NINE – Off Days

One of the days, which the trainees look forward to, was probably an off day. They would usually go back to their own home during their weekends or if their practices got pretty late, most of them will stay in the dormitory. And since there were three foreigners (four in the future) in their group, they would sometimes just spend their off days without going home that week. Beside, not everyone’s from Seoul.

One of their favourite hang out places would be the basketball court near their company; it’s usually empty since it’s pretty secluded but that’s one of the reasons why they liked it there. And that day was just like any other off days, which was why, they’re all gathered there. Even though they’re at a basketball court, it didn’t necessarily mean that they will all be playing a game. Sometimes, they would just sit together and talk about anything.

Yes, that included some complaints and gossips.

“Really!” Bambam loud voice filled the court. “My form teacher really looks like a dinosaur!” He held up his two hands and formed them into a shape of a claw as he spoke.

“Yes Bam, continue doing that.” Jinyoung smiled playfully and continued, “Now, you just need to roar.”

“Rawr?” Bambam imitated and that caused everyone to laugh. Bambam blinked, staring at everyone while they laugh; he then turned to look at Chris who shrugged, looking as lost as him. Before Bambam could even ask, Sungjin who’s sitting beside him pulled him down by his neck and ruffled Bambam’s hair.

“You’re cute.”

That, Bambam could understand which was why there’s a huge grin spread on his small face. After all, he’s someone who loved compliments.

“Am I not cute?” Chris poked Sungjin who’s beside him, and pointed at himself, a playful smile playing on his lips.

Sungjin laughed and ruffled his hair too. These cheeky fourteen years old.

The conversation slowly led to the girls asking about the happenings at their dormitory since there were more of them there. The eleven of them didn’t always have the same schedule to be hanging out like this now that their practices were getting more hectic so, it had triggered some curiousity from the girls.

“Do you guys ever have a fist fight?” Nayeon blurted out. Even though it sounded like a general question, she had her gaze fixed on both Jaebum and Jinyoung. Jihyo and Jeongyeon could only facepalm at the question. They knew that someday, Nayeon would bring this question up in front of them.

“Wait, why are you staring at us?” Jinyoung straightened his body, taking a glance at Jaebum who’s sitting beside him.

Nayeon could only give them a cheeky smile. Jinyoung and Jaebum turned their head slightly to look at Bambam who looked away. They narrowed their eyes even more as Bambam hid behind Sungjin.

“Anyway!” Jihyo quickly came to Bambam’s rescue, laughing nervously. “So, you guys haven’t told us what do you guys do at your dormitory sometimes? We’ve already shared ours!”

“We played hide and seek!” Chris raised an arm up excitedly. It was only when he felt six pairs of eyes glaring at his direction then he realized that he had shared the secret accidentally. “Oops?”

The girls watched the boys in amusement while the boys cleared their throats, looking everywhere except at them.

“Mark and Jaebum too?” Jeongyeon smiled teasingly at them. Mark and Jaebum who usually put on a quiet and cool image more than the others actually played hide and seek with them? Jeongyeon’s smile grew even wider and everyone could tell that she’s going to tease them more.

But neither of the two boys would allow that to happen.

“Let’s play a game, shall we!” Jaebum stood up suddenly, grabbing the basketball near them. Mark followed him after, walking away from the group as quickly as possible. The three girls glanced at each other briefly, shrugging lightly before they stood up with the rest of the boys. The teasing can be saved for later.

When it comes to basketball playing, the group had their own way of doing things. Sometimes, the three girls would join them with one of them as the referee and instead of it being an actual game; it’s more of guidance from the boys. Jeongyeon was usually the one who got the hang of it way easier than the other two girls, especially Nayeon.

She’s just not really good at games.

Other times, like that day, the boys will split into two four-four teams. The girls will choose which team to bet on and the losers including the girls who betted on the group, will have to buy ice cream for everyone.

“Nayeon noona, are you not betting on me?” Bambam frowned since the other two girls had betted on the other team – Jaebum, Brian, Chris and Wonpil. Their reason was that Bambam and Sungjin were on the same other team.

Nayeon hesitated. Even though Mark and Jinyoung were on the same team, the two black holes, Bambam and Sungjin might be a little too huge for them to cover. She glanced at Bambam again and sighed.

“Alright.” Nayeon turned to look at the other team and sighed, “Let them off a little okay?”

Brian laughed at her reaction and grinned.

“Prepare to buy us some ice cream!”

And with that, the game started. It was almost like everyone had predicted, Jaebum’s team was leading. Even though Mark’s team managed to catch up at a certain point, the other team easily caught up again due to Bambam’s mistakes. Mark and Jinyoung with their competitive personality tried to bring their scores up again but this time, Sungjin was the one who made mistakes.

Jihyo and Jeongyeon cheered loudly at the side, occasionally laughing at how crestfallen Nayeon looked. Someone really had to give her a “How to ignore Bambam’s puppy eyes” lesson.

In the end, as predicted, Jaebum’s team won.

“As always, ice cream for us all!” Wonpil grinned widely at Nayeon and the losing team. “You should have expected this, Nayeonie.”

Nayeon narrowed her eyes then stuck out her tongue at him.

“Rock paper scissors?” Jinyoung brought up, looking at his team and Nayeon. It’s always been like this, there will only be one representative to go to the store even though they are sharing the cost. And it’s always been through the rock paper scissors game.

Mark, Jinyoung, Sungjin, Bambam and Nayeon faced each other and had a few rounds of the game before it ended up with just Nayeon and Sungjin.

“Rock! Paper! Scissors!” Everyone chanted together then burst into fits of cheer, especially Sungjin. Nayeon had lost the game and was the chosen one to head to the store.

“It’s so far…” Nayeon muttered. She had always been lucky enough to avoid being the one to head to the store. But this time, she’s not as lucky as before.

“A game is a game, Nayeon ah.” Jeongyeon laughed, patting her head gently.

“But…”

“Don’t be lazy,” Jaebum stated, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

Nayeon looked at him for a while then at the others. She took in a deep breath and did something she had never shown to the boys.

“Oppa, unnie.” She started with a cringy high pitch voice, giving the rest her best cute expression. “Can Nayeonie not go?”

The court went silent for a while.

Everyone stared at Nayeon and Nayeon stared back with hopeful eyes. But instead of the reaction she was hoping for, everyone turned away from her.

“Nayeon,” Sungjin was the only one who stayed, “You are going to be the one to buy ice cream from now on no matter win or lose.”

Nayeon blinked, staring at the back of everyone else.

“WHY?”

In the midst of their training life, it was always during those times, during their off days when everyone could relax a little. No angry faces, no angry fights, no tears, no sadness and definitely more smiles and laughter. If anyone were to walk past the court, they would have never imagined the struggles these kids had to face on some other days. 

Next Chapter: Sisters' Bond

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A chapter with all of them, how was it? Does this satisfy your imaginations? HAHA. I have no idea if there really was a basketball court near JYP's old company. This was merely from my imagination if you've forgotten about it. We are reaching almost half of the whole series and if things go well and according to plan, the last update for this would be on the 6th November! So there's still some time for you guys to live through the life of these 11 trainees. 

I entertain any questions or feedbacks so, ask ahead! Again, votes are loved and feedbacks will be helpful.

signing off, leen

#questionoftheday taking away all biasness of yours, up till now, who is your favourite character?