"park, you need to increase your stamina, namjoon, nice job on passing the ball to your teammates but you need to be faster. and bae, same mistake. always the same mistake." the coach shook his head when he stopped at the name that he always call, bae joohyun. the said player lowered his head in shame, if he's tall, then it might be no problem for him to dunk. and that's the problem, all his teammates are much taller than him, some of them had reached 180+ while him still stuck at 170cm. 

 

he maybe tall but he's one of the shortest player, including han and changbin. sigh escape his lips when the bell rang, its time for class but joohyun had no energy to go there even when his friends try to drag him. but a voice from her was enough to make him feel better, and his ears perked up hearing his name being called by the familiar person, "seulgi!" joohyun shouted, leaving all his teammates behind. the only thing that they didn't have is girlfriend, only joohyun have and he is lucky to have seulgi by his side. 

 

"so how's practice?" seulgi smiles, wiping the sweats from joohyun's forehead with a towel that's around his neck and notice a sad look from him, "what's wrong? is coach giving you a hard time again?" she ask as they walk back to the car so that joohyun can change there, he doesn't want to be in the same place as his teammates, not after coach scolding him again. joohyun nodded, frowning a bit and open the car door for seulgi before sitting on the driver seat. 

 

the brunette couldn't help but to giggle, handing him the school uniform and turn on the radio, "you know, we can go on a date tonight if that can help you cheer up. i don't like seeing you like this." 

 

"not my fault. blame coach kim! he's always being annoying." joohyun rolled his eyes, taking off the black shirt before wearing his school uniform. seulgi let out a sigh, as joohyun keeps rambling about how annoyed he is to the coach, the brunette sat on his lap and press her lips against his to stop him, completely caught joohyun out of guard. but he didn't complain, instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face on her shoulder after one kiss, "babe, i'm upset right now. . ." 

 

"i'm aware, joohyun" seulgi let out a sigh. it's usual to see joohyun like this after practice, often being insecure with his own height and was too embarrassed to talk to his teammates afterwards. only seulgi be able to see him like this, whining about his problem to her. she smiled and pat his head gently, running her fingers through his dark hair, "hyun-ah, we have classes, you know" 

 

"i don't want to go" 

 

"bae joohyun, stop being a brat." seulgi rolled her eyes but joohyun still haven't let her go, arms still wrapped around her firmly and close his eyes to forget about what happened. just by hugging his girlfriend is enough to make him calm. without pulling away, joohyun said, "i'm going to daegu after the finale match this month. wanna come with me?" 

 

seulgi gave him a bright smile, "sure. it's not like i want to stay at my apartment for the whole holiday. how many classes you got today?" 

 

"four. . . and you're not in it" joohyun pouted, finally pulling away and look deeply into her hazel eyes that he love. seulgi cup his cheeks, tilting her head a bit and gave him a eskimo kiss, one of the things she likes to do with joohyun. "don't worry. we'll meet again later. you sleep at my apartment right?" 

 

sigh leaving his lips, nodding, "yes. of course, seul. i love you. . ." joohyun randomly said, burying his face back to her shoulder and seulgi let out a sigh. 

 

this is gonna be a long day. 

 

- - - 

 

he couldn't focus, staring blankly at the blackboard while thinking about what to do in the next practice. the finale match will be hard, just like how hard he is trying to play better. just like his academics, joohyun is excel at sports but ever since he enter the basketball team, everything start to become hard and being one of the shortest player there was what he hate. yes, he's tall if you compare him to the other boys at school and girls, but when he's with his teammates . . . joohyun know better than to stand beside them. 

 

the bell rang again, signalling it was time for another class and will be the last for today. without seulgi by his side, joohyun had no energy left in his body to walk, weakly stand up with a frown and saw one of his teammates with girls surrounded him. must be nice. sigh leaving his lips as he walk past them, joohyun didn't even turn back when he heard his teammate shout for his name. joohyun's eyes lit up seeing seulgi standing in front of his class, he quickly walk to the brunette, who's talking to her friends and place his hand on her shoulder, "hyun, i was waiting for you!" seulgi gasped, waving at her friends and then give her boyfriend a kiss on the lips. 

 

"what's up?" joohyun lazily smile, pulling seulgi for a hug that last for a minute since his class will be starting soon. seulgi could only giggle at his action, "i'll be waiting for you at the cafeteria so don't forget to go there, alright?" when joohyun nodded his head, seulgi bid him goodbye before walking away. he is lucky. joohyun shook his head, chuckling a bit and enter the class with a new energy that only seulgi could provided. oh, but the time move slower this time. 

 

tapping the table with a pencil, joohyun placed his chin on the palm of his hand, and didn't notice his friend move to sit beside him, "hey, joohyun" 

 

joohyun looked at the blonde girl in surprised, "seungwan? i've never seen you in this class before" he said, putting the pencil down and paying full attention to the girl beside him. it's not like the teacher would scold them anyway if they were caught talking. seungwan giggles but didn't answer his question. "i see you're still struggling with your practice. how's coach kim anyway?" 

 

"god, he's a horrible person." the raven rolled his eyes, just the thought of his least favourite coach was enough to make him feel sick. seungwan chuckles, even though it's weird for everybody, coach kim is still her favourite teacher in school. he can be quite a jerk but his teaching method never fail to impress the blonde girl. joohyun rest his chin on the table with a bored face, glancing at the clock that's on the wall and let out a small groan, twenty minutes left before the school ended. seungwan hummed, copying the note that the teacher wrote in the blackboard, "seulgi is looking forward for the finale match." 

 

"tell her not to. i won't be playing." 

 

seungwan scoffed, "really, bae? don't you want to impress your girlfriend?" she ask but when she got no answer, an idea pop into her brilliant mind and lips forming a mischievous smile, "you know the basketball captain, kang daniel, right? he always can be seen hanging with your precious girlfriend. better watch out, he can steal her at any time." bingo. seungwan thought when she see how joohyun's face turn into a pissed one. 

 

"damn, that daniel" joohyun muttered, immediately packing his things and when the bell ring, seungwan watch as the raven run out of the class. 

 

does her plan work? maybe? or maybe not? 

 

- - - 

 

he almost reach the cafeteria, ignoring the greeting he got from his friends and stop in his track when he saw seulgi is laughing with the captain. joohyun internally stabbing daniel in his mind, if he did it in real life, he would be in jail and seulgi would broke up with him. forcing a smile, joohyun walked toward the brunette, slightly pulling her away from the captain that's a bit annoyed seeing him, "seul, i'm back. come on, i'll drive you home" 

 

"nuh-uh, pal. i already offered her a ride first." daniel fake his smile to the raven and wink at the brunette, who's confused about the situation right now. joohyun gritted his teeth, doesn't this guy know that they're dating? he forced out a laugh so that he won't seems rude but inside, he just want to beat the hell out of him, "she's my girlfriend. it's my responsibility to take her anywhere she wanted." 

 

"oh. as her boyfriend, how about you allow her to hang out with me today? it's been a while." 

 

"as her most loyal boyfriend, i won't allowed that, captain. even if you're planning on making my practice harder than before." joohyun's jaw clenched, even though their heights are different, it doesn't matter now. he's not scared of him, for the sake of his girlfriend safety. seulgi raised her eyebrow at them, tapping joohyun's shoulder and gesture him to drive her back home. "sorry, daniel. i already planned on spending my time with joohyun today." seulgi gave him an apologetic smile, then pull the raven to his car. if she didn't stop them sooner, they would be fighting. 

 

joohyun was deeply upset, his insecurity kicked in when he see how tall daniel is but nah, he's not perfect to be standing beside his girl. "hyun, are you okay?" the brunette ask, with a worry tone that she's using, joohyun hates making her worry about him like this. sighing, he didn't respond and instead bringing seulgi's hand to him, intertwining their fingers together then smile, "of course, babe. i'm just tired and that daniel ruined my mood." he said, face turns into a frown. 

 

"joohyun-ah." 

 

"sorry, sorry. you know how much he hates me and want to steal you away, i know what kind of a guy he is, seul. unfortunately he's my captain and i had to act nice around him." joohyun rolled his eyes, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear before leave a soft kiss on her lips, "and i hate to admit it but his height. . ." 

 

seulgi immediately stop him, cupping his cheeks with a stern face and said, "your height doesn't matter. as long as you do well in basketball. . . you're amazing, you know that right? and no matter what, i will always be here to support you." joohyun's heart melt hearing those words, he knew seulgi will support him but hearing she said that, joohyun feel special all of sudden. seulgi turn her gaze away to avoid eye contact with joohyun, "j-just do well. i don't want you to whine about this again" 

 

joohyun gave her a smile, nodding his head and lean against the seat, "no promise about that but i will do well." he bring her knuckles to his lips but flinch when a loud knock coming from outside of his car. they both turned to coach kim, who's knocking the car window with a smirk. the raven gulped, 

 

"oh, i am so ed." 

 

- - - 

 

seulgi could only watch him from afar, quietly cheering for joohyun, who's keep failing to shoot the ball into a hoop. "seulgi-ssi?" the said girl turn around and was greet by a smile from joohyun's teammate, mark lee. "ah, hello" seulgi bowed and offer him to sit beside her since all the benches are wet because of the rain not long ago. the boy is a year younger than joohyun but he's much taller than him, another reason why he's so insecure. 

 

"are you going to participate in the finale match?" seulgi started the conversation, earning a nod from the younger boy. mark let out a chuckles, "even though our team never lose before but i still feeling nervous. maybe because of coach? he keeps forcing us to wake up early just to practice." he said while taking out his phone to send a message to his friend. seulgi stares at the raven and sigh leaving her lips as she look down, "i don't know what to do anymore. i'm his girlfriend but even i don't know how to stop him from being so insecure about his height. i mean, what's so important about it?" 

 

mark nodded, completely understand what she mean and give her a bright smile, "well, i'm not that much taller than him, you know. it's understandable that girls might find it weird why guys sometimes worried about their height and all that. but the truth is, joohyun just want to be taller, probably because he want to protect you and since he's a basketball player, it might be embarrassing standing beside the teammates that are much taller. even i sometimes feel that way." 

 

"what can i do to make him feel better about himself?" 

 

"oh well. . . i guess—" 

 

"i quit!" joohyun's voice echoed the whole court as he walk away from the frustrated coach kim but his eyes are literally begging for seulgi to come with him and angrily enter the car. seulgi stood up with a worried face, looking at mark for help. mark sigh, "just calm him down first. he need you now" he said, crossing his arms as he watch the brunette run to the white car. but then his face turn into a nervous mixed frightened one when coach kim glared at him, "now, you!" 

 

"c-coach, i just arrived here. can't you let me rest for a while—" 

 

"no!" 

 

- - - 

 

almost the whole day he's like this, wrapping his body with the white blanket, sulking. even seulgi doesn't know what to do with him and lay down on the bed but then, the sound of the phone ringing cause her to sat back up. raising her eyebrow, seulgi make her way to the kitchen and find joohyun's phone underneath the books, still ringing. "angry mob boss? you can't be serious with this contact name, joohyun." seulgi shook her head, answer the call. 

 

"hello?" 

 

"ah, seulgi. is joohyun there with you?" 

 

"well, he—" seulgi flinched as she hear a loud noise, turning around to see joohyun, with a panic look and blanket still around him, shaking his head, 'tell him i'm not here!' he mouthed. seulgi didn't know what to do, but sigh and pinch the bridge of her nose, 'you owe me fried chicken, bae joohyun' she mouthed back before turning around with a smile, "no, he's not here with me but from what i heard, he got a cold." 

 

"oh, i see. thank you and tell him to practice since the finale match is near" 

 

"of course." seulgi threw the phone to the raven and huff, "i can't believe i just lied to him!" she said angrily. joohyun's lips form a pout but seulgi ignore that look and walk past him, "shouldn't you be happy? you're not going to play for the finale match so why should i come with you to daegu then? absolutely waste of my time."

 

joohyun's jaw dropped hearing those words, at the same time his heart broke a little. he flinch when seulgi slam the door shut and let out a sigh, he really want to quit but seeing the disappointment look on her face . . . joohyun sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling for almost an hour to find something inspirational but, 

 

- - - 

 

with drink in his hand, joohyun's face fall on the table and groan, absolutely nothing. there's nothing he can think of to get his mind back to the finale match. except for seulgi. 

 

"" he cursed under his breathe, not noticing a girl sitting beside him. "you invited me here but you're already wasted" the silly tone she used is enough for joohyun to know who is it as he lift his face back up with an unamused look. "not funny, yerim." joohyun sigh, leaning against the chair, so many problems at the same time. seulgi now didn't want to talk to him, and he also been avoiding coach kim as well as his teammates. since when does his life become a mess like this? yeri rest her chin on her palm with a pity look, "hm . . . i feel sorry for you. but mostly to seulgi." 

 

joohyun glared, "and why is that?" 

 

"well, she's kang seulgi. a girl that excel at every academics, and a bit good at sports. then she date you, the top one student and also basketball player. what will people think when they hear you want to quit and see you like this?" when yeri didn't receive any response, she hum, finally knock some sense into the raven head. "if that didn't make you any better, then you might feel worse about this one." joohyun nervously look at her, afraid to know what will come out of her lips. "seulgi is at the court, hanging out with your teammates. i saw them myself." 

 

"w-what? now?" joohyun stumbled over his words, since when does his girlfriend hanging around with them? yeri nod, "yep, as we speak." she hope that will teach joohyun a little lesson on not to be a quitter. but knowing joohyun, he might saying harsh things about it but what surprised her is that joohyun stood up and run away, she can clearly see the scared look on his face. "what the heck?" 

 

the court is not that far, only took ten minutes to get there by walking and joohyun run as fast as he can, is he jealous or is it because he doesn't want anything bad happen to seulgi? maybe the second one is the right answer for his question. don't get him wrong, he always trust his teammates but that damn captain kang daniel is there, he couldn't help but to feel worried. joohyun reached the court, seeing seulgi chatting with them and daniel is dangerously close to her. "seulgi." he called, noticing how seulgi immediately turn to him with a surprised yet relieved gaze. "joohyun! i thought you're here, that's why i—" 

 

"no need to explain. come on now, i'm kinda tired" joohyun lied, he just doesn't want to stay here for too long, not when his teammates are here. seulgi frowned, bowing at them before following the raven to her apartment. no words spoken, just an uncomfortable silence which none of them like. seulgi glance at joohyun, hoping that the latter won't get the wrong idea. 

 

while joohyun keeps thinking about whether to ignore his teammates or just give up and continue to play? 

 

- - - 

 

it was unusual for their apartment to be quiet, and all lights had been turn off. the couple laid on the bed, joohyun still haven't let out a single word, his back facing her and seulgi was afraid they would break up if this keeps going. "hyun?" 

 

"hm?" joohyun respond but still didn't look at her nor turn to see her face, he just stay there. seulgi gulped, move closer to him and wrap her arms around his torso, "are you mad at me?" the question caught him off guard. joohyun feel her body shaking a bit and he slowly turn around to face her, "no, why would i? i just got a lot of things in my head. if that's upset you, then i'm sorry" joohyun frowned, patting her head gently to show that he's truly care about her. seulgi lowered her gaze, "it's not like you haven't upset me before." 

 

joohyun smiles, "ouch. . . but yeah, you're right" 

 

"and i was just worried about you, joohyun. as your girlfriend, i suddenly feel useless everytime your insecurity kick in. i don't know what and how to comfort you. i feel like i'm a bad girlfriend." seulgi is on the verge of tears, clutching his white t-shirt. joohyun's heart ache and bring her closer, "you've been a wonderful, amazing, beautiful and a perfect girlfriend to me. you always taking care of me, cook, and even stay patient with my clingy . i love you" 

 

giggles escape their lips, seulgi nod and cup his cheeks, "i love you too." 

 

"now that's all settled. do you mind telling me about the meeting earlier?" joohyun raised his eyebrow. seulgi rapidly nod her head, "of course. before you can say anything bad about it, i just wanna say that there's nothing happen. i met them to asked about you." 

 

"me?" 

 

"i realised i don't really know much, that's why i decided to meet your teammates, asking how are you doing there and to see if they can help you." 

 

joohyun gasped, "seulgi!" but before he could say anything else, seulgi shut him up and continue, "no excuse this time. they all agree to help you, they're your teammates after all, joohyun. of course they want to see you succeed too" 

 

"it's just that . . . i'm short as ! even wonyoung and aisha are much taller than me and they're girls!" 

 

"they're in volleyball team, so?" 

 

"what's the difference?!" joohyun groaned, pressing his forehead against hers and purse his lips, "i just don't want people to laugh at you because of having a short boyfriend." seulgi smiles, shaking her head, "joohyun-ah, you're taller than me. you're tall than any other guys in our school, except for our teammates of course. you're a perfect size for me and so what? 170 is also considered as tall. don't let your insecurity stop you from having fun. no matter what, do know that i always love you." she gave him a soft, lingering kiss. 

 

joohyun couldn't help but to smile wider, 

 

"thank you. you're the best girlfriend ever" 

 

"good to know" seulgi smiled back. 

 

- - - 

 

"for someone who's small like you, we suggest you to try jump higher so try dunk for ten times." 

 

"hey, i'm not small! and why ten times?!" joohyun grumbled, swatting namjoon's hand that keep messing with his hair. all of his teammates start to laugh, including seulgi who decided to watch him practice so that he won't quit in the middle of it. an idea suddenly pop into bangchan's mind as he lips forming a smirk and point at the brunette, "if the ball didn't go inside the hoop ten times in a row, no cuddle with your precious girlfriend." knowing joohyun who's so clingy with seulgi, that would be hard and unacceptable for the raven. 

 

joohyun let out a gasp, "what?!" 

 

"that's fair" seulgi shrugged, crossing her arms. 

 

"how is that fair?!" 

 

"alright. we're wasting our time. come on, you can do it. just. . . try and we'll see what we can do to help you." hyunjin coax as he push the raven to the court so that they would continue. during the practice, his teammates teach him all sort of things that he doesn't know, and even seulgi take pictures of him from time to time, sending it to the coach kim to let him know joohyun has been practice hard. 

 

even though it's hard, joohyun managed to shoot the ball eight times in a row, thanks to his hard work, his teammates and his girlfriend support. seulgi even congratulate him with a kiss for not giving up and all of them decided on celebrating that at mark's parents restaurant. 

 

days passed and it turn into weeks. and now is the time for the finale match which will be hard since the opponent team is getting stronger. joohyun couldn't stop from sweating, his hands are shaking and his heart also pounding hard, god, he hate this so much. seulgi seems to notice it and run to where he's sitting, "joohyun!" the said player lift his head up, before standing up to greet his girlfriend. "seulgi . . . help me, the panic attack. it all come back at me" he said with a frown. this isn't new as the raven had experienced it before. seulgi gave him a reassuring smile, nodding her head and caress his cheeks with care, "i know. the finale match must pressure you a lot and i understand. but i'm here for you. if you're panic, look at me. just look at my face." 

 

that seems to comfort joohyun a little, beginning to smile and cup her cheeks, "of course i will. i will win this match for you" 

 

"yes you will. you already work hard for this, so show them what you got. and i promise if you win this, i'll give you a reward" seulgi whispered at the end of the sentence, wink at him before walking away, leaving joohyun who seems to be flustered. "w-what?! can you repeat that again?!" joohyun asked, chuckling a little but then got pull by his teammates to the tent where coach is sitting. 

 

coach kim gave them a death glare, crossing his arms and nod, "you all have done well. especially you, bae joohyun. you've prove yourself to be a better player and a better person. i'm proud." for the first time in his life, he get to see his jerk coach smile and the panic attack he felt earlier gone. is it because he was too scared of getting scold by him and want to prove that he's like the others? joohyun had no idea. coach kim stood up, patting his shoulder with a warm smile, "show them what you got." 

 

"yes, coach!" they both shouted, and finally, the game started. joohyun could feel his heart pounding again, his vision is start to get blurry and almost immediately, he turn his gaze to the brunette. seulgi smiles, showing him thumbs up that makes him feel better once again. with seulgi around him, he sure everything will be alright. 

 

- - - 

 

things already outside of the house but the owners of the luggage bags still haven't arrive from the restaurant. joohyun smile sheepishly as the coach keeps praising him for winning the match and everybody congratulate him, without joohyun, they would sure lose. 

 

"good game, joohyun-ah! you finally put them in their places!" lucas happily said, drink in his hand and pat joohyun's back. joohyun let out a chuckles at the funny sight his teammates made but hand still holding seulgi's tight. seulgi appreciated it, leaning her head on his shoulder, "hyun, you can't drink. you will drive later, right?" joohyun nodded, giving her lips a peck before standing up and pull seulgi with him. 

 

"sorry but we both need to go now. and there's also something i want to say," joohyun raised his glass of water since he can't drink, still holding seulgi hand and smile at them, "i appreciated everybody who had gave me the support, and the help on improving my skills on basketball. it wasn't only me who win, it's us and also, thank you, coach kim for teaching us all this time. please, be our coach again when the next time we meet." joohyun bowed, earning claps from his teammates. coach kim smiled and pat his head, chuckling, "of course, i will." 

 

seulgi just watched them, and smile proudly at the raven. 

 

- - - 

 

"oh my god! you two has got thinner!" joohyun's mom greeted them with a shock face, ushering them in and immediately brought them to the kitchen. it's almost 2am and she's afraid that they will get hungry after that long ride. joohyun poke his girlfriend cheek with a teasing smile, "i don't think this one has got thinner, ma" 

 

"bae joohyun" seulgi glared at him as she swat his hand away, pouting. mrs bae sat down with a smile on her face, knowing her son had win the finale match and she's proud of him that she cook a lot of food. the brunette told everything about what joohyun did, complaining about how he always quit without trying first, causing mrs bae to scold him for a while. joohyun sat on the chair that's in the backyard, staring at the night sky with a smile, it seems like his life has gotten better. he's thankful for that. he felt a hand on his shoulder, "babe, come, join me" joohyun chuckles, patting the empty seat beside him. 

 

seulgi smiles, "gladly." she slightly bow, like the princess in fairy tale and joohyun burst into laughter, bringing her knuckle to his lips, "sorry, milady. do i need to kneel down and propose you now?" 

 

"don't be silly" seulgi let out a giggles, and scoot closer to the raven so that he can wrap his arm around her. his mind travel back to where seulgi said about the reward, and if this is the reward, having seulgi close to him all the time, that would be lovely. very. he likes that idea. seulgi pointed at the shooting star with a gasp, that was an unexpected. 

 

joohyun hummed, "seulgi" he called softly with those eyes that screams love everytime he look at her. seulgi turn her gaze to him and smiles, "yes?" she respond. he's so lucky to have her, really lucky. having someone that cares about him and know how to calm him down, seulgi is perfect. joohyun intertwining their fingers, leaning in to kiss the tip of her nose, "thank you." 

 

"for what?" seulgi giggles. 

 

"for always supporting me, helping me when i'm having a hard time and cheer me up. i wonder what did i do in my past life to have you as my lovely girlfriend. that doesn't matter, what matter is you're still here with me. thank you so much" joohyun couldn't thank her enough, he was really grateful and have so much love inside just for his precious girlfriend. seulgi cup his cheeks, tilting her head and smile widely, "what's the point of being your girlfriend if i didn't comfort you? no need to thank me, hyun, i'm doing all of it because i love you. just like how you love me." but then she give him a death glare, "don't be a quitter again, you hear me, bae?" 

 

joohyun rapidly nod his head while lifting up both his hands in defeat, "yes, ma'am!" god, if look could kill, then he would be dead by now. they then share a few kisses there, flirting and do what they always do before. something that joohyun will remember forever, is this. and the other kind of things that they did before. another memory that they made for tonight. giving her one last kiss in her lips, joohyun caressed her cheek and connect their forehead together, sigh leaving his lips, 

 

"you're someone that people don't want to lose, you're someone that people want to be with all day but i'm lucky. i'm lucky to have you forever, kang seulgi. i love you"