigued me. He wasn't just playing basketball because that makes him famous. He's playing basketball because it was something he loves to do. And I love that part about him. He wasn't like the other players who were such snobs. He was not like them. He was not one of them. He was different.



~~~



Today, everyone in the team went home early. The coach gave them an early rest since they're going to a tournament next week. Right after the coach bid me goodbye, I was the only one left in the gym. I have to clean everything before I leave. Not just because I was tasked to do so. But I just have to. For him.



With a mop on my right hand and a pail on the other, a towel wrapped around my forehead, I was ready to clean. I have to make sure that the court should be shiny and squeaky as possible. He loves to play when the floor's really squeaky.



I saw a ball from the far end of the court and something inside of me just urged that I should pick it up. And so I did.



When I had the ball in my hands, I started to toss it from one hand to the other. I could picture out how YooChun would often do this every time they had their warm ups or when he's bored. And I just can't help myself but admire him endlessly from afar.



The next thing that I was doing, I was dribbling the ball. Though, I'm just the towel/water boy of the team, I still do practice. Well, not with the rest of the players but I practice secretly on my own. I'd mention that I'm satisfied of being the basketball team's slave but we just don't know that maybe, just maybe I'd get the chance to play together with him. That could happen in my wildest dreams but it's no harm if I dream about it, right?



The sound of the dribbling ball echoed throughout the whole gym. As I closed my eyes, I started to imagine, I started to recall on how he would play. The way he lets the ball bounce up and down and up and down. The way he would attack and avoid his opponents, he moves so swiftly. Just like, as if, he's lightning. Moves so fast and strikes fast.



I pictured him on my mind, doing a three point shot. The ball was just passed to him, he started to dribble it but he wasn't yet running. He still lets the ball bounce and bounce. The boink boink sound of the ball echoed and the sound that the ball produces as it hits the floor again and again, it sounded like it's saying something. As if, YooChun was letting his opponents know that he's serious. That he loves basketball so much. That he wants them to take him seriously. Like 'Bring it on' or 'Show me what you got'.



He positioned his self, ready to attack. His eyes, focused on his opponent and it would slowly shift at the hoop. Dribbling the ball continuously, he took a step back - and he started to do his own thing.� Opponents and obstacles were on his way but he didn't mind them. I imagined that look in his eyes, those beautiful eyes, looking so fierce. The heat of the game was flooding and rushing throughout his entire body. Making him feel hot, making him crave, and making him hunger for victory.



YooChun's not competitive. He's not an attention seeker. But what could he do? He grabs everyone's attention whenever he plays basketball. In my own point of view, I think that he's not playing basketball to show off his skills. He plays basketball to share and enjoy playing it with others who loves basketball as well. He loves basketball as much as I love him.



Still dribbling the ball with my eyes closed, I continued to picture him play his game. He avoids someone's defense and another. He tries to pass the ball to someone but was then blocked. He dribbled the ball again, his back almost pressed on his opponent's chest. Sweat ran down on the sides of his face, his breath was hot and he was panting so hard.



He turned to face his opponent and attempted to pass the ball to someone behind him. Quickly, the opponent left him and ran to the player that YooChun's going to pass the ball to. It was actually a fake move, YooChun dribbled the ball again, took a step back his feet an inch far from the three point line; he jumped and let go of the ball so smoothly.... swooooooooooosh! The ball was in the basket.



I heard a clap and then another and then another one too. Opening my eyes, I was on the verge of dropping the ball from my hands and just faint. It was Park YooChun. He was applauding.. - for me?



He started to walk towards me, a smile on his face, his hands clasped, and he was handsome as always. I didn't move an inch. I could feel my stomach churn and a lump just got stuck in my throat.



"I... I didn't mean to.."



"You've improved. Been practicing, eh?" he asked as he placed both of his hands on the pocket of his jeans



I lowered my head as I timidly nod in return. I stared at the ball in my hands. My hands were trembling. I was nervous.



"H..Here" I said as I handed him the ball



He stared at me blankly... And I swear that he looked so cute. "Why?"



I looked away "It was wrong t...to touch i..it in the first place"



The next thing that he did. He didn't take the ball out of my hands. Instead, he laughed. He laughed so loud that it bounced on the four walls of the gym. And I love hearing that laugh. I love how it tickles my ears and make the tiny hair on my arms stand up. He ruffled my hair and I blushed.



He slowly took the ball from my hands and started to dribble it. He spun the ball in between his hands before handing it back to me.



"Want to play with me?"



And right from the start, I knew I wasn't wrong. I do love him. I'm in love with Park YooChun.



~~~




Ever since that encounter with him in the gym, I started to practice together with the rest of the team. I wasn't the towel/water boy anymore. I was part of the team. And I was glad that they managed to notice my improvement. Even I, myself, was amazed that I managed to play basketball so smoothly in such a short time. Maybe, it was because he was there to inspire and help me.



Today, it's weekend. And I planned to go on a date with myself.



I saw a store not from afar. And something just caught my attention. Making my way towards it, I saw the greatest thing that I've ever seen.



Nike's latest edition of basketball shoes.



I just couldn’t help but stare at it. Would I buy a pair for him? I already bought a pair of basketball shoes for myself last week so perhaps, I'd give this to him as a present?



No, that would be weird. Why would a guy give a gift to another guy? Unless if they're friends. And the bad thing is, there's nothing special between us. We're not really close friends. We're just team mates. That's all. So, it would be suspicious if I gave him something like this...


But I could give him a gift if he won a match, right? And they're going to have a match the day after tomorrow..



Okay, so it's decided. If Park YooChun will win this week's match. I'm going to give him this pair of shoes as a gift. That's the deal.



~~~



Everyone in the team was busy preparing for today's match. I, for the first time, wore a jersey. Grinning goofily, I can't help but feel all giddy about winning today. I already prepared the money for buying the Nike shoes. And hopefully, today, everything will go on my way.



I was busy tying my shoes that I didn't notice someone sat beside me.



"Hey.." I heard a faint voice say



I turned my head to my left and was able to let out a smile. It was Park YooChun.



"Hey"



"Nervous?"



I shyly nodded my head as I continued to tie my shoe, he grinned in response and he started to rummage around his bag. From the corner of my eye, I saw him took out a box. He was about to say something when a team mate of ours interfered.



"Yo! Chun, isn't that the latest edition of Nike's basketball shoes? Woah! Cool.. I've been dying to buy one! You bought one for the finals next week, eh?"



"Uh, yeah... My lucky shoes" he chuckled as he placed the box in between us



My heart sank as I stared at the box. I was supposed to buy him one but I guess, I'm too late. I really wanted to whack and slap myself for not buying one the other day. I should have just bought it! But then, what if he wouldn't accept it later on? What's the use?



"You want it?"



I jerked my head up and stared at YooChun, my face filled with confusion "Eh? No! I mean, it's yours and uh, I just bought a new pair the other week"



He looked down on my shoes and nodded his head. He took the box and opened it "From now on, I'm going to wear this shoes on special occasions"



I raised a brow at what he said and he just grinned boyishly at me.



"Like wearing it on a match or any game?" I asked him, I was just confused.



"Maybe..." he replied, pouting. And I swear that it was the cutest pout I'd seen in my entire life.



"Good luck for today" he said as he placed the box back into his bag and stood up



"Good luck to you too" I replied as I also stood up



And I did the most unbelievable thing I thought I'd never be able to do to him. I patted his back and gave his shoulder a squeeze.



~~~



We won the match we had last week. Though, I wasn't able to play, I'm still happy. But it would have been much better if I'd bought those pair of basketball shoes for YooChun. Anyways, this week we will have another match. And I heard from the others that it's the finals. My team mates said that this is what YooChun had been dreaming of, joining the finals and whether if he will lose or not it doesn't matter, as long as he could be in it.



"Are you ready for the finals?"



I didn't have to look on the direction where the voice was coming from since I knew who it was. And I'm sure that if I'll face him, I'm going to blush like an idiot.



"Yeah, sort of. But I know that I can't play. The team is strong with or without me"



I didn't know what got into me but I just said it. There's this something inside of me that wants to play basketball so badly. Not because it was the finals but I just want to play with him. I want to know how it feels when he cooperates with you, yell your name as he passes the ball to you, and tell you encouraging words and give you a pat on the back when you need one. And I want to witness him achieve his victory up close. I know that YooChun will win the finals. I know he will. I trust him.



~~~



I could hear people yell from here to there. It was already the game's first half. And our team was on the lead with 5 points. Every bounce of the basketball makes my heart skip a beat. I held my palms together and I could feel them sweat so badly. Though the game was going oh so smoothly but I just can't help but get nervous, what if they'll lose? Oh no, I shouldn't be thinking of that. They will win. I know they will. Everyone's in perfect shape and YooChun's there. They will win.



There were only 30 minutes left before the end of the game. And this time, I could feel my heart just escaped out of my ribcage. The other team was on the lead with 7 points. And I'm not really sure if our team could match up to it. I looked around and observed the other players as the coach gave them some instructions and strategies. Though, it was really none of my business since I'm not going to play at all but I got curious and just decided to eavesdrop. It wouldn't hurt after all, right?



I listened intently as the coach started to point out in which side of the court was the best location to shoot and etc. He continued to blab about this and that. I got engrossed listening to the coach that I didn't manage to notice an arm just s around my shoulder. I just turned my head around when I felt someone's breath on my left ear. And YooChun's smiling face welcomed me. All I could do was gulp and stare at him.



"Okay, that's that guys. We could do this!" Our coach yelled, clapping his hands



"Coach!" YooChun yelled, his arm still on my shoulder



"Oh, yeah. You, Jae Joong, you'll play"



My eyes just widened as I heard him say that. I look at YooChun again, and I swear that he just winked at me. "You could play now"



10 minutes left. And the score was even. I'm sort of relieved that I managed to score 4 out of 7 points during the past 20 minutes. I could feel my heart go wild as I remember how I achieved my first shot and the other. I'm still a beginner and scoring 4 points was truly a big deal (for me). It really feels so nice to play basketball. Not just I scored 4 points but it was because he was there with me.



5 more minutes left and we and the other team didn't manage to score a point. Our score remained still. And somehow, I noticed that YooChun wasn't doing his best at all. Is he planning about something?



This time, my team mate managed to steal the ball from our opponent. And quickly, he passed the ball to YooChun.



3 more minutes. What will he do? I was just few meters away from YooChun. And I have the feeling that...



My knees went jelly when he yelled my name "Jae Joong!" and he passed the ball to me. I didn't know what to do. I dribbled the ball and headed for the basket... and somehow, I was trapped. I was surrounded that I didn't know where to go. I looked up and I could feel my throat had gone dry, 2 minute and 20 seconds. What to do? What to do?


I frantically looked around. The hoop is just near, just few meters away. But I don't know how to shoot this far. I'm not used to it yet. I can't shoot now, I'm surrounded. I have no escape, I.. I.



I feel that my world just turn round and round. And I was getting all dizzy and sweaty because of the pressure. The crowd's chant and screams were echoing and were running in circles around my head. Oh, shoot! What should I do?



�I can't bear the fact that our team will lose because of me. And I'm sure that everyone will blame me. I have to move now. Who would want to disappoint the whole team, especially Park YooChun? Of course, I don't. I need to.. If I could just...



Then, he caught my attention. I saw him wave his hand and mouthed the words "Here!"



And I knew what he meant. Just by looking at him, I knew what he meant. So, I threw the ball as high as I could. And YooChun made a run for it.



He jumped so high that I almost thought that he's going to fly. He was close in becoming an angel, an angel with wide and white wings. I could sense his nervousness, I could hear his pant, and I could clearly see his determination. I stood there, dumbfounded for the nth time. It's not the first time that I got so amazed by him. It's not the first time.



I felt that time stopped and everything and everyone that happens to be around us just froze. I imagined that there were just the two of us there. In that court, - the place where he wanted to be so much - and the only place that I could only get close to him. He's almost there, he's getting closer. I didn't close my eyes nor blink. I wouldn't dare to. If I do, I'd be missing this.. - This special moment.



This was the first time that I got the chance to play a real game with him. Before, I was just a benchwarmer (or more likely towel/water boy). I would just watch him play on the sideline. But now, I'm here just below him, watching him, witnessing the moment of his victory. And what happened next, was the most fantastic and spell bounding thing I've ever seen. From up close, I was able to witness, Park YooChun's first ever dunk.



The crowd went wild and noisy. I could hear some yell "OH YEAH!!!!" and the next thing that happened, the time was up. And we were on the lead with 2 points. We won the game!



Everyone was so happy. The rest of the team run up to us and my team mates hugged and praised me. And they did the same thing with the others as well. For the first time, I felt like I really did belong. And somehow, it feels nice to get praised.



I frantically looked around and searched for him, so that I could congratulate him too. I stood up on my toes and scanned the crowd. And I felt a bit disappointed when I couldn't find him anywhere. I went to ask my team mates one by one if they've seen our captain. Awkwardly, they would give me meaningful looks and would answer 'I think he's just here'.



A minute or so has passed ever since I've started to look for him and I started to feel a bit alarmed. Somehow, I feel that something was up. Then I felt a hand on my mine. I was pulled out from crowd and from the court and now I'm outside of the gym. I tried to know who's dragging me but my vision's a bit blurry and it was getting dark.



The stranger who dragged me stopped and so I did. His hand was still intertwined with mine. This grip, it's..



"YooChun?" I murmured as he turned around to face me



He smiled and he let me took a seat on a nearby bench.



What's going on?



He stood there in front of me, both of his hands on the pocket of his basketball shorts. While I was sitting on the bench, staring at the ground. And now that I'm seeing it, he happens to wear the Nike shoes I was dying to give him. So, he really did wear it on a special occassion.



"That was a nice pass. Thanks"



I slowly looked up and smiled "No problem.. That was a great dunk"



He chuckled as I said that. And I didn't know what was up with me but I chuckled too.�



"Jae Joong?"



I froze, it was the second time he called me by my name and this time he's so close. "Yes?"



"Do you like me?..." He stared up at the sky. Twilight was approaching.



I can't believe this.. How could.. What in the worl-... Before I could answer, he urged "Because I like you"



Are my ears deceiving me? Did he just say that? Park YooChun likes me?



"Oh God!" He palmed his face and ran both of his hands on his silky hair. "I'm sorry, I.. I.. Shoot! I didn't mean..."



I smiled as I watched him doing some soliloquy. And I decided to reply "I like you too. That's why I joined the basketball team"


I could see him blush and he was really cute "Really?"



I nodded in response since I was too shy to say anything else.


"Then.. Could I.. I mean, could we.."



I grinned at him widely and I knew that he took that as a yes. I noticed him jump a bit. And it made me giggle in some way.



When I decided to look at him again, I was surprised. My face was already few inches away from his. And I could feel his breath on my lips.



"I like you so much, Kim Jae Joong" he said as he leaned closer



"I like you too, Park YooChun" I noticed him smile as I said it.



He leaned much closer and I waited. Not long, our lips met and I closed my eyes. I could feel sparks and some tingling sensation explode in my entire body. I placed both of my arms around his neck. And soon our kiss turned into a passionate one. He my bottom lip and when I opened my lips to moan, his tongue gained access and entered my mouth. And it felt so nice. Our tongue chased and played with each other, and we both giggled in between our kiss.



Still with my eyes closed and with my lips locked with YooChun's. I imagined his basketball shoes. And I smiled.



-THE END-