Chapter Seventy-eight "Phoenix in His Arms"

 

 

The Basketball Tournament

The excitement was electric in the air as Phoenix Ridge University’s basketball team stepped onto the court. The crowd roared with enthusiasm, banners waving high in the stands as students cheered for their university. Among them were Taehyung, Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi, Hoseok, and the rest of Jungkook’s friends, all watching intently, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Jungkook stood at the center of the court, his muscles tensed, eyes sharp with determination. The final match of the inter-university tournament had arrived, and he was ready to give it his all. This wasn’t just a game—it was a battle, and he was the warrior leading his team to victory.

As the whistle blew, Jungkook sprang into action, effortlessly dribbling past opponents, dodging tackles, and executing flawless passes. His footwork was impeccable, and his speed was unmatched. Every shot he took was precise, earning points one after another. His opponents struggled to keep up, but Jungkook was a force to be reckoned with.

“Damn, look at him go,” Hoseok whistled, clearly impressed.

“I have never seen someone so fast,” Soobin muttered in awe.

Taehyung, however, remained silent, his eyes locked onto Jungkook’s every movement. He had always known the younger was talented, but watching him dominate the court like this stirred something deep within him—pride, admiration, and something else he never named.

With only a few minutes left on the clock and Phoenix Ridge trailing by a single point, Jungkook knew this was his moment. The ball was passed to him, and he sprinted forward, dodging three defenders before leaping into the air for a slam dunk.

The crowd held its breath as the ball soared through the air.

And then—

SWOOSH!

The ball went through the hoop flawlessly, securing the final points needed to win the match.

A deafening cheer erupted through the stadium. Students jumped to their feet, screaming in victory as the buzzer rang, announcing Phoenix Ridge University as the champions.

Jungkook stood there for a moment, chest rising and falling heavily, sweat dripping down his temples. The moment felt surreal. Then, before he knew it, his teammates tackled him in a massive hug, lifting him off the ground in celebration.

“You did it, Jungkook!” one of his teammates yelled, shaking him excitedly.

He grinned, his heart pounding wildly, but his eyes instinctively searched the stands. And there he was—Taehyung, standing among the professors and friends, watching him with an unreadable expression.

As the celebrations continued, the students poured onto the court, surrounding the winning team. Jungkook was pulled in every direction, but one person managed to reach him.

Taehyung.

Without warning, the older man grabbed Jungkook’s wrist and pulled him away from the crowd, leading him to a quiet hallway near the changing rooms. Jungkook barely had time to question it before he found himself pinned against the wall—again.

His breath hitched as Taehyung leaned in, their faces inches apart.

“You were incredible out there,” Taehyung murmured, his voice low and filled with something that sent shivers down Jungkook’s spine.

Jungkook smirked, still breathless from the game. “I know.”

Taehyung’s lips twitched into an amused smirk before he suddenly leaned in, capturing Jungkook’s lips in a swift, stolen kiss. Unlike their previous ones, which were always rough and hungry, this one was soft—gentle, yet filled with unspoken emotions.

Jungkook’s eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat, but before he could react, Taehyung pulled back, his thumb grazing over Jungkook’s swollen lips.

“Your reward,” Taehyung whispered before stepping back.

Jungkook stared at him, stunned, his mind struggling to process what had just happened.

“Hyung—”

“Go change,” Taehyung interrupted, smirking before walking away as if nothing had happened.

Jungkook touched his lips, feeling the warmth that still lingered.

Unaware of an eye following each of their moves.

And just like that, the victory wasn’t the only thing making his heart race that night.

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