Author's Note: I lied about being done with drabbles for "Gank Your Heart."  I really thought I'd exhausted myself of inspiration, but this drama is the gift that keeps on giving.  The other day I realized I wanted to write a story about Xiang Kong and Lu Sheng reuniting to play basketball, and that stirring an interest in Xia Ling as well.  And then Xiang Kong and Qiu Ying took over, as they have a habit of doing, so the below story is what came out of me instead and Xia Ling still needs his own story... Until then... 

Story #13 – Jumping through Hoops

Qiu Ying was sitting on the couch at the Phoenix training base flipping through a magazine to pass the time when Ji Xiang Kong finally finished with his teammates and sent them on their way.  As the other members spilled out of the training room, they called out in greeting.  Qiu Ying responded to their hand waves by smiling and returning their “hellos” with a head nod, and snapped her magazine shut only when Xiang Kong walked over to join her on the couch.

“What are you doing here?” he asked his girlfriend.  “I thought you had a meeting today.”

Although it was a Saturday, it wasn’t uncommon for Qiu Ying to have to report to work.  Particularly when things were starting to gear up for the upcoming iConquer competitive season.

“I did, but it finished early so I thought I’d stop by and see what you were up to.  What’s the matter?  Are you not happy to see me?”

“That’s not it.  It’s just. . .”

“Oh, here we go.  Here it comes.”  Qiu Ying crossed her arms and started to nod her head knowingly.  “Lu Yi Yi warned me against this.”

“What are you talking about?  Warned you against what?”

“The honeymoon period.  It’s over.”

“Huh?”

“Yi Yi once warned me that once a man passes the 6-month mark in any relationship, the romance will be over.” 

Xiang Kong stared at her for a full ten seconds before bursting into laughter, except Qiu Ying didn’t laugh along with him and he realized she wasn’t kidding.  “Are you for serious?”

“Once upon a time you would be excited if I showed up in front of you,” Qiu Ying pointed out.  “Now you seem almost disappointed to find me here today.”

Xiang Kong held out his hands, desperately seeking her understanding.  “That’s not it.  Really.”

“What else am I supposed to think?”

“You’ve misunderstood.  Really,” he pleaded.  “It’s not that I’m disappointed that you’re here.  It’s just I wasn’t expecting you today and I already made plans.”

“Plans?”

“Mm.  Lu Sheng called me the other day and asked