CCS Ch 1

Author: ColorGenic

Posted: 202X.02.26. 01:24

Title: 2X0225 National Championships Open Training – Athlete Hyun Yooho

I arrived when the training was almost over due to traffic, so I could only take a few photos.

Athlete Hyun Yooho set a personal record today. Congratulations.

Comments

PhotoSquirrel: Wow\~ Oh\~^^ As expected of a swimmer, those shoulders are just wow every time I see them\~ This photo is awesome too^^

⤷ ColorGenic: PhotoSquirrel, thank you.

SeaStroll: Another cool photo today… Enjoyed it and leaving…

⤷ ColorGenic: SeaStroll, thank you.

BloodlessRoad: Could it be that the lens is slightly defective? It seems to barely handle camera shake…

⤷ ColorGenic: Ah..ㅠㅠ Sorry, you mean the last photo, right? I thought the training was over and dismantled the tripod, but the athlete came back out for an interview, so I hurriedly shot handheld… It was too heavy, so it turned out like that.

Semin stopped typing the rambling text and pressed the backspace key. Even staring at the cleared comment box, no other words came to mind. After hesitating, he closed the window and shut down the computer.

It had been a strangely unlucky day. A traffic accident somewhere had clogged the already narrow road for a long time, and while hurriedly walking after getting out of the car, he tripped over a broken sidewalk block and fell spectacularly. Barely managing to recover and arrive at the swimming venue, the atmosphere was already winding down. Fortunately, Hyun Yooho was still in the lane, so Semin hurriedly took a few shots, but the results were unsatisfactory even to his own eyes.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have posted them…”

Lying on the bed, Semin picked up his phone. Typing “Hyun Yooho” into the portal search bar brought up several newly posted articles. They were photos and brief interviews taken by reporters at the training venue.

The Hyun Yooho captured by professional photographers looked far more powerful. His face, frowning as he removed his goggles to check his record, was vividly captured. The muscles of his entire body, swollen from intense exercise, cast distinct shadows on every curve of his skin.

CheonghoPhoto | Hyun Yooho Open Training, ‘The Handsome Prince of the Pool’

\[Q&A\] Upcoming Asian Games… The Vision of ‘Swimming Prince’ Hyun Yooho

Although unofficial, you set a personal record.

It feels like the rehabilitation training wasn’t in vain. I’m happy.

Last year’s national team selection showed some signs of struggle.

It was my first official competition after the injury, so I was probably very nervous. Still, I was satisfied with the result since I got to wear the Taegeuk mark again.

Can we say you’ve completely shaken off the effects of the injury?

It’s not something that happens overnight, and I think I’ll have to manage it well for the rest of my athletic career.

We hope the three syllables of Hyun Yooho’s name will resonate endlessly in the days leading up to this year’s Asian Games and the Olympics two years from now.

Why are you putting so much pressure on me? (Laughs) Thank you. For now, I’ll do my best in training every day.

“We hope the three syllables of Hyun Yooho’s name will resonate endlessly…”

Reading it aloud, Semin took a screenshot of the article. Saving it to his phone’s favorites gallery, he memorized the reporter’s name. Reporters are so clever. They have a way with words. It felt as if Hyun Yooho’s face, slightly shy but proudly smiling upon hearing the encouragement, was vividly imagined.

Returning to the search results and scrolling down, the article section ended, and blogs and community posts appeared. Skimming past familiar posts, Semin’s thumb paused.

“…Huh.”

It was a post uploaded just moments ago on a humor community. The preview photo looked familiar. Clutching a racing heart, Semin tapped the post title.

Title: The Talent Stolen from the Entertainment Industry by Taereung.jpg

Chewing over the title several times, Semin tilted his head. The post was filled with various photos of Hyun Yooho. No matter how much he searched, there was no further explanation.

Since it was only photos of Hyun Yooho, the subject must be Hyun Yooho. So, what does it mean that the entertainment industry lost him to Taereung? Was he originally an entertainer? Pondering deeply, Semin’s eyes caught that familiar photo again.

“…”

It was a side profile of Hyun Yooho standing in front of the lane, dressed in black swim trunks reaching his knees and a windbreaker. With his hands in his jacket pockets and his body completely relaxed, he was staring intently at the starting block. The focus was slightly off, and the noise was grainy, but his calm and gentle gaze was so clear that Semin couldn’t bring himself to discard the shot and posted it.

Several other photos Semin had taken were mixed in as well. With a mix of excitement and anxiety, he cautiously opened the comment section. It was the first time his photos had been spotted on another community.

Comment 1: Crazy… He’s too handsomeㅠㅠ

Comment 2: So, what’s his name?

⤷ Comment 2: Hyun Yooho!

Comment 3: Honestly, even standing next to actors these days, he wouldn’t lose…

⤷ Comment 3: What are you talking about? Even if you bring all the active male actors, Hyun Yooho would dominate. Forget the face, look at that physique.

Comment 4: Those shouldersㅅㅂ Is that really a human?

Comment 5: (Photo) This photo is insane, it’s like a movie poster… It feels like he has a story of losing a childhood sweetheart to illness.

Reading the positive reactions, Semin gasped. The photo attached to comment 5 was the one he had taken of Hyun Yooho.

⤷ The vibe is killer, who took this? Doesn’t seem like a reporter.

⤷ Does Hyun Yooho have a big fan?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Anyone know the address?

Semin’s eyes blinked rapidly. His heart pounded, and the corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably. The reactions were completely different from those on the photography community. Just as he was about to take a screenshot, footsteps sounded outside the door. Quickly putting the phone down, Semin lightly ran out.

Opening the door with a bang, the footsteps heading down the hallway stopped. Turning around with an “Oh,” Seongmin approached with a smile.

“Our youngest, still not asleep?”

The strong smell of alcohol wafted from her disheveled suit collar. Semin let her pinch his cheek and grumbled.

“You said you wouldn’t drink…”

“Just a little, just a little… Why, were you waiting for me? Need something?”

“Do I only look for you when I need something…?”

“Oh, are you really mad? Did something happen?”

Seongmin’s face, suddenly sober, looked up at Semin. Her slender hands gently cupped his face, stroking it softly.

“What’s bothering you? You went to see Hyun Yooho’s open training today, right? Was it no fun?”

“It was fun…”

“Then why?”

“The doctor said you shouldn’t drink…”

“Anyone would think I’m dying soon. It’s because of the herbal medicine. I’ll stop again starting tomorrow, so it’s fine.”

“Huh?” Her gentle coaxing left no room for resistance. Semin finally relaxed his expression and followed Seongmin to her room.

The master room at the end of the second-floor hallway had been claimed by Seongmin as soon as the eldest son moved out. That was before Semin was even born. To Semin, the room at the end of the hallway was always his sister’s domain. Opening the large window revealed a well-maintained garden beyond an elegant terrace. Semin had spent most of his childhood in this room.

“Did Hyun Yooho do well today?”

Seongmin asked from inside the dressing room. Sitting on the bed, Semin nodded with an “Mhm.”

“He set a personal record.”

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

“But I didn’t see the record being set. I was late…”

“Late? Why?”

“Traffic… Seoul gets jammed too often.”

Muttering, Semin got no response from Seongmin. He realized she had instantly read his mind. Sure enough, pausing while unfastening her necklace, Seongmin flashed a picture-perfect smile.

“No motorcycles.”

“Not a motorcycle…”

“No motorized vehicles, period.”

“On competition days, I waste all my time looking for parking…”

“Then ask Driver Jeong to take you, like I told you.”

Semin lowered his head silently. Seongmin, emerging from the dressing room, closely observed her younger brother. Twenty years ago, when she entered middle school, the first time she met her newborn brother was in a transparent incubator, covered in tubes. The tiny, red body was smaller than an adult’s forearm. Even now, with Semin grown tall, that fragile image remained etched in her mind.

“Are you worried about inconveniencing Mom when Driver Jeong isn’t available, like last time?”

Semin nodded a beat late. It was the day he couldn’t miss the national team selection despite feeling terrible and had asked Driver Jeong to take him. Their mother, suffering a headache, had called for Driver Jeong, only to find him unavailable and had to call someone else.

Their mother, learning Driver Jeong was with Semin, said it was fine and called another employee, and Driver Jeong said nothing, but Semin was horrified. Their mother, who had Semin late in life, was now nearing seventy. It was fortunate it was just a mild headache; what if it had been something serious?

“If it’s like that, should we hire a dedicated driver for Semin? Maybe upgrade to a bigger car too.”

“No… It’s fine.”

“Then how about getting into the habit of leaving early whenever you go out?”

“…I do leave early.”

Sometimes, the most obvious advice feels the most hurtful. Pouting, Seongmin ruffled Semin’s hair.

“I’m already worried sick about you driving. You know that, right?”

“I’m not a kid…”

“Why isn’t our Semin a kid? You’re still a kid in my eyes.”

“I’m not…”

Seongmin, his sister, had taken care of Semin in place of their aging parents. She was family, a guardian, and Semin’s only friend in childhood.

“You’ll listen to me, right?”

Even in imagination, Semin had never defied her. Nodding, he spread his arms. Seongmin hugged her brother, patting his back with a smile.

“Good job, our youngest. Anything else you need?”

“Nope.”

“Are you eating well? You barely used your card last month.”

“Didn’t go out much last month.”

“What about cameras? Anything you want?”

“Nope, I’m good.”

“Want me to arrange a meeting with Hyun Yooho?”

Semin, about to pull away from the familiar embrace, froze. Seongmin was smiling as gently as ever.

“Next month, Hyun Yooho’s shooting a new ad. Come with me to the set, say hi, and if you click, you can get close.”

“…Uh.”

“Not interested? Don’t want to get to know him personally?”

Semin, lips sealed, slowly blinked. Meeting Hyun Yooho, getting close to Hyun Yooho… Just hearing it made his heart race, but it was impossible to imagine. After a long pause, he shook his head.

“No… It’s okay.”

“Really? Just want to take photos?”

That question was harder to answer. What did he want? Of course, to see him up close, talk to him, hear his voice. But the idea of Hyun Yooho noticing him was terrifying.

“…I don’t want to disturb his work. Maybe later.”

“Introduce me later…” he added in a small voice, and Seongmin gave a bittersweet smile. She didn’t push further, just patted Semin’s head.

“Okay, later.”

Back in his room, Semin stood before the bookshelf. Opening the middle drawer, he pulled out a scrapbook. On the first page was a magazine ad he’d cut out. Hyun Yooho, in a half-body swimsuit, casually holding and drinking from a 1-liter milk carton with one hand.

Today Healthier, Tomorrow Stronger LeeKang Milk

For the Upcoming Asian Games, LeeKang Dairy Supports Team Korea.

It was Hyun Yooho’s first ad, shot four years ago at age twenty. Back then, he was known for his looks but hadn’t won international medals, so he wasn’t a major public figure. Then, at the national team selection before the Asian Games, he set a near-world-record time, and LeeKang Dairy put him in front of the camera. That year, Hyun Yooho won gold in the men’s 1500m freestyle.

The decision to make Hyun Yooho the main model was Seongmin’s. “He’s going to win a medal, just watch,” she’d said confidently, pointing at the ad playing on the monitor.

Semin was sixteen then, spending days watching TV or gaming after the tutor left, waiting for Seongmin to come home. Naturally, he was curious about Seongmin’s work, and thus paid close attention to Hyun Yooho.

If my sister praises him so much, he must be really good. An amazing athlete. Knowing nothing about swimming, Semin eagerly awaited swim broadcasts. That was the beginning.

“Want me to arrange a meeting with Hyun Yooho?”

Mulling over Seongmin’s offer, Semin shook his head. What’s the point of meeting him? I’d be lucky not to stammer like an idiot. He had little experience interacting with others, and most of those experiences were failures. Talking naturally with a stranger was the hardest thing in the world.

This is fine. This is enough. Repeating it to himself, he closed his eyes. As always, sleep didn’t come easily.

—

“Yooho, you’re in great shape today, huh?”

At the voice from behind, Yooho set down the dumbbell he was holding. Exhaling deeply, a wave of sweat burst from just beneath his skin. The warm air spreading around him brought relief. Wrapping a towel around his neck, he turned to see Myeonghun joking.

“Isn’t that a bit too intense for a warm-up?”

“Cut the fake concern.”

Waking up early, eating breakfast, heading to the training center, and spending the morning weight training. After sweating enough, he’d shower, change into practice gear, and hit the water. His body, fully adapted to this daily routine, didn’t flinch at moderate exercise.

“Got something to say?”

Yooho asked as Myeonghun followed him to the shower. Myeonghun stopped, flashing a cryptic smile.

“You’re pretty hot online these days.”

“What now, what’s this about?”

“Who knows? The internet’s going wild.”

Wanting to wash off the sweat before his body cooled, Yooho reluctantly glanced at the phone thrust in his face. Scanning the screen indifferently, he soon let out a short laugh.

“Here I thought… It’s just some photos, big deal.”

“Did you see the view count?”

“It’s just because AG season’s coming.”

“No, no. It’s purely because of the photos. They’re really well done.”

“Look,” Myeonghun urged, handing over the phone. Yooho finally examined each photo closely. In them, he was mostly relaxed, chatting with someone, or smiling with his eyes closed. He looked surprisingly calm and at ease. One photo, of him staring at the starting block, made his hand pause.

“…”

His slightly longer hair gave it away instantly. It was from the national team selection, his first competition after the injury. Realizing this, words slipped out naturally.

“The dates are all different.”

“Huh?”

“Were these all taken by one person? Seems like they’ve been to almost every training and competition. Since at least last year.”

“Really? Probably one person, yeah. The vibe’s similar.”

“No media logo, so not a reporter. If they’ve been coming this often, I’d have noticed them at least once…”

Yooho tilted his head, deep in thought. The team’s coach, a firm believer in mental training, often invited reporters to the training center, saying athletes needed to get used to cameras and attention. But the reporters who showed up were usually the same crowd.

“These photos are spreading like crazy. Don’t they look good?”

“Do they?”

“Yeah, they’re different from press photos. Press shots are like, ‘This is Hyun Yooho! Here’s his face!’ But these… they feel like a photoshoot?”

It did seem that way upon reflection. The more he looked, the less they resembled typical sports photos. They felt like scenes from a story-driven project.

But now wasn’t the time to get distracted. Yooho pushed down his curiosity and handed the phone back.

“I’ll check it out later. Gotta hit the water now.”

“Alright, I’ll send it to you. Oh, the sponsor’s coming around 4. Shower and spruce up before then.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Yooho headed to the shower, slipping into his swimsuit under the water, slowly cooling his still-warm skin.

Washing off heavy sweat felt like stretching heated metal from head to toe. As his body relaxed and his vision blurred slightly, he loved the moment of stepping onto the starting block and crouching. His loosened body found the perfect entry angle, and his focus sharpened to the tips of his hands, slicing through the water that churned to expel intruders. It was the only way.

Sound vanished. Through his goggles, deep, dark blue rushed in, and Yooho kicked off with all his strength. As the breath held between his teeth escaped, his body sank deeper. It was comforting, peaceful.

Yooho, don’t forget. Water hates people.

That thought surfaced just as buoyancy flung him to the surface. Slamming his arm down, the race began. Locking his writhing body into lifelong-repeated motions, Yooho gulped air with all his might.

“Jincheon camp starts in early July, so let’s wrap all shoots before April ends. TV ads will air during AG season, and print ads will roll out a bit earlier.”

The staff member finished speaking and glanced at the woman beside him. Instead of speaking, she gave a small nod. Yooho, maintaining the polite posture set by his coach, let the conversation flow past one ear.

“I heard you hit the 14:30s.”

The low, clear voice caught him off guard, making his reaction a beat late. Looking up, the woman gave him a professional smile.

“Congratulations on the personal record. Unofficial, but still.”

“…Thank you.”

39.99 is still in the 30s, technically. Yooho hid his bitter feelings and bowed slightly.

“We’re also shooting a suit shot. Send us your measurements, and we’ll handle the tailoring.”

“Yes.”

“Then, see you on shoot day.”

The sponsor offered a graceful farewell and turned sharply. The coach and Myeonghun exhaled in unison. Myeonghun, waiting until she was out of sight, muttered under his breath.

“She’s something else. Why do I feel so stifled around her? She’s not even difficult.”

Kang Seongmin, head of LeeKang Dairy’s food sales division. At just thirty-four, her lofty title was due to her own credentials and skills, but more so her lineage. The second daughter of LeeKang Dairy’s chairman. A title far beyond “division head.”

“There’s an aura, right? Like nobility…”

“Nobility’s right. She’s from a different world. Heiress to a conglomerate.”

Myeonghun’s excited chatter was met with the coach shaking his head, playing along.

“Heiress, sure… No matter how many followers she has, would a seventy-year-old man hand the company to his daughter? Not with the eldest son still alive and kicking.”

Outside of sponsor-athlete or client-model relationships, she was someone they’d never cross paths with. But Yooho was too seasoned to find such encounters novel. Just as he turned to leave, Myeonghun jumped with an “Ah!”

“I forgot to give her the file! Be right back.”

“That scatterbrained kid…”

The sound of Myeonghun racing down the stairs echoed loudly. Still quick on his feet, as befits a former athlete. Yooho, hands in his tracksuit pockets, approached the window. From the second-floor hallway, he saw a Benz parked close to the main gate. A suited driver stood by the open rear door.

Soon, Kang Seongmin appeared. She nodded to the driver and leaned into the car, not getting in but seemingly speaking to someone inside. Yooho, without realizing, stepped closer to the window.

Moments later, the opposite door opened, and a lanky young man stepped out. Despite the warm weather, he wore a thick coat, his face visibly pale even from a distance. Hard to tell exactly, but he looked about high school age.

Her son… no, too old for that. A nephew or cousin? It wasn’t uncommon for associates to bring relatives to athlete meetings. As Yooho watched, Kang Seongmin said something more and ruffled the young man’s hair.

Then Myeonghun burst out from the gate. The young man flinched, shoulders stiffening. Kang Seongmin stepped in front of him, flashing her professional smile.

Handing over the documents and chattering, Myeonghun disappeared back inside. Kang Seongmin and the young man got into the Benz, which soon drove off. Only after the car was out of sight did Myeonghun return, humming. Yooho, on impulse, called out as Myeonghun headed to the locker room.

“What’d she say?”

“Huh?”

Myeonghun stopped dead, surprised Yooho had spoken.

“The file you gave her, what’d she say?”

“Oh, uh… Just said ‘okay.’”

“…”

“Her brother was with her. First time seeing him in person.”

“Brother?”

Yooho paused, and Myeonghun turned fully, delighted to have gossip fodder.

“The LeeKang chairman’s youngest son. The late-born one.”

“Oh, the late-born…”

No wonder he looked young. Muttering, Yooho met Myeonghun’s curious tilt of the head.

“You never heard? Kang Seongmin dotes on him like crazy.”

“Where’d you hear that?”

“She never skips mentioning him in corporate interviews. Says he’s like her own son.”

Why’s a swim team manager reading corporate interviews? Yooho gave up asking, but Myeonghun’s floodgates were open.

“He’s kinda pretty, you know.”

“Yeah?”

“Yup. Kang Seongmin’s a beauty too, right? Must be good family genes.”

Yooho let out a low hum, glancing out the window. Myeonghun, following his gaze, smirked.

“Asking about someone else for once, huh? You saw it all from here. They’re quite the picture, aren’t they?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Lanky build, a face that seemed to shy from sunlight. Pale cheeks, eyes like they were drawn with ink. Recalling the faint features, Yooho mumbled absently.

“Felt like I’ve seen him somewhere.”

“Huh? Who?”

“Kang Seongmin’s brother.”

Where have I seen him? Lost in thought, Yooho didn’t notice Myeonghun’s puzzled look.

—

Title: Hyun Yooho Height National Team Age Affiliation Handsome Record National Team Asian Games Gold Medal LeeKang Dairy

Hello\~ Neighbors\~ ^^

Recently, the handsome national team athlete Hyun Yooho has been heating up the internet\~

A gold medalist from the last Asian Games, Hyun Yooho’s height, national team status, age, and affiliation!! Let’s dive in\~

(Photo)

Hyun Yooho is 24 years old this year\~

He’s with Seongnam City Hall and won gold in the 1500m freestyle and silver in the 400m at the last Asian Games\~ ^^ His 1500m record from that time still holds the Asian record!!

He competed in the Summer Olympics two years later but, sadlyㅠ\_ㅠ, had to withdraw before the finals due to a shoulder injury just before the event.

(Photo)

Because of that, he hasn’t yet shone at the Olympics, the ultimate dream for all athletes^^ But as you can see, with actor-level handsome looks\~\~ a height of 195cm, Pacific-wide shoulders, and an incredible physique, he’s been as popular as a celebrity since his first Asian Games and still is\~

The upcoming second Asian Games! Will he claim gold again?!

Follow me, and let’s wait together\~ ^^

Scattered throughout the fluff-filled post were random bald emoji. Yooho, scrolling impassively, stopped at the last attached photo.

“…”

He remembered the moment, not the details. It was already two years ago. After surgery, every waking hour was dedicated to treatment and rehab. In dreams, endless lanes stretched out, his pain-free body moving lightly, hands sprouting claws to slice through the water. Waking each time, he’d clutch his aching shoulder and steel himself. Once treatment was done, once he could return to the lane, if only…

Why did humans develop swimming techniques? Because you’d die thrashing in water otherwise.

Had he ever felt those words more than then? The further from water, the happier it seemed. Holding onto fraying nerves was exhausting. After six months, when cleared for full training, Yooho had raced to the pool.

Racking his memory, Yooho rubbed his forehead. Strange. He’d been so full of anticipation, but the moment he faced the training pool was blurry. He’d stood there, dazed, for sure. This photo was taken then.

News of his return had leaked, and there were quite a few reporters in the stands. It was common for open training, so he didn’t pay it much mind. Reporters usually wore practical clothes and carried bulky black backpacks. If there was a dark, low-saturation group in the stands, that was the press section.

They must’ve been somewhere in there. The best spots for photos are always the same.

It was an odd sensation. The mood from that moment, which Yooho himself couldn’t recall, felt like the photographer somehow knew. And that made him curious.

His eyes flicked to the calendar on the door. Training was daily, but open training days were scheduled. During routine sessions, he didn’t care who came or went, so he hadn’t marked them.

Will they come again? His gaze drifted to the clock. It was time for bed. Turning off the light, he lay down, closing his eyes to shut off the swirling thoughts.