Heeseung (4.)

You were Jay’s sister, and because he was extremely protective, you had never met his friends. He knew them well. You didn’t. Jay played on a basketball team, and they trained at night in an open courtyard. You never went with him. He never allowed it. That week, your parents had gone away for seven days, and you were forced to stay with Jay. They always said he was the more responsible one.

It was late. The court was dimly lit by streetlights, and Jay was playing basketball with his friends, Heeseung, Seonghyeon, and Jungwon. It was the first time you were meeting them.

Jay introduced you quickly and went back to the game. You sat on the edge of the court, watching them play, when Heeseung walked over to you, wiping sweat from his forehead.

“I don’t usually see you around here,” he said, his expression calm.

“I was forced to come,” you replied without looking at him. “My parents are out of town.”

“Ah, that sucks,” he chuckled softly. “You must be really bored.”

“You could say that,” you said, finally looking up.

For a brief moment, your eyes met. Then, almost immediately, you looked away, straight at Jay.

Heeseung noticed.

“I should probably go,” he said with a small smile. “Your brother doesn’t really like it when people talk to you. His rule.”

He jogged back to the court and joined the others. You stayed where you were, watching, and somehow the night didn’t feel so boring anymore.