… 8.8.2012

Are you sure you wish to delete this application?

Jiyeon breathed out as she finally tapped on the confirm button.

In the past few days she had deactivated all of her social media.

But even then, her lingering curiousity would lead her to read the thousands of negative comments towards her on message boards and forum posts. 

Just searching her name on Naver brought up articles about the scandal. 

Hyomin, Soyeon, and Eunjung had all issued apologies regarding their tweets, but it didn’t seem to make a difference.

'Bully Jiyeon' had shot to the top of the search boards in a matter of minutes and had remained in the Top 10 key phrases for a whole week now. 

The second most searched phrase was 'T-ara scandal'

Even credible News Organizations had reported about the possible scandal. 

No one knew the truth... Her agency had denied all the false rumors. They tried to keep the press away from her as they denied and sued the false statement by the worker for defamation.

But it was too late, the narrative had changed in a second.

She was the 'bully Jiyeon'. Her members also were labeled as bullies for putting up with her mistreatment of Hwayoung. 

Jiyeon hated that not only was her career falling, but also dragging down her members through the mud with her.

Her members adamantly refused that she was at fault. Assuring her that they were fine.

But she could see it all... in practices, in their faces, they were terrified too.

The public’s perception meant everything for an idol. Jiyeon knew she was at fault. In the end, she hadn’t been able to control her emotions and had instigated the whole thing. If she had been less arrogant. If she had handled things better. 

Then, then everything would be ok.

Her CEO had promised her that they were doing everything to correct the perception, but it wasn’t going to change quickly.

Jiyeon lay on her bed. Devastated. Honestly, she dreaded seeing her members, terrified of seeing the sad expressions they had hidden behind their smiles. Smiles that were put on in front of her just to hint at the small ounce of happiness left in them.

To be honest, she hated herself the most.

Her selfishness had hurt everyone around her. She wished she could talk to someone.

She didn’t want to burden her members. She knew her parents and her brother were already worried enough, talking to them would only worry them more.

She didn’t dare contact her friends, for fear that she might get them involved in her scandal as well.

She wanted it all to end. It felt like a never ending nightmare.

She felt alone.

…

“Oppa. Can you believe this?” Jenny had shouted in disbelief over and over again. She had been searching for ways to defend her favorite idol.

Even Daniel’s parents who barely knew much about Kpop scolded both of them for ever being fans of T-ara.

Her sister defended her. She said that she knew Jiyeon wasn’t that type of person. To which her parents simply responded.

“You can never tell a person’s real personality.”

But though he couldn’t say it out loud, he did know... Her real personality.

He knew she wasn’t that type of person. He had considered texting her many times. But who was he?

He had stopped texting her for months because of jealousy. Why would he text her now? How shameless would he be to text her now? 

Even his girlfriend had scolded the fact that he had been a fan of her. 

No one knew. No one knew yet they assumed.

He empathized with her. He thought of the profiling he received from his coaches.

How they just made their judgements on him based on his appearance. He knew it wasn’t near the pain she must've felt. 

He couldn't stop thinking about it. She had been the one to give him a new direction. She had motivated him when he was thinking about quitting.

He should do the same for her.

He reached for his phone.

Should he call her?

He had no clue what he would say. 

He paced back in forth in his room multple times, wondering how he could justify talking to her out of the blue.

She must've been in a dark place right now. Would she even pick up?

He was crazy. He needed to think clearly about this.

He wandered out of his room, down the stairs, out into the backyard. His eyes gravitating to the stars above him. He had gone out to get some air, but somehow all he could think of was her.

He finally mustered up the courage, and pressed the tiny cellphone icon.

It began to dial instantly. He stared at in, half in horror at what he had just done. Half in anticipation.

“Hello?”

Her voice, it was her voice. But every ounce of happiness had disappeared from it.

It wasn't the same voice he remembered from her more than a year ago.

“It’s been a while.” He replied. 

It sounded so stupid to say. After all that had just happened. But his mind had blanked out.

“Sure has been.”

There was a deep breath trying to muffle the apparent sadness in her voice. “I’m guessing you already know but I’m not doing so great.”

“I know. I read the articles.” Daniel replied

Not even trying to deny his interest anymore.

“You know right? You know…” Her voice trailed off as he heard a sniffle.

“I know.” He assured her. “I know it’s not true. I know you’re not that kind of person.”

At that point he realized he couldn’t be silent anymore. He needed to comfort her.

He wanted to be there for her. Because he cared about her. 

"You've told me your life story, your crushes, everything. I know that whatever they're saying about you... its not the truth." He cleared his throat before confidently announcing the last line.

“Daniel, I’m such a bad person.” She didn't hold it in anymore sobbing loudly over the speaker.

“I’m dragging not only myself, but my members down as well.”

“It’s not your fault. You don’t have to explain it to me. I know that it’s not your fault.”

“But it is!” She choked out. "I should've held it in. I should've just let her say those things to me. If I wasn't so prideful then maybe—"

“Jiyeon!” He raised his voice to interrupt her.

Did she know how much his heart ached hearing her suffering? Wishing he could be beside her to comfort her?

“Listen to me. I’m your fan, I told you right? I know that you’re not someone who would do that, without reason. Prideful? That's bull, Jiyeon you're someone who never wants to hurt others. And its because of those reasons I’m your fan. Not the other way around.” 

He could hear the continued sobs as he stood in the quiet night. He hated how useless he felt. Only his words available to comfort her.

“Jiyeon, listen to me. I don’t know where you are. But you can overcome this. I know you can. So cheer up! Because the Jiyeon I see on the stage would beat this.” 

“Daniel oppa.”

That was the first time she had ever used that word to address him. His heart was racing. He tried to contain the joy he felt inside. Knowing that it was at the expense of her suffering.

“Thanks.” Her voice was genuine. He could sense it.

“Don’t give up on being an Idol ok? I promise I’ll do the same with Basketball. Understand?” 

“I understand.”  He heard a tiny chuckle, and her mood seemed to have lightened just a little. “You’re really going to become a basketball player?”

“I just promised didn’t I? I’ll meet you at the top.” 

“Daniel.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t know why. But you’re the only person I could’ve talked to right now. And right as I was thinking about giving up... you called.” She explained. “I think maybe you can read my mind or something.”

She chuckled again signalling it was a joke.

Daniel couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps she was communicating her feelings. He didn’t want to get ahead of himself.

Right now, she needed a friend. She needed someone to help get her through this. That was what he would be.

“I’ll call you tomorrow. Tomorrow, tell me what you’re doing to become your old self. Got it?” Daniel requested.

“Yes oppa.”

He wondered is she knew. If she knew how much it meant to him for her to say that to him. He had always been just Daniel. 

…9.3.2012

Korea Today: From Fame to Shame, T-ara comeback on September 3rd and despite investigations showing negative, fans Boo them off the stage

September 3rd, 2012

T-ara after postponing their comeback, finally re September 3rd with their single y Love. The once popular group did not crack the Top 3 in each performance due to lack of fan vote.

Despire the story of the post has becoming unverifiable due to the lack of evidence, and denial from other employees that that was the real story. Netizen’s continue to attack T-ara. 

Recently T-ara’s Jiyeon and members Hyomin, Eunjung, and Soyeon have all deleted their social media accounts from the many hateful comments such as:

[+15,234 -5,424] Bully Jiyeon shouldn’t even be allowed to be an idol anymore. Idol’s jobs are to set examples and she doesn’t even come close.

Former T-ara member Hwayoung who recently left T-ara, has yet to confirm or deny any reports, and seems to hold onto the fact that there was indeed conflict between the group.

Other news includes:

T-ara member Ahreum does not promote with T-ara either due to personal reasons. 

Soju brand Good day has terminated contract with T-ara’s Jiyeon due to the boycotting of goods with her as the model.

Possible drama casting of the up and coming actress has also been put on hold for the time being.

Korea has clearly cancelled T-ara and Park Jiyeon for the time being.

… 9.7.2012

Things were not getting better. Though Jiyeon had become a bit more optimistic.

Fans continued to boo her during their performances. Then there was the treatment she received. She saw it in others expressions. 

People were disgusted by her. People were afraid to look at her.

Many younger idols wouldn’t even greet out of the fear of being associated with her. She was a walking misfortune.

But she didn’t give up. As sorrowful as she felt, she had decided she would overcome it. 

The people she cared about supported her. They believed in her, her members, her family, her friends, and well… Daniel.

“Jiyeon, look we hit top 4 on Gaon Charts and top 3 on Billboard top 100.” Hyomin exclaimed excitedly.

Any good news was good news to Jiyeon. “Cheer up! We might just win one of these shows now.” 

“We don’t have many fans.” Jiyeon sighed. “That’s why we lose.”

“The true T-ara fans have stuck by us. Those are the ones we care about.” Qri announced calmly entering the changing room. 

Jiyeon smiled as she thought of one. She stared in the mirror checking that her makeup was all finished. She wore a red sweater and tight black leather shorts. She didn't feel confident. But even she felt like she looked pretty good.

“Let’s go and win this!” Soyeon announced excitedly trying to bring up the mood. The other members all shouted in agreement. 

Jiyeon checked her phone one last time, there was a message.

DAEHAN: You’ll win this one for sure. Keep being the cute and y idol that I’m a fan of.

DAEHAN: also I’m never going to say that again to treasure it

Jiyeon grinned at his encouragement. She wanted to that he had referred to her as “cute and y” but decided that she would just take the compliment. Suddenly she remembered that practices for his college team would start soon.

JIYEON: thanks and good luck with your first practice, i’m cheering for you too!

A manager called for them to be on standby. 

Jiyeon left her phone as she and her members left their waiting room towards the stage.

…9.8.2012

SOOMPI: T-ara barely falls to second place as they are beaten out by Psy’s Gangnam style. 

September 8th, 2012

T-ara in their y new comeback in ‘y Love’, despite their ongoing bullying scandal, places 2nd in a tough competition with Psy’s 'Gangnam Style'. 'Gangnam style' has already surprisingly racked up almost 200 million views.

Many netizens are shocked that T-ara even gave Psy a run for his money.

However, the strong visuals of Hyomin and Eunjung seem to carry T-ara’s future even through such harsh scandals.

Are you shocked by T-ara’s strong performance?

//////////////////

Top comments:

“I am shocked to see that judges and fans are still showing support despite the clear allegations, it disappoints me as an American that Koreans allow them to remain.”

“I can’t lie that their performance was amazing, Hyomin and Eunjung are strong visuals and Jiyeon does have an arrogant face which somehow matches the mood.” 

“I know this is unpopular, but I think Jiyeon is the reason their performances shine. She is extremely pretty, and let’s not forget their is no solid evidence to prove she was involved in anything. I am disappointed to see so many fans jump to conclusions and not just trust her. Jiyeon fighting!” 

… 

Daniel grinned as he read the last comment on the article that his sister had texted him.

He wondered how his sister remained a loyal fan. She didn’t know Jiyeon like he did, or at all. Like he did. But she held onto her defending her to the end. Perhaps that was the definition of being a true fan.

He opened his Kakao Talk to talk to her.

DAEHAN: I saw you almost won, extremely happy for you!

DAEHAN: My sister still defends you to her grave

DAEHAN: so you have at least two fans.

JIYEON: thanks

JIYEON: I guess I’ll have to thank your sister one day too.

JIYEON: How was your basketball practice?

DAEHAN: tiring

JIYEON: I know stupid

JIYEON: how did it go? Did you win? Are you going to play now?

Daniel grinned at her playfulness, they had become even closer than before. He felt extremely comfortable talking to her casually.

DAEHAN: The coach was happy

DAEHAN: He said I might be able to start.

JIYEON: like debut?

Daniel chuckled as he realized she probably didn’t know much about basketball.

DAEHAN: Have you watched a basketball game before?

JIYEON: The Idol Star championship one.

DAEHAN: “start” means you get to play in the first five players

JIYEON: I get it

DAEHAN: you should watch some basketball you might enjoy it

JIYEON: Will you be on TV?

DAEHAN: maybe like once a month

JIYEON: I promise I’ll watch those games then

DAEHAN: Ok and I'll keep watching your performances and your fancams

JIYEON: Deal, I like it

JIYEON: fans of each other

DAEHAN: Deal

Daniel shut off his phone. He had broken up with Ashley when he had returned from summer break.

It was the right thing to do.

He liked someone else. Someone who was currently unattainable. But someone he nevertheless liked. 

Ashley had questioned why he had decided to do it. And he had explained that he wanted to focus on basketball.

It seemed somewhat pathetic, but it seemed a better excuse than the real reason.

How could he explain it? It seemed insane to him as well. What could he say? He was in love with a celebrity that millions of others loved.

He sat on his bed staring into the large city of New York. The glittering lights seemed to speak to him, he wondered what her view was like. What was she doing at the moment? Was she busy?

… 9.11.2012

KOREATALK: Ex T-ara member Hwayoung opens up “I was sometimes scared, I sometimes felt not included”

T-ara’s Hwayoung appears on variety show with sister Hyoyoung Weekly Entertainment. No questions regarding the incident of the day itself were asked or answered likely due to a request. However, Hwayoung speaks out about possible bullying. 

When asked how the environment of being in T-ara was like she answered: 

“I enjoyed being an idol and will never regret becoming one. However I was sometimes scared, I was sometimes felt not included by others.”

MBK Entertainment denied a response to her appearance. Netizens seem back onboard the anti T-ara train as they rush to forums to comment.

[+20,653 -15,672] "Well the truth is obvious. Clearly she was afraid to explain in detail, but she obviously suffered a lot while living with them. If this isn’t evidence I don’t know what is. T-ara deserves to burn for setting this kind of example."

As shown, many T-ara supporters also have rushed to defend them disliking those types of comments. Citing the lack of clarity as her possibly being vague on purpose to push an agenda. 

What do you think?

//////////////////

Top Comments:

"I really don't know what to believe but there was clearly bad blood between the members, and I can't help but feel like they ganged up on her."

"Even if they were just teasing her or disincluding her, I would be extremely hurt as well. There are many evidence videos showing the distance between the other members and Hwayoung."

"I hope Bully Jiyeon quits being an idol. I can't stand watching her perform it makes me disgusted and angry."

… 9.15.2012

SOOMPI: T-ara says bye to Korea and leaves for Japan, possibly for the last time.

Since the recent statement from ex T-ara member Hwayoung, T-ara has still not released a statemen.

Believing them to be guilty Netizens ruthlessly attacked T-ara posters and billboards. Spraying graffiti all over them. Even cafes hanging their posters are being boycotted by anti fans. MBK seems to have realized this is not just hateful comments anymore.

T-ara later that day announced a large tour in Japan to promote a new Japanese single along with the Japanese version of 'Day by Day' approaching.

Netizens believe it is a way to hide from their actions and fan’s believe it was a way to escape from the hate. 

While Korean fans are clearly upset by these actions Japanese fans continue to suppport them as their single 'Day by Day' jumped to the top of Oricon board.

Your thoughts?

… 10.15.2012

Jiyeon stared outside her hotel room at the large city that was Tokyo.

Not Seoul, Tokyo. The similar glass buildings while similar were not the same. Water dripping down her hair from the shower she had just taken. Her long hair all bundled up into a towel she tied above her head.

“Yes omma, the food here is great.” Jiyeon assured her family. 

She was video chatting them. Her two parents sat on her couch and her older brother between them. She found it cute that her parents still seemed in awe of the fact that they were calling her and seeing her face at the same time. 

“You’re not tired of Japanese food yet? There’s nothing spicy in Japanese food. Aigoo! How do they not use gochujang in anything?” Her mom complained in her usual loving way.

“aish omma, she’s fine, they have SUSHI. Really good SUSHI there.” Her brother assured her mother as he winked back at Jiyeon.

“You’re really ok? Are you really fine Jiyeon-a?” Her father asked concern laced in his voice.

Even though he sometimes hid it, her father often would have long converations with Jiyeon alone about his concerns. He truly cared a lot for her.

“I’m fine appa.” Jiyeon smiled. “I’m really ok, so don’t worry too much.”

She didn’t want them to worry.

She knew they would anyway, but she didn’t want to keep burdening them.

She ended the video call, and immediately allowed the drops of water to fall from her cheek. It wasn't from the shower, it was the sorrow she felt.

Honestly she wasn’t ok. 

She felt like she had been kicked out of her own home, her own nation had turned its back on her.

It had only been a month, but she missed Korea.

Her CEO had told her that it was possible they spent the next year only promoting overseas. She wondered if in a year the public would really be over the scandal.

She checked her Kakao Talk and saw that Daniel had responded. Her mood brightened instantly.

DAEHAN: Ohayo

DAEHAN: How's Japan?

JIYEON: It's good

DAEHAN: you’re lying

DAEHAN: you must miss Korea? 

DAEHAN: are you crying again?

JIYEON: how’d you know?

JIYEON: I’m really starting to worry you can read minds. 

DAEHAN: you did nothing wrong ok?

DAEHAN: From what you told me, you had every right to be angry at Hwayoung

JIYEON: Thanks oppa

Jiyeon was thankful... she knew that he didn’t need to hear the truth.

But telling him made her feel relieved. His constant assurance and encouragements always brightened up her day even on days she felt like giving up.

JIYEON: So how’s basketball going?

DAEHAN: its tiring

JIYEON: shut up!

She giggled as he continued their ongoing joke. She wasn't when she noticed it, but she felt even more comfortable around him. And that was saying something. 

DAEHAN: I’m kidding.

DAEHAN: It’s fun, but i'm always exhausted after

DAEHAN: I hope we win some games and all this hard work pays off.

JIYEON: i'll be cheering for you!

DAEHAN: you better

JIYEON: bet.

DAEHAN: am i talking to an American? 

JIYEON: of course i'm from New York

DAEHAN: lol

DAEHAN:  whatever you say... i have to sleep now I have a test tomorrow

DAEHAN: let's talk tomorrow

JIYEON: good night

Jiyeon put down her phone as she lay down on the bed her head collapsing onto the firm hotel pillows.

These conversations she looked forward to. It was talking to him about her day that kept her going. 

She wasn’t sure when it began, but at some point she wished he'd call more often.

She knew he was busy too, he had his school and practices. He had homework, he had early morning workouts, he had to go to all of his classes. He sometimes had a busier schedule than her. I mean he lived in an entirely different timezone.

But he always made time to talk with her at least once a day. 

Well, at least he didn’t have a girlfriend anymore… not that she cared.

But somehow, selfishly... she was happy that he was more available to talk.

… 11.2.2012

“Coach, why isn’t he starting?” Anthony stood up for Daniel. “He played the best and he killed it in the practice games.”

The coach sat on the bench with Daniel and the other players sitting around him waiting for his instructions.

“I make the decisions. I’m the coach.” Coach Warner stated loudly. “Daniel I promise you’ll play ok? Let me just figure out the line up.” 

Daniel nodded, he didn’t care he just wanted to play.

He was hungry for it. He had practiced so hard up until now. He wasn’t about to be denied his chance to compete.

The whistle blew and the ball soared into the air as the tip off started the game. 

Daniel watched as 5 minutes passed, then 10 minutes of the first half disappeared. His eyes were glued to the court. He sighed. The team was already down 10 points and it was barely a quarter way into the game.

24-14

“Daniel. Check in for Marcus.” Daniel shot up as his teammates high fived him as he walked to check into the game.

The score keeper seemed surprised to see him getting ready to go into the game. 

The ball fell out of bounds and the referee called for the substitutions to replace their designated players. 

“Marcus!” Daniel yelled and his teammate exited the game. 

“Here’s our true point guard, you’re all ed now!” Anthony pounded his chest as he high fived Daniel. They stood next to each other facing the other team.

“This chinky Asian kid?” Someone on the other team scoffed. “Go back to China.”

“He’s from Korea stupid.” Winston his other teammate called out.

The game began again and Daniel took the ball as he dribbled down the court.

The other team's point guard matched up with him. He dribbled a little before throwing the ball at the basket. 

The others gasped as they wondered if he had really just thrown up such a bad shot. That’s when they realized it was a pass. Anthony who had run towards the basket had caught the ball and dunked it. An alley-oop. 

The other teams point guard tried to dribble past him, Daniel stole the ball as he poked it from his reach. He ran down the court and laid the ball into net.

Anthony was clapping as he ran back. He high fived him. 

“Let’s do this .” Daniel commented.

The game continued and by the first half the score was tied. 30-30. 

Daniel had 8 points and 4 assists.

He high fived his teammates as they left to the locker room. 

“Dude  them up Daniel!” Another of his teammates Brian shouted.

He was happy to hear that his teammates had his back.

He dried himself off with a towel as he watched to see what Coach Warner would say.

“Ok, starting for the second half is Brian, Anthony, Winston, Brown, and... Daniel.”

Daniel stared confused at the coach. He was happy, but couldn’t believe it.

“Coach, I won’t let you down.” Daniel promised energy filling his voice.

“You better not.”

Daniel walked out onto the court with his teammates, this time their longest (wingspan) player and best defender matched up with him. He dribbled past the player to start the game and was blocked as he went up for a layup. 

He scolded himself as he ran back.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time.” Anthony assured him patting him on the back.

Daniel did a similar move but instead of shooting close, he passed the ball to Winston. Winston laid the ball in the basket.

That was when Daniel decided to take over the game.

For the next possession he noticed the defender had given him space to shoot the basketball from the three point line. Daniel did.

The ball swooshed into the net. 

32-37

By the end of the game their team had won comfortably.

45-72

Daniel had 26 points and 9 assists.

Daniel celebrated with his teammates as they all pounded his back on the way to the locker room.

He was overjoyed but still went straight to sit down by his locker and check his messages.

JIYEON 1 new message

JIYEON: did you win?

DAEHAN: no we lost so badly :(

JIYEON: really?

JIYEON: I’m sorry...

JIYEON: don’t give up!

JIYEON: Fighting!

She really was too cute sometimes. He could picture her cute face bowed towards the ground as she searched for ways to comfort him. The thought forced a grin on his lips.

DAEHAN: I’m kidding

DAEHAN: we won.

JIYEON: shut up!

JIYEON: really?

DAEHAN: you thought I couldn’t?

JIYEON: how many Goals did you… score? 

JIYEON: That's a soccer term isn't it?

DAEHAN: i’m gonna make you watch basketball someday

JIYEON: I promise ill watch your games and your games only

DAEHAN: whatever...

He grinned as he didn’t look up from his phone and bumped into Anthony.

“What are you so happy about? Huh? A girl?” He inquired trying to peek at Daniel’s phone.

Daniel who knew Kakao talk was in Korean showed it.

“It’s my sister.” He lied pointing towards the text.

“Ahh, I see.” His teammate brushed it off as they both joined the others in celebrating.

… 12.8.2012

SOOMPI: T-ara remains steady in Japan, finds success internationally

T-ara after spending the past three months promoting in Japan, seems to be staying there indefinitely while bullying scandal still present in Korea.

Their Japanese version of y love has topped the Oricon top 10 chart in Japan for more than a month now. Japanese fans continue to embrace the idols as a super fan sponsored a billboard promoting their album in a crowded Tokyo shopping district. 

T-ara has confirmed two more fan signings in Tokyo as fans were unable to meet their idols in the last fansigning due to the overwhelming number of fans showing up for it.

In an interview for Azio TV T-ara's leader Qri commented that they were overjoyed by the love that their Japanese fans showed them and wished to continue to meet more and more of their energetic fans.

What do you think about the great success T-ara is finding in Japan?

…

Jiyeon stared at her laptop’s screen in confusion and then back down at her phone.

She had a basketball game playing on her laptop and an ongoing call with Daniel on her phone.

“Tip-off?” She inquired confused.

“That’s how they begin the game, the referee throws the ball up and both players try and reach for it.”

“Why don’t you do it?” She questioned.

“Because I’m short.”

“Weren’t you just boasting how you were 188 cm the other day?” She .

“Compared to Koreans I’m tall.”

“Ok. wait, you guys lost the tip off!” She watched as the other team began setting up on their side.

She watched as one of their players ran and bumped into Daniel. She cringed slightly.

“Why did he just run into you? How’s that not a foul?” She questioned.

There was a chuckle on the other side.

“That’s called setting a screen, you stand and block someone so that your teammate can go past them.”

Jiyeon nodded as she continued watching. The other team scored and she grunted in frustration.

Then there he was number 9, he was dribbling the ball down the court yelling inaudible things. She was fixed on him as he passed the ball to his teammate and then ran towards the basket. 

His teammate passed it back and he gently placed the ball into the basket releasing it with just his finger tips. It was cool.

“Wow, what’s that called? A dunk? A shot?” Jiyeon couldn't find a word for it.

“Lay-up.” He answered. “The first basket I scored right?”

“Yes.” She replied. “It was… kind of cool.”

She continued to watch, he continued to score and pass in directions that even confused Jiyeon. 

“Wow, I never knew basketball was this cool.” She admitted. 

As the game continued, she noticed that Number 9 had disappeared. 

“Where did you go?” 

“I can’t play the whole game.” He chuckled. “It’s too tiring.”

“I see, that's why you told me you’re out of shape.” She .

“I guess so.”  He agreed sarcastically.

The game was close and the other team scored another basket. There was only 3 minutes left, when she saw him leave the bench and kneel down on the side line. Moments later he traded places with his teammate.

“You won this game right oppa?” She asked unable to wait anymore. The other team was winning: 86-83.

“Just watch.” He answered. 

Her heart was pounding in excitement as he dribbled the ball, there was sweat dripping from his hair as he brought the ball down the court.

“Nice.” She subconsciously narrated. 

Daniel dribbled the ball several times doing a “cross-over” as he had earlier explained. Daniel had gone past his defender. 

“Nice!” She yelled excitedly.

He ran up to make a layup but another player slapped his arm.

“No!” She cried throwing her hands into the air. “That’s a foul right?”

She didn’t hear anything from the phone. Strange, the call was still ongoing, maybe he had gotten up to do something.

She continued watching as Daniel stood at the free throw line. He dribbled twice and then spun the ball in his hands before launching the ball into the net. He did this twice.

Both times the ball fell into the net. It made her happy. 

“Yes! Good job!” She exclaimed in excitement.

86-85.

The other team dribbled the ball down and seemed to wait. We're they not going to play anymore? Had they given up?

“Why are they just standing there?” She wondered in frustration. 

“They’re trying to make the game end faster by waiting for the time to end. It gives us less of a chance to win.” His voice appeared once again.

“I see.” Her sole focus was on the Daniel on her screen. He was clearly exhausted, panting watching the other player dribble in front of him. The other player passed to another teammate. Then ran through a maze of players.

Daniel struggled to keep up as other players set “screens” on him. His opponent made his way to the corner of the court. His teammate seeing him open passed him the ball. 

"No!" Jiyeon gasped. If they made this shot, surely Daniel would lose.

There was a blur and Daniel leaped forward and deflected the ball towards his teammate. He was fast. Really fast.

“Nice Daniel!” She shook her fists in relief. Unable to contain the nervousness she felt while watching.

“Thanks.” He commented sarcastically.

“Shut up and let me watch!” She scolded him playfully.

This time Daniel took the ball. Both teams missed the next few shots as Jiyeon groaned in anticipation.

Did they win? She felt like she’d lose her mind if Daniel’s team didn’t win.

She could see from the bottom of the score board they had already won 6 games and lost none. Was this their first defeat?

The referee whistled and she watched in confusion.

“What foul?” She questioned.

“That’s a timeout. It’s so that we can make a new plan to score the last point.”

Jiyeon nodded silently. There was less than 20 seconds left in the game. She felt stressed as clenched the blanket of her hotel bed, pulling it closer to her face. 

His teammate, Number 20 a tall black man passed him the ball. Daniel began to dribble as one of his teammates set him a screen.

He dribbled through it, and found another defender waiting for him. He immediately whipped the ball to his teammate who was open. His teammate shot the ball. He missed. 

“No!” There was 5 seconds left. 

But this time it was Number 20 who grabbed the ball after the miss. He threw the ball to Daniel who stood really far away.

He was even farther away than the three point line.

“It’s too far.” She gasped watching the time countdown.

2 seconds left. Number 9 shot the ball. It spiraled into the air right as the buzzer sounded. 

Jiyeon couldn’t breathe, her heart pounding in anticipation. Clenching the blanket even tighter between her finers she watched the ball descend— right into the basket.

“YES!” She exclaimed. She jumped up and down on her bed thrilled to see the win.

“You won, thank god!” 

She could hear Daniel laughing on the other side as suddenly her commotion caused the phone to fall of the bed.

“Sorry.” She apologized sheepishly as she grabbed her phone off the floor.

“I thought I fell with it.” Daniel teased once again.

“Oppa, that was so exciting!” Jiyeon was still overjoyed from the win. “I’m seriously going to watch more basketball. Wow, I’m going to watch all of your games.”

“Sounds good.” 

“But you don’t have to walk me through everything next time, I think I understand it now.” 

“whatever you say.”

“You’re actually really good oppa. I think you’re gonna go to the NBA one day.” She praised him.

She remembered him boasting about his skills, but seeing it on the screen, it all became so real. He was really cool in real life. It made her heart pound with excitement.