Hearts On Court: When Rivals Fall In Love
Episode 3 "Overprotective Dad, Overprotective Siblings"
[Coates Family House - Night After Practice]
Dad (Mr Coates)
(Serious voice at dinner table):
Listen, all of you. I need to remind something again.
Sammy
(Sighs smiling softly):
Dad, you don't have to lecture us everyday.
Dad (Mr Coates)
(Ignores her eyes on papan & Toptap):
This campus is full of young men. And both of you— (points)—are too beautiful for your own good. Boys don't see your heart. They see... something else.
Papan
(Fidgets, softly):
Dad...
Toptap
(Rolls eyes dramatically):
Here we go again. What, should I wear a curtain around me to class now?
Dad (Mr Coates)
(Stern):
Don't joke about this!
Toptap, your face, your skin... your whole presence draws dangerous eyes. And papan— (turns) —you're too sensitive, too trusting. I can't risk you being hurt.
Papan
(Murmurs):
I can handle myself... (but eyes cast down)
Sammy
(Serious now, joining):
Dad's not wrong. That's why I always keep an eye on you two. I may not look like it, but if someone dares touch my brothers, I'll make sure they regret it.
Nunew (new)
(Nodding softly):
Me too... I'll protect them. Even if I'm younger.
Toptap
(Pouts, sassily):
Why do I feel like I'm a glass doll here? I'm not fragile! I can bite harder than anyone.
Dad (Mr Coates)
(Calm but firm):
Maybe. But you can't control otherś intentions. promise me you'll be careful.
Papan
(Exchange looks, sigh):
We promise.
Toptap
(Exchange looks, sigh):
We promise.
[Scene: Outside - Basketball Court same time]
Podd stayed behind after training, locking up the gym. On his way out, he passed by the coates house, hearing faint voices through the open windows.
Dad (Mr Coates)
Papan, you're too sensitive... boys will try to take advantage.
Podd
(Stops walking, heart squeezing):
Sensitive... fragile... He doesn't deserve to be hurt by anyone. Not even me.
He clenched his fists, torn between the role of a coach who must stay fair... and the man who secretly wanted to guard Papan from the whole world.
[Scene: Next Morning - University Library]
Toptap
(Carrying books, mutters):
Ugh, too heavy. Why do professors love torturing us on the first week?
Poppy
(Appears smirking):
Maybe because you're too busy posing instead of studying.
Toptap
(Snaps head up):
Excuse me?!
Poppy
(leans closer smirk):
Everyone knows you're the ‘beauty’ of the campus. But can beauty carry grades?
Toptap
(Gasps dramatically):
Did this rich brat just insult me?
Poppy
(Shrugs):
Just stating facts. Sassy look won't win exams.
Toptap
(Steps closer, glaring voice low but sharp):
And money won't buy you real brains, Suphakorn.
The tension between them. Students passing by slowed, whispering, curious about the clash of the sharp-tongued beauty and the arrogant business boy.
Poppy
(Smirks, but ears red):
Why is he... even more gorgeous when he's angry?
Toptap
(Turns away, tossing hair sassily):
Don't stand in my way again. (but secretly flustered by poppy's intense stare)
[Scene: Basketball Court - Afternoon Training]
Papan
(Runs to join, but ankle sore again):
Ouch...
Podd
(Immediately notices, blows whistle)
Papan. Out.
Papan
(Startled):
But I can still—
Podd
(Stern but worried):
Out. I said now. (helps him sit, kneels again)
Bosston
(Rolling eyes):
Brother, you're giving him special treatment.
Podd
(Sharp glare):
I treat injuries, not people. Anyone hurt is my responsibility.
But deep inside, Podd knew Bosston was right. The way he carefully wrapped Papan's ankle, the way his fingers lingered a second too long... this was more than a coach's duty.
Papan
(Softly, watching Podd's serious face):
Why does it feel so warm... when he's the one worrying?
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