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Sweat dripped down his neck and the back of his jersey was soaked through completely; it had been a while since he had pushed this hard and honestly it was truly refreshing to sprint down the court dribbling the bright orange ball, to show off his skill as he side stepped an opponent and jumped, his arms springing up to launch the ball into the net for a three-pointer.
He high-fived a few teammates on the way back down the court, but his attention was caught by a certain someone watching him from the stands- the very reason why he was playing with everything he had even though this was just a simple match meant to be practice.
He forced himself to pay attention to the game, hand coming forward in a quick reflex to knock the basketball out of the air as it was shot toward to the hoop. The crowd cheered but the one solely watching him just held a proud smile on his face.
Seokjin was a year older than him and was on the track team. They had met through mutual friends and Yoongi had been smitten ever since- but the blonde haired boy was extremely closed off when it came to personal feelings. He didn't exactly know what to do to catch the older man's attention without simply just coming out and questioning him straight on, which Yoongi had no plans of doing in the immediate future. Or any future.
However, some of the things Seokjin did, really made him question whether or not he had feelings for Yoongi without the blonde having to step up to the plate so to speak. Seokjin's eyes were warm when they talked during lunch or when they hung out on the weekend with their circle of friends. He tried to not let it get to him that he and Seokjin had yet to have a moment to themselves without the others. In his mind, if Seokjin wanted something like that, he would've asked. His personality was very outgoing and loud, but calculated- he focused when he needed to but most of the time he loved to just have fun, which usually meant bickering with the younger ones of their group, mainly Jungkook.
He hadn't expected Seokjin to watch this game- he must be tired from his own relay that had ended not too long ago. The event was free for everyone to come and go as they please, and, even though Yoongi had watched the track event, Seokjin mainly, he was genuinely surprised when he noticed that the Jungkook, Seokjin, and Jimin had worked their way to the front of the barricade just to watch them.
He tried to not think about it, but a large part of him had hoped that Seokjin had come just to watch him.
Seokjin was the second fastest on the track team, only behind Jungkook by a few seconds if they were going by sprinting times. He was tall and thin, his shoulders wide, his frame accentuated by the thin, blue and black athletic shirt sticking to him like a second skin, still slightly damp from his relays-
Their school's track team had won the friendly competition between the other high schools and universities who had joined for the weekend; Yoongi was lucky basketball and track had been on the same day, because if they hadn't, it would've looked kind of suspicious if he had come to watch the relays by himself- He still hadn't predicted Seokjin and the others to come to the basketball matches though.
Seokjin had found him in the crowds before his races- He had energetically run on to the field when their school had been called, followed closely by Jungkook and the others, Jimin jogging in, embarrassed but endearing look spread over his features as he tried to cover his face with his hand. Seokjin had blown hand kisses toward the crowds on each side; Yoongi had tried really hard at the time to not look affected. The older man being playful and carefree was one of the many things that first drew the blonde to him, and he could feel his cheeks start to flush as much as he tried to keep himself composed.
While they had been standing waiting for the other groups, Seokjin's gaze somehow found his own, and he was met with a wide, dazzling smile and a fond gaze, the older man’s arm shooting up to wave his hand at him. The flush that crept up the back of his neck was hard to ignore as he shyly returned to greeting meant only for him. He was already changed for his match; he figured Seokjin was able to recognize him so easily because he was wearing all bright red, the uniform a little loose for his frame.
Yoongi figured it was the only logical explanation. There were hundreds of people there after all.
The relays had gone by without a hitch; their track stars had won, but Yoongi had had to leave the area quickly to make it to the gym on time for his own game; he had unfortunately missed Seokjin's gaze sweeping the crowds in search of him shortly after the short team meeting.
Yoongi sprinted down the court, trying to keep his breathing even in order to not waste stamina; there was still half the game left but their score was about twenty points higher, mostly due to Yoongi's frequent three-point shots. He was fired up, and it was due to a certain someone in the stands who he knew was watching his every move.
He heard the whistle blow, their coach calling for one of their time outs, and the blonde jogged over to their bench, grabbing a bottle of water and a small towel. The sweat dripping from his face was not solely from the game, but from feeling those eyes following everything he did.
"Hyung, what has gotten into you? Are there scouts here today?" One of the younger boys who had just joined the team recently asked; he let out a huff, and looked toward the stands. The three who had come to show support from the track team were now sitting down, but even though the bars hid them a bit from view, he could still see Seokjin watching him. He shot him an enthusiastic thumbs up, other hand occupied with stealing from Jungkook's snack pack. Jimin leaned over Seokjin's wide shoulders, copying his move to Yoongi and puckering his lips in a teasing way. The older man tried to shake him off, and Jimin just leaned down to whisper in his ear. He saw Seokjin's face start to flush, reaching back to pinch Jimin's side, the younger laughing loudly. It confused him slightly but then Seokjin's eyes were on him again and he forgot about everything else.
"Something like that-" He replied, barely able to turn his attention away in order to wipe his face and gulp down some water.
The whistle was blown again, and it was time to get back on the court. The bright orange ball was passed to him and he immediately dashed toward the hoop, using his momentum to propel his body up and execute fake-out on his opponent, tossing the ball to his side for his teammate to dunk. The buzzer sounded, signaling their increased lead in points.
His ears picked up a particular loud cheer and his attention was caught by the crowded stands once more, his gaze locking with Seokjin's own. The brown haired man was grinning, and after noticing he had his attention, brought his hand to his lips to blow him a kiss.
The heat crept along his cheeks and he ducked his head, grabbing the hem of his jersey and using it wipe at his damp chin and neck. He ran down the court to catch the others and guard against the only person still open.
The game continued and ended quickly, the final winning score almost triple that of the other team. They had a quick small celebration huddle and lined up to high five as a display of good sportsmanship. After, he jogged over to grab his towel again, wiping quickly over his face and along his arms. He hadn't realized how much he had actually pushed himself; he would definitely be sore later that night and even worse the day after. He reached to grab his duffel bag and slung it over his shoulder, making sure to have all of his belongings. He glanced up into the stands, resisting the urge to feel disappointed when the person he had been hoping to see was nowhere to be found.
Of course Seokjin and the others would leave, the game was over. They came to watch and support and that was that.
He was startled when he felt someone suddenly next to him, an arm sliding over his lower back. He looked up to see Seokjin beside him, close, too close- Seokjin's arm tightened and his hand pressed firmly against his hip in a reassuring grip.
"That was such a good game, Yoongichi; you did amazing. I didn't know you had so much energy." He smiled widely down at the blonde, fond look in his eyes.
"Hyung-" Yoongi started, but Jungkook and Jimin had come up to the pair now as well, matching grins on their faces.
"Wow, Seokjin set a new record for his sprint and Yoongi probably played harder than he's ever played before during a nonofficial match, I wonder what that means-" Jimin teased, voice trailing off lightly. Yoongi glanced back over at Seokjin quickly, "A new record?" He inquired softly.
Seokjin squeezed his hip again. "Yeah, it's no big deal-" He was cut off by Jungkook's huff. "Hyung, you beat me for the first time ever during a practice relay; you're really good at being a show off when a certain someone is watching." Yoongi ducked his head a bit, missing the mock glare that the older man shot the youngest of their group.
"That's really good, hyung. I knew you could beat the golden maknae one day." Yoongi said, Seokjin's face turning bright once more. "Like I said, no big deal! He knew I was coming for his ass, he should've practiced harder." Yoongi just sighed and let his weight settle into Seokjin's side as the two started to halfheartedly bicker back and forth.
After a few minutes with no end in sight, Jimin pulled Jungkook's arm to catch his attention. "Jungkook, as much as I would love to stay in this gym and watch you guys fight, you're going to make them late."
Seokjin's lips dipped slightly in a soft frown. "Late for what?"
"Your date, duh." Yoongi's eyes widened and Seokjin's wasn't much better, deer-in-headlights look set upon his face. He hadn't removed his arm, however.
"I-I'm sorry, what?"
"Your date." Jimin replied, as slow as possible, enjoying both their looks of realization. "Me and the rest of the group were getting tired of you guys ogling each other for the last year and not doing anything so we all decided to have you guys go on a date. So-" He shrugged. "We made you a reservation for two at Hoseok's aunt's restaurant down town. She said it would be free, just mention Hoseok when you get the bill."
"Wait, wait, what-"
Jungkook turned and Jimin followed, "We have to go for different plans ourselves, your reservation is at seven tonight! Bye!"
Seokjin and Yoongi just watched them exit the gym, shocked silence slowly settling into a comfortable air. Yoongi was a mess emotionally, and he was sure Seokjin wasn't much better.
"What assholes..." He heard Seokjin mutter, making him turn toward the older man, heartbeat speeding up as he took in the flush brushed across Seokjin's cheeks and his ears. Seokjin finally caught his gaze, a small embarrassed smile set across his lips. "I guess I waited too long, Yoongichi-" He laughed softly and brought a hand up to rub the back of his neck. "I've been exposed-"
"We," Yoongi cut in, his own face hot at being caught red handed. "We've been exposed." He chuckled lowly, desperately hoping that this nice atmosphere that they had would not suddenly turn into an awkward mess. "I believe Jimin called it a different word. Ogling."
Seokjin stared at him a bit before laughing loudly, pulling away slightly to intertwine their fingers together instead. They were still standing too close- "Yeah, I guess he did. What can I say though; I can't keep my eyes off of you." He finished lowly, and then gestured to their joined hands with his free one. "Is this okay?"
Yoongi just squeezed their palms together gently. "Yeah, it is." Seokjin leaned down slightly, pressing closer than Yoongi had been expecting, his lips ghosting over the blonde's cheek.
"We should go get cleaned up and head out, I'm sure traffic is going to be awful downtown and they told us to not be late."
All Yoongi could do was nod and let Seokjin lead them both toward the locker room area, where they could shower and change out of their sports attire, Yoongi barely able to hide his disappointment at Seokjin having to change out of his tight, thin shirt and knee length shorts. Usually their practices overlapped during the week but he made a silent promise to himself to attend the track team meet ups when he could, especially if it pushed Seokjin to beat Jungkook in sprints. His face felt hot once again remembering the recent turn of events and that simple statement having such an effect on him.
He could relate though- having Seokjin cheer and watch his match had made him play harder than he's ever played, and it had just been a practice game.
"Hyung-" He called out before he could stop himself. Seokjin had pushed open the door to the locker room, but turned back to look at him. "There's a game next Friday night, I can get you a ticket if you want to go-"
Seokjin just smiled widely. "Oh I plan to Yoongichi, as long as you come to my relays." He brought their joined hands up and gently kissed Yoongi's knuckles before gesturing for Yoongi to enter the changing room.
Yoongi felt light, free. He had never really experienced this kind of treatment before. He was used to Seokjin being close to him, but this was on an entire different level and he could honestly admit that he could get used to this change in their relationship and hoped to anyone and everything that was listening that this would last, at least a little while. The butterflies in his stomach were going crazy- and it was the best feeling in the world.
He made a mental note to thank Jimin and the others-
After he kicked their butts for outing him and Seokjin like this.
'Ogling', he scoffed. He glanced toward Seokjin again, catching his gaze. They shared a smile and began to get ready for the night ahead.
Yoongi guessed he could agree with them on that, just this once.