Chapter 2 EPISODE 2

Pyo burst out laughing once more, this time without shame. "Don't worry, Zain. Just stick to your questions and try not to think about it too much. Or, you know, at all."

"Not helpful," I yelled back, but my shame caused the corners of my mouth to twitch upward. Even when I wanted to hide under a rock, Pyo had a way of making things more fun.

I inhaled deeply as the bus came to a halt and more people piled in, attempting to gather my thoughts. Any rumors that were spread about Choi San were simply that-rumors. I wasn't going to get sidetracked by idle rumors since I had work to accomplish. But I couldn't help but wonder as I gazed out at the snow falling. Really, who was Choi San? Was he only the well-liked hockey player, or was there additional going on here that I wasn't prepared to discover?

Pyo's countenance softened as he noticed my change in concentration, as if he could sense my ongoing trepidation. "Hey, forget the gossip for a second. Let's talk hockey. You want to know what to expect from San on the ice, right?"

I nodded, appreciating the shift in subject. "Yeah, I need to understand his playing style. Anything you can tell me would help, especially since I'm supposed to capture more than just his stats. I need the story behind the player."

Pyo leaned back, his eyes brightening with sincere curiosity. "San is phenomenal on the ice. It's not just his skill level but his presence. He's like a conductor with the puck, orchestrating plays that seem impossible until he makes them happen. His speed is one thing, but his agility is what sets him apart. He can weave through defenses like they're standing still."

I said, "That sounds impressive," attempting to visualize the images that Pyo had recounted. Even though I had seen a lot of sports, it was difficult to comprehend the subtleties of a player's approach while thinking about how to write about them in an engaging way.

Pyo went on, "It's not just impressive; it's almost like an art form," "He's got this intensity, too. When he's in the game, he's completely focused, like nothing else exists. But there's also a playfulness to his style that makes him a fan favorite. He's known for his unexpected moves, little flashes of flair that can turn a routine play into something highlight-worthy."

As he talked, I jotted down notes, the picture of San on the ice growing more vivid and captivating with each word. Knowing how those around him would view him would give my article more depth, I asked, "How do the fans and his teammates see him?"

"The fans adore him. You'll hear them cheering loudest for San, especially the younger crowd. They love his energy and charisma. As for his teammates, they respect him a lot. He's not just a show-off; he makes plays that help the whole team shine. Sure, he's got an ego, but he backs it up with real skill and a knack for teamwork when it counts."

I gave this information some thought, valuing the more complex picture of San that went beyond the gossip and his public image. Knowing that this information would give me a better picture of his personality going into the interview, I asked, "And off the ice? During practices or just around the arena?"

"That's where you might catch more of his playful side. He's a joker, always lightening the mood, but he takes his training seriously. You'll see him putting in extra time after official practices, working on his shots or discussing strategies with the coach. He's dedicated, no doubt about it," Pyo said.

I had an increasing feeling of eagerness as the bus rolled approached the stop, along with a renewed respect for my topic. Pyo characterized the San as a multifaceted person who contributed both personality and technique to the ice. I needed this depth to convey not just the athlete but also the person below the helmet in order to frame my tale.

I responded, "Thanks, Pyo. This helps a lot. It gives me a good starting point for understanding who San really is," feeling better prepared for the task at hand.

"No problem, Zain. Just remember to watch him closely at the game. You'll get a real sense of what makes him stand out. It's one thing to hear about it; it's another to see it in action," Pyo told me as I was getting off the train.

I inhaled deeply as I descended into the snow-covered pavement, the icy air stinging my lungs. The star on the ice, San, was more than a myth or a story. I was going to enter his life, and he was a genuine, complicated person. The idea was both intimidating and thrilling. I felt prepared to capture the spirit of Choi San, both on and off the ice, with my notepad brimming with insights and the snow softly falling all around me.