Chanyeol was stretching, and not so casually scanning the bleachers, searching for a certain underclassman that had sworn he wouldn't be seen dead at the basketball game.

Apparently he had changed his mind, as Chanyeol spotted the short boy sitting in a corner near the very top, huddled between two other underclassmen. Chanyeol assumed they were his friends, considering that Kyungsoo was allowing them to touch him, but Chanyeol was more focused on the boy in the middle to notice much about the other two.

The fact that he had come meant a lot to Chanyeol, and when he averted his eyes, a large smirk donned his face. He knew he likely had nothing to do with it, but for the time being, he pretended that Kyungsoo had come to cheer him on. 

With his newly inflated ego, Chanyeol grabbed a basketball to practice dribbling, darting back and forth with his long legs.

Kyungsoo, once he noticed Chanyeol was no longer staring, took a moment to examine the other boy for himself. Chanyeol looked different, and Kyungsoo couldn't exactly decide why.

Was it because the nearsighted giant wasn't wearing his glasses, and his face was now on full display? Was it the basketball shorts that seemed like they had been shrunk in the wash, thought it was likely they were the largest possible size, looking suspiciously like old track shorts with their mid-thigh reach? Or perhaps it was because the boy was in his element, getting ready to play basketball. Though Kyungsoo didn't even know if he was any good. He hoped that the overgrown poodle sucked, so he couldn't be so cocky about everything.

Chanyeol was going to glance back at Kyungsoo, but someone calling his name caused him to turn his back to the home bleachers, and Kyungsoo most definitely didn't take the opportunity to admire his defined back.

Chanyeol noticed Mark walking up to him, and he let his smirk shift into a friendlier grin.

This was Mark's first year at the school, but Chanyeol had met him during summer training, and he liked him well enough, even if he was pretty reserved.

Mark soon stood in front of him, looking to be struggling for words, his eyes shifting to the side. Chanyeol followed his gaze, and he let out a chuckle as he caught onto the situation.

A few feet away, the familiar cheerleaders were talking through their routine, adjusting their outfits, and fixing their ponytails. Now, he knew that it wasn't them that Mark was so curious of, seeing as they had their own summer training, and often ran into the team over the summer.

Not all of them though. Jackson Wang, the only boy in the squad, had spent his summer in China, and this was likely Mark's first time seeing the male cheerleader. Jackson Wang, standing in pants that were much closer to being called leggings, and a tight, sleeveless shirt to match the girl's tights tops and skirts. Along with the school logo, a fierce tiger was displayed on his chest, contrasting with the boy's cheerful expression, though his taut muscles complimented the sleek creature nicely. 

Chanyeol admitted that he looked much more than good, and based on Mark's expression, he knew the other boy likely thought the same. 

Now, Jackson had gotten plenty of shit for being a cheerleader, but this was his second year, and frankly, he was now old news.

Chanyeol liked Jackson for being brave enough to do what he wanted, and he hoped that Mark wouldn't be weird about it.

"That's Jackson. He's on the squad, but he travels during the summer, that's why you didn't see him before. He's a cool guy."

"Is he gay?" Mark was aghast at his own words, but Chanyeol only laughed.

"I don't know. He doesn't correct people on assuming it, though."

Mark nodded, and he seemed to be unable to look away from the boy.

Chanyeol grinned, knowing that Mark may be weird about it, but definitely not in a bad way.

"Why don't you say hi?"

Mark finally snapped out of his stupor, shaking his head firmly.

"Come on, if you had the confidence to actually ask me about him, you must be interested, yeah?"

Mark shook his head again, muttering something about needing to work on his dribbling. Chanyeol watched in amusement as the boy shuffled away.

When Chanyeol turned back, Mark's spot was replaced by Jackson, who had a thoughtful pout on his face.

"Why were you staring? You finally getting the balls," Jackson stole Chanyeol's basketball, dribbling it twice before handing it back, "to ask me out?"

Jackson was joking, but Chanyeol would be lying if he said he hadn't considered it last year.

"No, Mark was wondering about you."

"Mark, so that's his name." Jackson took a moment to stare after the boy, before turning back. His face was passive, and Chanyeol knew that the last year had hardened him to be less emotional about conflict and insults. Based on his expression, he seemed to be expecting the worst. "Well, he's cute, but if he's saying shit-"

"If anything, Jackson, I think you have an admirer."

A pleased smile made it's way to Jackson's face, and he bit his lip to try and hide it, quickly glancing back at the boy, who awkwardly waved when he noticed the cheerleader staring at him. "Well, this is interesting," Jackson said, tearing his eyes away from the handsome boy and strutting back to the squad with newly inflated confidence.

Chanyeol laughed at the situation, but once he realized he was free, he quickly turned back to Kyungsoo, who seemed to be staring right back.

He gave Kyungsoo a cheeky wink, and the boy simply looked away. Chanyeol wished that he had his glasses on, so he could make out the boys exact expression, but soon the coach was calling him, and he pushed all thoughts away, focusing on the team instead of a certain large-eyed boy.