Uy Phong followed An Phong's line of sight—and nearly spat out his drink.
On the court, Thien Hung was giving Hai Minh a piggyback ride, wobbling under his weight as Hai Minh stretched toward a basketball wedged between the hoop and the backboard.
What the hell is this!?First time seeing a stuck ball? Since when was this a "way of playing"? Who in their right mind piggybacks another dude in the middle of the court? Absolutely ridiculous.
Wiping the corner of his mouth, Uy Phong deadpanned:"That's not a strategy. The ball's just stuck."
"Oh. I see." An Phong nodded, like he'd just unlocked a cosmic truth.
Uy Phong frowned."You seriously didn't get that? They're just trying to get it down."
"Yeah, I noticed… it just looked weird, so I wasn't sure if it was normal."
This time, Uy Phong couldn't hold back. He burst out laughing."Ha! Then tell me—what's the normal way of getting a ball down?"
An Phong fell quiet for a few beats, gaze drifting somewhere far away. Then, in his usual flat tone:"I don't know. Never got a ball stuck before."
Uy Phong stared, then cracked up, laughing out loud."You're impossible. So dull it's actually funny."
An Phong just glanced at him once, then looked away, refusing to bite back at the teasing.
Uy Phong cleared his throat, shifting gears."Anyway. How's Taekwondo going? You been to any classes yet?"
"Yeah. Three so far. First day stretching was painful… but by the second day, I got used to it."
"Oh? So your body's pretty flexible, huh?" Uy Phong leaned his chin on his hand, half-evaluating, half-mocking. "With your build, you probably split easier than I do. I've got too much muscle for that."
An Phong raised a brow, silently giving him a look that said: Muscle? Where? Show me, because I'm not seeing it.
Uy Phong chuckled, then—unexpectedly—reached over to ruffle his hair."Wow. Your hair's so smooth. Like a girl's."
An Phong squinted."I don't—"
"Wait, wait—no offense." Uy Phong quickly pulled his hand back, scratching his neck. "I just mean it's soft. Different from mine, or any of the guys."
An Phong sighed, turning his face away. No reply.
For a moment, silence settled.
"…Yesterday, during training," An Phong suddenly said, his voice flat, "I got a call from my grandfather."
"What?" Uy Phong immediately leaned closer, his expression sharpening. "What happened?"
"Nothing. He just asked what I was doing."
"And you said…?"
"I told him I was practicing martial arts."
"You what!?" Uy Phong nearly sprang up. "Why didn't you just hide it, idiot!?"
"I already told him. Oddly, though… he didn't sound happy, but he didn't stop me either. First time that's ever happened."
Uy Phong blinked, clearly thrown."Huh? I thought he'd flip out and drag you home like before."
"I don't know. Still trying to figure out why."
Uy Phong rubbed his temples, sighing."Maybe… it's 'cause you're older now. Maybe he thinks he can't control you like before."
But An Phong knew better. Age had nothing to do with it. His grandfather had only grown more controlling with time, not less. No—this freedom wasn't trust. It was just borrowed time. A leash slackened on purpose. Enough rope to let him think he was free—before it snapped tight again.
He almost explained, but stopped himself. Family business didn't need to be laid bare in front of Uy Phong. Instead, he shifted the topic."…So, there's a basketball tournament coming up?"
"Yeah. You've heard?" Uy Phong tilted his head.
"Vy told me. You guys started training yet?"
"Not yet. Still recruiting."
"Sounds busy."
"…What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just thinking—you'll be too busy to come with me to Taekwondo."
"…Why would I go?" Uy Phong asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Don't wanna watch me spar?"
"You're sparring already? When?"
"This weekend."
"That fast!? You've only trained a week!"
"It's just a test. If I do well, I might get picked for competition."
"I see. But why invite me? Not Vy?"
"She's busy."
"Ahhh…" Uy Phong arched a brow, folding his arms, lips curling. "So I'm just the backup plan, huh?"
His tone was accusing, but his grin gave him away.
"Don't like it? Then don't come," An Phong replied coolly.
"…Tch. Fine, I'll come. I wanna see you fight anyway. Just don't get knocked out—I'm not carrying you off the mat." Uy Phong smirked.
An Phong shot him a sideways glance, a small smirk tugging at his lips."No chance. And you—don't lose next month. Don't make me console you."
"Ha! Console my ass." Uy Phong chuckled low. "You really are annoying. A sharp tongue that doesn't match that pretty face, tch."
An Phong only hummed, ignoring the last part."You're no different."
Uy Phong laughed under his breath, finishing his drink before standing. He glanced at Minh and Hung still fumbling with the stuck ball, shaking his head."Useless idiots…" He sighed, then started toward the court. "Guess I'll go rescue them. Can't stand watching this."
An Phong watched him go, resting his chin on his knees. His gaze drifted over the three loud boys struggling on the court, then over to Vy and An Thư, still laughing together like old friends.
The scene was warm. Bright. Safe.
Closing his eyes, he smiled faintly. For this brief moment, he let himself believe that things were fine. That life was normal.
Because deep down, he knew—this was only borrowed time.
And when the storm finally came, he wanted to remember this peace.
He wished… it could last forever.