INVISIBLE STRINGS ~ Scoups [C]

🎀3

"Let's just get this done quickly" he said flatly.

Y/N nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! Don't worry, Scoups, I'll handle the research part. You can focus on the analysis!"

Scoups glanced at her for a moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes, before he turned back to his book.

From across the classroom, Yeri grinned while Jeonghan gave an exaggerated thumbs-up.

After Class

The classroom had mostly emptied out, leaving Y/N and Scoups sitting side by side at their desks.

"So, I was thinking we could start with an outline first" Y/N said, scribbling notes in her notebook. "Do you prefer working digitally or on paper?"

"Paper's fine" Scoups muttered, his eyes fixed on the textbook in front of him.

Y/N nodded eagerly. "Got it! I'll draft the initial points and you can refine them. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?"

Scoups let out a small sigh but didn't argue.

After a few moments of silence, Y/N spoke again. "Oh, by the way, did you eat the energy bar? Was it okay?"

Scoups paused before replying, "Yeah. It was fine."

Y/N face lit up as if he'd just given her the highest praise. "Really? I'll bring more next time then!"

Scoups didn't respond, but there was a subtle shift in his expression-something softer, almost amused.

The classroom door creaked open, and Mingyu popped his head in. "Yo, Scoups! Practice starts soon."

Behind him, Jun followed, casually leaning against the doorframe.

"Oh, Y/N!" Jun called out, flashing his signature bright smile. "Thanks for the energy bar earlier. Mingyu said Scoups gave it to him, but somehow, it ended up with me. It was delicious!"

For a moment, the air felt heavy. Scoups shifted in his seat, his gaze flickering briefly towards Y/N.

Y/N froze, her smile faltering for just a second before she plastered it back on her face, brighter than ever. "Really? I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jun! Next time, I'll pack extras for everyone."

Jun tilted his head slightly, sensing something off but Y/N was quick to stand up, gathering her books.

"Well, you guys should head to practice! Don't let Coach yell at you for being late.Yeri probably waiting for me. Good luck at practice, Jun!"

She slung her bag over her shoulder and waved energetically.

Mingyu glanced between Y/N and Scoups before stepping back. "Let's go, Scoups."

Scoups stood up without a word, his eyes lingering on Y/N briefly before walking out.

Jun gave Y/N a small smile before following them out. The door shut behind them, leaving Y/N standing alone at her desk.

Yeri, who had been quietly observing from the back of the room, walked over and placed a hand on Y/N shoulder.

"Y/N..."

But Y/N turned around with a grin, her voice bright but trembling slightly at the edges. "It's fine, Yeri! Really. At least Jun enjoyed it, right? That's what matters."

Yeri frowned. "You don't always have to act so strong, you know."

Y/N laughed lightly, clutching her books close to her chest. "Who said I'm acting? I'm just... happy they didn't let it go to waste."

She started walking towards the door, her steps light and cheerful despite the heaviness clinging to the air.

From outside the window, Scoups glanced back into the classroom as if he could still hear her voice echoing. His brows furrowed slightly before he turned away, walking towards the basketball court with Mingyu and Jun.

The sun was starting to set, casting long shadows over the basketball court. The rhythmic sound of bouncing basketballs filled the air as players moved swiftly across the court.

Y/N and Yeri sat on the bleachers, their drinks growing warm in their hands.

"You okay?" Yeri asked softly, her eyes carefully studying Y/N's profile.

Y/N took a sip of her drink, her smile still in place. "Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"

Yumi hesitated before nodding. "Alright... but you don't always have to smile through everything, you know."

Y/N's gaze drifted toward Scoups on the court, his figure commanding attention as he directed his team.

"It's fine, Yeri. I'm fine" Y/N said quietly before perking up again. "Look! Scoups is about to shoot!"

On the court, Scoups paused mid-dribble, his eyes briefly flickering toward the bleachers. For a moment, their gazes locked and something unspoken passed between them.

But then, Scoups turned back and made a sharp pass to Mingyu.

"Come on, Scoups! You've got this!" Y/N cheered, her voice unwavering.

Practice wrapped up shortly after, with players scattering across the court. Mingyu and Jun walked past the bleachers, waving at Y/N and Yeri.

"See you tomorrow, Y/N!" Jun called out.

Y/N waved back enthusiastically. "Good job, Jun! Rest well!"

Scoups followed a few steps behind, a towel draped around his neck. As he passed by, Y/N stood up impulsively.

"Seungcheol-ie!"

He stopped but didn't turn fully toward her.

Y/N held up a small carton of chocolate milk. "For after practice. It's good for muscle recovery!"

Scoups hesitated before taking the carton. "Thanks."

"You're welcome!" Y/N said brightly.

Without waiting for more, Scoups turned and continued walking.

Yumi tugged on Y/N sleeve gently. "Ready to head home?"

Y/N nodded, her smile still in place. "Yeah, let's go!"

As they walked away, Yeri stole one last glance at Scoups, who had stopped under the dimming lights of the court. He held the carton of chocolate milk in his hand, staring at it for a long moment before slipping it into his bag.

From a distance, Yeri sighed. "You know, Y/N... you're stronger than most people I know."

Y/N just smiled softly. "It's okay, Yeri. He took the chocolate milk..that's enough for today."

The two girls walked away, their figures growing smaller under the fading sunset.

🎀 TO BE CONTINUE 🎀

Thank you for reading my fanfiction. I would like to apologize if there are any mistakes in my language usage and this story has no relation to anyone. This story is purely my imagination and if any part seems similar to another story, it is purely coincidental. If you have the chance, please give it a star! 🌟🌟