MISMATCH TACTICS.ᅟ| Byun Euijoo. | &TEAM.
Synopsis: Rumors weave through the university like wildfire, and Y/N’s photography assignment about "The Beauty of Movement" suddenly feels more complicated than it should—especially with that guy from the basketball club always in the frame. Even though Euijoo is the best on the team, Y/N can’t quite capture any passion in every single photo he appears in. And that is annoying. Euijoo is annoying. Byun Euijoo is pretty annoying.
Pairing: PhotographyStudent!Reader x BasketballGuy!Euijoo. {Female!Reader}
Genre: UniversityAU, Enemies to Lovers, Smut, Angst, Fluff.
Warnings/Disclaimers: There will be mentions of blood 'cause there's gonna be a fight. Betrayal is served on breakfast. Euijoo is a damn switch here, plus power bottom vibes as well. The smut part has oral fixation [Euijoo], edging, orgasm denial, dacryphilia, choking, raw sex (don't be a silly wrap your willy), etc. Aftercare is important too. Mentions of other artists (Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Harvey, &TEAM members).
Word count: 7.6k
The truth is that we chase after time, while it slips away with each minute. And as a result of it, the world is in constant motion.
With my dorm door locked behind me, I stepped out into the warm embrace of a summer day, feeling the gentle breeze swirling around me. It was a sign of the wind's dance, a reminder that leaves would rustle, clothes would flutter from nearby balconies outside the university, and students would stride past, all in perfect synchrony. All moving at the same time. Yet, instead of finding this bustling scene overwhelming, it fills me with a sense of calm.
Even as human beings, even in the stillness of sleep or when we find ourselves paused in the middle of this campus, we are perpetually in motion. Our hearts continue to beat and our blood circulates rhythmically through our veins.
This undeniable dance of life is the essence of movement, a testament to our very existence. It’s a beautiful expression of love, a silent reminder that vitality flows within us.
This captivating theme is precisely what professor Seong has chosen for the photography club’s latest assignment, encouraging us to capture the essence of movement in all its forms.
It only took me around 15 minutes to hop on class. But... the seat behind me is empty. Where’s my bestfriend? Yuma is usually the first one to arrive. Not to mention that sometimes he's here even earlier than professor Seong.
"He's sick." Suddenly, a voice rang out along with a hand placed on top of my head. "But don't worry, I already went to see him at the dorm and apparently it's just a cold. Also Harua is with him since he only has one class today."
"A cold? In the middle of the summer? Yuma can sure still suprise me sometimes." I shift my books from the table beside me to clear a spot for the person to sit and set down their belongings. "Anyways, thanks for telling me about it, Fuma."
"No worries, Y/N!" Fuma’s radiant smile is always a breath of fresh air, spreading joy to everyone around him. Our friendship blossomed the day I joined the photography club. It was pouring outside, and he kindly invited me to share his umbrella after class. As fate would have it, I later discovered that he shared a dorm with Yuma, and before long, the three of us became inseparable, enjoying countless adventures together in the campus.
Not long after our conversation, professor Seong arrived, and the class soon started. Our club is currently made up of 13 students, and professor Seong decided to pair us up for the assignment. Since I've typically teamed up with Yuma or Fuma, this time I found myself tackling the project solo. Honestly, I kind of welcomed this decision; it's been a while since I had the chance to deliver an individual presentation in the club, and I was looking forward to the experience.
"Woop, time for the secondary themes." Fuma shared my enthusiasm for the project. Our focus centers for the project were capturing the essence of movement, that was the main theme. Yet the professor mentioned he would assign us a specific subject, situation or object to photograph, adding an intriguing layer to our exploration. He was now following the list of the students names.
"Beomgyu and Yeonjun, your second theme is the nature. Be sure to bring us a nice set of photos this time, we don't need to see your faces in the corner of each one of them." The professor pushed up his glasses thoughtfully as he spoke. Everyone laughed.
"What?! But that's the cool part! If the main theme is the beauty of movement plus nature I can just picture myself running naked with a leaf covering my ginormous—"
"Enough, Beomgyu. Daeun and Jinae, for the secondary theme you'll need to include a stranger. Both of you. The unknown is a complementary element of the art of photography."
Daeun sighed. "Of course you would give that task to an introvert duo, professor Seong..."
"You can just pretend that you don't know me, easy peasy." Beomgyu was still wearing his sunglasses, and he looked even more hilarious now that I noticed it.
"You can sure bet I'll pretend not to know you if you show up in the photos of the university's blog running around naked!" Me and Fuma started laughing again, Yeonjun did the same. Daeun and Beomgyu were undoubtedly siblings in a past life.
"Y/N, your secondary theme will be sports. The university's basketball club, to be more precise."
The basketball club? I've heard of them before, and honestly, it seems like everyone on campus is familiar with their name as well. They've built quite a reputation here, mainly because of their impressive record of victories. It's not just their wins that have made them stand out—it's the way they carry themselves and inspire others. Their presence really adds to the campus spirit and pride.
My thoughts were interrupted by a gentle nudge from an elbow; it was Fuma. "Y/N? Are you listening to me?"
"Oh, yeah, sorry! Go on. I was distracted. Can you repeat what you just said?"
"I said that I got the feeling of sadness as the secondary theme for my project. What the fuck is that even supposed to mean? Should I take some pictures of someone crying their eyes out?"
"Don't forget about the main theme, silly. Just think about it, I already have some ideas in mind about what you could capture with your camera." A solitary figure moving quietly in the fading light of the sunset, casting a long shadow. A hourglass being shattered against the pavement, echoing through the stillness of time. Although that assignment isn't mine, my mind is already buzzing with a wealth of ideas. "But I won't tell you any of them!"
"Well, seems like i'll be having lunch by myself today."
"Wait! Fuma! I was just messing with you. Oh lord, please wait for me!" The moment I shared my request, professor Seong granted us permission to head out for lunch, and Fuma was already making his way to the door. In my haste, I fumbled with my belongings and hurried after him.
(…)
After finishing lunch together, Fuma and I decided to stop by the university's cafeteria for some iced coffee before heading to the library to take a deep dive into our studies. We also wanted to conduct a brief analysis of our cameras to kick off our photography assignment. On our way there, we ran into Harua, who had just left Yuma's dorm. He informed us that Yuma was sleeping and starting to recover pretty well, and he joined us.
We settled at a table on the library's first floor, nestled between towering shelves. The warm yellow light glowed a bit brighter as the sun bid its farewell, casting a gentle ambiance around us.
"You still have your Fujifilm, Y/N?"
"If you're talking about the X100VI, yes, I do have it. And that's the one i'll be using for this project. I'm also thinking about creating an extra file for polaroid pics." My eyes were practically glued to the laptop screen, but I was able to respond and pay attention to what Harua was asking.
"That's a good idea. Maybe you can keep some of the pictures after your presentation for the assignment. And if you don't, please give them to me. I don't have a lot of photos of Maki."
"Maki?" I think I've heard that name before.
"Oh, right! I forgot Maki's in the basketball team. Man, it's been a while since the last time we got to hang out together. I hate my current schedule." As Fuma voiced his frustrations, he reclined in his chair, letting the weight of the day press down on him. With a deep sigh, he rested his head on his arms, which were folded comfortably behind him, seeking a moment of solace amid the studies.
"If you miss me that much you should watch me play more often." Honestly it felt as if Fuma had conjured a spell. Maki's voice made the three of us turn our gaze towards the staircase, and there he was; accompanied by two unfamiliar faces, all dressed in matching uniforms—clearly fellow members of the basketball team.
"Dude, what the hell?" Fuma exclaimed, his excitement evident at the unexpected arrival. They exchanged a quirky handshake, their laughter punctuated by playful ruffling of each other's hair. Following closely was Harua, who wasted no time in greeting the two towering figures beside Maki too. One of them carried a gentle expression and appeared somewhat shy, while the other had his hands tucked into his pockets, exuding a more serious demeanor. They both bore a hint of fatigue, as if they had just emerged from an intense training session.
It's clear they're truly committed to their practices.
"Just got out of a game, we were practicing but Euijoo wanted to close the gym again for some reason—something about needing to focus, you know, the usual complaints," Maki said, his tone suggesting this wasn't the first time. He wore a slight look of annoyance, but there was a hint of acceptance there too.
"I bet it's because of how we performed in the last competition," the tall, quiet guy chimed in. His voice had a pleasant quality to it.
"But didn't you all win?" I couldn't help but interject. Just last month, the entire university had celebrated the basketball team's victory.
"What Jo wanted to say is basically that..." The other guy started to speak, looking at Maki as if seeking his approval to continue. He settled into the last empty seat directly in front of me. Maki nodded affirmatively to him in silence. "Euijoo was benched in the last game. He got blamed for something he didn't do."
"Yeah, sadly Yudai is right. One of the players from the other university's team shoved Euijoo but lost his balance and fell right away. In a twist, he blamed Euijoo, insisting that he was the one who pushed him to the ground." Maki confirmed what the Yudai guy said, prompting Jo to sigh and gaze out the nearest window. From the library, the gym building was clearly visible.
"Have you guys spoken to the team leader or a professor about this? That was really unfair..." I was troubled by the situation. Yet, it seemed that this kind of conflict was a frequent occurrence in basketball competitions.
"Things is... Euijoo's the team leader."
"Oh."
“He can be quite the perfectionist at times, and honestly, that situation has really gotten under his skin for a bit now. I totally get why, though—no one likes feeling that pressure. And that’s not all. There are rumors circulating in the hallways that Euijoo somehow managed to break the guy's leg after the match, ensuring he won’t be available for the next few games. Honestly, that’s just absurd and clearly a fabrication of a bunch of lies.” Maki said, lowering his voice to a whisper as he tried to shield our conversation from prying ears in the crowded library.
I was completely unaware that such incidents could occur within our establishment. To be honest, I don’t typically follow the university’s blog or pay much attention to the gossip among students. Perhaps that's why my perception of the campus has been a little bit more different.
"Y'know what?" Harua checked the time on his phone before getting up. "Maybe we should go see him."
"Are you crazy? That guy looks scary when he's in a 'not today' mood." Fuma's hands were in Harua's shoulders almost instantly, forcing him to sit back down. But he still insisted and got up again.
"Seriously, you’ve got to believe me! Y/N has a photography club assignment that involves all of you—and yes, with that I mean the entire basketball team. This is a fantastic chance for Euijoo to demonstrate his leadership abilities and prove he’s not the person he's been portrayed as."
A hush fell over the chat as we exchanged glances, silently agreeing that Harua should continue sharing his idea. “Y/N is exceptional with the camera. Everyone around here knows she only captures the truth in her photographs. She could never bring herself to portray a lie—it’s just not her style.”
“Well, she would have needed to consult the leader before moving forward anyways, so it doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all.” Yudai offered a warm smile in my direction.
“Exactly! See? I think we should really put my idea into action.”
“Alright, since we’re all on board about this, let’s head back to the gym.” As Fuma, Harua, and I began gathering our things from the study session, Maki gave my shoulder a reassuring pat. “We’re happy to be part of your project, Y/N.”
Maki pushed open the heavy doors of the internal basketball court, nestled within the massive gym building that housed various sports clubs. As the metal clanged against its frame, the sound echoed across the spacious arena, mingling with the rhythmic thud of our footsteps on the polished floor as we stepped inside.
And there he was: Euijoo, the leader of the team.
His figure was illuminated beneath the solitary glow of a single overhead light. The basketball was being dribbled with precision at his fingertips, each bounce resonating in the field. Sweat trickled down his neck, glistening in the soft light, while strands of hair fell across his forehead as he leaped high in the air, attempting to make another impressive shot. The natural light from the late afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm, inviting glow that highlighted the intensity of the moment.
“Come on, man! At least switch on a few more lights,” Maki called out in a mock exasperation, shaking his head with a grin. He hurried to flick on the rest of the lights, bathing the entire court in brightness. With a satisfying thump, he dropped his bag onto the floor, ready to join the game and make his own mark on the court.
Euijoo ignored his words. Another shot.
A three-pointer.
"Dude." Maki swiftly seized the basketball, bringing it under control and catching Euijoo off guard, effectively halting him in his tracks. "Take a moment to chill, yeah?" He said in a laid-back tone.
We could hear the heavy rhythm of Euijoo's breathing, each exhale a testament to his exertion. He was obviously pushing himself, yet there was a fire in his eyes that suggested he felt far from finished with the practice. As the two of them made their way over toward our group, Euijoo hunched slightly, trying to catch his breath.
“Sorry about that.” He managed to say, his voice a little raspy, but it wasn’t hard to tell that this was just another sign of how dedicated he had been during practice on the court. The determination in his expression spoke volumes about his commitment to improving his skills, and it was clear that he was ready to keep going, despite the fatigue that hung around him like a shadow.
"That's alright." Said Fuma, patting one of his shoulders.
"Euijoo. We would like to introduce Y/N to you." As Harua began to speak, I leaned forward slightly, bowing my head in a gesture of respect towards him. "She’s a member of the photography club, and she has a really important assignment about... Uhm... Well, about the—”
“About the beauty of movement.” I interjected with enthusiasm. “We’re looking to capture anything that’s in motion to evoke the essence of what keeps life thriving. I’ve been instructed to incorporate the basketball team as a secondary theme to complement my project, and I’ve heard so much about the incredible passion you all bring to the game. If you would allow me, I would be absolutely thrilled to take some pictures of you guys during your practice sessions.”
I rushed through my words, almost spilling them all out in one breath. Though a slight embarrassment tinged my cheeks, I maintained a steady gaze, looking Euijoo directly in the eyes, determined to convey my sincerity and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
He remained completely still, a wave of uncertainty washing over me. Did I act too quickly? I could’ve kept my cool. What if he—
"She can stay." Euijoo stated with conviction, a subtle smile dancing at the edge of his lips. "Would you like me to give you a tour?"
"But Euijoo, the university's schedule is about to wrap up." Jo mentioned, his brow furrowed with concern. Outside, the tennis club members made their way back to the dorms, the sun setting behind them.
"I’ve got the keys. It won’t take long. You all should use these last few minutes to practice some shots, right?"
"Tag, you're it!" Harua suddenly declared, playfully punching Yudai's back, and just like that, chaos erupted. They quickly forgot about the looming schedule, eagerly falling in line behind Harua as his lively game took over the whole group. And when I noticed, Euijoo was already walking over to some other direction. I had to rush my steps a bit to catch up with him.
I can't forget to message my roommate. I should tell her that i'll be there later than usual today.
Euijoo actually followed through on his promise to give me a tour of the gym building. At first, I doubted he would take it seriously, but he detailed every room, every sports field, and even shared a bit of the history behind the basketball club.
"Thank you so much, Euijoo." I said, bowing my head respectfully while adjusting my bag on my shoulder. "The information you provided is really valuable for my project, but I should probably get going."
It was already past 8 PM, and the others had headed back to their dorms, while Harua went off to check on Yuma again.
"Where’s your dorm? I can walk you there." He offered as he locked the metal doors of the basketball court.
"It’s fine, really. You don’t have to. Plus, I enjoy the summer breeze as my companion sometimes." I replied.
"Photography club, huh? That means your dorm must be in building P90. Let’s go." He insisted, completely brushing off my protest as he walked past me, giving my hair a playful ruffle.
Despite the earlier incident and the rumors I heard, Euijoo struck me as a genuinely good person. While he may not have shown a lot of excitement throughout our time together, he remained kind and gentle towards me, which I really appreciated.
The silence as we walked together felt comfortable rather than awkward. It was nice to take in the natural sounds of the university and the last birds chirping before dusk. We’re enjoying a lovely summer this year.
"Do you have any pictures of yourself?" Euijoo suddenly inquired.
Pictures... of myself?
"I don’t think so, no. I honestly find more joy in capturing what my eyes behold in the moment. As human beings, our time here is finite, and honestly, I have no desire to live forever. Yet, the beauty of being alive fills me with a longing to hold onto memories as if they were treasures meant to last. But me? I'm merely a traveler on this winding journey of life." A hint of nostalgia curled my lips into a small smile as I spoke.
Euijoo halted in his tracks behind me, but I didn’t turn to face him. Instead, I remained five steps ahead, pausing to absorb the moment. For a few seconds, silence enveloped us, but then I heard his voice break through.
"You possess a passion that not many people have, y'know."
"If not for passion, what else can truly energize our hearts?" I mused, lifting my gaze towards the sky. The stars were looking back at me.
My contemplation was soon interrupted by Euijoo’s face drifting into my view, mere centimeters away. In that fleeting moment, we exchanged smiles, a silent understanding passing between us.
Shortly afterward, as I stood at the entrance of my dorm, the time had come to part ways. I waved goodbye, feeling a warm glow from our conversation linger as I stepped inside.
I took my shoes off carefully so I wouldn't make any sound. I knew Harvey, my roommate, would probably be taking a quick nap at this hour. Since she's studying in the fashion area and the summer festival is coming, she's been busy with a lot recently. And as soon as I take a look at the sofa, there she is: sleeping sound and safe with her unicorn plushie between her arms.
After slipping into something more comfortable, I turned my attention to dinner prep. Oddly enough, Euijoo's questions keep swirling in my mind. I can't quite decipher his thoughts, but that's alright. Tomorrow offers a whole new chapter to explore anyways.
(...)
"MAKI! OVER HERE! HURRY!"
We were on the outside basketball court this time. I've never heard Jo raise his voice like that before. He's usually so reserved and keeps a calm demeanor in every situation, but when he's on the field, it’s clear why he was recruted for the team.
With one knee on the ground and my Fujifilm in hand, I’m trying to capture some dynamic moments from this practice game. They’re up against a squad from the boxing club, which is a bit surprising since those guys can actually play well. The atmosphere is tense, yet something feels amiss.
As I focus my camera lens on Euijoo, that feeling intensifies. He’s for sure dedicated on what he's doing right now, but there’s a noticeable shift in his playing style since the first day we met three weeks ago when he was out there alone. He seems... Distracted? No, that’s not the word, it doesn't sound quite right. It’s more like he’s not fully present in the game. This doesn’t feel like him at all.
As the time flew, I got to know a little bit more about everyone on the team. Euijoo is the leader and the point guard, as we all know. He’s the one who brings structure to the team, the strategist whose ideas are perfectly tailored for each unique opponent. Maki is the strongest one, he's also really good at dribbling the basketball, so his main position in the game is the center. Yudai, also known as 'Kei' on the field, is the talest and the best at making more direct approaches. He's the shooting guard. Nicholas is the power forward, working a lot with Maki near the center, and Jo is the small forward. He does a bit of everything and is essencial for the game.
"THAT'S RIGHT, WHO'S THE BOSS NOW?" Nicholas and Maki celebrated their victory with an exuberant chest bump after the leader flawlessly sank a three-pointer. In a burst of excitement, Yudai whipped off his shirt, sprinting around the court with arms outstretched before colliding with Jo for a hug.
The air was filled with a melody of euphoria intertwined with pure joy, and I couldn’t resist capturing this unforgettable moment with my camera. A few clicks here, a few clicks there. This was just perferct for the assignment.
"Come on, champs, it's time for your trophy!" I briefly set my camera aside and grabbed water bottles for them as they meandered over to the benches, ready to catch their breath.
When Euijoo approached me, I handed him a water bottle and smiled. "You went well, Euijoo!"
But I had no answer to my statement. Euijoo just walked past me without saying a word, and he didn't even accept the bottle. What in the world...?
"Just let him be, Y/N. He's probably just tired." As always, Maki told me not to worry too much about this. And to be honest, the weather was too hot at the moment for me to keep my mind busy with it, so I just followed Maki's advice. Maybe I should go to the bathroom just to wash the sweat out of my face.
"Can you keep an eye on my stuff, Kei? I need to use the bathroom real quick. It's really hot here at the outside court."
"Sure, thing. Go before the sun eats your brain." Letting a small laugh escape thanks to the horrible joke he made on the spot, I give him a nod in agreement.
"Now where is the female changing room in this building?" No matter how many times I've walked through the corridors of this place, my sense of direction has never been the best, and it's common for me to get a little lost. I could not dare to say that things can not get worse, because today i'm not even supposed to be here in the first place. If professor Jung happens to be here, he would absolutely complain about my presence inside the sport's building.
"Oh, the red door. It's definitly here! Jeez, I can finally-"
"You can finally what?"
As soon as I stepped into what I thought was the female changing room, I was met with an unexpected sight—there stood Euijoo, shirtless, with his arms crossed and his hair still dripping with water. His eyebrow was raised in a perfectly confused yet annoyed expression. My hand instinctively flew to cover my mouth as I let out a soft, startled scream, pressing my back against the door as if trying to make myself blend into it.
"What the hell are you doing in the female's changing room?!" I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of shock and disbelief.
"Y/N, are you blind? This is not the female's changing room." He replied, visibly irritated. The clarity in his tone struck me like a bolt, and as I began to look around more carefully, the realization dawned on me. I was standing in the men's locker room.
My face flushed with embarrassment as I processed the situation, wishing I could disappear at that very moment. In less than five seconds I already planned my escape from there, but it was all ruined when I opened the door. Someone was coming.
In a blink I was pulled back to the men's locker room, the lights were suddenly off and I had one of Euijoo's hands keeping my mouth shut. The other one was responsible to hold me closer by the waist after he locked the door, so I could not move.
"Euijoo! Are you insane?! Let me out!" My whispers were harsh.
"Stop acting dumb. If I let you out right now, whoever it is outside will immediatly call professor Jung." He was looking at the door over the top of my head. "And besides that, we would both be caught in a huge problem."
"Both? Seriously?! I'm not the one who's locking you up!" I made a determined effort to put some distance between us. I wasn't comfortable with the warmth of his bare torso against mine or the way his breath brushed against my skin. My cheeks felt too warm, and my heart was racing for reasons I couldn't quite understand.
"But you'll definitely be the one everyone at the university's gonna buzz about for years if anyone catches you leaving the men's locker room. With me inside of it." The pause between his phrases carried a weight that sharpened his tone. He leaned in close, whispering, and as he spoke, his hand shifted from covering my mouth to cradling my face, his fingertips pressing into my cheeks.
"I have enough rumors floating around. Don’t screw things up."
Don’t screw things up? It felt as if he believed I was doing this intentionally. I'm still getting my bearings in this place; it was only natural to feel a bit lost. All I wanted was to splash some cold water on my face and shake off the heat from the sun shining outside. But now, all I sense is the intensity of the tension hanging between us.
He was starting to get on my nerves.
"You're adding to the rumors yourself! Your team just won a game, they were all so happy and excited about it, and what did you do? You left them behind celebrating without you, without their leader. You didn't even say a word before leaving! And it's not the first time something like this happens."
"They're not mad about it for sure, right? So why the hell are you? We can still work perfectly as a team. This has nothing to do with you, Y/N, so just stay out of it." He finally let go of my face, but the hold of his hand on my waist was getting tighter and tighter.
Euijoo is annoying.
"How could a team achieve perfection if the leader is not even passionate about what they're doing on the field? I couldn't get a single shot of you on my camera that reflected passion or enthusiasm!"
Euijoo’s face lingered just inches from mine, and I refused to step back. In that moment, time stood still as we locked eyes, the air thick with tension, until we heard the footsteps fade away outside the door. We were safe.
He leaned in and my heart skipped a beat, but instead of closing the gap, he rested his head on my shoulder, releasing his grip on my waist. We remained in that stillness for what felt like an eternity. Just as I was about to call his name...
"Euij-..."
He straightened abruptly and, without a word, unlocked the door behind me. Before I could protest, he ushered me out of the men's locker room and locked it again.
Byun Euijoo is pretty annoying.
After that day, I put my camera away when it came to Euijoo. My focus shifted entirely to the other members of the basketball team. I couldn’t bring myself to capture anything that felt disingenuous or out of place. And every time I looked at Euijoo through the camera lens, the same odd feeling continued to appear.
"Y/N, you're not even touching your food. I'm starting to get worried."
This time I was in the university's cafetaria with Yuma.
We had made plans to grab lunch once he recovered from his cold and our schedules aligned. It felt great to be hanging out together again—after all, he was my best friend, and that’s why he was curious about how I was feeling.
"Don’t worry about me. I’m just feeling a bit worn out from studying and the photography assignment." I said, stirring my coffee latte with a small spoon. "It ended up being a lot more challenging than I had anticipated."
"Why not take a short break then?" He suggested, savoring the last bite of his blueberry cake. "It's friday, our schedule's over for today, and the weather's perfect for a beach day. We could invite Taki as well!"
Taki is Yuma's half-brother. He's in the dance department of our university and he usually doesn’t have classes in the end of the week. Yuma was looking at me with an electrifying excitement in his eyes, a gaze that always made it impossible for me to say no when he wielded that charm.
"Alright, it doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Let’s get ready, then! I’ll meet you at the main entrance around 2 PM." The moment I agreed, Yuma devoured his cake in record time and sprang up from his seat.
In the end, we also invited Yuma, Harua, Beomgyu, Yeonjun, and Harvey. Before we knew it, we were stepping off the bus, our feet sinking into the warm, inviting sand. This beach is a favorite among the students at our university, which meant it was pretty much buzzing with the familiar hustle and bustle of people today.
"Waah, it's been a while since the last time I visited the sea!" Harvey took of the cute hat she was wearing and opened both her arms wide enough to hug around 100 people at the same time. As we walked to a nice spot, she was telling us about how much she missed going for a beach day like this.
"I have my camera, couldn't dare to forget. Look at me, Harv!" I asked as I captured her face, pretty happy with the results afterwards.
"Y/N, give me the camera. You can go swim, okay? We came here in the first place for you to take a break. I'll join you in to time!" Yuma's voice was gentle, a soothing melody in the vibrant chaos around us. As he unfurled his bright yellow towel on the warm sand, I willingly handed over the fujifilm.
The rest of our group had already settled into the rhythm of the day, basking in the sun, their laughter mingling with the notes of some random music and the shuffling of Uno cards, all while savoring juicy slices of watermelon that Yeonjun had brought along with him.
With a grateful glance toward Yuma, I stepped away from our gathering, drawn toward the inviting sea. The moment my toes dipped into the cool water, a refreshing wave enveloped my senses.
But that wave was nothing compared to what hit me next. Literally... A person.
"Fuck, sorry."
The mysterious stranger caught me just in time, grabbing my arm to keep me from tumbling into the water. Beside us lay a volleyball, likely left behind from his game with friends, and it clearly distracted him. "Are you alright?" He said with a touch of concern.
"I’m fine, no worries! It happens." I returned his apology with a soft smile, adjusting my orange bikini after the near mishap.
"We’re kind of matching, though..." He noted, raising an eyebrow. I was caught off guard. What did he—... Oh, his open beach shirt was a vibrant orange too. "I'm Brandon." He introduced himself, extending a hand toward me, his playful demeanor evident.
"Y/N." While taking his hand for a brief handshake, I look around.
"Wanna join us for a game or two? Or maybe we could grab some ice cream instead? Let's pick out something sweet to match your vibe." He winked as he retrieved the volleyball, leaning a bit too close for my comfort during the process. This was becoming less amusing now.
"Well, I'm with my friends over there, so I'll have to pass." I said, taking a step back.
"What? Come on, it'll be fun, Y/N! It's my treat." Reaching out, he brushed my wrist gently. I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. And it was not a good one. So, I instinctively backed away further. Just then, the upper part of my back bumped into something solid.
"Having fun, huh?" It was Euijoo, followed by Nicholas and Maki, both wearing concerned expressions as they took in the situation. Something was bothering them. Euijoo's hand was quick to grab me by the waist.
"Oh? What do we have here... Captain red flag is still in town?" Brandon shot a cocky smirk at Euijoo and hurled the volleyball at him in a rude way, not even caring that I was right in the line of fire. But Euijoo had mad reflexes—he snatched it out of the air just in time, only to shove me aside like an afterthought before catching it. Classic move, right?
Yeah, that’s Byun Euijoo. Kind of a jerk when he wants to be. What the fuck was I hoping so much for?
"Y/N," Maki called, his big hand landing on my shoulder. "Let’s bounce out for a bit. We don't wanna get in the middle of this."
Taking one last annoyed look at Euijoo, I nodded my head in agreement and we decided to leave the scene behind us.
The ride back to the university was... Weird. Everyone was gossiping about what had just happened. It felt like the whole group was charged up, dissecting every moment about the short clash between Brandon and Euijoo. Meanwhile, I forced myself to zone out and push the sound of their chatter away, cranking up the volume on my headphones. Honestly, why should I care about what was happening with Euijoo? He had treated me like I was invisible, so it felt entirely pointless to get wrapped up in his drama.
Once I finally got back to my dorm, I was caught off guard when Harvey pulled me into a tight hug. "Are you really okay, Y/N?" She asked, her voice laced with concern. I could tell she wasn’t buying my attempt to brush things off. Harvey isn’t one to miss the little signs, and it was clear she sensed that something was off with me.
"I just need a long shower and a good night of sleep. I'll be fine, Harv. Thanks." As usual, Harvey and I exchanged our pinky promise sign. Just as our pinkies linked up, her phone pinged with a notification. "Whoopsies, looks like I’ve got a fan asking for an autograph!"
"Honestly, I’m not even surprised." Harvey's work in the fashion course is pretty much famous around campus, and she totally deserves all the attention. Her adorable personality usually makes everything better, and she's a very talented student, but this time her smile faded as she read her messages. "Harv? What’s going on?"
"There’s a video going viral." She swallowed, looking a bit nervous.
"A video? Wait, I don't get it." I was genuinely confused. I leaned in to sneak a peek at the phone, but she pulled it away, staring at the screen like she was trying to decide if she should say anything at all.
"Brandon and Euijoo, uhm..."
"Nope, nevermind, I don't really wanna know."
"Euijoo is dealing with a serious nosebleed in the video, yet they're putting up a good fight. They're saying Brandon went to the hospital after that."
Even as she spoke, her phone buzzed incessantly with notifications.
"What the hell?" I snatched the device from Harvey's hands, she could now see the screen reflected in my eyes.
It was true. The video was anything but good, and Euijoo looked furious. His rage was unsettling. It felt… wrong. It felt wrong that I could see a deliberate intention and will in the way he attacked Brandon, something my camera had never captured during their games on the court. Byun Euijoo, what is happening to you?
"Y/N..." My head throbbed, and I couldn't let Harvey finish her words. I hurried into my room, locking the door behind me, and stood before the mirror in the bathroom.
"So the rumors are true?" I whispered to my reflection. They had said those whispers were lies, and deep down, a part of me still clung to the belief that Euijoo wasn’t that kind of person. I still had hope that, as the time goes by, I would be able to capture the passion dancing in his eyes.
Flashbacks of the day I met him started filling up my thoughts. He was so kind to me... He made me feel comfortable. Was it a joke for him? Was it that easy to pretend?
(...)
The following day found me back at work, focusing on my photography assignment. Once again, I was on the sidelines of the basketball outside court, camera in hand, ready to capture the beauty of the movement against the backdrop of a stunning summer sunset. I was still struggling to get even a single frame of Byun Euijoo.
What really gnaws at me more than Euijoo right now is watching all of the guys on the team behave as if everything was always perfectly normal. They’re pouring their hearts and souls into the game, passionately sweating it out on the field, and cheerfully approaching me to inquire about the photos or to suggest redoing a particular move. It’s all so friendly, but it only makes me feel more unsettled and sick.
Euijoo is nowhere to be found for now. Not on the field, not on the bench... And frankly, I’m not inclined to find out where he’s disappeared to. If completing my project means going without photos of the team leader, then so be it.
"Y/N, can you grab another basketball for us? We're splitting into two teams now!" Yudai called out from the far side of the court, his voice cutting through the air.
"Do ya want me to help out?" Yuma chimed in beside me, he's been keeping me company throughout the day.
"I'll go in a minute. Hand me the keys."
Yuma passed me the keys and made sure to keep an eye on my camera while I was absent. I walked steadily toward the sports building and headed straight for the equipment storage room. Just needed almost one month and now I know this place like the back of my hand. After unlocking the door, I began my search for the basketball.
Suddenly, the door behind me swung shut.
"Damn it, I should have left it more—..." My thought was abruptly interrupted as I caught sight of something in my peripheral vision.
It was Euijoo. And he looked just as taken aback as I was.
I swallowed my own saliva, trying to shake off the awkwardness that hung between us. I turned my back to him, determined to continue the hunt for the elusive ball, but it felt like everything was conspiring to frustrate me. I couldn't find it at all. Great.
"It's on the other side."
I paused for a second, ignoring him again as I scanned in the exact opposite direction.
"Other side, Y/N."
"I know!" I shot back, quickly pivoting to face him, trying to steady my racing heart.
He stood there with his usual unamused look, hands tucked into his pockets, just like he did when he walked me to the dorm on the first day of my photography project. But this time? It's not the same. No way. It’s just not.
"Smile." I said.
Despite the dim light surrounding us, the warm glow of the sunset streaming through the small rectangular window by the ceiling illuminated our figures, allowing us to see each other clearly.
Euijoo stood there in silence.
An immovable soul against the backdrop of uncertainty. His expression was a fortress, guarding secrets I longed to uncover. With hands buried deep in the pockets of his sleek black uniform, he exuded a quiet power, even as the absence of a smile cast a shadow over his otherwise polished demeanor. It was as if the world around him faded, leaving just him—stoic and inscrutable, a puzzle wrapped in mystery.
The position of a captain, naturally.
"Byun Euijoo, I’m talking to you directly." My hands tighten into fists, and I could feel my heart beginning to falter. It was betraying my own rhythm. "Just smile. Show me something."
I couldn't hear even the slightest breath, yet I could see his chest rise subtly as oxygen nourished his body. Two more minutes slipped away in silence, our eyes locked, the world outside fading as time stood still. Just like him once again.
"Byun Euijoo!"
I called out, raising my voice in frustration. "You've got to do something! Smile!" As my patience began to fray, I stepped closer and gave his arm a shove. "Come on, Euijoo! Smile, smile, smile!" Every word carries with it a subtle yet impactful force. I deliver a small punch with each one of the angry pleads. "Please! I can’t take this anymore! You’re so annoying, everything you do is annoying. How could you even go through with that after everything we've heard buzzing around the campus?!"
I fought back my tears, resolved not to surrender. Byun Euijoo is annoying. After all these years of capturing what gives meaning to this Earth, years of showing to people's eyes that everything around us has a name and holds significance... Yet, through my camera's lens, I still struggle to unravel what the world signifies to Euijoo—and more importantly, what Euijoo signifies to me now.
Suddenly, I felt his slender hand wrap around my wrist, drawing me closer. I wasn't finished talking. In an instant, his lips brushed against my neck—his teeth grazing my skin.
And I sensed it.
A smile, lingering where my eyes could not see.
I was frozen in place. His lips wove a tapestry of tender kisses, tracing a slow path up to my earlobe. My body was trembling against my will.
"Brandon was the star of the last championship—the one who made everyone believe that I made a mistake that I never once commited."
He murmured, his breath brushing against my skin as he leaned closer, our faces mere inches apart. "There was a time when basketball consumed my soul, a fire that made me feel truly alive... Even if eternity doesn't appeal to me, I wouldn't mind a few million more years of that passion."
Euijoo's words echoed the very sentiments I had shared on that night, sending a chill through my spine. Even so, amidst the swirl of emotions, I found myself powerless to pull away, silently urging him to continue.
"From that day on, I started questioning my abilities as the leader of the team. Then, in a winter afternoon, he tossed me into the university's swimpool, and with that, I lost something very important to me: a polaroid photo from the first time I played basketball with my dad." I felt his hand move from my waist to my face, giving it a soft caress.
"To top it all off, I not only lost my motivation to keep playing basketball, but then you showed up with that damn photography assignment, and your damn talk about passion. It drove me crazy that I could see a little of my past self in you, and even crazier that I kind of liked it. And honestly, I didn't have tactics to evade or escape the sensation. It was clearly a mismatch for me. Between fighting my fears and hating you, I picked up with the second option."
My eyes brimmed with unshed tears, but I was determined not to let them fall in front of Euijoo. With my head tucked against his chest, I allowed his warm embrace to envelop me completely. We lingered in that moment for a while, silence wrapping around us as we forgot about the basketball I was supposed to be searching for. At that instant, I had no desire to return to the court.
"Can you take me back to my dorm?" I asked, and as the words left my lips, I noticed the sun dipping below the horizon through the small window of the storage room. A smile broke across Euijoo's face, and warmth spread across my cheeks immediatly.
He took my hand, intertwining our fingers with a gentle ease, and silently guided me outside the building.
The journey back to the dorm felt distinctly different that evening. Perhaps it was because, as Euijoo swung the door open with a kiss that caught me off guard, I realized it was not my dorm we were walking into; it was his. The moment hung in the air, rich with the thrill of unfamiliarity and intimacy.
It was that magical hour of the day when the campus was busy with excitement. Students, finally free from the schedule of classes and club activities filled the pathways, animatedly discussing their plans for dinner and the freedom beyond the night. Laughter and chatter surrounded us as background noises, but it felt like we were in our own world, oblivious to the multitude of voices echoing around us.
As he closed the door behind us, he took extra care to lock it, a quiet assurance that we were alone, wrapped in our bubble of privacy. Without a word, he scooped me up in his arms, the suddenness of it sending a thrill through me as he pressed my back against the wall right next to the door.
We both understood that there was an unspoken craving between us, something so big that it defied explanation, yet the pace of our kiss was... Surprisingly gentle. There was no urgency in our movements. Instead, he seemed intent on exploring every moment. His fingertips traced soft, lingering paths on the back of my head, mapping out all the details that ran far deeper than mere attraction.
Just as I thought I couldn’t take more, he playfully bit my lower lip, a teasing gesture before he released it slowly, drawing me back into another kiss that felt like a secret we were sharing. It was in that moment of bliss that a soft noise escaped from my throat, a sound filled with delight, a testament to the feelings he stirred within me.
"Euijoo... Wait." My hesitation was palpable. My palms were pressed against his chest as I paused the kiss, narrowing the distance between our lips to a mere breath.
"Eternity." He murmured, putting me down on the ground. While unbuckling his belt, his gaze was fixed on mine with an intensity that felt predatory. "It would be cool to keep you locked up with me for all that time."
"Euijoo." I called for him once again, trying to catch my breath.
"Please." He sank to his knees with a look I've never encountered before—a blend of seriousness and an intense flame of longing that flickered in his gaze as it met mine, even as the ground embraced him. When his knees touched down, he reached for me, his hands firm yet tender as they slid behind my thighs. His chin anchored against my lower abdomen, a silent plea written on his face. "Let me create a moment so passionate that your eyes won't want to look away this time."
In that instant, I became acutely aware that I might not be the strongest combatant in this battle. I inhaled deeply, summoning the courage to reveal myself. One by one, I began unfastening my clothing, the fabric slipping from my skin until I stood before him, adorned only in my white panties, while he remained fully clothed, an enticing contrast with my garments scattered like fallen petals all around him.
After that, I gently caressed the top of his head.
"My eyes won't leave you for a single second, Byun Euijoo."
Euijoo began by softly nuzzling his lips against the delicate skin on the inner part of my thighs, gently coaxing them apart to fit his head snugly between them. His kisses traveled tantalizingly close to the edge of my panties, playfully ascending until they reached the curve of my belly button. All the while, his gaze remained locked with mine, a silent connection that deepened the actions. It didn't take long before he deftly slipped the fabric away, casting it aside as if it were nothing more than a forgotten accessory.
Without any kind of shame, he smirked before diggin' in. The tip of his tongue traced a wet path right between my folds, making me hold onto his locks with more precision.
The act was repeated on and on a few times, until he made sure I was dripping in his own saliva. He then started slowly toying with my clit while his hands grabbed my ass, bringing me impossibly closer to him. This way, he could finally close his warm mouth around it and start gently sucking. My legs felt like jelly in that moment, and my eyes were tearing up slightly.
He liked the sight of it. He took his sweet time, weaving together a rhythm of tender licks, soft kisses, and gentle sucks that sent waves of pleasure coursing through my body. Each movement prompted me to throw my head back involuntarily, escaping a soft moan that seemed to rise from deep within me. My abdomen tightened with a strong anticipation, and I found myself taking deep breaths, desperately trying to maintain some control over my voice. But despite my efforts, the sweet sensations rendered me utterly unable to contain the sounds that spilled forth, a symphony of pleasure that echoed my desire.
When I looked down again, he was similar to a puppy devouring its treat. Shit.
"Euijoo, let me, nghh... Let me make you feel good too."
My words seemed to have the opposite effect, as he quickly picked up the pace with his tongue. Before long, I felt the unmistakable sensation of one of his fingers exploring deep inside me. When I asked him to pause, he took it a step further, adding another one of his long fingers. I found myself totally lost in a swirl of sensations, feeling as if I were seeing stars reflected on the ceiling of his dorm room.
Just as I was about to reach my limit, Euijoo pulled his fingers out, edging me and denying my orgasm right away. I was taken aback, left with an absurd desire for relief.
"We should take this to the bedroom." The lower part of his face glistened with my essence, making him look unexpectedly charming. His cheeks were beautifully flushed, a striking contrast that made him seem even cuter than I could have ever imagined Euijoo could be.
As he rose to his feet, the excitement was palpable. However, I paused midway through our movement and gently guided him to sit on the sofa. With a playful glint in my eyes, I slipped his basketball uniform shirt off, and once he was bare above the waist, I positioned myself on his lap, our lips meeting in a heated kiss. My hips instinctively began to move against him, feeling the intensity of his desire, and the passion between us ignited like a flame. His hands grabbed my waist, making me press myself more against his hard on.
"Let me get on top of you." This wasn’t some desperate plea, it was more of a confident statement. We took our time shifting around, and before I knew it, I was layed out on the sofa while he was right there, between my legs, busy discarding the rest of his clothes.
"Fuck, I forgot the cond—..." He began, but I didn’t let him finish. I leaned in, brushing my lips against his lower lip in a playful, teasing manner.
"Come on now, captain, hurry it up. You don’t need that." I urged with a mischievous grin. That seemed to kick his motivation into high gear. I felt his hands gripping the back of my thighs, pushing them up and folding me just the way he wanted, adjusting to get closer.
He started to stroke his shaft slowly, doing it as he practically devoured me with his eyes only. And there it was again, the smirk that I once prayed to see. The damn smile. Determined to help him out, I spat in my hand and started to masturbate his cock, replacing his own hand.
And when he could no longer hold back his overwhelming emotions, he locked both of my arms above my head. It wasn’t long before I felt an intoxicating rush, as he filled me with his cock, a powerful wave of pleasure that engulfed me completely. There was a delightful tension, a sweet, small pain, creating an exquisite dance between desire and surrender. I found myself lost in the experience, yearning for it to continue, not wanting this electrifying moment to ever end.
"So fucking tight, jeez..." His words were doing wonders to my ears. But it wouldn't be like me to shut up and listen.
"Then shape me to fit you, and you only, Euijoo. Make me wish to live forever."
My previous words barely escaped my lips, barely a whisper slipping into the air. But he did as I said so, picking up the pace with an eagerness that was palpable. As he spoke sweet, harsh compliments to me, his voice filled with conviction, he shared about how good was being truly passionate about something. It was evident that he relished every second of this newfound fervor.
For the rest of the night, I finally began to realize what Euijoo meant to me. He symbolized transformation, embodied love, and stirred feelings of anger and pride. He represented a memory of hope to hold onto.
Someone who makes me wanna chase them forever, just like the way we chase after time, even knowing it runs out quickly.