CCS Ch 3
by soapa“Here’s your Hanwoo beef set for two. You’re adding more meat, correct?”
The server placed a huge platter piled high with thinly sliced, rolled-up meat. Semin gasped in surprise. The server expertly arranged all the dishes on the small table, said, “Enjoy your meal,” then closed the sliding door and disappeared.
The restaurant, located directly across from the gym, had a clean and quiet atmosphere. As it was slightly past dinner time, it wasn’t crowded. Yooho, seated in a four-person room at the far end, having already placed their order, finally spoke after the food arrived.
“Can I order you something to drink?”
Semin quickly shook his head. He belatedly realized he should have responded properly, but Yooho’s gaze had already moved on. He was transferring vegetables into the pot with his head slightly lowered, his movements mechanical and perfunctory.
“You didn’t have anything urgent to do, did you?”
“……Huh?”
“I feel like I brought you here rather abruptly.”
The food in the pot began to simmer, releasing a sweet, savory aroma. Anything urgent… Semin repeated the words inwardly and licked his dry lips. He had followed Yooho instinctively, but he was still confused about how he’d ended up in this situation. Seeing his hesitation, Yooho lowered the heat slightly and asked casually,
“Was it a memory card you lost?”
He was thankful that his hands were resting calmly on his lap. If he’d been holding anything, he would have dropped it. Semin opened and closed his mouth, then finally managed to move his tongue.
“H-how…”
His hurried words cracked into a squeak. Embarrassed, he quickly closed his mouth. Fortunately, Yooho didn’t seem to mind.
“I have it.”
“…….”
“You dropped it, so I picked it up. I figured you’d come back for it.”
A sigh of relief welled up from deep within him. The anxiety that had been clinging to his spine seemed to melt away. He’d thought it was likely he lost it at the gym, but he hadn’t expected to find it so quickly. A weak laugh escaped his lips in relief.
“……Thank you.”
Semin clenched his hands tightly, sweating, and made a resolution. I’m not going to carry it around anymore. I’ll keep it safely in my drawer and only take it out when absolutely necessary…
“I have a question.”
While Semin was lost in thought, the pot had filled with various ingredients. Yooho placed a few cooked pieces of meat on Semin’s plate and asked, still in his indifferent tone,
“How do you view the photos on it?”
Semin, about to politely decline with a I’m fine, please eat, sir, paused.
“……Huh?”
“Do you have to insert it into a camera to view them?”
“……?”
“Could you show them to me?”
The photos on the memory card… Semin naturally recalled the images he revisited every night. The yellow stray cat that frequently visited, the flowers blooming in different colors each season, Sungmin’s face smiling brightly as she suggested he take some test shots, and the photo of Hyun Yooho he’d inadvertently taken the first time he went to watch his training…
“―No!”
His involuntary reply came out sharply. Seeing the startled, frozen expression on Yooho’s face, he came to his senses, but the damage was done.
“……Ah.”
His lips trembled as he let out a foolish sigh. He quickly lowered his head, covering his mouth, and a cold silence settled over him. Even inhaling felt like his lungs were freezing.
Why did I shout? I could have just said it calmly. Semin squeezed his knees tightly, his eyes shut. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I speak properly…
“…….”
He knew he should apologize, but the words wouldn’t come out. He was afraid of saying something stupid and annoying the man in front of him. His fingernails dug into the fabric of his jeans, the tight pull painful. He regretted everything. I shouldn’t have come. Not yesterday, not today.
He wished time would stop, but it didn’t. Semin had to fight desperately against the urge to bolt from his seat. He didn’t think he could hold on much longer. Just then, Yooho’s still-indifferent voice broke the agonizing silence.
“Excuse me.”
Semin flinched, hunching his shoulders, and cautiously looked up. Yooho was watching him with his arms crossed. There was no trace of displeasure on his face.
“I feel like I might have caused some misunderstanding, so…”
Yooho’s gaze drifted momentarily, then his neatly defined chin jerked towards Semin.
“First, what’s your name?”
Name. Semin took a calming breath. He wanted to give the most appropriate and conventional answer to the question he’d just registered. ―Yes, my name is Kang Semin. He knew how to respond. But now that his anxiety had subsided slightly, his suddenly thawed tongue blurted out the question that had first popped into his mind.
“……Don’t you know who I am?”
Didn’t my sister ask you to talk to me? Otherwise, why would you suddenly bring up photos, return my memory card, and ask what kind of pictures I take… The unspoken words further complicated his ambiguously worded question.
“…….”
Yooho slowly tilted his head. It was a clear indication that he didn’t know how to respond. Semin, once again, realized his mistake a beat too late.
“Didn’t we meet for the first time yesterday?”
I’m doomed…
“Did you ever tell me your name before that?”
His nose stung, and his cheeks burned. The crimson heat quickly spread to his ears.
“I’m… sorry, I misspoke…”
“Forget the apology. So, what’s your name?”
Every breath he took felt hot. He wished Yooho would just scoff and leave him alone. Semin forced out the words he should have said earlier.
“Semin. Kang Semin…”
“Kang Semin.”
Yooho briefly savored the name he’d finally managed to utter. Semin pretended to wipe his forehead, hiding his expression.
“How old are you? I’m twenty-four.”
“……I’m… twenty.”
“Hmm.”
The conversation stalled again. Semin was too dejected to feel any more frustration. As he hunched over, trying to hold back tears, Yooho took a new plate, placed some food on it, and offered it to him.
“Eat. Stop worrying.”
“…….”
“I wasn’t going to force you to show me if you didn’t want to.”
He had no appetite, but he had to pick up his chopsticks with the other man staring at him. Semin forced a piece of meat into his mouth. He couldn’t tell if he was chewing food or his own flesh. Unable to swallow, he just kept chewing endlessly, waiting for time to pass. He felt anxious and miserable.
“The memory card is at the gym. I put it in my locker so you wouldn’t lose it again.”
Yooho said as they left the restaurant after paying. Semin, who was checking his pockets, quickly followed him.
“Um, Sir…”
“Hmm?”
“How much was it? My share…”
“Wouldn’t it be a bit much to ask you to pay for your meal when you only ate one piece of meat?”
The night air, now that the sun had completely set, was a little chilly. Yooho walked ahead with his hands in his pockets, his long strides quickly putting distance between them. Semin hurried after him, rambling incoherently.
“But still, you found my things… and…”
“It’s fine.”
“Then, then I’ll repay you somehow later…”
“Don’t worry about it. You seem really uncomfortable around me.”
His pace, without a single glance back, was frustratingly fast. Semin finally broke into a run, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
“No, that’s not it! I-I’m not uncomfortable around you…!”
Just then, Yooho stopped abruptly. Unable to control his momentum, Semin bumped his nose against his back. Even with the unexpected impact, Yooho’s broad, solid back didn’t budge. Only Semin swayed weakly, like a bird crashing against a windowpane. Yooho let out a short sigh.
“Oh dear.”
As he lost his balance and stumbled, a large hand caught him around his waist. He didn’t have time to steady his weakened legs. Semin instinctively grabbed onto Yooho’s shoulders, clinging to him.
“…….”
Their eyes met, their faces too close. Yooho was holding him up with one arm, his expression as calm as if he wasn’t supporting any weight. As reality seemed to blur, Semin forced himself to stand on his tiptoes.
“Was I walking that fast?”
Yooho asked, releasing Semin after confirming he was steady on his feet. Semin quickly shook his head.
“No, I’m just naturally slow…”
“Are you hurt?”
“No, no. I’m fine.”
“Mr. Kang Semin, I’ve saved you twice now.”
Yooho grinned, showing his teeth. Momentarily mesmerized by his refreshing smile, Semin soon realized he was referring to yesterday’s incident.
“Oh, yes…! Thank you for yesterday, too.”
“You seem to fall often.”
“No, not really… no.”
Yooho hummed again, seemingly having more to say. Semin’s eyes darted around nervously. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long.
“I found your things, and I caught you when you almost fell… What more do I have to do to sway you?”
Semin parted his lips slightly. After a long moment, he managed to ask in a barely audible voice,
“……What do you mean…?”
Yooho, still wearing a bright smile, whispered,
“I’m curious about what kind of photos you take.”
“…….”
“If you absolutely, positively, under no circumstances want to show me, just say so. I’ll give up and won’t ask again. But if you’re just a little hesitant right now and there’s room for negotiation…”
“…….”
“I’m asking you to tell me what you want.”
You understand, right? Yooho added, his eyes crinkling in a smile. Semin just stood there, stunned, unable to move. His head felt like it was about to explode. He felt dizzy, as if the ground beneath his feet had collapsed.
* * *
“Kang Semin!”
A sharp voice pierced the air the moment he opened the door. Semin flinched and hiccuped. Sungmin stood there, phone in hand, her face contorted with anger.
“What have you been doing? What were you doing until this hour? Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
“……Uh, uh? Uh…?”
He saw Mrs. Kim, fidgeting nervously, behind the approaching Sungmin. Semin’s eyes darted around, trying to grasp the situation.
“Where’s your phone!”
Sungmin, truly angry, didn’t hold back. Semin frantically reached into his pockets and froze.
“Ph-phone…”
Where did I put it? He blinked rapidly. He had no memory of using it. Semin looked towards the top of the stairs and mumbled in a barely audible voice.
“I… don’t think I brought it…”
“What?”
“Oh dear, oh dear.”
As Sungmin’s voice hardened with anger, Mrs. Kim stepped between the siblings. The elderly woman gently patted Semin’s back and cautiously tried to calm Sungmin.
“You’re scaring him, Sungmin.”
“I’m the one who’s scared!”
“I know, I know. Our Sungmin is scared too. Let’s sit down and talk, okay?”
Only after much effort from the elderly woman did Sungmin let out a long sigh. Semin stood frozen, staring at his feet. He had only intended to check if his phone was at the gym’s lost and found. He’d told Mrs. Kim he’d be back within an hour, and that was four hours ago. Semin rubbed his flushed cheeks with the back of his hand.
“So, where’s your phone? Are you sure you didn’t take it?”
After a long, icy silence, Sungmin asked in a slightly softer voice. Semin quickly nodded and hurried up the stairs. His phone was lying on his bedside table. He turned it on and saw dozens of missed calls.
“Ah…”
He wasn’t used to checking his phone when he was out, and the unexpected encounter with Hyun Yooho had made him completely forget to contact home. Semin bit his lower lip and looked up. Sungmin was leaning against the door with her arms crossed.
“Kang Semin.”
“……Yes.”
“What did I tell you when you were first getting your driver’s license?”
“To tell… Mrs. Kim when I’m going out… and what time I expect to be back… and to call if I’m going to be later than that…”
“Are you complaining about that now?”
“No, no…”
Semin quickly shook his head. Sungmin had been the most vehemently opposed when he first mentioned wanting to drive. She worried about what would happen if his condition suddenly worsened while he was out alone. His family agreed with her and tried to appease him, saying he should use a chauffeur until he was healthier.
As always, Semin quietly nodded. He had never stubbornly insisted on something his family opposed. And his family had never completely ignored his wishes. That night, Sungmin knocked on his door and made him promise three things. To inform them of his expected return time whenever he drove, to call if he was going to be late, and to always carry his phone.
They weren’t difficult conditions, and there was no reason for him not to follow them. Or so he thought, until today.
“I’m sorry…”
Semin crawled over to Sungmin and hugged her waist, his head still bowed. He sniffled, looking up at her, and Sungmin finally relented and patted the back of his head.
“Alright, now tell me. Why were you late?”
Her voice had returned to its usual gentle tone. Semin’s eyes darted around, lost in brief contemplation. Where do I even begin…
“Well, I lost something yesterday… and I went to look for it…”
“Where?”
“The gym… But Hyun Yooho, I mean, Mr. Hyun Yooho asked me to dinner…”
“What? Who asked you to what?”
Semin’s eyes lit up at the raised voice, filled with the perfectly reasonable question, Why would Hyun Yooho suddenly…?
“……Did you ask him to?”
“Ask him to what?”
“Did you… ask him to talk to me…?”
“……?”
What are you talking about? Instead of answering, Sungmin raised an eyebrow. Only then did Semin believe that she had absolutely nothing to do with what happened today. A sigh of relief escaped his lips.
“He just suddenly spoke to you? How does Hyun Yooho even know you?”
Sungmin tilted her head, now properly seated. Semin unconsciously gasped, saying, Right.
“That’s why I thought you might have asked him to.”
“Why would I ask him to do something like that? More importantly, what happened? What did he say to you?”
“Um… he asked for my name…”
Sungmin’s expression grew increasingly puzzled. Just like Semin, she found the situation difficult to comprehend. It was too coincidental to be a mere coincidence.
“He spoke to you without even knowing who you are?”
“I… I think so.”
“Why?”
“He said he’s curious about… the photos I take. He said he’d like to see them…”
“And? Did you say you’d show him?”
Semin shook his head. Sungmin involuntarily let out a disappointed Why?
“It’s embarrassing…”
“What’s embarrassing? You post them online without a second thought.”
“Showing them to him directly is different…”
“Honestly… So?”
So… Semin, hugging his knees, fidgeted with his fingers. Even as he recounted it, it still felt like a dream. It was dark, the streetlights cast a dim glow, and the spot where Hyun Yooho’s hand had touched him felt warm.
“He asked what he’d have to do for me to show him…”
“Hyun Yooho did?”
“Yes…”
“He must have been really curious. So, what did you say?”
Semin parted his lips slightly. He couldn’t forget the eyes that looked down at him. How could he describe that gaze? A youthful stubbornness, a careless curiosity, or perhaps…
“……A passing…”
A passing interest.
‘I’ll think about it…’
It was a vague premonition. He felt like Hyun Yooho would easily fulfill whatever he asked for, then quickly forget about it. Nothing came to mind immediately, and even if it did, he wouldn’t have said it right then and there.
Semin finished his story and lowered his head. Sungmin sighed and stroked his head. She always saw through her younger brother’s petty intentions, yet she never carelessly voiced her observations.
“Did you get your memory card back?”
“……Yes.”
“Did you make plans to meet again? You couldn’t have exchanged numbers without your phone.”
“We didn’t… talk about that.”
“What are you going to do?”
That’s right, what am I going to do? Semin rested his puffed-up cheeks on his knees. Sungmin offered him more concrete options.
“Do you want to meet him and talk more?”
“…….”
“Or are you done with it now?”
He recalled the moments they sat together. His heart pounded so hard it made his chest tight, and he’d broken out in a cold sweat on his back, trying to hide his trembling hands. He’d been startled into silence by every fleeting glance and casual gesture from Hyun Yooho.
‘Don’t worry about it. You seem really uncomfortable around me.’
He was right. Semin rubbed his feverish neck. He was uncomfortable around Hyun Yooho. Of course, he was generally uncomfortable around other people, but Hyun Yooho was particularly so. If he’d eaten any more, he would have gotten seriously ill.
“I don’t know…”
While they were together, all he wanted was to escape, but now that they had parted, he felt regret. He wanted another chance to meet him, but he was scared. He would surely just repeat today’s foolish mistakes. Just like yesterday, he would be overwhelmed with regret and fall ill…
Yet, he still felt a lingering attachment. He wished Hyun Yooho would acknowledge him once more. Not as Hyun Yooho, standing alone in the spotlight on the lane — but as Hyun Yooho, saying Mr. Kang Semin in his low, clear voice…
“…….”
He wanted to photograph him.
Semin stared blankly into space and rubbed his face. What more do I have to do to sway you? The casual suggestion echoed in his ears.
* * *
“Hey, Hyun. Did you do something wrong?”
Myunghoon asked abruptly as Yooho entered the shower room after leaving the pool. Yooho didn’t reply, taking off his swim cap and swimsuit and turning on the shower. The lingering smell of chlorine was difficult to wash away. As he stood there, letting the lukewarm water run over his head, Myunghoon’s anxious voice called out again.
“I’m asking if you caused some trouble, man. Tell me.”
Yooho finally turned to his old friend with an annoyed expression. He was always exhausted after training, but today he was especially tired, perhaps because of the increased intensity of his strength training.
“What nonsense… I’m dead tired.”
“General Manager Lee called! She said she needs to talk to you about a personal matter.”
“……?”
“Her voice sounded serious. Any idea what it could be about? The coach almost fainted earlier. He said the General Manager never acts like this. He’s convinced Hyun Yooho must have caused some major trouble. What is it? What did you do?”
Yooho squeezed some shampoo from the dispenser next to the shower and hummed. General Manager Lee, meaning the client, suddenly needs to talk to me about a personal matter… It certainly sounded ominous.
“I don’t know. No clue.”
He answered casually and rinsed off the shampoo. Myunghoon looked skeptical, holding out a towel.
“Really, nothing?”
“I said no. If it was a serious problem, why would she want to talk to me? She would have already summoned the federation elders and settled it.”
“I guess…”
More importantly, if General Manager Lee said it was a “personal matter,” it probably was just that. She always spoke clearly and only about specific issues. Unlike her younger brother, who stammered like a broken robot, struggling to answer any question…
“……Ah.”
Yooho let out a short sigh, taking the towel.
“Why? What is it? Did you remember something?”
Come to think of it, they’re siblings, aren’t they? He knew, but the connection had been missing in his mind. They resembled each other, but their personalities were polar opposites, so it couldn’t be helped. Seeing them separately, it was hard to believe they were related.
“No… I was wondering if it might be about her brother.”
“The General Manager’s brother? Oh, right, right. That young master. You said he’s your fan, right?”
“…….”
“Does she want you to give him an autograph or something? Yeah, that must be it. Whew, I was worried for nothing.”
Hopefully, it was just a small favor… Yooho opened his locker with a puzzled look. He felt a slight pang of regret. He probably shouldn’t have gotten involved.
It wasn’t just because he was the client’s family. Nor was it because he’d revealed himself to be a fan to Myunghoon. He was bothered by the subtle aura the young man exuded. The way his hands trembled as he struggled to speak, the way his face flushed when their eyes met.
Hopefully, it’s just because he’s uncomfortable.
“Do I really have to call her?”
Yooho asked, as if speaking to himself, as he put on his tracksuit. Myunghoon looked incredulous and raised his voice dramatically.
“Are you out of your mind? You’re going to refuse a call from our lord and savior?”
“You said it’s not a request related to the endorsement.”
“Just do as you’re told. Beg her to make it about her brother. Huh? That young master is cute. It’s not a big deal. Give him an autograph, take a picture with him, chat with him, huh? Build connections with the chaebol.”
“Well…”
He felt like it would be better to pray it wasn’t about her brother. Yooho slung his bag over his shoulder and left the locker room. Myunghoon followed him, trying to snatch his phone. Come on, I’ll even dial the number for you, just press the call button…
“I said it’s better not to call.”
“Why? Tell me why. I really don’t understand you…”
It was a losing battle from the start. Myunghoon, giving up on stealing the phone, stopped mid-rant. Yooho instinctively turned to where his gaze had settled.
“…….”
He saw a familiar figure at the gym entrance. A slender man with a large backpack was cautiously peering inside. Even in the dim light, with most of the lights off, his pale face was clearly visible.
The moment the man spotted Yooho, he seemed to hold his breath, then a faint smile spread across his face. His cheeks, flushed with a delicate pink, looked young and innocent. Yooho chuckled inwardly, thinking of something he couldn’t say to Myunghoon. See, I told you it was better not to call.
“Looks like he came to see you.”
Myunghoon muttered, his gaze fixed on Semin, his voice so low it was almost ventriloquism. I knew it, that’s why the General Manager called, huh. Yooho lightly kicked Myunghoon’s knee to stop his rambling.
“Go on ahead.”
Myunghoon’s cheerful expression turned to one of frustration. He lowered his voice again, still ensuring Semin couldn’t hear.
“Why? Let me say hello, too.”
“What are you going to achieve by saying hello to him?”
“I want to build chaebol connections.”
“……Just go.”
Only after Yooho pretended to kick him again did Myunghoon finally give up and walked ahead. Yooho paused for a moment, putting his hands in the pockets of his windbreaker. Seeing Myunghoon approaching, Semin hurriedly bowed his head. Myunghoon also bowed deeply and said in a friendly voice,
“Oh, hello there.”
“H-hello.”
Semin stared after Myunghoon, who smiled brightly and walked away, then suddenly blushed. He then turned sharply to Yooho, as if he’d realized something. Why is he acting like that? Yooho, about to walk on, stopped. Semin quickly spoke.
“Um, Sir.”
“Hmm?”
“I think I should tell you something beforehand… I wasn’t trying to hide it, but…”
Semin’s face flushed redder as he hurried towards Yooho, rambling. He gestured agitatedly with his thin arm towards where Myunghoon had disappeared.
“That is, I’ve actually met him before… and I, well, my sister…”
What is he trying to say? Yooho stared intently at Semin. Semin gasped and quickly lowered his head. Avoiding eye contact seemed to be a habit. His small head tilted further downwards, and soon, only the top of his head was visible.
“My sister… well, she works at Lee Kang Dairy…”
“…….”
Yooho tilted his head at the barely audible words. …And?
“So… I thought you might be surprised if you found out later…”
“About what?”
“He just now… well, he’s your manager, right? He knows…”
“So, what are you trying to say?”
“……My sister… she’s your… sponsor for this advertisement. Well, not just this one, but since four years ago…”
Semin finished his sentence and rubbed the back of his neck. His hoodie was loose, revealing his flushed skin all the way to his collarbone. Yooho narrowed one eye and pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek.
Isn’t this something people usually brag about? Why is he stammering like he’s committed a crime? Lost in thought, Yooho leaned forward, his hands still in his pockets. The face he saw, now at eye level, was flushed crimson.
“……Ah.”
Semin flinched, noticing the close proximity, and stepped back. His eyes looked slightly wet. Yooho asked abruptly,
“Are you crying?”
“Huh? No.”
Semin quickly replied. Looking closely at his face, now lifted, he indeed wasn’t crying. His large eyes were simply sparkling.
“I was surprised. I thought you were crying.”
“…….”
“Besides, didn’t I say? I’m interested in the photos you take, Mr. Kang Semin. Other than that…”
Whoever your family is, whatever you’re feeling right now…
“I don’t care.”
It was the clearest line he could draw in a situation where no emotions had been verbally defined. He hoped Semin would understand and back off before things got more complicated. The eyes he looked into, filled with a faint hope, began to waver.
“……Oh.”
His lips parted slightly, then his smooth lower lip was pulled between his teeth. Yooho decided it was better to be more explicit, so he added,
“Are you going to show me the photos? Because I’m not curious about anything else regarding you, Mr. Kang Semin.”
There were a few predictable reactions. Embarrassment, anger, tears. But in the next moment, Semin smiled. His cheeks puffed up like a child’s, his eyebrows lowered.
“Thank you…”
It was a shy smile that made even the observer feel self-conscious. Yooho silently reflected on his own words. No matter how he thought about it, there was nothing to be thanked for. Whether he was frozen in place or not, Semin continued, stroking his forehead,
“So, I… was a bit surprised. People usually don’t see my sister and me as separate individuals… Not that I’m complaining. I understand it’s natural…”
“…….”
“……Anyway, it feels strange. But I think I’m happy… I’m happy.”
Yooho’s gaze drifted. Conversations with unpredictable people were tiring. Especially when that person was in a delicate position. He decided to change the subject.
“I understand, but that’s not why you came here, is it?”
He lowered his voice, and Semin nodded, saying, “Ah.”
“Yes, actually, I came here today because of what you said before…”
“Yes.”
“You said you wanted to see my photos… and to tell you my conditions…”
Yooho nodded, indicating he understood. Semin took a deep breath and opened his eyes wide.
“……Then, can I take pictures of you?”
* * *
The alleyway leading from the back of the gym was pitch black, the sparsely placed streetlights unable to fully illuminate the ground. Semin shortened his strides, afraid of tripping. As he did, Yooho’s figure disappeared around the corner at the bottom of the hill.
Is he too far away now? Just as a panicked Semin was about to quicken his pace, Yooho reappeared, holding two drink bottles in one hand. He silently pointed towards a bus stop bench halfway between them. Semin, understanding his intention, hurried over.
“Here.”
Yooho handed him a bottle of sparkling water as soon as he sat down. Semin quickly took it, holding it with both hands on his lap.
“Sorry, all of a sudden. I was a bit thirsty.”
“No, no… By the way, have you had dinner?”
“I’ll eat when I get back to the dorm.”
“……Ah. Then, I’ll get right to it.”
Semin, feeling a sense of urgency, spoke quickly. Yooho simply shrugged instead of saying it was okay.
“To reiterate, I’d like to… take personal photos of you…”
“What kind of personal photos, specifically?”
“Well, not photos of you training or competing… but more relaxed, everyday photos…”
His mouth grew drier as he stammered. Yooho took a sip of his sparkling water and stared at Semin. His indifferent eyes revealed no interest. As always, Semin quickly grew anxious. He wanted to pique Yooho’s interest somehow.
“……Photos where you’re aware that I’m taking them.”
“……?”
“You never seem to… pay attention to the cameras. There are always so many people taking pictures of you…”
Yooho looked up at that. He looked away, thinking for a moment, then asked,
“You want me to acknowledge your camera, Mr. Kang Semin?”
“Well, no. You shouldn’t look at the camera.”
“……Hmm?”
“You should be aware of me, but not pay attention to me. That’s… called a snapshot. If I had to compare it, it’s similar to paparazzi shots, but…”
“You want to take candid photos?”
“No! I won’t invade your privacy!”
Semin’s voice rose, and he jumped up from his seat. Yooho made a calming gesture with his hand.
“I’m saying this because this kind of request is difficult for me to answer on my own. It would be helpful if you could explain exactly what kind of photos you want to take, as detailed as possible.”
“Huh? Is… is that so?”
“How seriously are you going to take this, what’s the intended audience, how do you interpret me as a subject… For example, if you’re planning to take nudes, that would be problematic.”
“Nu…”
Semin, about to repeat his words, quickly closed his mouth. He wanted to retort that he’d never had such a shameless thought, but his face flushed. He pressed his hand against his burning cheeks and shook his head.
“Y-you can keep your clothes on.”
“……Well, thank you for that.”
Yooho chuckled and leaned forward. His outstretched foot rested on the pavement. Semin stared at his profile, momentarily mesmerized.
When Semin focused on Hyun Yooho, the world seemed small. The phone he held, the bag on his shoulder, the cup in his hand, the bench he sat on – they all seemed like miniature toys. How ridiculous must the world seem to someone like him? The occasional thought made Semin feel melancholic.
“For example…”
That was why he’d deliberately echoed Yooho’s words. Yooho turned his head slightly to look at Semin.
“I want to take pictures… like this.”
“…….”
“……I think.”
His vague words failed to capture Yooho’s attention. Semin vaguely realized he was weighing his proposal.
“I promise I won’t disturb your training. I don’t need you to agree right now. It can be after the Asian Games, or even years later. I just… if you could promise me that you’ll let me take them someday…”
“Promise you what?”
“I’ll… I’ll show you the photos I’ve taken so far. They’re not great photos, of course… B-but… if you… don’t like them, we can pretend this never happened…”
Semin’s voice trailed off, having poured out all the courage he’d carefully hoarded. Yooho pondered his words for a moment, then chuckled, saying, “Seriously?”
“What? Then you won’t gain anything, Mr. Kang Semin.”
“……Huh? Oh… yes, that’s true…”
“Then what was this whole conversation for? What if I absolutely hate the photos?”
His smiling lips showed no hint of regret. That was why Semin hadn’t considered the possibility that Hyun Yooho might lie just to see the photos on the memory card.
“Well…”
Is that possible? Is that what he’s planning to do? Semin thought hard, then asked cautiously,
“Are you… a good liar?”
Yooho laughed. It was impossible to tell if he was affirming or denying.
“I think I’d be better at it than you, Mr. Kang Semin.”
“…….”
“Anyway, I’m fine with those conditions. When are you going to show me the photos?”
Semin’s face brightened at his easy agreement. He felt breathless, as if a balloon had inflated in his chest.
“……Yes! Um, if you could give me your email address, I’ll send them to you…”
“Email? If you’re going to send them as files, can’t you just send them through messenger or text?”
Yooho asked, taking out his phone. Messenger or text. Semin unconsciously swallowed at his words.
“C-can I… have your number…? Can you give it to me?”
“Why? Are you planning to use my number for something else?”
“No! I’ll only use it to send you the photos! I won’t do anything else!”
At his firm declaration, Yooho handed him his phone. Semin took it with trembling hands and carefully entered his number, breaking out in a cold sweat multiple times, afraid of dropping the phone. Yooho, watching him struggle, gestured with his chin.
“You have to press the call button.”
“Huh?”
“That way, my number will show up on your phone, too.”
“……Huh? Oh, r-right…? Why is that?”
“Give it here.”
Yooho took the phone from Semin’s grasp and pressed the call icon. Semin’s phone vibrated, displaying an unsaved number. Finally understanding, Semin let out a gasp of admiration.
“Oh, I see… So that’s how it works.”
“You talk like you’ve never exchanged numbers before.”
“Well, I… I’ve never done it… like this.”
He’d had a contact list in middle school, but he hadn’t exchanged numbers with anyone since becoming an adult. And the first number he’d ever gotten was Hyun Yooho’s.
“I’m so happy…”
His true feelings slipped out unintentionally. Embarrassed, Semin smiled shyly, and Yooho raised an eyebrow.
“Mr. Kang Semin.”
“Yes?”
Semin replied brightly. Yooho looked down at him silently for a moment, then turned away.
“Never mind. Let’s get up.”
He stood up first and led the way. Semin quickly grabbed his phone and followed. Yooho didn’t say a word until they reached the gym after walking up the hill, and Semin, elated at having the contact information of the star he admired, was completely preoccupied with the phone in his pocket.
* * *
It was 7:50 PM when he parked his car. After confirming he hadn’t broken his promise to be back by 8, Semin was about to get out of the car when he stopped. Sungmin’s Maserati was already there, unexpectedly.
“Noona!”
He ran up the stairs, too impatient to wait for the elevator. Even though it was only a few flights, he was quickly out of breath. Sungmin looked at Semin, bursting through the front door, with surprised eyes. She was still in her suit, as if she’d just gotten home herself.
“Semin, why are you in such a hurry? What is it? Do you have something to tell me?”
“I have something to tell you. No, I have something to ask. I need your help.”
“You need my help? Me?”
“Yes, yes.”
Semin quickly grabbed Sungmin’s arm. Sungmin tilted her head, but followed him.
Semin led her to his room, carefully closed the door, had her sit on the bed, and took a deep breath. Then, with trembling hands, he took out his phone and handed it to her.
“I need to send a text… but I don’t know how to write it.”
“A text? To whom?”
Sungmin took the phone and paused. The six characters “Hyun Yooho 선수님” (Athlete Hyun Yooho) were displayed on the screen. She also saw a message that had arrived about 15 minutes ago.
[Did you get home safe? I’ll be waiting for the photos. 7:40 PM]
Sungmin looked up, expecting an explanation, but Semin, completely flustered, just kept rambling.
“He sent it to me while I was on my way home. I’m going to send the photos tonight anyway, but should I reply to this text separately? I couldn’t reply while driving, and I’ve been thinking about it the whole way home, but I don’t know how to write it properly.”
“……Well, first of all… I’m really curious how you even got his number. Could you explain that first?”
“He gave it to me after I said I’d send him the photos.”
“Ah, the photos.”
“Too much time has passed already. Should I apologize for the late reply?”
Semin fidgeted anxiously and plopped down on the floor, hugging Sungmin’s legs and resting his cheek on her knee. Sungmin, seemingly used to this, stroked his head and hummed.
“He knew you were driving. Just tell him you’re home now and that you’ll send the photos tonight.”
“Should I not thank him?”
“What are you thanking him for?”
“For giving me his number…”
Semin looked up, his cheeks flushed rose-pink. Sungmin chuckled and brushed his hair back from his forehead.
“What’s there to thank him for? He’s the one who asked for the photos.”
“But still…”
“Just say what you need to say. If you’re too humble, it’ll make Hyun Yooho uncomfortable.”
“Is that so…?”
“Which photos are you going to send? What did you agree to show him?”
At her gentle question, Semin exclaimed, “Oh right!” and jumped up. He rushed to his desk, turned on his computer, and took out his card reader.
“He said he wanted to see the photos on this card.”
“Let me see. What’s on it?”
There were seventeen files in total. Sungmin browsed through them and burst out laughing. The first photo was of her, standing in the garden, smiling brightly.
“Semin, you’re not planning to send Hyun Yooho pictures of me, are you?”
“Huh? Can’t I?”
“It’s not that you can’t, but… if he asked to see your photos, wouldn’t he normally mean photos of himself?”
“Is that so? I do have pictures of him. But he specifically said he wanted to see the photos on this card… so I thought I had to show him everything on here.”
“You can filter them. How would Hyun Yooho even know what files are on this card? Did he say he looked at them?”
“No, he said he didn’t. He said he doesn’t know how to.”
“Okay, okay. Then exclude my photos, include those three photos of Hyun Yooho… and send any others you want to.”
Semin finished organizing the files and hesitated with his hand on the mouse, glancing at Sungmin with a look of disappointment. Sungmin, puzzled, gently pinched his cheek and asked, “Why?”
“Because I can’t post your photos anywhere…”
“……Huh?”
“I wanted to show them off if I had the chance… They turned out well… you look pretty.”
Sungmin smiled and lightly shook his cheek. Semin whined as his soft cheek stretched.
“That hurts…”
“Seriously, why would you show off nice pictures of me to Hyun Yooho?”
“Just because…”
“Hurry up and send them. You said you’re sorry for the late reply.”
“Oh, right, right.”
Semin’s eyes sparkled as he quickly opened his messenger and started attaching the files. Sungmin watched him and asked casually,
“So, you two got a bit closer?”
“Huh? Um…”
“Why, not yet?”
“No, I don’t think we’re… close enough for that… Wait, let me finish this…”
Semin finished attaching the files, thought for a moment, and started typing diligently. Sungmin glanced at the long message and sighed softly.
[I couldn’t reply earlier because I was driving. Sorry for sending the photos so late. I enjoyed the sparkling water you bought me today. Thank you. As I mentioned before, if you don’t like the photos, just tell me, but I’d prefer if you didn’t lie and say you don’t like them. And the first photo is of a cat that often visits our house. …]
“Semin, wait a minute. Let’s say you completely forgot my advice about not needing to apologize and thank him excessively. I still think you should keep only the first two sentences of this message… or four at most, if I’m being generous. What do you think?”
“Oh? Really? Okay, I’ll delete it.”
Semin obediently pressed the backspace key, then pressed enter without hesitation. He turned around, looking relieved.
“Done. Thanks, Noona.”
“Yes. So, what do you mean by ‘not close enough’?”
Sungmin finally asked the question she’d been most curious about, forcing a smile. Semin answered without hesitation.
“Well, I’m a fan… and he seemed to think of me that way, too…”
“……Hyun Yooho did?”
“He didn’t say it exactly like that… He said he’d only talk to me about photos. He’s not interested in anything else about me.”
How much more explicit could he be? Sungmin suppressed a sigh and ruffled Semin’s hair.
“Weren’t you offended? When he said that?”
“Offended…? I was fine…”
“…….”
“I’m sure there are… many people like me for him. And he said he’d let me take photos…”
Semin’s voice trailed off weakly. Seeing him looking anxious, as if he’d done something wrong, Sungmin quickly put an arm around him and patted his shoulder.
“You did well. So, you’re okay as long as you can take photos?”
“Yes, yes.”
“Okay, as long as you’re happy, Semin.”
Sungmin changed the subject and stood up. Semin tried to stand up as well, but she gently pushed him back down.
“I have to go out again early in the morning. I just came home for a bit of rest.”
“Oh? Is that so? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have taken up your time…”
“No, no. It’s fine. If I sleep a little now, it’ll be enough. You should wash up and rest too, Semin.”
“Okay, Noona. Thanks…”
Semin, looking dejected, said goodbye, and as soon as the door closed, he banged his forehead on the desk. He knew Sungmin had been very busy lately. When she had matters to deal with overseas branches, she often didn’t come home until the early hours of the morning.
She must have come home at this hour to rest, and I know this happens, so why was I only thinking about myself? He banged his head a few more times and then lay face down on the desk.
‘I’m such an idiot…’
He was also worried that Sungmin seemed strangely subdued. Hopefully, she was just tired, but he was concerned he might have caused her some other worry.
‘Weren’t you offended?’
Her careful question came to mind first. Semin ruffled his hair, lost in thought.
‘I’m interested in the photos you take, Mr. Kang Semin.’
Was that something to be offended by? Semin blinked slowly.
‘Other than that, I don’t care.’
Hyun Yooho, hands in his pockets, his weight shifted slightly, indeed seemed indifferent to everything. That was why Semin couldn’t properly meet his gaze, which swept down from his tall frame.
He felt like he would be exposed the moment their eyes met. The interest and affection overflowing within him. He felt like Yooho would stop talking to him if he found out. Just like everyone else he’d ever encountered.
“I wasn’t offended…”
This is fine. Really. He forced down the emotions beginning to stir within him and sat up. His gaze naturally shifted to the monitor and stopped at the message window. A notification indicated that Hyun Yooho had checked the files.
“…….”
His heart began to race. Semin unconsciously clenched his fists and swallowed hard.