Chapter 2: Encounter

Daegu Korea, 5:00PM in the afternoon

On a court, sounds of balls dribbling were heard.

In the view, there was a small child who looked to be of around 7-9 years old playing against an adult. These two people in question were the child and Joo Won.

Usually people would first think if the two were to have a 1v1, the child would struggle. But it proved to be the opposite as Joo Won was struggling to breathe while the child remained to be not tired at all while dribbling.

The child with the ball in his hands, suddenly made a sharp turn towards the right side. Joo Won instantly reacted as he tried to pry the ball away from the child's hands.

But as he did that, the child threw the ball between Joo Won's legs. At the same time, the child then ran past the unsuspecting Joo Won who had a surprised look on his face, only to see the child catch up to the ball and make a floater.

After seeing that, Joo Won fell down to the ground to catch his breath while the child got the ball and held it using his two little hands.

Joo Won said while frantically regulating his breath, "Yeon-woo, I think we should take a breather. Are you really even an 8th year old?"

Yeon-woo, who held the ball didn't have the slightest reaction to what he said.

Joo Won then said,

"You know, basketball isn't really all that popular here, why don't you try something like baseball or soccer, I bet you can even do well in those kind sports."

What Joo Won said was a fact, they were even very lucky that there was a court in this area despite the court being in a sorry shape.

Yeon-woo, who was silent until now opened his mouth and said,

"But I don't get the same feeling when I hold a soccer ball or even a baseball compared to when I hold a basketball."

Joo Won nodded his head whilst trying to stand up

"Suit yourself. Anyways, let's grab some food"

Yeon-woo nodded as he followed Joo Won who was starting to walk away.

The two were now going to a classic Fast Food chain in korea. As Joo Won and Yeon-woo approached the Fast Food place, what was in front of them was a restaurant with a vibrant tone. On top of the restaurant was a sign that flashed with red light called "Lotteria".

Joo Won opened the door to the restaurant and then said to Yeon-woo,

"Let's have the usual, Shall we?"

Yeon-woo replied,

"Yes."

By the time Joo Won finished ordering the food, the "Lotteria" cashier lady offered him a pamphlet while she looked at Yeon-woo.

Joo Won was wondering what was handed to him when he heard the cashier lady's voice saying,

"This is a promotional pamphlet for a youth basktball event that our store is promoting nation-wide. I saw your little brother holding a basketball and I figured he would be interested in it."

"Oh snap, thanks! Yeon-woo, say thanks to this cashier lady noona" Joo Won replied

"Thank you noona!" Yeon-woo said by bowing his head formally.

The two waved their goodbyes as they headed towards their table. As they finally sat on their seats, Joo Won began to read the pamphlet aloud for Yeon-woo to read

"In July 25-30, there will be a youth basketball camp hosted by a renowned former KBL player and sponsored by "Lotteria" which includes a 1v1 tournament, a brief 5v5 and many more. DISCLAIMER: This event is only for those ages 10 and under. You can register at your local lotteria with a very little fee of 10,00KRW."

Joo Won took a slight pause to recollect his breath and continued excitedly,

"Look Yeon-woo, this is perfect for you!"

Yeon-woo who heard all of the information couldn't help but excited. It's a rare event for something like this to happen

"Joo Won-hyung, I want to join!" Yeon-woo declared

Joo Won with no hesitation signed up to the event and when he looked at the forms he couldn't help but look at the cashier lady and asked,

"Would it be fine for my little brother do not have a family name? He's a "special" case."

The cashier lady got the hint and said,

"Yes, it would be fine as long as you put your phone number.

Joo Won paid the registration fee immediately. At this point they had already finished eating their food, they then waved their good byes to the kind cashier lady.

On their way home, Yeon-woo said,

"Jun Woo-hyung."

Joo Won tilted his head and said

"Yea?"

Yeon-woo replied

"How will we explain this to Seo-yun Noona?"

Joo Won immediately felt his soul being sucked up for a good second and said.

"We'll manage when we get there."

***********

In a decent apartment in Daegu,

The place was furnished just enough and the interior of the apartment was clearly well-maintained and cleaned regurarly, but it was no ways could be classified as "luxurious."

On the floor was a man with his face to the ground maintaining a seiza position

In front of him was a pretty adult woman, on her hands was a ladle, there were several visible bruises on the man's body as she said angrily

"So you applied Yeon-woo to a random basketball camp? Furthermore, how much did it cost! Don't you see we can barely make do with our current funds!"

"But Seo-yun, Yeon-woo said that he wanted to!" Joo Won begged

"Oh so Yeon-woo wanted it, you should have said so in the first place! And also, I'm Yeon-woo's legal guardian so you should inform me of whatever concerns him next time!" Seo-yun stated

"Why did you have to hit me so many times then?" Joo Won cried for injustice

Seo-yun then said with a menacing look on her face, "Because I felt like it, do you need any other explanation?"

"Look Yeon-woo, this is how your noona really is!"

*PHA* *PHA* *PHA*

Silence ensued after all those sounds

Yeon-woo who stared across from the other room had a speechless look in his face after seeing all the fiasco.

*****