Now, in the present, Joon-hyuk serves. The shuttlecock flies like a white comet. Layla dives, returns it with a reverse slice. He misses. The crowd gasps. She wins the set.
Layla Han, a 22-year Syrian-Korean athlete, grips her racket. Sweat drips down her temple. Across the net stands her opponent—and secret first love—Yoo Joon-hyuk, the national champion who once told her she didn’t belong in competitive sports. Now, in the present, Joon-hyuk serves
“No,” she laughs through tears. “We fly together.” He misses
Joon-hyuk is forced to be her mixed doubles partner. The first practice is brutal. He refuses to sync with her. She refuses to adjust her stance. They lose a practice match 21–5. Layla Han, a 22-year Syrian-Korean athlete, grips her racket
He hesitates. “Because… my father said I’d never be champion if I let myself feel. So I stopped feeling. Until I saw you again.”