INVISIBLE STRINGS ~ Scoups [C]

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Summer Whispers

The school hallways buzzed with chatter as students shuffled between classes. Y/N walked beside Yeri, her notebook clutched tightly to her chest.

"So, what's today's Scoups plan?" Yeri asked with a teasing smile.

Y/N grinned. "No plan today. Just... casual interaction. You know, organic conversations!"

Yeri raised an eyebrow. "Organic, huh? You sound like you're marketing vegetables."

The two laughed as they turned the corner, only to spot Scoups walking ahead with Mingyu and Jun. Y/N steps faltered for half a second before she straightened up and marched forward.

"Scoups!" Y/N called out brightly.

Scoups glanced back, his expression neutral. "What now, Y/N?"

Y/N held out a small keychain-a basketball-shaped charm. "Look! I saw this at the convenience store and thought of you. It's cute, right?"

Scoups stared at the keychain for a moment before sighing softly. "You don't have to keep buying things for me."

"But I want to!" Y/N said quickly, her smile unwavering. "Think of it as... good luck for your next game!"

Scoups hesitated but eventually reached out and took the keychain. "Thanks."

Jun nudged Mingyu with a knowing grin. "Scoups is gonna have the cutest locker key now."

Mingyu chuckled. "Honestly, Y/N, you've got persistence levels I've never seen before."

Y/N beamed. "That's me! Persistent and proud!"

Scoups turned away, slipping the keychain into his pocket without another word. Y/N's smile faltered for a brief moment, but Yeri hand on her shoulder brought her back.

"Come on, superstar. We've got class," Yeri said softly.

Y/N nodded, her bright smile returning as she followed Yeri down the hallway.

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The rooftop was quieter than usual, with only a handful of students scattered around. Y/N had convinced Yeri to join her for lunch upstairs.

But as they pushed open the door, they spotted Scoups sitting by himself on the far side, earphones in, staring at the sky.

Yeri hesitated. "Do you... want to eat somewhere else?"

Y/N shook her head determinedly. "Nope! It's a big rooftop. We'll be fine!"

They settled a short distance away. Y/N kept sneaking glances at Scoups between bites of her sandwich.

Eventually, Yeri sighed. "Just go talk to him already. You're practically vibrating."

Y/N hesitated but stood up, sandwich in hand. She walked over, stopping a few feet away.

"Hey, Scoups!"

Scoups glanced up, pulling out one earphone. "What is it now?"

Y/N held out her sandwich. "Did you eat lunch yet? You can have half of mine if you want!"

Scoups stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm fine."

Y/N didn't back down. "You're always skipping meals. You need to eat properly to stay strong for basketball!"

Scoups sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Y/N, you're exhausting"

Y/N paused, her smile faltering slightly before she forced it back. "But... in a good way, right?"