Chapter 146
Even if I teamed up with Yoo Seol-ah... she sometimes puts on this act like everything's totally fine, but honestly, it's so obvious. Old habits die hard, and she doesn't even realize it herself. Twirling her shoulder-length side hair around her finger is basic level one, and when she tilts her head slightly and glances up to the left, she's always lying or putting on a performance. We'd spent years together, so I knew every little quirk by heart.
"Uh, just curious, but... do you prefer the cute type?"
Yeah, right, just curious. Was she still hung up on that thing from earlier? Since she asked, I should answer. I thought about it seriously for a second—yeah, the cute type was definitely my jam. But back in the day, I didn't even have a "type," so really, it was more like I loved every single trait she had.
Her eyes were shaking with anxiety, like she was waiting for exam results, and suddenly I felt the urge to tease her a bit.
"Well, yeah, I like 'em."
My straightforward answer made a pouty look flash across her face, even though she tried to hide it. In battle, she was so stone-faced it scared even me watching from the sidelines, but in everyday life, she wore her emotions so openly—that was her ultimate charm point. Probably not just me; anyone close to her adored that side. But judging by how she pouted instantly at my words, she had no idea how cute it was. Made me think she had no room to talk about Lee Seo-yeon.
Of course, pouty Yoo Seol-ah was cute too, but I wanted to see other expressions, so I followed up right away.
"That's why I proposed."
It took her a moment to process. She blinked twice, then burst into flames. ...Man, she ignited fast. She was throwing rapid-fire punches beyond the standard Yoo Seol-ah jab.
We rarely said stuff like "I like you" or "you're cute" outright, but this time I'd managed both, even if indirectly. Not that sweet talk was my forte either, but seeing her flip like that in seconds? Irresistible.
"We'll see you next week, then. Feel free to message anytime if you have questions about classes or tennis!"
The super fun first tennis lesson wrapped up. Yoo Seol-ah, exhausted from all the punching, had her fist resting on my thigh, cooling off. The second she spotted Lee Seo-yeon and Park Harin heading our way, she yanked her hand back.
"Why's your face so red, Seol-ah?"
"...N-no, it's just... running around made it kinda hot..."
Park Harin eyed her suspiciously but let the excuse slide for now.
"Whoa, but Harin, you're insanely good..."
"I was more shocked by you. How'd you nail that in one day?"
The two of them were chatting in perfect harmony. I'd glimpsed it during practice—Lee Seo-yeon had natural talent, and with Park Harin's guidance, she was improving by leaps and bounds.
"...Hah, these talent freaks... so jealous."
If Yoo Seol-ah said that anywhere else, she might get smacked. The instructor had even praised her for mastering the forehand stroke basics in a single day. The rest of us just picked it up a tad faster. As someone who loved table tennis, I'd thrown myself into it—tennis felt more refreshing and powerful. Yoo Seol-ah had switched to a lighter racket mid-lesson and improved too, but she was still the weakest among us.
"Tennis is pretty fun, though... Should I buy a racket?"
"I've got one at home, but if you all get some, we can play doubles. Students can reserve the courts here anyway."
The instructor had mentioned Korea University's courts were top-notch. With some spare cash from cramming work during our move, Yoo Seol-ah and I pulled out our phones to check a racket specialty site.
"Looks like even the pricey ones are just a few hundred bucks? Not much different from table tennis."
"Table tennis paddles have separate blades and rubbers."
Everyone used custom setups for tournaments, so Yoo Seol-ah nodded casually. Lee Seo-yeon, the only one without table tennis experience, tilted her head.
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. You buy the wooden blade and rubber separately, then glue 'em with adhesive."
Yoo Seol-ah explained patiently—her confident domain. Pros often glued their own, and people were always shocked to hear it.
"Even pros? Gluing it sounds so... homey."
Lee Seo-yeon joined in browsing rackets. Park Harin, seeing us huddled over one phone, chimed in quietly.
"You busy today? If not, just head to the store. Gotta feel 'em in person anyway."
Yoo Seol-ah beamed. Was it the exercise or just hanging out?
"No club, no classes today. Wanna grab rackets and shop around?"
Playing was her favorite motto. Park Harin smiled faintly and nodded at her excitement.
"Yeah, way more fun with your own racket."
"I wanna try doubles."
"Doubles... means you'd team with me right now."
By skill: Park Harin untouchable at #1, then me, Lee Seo-yeon, Yoo Seol-ah—with a huge gap to Harin, but close among us three. To balance teams, she'd pair with Yoo Seol-ah, but Seol-ah looked awkward.
Park Harin caught it.
"...Why?"
"Well... if you go all out, balancing's tough."
"...True. For now."
A hint of humility, but her confidence was warranted—no one could challenge it. Yoo Seol-ah fidgeted before mumbling,
"...S-so, what if I teamed with Baek Sion... that'd be okay, right...?"
She tried to sound bold, but spotting Lee Seo-yeon covering her mouth and giggling, she exploded.
"...No, there's this thing called synergy!... Don't you know how crucial team chemistry is in doubles?"
"Sure do. Guess you two have to team up. Oh, matching rackets too."
Lee Seo-yeon handled flustered, fast-talking Yoo Seol-ah effortlessly. Park Harin smirked and jumped in.
"Rackets come in same model, different frames and weights. Perfect."
"W-what matching! Rackets are serious—you don't pick based on that...!"
As Yoo Seol-ah fumed, Lee Seo-yeon rummaged in her bag and popped a small chocolate in her mouth. Instant silence.
...Seriously a cat? Feed it, and it zones in on food.
Meanwhile, Park Harin searched for nearby tennis shops.
"Not far. On that tree-lined street."
"Walk there?"
Sweetened and mellowed, Yoo Seol-ah nodded, and we headed out.
"Whoa, bigger than I thought."
"Yeah, but not open yet?"
True to its trendy street vibe, the exterior screamed chic—like a fashion boutique. But the sign said opens at noon. It was just past, so maybe call? Then a familiar timid voice from the side.
"...Huh."
That shy vibe. ...So that's why it opened at noon.
"You run this place, Instructor?"
"...Y-yeah. This is my main gig, really..."
She seemed flustered but approached. Nothing to hide. Part-timer vibe, so side hustle made sense. True tennis lover.
"Hang on a sec...!"
She dashed inside, flipped lights, tidied up, and finally opened properly. Walls lined with rackets hit us first.
"You really into tennis, huh..."
"Yes. Wanted to try holding some."
Visibly touched, she launched into passionate sales talk beyond mere shopkeep.
"...This limited edition was tough to snag—same as the world #1's..."
Obvious from earlier: pure tennis passion. Probably knew its entire history. She even gave questionnaires to us three, excluding Park Harin (who had one), prepping options based on them. Busy spot—other customers came, owner stepped out.
"Your feel matters most," she said. I pondered long, settling on mint-and-black.
Lee Seo-yeon picked hers; Yoo Seol-ah wavered between two of four suggested.
Both felt good, apparently. Tilting her head, she asked me,
"...Which looks better to you?"
"Isn't it your feel?"
"Yeah, but weight's similar... just looks-wise."
If they felt the same... I pointed to the mint-and-white one. 'Cause I like mint. Like Park Harin said, same brand as mine—diagonal mint accents. Main colors black/white differed, but couple-racket vibes.
She checked mine, then grinned like she'd caught me.
...Knew it.
Let's hear her out.
"Hey, you wanted couple rackets that bad?"
I liked subtle couple looks. But the sore point? She loved them more. Aprons, etc.—obvious. The other two watched eagerly. I pondered, ignored her lightly, set my pick down. Grabbed another.
"But this feels better..."
"Wha— no, you already picked..."
Her 'You're joking, right?' face. I pulled my wallet silently, headed to checkout.
"H-hey!"
She clamped my wrist with both hands. Couldn't move—didn't want to anyway. Turned: wide eyes shaking in panic. I quipped,
"Kidding."
This one's weight bugged me a bit. Fleeting relief crossed her face. Then she squeezed eyes shut, bit her lip. No punch in-store—just glared, grinding teeth.
But no need for me—plenty of teasers here.
"Seol-ah, couple stuff doesn't matter at all, right?"
Lee Seo-yeon struck. Forced smile from Yoo Seol-ah.
"...This fits my hand best...!"
90% true—instructor-picked. But that 10% had her trembling adorably.