《Loverboy || Nishimura Riki》Scholarship

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"I was right all along." Your eyes were burning from the salty tears. "I should've listened to my own gut. I knew he was the same. I knew I should have never associated with him!"

"Y/n..."

"No, Yunjin..I..My heart fooled me. Ni-Ki fooled me." You only stare at his varsity jacket. "He..I never meant anything to him." Yunjin sits closer to you, wrapping her arms around you as you cried onto her shoulder.

"No wonder why he wanted to avoid me. Because basketball is the only thing that matters to him," You sobbed and Yunjin kissed your forehead. You sighed, it gave you a big reality check. Your heart is broken into a million pieces: you kissed him, you trusted him and you knew you shouldn't have.

"I'm sorry, Y/n."

Ni-Ki's been running around to look for you since yesterday. He hoped you didn't think he was avoiding you for the past week, thanks to Coach Minhyun shoving basketball down his throat. Ni-Ki sighed as he looked down at the sticky note you left for him.

For an odd reason, Ms. Lim postponed the art competition for the time being, and Ni-Ki finally had a free lunch. He stopped by the lab to find it completely empty. Where were you?

"Hey guys," Ni-Ki sat down with his friends, "Has anyone seen Y/n?"

Jungwon stayed silent and Sunoo perks up. "Maybe at the art room?"

"Ms. Lim canceled our meetings. She's not in her club either." Ni-Ki looks down.

"The Science department entered some competition thing. Maybe she's doing that?" Sunghoon shrugged.

"Ni-Ki, dude, are you okay?"

"J-Just concerned. She hasn't answered my texts or calls either."

"You really like her, don't you?" Sunoo teases. "God, our lovesick puppy."

"Y-Yeah." Ni-Ki nodded. "I really do like her."

You really didn't know what was wrong, but you were glad art meetings were canceled, because of the upcoming science competition for the city, you could really use the time to prepare.

That and the fact that you've been avoiding Ni-Ki, you didn't want to face him, not after hearing those words from him.

"Hey, lucky charm!" Ni-Ki's voice echoes in the quiet hallway. You curse at yourself and when you close your locker, you find him leaning against it. "I haven't spoken to you in a while.." He scratches the back of his neck. "I miss you."

"You shouldn't be seen with me."

Ni-Ki mutters something you can't quite hear. "Y/n?"

"Coach Minhyun would hate you if he found you with me." You whisper, ignoring the tears that begin to form. "I'm just a distraction, aren't I? You used me, for your little entertainment. I was never important, right? I don't mean anything to you?"

"Y/n.."

"Go away, Ni-Ki. You played with my heart, and I hope you're happy. Go back to focusing on your main priority."

"Please listen—"

You then remembered, opening your locker to find the oversized varsity jacket. He looked at you in sadness, his lips parted from discouraged, but he tried again "Y/n, please..." you gave the material back to him, ignoring his gaze.

"Don't talk to me, Ni-Ki. It turns out all of you are the same, right? Your team makes fun of you because you have some reputation to keep up," You spoke harsh. "I thought I told you to not care about those things."

You turned your back to him. "I hope you're satisfied." Ignoring the stinging burn in your chest, you walked away, taking a deep breath to compose yourself.

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Ni-Ki closed his eyes from frustration, with himself.

You cried.

It hurt, it pains you, and it only makes you more heartbroken to see him.

It was finals season, and the art club has just been on hiatus ever since. Ms. Lim did open up to you about why she wanted an art club here at Ace Academia.

Because she wanted to compete for that #1 spot for best high school in Seoul, and since the other schools had successful art clubs, she wanted to do the same here. She did somewhat had a passion for art, but she also ran a bunch of other clubs, so it might've fell out of his priority.

It was rather a fail, so she's been putting it off. Still determined to make this school top 1, but it will just have to be another way.

Ni-Ki noticed an empty spot on the bleachers for almost two weeks since your conversation occurred, disappointed at himself, and how you weren't there to cheer him on.

He felt ashamed, broken, and he missed you. You wondered, if things would've stayed the same if you hadn't stumbled upon their conversation.

Would he still be distant? Or would he go back to the same caring and affectionate Ni-Ki. You couldn't stop thinking about him and you hated it.

Yunjin left you the moment you both entered the school, off to the library.

You went to your locker as per usual, until you noticed an expected piece of paper. As if someone had carefully slipped it in the slit of your locker, you picked it up and unfolded it.

rooftop free period? -Ni-Ki

You crumpled the paper between your hands, tossing it in your bag. With a deep sigh, you gathered your things and began walking to your first class.

You took your seat, waiting for Yunjin to arrive as you stare outside the window, seldomly eavesdropping on the conversations you were able to hear. Your eyes met with Ni-Ki with a second, who gives you a sad smile as he passes by your classroom. Millions of questions flooded through your head, and your thoughts are interrupted when Yunjin snaps her fingers in front of you.

"Jesus, Y/n."

"Ni-Ki wants to meet me at the rooftop," She opens her mouth, but you hush her. "I can't."

"First," She said, "Isn't...the rooftop prohibited?" She whispered the last part to just you.

"Second," She continues, "There's no point in ignoring him forever, you're gonna have to hear him out—at some point, to clear the air between y'all. It'll be hard, but he's suffering too, you know?."

"Y-Yeah..."

"I'm handing everyone's exam back, class average is 78 this time. Can't say I'm happy, but I'll take it." The teacher announced, making everyone turn their full attention to the front. "When I call your name, come and get your test.

"Y/n."

You rose from your seat, not expecting much since he did say class average was 78.

But the big 98 displayed proudly on your test paper, you couldn't help but smile, unintentionally catching a smile from your teacher too.

You paced around the bathroom, questioning yourself. Should you really be meeting with Ni-Ki? You were still feeling defeated, the same scene repeated itself in your head.

The bell rings, indicating the next class has started, except you and Ni-Ki had a spare. Maybe Yunjin was right, you could just end it all there. With ignoring all his unanswered texts and missed calls, it wasn't fair for him, and maybe this is what you needed.

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Your feet dragging you around the school as you make your way to the rooftop. Your heartbeat increases every step near the roof, and you're introduced to Ni-Ki's back, his varsity jacket facing you. You hear a heavy breath leave his lips.

"Ni-Ki" You called out softly.

He turns around immediately. "Y/n.." He walks over to you, carefully maintaining a distance. "Thank you, for coming. And I'm so sorry, I regret ever saying that, and I hope you can listen to my explanation."

"Don't make me hate you, Ni-Ki" You replied, letting him continue.

But it gave a bit hope, 'cause it meant you don't really hate him yet. He looked anxious, watching as you stood there, looking up at him.

"What I said back there, yes I said it—but I really didn't mean any of it. Fuck, Y/n. I've liked you the moment we were put in the same math class, and you made me fall deeper the moment we became close. Y/n, I'm in love with you." His nose turned red, but you weren't sure if it was because of the winter weather. Your confirmation was proven when tears left his eyes, he looked so broken and it made your heartaches at the sight.

"I promise, you mean the world to me, even if I don't show it enough. You were the reason I joined art, you were the reason I looked forward to coming to school everyday." Even though his face was still calm and composed, his tears just continued to flow out, one by one.

He quickly wiped all of it away "I know I had some reputation, and I know you told me to not care about what others think. You were right, but I was just—too focused on getting a spot in the finale, my words slipped. Coach Minhyun offered to introduce me, because scouts were coming in, and I...I really wanted to impress them. God, I'm so sorry, Y/n." He looked up for a second, preventing the droplets from falling, before looking at you again. "I hate myself, for hurting you. I still blame myself, for the reason to your pain."

He steps closer, reaching for you hand, locking your fingers to his. "You don't have to forgive me, but please don't hate me. I regret my words, I take it all back and I never meant any of it."

Your eyes met his, and you too were about to burst to tears.

It was even worse that this boy in front of you, is so soft hearted. He wasn't afraid to show you this side of him, because to him, you were really his everything. He didn't care if you saw the ugliness—the flaws in him. He wanted you, and he wanted you to know you can have all of him, if you just give him a chance.

"I don't know, Ni-Ki." You said softly, swallowing your heart away.

"I understand, you should take your time." He took a few steps back, and your hand almost impulsively reached for him.

"No, Ni-Ki." You whimpered, afraid you'd cry uncontrollably in front of him. "I still want to be with you, I just—wish you listened to me. You should've told me you were busy, I didn't want to interfere with your career, and I didn't want to become a distraction to you."

"I know, I know..." He started, walking closer to wipe away the tears you weren't aware had slipped. "I'm really thankful for you, And I don't just want to do basketball."

You smiled through the waterfall that had just erupt, you weren't the prettiest crier, but to him you were the cutest little fluff ball.

"I also want to be with you, and make you happy." He finished, cupping your face in his hand.

"The courts?" You raised your brows in amusement.

"Actually, it's my second place for comfort after the roof," Ni-Ki starts, "Coach lets me here during free periods." He watches you carefully as you sit down on the bleachers.

"It's...so empty," You mutter. "Usually it's loud, with crowds..Chanting your name."

"Yeah?"

"Because you lead the team to victory." You finish. "Because you're a star player, 09." Ni-Ki's heart quickens when you stand up, walking over to him.

Carefully reaching for the ball and taking it out of his grip with ease, because he let you.

"Got you~" You teased, starting to run away from him with it. Holding the ball as if your life depended on it.

"Oh my god," Ni-Ki rolls his eyes. "You're a really bad traveler,"

"Please. I don't play basketball."

"You could," Ni-Ki corrects. "If you let me help." There's a smirk on his face that turns your hands clammy.

"Mhm," You hummed. "Sure, Riki. Show me what you got."

"Come here, my love," His voice echoes through the gym. You listen to him and he takes a few steps closer to you. "You get into position like this." His body bends a little, as he begins to demonstrate. "You want your wrist at a certain angle, and then you hop and toss the ball into the hoop." He giggles at the surprised face you show when the ball does land in the hoop.

"Wow, now the pressure is on me." You pretended to pout.

"You can do it." Ni-Ki's arms snake around you, preparing you in his shooting position. "Yeah? You got it. Just give a little jump and see."

And you do.

Ni-Ki has a huge grin on his face, picking you up and twirling you around when the basketball goes through the hoop. "Holy shit," You whisper into his ear, making his spine shiver. He places you down, your faces barely centimeters apart.

"Y/n," He breathes. "I'm still sorry, again—for what I did to you. I'd never forgive myself—"

"I'm not letting you off the hook that easy, captain," Your fingers tug around his collar. "But you're something else, Riki. I've never fallen in love before."

"Let me show you," Ni-Ki whispers. His body freezes a little when your lips connect with his, bringing him closer with your arms hooked behind his neck. His hands slide down from your waist to your hips, keeping your bodies connected.

You were so fucking perfect, a lucky clover in a field of billions of other ones, and he was able to score you.

"I take it things went well, huh?" Yunjin teases, referring to Ni-Ki's varsity jacket that you were wearing.

"Yeah." Is all you said.

"So, ditching me for lunch everyday then?"

"Nope," You laugh. "He's got practice to focus on. Probably about the scouts coming from L.A. to see him in the next game."

"You should be there to watch him. After all, you are his lucky charm." She winks, referring to the sticky note that stuck on your locker. She laughs at your flushed cheeks.

practice might run over, don't wait for me at lunch. I'll miss you, my lucky charm - 09

"I don't even know when he put that there," You mumble.

"Phones exist, honey." Yunjin joked. "But..It's cute, I guess. Whatever floats his boat." You shove her shoulder lightly.

Your lunchtime club was running again smoothly, and Ms. Lim was continuing the art competition like before.

She had people sign up for the competition, because not everyone in the club was mandated to join. You and Ni-Ki didn't really see the need for it, so none of you signed up.

Today was open house day, except even the elementary kids came, not only the middle school students.

They were pretty much touring the entire school, and what better than visiting the chemistry lab to see some cool experiments.

After ten minutes of testing for ionic and molecular compounds out of the unknown substances, you were confused why everyone's eyebrows raised and looking at you weirdly.

"Are you guys okay? Is something wrong—"

Turns out, they weren't looking at you—rathering looking behind you. You almost screamed when a hand reached for your waist and held on to it.

You finally saw his face "Ni-Ki" You sighed out of relieved.

He quickly smiled and let go of you, "Hey guys, Hey Y/n" He joined the rest of the kids, "I came to join the chemistry club"

"No way, you're Nishimura Riki, I saw you on the television at city champion!" One kid said out loud, which made everyone to gather around him.

"You're really cool, my father often watch your games!" Another one joined, a kid with a jersey of number 27 on it.

"My sister said she has a really big crush on you." One said sheepishly, smiling at him.

Which made him laugh at their cuteness, writing his autograph on their tour guide paper. You didn't even know where he got a pen from, but that wasn't a surprised—you definitely weren't expecting him to be this famous.

"Wow, you stole all of my audience." You fake frowned, quickly seeing him made an apologetic look.

"You're adorable," Ni-Ki compliments, placing an arm around your shoulder as you intertwine your hands in his. His free hand holds your bag. "You're pretty good with kids, Y/n."

"Says you, you took all of them from me."

He laughed "I didn't think they would recognize me"

"I bet basketball will be popular again, next year"

Yunjin had offered to take over, so that you could have some free time to walk around.

Basketball didn't start right away since volleyball club and archery was using up the two gyms the school had. So Ni-Ki had to wait for the vball club to finish, then he could use the court.

"Cheer for me?" He asked, finally in the gym. He told you, two of the scouts were coming since they had kids who were interested in the school. It wasn't supposed to be anything big since they were just looking around, but it was the perfect opportunity, to impress them.

"Always." You smiled back.

When you entered, you noticed the same kid from earlier with the jersey number 27, hanging around an older man. You didn't think much about it, until you noticed the coach was talking to him, pointing at Ni-Ki every so often.

That's when it clicked, he was one of the recruiter.

He displayed a smile throughout the entire game, which you were glad.

Since basketball was basically what the school was known for, the gym was filled to the max. Everyone came to watch the match, of Ace Academia vs Ace Academia. They blinded picked which team they were going to be on, and divided team color then.

Since the school's color was blue and white, Ni-Ki was on the blue team with some other members, while Heeseung and the rest were on the white team.

The game was competitive, of course. Ni-Ki managed to get a lead, but was quickly overpassed by Heeseung and Jungwon.

In the end, they ended up in a deuce 3 times, but Ni-Ki won. By 38-36.

He quickly took a drink from his bottle, using the fresh towel to clean how his sweat.

"Riki!" You cheered, running into his arms.

His arms wrapped around you immediately, "My love." He pulled away to look at you, "See, I told you, you'd get used to it"

You laughed, both breaking the hug.

"I'm gonna head back now, Yunjin needs me"

"Alright, I'll see you later, lucky charm." He kisses your temple and begins to walk off with the team, leaving to the locker room to freshen up, leaving you as flustered as ever.

Since your parents were away for some errands in the states, you invited Ni-Ki to come over.

He basically bought the entire bakery and brought it over, ice cream cake, cupcakes, macarons—and you prepared some cut up fruits, and whipped cream.

You smiled as you opened the door for him, running to hug his neck right away.

"Hey there, lucky charm." He greeted, smiling into your ear.

You guys sat on the floor of your livingroom, before he came you've already moved the coffee table slightly near the tv so that there were more sitting space on the carpet.

Everything was going well, and you had a nice playlist playing on the speaker. Ni-Ki would often feed you a macaron and take a bite after you.

You reached for a strawberry, dipping it in the whipped cream before bringing it to your lips. The cream got a bit smudged in the corner of your lips after you took a bite out of it, you didn't notice until Ni-Ki was staring at you with a smirk.

"You have a little," He said muttered while putting a finger to the corner of his lips, tapping it.

Just as you were about to reach for a tissue, he leaned in and kissed the corner of your lips, licking away the cream.

It left you flustered up, and you could feel your cheeks heating up. "Ni-Ki," You whined, looking up at him.

"Sorry love, just wanted to help." He smiled, giving you another kiss. This time, you kissed him back, loving the feeling of his soft lips against yours.

After pulling away, he could notice a disappointed look on you. "You're so cute," His hand made its way to your cheek, caressing it gently.

"So, anything new?" You asked, wondering if anything had happened after open house.

"Right, there were two scouts at our game at open house." He explains. "Turns out they've been keeping on eye on me for a while now, and my father used to coach them back in the 90s."

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