IF IT'S US || SUNWON

BITTERSWEET

The locker room enveloped them in a cocoon of solitude, the echoes of the game still resonating in the air. Jungwon, wiping away the remnants of sweat and tears, looked up to meet Sunoo's gaze. The silence between them held the weight of shared emotions, both sweet and bitter.

Jungwon, his eyes reflecting the disappointment of the loss, finally broke the quietude.

"Sunoo, today was tough. I wanted to win for you."

Sunoo, sensing the ache in Jungwon's words, offered a gentle smile, his hand reaching out to rest on Jungwon's shoulder.

"Jungwon, it's not your fault. We all have those days. Your effort was enough."

Jungwon's eyes, seeking solace in Sunoo's understanding, held a mixture of gratitude and remorse.

"I just wanted to make you proud. Losing feels different when you're not here."

Sunoo, touched by the sincerity in Jungwon's voice, traced patterns on the damp fabric of Jungwon's jersey.

"You always make me proud, Jungwon. It's not about the game, it's about the person you are."

A bittersweet smile played on Jungwon's lips as he looked into Sunoo's eyes, the unspoken connection between them defying the defeat on the court.

"I just wish I could have found you sooner. Your presence means everything to me."

Sunoo, the weight of his hidden affliction still lingering in the shadows, embraced Jungwon in a comforting hug.

"We'll face both victories and defeats together, Jungwon. That's what makes our bond special."

As they stood in the quiet locker room, the mingling of sweat and tears became a testament to the complex intertwining of their lives. The town, a silent observer to their shared journey, held its collective breath, anticipating the next chapter where love, friendship, and the unspoken truths would continue to shape the destinies of Sunoo and Jungwon.