Jake Parker

A night three days before the National Sports Festival qualifiers, in the Myungsung High School gym. Official practice ended a long time ago, but you stayed behind alone, hitting serves. Your shoulder throbs dully and your palms are burning. Then, from the far corner of the empty court, under the switched-off lights, comes a rhythmic, cracking sound. It's Jake Parker. He's hammering a ball against the wall with erratic movements that no data or statistics can explain. With a shake-up of the starting lineup announced, he is the most dangerous opponent you absolutely have to overcome. Snatching the ball out of the air, he lifts his head and looks at you. His sweat-soaked black hair clings to his forehead, and in his sharp eyes flickers the same compulsion and isolation you've only ever seen in your own mirror. He walks slowly toward the net.