CCS Ch 11
by soapaIn front of the broadcast cameras, Yooho smiled often. He responded to the interviewer’s words with shy smiles or waved his hand as if he’d been overly praised. Reporters hammered away at their keyboards without making a sound. Photos and text documenting Hyun Yooho’s every move were constantly being transmitted across the network.
“He’s crazy today. He absolutely flew, just flew.”
“That kid’s mental strength is something else…”
“This record… if he maintains it until the next Olympics, he’ll really make history.”
The audience’s excitement didn’t die down easily. Semin rubbed his stinging eyes and stood up. As he left the stands and closed the iron gate behind him, the surroundings became eerily quiet. He grabbed the railing, went down to the first floor, and immediately slumped onto the first step.
“Ouch…”
His body, stiff from hours in the same position, now ached all over. He patted his thighs and leaned his head against the railing. As the tension drained, so did his energy.
Bzz, startled by the vibration that pierced the silence, he looked back. He saw the rectangular light of his phone screen from his bag’s front pocket. He hesitated for a moment, then opened the pocket and took out his phone. A slow sigh escaped Semin’s lips as he looked down at the screen.
[Colorgenic-nim ㅠㅠ It’s Dadofdaughters~~ I can’t get a signal~~ 12:55]
[Colorgenic-nim!! Are you sure you came in? 14:31]
[Colorgenic-nim~~ I think I have to go now!! Let’s definitely say hello next time~ 16:22]
He knew he should reply, but he didn’t have the energy. As Semin stared blankly, his phone vibrated again. Ah, I’m so tired… He listlessly swiped the screen and froze. It was a call from Yooho.
“…Hello.”
He hurriedly put the phone to his ear, and his voice cracked hoarsely. He cleared his throat belatedly, but it was no use.
― Why does your voice sound like that?
“…….”
― Hello? Kang Semin?
The last part sounded slightly playful. Semin smiled belatedly and cleared his throat again.
“No, my throat is just dry…”
― Sounds like you were crying?
“Why would I be crying? I wasn’t.”
― I’ll see for myself. Where are you?
Semin instinctively looked around. How should he explain where he was?
― Did you go home? Or are you still at the gym?
Thankfully, Yooho quickly provided options.
“I’m still at the gym.”
― Good. Do you know where the locker room is?
“No…”
― From the first-floor entrance, go straight to the right, past the stairs, then it’s on the left. Can you find it?
“…Yes, I think I can.”
― Wait there. I’ll be right out.
The current time appeared on the screen of his disconnected phone. It was just past 5 pm. The filming must have ended early today. Semin quickly stood up, slung his bag over his shoulder, and stumbled, his hand reaching for the floor. His knees buckled.
“Ha…”
As he limped down the stairs and walked down the first-floor hallway, he grew increasingly anxious. He didn’t want to keep Yooho waiting, but he couldn’t bring himself to move any faster.
After a while, he finally found the locker room sign. Thankfully, Yooho didn’t seem to have come out yet. Semin put down his bag, crouched down, and caught his breath.
“…….”
As he stared up at the old, worn sign of the old gym, his head gradually cleared. Semin sniffed and ran a hand across his forehead. He felt like he was coming down with a cold. Based on his long experience, it was a sure sign.
‘So…’
What should he do now? The thought overwhelmed him. Semin lowered his head again and buried his sniffling nose between his knees.
Then he heard footsteps.
Long, even strides, not heavy but deliberate. The squeak of running shoes against the tiled floor echoed through the dark hallway.
“Oh.”
He heard the rustle of fabric along with a nonchalant greeting. Semin looked up and saw Yooho crouching down a few steps away, grinning. A refreshing scent of soap emanated from him, his wet hair swept back to reveal his forehead. It looked like he’d come straight out of the shower.
“I thought something fell, but it’s Kang Semin.”
His dull headache vanished, and his eyes grew warm. Semin covered his face with his clenched fists.
“…Yooho.”
Yooho rested his chin on his hand and replied, “Yes.”
“I… I…”
“Yes.”
“I like you. I like you, but…”
The words he’d blurted out trembled pathetically. Semin took a deep breath.
“But I really don’t think it’ll work…”
I like Hyun Yooho. The realization grew with each passing moment, filling his body until it was hard to breathe. Yooho tilted his head, humming thoughtfully.
“What won’t work?”
“…….”
“Something like a religious issue?”
“Huh? No… I’m not religious… My parents are Buddhist, but…”
Yooho burst into bright laughter, “Ahaha,” as Semin rambled on without thinking. At the same time, Yooho reached out and ruffled Semin’s hair.
“This is crazy. You’re seriously answering that so earnestly.”
“…….”
“Anyway, I get it. So what won’t work?”
Ah… Semin groaned and rubbed his damp forehead. It was embarrassing to say it outright, but he didn’t want to hide it any longer.
“…I, I… I really… I haven’t learned anything. I… actually… I didn’t even finish school properly.”
“I barely went to school either.”
“Besides my family, I haven’t… really had long conversations with anyone. My social skills were also very lacking when I took the psychological test.”
“You seem to be saying everything you want, what’s the problem?”
“That’s, that’s because of you…”
As the end of his words wavered with a sullen expression, Yooho chuckled softly, “I see.” He still didn’t seem to grasp the gravity of the situation. Semin bit his lower lip lightly.
“What I mean is…”
“Remember when I dislocated my shoulder?”
A soft yet firm voice, carrying a whispery breath, scattered around Semin’s ears. Semin closed his mouth for a moment, swallowed dryly, and carefully raised his gaze.
“It felt like I heard every ‘should have’ I’ll ever hear in my life, all at once.”
“……..”
“I should have given up competing, I should have started treatment earlier, I should have been careful not to get injured in the first place… As it got worse, it became I shouldn’t have used a stroke that could cause injury, and eventually, it went to someone like me shouldn’t be swimming at all.”
Their eyes met. Those deep, unwavering eyes, like the depths of the ocean. Semin couldn’t say anything.
“At that time, I was just annoyed and angry, but then one day… I suddenly thought… those people want to find the reason for what happened to me, within me. So that… if they just avoid those things, the same thing won’t happen to them.”
“……..”
“People who criticize others like that are cowardly. They’re so weak that the mere thought of someone else’s misfortune becoming their own is enough to crush them.”
Yooho lowered his upper body a bit closer. Their breaths mingled, but Semin couldn’t bring himself to look away, only blinking.
“That’s why I was curious when I saw that photo.”
“……..”
“What you were thinking while taking a picture like that.”
You looked like you wanted to go back to the water. You seemed to have no lingering attachment to the land where you were born with a strong body, having everything within your grasp. You seemed like someone for whom it wasn’t about where you could live well, but where you wanted to live.
“Semin.”
That’s why I was envious… and worried.
“I don’t know how you see yourself, or what other people say about you…”
Yooho’s fingertips cupped Semin’s cheeks. He gently lifted Semin’s face to meet his gaze, a gesture that was both tender and cautious.
“The you that I’ve experienced is an uncommonly strong person.”
I’m okay with you living just as you are.
“That’s why I said that.”
I already know who you are.
Semin lowered his head. Tears welled up and dripped onto the tiled floor. Yooho knelt on one knee and pulled Semin closer, his arm around his back.
“What do you want to do?”
Semin buried his face in Yooho’s shoulder and closed his eyes. Whenever he faced Yooho’s questions, his nose felt warm as if he was basking in the sun.
“What can I do for you?”
Semin sniffed and pulled away carefully. His cheeks, damp and flushed with heat, gradually regained their color. His fragmented gaze, like shattered glass, flickered desperately. His overflowing heart kept rising to the tip of his tongue.
Ah, I can’t take it anymore…
The hallway was dark and quiet. There was no sign of anyone coming. However, he was afraid to express the sudden impulse that had come over him. Semin looked around with a tear-stained face and cupped his hands around his mouth. As if sensing his intention, Yooho tilted his head slightly and offered an ear.
“…Kiss me…”
Yooho smiled faintly at the whispered words. He thought, I’ll probably cry once our lips meet. Regardless, he couldn’t ignore the thirst brought on by the yearning that had taken root in him for the first time. Semin desperately clung to the arms around him and cleared his dizzying thoughts.
* * *
“I only have water to offer. I should get some drinks or something.”
Yooho said awkwardly, opening a bottle of water. While he poured the water into one of the few mugs he had, Semin stood stiffly, fidgeting.
“What? Are you uncomfortable because it’s too cramped?”
“Huh?”
Startled by the teasing remark, Semin asked back. Then he blinked, his expression bewildered. Yooho handed him the mug and patted his shoulder.
“I was joking. You looked so stiff.”
“Ah…”
Standing alone in the small room, Semin looked even more anxious than he had outside. His eyes darted in different directions with each rapid blink. Watching him quietly, Yooho asked tentatively,
“Do you want to leave?”
Semin hadn’t said a word during the taxi ride to Yooho’s place. Yooho had thought it would be alright since he’d brought him here once before, but perhaps he was wrong. At the cautious question, Semin quickly shook his head.
“Ah, no. I don’t want to leave.”
“Then?”
“I, I want to stay here. With you… But I… earlier… I said I wanted to kiss you.”
Yooho nodded. That’s right.
“That’s… I absolutely didn’t mean that I only want to do that kind of thing with you…”
“…Yes?”
“I absolutely don’t want only that from you.”
“……..”
“It’s not that… I’m… just… physically… anyway… just… lustful… and that’s why I like you…”
“Ah, so you’re saying you’re not just attracted to my body, but there are higher, more spiritual reasons, so I shouldn’t misunderstand?”
“…Yes, yes. That’s it.”
This is crazy. Yooho chuckled, touching his lips. Semin, relieved that his meaning had gotten across, finally relaxed a little.
“So, should we cancel the kiss then?”
Yooho asked playfully, taking the mug back from Semin’s frozen hand.
“Let’s do what Kang Semin wants.”
Yooho placed the mug on the desk and sat on the bed, while Semin hesitated for a long time, still standing. There was no need to rush. Yooho leaned back leisurely, placing his hands behind him.
“…Yooho.”
A sullen voice finally emerged after a long while.
“Is it weird that I find this a little annoying…?”
“Ahahaha.”
Yooho laughed brightly and pulled Semin closer by the waist. Semin hesitated but stood his ground.
“Relax.”
He pulled Semin’s resisting body closer once more. Semin, who ended up sitting on Yooho’s lap, quickly pushed against his shoulders and tried to stand up again.
“I’m heavy.”
“You’re heavy?”
“No, regardless of whether I’m heavy or not, you shouldn’t put weight on an athlete…”
There was no time to waste on trivial conversations. As soon as he tilted his head up, their lips met. Semin gasped and gripped Yooho’s shoulders tightly.
“Ouch.”
Yooho muttered the word, though it didn’t hurt at all, his lips still pressed against Semin’s. Startled, Semin quickly lifted his hands. Yooho wrapped his arms around Semin’s unsupported upper body and pulled him closer.
“Ah…”
A sighing breath brushed against his lips. He gently bit Semin’s lower lip, and the thin arms around his shoulders flinched. Yooho softly stroked Semin’s arm from shoulder to elbow, encouraging him to hold onto his neck.
A peck, a light kiss like a gentle knock, sent shivers down Semin’s spine. Every time a warm, soft breath escaped from those soft lips, the body he held tightened and relaxed repeatedly. Yooho, gradually deepening the kiss in time with Semin’s breathing, paused.
“Semin.”
At his call, Semin opened his eyes slightly. His eyes, when he looked closely, were exceptionally dark. Yooho gazed directly into them and gently nudged Semin’s teeth with the tip of his tongue.
“Open up here.”
Semin’s eyes flickered, his gaze sliding downwards. Thankfully, he seemed to understand. His lowered eyelashes trembled slightly.
“…Okay.”
As Yooho delved into the slightly opened gap, Semin’s grip on his collar tightened. Unfazed, Yooho began to explore the small space within. He brushed against Semin’s soft tongue, traced his even teeth, and pressed deeply against the warm roof of his mouth. Semin’s thighs, pressed against his side, tensed.
“Hmm…”
A moist voice trailed off. The chest pressed against his rose and fell rapidly. Is he having trouble breathing? Yooho slightly pulled back, creating a small gap. Semin quickly tilted his head, breaking the kiss completely.
“……..”
Yooho silently watched Semin panting, his face flushed. He didn’t seem to dislike it. As Yooho waited, recalling the brief contact, Semin finally calmed his breathing and, as if having made up his mind, met Yooho’s eyes.
“Yooho.”
It was a call that sounded almost solemn.
“You seem to have… done this a lot…”
“……..”
“……..”
“No? This is my first kiss?”
Yooho answered casually with a bright smile. Semin’s eyes narrowed slightly. Yooho chuckled and placed a quick kiss on Semin’s chin.
“It’s not polite to pry into someone’s past.”
“…Is it polite to lie…?”
“Hmm… I feel wronged.”
Muttering vaguely, Yooho leaned in, still holding Semin. He gently pushed Semin down onto the bed, and Semin’s eyes widened, his breath catching.
“Why are you so stiff? I’m not going to eat you.”
He whispered playfully, but it seemed like Semin didn’t hear him. The back of his neck was stiffly frozen. After a moment of contemplation, Yooho slowly sat up.
“Have dinner before you go. I’ll order something.”
“……..”
As Yooho created some distance and changed the subject, Semin finally met his gaze. His eyes were filled with curiosity and fear in equal measure. It’s a problem how easy you are to read. Yooho chuckled and brushed Semin’s forehead, then paused.
…Isn’t he a bit hot?
He cupped Semin’s round forehead in his hand, and his palm quickly warmed up. Noticing Yooho’s serious expression, Semin made a troubled sound, “Ah.” Yooho asked without hesitation,
“Home? Or hospital?”
“…Home.”
Hearing the dejected voice, Yooho reached for his phone.
“Should I call a driver? Or a taxi?”
“T, taxi…”
Semin watched Yooho tap on his phone and lowered his head. Ah, I thought it would start tomorrow. This useless body… Before he could wallow in despair, he saw Yooho pick up his camera bag.
“Got one. Let’s go.”
“I, I can go alone…”
“Don’t be ridiculous, come here.”
Yooho, his camera bag slung over his left shoulder, put his right arm around Semin’s shoulders and helped him up. Semin wasn’t dizzy, just a bit lethargic, and he quietly let Yooho lead him.
Yooho’s accommodation and Semin’s house were both located in central Seoul, so it wasn’t a long distance. However, the roads were congested with rush hour traffic. Inside the cab, inching forward and stopping at every traffic light, Semin gradually felt his condition worsen. Unable to hold his head up, his neck lolled to the side.
“Semin.”
A gentle voice accompanied the cool hand that touched the nape of his neck. Semin offered no resistance, letting Yooho guide his head to rest on his thigh. Lying on his side eased his nausea slightly. Semin gripped Yooho’s knee and closed his eyes tightly.
“Should we go to the hospital now if you’re feeling this bad?”
“No, it’s just motion sickness, I’m okay…”
“Really?”
Yooho didn’t press further and simply cupped Semin’s eyes with his hand. His hand, large enough to cover Semin’s forehead and under his eyes with room to spare, gently massaged his temples.
“Yooho.”
It was a small voice, almost drowned out by the sound of the taxi’s engine, but Yooho responded with a hum and stroked Semin’s hair with his thumb. Semin opened and closed his mouth a few times before closing it again. He was grateful to Yooho for giving him all the options and not making a fuss, but if he tried to say anything, he would instinctively apologize.
‘I’m okay with you.’
Living just as you are. It’s okay even if you don’t solve everything perfectly. He had tried to find traces of falsehood in Yooho’s words out of habitual self-deprecation. He wanted to apologize for causing trouble like this, but he held back.
“You called me and now you’re quiet.”
“……..”
“Are you asleep?”
Instead of answering, Semin fumbled for Yooho’s wrist. He thought he understood now. Why he had felt so tormented every time he met Joseph.
By the time they reached his front gate, Semin was completely limp. He was conscious, but he couldn’t stand properly and his responses were slow. With the taxi driver’s help, Yooho placed the camera bag by the gate and carried Semin on his back.
“Can you ring the bell?”
“Yes…”
Semin managed to reply and lifted his aching arm. It had been a while since he’d rung his own doorbell.
Housekeeper Kim, hearing Semin’s voice, immediately opened the gate and rushed out. Although there was still some daylight left, she shone the lantern she’d brought on Yooho’s feet. Thanks to her, Yooho could safely navigate the well-maintained garden.
“Dear…, no, Semin, can you make it up to your room? Are you very tired?”
An elderly man opened the front door and asked. Yooho shook his head and answered politely.
“I’m fine, thanks to your help.”
“Oh, thank you. Could you do me a favor? This way…”
The elderly man, his shoulder-length white hair neatly tied back, led the way up the stairs with steady steps. Yooho carefully followed behind him, making sure Semin didn’t jostle too much.
Semin’s room was closest to the stairs. With three long arched windows spaced along the wall, it looked like a Greek seaside villa.
As Housekeeper Kim placed Semin on the bed with the covers pulled back, the nape of Semin’s neck, which had been touching Yooho’s, felt cool. While Yooho pulled the blanket over him, Housekeeper Kim went out to get some medicine. As the door clicked shut, Semin tugged at Yooho’s sleeve.
“Yooho.”
His voice was already hoarse. Yooho suppressed his concern and asked calmly,
“Yes, what is it?”
“…Thank you. For bringing me home.”
“You’re welcome.”
Semin coughed dryly and fidgeted under the covers. Even the slightest movement seemed to exhaust him, and he groaned softly.
“What? What can I do for you?”
Yooho leaned closer to the bed and asked.
“Should I say you need to go to the hospital?”
“…I’m really okay. It’s just a day and a half thing.”
“A day and a half?”
“This much… I just need to take medicine and rest for a day and a half. I know because I’ve done it a lot.”
Semin answered firmly and started fidgeting again. Unable to bear the frustration, Yooho pulled back the covers. Semin, lying on his side, was struggling to bend his knees.
“Do your feet hurt?”
Yooho gently held Semin’s twig-like ankles. Semin gave a weak smile and shook his head slightly.
“No. It just feels a little better if I do this…”
“……..”
“…Ah, Yooho. Have dinner and go. When you’re done eating… Mr. Jung will take you back.”
Yooho thought it wasn’t necessary, but he didn’t want Semin to worry, so he nodded. Semin seemed relieved and sighed, then looked up at Yooho intently. His fever-flushed eyes blinked slowly.
“…Yooho.”
“What is it now?”
“I forgot to ask earlier…”
Just like he had done in front of the locker room, Semin cupped his pale, thin hands around his mouth. Yooho offered an ear in the same manner.
“Am I… your boyfriend now?”
A hot, excited breath tickled his ear. Yooho smirked involuntarily.
“You’re a man, and you’re my friend, aren’t you?”
“Huh…? Do you… put your tongue in the mouths of any male friends…?”
“…No. I don’t. Only with my boyfriend.”
Semin finally smiled shyly. Yooho rested his head on the bed next to Semin. Now that they were facing each other properly, Semin’s pale lips caught his attention.
“So, are we boyfriends?”
Yooho lifted Semin’s chin and kissed him. He brushed his cheek against Semin’s, their eyelashes almost touching.
“Yes.”
He could feel the corners of Semin’s lips lift against his own.
“We’re boyfriends.”
A short laugh escaped his lips like a whispered secret.
* * *
He woke up in the middle of the night in agonizing pain. Semin groaned and thrashed around for a while before kicking off the covers. He felt like his entire body had been beaten with a red-hot iron rod. He was hot, breathless, and nauseous.
“Ah…”
I’m dying… He crawled towards the nightstand and fumbled for it. He found the tumbler Housekeeper Kim had left. Lying down, he put the straw in his mouth and sucked weakly. The lukewarm water soothed his throat, and he felt a little better.
Will it last two days? Staring at the spinning ceiling, Semin noticed a faint light at the edge of his vision. He turned his head to see his phone screen.
‘I wonder if Yooho got home safely?’
What should he do, he’d caused such a commotion and Yooho hadn’t even had dinner because of him. Semin put down the tumbler and reached for his phone again. Because of his sudden fever, his memory of what happened right before he fell asleep was hazy. Yooho must have carried him home on his back, had he thanked him? As he retraced his vague steps, his hand froze. The words he’d spoken suddenly replayed in his mind.
‘Am I your boyfriend now?’
He gasped, and Yooho’s voice echoed in his ears.
‘Yes, we’re boyfriends.’
“Oh my god.”
His hand, which hadn’t reached his phone, fell limply. Semin buried his face in his pillow and kept muttering the same words over and over. Oh my god, oh my god…
“…Wait a minute.”
Was it a dream? At the terrifying thought, he sat up abruptly. His head spun, but he managed to grab his phone. Thankfully, there was a message from Yooho.
[I’m home. 21:20]
[Get some rest, boyfriend ^^ 21:22]
“This is crazy…”
Semin muttered in a daze and instinctively started to type a reply, then stopped. It was just past midnight. Yooho never checked his phone during training or while sleeping, but he might wake him up.
“Boyfriend… lover…”
Me? Hyun Yooho’s? No matter how many times he repeated the words, they felt unreal. Especially since it was a conversation they’d had while he was sick and delirious. Semin slowly lowered his head and scanned the medicine packets piled on the nightstand.
He coughed roughly, and his excitement subsided a little. He had always wanted to confirm their relationship. There was only one thing bothering him.
“…It would have been nice if I had said it when I was a little more… coherent…”
Would Yooho have felt burdened because he’d confessed while practically dying? Even if the kiss felt good at the time, maybe Yooho had second thoughts while carrying him home…
“……..”
He shook off his increasingly gloomy thoughts. Even if that were the case, Hyun Yooho wouldn’t have said something he didn’t mean. He had that much faith in him.
“Boyfriend…”
As soon as I tried to change my mood, the corners of my mouth twitched reflexively. I found it ridiculous even to myself. The fluctuations in my emotions were becoming too extreme to handle. Anyone watching would think I’d gone mad. Semin cleared his throat unnecessarily and turned his phone screen back on. He needed to find something else to think about.
“Um…”
His finger, about to open the internet browser, paused at the notification for unread messages. Since he rarely communicated with anyone, it was easy to guess who the sender was. Semin felt his headache returning as he clicked on the new message.
[Sem-sem-sem! Hehe It’s Joseph, I’m heading to catch a night flight now 20:44]
[I wanted to see you one last time before leaving… Heartless Sem 20:44]
[Let’s definitely meet next time!! Oh and @Joseph_thebest is my social media account, add me hehe 20:45]
Haah… The sigh he let out with all his strength carried no power. Was he really planning to move back to Korea? The thought that he might keep contacting him like this made Semin feel overwhelmed.
Though he wanted to ignore it and put it aside, he wanted to know for sure first. After contemplating, Semin finally struggled to sit up. Leaning against the headboard, he searched for the ID Joseph had sent him, and a social media account filled with posts appeared.
@Joseph_thebest
Jung Joseph
New York Star Traveler / Hitchhiker of the Upper East Side
Consultation open chat #link
What nonsense is all this… Frowning, Semin scrolled up the screen. Most posts were selfies or shopping review photos. The most recent post showed a full-body photo taken in front of a department store men’s clothing section.
Joseph_thebest
Quickly shopping at Bub-yu while visiting Korea for maintenance~
Why do I always feel like I have nothing to wear each season lol
#BubYu #BubYuBirds #BirdShirts #BirdPants #ChoiSugyeom #BirdModel #BirdChoiSugyeom #JustAnOctopusInFrontOfModelPhotos #LuxuryHaul #LetsTalk
kamjungmuscle Wow~ That’s our Joseph! Better than the model lol
rPwjdvktpdy Following you~ Let’s connect^^
0726s20726 F**k this is infuriating, tagging Choi Sugyeom on this kind of photo. Do you want to die?
Each post had dozens of comments. Looking again, he had over ten thousand followers. Semin tilted his head in confusion as he scrolled down. The second post was a close-up of a watch-wearing wrist against a foreign car’s steering wheel.
Joseph_thebest
Hmm lol time isn’t passing today
#GranTurismo #Daydate #LetsTalk #ConsultationOpenKakao
rPwjdvkfdlthsus Want to connect~
hoolahoolaa Hey look at this @holahola it’s the same as our baby’s watch
hungrygru Wow…ㅠ That Maserati is awesome, real rich vibes
Semin’s head was filling with more and more question marks. Wasn’t a typical person’s social media usually operated for socializing with friends? Joseph’s account seemed odd. Although he had many followers, he was also following many people, and most of the comments seemed to be from people who didn’t personally know Joseph.
Above all, the open chat link he kept posting was concerning.
“What kind of consultation is this…?”
After pondering for a while, Semin decided to put it aside for now. His stomach was starting to feel queasy again.
Just as he was about to put down his phone, the screen shifted and a new feed notification appeared. Semin’s eyes widened as he involuntarily followed the notification.
“…Huh?”
It was a photo of Joseph making a V-sign next to his face in an old-fashioned café. If that were all, he wouldn’t have paid any attention. What was important was Sungmin’s figure captured at the edge of the screen.
Sungmin had turned her head away from the camera angle and appeared to be saying something. She seemed to be talking with an employee. There was no indication she was aware of the camera.
Joseph_thebest
Last weekend with #LeeKang Dairy #KangSungmin Director Noona
Having a cozy chat at #KHotel #BlancCafe
Even after a while, you’re still beautiful, Noona lol
#LeeKangDairy #KangSungmin #KangSungminDirector #KHotel
#GoodToSeeYou #BestFriends #LeeKangPrincess
#OpenChatConsultation #LetsTalk
His heart sank. The view count was climbing frighteningly fast. Comments were also increasing at a tremendous rate.
kamjungmuscle Whoa crazy, you actually know Kang Sungmin?? Joseph’s networking is next level lol
rPwjdvktpdy OMG please sell your account
yolayola Hey hey hey this is insane, this person must be really rich;;; look at those connections;;;
stillhungry OMG it’s Kang Sungmin! Love you, unnie
There was nothing more to think about. Semin quickly called Joseph’s number. Before the ringtone could sound more than a few times, Joseph’s cheerful voice came through.
— Oh, Semin. What’s up at this late hour…
“Joseph, delete the photo.”
— …Huh?
“Delete it quickly. You can’t post photos of Noona like this without the company’s permission.”
— Permission from the company… What do you mean? We met personally.
“Does Noona know? That you took this photo?”
— …
Joseph only mumbled without giving a clear answer. Semin tried to suppress his frustration and spoke calmly.
“Just delete it quickly for now. We can talk afterward. Aren’t you catching your flight?”
— Uh… Actually, the boarding gate just opened.
“Then delete it now. Please.”
What Semin told him wasn’t entirely made up. Sungmin’s media exposure was always coordinated by a dedicated consultant. Everything from clothing, shoes, hair, expression, and gestures was all calculated. The process was especially meticulous when portraying personal relationships with specific individuals.
However, the reason Semin stopped Joseph without much consideration was for a different reason. It was a familiar situation to him.
“Joseph, did you contact me because of Noona?”
Sungmin was like the face of LeeKang Dairy. Naturally, there was no end to people trying to establish connections with her. Approaching Semin first after hearing rumors about Kang Sungmin being devoted to her younger brother was one of their typical methods.
— No, why are you saying such hurtful things… Okay, I’ll delete it for now.
“…Quickly.”
— I said I would. It’s gone. Check for yourself.
Looking quickly at the screen, indeed the new post had disappeared. Only then did Semin let out a sigh of relief as he wiped his still-hot forehead.
— Don’t misunderstand. I really had no other intentions. I just took a photo because I was happy to see Noona after a long time.
Joseph added in a dejected voice. Semin said nothing as he wet his dry lips. As the silence grew longer, Joseph asked more cautiously.
— Semin, you’re not angry, right? I’m sorry. I didn’t know I shouldn’t post photos.
Why was he doing this? What was his purpose? How should he resolve this situation? After contemplating, Semin muttered in a subdued voice.
“…Call me when you arrive in America. Let’s talk on the phone.”
— Oh! Let’s do that. I will.
“Okay. Be careful on your trip.”
— I will! You sleep well too, Semin.
After that, Joseph repeated that he was sorry and didn’t know for quite some time before finally hanging up. Semin clutched his now-silent phone tightly and got up from his seat.
As soon as he left the bed, he shivered in the cool air. He opened the closet, took out a cardigan to wear, and stepped into the hallway. Far away, he could see light seeping through the gap in Sungmin’s door. Semin took a deep breath and carefully moved forward.
“Noona.”
Knock, knock. He peered through the open door crack while knocking. Sungmin was sitting at a table by the window. She put out the cigarette she was holding in an ashtray and approached Semin.
“Why are you up? Was I being noisy?”
“No, I just woke up for a bit.”
“Let me see… You still have a fever.”
The cool back of her hand on his forehead carried a familiar scent of cigarettes. Semin closed and opened his eyes as he slowly muttered.
“I have something to tell you…”
“Something to tell me? Come sit down first.”
“It might take a while.”
“That’s fine.”
Sungmin sat Semin on the bed and pulled a blanket over his shoulders. As the light down comforter rustled and enveloped his body, his turbulent heart settled a bit.
“…Noona, the other day… when you had coffee with Joseph.”
“Yes.”
Sungmin, sitting beside Semin, answered calmly. However, her eyes were quickly hardening.
“Was it because he was my friend?”
“Of course, naturally.”
There was not a moment’s hesitation in her answer. Sungmin leaned her upper body slightly toward Semin and continued speaking calmly.
“What reason would I have to meet him personally if not for you?”
“…”
“So if you tell me not to meet him anymore, I won’t. Is that what you want?”
There was no hint of coercion in her question. She was simply asking for a clear decision. Semin nodded slowly.
“Alright, I understand.”
Sungmin said it without any reservation. Her tone suggested that no explanation was necessary. Nevertheless, Semin deliberately opened his mouth again.
“I have a reason, Noona.”
Sungmin’s hand, which was reaching out to stroke his head, hesitated for a moment. Semin took a deep breath.
In the warm-lit, plush bed, with the faint scent of cigarettes and the smell of grass seeping through the window crack—in this unchanging place, Semin carefully unpacked the events from middle school for the first time. From their meeting to the fracture, the catastrophe, and finally dropping out—he tried to compress it as much as possible, but his justifications kept getting longer. I should have told you. I knew it needed to be resolved. Enduring wasn’t the best approach. Each time, Sungmin patted Semin’s shoulder encouragingly.
“I’m sorry…”
Eventually, his head dropped and the most meaningless words flowed out.
“…”
A pale silence followed. Only after the wall clock’s minute hand moved one space did she move her blue lips.
“…That son of a bitch…”
Sungmin suddenly stood up and looked around. He could tell she was searching for her phone. Semin hurriedly hugged her waist.
“Wh-what are you going to do?”
“What do you think? I need to at least curse him out. How can I let this bastard be?”
“He won’t answer. He said he was getting on a plane…”
“…”
“…”
“…Let go. I just need to smoke one cigarette.”
“Okay…”
Sungmin headed to the window and opened it wide. She seemed to be getting heated just thinking about it, breathing heavily. Semin fidgeted with the edge of the blanket with a bitter heart. Sungmin inhaled her lit cigarette until her cheeks hollowed, then exhaled as if to collapse the ground, repeating this several times.
“Noona… are you okay?”
“No, I’m not okay. And to think I made time in my busy schedule for that bastard…”
Roughly tousling her hair, Sungmin turned around abruptly.
“After doing all that, he contacted me without any guilt to say he wanted to see you again? What kind of trash is he?”
Her rising voice made Semin’s shoulders involuntarily stiffen. Though he wanted to shut his mouth and run away, he couldn’t ignore what had already happened.
“Actually, that’s why I’m telling you this now…”
“What?”
“I don’t think his purpose is me. He posted a photo of you on social media…”
“…”
“I thought it was strange. At first, I thought he might not consider what happened in the past as significant, but there were many things that couldn’t be explained by that alone.”
The past Joseph, though inscrutable, wasn’t someone who couldn’t communicate. But the Joseph he met again poured out only what he wanted to say, disregarding all of Semin’s responses. He didn’t care even when blatantly ignored. It was bewildering at first, but if it was all for a specific goal, it made sense.
“I think he wanted to show off his connection with you.”
“To whom?”
“Just… to increase his followers, maybe?”
After thinking for a moment, she extended her hand to Semin. “Let me see your phone.” Semin hesitated slightly before handing over his phone with Joseph’s social media page open.
“…”
Sungmin returned to the window and lit a new cigarette. She stared at the screen for a long time in that position. Her deeply furrowed brow looked serious. Semin could only glance sideways at her, unable to say anything.
“I’ll look into it more tomorrow.”
Sungmin said, almost like a sigh. Semin nodded frantically.
“Y-yes, I’m sorry for bothering you so late. I’ll go now…”
“Semin.”
“…Yes?”
“There’s just one thing I want to ask… if he hadn’t posted my photo, were you not going to tell me about this?”
Semin couldn’t answer easily. Sungmin’s gaze was directed outside the window. If Joseph hadn’t posted the photo, if he hadn’t involved Sungmin, if he hadn’t met Joseph again before that…
“…”
Looking back, Joseph’s criticism was simple and consistent. He claimed that Semin shouldn’t have been born weak. Since he couldn’t help it, he should apologize to everyone. Semin wiped the cold sweat from his nape.
“No…”
The answer flowed out unexpectedly.
“I would have told you. Some… day.”
He didn’t want to talk about it. If he could hide it for the rest of his life, he would have liked to do so. But was that solely due to worry and shame?
‘Who’s going to blame you for your mistake?’
“I’m fine with you living as the person you were born to be.” Though it was the first time he’d heard these words from someone else’s lips, in reality, it wasn’t different from what his family always reminded Semin. Just stay alive. Just stay by my side without incident. Since when had he started looking for hidden meanings in those kind words?
“…Noona.”
And so Semin understood. The greatest curse that Joseph’s persistent criticism had planted wasn’t depression or guilt, but distrust.
“It’s true. I would have told you.”
Upon realizing this, he could feel the regret that had filled his heart for so long becoming incredibly diluted. There was a power in identifying the starting point of pain that diluted the pain that had been floating without substance.
“There were times when I didn’t want to tell you. But… I thought if I trusted you, I should tell you.”
Silence returned, but it wasn’t as frightening as before. This was because Sungmin, after putting out her cigarette, grinned showing her teeth.
“How did you come up with such a thoughtful idea?”
She happily exclaimed as she walked over and embraced Semin’s head. Semin closed his eyes in relief as he hugged her familiar form back.
“Sir…”
What would have happened if he hadn’t met Hyun Yooho? If Joseph had returned when he was immersed in the depression he’d imposed on himself. His fingertips trembled slightly at the thought he didn’t even want to imagine.
“Taught me.”
“Hyun Yooho did?”
“…Yes.”
The acrid scent flowed from the hand gently stroking the back of his head. Sungmin always promised to quit but never succeeded in quitting smoking. Though he nagged verbally, Semin secretly didn’t want her to quit. It was the only hobby Sungmin wouldn’t give up in a household that revolved around Semin.
There were nights when he found relief in the fact that there was at least one part left where his existence had no influence.
“I’m also grateful. So that’s why you dropped everything to go see Hyun Yooho then.”
That’s right. That’s how it was. As he recalled, an intense feeling welled up again. With his eyes closed, he thought of Yooho. He missed Yooho’s thoughtful intrusion, asking for intimate contact.
I miss you. Why isn’t it 6 PM now? Why hasn’t my fever gone down yet?
* * *
As soon as he opened his eyes to the sound of the alarm, his phone started ringing briefly several times. Yooho, who raised his disheveled head, stretched his bare arm and grasped the phone connected to the charger. I forgot to turn off the sound. Yawning extensively, he looked at the screen where messages were busily arriving.
[Sir, I’ve been thinking hard 06:00]
[We became a couple and we kissed yesterday, although we’ve kissed before but it was different, so 06:00]
[If you think the progress might be too fast, I want to say that’s not the case 06:00]
[I think it could be even faster 06:00]
[If you agree, of course 06:00]
After blinking and staring blankly at the screen, Yooho burst into laughter. He laughed softly as he got up, causing the thin sheet to slide down.
“Ah… Really.”
How can someone be so clueless and cute? Leaning against the wall, he typed a reply slowly.
[06:02 I understand, but start putting a lock on your phone.]
[06:02 How are you feeling?]
As always, Semin typed quickly.
[Much better than yesterday, but I think you have a tendency to change the subject sometimes 06:02]
[06:03 Me?]
[You’re not against going further?? 06:03]
“Well, well.”
Yooho, who was about to type a reply, changed his mind and pressed the call icon. Contrary to expectations, Semin only answered after quite some time.
— …Hello.
The question of what he was doing to answer so late disappeared as soon as the call connected. Yooho narrowed his brow and asked seriously.
“What’s wrong with your voice?”
— Ah, it’s nothing. I was just coughing…
His voice faded, and then the sound of him clearing his throat forcefully could be heard. That must be why he answered the phone late. Yooho let out a silent sigh.
“Did you just wake up, or haven’t you slept?”
— I was… sleeping, and woke up.
A hoarse, raspy cough came through pathetically. Yooho’s brow furrowed deeper.
“Don’t struggle to wake up early in the morning. Your condition isn’t good today.”
— I’m sorry…
“You don’t need to apologize. I’m not angry, I’m worried.”
If anything, the problem was that he could only contact him at this time. Though there were priorities and it couldn’t be helped, he still felt sorry. After a moment’s hesitation, Semin abruptly asked.
— Sir, but… what should I say then?
“…Huh?”
— When you make someone angry, you apologize. I always apologized when I made someone worry too. But if I don’t need to apologize when it’s worry… how should I respond correctly?
Despite his near-death state, his tone was full of curiosity. It was as if he could see his face with round eyes carefully scrutinizing. Yooho finally relaxed his expression and said leisurely.
“You should say you did it because you missed me too much.”
Semin giggled.
— I did it because I missed you too much.
“Your learning ability is good.”
— I miss you.
“…”
— I miss you…
Yooho slightly closed his eyes. The fatigue that had been lingering throughout his body seemed to melt away in a lump.
“…Hyun Yooho player showed off his unofficial record 2.5 seconds faster during yesterday’s open training, raising expectations for a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal. Lee Chang-young commentator, can we say that Hyun Yooho has completely shaken off the effects of his injury?”
“Yes, that’s right. Judging by his unofficial record, he’s even faster than the last Asian Games. If he can maintain this condition until the competition, at least the gold medal in the 1500 is certain.”
“From the middle of the race, there was almost half a lap difference. What’s the secret behind Hyun Yooho’s overwhelming performance in long-distance events?”
“It’s definitely his stamina. Long-distance events depend on how much strength you can exert in the final sprint. Hyun Yooho does a full-power sprint with a 6-beat kick for the last lap. From what I can see, he might be able to maintain such a sprint for another half lap.”
“What is a 6-beat kick?”
“Simply put, it’s kicking a total of six times with both feet combined each time you swim. The faster you kick, the faster you go and the easier you tire. Try alternately placing your arms in the air while kicking six times. You’ll get a sense of how difficult it is.”
“So would you say that Hyun Yooho’s special advantage over other players is his physical strength and endurance?”
“There’s one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
The commentator who had been speaking non-stop paused for a moment. Then, as if telling something extraordinary, he emphasized.
“Patience.”
Keu—Myunghoon let out a heated exclamation.
“Patience.”
Imitating the commentator’s tone while raising his index finger in the air, he grinned.
“It’s chaos. The broadcast is going crazy, articles are going crazy, advertisements are going crazy. If our Yooho becomes a CF star, won’t I get some leftovers?”
“There are other people to share money with, why are you looking for leftovers from me?”
Yooho answered indifferently while chewing his pork cutlet. Regardless, Myunghoon started chattering as he pleased.
“This is why they say even if you work as a servant, do it in a rich household. If our Yooho earns tens of billions, won’t you buy me a house?”
“What nonsense about tens of billions. Turn that off and just eat. It’s distracting.”
“Yes, sir.”
Of course, as always, it didn’t last long. Myunghoon, who obediently picked up the remote and turned off the TV, changed the topic and complained.
“By the way, I thought this lunch box company was pretty good, but after tasting that fantastic food truck once, this feels like space rations. There was a day when I devoured two butter-grilled lobsters…”
“Just eat it. Lunch is for energy replenishment, this is enough.”
“Hey, I was so curious that I went home that day and searched through your fan club boards thoroughly. I looked through cafés, galleries, Instagram, Twitter, but there was no mention of that food truck. Usually when something like that happens, fans take pictures and post reviews.”
“Really…?”
“So I asked the coach who those people were who brought it, and he said he didn’t know. He said he just got a call from the K Hotel food team and went ahead with it. But K Hotel is run by the LeeKang Dairy chairman’s younger sibling, right?”
How does this guy know all this? Yooho broke out in a cold sweat as he stopped his chopsticks. Myunghoon had a sharpened expression.
“So I was wondering, that food truck…”
“…”
“Could Director Kang have sent it?”
Haah… Yooho let out an audible sigh and looked around. Conveniently, there was a neatly crumpled chopstick wrapper. Myunghoon dodged the flying wrapper while whining, ah why.
“What’s the point of knowing who sent it? Are you going to ask for more?”
“I’m grateful, that’s why. I want to say thank you at least.”
“Forget it. Just live gratefully with your special lunch box.”
“Then who the hell is it? If it’s not an active fan club and not Director Kang, which fan of yours would spend that money…”
Myunghoon, who had been firing off questions, suddenly froze.
“Is it the director’s brother?”
Yooho was slightly puzzled as he met the piercing gaze.
“Why have you been fixated on this strange thing?”
“No, I’m not fixated on something strange…”
“How long are you going to eat, you lazy bums!”
Bang! The flimsy wooden door shook as if it might be torn off, and the coach burst in. Myunghoon jumped up from his seat and shouted.
“Ah, Coach! You scared me!”
“Did I tell you to eat quickly and come down, or not?”
“There’s 30 minutes left in lunch time!”
Taking advantage of the commotion, Yooho picked up his phone. The message box was quiet. Are you sleeping? He quickly typed a few messages.
[12:33 How’s your condition?]
[12:33 Let’s talk in the evening.]
[12:34 Don’t wake up on time, call me anytime after 6.]
“Yooho, I’ve told you many times, but you should never be complacent. No matter how certain the gold medal is or how handsome people say you are, huh?”
“Coach, you’re the one hyping him up the most…”
Hearing Myunghoon’s grudging voice as he was about to press the send icon, a laugh burst out. Yooho stood up, taking a bite of the apple that came as dessert.
“I’m going down, going down.”
“Hey, don’t eat while walking around. You’re still handsome. If you do that, other guys will think, ‘If I walk around with an apple in my mouth, I’ll look like Hyun Yooho,’ and they’ll be all over the place…”
“Ah, I said I’m going down. Please stop.”
The message he checked one last time was still quiet. Yooho put his powered-off phone in his jersey pocket.
* * *
“…Oh.”
As soon as he let out a silly exclamation, the wet towel slid from his forehead. Semin quickly removed the towel completely and raised his upper body.
[12:42 Jut now]
[12:42 I woke up]
[12:42 Just now]
After waiting for a while, the read notification didn’t appear. Just in case, he tried calling, but an automated message said the phone was turned off. Ah… He clutched his phone tightly and flopped down. It seemed he had already gone into training. Yooho rarely had a full hour of lunch break. Especially since yesterday’s afternoon training was cut short due to filming, he would try to make up for that time over the next few days.
Even though he understood, he couldn’t help feeling disappointed. Semin, pouting his lower lip, lay back down and replaced the towel. The cough had stopped, but the low fever wasn’t subsiding well.
“It’s killing me with anticipation…”