… 8.10.2015

Daniel sat in the passenger seat of his agent’s car as he marveled at the giant skyscrapers extending into the sky. They were driving down the streets of Gangnam. Flashing billboards for restaurants, stores, and night clubs jumped out to him. 

The faces of models, idols, and actors were plastered at every corner. Would he ever be on one? He wasn’t vain, or he didn’t believe he was… but that would be crazy. He had already heard about his face appearing on the electronic billboards when he was drafted. 

But that was then… the people who lasted were icons. People embedded in Korean culture. Jiyeon… she was someone who should’ve been there. Should’ve been on the advertisements and billboards. If not for her scandal she would’ve been.

“Just wait. I guarantee you’ll be there.” Mike seemed to notice his awe. “You’re already the talk of the town. I heard every company is just waiting to see your success before they offer you advertisements.”

Success. Of course. Like a hit movie, or a popular song, he needed his comeback to be powerful. Something that would catapult him to the top. 

“I can’t believe you turned down steak for this.” Mike chuckled as he pulled up to a traditional Korean looking restaurant. 

“I’ve had plenty of American food, I just got to Korea. Let me experience what they have for me.” He responded his mouth watering at the thought of Authentic Korean food. Even his mom had started cooking more American/Korean American food as time passed. 

After his last visit to Korea, he realized that even LA’s Koreatown didn’t do Korean food justice. 

“This is one of the best places to get traditional food.” Mike explained as they both exited the car. Daniel almost forgot the white baseball cap he had been told to wear. 

It seemed ridiculous to him at first, to be asked to wear a disguise when he was only there for a few days. But after seeing the crowd waiting for him at the airport he had conceded. 

He placed the cap so that the beak dipped slightly into his face and followed Mike into the restaurant. 

It was late, almost 10 pm but the restaurant was filled with parties of workers and groups of friends huddled around the circular grills with meat sizzling on them.

Daniel who was craving Korean Barbecue and well anything red was satisfied. The smoky smell of the restaurant catering perfectly to his senses. Daniel was about to ask for a table, when Mike stepped in front and nudged him back slightly back. 

“2.” He pointed towards a booth in the corner and the waiter nodded. Daniel dipped his head as he followed Mike to the table. He could tell the gaze of the waiter was on him. I mean, he wasn’t exactly able to hide when he was taller than average Korean males by at least 5 inches. 

Daniel sat against the rubber seating and motioned for Mike to order.

“Just get me a soondobu (tofu stew) and an order of naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), any meat I’m fine with.” Daniel stated as Mike nodded. Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. 

He stared at his social media for a while, before searching the internet. It sunk his heart when he saw recently posted pictures of Jiyeon’s date. He hated seeing them, the public pictures of their dates. But, he still always searched the latest news, even if it hurt him.

The waiter was called over and Mike ordered the food. Daniel just dipping his head.

“How am I going to eat?” Daniel asked half mocking his position and half genuinely curious.

“I’m going to tell everyone to look away.” Mike joked. 

“Just eat comfortably. If you’re eating, people are less likely to bother you.” He explained. 

Daniel nodded. When the food arrived and the female waiter set the plate of meat in front of them. Daniel made the mistake of looking up. Their eyes met, and he swore the cute waiter’s eyes widened. 

“Are you Choi Daniel?” She exclaimed... a little too loudly. Immediately everyone in the restaurant had stopped talking. The only noise being the sizzle of the nearby grills.

Daniel nodded sheepishly. He glanced at Mike who was biting his lip, obviously unhappy with the turn of events.

Daniel spent the next twenty minutes taking photos and signing autographs of literally everyone in the restaurant. Before he finally got to his food. 

“Five confessions of love… less than I thought.” Mike commented smugly. Daniel grinned. 

“To think I haven’t even played a game yet.” Daniel remarked. 

“It doesn’t matter, you’re a star already. Like our Jeremy Lin.” Mike explained. “But even better looking.” 

Thankfully despite being slightly warm instead of hot, the food was delicious. If he ate like this everyday he could definitely see himself living here.

The song changed, and suddenly he froze. “So Crazy”. It made him shudder. Hearing her song play on the restaurant radio made him remember what his goal was. 

“I like this song a lot.” Daniel commented as he stuffed a piece of freshly grilled pork belly in his mouth.

“T-ara, they’re your favorite girl group right?” Mike answered, clearly he had done his research. 

“That’s why you’re my agent.” Daniel joked as they both chuckled. 

“Well, let me know if you ever want tickets to a concert, I’m sure it could be good for your popularity if you show support for an idol group.” He offered. 

Daniel considered it for a second, but decided against it. Not until he showed his own talent. When he made it, then he’d support others. 

For once, he was going to take the spotlight.

…8.11.2015

NETIZEN: Pictures of Daniel Choi eating at Barbecue restaurant start trending, fans are delighted by his kindness

“OMG he’s so handsome, I heard he took the time to sign and take pictures with everyone who asked. Before he even ate.”

“I wish fans wouldn’t bother him when he’s eating, it sets a bad impression of Korea.”

“I’m glad to see my Daehan oppa eating so well. Cheering for him as he prepares to play!”

… 8.15.2015

SOOMPI: If you haven’t heard of him. Now you have! Meet Basketball Idol Daniel Choi

August 15th, 2015

Maybe you saw his name trending on Naver for the last week, maybe you saw the pictures of him eating at a grilled pork restaurant. Let me introduce my new bias Choi Daehan!

After long press conference on August 11th. Daniel Choi signs contract with SK Knights and puts on Jersey, and he looked stunning in it. 

So for all of you, which should be no one, who don’t know who Daniel Choi is here’s a quick recap.

Daniel Choi was born in Los Angeles, California to his parents, his father rumored to be a company executive.

Daniel Choi first showed up on media in 2013 when he led his NYU college basketball team to a great tournament finish, popularized by the way he played Kpop in warm ups before games.

He then was drafted in 2013 by the Dallas Mavericks with the 21st pick where #choi21 became a trending hashtag, he had a somewhat disappointing first season.

That summer he participated in the variety program 'Idol Practice Camp', where he became well known for charming the female and male idols alike.

The next season he jumped in and out of the development league, where he played well. However, was never really given a good chance in the NBA. He was coined “Jersey Selling Model” by many haters and decided to sign with Seoul’s SK Knights.

Now that you’re caught up here are some fun facts about him:

• Daniel is a well known fan of SNSD and T-ara, with him publicly shouting out T-ara on a live broadcast.
• Daniel has a little sister Jenny Choi who is an upcoming Freshman in university.
• Daniel stands 190 cm and weighs approximate 78 kgs.
• Daniel and his sister, Jenny Choi, are often seen on both of their instagrams cutely posing. #siblinggoals
• Daniel’s favorite color is unknown, but he is often seen wearing black and blue
• Daniel, a Korean American was originally quite embarrassed by his poor Korean, but has improved tremendously
• Daniel can surf, skateboard, swim, well and is smart to receiving an academic scholarship to NYU. Ladies he’s single.
• Daniel’s six pack becomes visible every time he lifts his jersey to bite it in frustration. And god I hope he is frustrated often.

Now that you’re a fan just like the rest of us. During the most recent interview when asked about variety show appearances he gave a response:

“For now, my sole focus is becoming the best. Once I have taken my organization to the top, I will think about that. Before then, I’ll just work hard.”

Our basketball idol is clearly determined to win and I can’t help but cheer for him. As always Choi fighting! 

… 9.6.2015

KOREABOO: Daniel Choi has first photoshoot and we can’t look away

September 6th, 2015

Daniel Choi had his first photoshoot for upcoming team he seems to have good relationship with his teammates. Team captain Lee Jungsuk says that he fits well with team environment, calls him the “maknae” of the team. Referencing his idol-like similarities. 

While posing with several of the SK Knight’s Cheerleaders the girls are seen unable to look away from the handsome young man as he holds the ball in the center. 

And how can we blame them? 

Tune in for Daniel Choi’s debut October 6th as we are all excitedly waiting for his first official game in the KBL. 

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

Top Comments:

“I don’t remember the last time I was this excited about sports. I have watched and played basketball like once in PE, but I’m so excited to watch for our Basketball Idol. Excited for his debut.”

"There's something so manly about playing sports well. I wish more athletes were as good looking as him."

“SK Knights got a steal with Daniel Choi, I hope he does as well as I think he will. Can’t wait to watch and glad to see he’s getting along with his ‘members’.”

… 10.3.2015

Daniel made his last three free throws as the rest of his teammates began to clean up the practice equipment. It had officially been a month of official practices now. Everyday a similar routine, going to practices, answering questions for the press, and going to the gym. Some nights he would hangout with his teammates, but most nights he’d go straight to the gym. 

He wasn’t going to waste the opportunity he had chosen. Many people were counting on him, all of Korea was talking about him. He couldn’t afford to be a let down. He had gained muscle and even lost body fat. He was in the best shape he had ever been in.

“Dude, you can rest a little.” Lee Seungjun, Eric, the 205cm (6’8) center exclaimed patting him on the back. Daniel finally dropped the ball and rolled it towards an equipment manager.

He was also an American born Korean basketball player who had played overseas after college in Europe and then came to Korea to play. The two had become close after Eric, was one of the few teammates could understand his sometimes English remarks he made. 

Daniel nodded as sweat poured down his forehead. He wiped his brow and turned towards him.

“I just want to make sure I’m ready for our first game.” Daniel confessed. “I don’t want to disappoint.”

“You’re not going to. If you play as well as you have been playing in practice. You’re gonna be great. I won’t lie I wish I had as much talent as you.” Eric commended him. 

“Our first game is against the Samsung Thunder, my brother is on that team, Daniel. They’re a strong team.” Eric revealed. “They also have some tough defenders.”

“Well I guess you’ll have to let show you who is the better Daniel.” Daniel countered. 

“You know that we're using an international spot on you, so you better do well.” Eric joked. “Unless you can play center.” 

Daniel shook his head. “Maybe in another life.”

“Hey Daniel!” Lee Jungsuk the teams captain a 6’1 player called him over.  

“Yes?” He quickly answered the captain’s call and came over.

“Yang Dongguen won’t stop talking trash to you, let’s beat him. Huh?” Jungsuk challenged. A challenge that Daniel gladly would take.

Daniel smiled thinking about his hater. The reigning MVP of the KBL, he had seen video of different star players, as hard as it was to find. 

Ulsan Mobus Pheonus had won three championships in the past 3 years and were a competitive team for sure. However, he was confident he was better than all of them. Daniel had made it to the highest level. The NBA. 

“Well get to him we need to, let’s kick Samsung’s first.” He emphasized his determination. 

“Sounds good, keep practicing as long as you like. We’re getting drinks later though, so don’t be late.” It was more of an order than an offer. But Daniel gladly obliged. He enjoyed hanging out with his teammates. It made him remember his time at NYU. 

The way they joked around so often with each other, the way they always made sure that each teammate was included. He enjoyed the kinship, Jungsuk and Eric his “hyungs” had taken him under their wings. They had navigated him through the nightclubs and bars. 

From them he had learned everything about South Korean nightlife. From him, he had brought in a fresh energy. A new thought about how to play more with more flash, with more excitement. Daniel had watched their games, unlike the NBA, unlike even other professional leagues. The KBL seemed boring, with the coach’s approval and his teammates willingness, they had started practicing more flashy moves. 

The environment of the Mavericks had been different, the professional sense of them, had made Daniel feel slightly left out. Though they didn’t say it, many of his teammates had looked down on him because of the things people said about him. He had never felt close with any of his teammates. 

This was a new start, a chance to redeem himself along with win back what he had lost. 

First Samsung, then the KBL, then Jiyeon… and he wasn’t going to lose.

… 10.6.2015

Daniel could hear the cheering from the locker room. The entire stadium was filled, something that had not been done for a KBL basketball game since the days of Seo Jang Hoon. He had been told there were even fans surrounding the building cheering loudly.

Just like an idol performance the fan’s were expecting a show, just like an idol he would give them one. 

“Anything you want to say?” His captain had just given a brief game plan, now he was looking at Daniel. 

“I know to all of you, I’m just some American, but I hope after this game you’ll call me brother. And I’ll call all of you ‘hyung-nim’, today.” They all cheered as he smiled at their approval. 

“Let’s kill them.” Eric added on. 

They stood in the tunnel as they waited for the announcer to call them out. 

“Thank you everyone for coming! And thank you to the millions of viewers tuning into the broadcast. For the opposing team, Samsung Thunder. Introducing starting at 198 cm Daniel Lee!” The announcer began to call out the other teams players this part was very similar to the NBA. The crowd for the most part booed as they continued to introduce each player of the Thunder.

However, as the last player was called out. The music suddenly changed to SNSD’s “The Boys”. He knew they were giving honor to when he had played at NYU. The crowd cheered as they recognized the music. 

The music played the first 15 seconds until it came to the moment he knew they were preparing for.

“You don’t have to pretend that you didn’t notice me every look I’ll make it hard to breathe.”

There was a silence.

A second of nothing.

Then.

“Bring the boys out!”

As the music started blaring the team ran out of the tunnel with their warmups on. They all made it to the center of the court as the managers instructed the starters to stand in a line.

“Starting at 207 cm, at Center Lee Seungjun!” There was cheering, as the spotlight shone on him.

“Starting at 201 cm, at Forward Chae Leeteuk” The spotlight changed to the second player.

“Starting at 194 cm, at Forward and Captain Lee Jungsuk”

“Starting at 180 cm, at Guard Min Yoonbin” Suddenly the arena grew silent as they knew Daniel was next.

“Starting at 189cm, at Guard Choi Daehan! Daniel!” The crowd cheered louder than they had ever before, the sounds of his name reflecting off the walls of the stadium. 

Was this what it was like to become a household celebrity? Echoing all around him was screaming, squeals, and who knows what else.

Suddenly all the lights once more as the players all could warm up before the game.

Daniel began to stretch near the middle of the court, something he had done since high school. The time before each game, a sort of superstition he followed.

“So you’re the handsome American.” Daniel looked up and saw a player, number 6 on the other team. Which meant he was Joo Minkyu. Daniel of course had researched him. 

185 cm, long arms, and quick on his feet. He was not a great shooter, and often made mistakes under pressure. He was Daniel’s matchup. Daniel nodded, however he kept stretching his legs.

“Quite a crowd eh?” Daniel could sense the sarcasm in his voice. “Did your middle school sister invite all her friends?”

Now he was mocking his sister, Daniel was slightly ticked off now. However, he kept it in. 

Daniel rolled his eyes. There was some truth to that statement though. Staring up into the bleachers, he had never seen so many young girls watching basketball before. He also was thankful that they were supporting him.

“I’m pretty sure they came to see your ugly face, sunbae-nim.” Daniel waved his hand over his face mocking the other man’s somewhat ugly appearance. “Don’t test me.” 

With that Daniel walked away from the fuming player. A win in his book.

“You got everything out of your system?” Eric inquired, likely noticing Daniel’s exchange.

“Yah. What’s his deal?” Daniel wondered.

“He’s just annoying to everyone. Don’t listen when he talks. But careful he’s a good defender.” Jungsuk cautioned him. Daniel nodded receiving his message. 

The referee took the basketball to the tip off point. The players lined up on each side. Daniel could feel the other team’s gazes on him.

Eric and the other teams center, Daniel Lee, jumped for it and Eric tipped the ball to his side, Jungsuk quickly snatched it from the air.

Daniel nodded at him to initiate a plan and ran towards the other side of the court.

Minkyu was waiting for him. 

“You’re not gonna score a single point on me.” He grunted still furious at Daniel earlier off handed insult. 

Daniel chuckled quietly as he remembered some of the lines some of his favorite basketball players had said. The confidence they exuded, he had always wanted to do the same.

“No I’m going to score 30 points and then 6 more just cause it’s the number on your jersey.” Daniel challenged confidently.

The other player caught off guard just stared, clearly never met someone as confident as Daniel was. Daniel was passed the ball and he watched Eric run towards the basket. Daniel passed the ball between the legs of his defender and Eric caught it behind him and scored.

2-0

Minkyu was obviously not happy by the feat. It was almost like he had been mocked. Something you did to a child, or someone who was not a basketball player. Daniel had humiliated him.

Daniel wasn’t even getting warmed up.

He stepped back slightly as he followed the other teams point guard who seemed unable to find an opening to pass the ball in. As expected he noticed Minkyu was open and passed it, Daniel rushed and reached his hand forward. He stole the ball and began to dribble to the other side.

The crowd erupted as he ran down the court and scored a layup. He looked into the crowd and noticed that there were large printouts of his face. It was rather amusing for Daniel to see. 

4-0

Daniel observed as Minkyu took the ball down the court this time. Daniel waited for him to pass the ball. Then did the same as he had done before. Another player saw Minkyu open again, but noticed Daniel waiting and didn’t pass. 

The problem was that he had hesitated. In the time, Daniel took the opportunity and ran towards him jumping up and down with his hands up. 

The player unable to respond quick enough threw a bad pass and Eric stole it. 

Eric passed it to Daniel, who after running down the court was open for a 3-pointer. He shot the ball up towards the sky, the feeling of the ball like butter as it slipped off his fingers.

7-0

The game continued, but clearly Daniel knew that he was the best player on the court. After all he’d practiced the hardest. He had worked his tail off the past month and a half. The other team did score some points…. After the first quarter the score was:

20:6

Daniel drank water as he stared the packed arena around him. It still seemed mind boggling the scene. All these fans had come to watch him.

He finally understood why idols never wanted to fail their fans. He wanted to put on a show. 

As the next quarter of the game began, Daniel took the ball and dribbled down the court.

He dribbled as Minkyu was in his full defensive stance. His legs low to the ground and arms stretched out to prevent Daniel from scoring. 

Daniel had other plans, he crossed over and he shifted his body one way and then Daniel hesitated, freezing his defender before crossing over again. Unable to move and react to the quick moves, Minkyu had fallen over. Daniel shot the ball, the orange ball shooting into the sky before spiraling into the rim.

23:6

For a second he pitied the other player. He stood no chance against a player who player in the NBA and spent his whole high school playing against America’s best players. 

The cheering increased as fans watched their idol play terrifically. 

After getting the ball back Daniel saw that the other team had switched a taller defender onto him. Daniel made a quick step towards one direction. The player backed up so that he could not drive past him. 

Daniel shot the ball from the 3 point line.

26:8

Daniel made more shots and he set up his teammates as well, passing them the ball at the right moments so they could easily score.

By half time they had practically won the game.

53:30

Daniel sat in the locker room drinking water. His teammates were going crazy.

“Wow NBA players really are different.” Min Yoonbin praised him. “I don’t think I’ve seen anyone dribble so smoothly. Where did you learn to do that?”

“Lot’s of nights dribbling in my house. My parents hate the noise now.” Daniel joked as everyone chuckled.

“Good job, but the game isn’t over yet.” the coach announced returning to the locker room. “Let’s not give them any hope. Daniel you’ll sit out the first 4 minutes.”

Daniel nodded, he had just spent a season on the bench, waiting for an opportunity. He didn’t care if he didn’t play a few minutes.

When the game restarted however, the crowd was not happy to see their star seated on the bench.

They cheered Daniel’s name for all of the five minutes he ended up sitting out.

Finally, Daniel reentered the game and threw his warm up to the side. 

He was passed the ball and seeing the team throw two players at him he looked away and flashily passed the ball to the open Sungjuk. He scored a layup.

67:45

Daniel watched the Thunder’s players, they were disheartened he whispered something to Eric and he nodded. They both suddenly started jumping up and down as the pressed the other team. Not letting the other team past the half court. 

Daniel poked the ball loose and shot a three pointer, this one missed. He ran back and bit his jersey, the fabric moved up slightly. 

He realized his mistake once the squeals of women could be heard clearly. His sister had told him to stop doing that. But it had become a habit when he was frustrated.

Daniel however, proceeded to score 8 more points after that as the 3rd quarter ended. 

79:50

Daniel asked the coach to show him the totals and realized he already had 30 points. He whispered something into the coach’s ears and he slowly nodded. Clearly not happy by the proposition, yet not opposed to it either.

As the fourth quarter began a disheartened Minkyu was once again matched up against him. Daniel let his teammates score for three minutes straight. 

Then he took the ball down and from far behind the three point line shot it. He was at least 9 meters away from the basket. Keep in mind the three point line was already 7 meters away.

The ball swished in the basket as the crowd gasped.

93-61

He looked at Minkyu and mouthed. “33.”

The other team scored.

93-63

Daniel took the ball down again and drove past Minkyu scoring a layup.

95-63

He looked at Minkyu. “35.”

He then got the ball again and drove past him but hesitated as Daniel Lee, Eric’s brother fouled him as he tried to score. 

Daniel took the first free throw. He dribbled twice and span the ball in his hands before making it. 

Then he didn’t do anything he just missed it.

He looked at Minkyu “36.”

The coach called a timeout. Daniel sat on the bench for the rest of the game.

When the game ended SK Knights had won 108-75.

Daniel had kept his promise. That was for mocking his sister.

Afterwards Daniel was interviewed by a reporter for the television broadcast.

“This is your first game as an SK Knight how do you feel after scoring 36 points in your first game?” 

Daniel looked into the mic. “It’s an honor. I truly am honored to play here. I am so thankful for all the fans who are watching me, and please keep supporting me.” Daniel answered as the crowd cheered loudly in the background. 

“It looks like there was some playful banter going on between you and number 6 on the other team. Can you expound upon it?”

Daniel nodded. “He told me I couldn’t score on him. So I told him I’d make 30 points and 6 more because of his Jersey number. So I did. I wanted to keep my promise to him and my promise to put on a show for my fans.”

The interviewer chuckled as she asked one more question. Her eyes glued to him, he wondered if it was because he was sweaty.

“Anything you want to say to your fans who call you the Basketball Idol because of your handsome appearance?”

“I really hope you keep supporting me, and thank you for all the gifts and encouragement. It was a tough choice for me to leave home, but the fans make it feel like home here.” Daniel answered. He had never expected this kind of reaction to happen. 

This kind of crowd seemed more like the crowd at the Kpop concerts he had gone to. Staring up into the crowd, he wondered if he would see her. He wondered if she would even come. Jiyeon... Are you watching?

Eric appeared behind him and threw a towel over his face.

"Let's go shower bro." Daniel looked and smiled at his teammate as he nodded and followed him towards the tunnel leading into the court. 

He glanced back one more time as he did. All of his hard work was paying off, but this was only the beginning.

…

Jiyeon’s seat was good, not great. 

She could see him, but it was certainly not the best seat. Next to her was her manager and friend Jooyoung. Thankfully they had a break from their promotions for 'So Crazy' and Jiyeon was overjoyed it lined up with his first game. His 'debut game' of sorts. 

She had been a SK Knights fan long before Daniel had joined the team, perhaps even before Jiyeon met Daniel. A real die hard basketball fan.

“This is insane.” Jooyoung spoke loudly trying to communicate over the crowd’s noise.

“I’ve never seen this many people at a basketball game. It’s more like an idol concert.”

Jiyeon nodded. She couldn’t disagree. Around them were crowds of young people, although it was expected that there would be male fans. The insane number of younger female fans was crazy. Someone two rows in front had made a makeshift glow stick out of the SK Knights logo.

He was an idol to them.

She was happy that this was such a huge event. She didn’t need to hide. She had already met Girl’s Day on her way in seeing them accompanied by their manager and seen two members of GOT7 in attendance. 

Exo’s Kai and Sehun of course had come to watch. Sehun, who she hadn’t talked to in a while after they apologized for causing the scandal texted her saying they would be there watching. If someone wasn’t there in person she figured they would be watching on TV. All of Korea wanted to see how good he was. 

She knew he could play well, she had seen him play well in college. There was something about his smooth movements, confident posture, and goofy facial expressions that made watching basketball fun. He was very confident in his skills, and it was all backed up by real talent. 

By the end of the first half it was chaos. Fans were going crazy at how good he was.

“DAEBAK, he is so cool!” Jooyoung who had initially been skeptical about him was screaming in joy now.

She had after hearing Jiyeon’s interest in basketball never failed in giving her own basketball analysis like she was an expert. Jiyeon couldn’t really understand what she had said, but her initial conclusion was that he was just average. She had like many other basketball fans doubted the Korean American. 

It wasn’t like this was the first time an ex-NBA player had come. Plenty of American players who had not panned out in America came to play in Korea. None of them were this well payed of course, none of them were as charismatic or handsome as Daniel was. Which was why there was a lot of skeptics among older fans of the KBL. 

However now that it was plain for all to see, Jiyeon wanted to rub it in her face. 

Daniel had easily been the best player on the court and it was only half time. He was better than any of the Korean players, he was better looking… not that it mattered. But he had certainly matured in appearance since Jiyeon had last seen him. He certainly had seen a dermatologist since then. 

Jiyeon’s one complaint about his appearance back then was that his skin wasn’t idol like. But it was different, he had an aura to him, his face shining as much as his play did. 

Then there was the difference in his body language, for some reason he looked like he was free. Like he was in his element. Jiyeon had watched several of his NBA games and he always seemed nervous, he didn’t look like the player she had watched in college.

He was definitely not nervous in this game. He looked confident, he looked charming, like the prince she had met at the airport all those years ago. 

She checked her phone which was filled with messages

IU: 10 new messages

IU: OMG

IU: I’m watching right now

IU: we’re going to many games together got it? 

IU: daebak he really is the basketball idol

JIYEON: of course we’ll go to games together

JIYEON: I told you he was good didn’t I?

IU: isn’t it painful to watch though?

JIYEON: no, it’s nice watching him again. 

JIYEON: It makes me proud

IU: ok, as long as you’re ok

KAI (exo): 3 new messages

KAI: Jiyeon-sunbae where are you watching?

JIYEON: I’m in row 20-c 

KAI: oh, we’re in row 3 

KAI: me and Sehun

JIYEON: nice, the game is very good

JIYEON: I see you haha. You’re on the main screen you should look up

KAI: haha ok!

KAI: I can’t believe this guy taught me. You must be jealous you missed out.

JIYEON: yes very jealous :(

Jiyeon grinned amused as she stared at the large screen featuring the faces of Sehun and Kai, they were waiving towards the camera as screams erupted from fans in the crowd. 

Just how many teenage girls were here?

SEHUN (exo): 7 new messages

SEHUN: omg I think I might have a crush on him

SEHUN: noona he’s so cool

JIYEON: haha yes

SEHUN: you should sit with us next time

SEHUN: oh… never mind I forgot it might cause a scandal

JIYEON: yah probably lol…

SEHUN: anyways we’ll probably see you after the game!

JIYEON: ok

INNA: 20 new messages

HYOMIN: 4 new messages

NAEUN (apink): 3 new messages

She was about to check more of her messages when the game began again. She put her phone away and watched. He was resting on the bench and all his fans were calling his name anyways. 

She thought of when she had for sitting on the bench in college. How he had joked that he was just tired and out of shape. Then there was the boy that had played. They were different yet the same. She envied seeing him so free. So happy. 

It brought back memories. Seeing him again brought back good memories. That would be enough for her.

She would watch from afar. She would be his fan, nothing more. She had gone from friend, to lover, to fan. This was the right ending wasn’t it? 

The two of them, maybe would meet at an event. They would act like strangers, and she would remember the dream that had been the time they had spent together. She would dream of that. And that would be enough.

This was her rightful place, up in the bleachers. He was in his rightful place, a star for everyone to see. On the court. 

This was her love for him.