The next day, the school was filled with cheers and excitement as the students cheered for their basketball team in the final match. However, one thing was odd-Kang Min, the team captain, was absent from their midst. At home, Kang Min was resting after last night's incident, as well as taking care of his mother who was still weak.
Kang Min sat in the living room, staring at the television showing the broadcast of their school's basketball game. Occasionally he heard the cheers of the excited audience. He felt guilty for not being able to attend and lead the team on the court, but his mother's condition was much more important right now.
"Mom, have you eaten?" asked Kang Min as he brought a bowl of warm soup into his mother's room.
His mother smiled weakly. "Kang Min, you don't have to bother. I can do it myself."
"No, mom. From now on, I will take care of you," said Kang Min with a tone full of firmness.
His mother looked at him with teary eyes. "You've sacrificed a lot for Mom, son. Don't forget about yourself."
Kang Min shook his head slowly. "Family is everything, Mom. I'll never forget."
Meanwhile, at the basketball court, the game was fierce. Kang Min's school team fought hard against a tough opponent. Lee Jong, who was appointed as the substitute captain, tried to lead with passion, even though he felt a heavy burden without Kang Min on the court.
"Focus, guys! We have to win this for Kang Min!" Lee Jong shouted to his team.
At the end of the last quarter, the match became even more thrilling. Both teams' scores were close, and time was running out. Lee Jong, with all his might, managed to score the final points that sealed their team's victory. Thunderous cheers filled the court, and the players embraced each other to celebrate their victory.
After the game, Lee Jong and some teammates visited Kang Min's house. They brought the victory trophy as a token of appreciation for Kang Min.
"Hey, Kang Min! Look what we brought!" Lee Jong exclaimed as he held up the trophy.
Kang Min, who was in the kitchen, came out with a surprised expression. "You guys won?"
"Of course! It's also thanks to the spirit you instilled in us," Lee Jong replied with a smile.
Kang Min looked at the trophy proudly. "You guys are amazing. I knew you guys could do it."
One of his friends tapped Kang Min on the shoulder. "And this is for you too, captain. We wouldn't have gotten here without you."
Kang Min smiled a little, feeling relieved that even though he wasn't on the field, his team could still achieve victory. Amidst all the pressures and trials he faced, this moment gave him a glimmer of happiness and gratitude.
That night, as Kang Min sat beside his sleeping mother, he looked at the trophy on the table. In his heart, he vowed to keep fighting, both for his family and his friends. Because, although his life was filled with challenges, he knew he was not alone.
In the days that followed, Kang Min tried to balance his life full of responsibilities. On one hand, he had to take care of his mother who was still recovering, while on the other hand, he felt he had to stay involved with his school life and friends.
That morning, Lee Jong and Sung Jae came to Kang Min's house. They brought breakfast and some textbooks.
"We know you must be busy taking care of your mom, but don't forget to study. The final exam is coming up," Sung Jae said as he placed the books on the table.
Kang Min smiled a little. "Thank you, you guys are really considerate."
Lee Jong sat beside him, wearing a serious expression. "By the way, how's your mom doing now?"
"A little better," Kang Min replied. "But I still have to make sure she doesn't move around too much."
Sung Jae nodded. "Good then. If there's anything we can help you with, just tell us."
As they were talking, there was a knock on the door. When Kang Min opened it, he was surprised to see eum byeul standing there, carrying a plastic bag filled with food and vitamins.
"I heard from friends that your mom is sick," eum byeul said in a quiet voice. "So, I thought maybe this could help."
Kang Min awkwardly accepted the help. "Thank you, eum byeul. But you don't have to bother."
Eum byeul shook his head. "We're in the same class, Kang Min. If you need help, don't hesitate to tell me."
Lee Jong and Sung Jae glanced at each other, smiling meaningfully at eum byeul's presence. "Looks like Kang Min has other 'guards' besides us," Lee Jong teased.
Eum byeul immediately blushed, while Kang Min just let out a long sigh. "You two are really shameless."
After that, eum byeul left first, while Lee Jong and Sung Jae stayed behind to help Kang Min take care of some things at home.
At school, the students started talking about the upcoming national basketball competition. Their team was invited to participate because of their victory in the previous tournament. However, everyone knew that without Kang Min, their chances of winning were slim.
"How about we talk to Kang Min? He should come," suggested one of the team members during the basketball team meeting.
Lee Jong shook his head slowly. "Kang Min has a lot of things to take care of right now. We can't force him."
However, Sung Jae, who was also there, interjected. "I agree, but we can't just give up either. Kang Min is our captain. Maybe, if we can convince him, he'll consider it."
They agreed to find a good time to persuade Kang Min to play again.
At home, Kang Min accompanied his mother who was resting. However, not long after he sat down, his phone rang again. This time, Lee Ju Nan's name appeared on the screen.
"Kang Min, I need to talk," Lee Ju Nan's voice sounded firm on the other end.
"What's wrong, hyung?" asked Kang Min while leaning back on the sofa.
"I've been talking to some connections. I managed to get a recommendation for you to one of the best universities. This is a golden opportunity. You can continue in the field that your late brother took up. With your talent, I'm sure you'll succeed," Lee Ju Nan said, sounding hopeful.
However, Kang Min took a deep breath before answering. "Hyung, I really appreciate your efforts. But... I don't think that's the path I want to take."
Lee Ju Nan was silent for a while, looking incredulous. "What do you mean? Studying at a top university is a great opportunity, Kang Min. What's more important than this?"
"I want to pursue a career as an international boxer," Kang Min replied in a firm tone. "I want to continue living the way I choose, not because I have to follow in the footsteps of others, even my brother."
Lee Ju Nan's tone changed, sounding more stern. "Kang Min, you know your late brother left not only a reputation, but also hope for your family. Your father and mother would want you to continue what he stood for."
"But that's not my wish, hyung," Kang Min replied, trying to hold back his emotions. "I have my own path, and I want to create my life based on what I believe in."
Lee Ju Nan sighed heavily. "Okay. I won't force you now. But think again, Kang Min. Opportunities like this don't come twice."
After the call ended, Kang Min fell silent, trying to calm his increasingly full mind. He knew that whatever decision he made, it would affect his and his family's future.
Moments later, the house bell rang. When Kang Min opened the door, he saw Choi Sang Woo standing there, carrying a bag of souvenirs, with Ji Ho who smiled a little.
"Hey, Kang Min! We came to bring something for you," Sang Woo said cheerfully as he held up the bag.
Kang Min smiled slightly. "Hyung, you don't need to bother."
"It's not just for you," Sang Woo replied as he stepped inside. "We also brought food for your mom. Ji Ho even helped pick out vitamins."
Ji Ho handed over a small bag containing a vitamin bottle. "I heard your mom is still recovering. These might help speed up the healing process."
Kang Min accepted with mixed feelings. "Thank you, hyung. Ji Ho."
Sang Woo looked at Kang Min with a sharp yet friendly gaze. "Kang Min, I know you're facing a lot of things. But remember, you're not alone. We are here to support you, no matter what path you choose."
Ji Ho nodded in agreement. "That's right. Even if you choose to become an international boxer, we will still be by your side."
Kang Min smiled, feeling a little relieved by their support. Although his future was still full of uncertainty, he felt confident that with the support of his friends and the people who cared about him, he could face whatever lay ahead.