As the match began, they waved their pom-poms and chanted with fierce pride.

Eun Shin stood at the front—relentless.

Even when the score dipped.

Even when hope wavered.

She kept cheering, her voice louder than the others', driving her team forward.

Then came the moment.

Seok Jun had the ball.

He ran. Faster.

He pivoted between defenders and kicked—a clean, sharp strike.

The ball soared.

A half-second of held breath.

The net shuddered.

The referee blew the whistle.

For a heartbeat, the stadium stood still.

Then it erupted.

"GOAL!"

The crowd roared. Cheers thundered from the home stands, buzzing with school spirit.

Across the field, the visiting team exhaled in silent defeat, their disappointment tucked behind the composure drilled into them. One by one, they lined up, bumping hands with the victors in a show of quiet sportsmanship.

Han Tael wore a calm smile, his posture relaxed—even when he reached Jae Vin, who met him with a smirk and that unmistakable glint of rivalry.

The moment passed without friction...

Until Jae Vin laughed. Loud. Sharp. Cutting.

"What a sore loser," he said—just loud enough to land like a slap.

Han Tael's friends froze mid-step. Eyes narrowed.

"What did you just say?" one of them snapped.

Jae Vin turned, slow and deliberate, a grin still plastered on his face.

"I said, 'what a sore loser.'"

The atmosphere thickened, tension crackling like static.

Han Tael raised a hand, holding his friends back before anything escalated.

"I think the only losers," he said evenly, "are the ones who act like they're better than everyone else."

Jae Vin's grin twitched, hardening.

"What?"

Han Tael's smile didn't falter. His friends exchanged glances, the message received.

"Yeah," another added, "being on top doesn't make you untouchable. Step on enough people, and you'll fall harder than anyone."

Jae Vin's jaw clenched.

He stepped forward, fire in his eyes—

But Seok Jun was faster. He slid between them, palms up.

"Not here," Seok Jun muttered, low and firm. "This isn't the place."

"That asshole started it!"

"Jae Vin. Don't."

But restraint only stoked the flame.

Jae Vin shoved Seok Jun's hand away violently and sharply.

"Get out of my face!"

Seok Jun winced, rubbing his temple—jaw tight with unspoken exhaustion.

He knew this side of Jae Vin.

Knew it too well.

From the sidelines, past the fading cheers of the crowd, Eun Shin watched.

Her expression held no surprise.

Only quiet observation.

As if she'd predicted every beat of the scene before it played out.

Without a word, she gathered her pom-poms and followed the other cheerleaders off the court.