CCS Ch 8
by soapa[6:01 AM I got home safe. Sorry for the late reply, I was sleeping.]
There was a small lie mixed in. Even though he’d gotten home safe, he hadn’t been able to sleep soundly. Semin leaned his head against the headboard, trying to gather his scattered thoughts. He’d drifted in and out of sleep all night, leaving him feeling more drained than if he hadn’t slept at all.
He closed his dry eyes and waited for a reply. From 6 to 7 in the morning, and from 12 to 1 PM. No matter how tired he was, he couldn’t miss the only time he was allowed to talk to Yooho. Fortunately, the phone rang as if on cue.
― Why are you up so early?
Yooho asked in a sleepy voice. He sounded like he’d called the moment he woke up. His slower-than-usual speech sounded strangely refreshing. Semin, forgetting his drowsiness, cleared his throat.
“I fell asleep as soon as I got home yesterday, so…”
― How are you feeling?
“Huh? Oh… I’m fine. Perfectly fine.”
― Hmm… That’s good. I was worried about you getting drenched in cold water.
As expected, his soaked clothes hadn’t magically dried during their short dinner. Semin had ended up borrowing Yooho’s clothes and returning home in them. His gaze, still holding his phone, drifted towards his dressing room. The neatly folded clothes, ready to be returned after washing, suddenly caught his eye.
― Are you coming tomorrow?
He could hear rustling sounds beyond Yooho’s words. It seemed like he was getting ready to leave while talking on the phone.
“Tomorrow?”
― The open training. You said you’d come.
“……Ah! Yes, of course. I’ll be there.”
Yooho chuckled softly. It was a gentle sound. Semin, suppressing his fluttering heart, spoke up bravely,
“See you… tomorrow.”
― Yeah, see you tomorrow… Oh, by the way, Kang Semin.
Yooho’s tone, softened by sleep, suddenly became clear.
― Did you say I was your first friend?
Semin was taken aback by the unexpected question. It was true that Yooho was his only friend, but his first? Ironically, Joseph was the first person who came to mind.
“…….”
But that kind of relationship wasn’t usually called friendship. After a brief contemplation, Semin nodded weakly.
“……Yes. But why…?”
― No, I was just thinking about it after you left yesterday.
“……?”
― I’m your first friend, and your first… someone you’re interested in.
“…….”
― That’s all.
See you tomorrow then. The call ended abruptly with a short goodbye. Semin remained still for a long time, the phone still pressed to his ear.
‘If you feel a lingering sense of wanting more.’
He squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again. He slowly crept out of bed and headed towards the dressing room. He could see the t-shirt and track pants neatly folded on top of the island dresser. Semin tiptoed, as if afraid someone would hear him, and picked up the t-shirt.
Unfolding it, he saw it was a plain white short-sleeved t-shirt. Just excessively oversized. Semin slowly raised his arms. As he stopped, his hands tracing the place where Yooho’s shoulders had been when their bodies were closest, he suddenly felt enveloped by a refreshing scent. It was the scent that always lingered whenever Yooho approached.
“…….”
Semin unconsciously clutched the sleeve of the t-shirt and took a slow breath. He wanted to confirm whether the scent was a trick of his memory or a lingering trace of reality. He looked around, but of course, no one was there. He tried to calm his trembling heart, telling himself, it’s okay. No one will know.
He hunched his shoulders and lowered his head, ending up hugging the crumpled t-shirt. His lips trembled as he pressed them against the soft cotton fabric. His held breath escaped, and with each deep inhale, Yooho’s warmth, cryptic words, and slow, playful smile clung to him.
“……Ah.”
A moan escaped his lips, and his knees buckled. Semin sank to the floor, his face buried in the t-shirt. The soles of his feet tingled. The uncontrollable heat rising within him warmed his ears.
“What am I going to do…”
The futile question echoed unanswered.
* * *
His agitated nerves refused to settle. He kept waking up, unable to rest properly. Semin, finally greeting Thursday with a haggard face, left his car keys and called a taxi.
It was just past 11:40 AM when he arrived. Semin considered sending a message to let Yooho know he’d arrived, but decided against it. It seemed better to wait for Yooho to call him.
He sat on a bench near the entrance and searched for a map of the area. He intended to find a place where they could get lunch quickly and make a reservation. As he was meticulously scanning reviews and ratings, a shadow suddenly fell over him.
“Oh.”
Semin looked up instinctively at the familiar voice, his eyes widening. Myunghoon stood there with a puzzled expression, a convenience store bag in one hand.
“The CEO’s younger brother… right?”
“Yes, he, hello.”
Semin hurriedly bowed his head. Myunghoon returned the greeting with a slight smile.
“What brings you here?”
“Here? Oh, the gym…”
“Are you here to take photos? For the open training? But it’s… you’ll have to wait a while.”
He asked cautiously, a faint smile still playing on his lips. He wasn’t as friendly and easygoing as he had been during their previous encounter. Semin hesitantly nodded.
“I’m… having lunch… with Yooho.”
Myunghoon’s expression momentarily stiffened.
“Lunch? With Yooho…?”
He trailed off and scratched the back of his head. He seemed to have something he wanted to say. Semin swallowed hard, a knot of tension tightening in his stomach.
“I… I’m really sorry to say this, but…”
Myunghoon began hesitantly. Semin, though he knew he should nod encouragingly, remained stiff. Myunghoon glanced at him, then shook his head.
“……Ah, never mind. Forget it.”
“…….”
“Enjoy your lunch. Yooho will be out soon.”
Myunghoon finished quickly and bowed his head slightly. Semin stared blankly after him, unable to stop him or ask any further questions. A chill ran down his spine.
“…….”
What was he going to say? Since he had started with an apology, it couldn’t have been anything good. Semin stared at the spot where Myunghoon had disappeared, replaying his words in his mind.
‘Lunch? With Yooho…?’
Did he think Semin was a disturbance? It was the most plausible explanation. As his manager, it was natural for him to be concerned. Semin anxiously brought his thumb to his lips.
What if I’m doing something wrong?
Should I go after him and ask? He was nibbling on his short nail when he turned his head. He saw a tall, dark figure walking out of the entrance. It was a presence he couldn’t miss. Semin blinked slowly. Yooho, noticing him, smiled.
“Sorry to call you all the way here, but lunch is usually just a boxed meal. I don’t have time to go out.”
Yooho led him to the lounge on the second floor of the gym. Semin frowned slightly as he accepted the lunch box Yooho offered. It seemed too meager for a national athlete’s meal.
“Make yourself comfortable. It’s called a lounge, but the staff doesn’t really come here, so I’m mostly alone.”
Yooho put down his two lunch boxes and headed towards the window. He opened the curtains and the window, letting in a cool breeze. Semin pushed aside the nagging regret that was churning within him and leaned forward over the table. As he was unwrapping his wooden chopsticks, Yooho’s footsteps, returning to the table, quickened.
“What’s this?”
A hand suddenly reached out and grasped the collar of Semin’s t-shirt. As the startled Semin swayed, a bruised collarbone was revealed beneath the stretched fabric.
“Where did you get this bruise? Are you hurt?”
“Th, th, this, no. I fell out of bed…”
“What?”
Yooho asked incredulously. Semin quickly adjusted his clothes and shook his head.
“It looks worse than it is. I bruise easily.”
Yooho still seemed unconvinced. He looked back and forth between Semin’s face and shoulder, then sighed deeply.
“How do you fall out of bed? You’re not a child.”
“I… I know.”
Semin, unable to find a response, laughed awkwardly. He should have worn a higher-necked shirt. He licked his dry lips and averted his gaze, and Yooho finally let go of his shirt.
“Are you feeling unwell because you’re hurt?”
“……Huh?”
“You seem a little down.”
Yooho straightened up after speaking. Semin’s chin lifted involuntarily. As he stumbled back, about to lose his balance, a firm hand caught his waist.
“Careful, you’ll fall.”
Yooho said playfully, guiding him to the sofa. The large hand that had been supporting his back brushed against his side as it withdrew. Semin shivered at the ticklish sensation.
“Why?”
The simple question, coming from above, registered belatedly, perhaps due to his nervousness. Huh? He tilted his head back to ask, and Yooho gestured with his chin towards his wrist.
“…….”
Semin gasped, realizing that his hand was gripping Yooho’s wrist. He had a firm hold on Yooho’s thick, strong wrist bone beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. ―Uh, uh. He knew he should let go, but it felt like he had momentarily forgotten how his body worked. He wanted to cry as his grip tightened involuntarily.
“So, sorry, why, why am I…?”
“Sorry.”
“……Huh?”
“Did you not like me touching you? I’ll be careful.”
Yooho apologized easily and lowered himself to Semin’s eye level. He loosened his grip and waited quietly. There was no trace of resentment or reproach in his eyes. Looking at his guileless expression, Semin’s surprise gradually subsided.
Semin slowly lowered his gaze. As his stiff body relaxed, his clenched hand opened. Yooho pulled his arm free and tilted his head quizzically.
“Are you okay?”
“…….”
“I seem to keep startling you.”
“I… didn’t.”
His lips, finally parted, spilled out the most urgent words.
“I didn’t dislike it. That’s not it, I, I was the one who suddenly grabbed your hand… I’m sorry…”
“It’s okay.”
“I, I was… thinking about your hand… so…”
“…….”
“I think I did it unconsciously…”
Semin mumbled, dropping his head. Yooho’s lips curved into a gentle smile. He placed his hands on either side of Semin’s knees and leaned in close.
“My hand?”
He could hear Semin’s breathing as their faces drew closer.
“What were you thinking about my hand?”
Semin’s shallow breaths were coming faster. Yooho shifted his hand, as if pulling on the edge of the sofa, in time with Semin’s breaths.
“You said… that…”
“Yes.”
“You said you didn’t want to let go of my hand.”
“I did.”
“I wondered if… that was true…”
Yooho’s thumb brushed against the back of Semin’s hand, resting on the sofa. Semin gasped, his lips trembling. His eyes, filled with stifling anxiety, flickered up through his messy black hair.
“What if… it wasn’t true…”
“…….”
“I kept… thinking about it… and I couldn’t sleep at all…”
His trembling voice was laced with a hint of tears. Yooho simply stared at Semin without replying. Semin choked out, his voice rising,
“……Am I… bothering you…?”
Yooho’s expression crumpled. He tilted his head further and took a short breath.
“Bothering…? Why would you say that?”
“Because I’m keeping you from resting…”
“I’m the one who asked you here… No, we were talking about something completely different. You said you couldn’t sleep because you were thinking about me, right?”
“……Ah.”
“How did we suddenly jump to you bothering me? Don’t get ahead of yourself, bring me along too.”
Yooho extended both hands, as if to say, I can’t keep up, so hold my hand and lead the way. Semin sniffled and cleared his throat.
“I don’t want to bother you…”
“Okay, okay. Talk to me slowly.”
“I’m definitely not… trying to annoy you.”
“I know.”
“I’m really not…”
Yes, you’re not, so what. Yooho playfully opened and closed his hands. He was going along with everything Semin said, but there wasn’t a hint of impatience in his demeanor. Semin pressed his lips together, then let out a long sigh.
“I’m so curious about what comes after holding hands…”
His head dropped like a wind-up toy. His cheeks burned, and he couldn’t bring himself to look up. As he stared at his knees, enduring the wave of regret, he felt a warmth on the backs of his hands. Yooho was covering his hands with his own.
“……Yooho.”
Even without making eye contact, Semin instinctively knew what Yooho was about to do. His breath was getting closer. Another person’s breath. The flow of air, shared and mingling at different paces through their bodies, suddenly became distinct.
“Yooho, I…”
The moment he spoke, their noses brushed, and their eyes met. Yooho paused, saying nothing, simply waiting for Semin’s answer with a calm, steady gaze.
Semin knew what he could do. He could turn his head. He could pull his hand away or move back. That alone would be enough for Yooho to stop. He would sit across from him as if nothing had happened and offer him lunch. And probably―he wouldn’t try anything like this again.
“……I.”
He knew he should change course now, but…
“You’re really not teasing me… right…?”
The words that slipped from his parted lips were nothing more than a pathetic, ambiguous plea.
“To be honest, I was half-teasing you until now.”
Yooho smiled, his gaze unwavering.
“But now I’m completely serious.”
Ah, then, there’s no problem… Semin’s blinking slowed. His lowered eyelashes fluttered. Yooho brushed against his nose and tightened his grip on Semin’s hands. Semin finally closed his eyes.
With his vision blocked, his sense of touch became more acute. A shiver ran down his spine as soft, warm lips pressed against the corner of his mouth, making a small popping sound. Yooho, as if to soothe the startled Semin, patted his hand and tilted his head slightly. Light kisses traced the outline of Semin’s lips.
“…….”
Even after a long while, Yooho continued to gently nibble on Semin’s upper lip. A ticklish sensation bloomed in Semin’s stomach each time their breaths mingled.
“Ah…”
Yooho slowly straightened up, their lips still lightly touching. Semin’s head lolled back against the backrest as if he was about to collapse. Yooho placed one hand on the backrest and cupped Semin’s cheek with the other.
“Ha…”
The old sofa creaked precariously as Yooho shifted his weight. Their lips finally met fully. Semin’s hand, reaching out to grab something, found Yooho’s t-shirt. He crumpled the fabric in his fist, and a ticklish sound echoed in his mouth.
“…….”
A lingering warmth filled the space where Yooho’s lips had been. He slowly opened his eyes, and their gazes met. Yooho grinned and whispered,
“After holding hands,”
His breath, close to Semin’s face, sent shivers down his skin. Semin hunched his shoulders and blinked rapidly.
“Usually, it’s this.”
“…….”
“What do you think?”
Yooho kissed him again with a soft pop. Semin flinched, instinctively closing and then opening his eyes, and shook his head slightly.
“You don’t know?”
“……Ah.”
“Don’t you like it?”
“No… I…”
He couldn’t say he liked it because he was confused, and he couldn’t say he disliked it because he didn’t. He felt both relieved and disappointed by the ambiguous contact that couldn’t quite be called a kiss. Is this how it’s supposed to be? Semin’s gaze dropped, then he froze.
“…….”
Semin was clutching the side of Yooho’s t-shirt with all his might. As a result, his broad shoulders and chest were clearly outlined beneath the thin fabric. The sight triggered a sudden jolt in his nerves as he recognized the familiar scent emanating from Yooho’s long, strong neck. It was the same scent he had smelled on the clothes he had buried his face in last night, unable to resist.
“Ugh…”
A tingling sensation shot up from his toes. Semin gasped and quickly turned his head. He was at a loss for words to describe the feeling that tightened his body whenever he was with Yooho. As he tried to control his breathing, feeling like he was about to cry, Yooho asked worriedly,
“What’s wrong?”
“…….”
“You don’t like it? It’s okay to say so.”
A warm hand stroked his forehead.
“You can stop anytime.”
Yooho’s fingertips, gently brushing against his sweat-dampened skin, were as calm as ever.
“……Yooho.”
The name he barely managed to utter trembled. Yooho responded with a hum and leaned closer, placing his arm on Semin’s knees again and gently lifting his face.
“If, if this… isn’t unpleasant…”
“Yes.”
“Then… what happens now? Do… do we date or something?”
Yooho’s eyes widened, and he let out a breathy chuckle.
“You’re asking if we’re not going to date after kissing? You’re surprisingly open-minded, Kang Semin.”
“No! I mean… what I mean is…”
“Yes, what do you mean?”
“……I’ve, I’ve ne, never dated anyone before… so… is this… right…?”
I don’t really know… Yooho listened to his fading voice and sighed softly.
“Semin.”
Semin’s heart skipped a beat at the omission of the honorific. Startled, he responded with a yes, licking his dry lips.
“I thought you wanted this from me.”
“…….”
“But if you don’t, you don’t. If you don’t want it, you don’t want it. You can just say so. Nothing will change.”
“…….”
“If you want to stay friends, we can stay friends. If you want to go back to being an athlete and a fan, well… that’s fine too.”
We can still stop now. That’s what Yooho was saying. Semin couldn’t bring himself to answer. Just the thought of going back to being an athlete and a fan made his chest ache.
“Think about it carefully.”
Yooho smiled reassuringly at Semin, who had fallen silent.
“What you really want from me.”
* * *
The seat Yooho had arranged for him was in the front row, closest to the starting blocks. As Semin set up his camera and adjusted the angle, he suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu. It was a similar seat to the one he had when he went to see Yooho’s comeback match. He had taken a photo of Yooho’s profile looking down at the lane from this very angle.
‘What were you thinking when you took that photo?’
The stands were filled with reporters and fans even before the athletes arrived. Words and shouts poured from everywhere, colliding and floating in the air. A dizzying mix of praise and jealousy, admiration and criticism, anxiety and expectation flowed in relentlessly.
Semin lowered his head and pressed the shutter. Click. The empty lane filled the frame. The water lay still and silent.
‘Think about it carefully.’
What I want… As Semin repeated the words in his mind, a short gasp escaped his lips. At the same time, the sound of camera shutters erupted from all directions. Yooho, his goggles around his neck, was walking towards the lane.
“…….”
He didn’t show any sign of nervousness, even seeing the throng of reporters. He was just calm and natural, as if he was simply doing his job, as always…
“Hey, look here!”
Someone nearby shouted excitedly. If it had been a while ago, Semin would have thought it was a mistake, but he was certain Yooho was looking at him. He looked incredibly smug, a faint smile playing on his lips as he waved his hand. Semin involuntarily pressed his index finger on the shutter button. Click.
“What’s gotten into him? He doesn’t usually do that.”
“Yeah, he must be in a good mood today.”
“Quick, take the picture, quick.”
The puzzled comments no longer registered. He just kept pressing the shutter button, repeating the words in his mind over and over.
‘I think Kang Semin likes me.’
Click. Yooho in the frame turned towards the lane. He talked briefly with his approaching coach, then took off his swim cap and ruffled his hair. Semin zoomed in on his smooth, pale back, revealing three moles on his shoulder blade. His slightly tilted neck, short, swaying brown hair, the latissimus dorsi muscles protruding on either side of his spine, and his long arms, forming textbook-perfect lines, were captured one by one by his camera.
‘Semin.’
He accidentally nudged the camera body, blurring the focus slightly. Semin, finally stopping, took a deep breath. He lowered his head and wiped his forehead, feeling the heat rising.
‘If you want to stay friends, we can stay friends.’
Ah, a soft sigh escaped his lips. That was it.
There was something else he really wanted to ask. What if we become closer, become friends, and even lovers…
What if I disappoint you? What if I just blindly like you and miss all the important signs?
What if… I’m not someone you can tolerate, what should I do then?
“Ugh…”
Actually, he wanted to kiss him again.
The fear that washed over him the moment he realized this was too dark and heavy.
Tears, thick as jelly, welled up and dropped onto his lap. Semin cried silently and turned off his camera.
* * *
Author: Colorgenic
Date: 202X.04.30. 02:01
Title: 2X0429 Korea National Sport University Open Training Hyun Yooho
Content: ―
Comments
SeaStroll: Colorgenic, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?^^ Hyun Yooho’s photos again~
PhotoSquirrel: Oh~ I was a little disappointed that there were only two photos~~ but wow^^;; Why are these photos especially… sexy~? Hmm…
Dadofdaughters: Whoa~ ㅡ.ㅡ; Colorgenic, if you upload artistic shots like these, my clumsy photos become so embarrassing lol I hate you~~ But like Squirrel said, why does Hyun Yooho look especially… hmm~ in these photos?! Strange~
BloodlessRoad: Ha… what do I have to do to get lats like those… His back muscles are insane… Hyun Yooho must bench press over 500 lbs, right?
Dadofdaughters: Oh man~ Colorgenic… ㅡ.ㅡ Please delete the photos… lol My wife saw these and is making a fuss about me going to the gym starting tomorrow~ Seriously lol Is that a body you can get just by working out? ㅠㅠ
Semin woke up from a short nap to find that his post had been moved to the Best 게시판 (likely a “best of” or “featured posts” section). The number of views and comments was unusually high. As he scanned the post with a puzzled look, his face gradually flushed red.
“Uh…?”
The comments were becoming increasingly explicit about Yooho’s body. Flustered, Semin quickly opened the original post. He had uploaded two photos. One of Yooho smiling and waving towards the audience, and the other of him turning his back, taking off his swim cap, and running a hand through his hair. He had simply chosen the two photos with the best focus out of the few he had taken. He hadn’t expected such an explosive reaction.
“What’s going on…?”
Because it was early morning and the commenters were mostly close acquaintances, some of the comments crossed the line. ‘Please… at least let his dick be small…’ Semin immediately deleted the post after reading the last comment.
He put his phone away and pulled the blanket over his head. His heart pounded. He often saw sexually harassing comments about Yooho online, but seeing them stemming from his own photos made him feel a mix of emotions he couldn’t describe. He was flustered, felt bad for Yooho, and above all, uncomfortable.
‘This is annoying…’
He closed his eyes and tried to clear his head, but it wasn’t easy. It seemed like he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep easily tonight either.
The dim light of dawn seeped through his fingers. Semin slowly opened his eyes, feeling a weight pressing down on him. A faint figure, backlit by the blue light of dawn, was looking down at him.
―…?
The broad shoulders were familiar. Semin, forgetting all the questions that should have come first, reached out to the man before him. He wrapped his arms around the man’s strong neck, inhaling the familiar scent. The man climbed onto the bed, wrapping an arm around Semin’s waist. The ticklish sensation of lips nibbling on his earlobe made him bend his knees, and the man’s lower body pressed against his legs.
― Ha…
Their bodies, intertwined, sank deeper into the bed. The man caressed Semin’s back and shoulders, trailing kisses across his face. The vague, hazy sensation, as if they were separated by a thin membrane, made Semin increasingly restless. Something was missing, but he didn’t know what. He wished someone would…
He wished someone would tell him what this was.
― …Yooho.
His own voice sounded sweet to his ears. The man paused and lifted his head. His expression was hidden. He stared down at Semin, his face shrouded in shadow, then slowly lifted one corner of his mouth.
― Semin.
“……Gasp.”
A sharp intake of breath scratched his throat. Semin jolted awake, his eyes blinking rapidly in the darkness. The room was still dark, not even dawn had arrived, and it was silent.
“…….”
A cold sweat beaded on his temples. His skin was damp beneath his pajamas. Semin sighed, pulling at his clinging collar, then froze. He felt a wetness between his crossed legs, too thick to be just sweat.
“Uh…”
As soon as his apprehensive fingers slipped inside his pants, a chill ran down his spine. Semin bolted upright, rolled out of bed, and ran to the bathroom. Without even turning on the light, he ripped off his pants and underwear, tossed them into the sink, and turned on the faucet. Whoooosh. His strength drained at the sound of the cold water, and he covered his face with his hands. His cheeks burned.
“I’m going crazy…”
The relentless, indifferent sound of running water continued above Semin’s head as he mumbled, crouching on the floor.
* * *
Title: A picture of a swimmer that makes you feel strangely excited.jpg
Content: is swimmer Hyun Yooho (24, Seongnam City Hall) taken at yesterday’s open training. When he smiles at me, he looks like a big, precious puppy, but when he turns around, his back muscles are oh my…
Comment List
re1: I really… want to leave my mark on that man.
re2: Damn, look at them listing his name, age, and affiliation so diligently lol Thank you.
re3: Whoa, what’s with this picture?;;; I’m seriously sweating;;;
re4: Honestly, his front muscles are insane too, you just can’t see them well because of his face…
re5: What kind of swimmer has model-like muscles like that? Can he even float with those? Those aren’t swimmer’s muscles, hmm… He’s probably trying to become a celebrity, I bet his performance is mediocre anyway.
⤷ re5: He’s an Asian record holder, you ignorant fool lol
⤷⤷ re5: Lol? What’s the point of an Asian record in a white-dominated sport like swimming??
Title: Hyun Yooho’s muscles as seen by a gym bro (repost)
Content: Hyun Yooho is really hot these days…^^
Many people are saying they started working out after seeing photos of him… My female friends are all obsessed with Hyun Yooho these days, so I ended up seeing a lot of his pictures… Here are some brief thoughts.
You may not know, but athletes’ muscles are a little different from non-athletes’. While gym bros and celebrities build their bodies for ideal aesthetics… athletes build their bodies strictly for performance.
Swimmers are no exception. The purpose of their training, the purpose of building muscle, is solely to improve their times. Overall balance and flexibility are more important than the shape of individual muscles… So, of course, they’re more muscular than the average person, but… compared to fitness models who dehydrate themselves and pose intensely, they look softer. Of course, the fact that they maintain that physique 365 days a year is already impressive, but non-gym bros wouldn’t know that…^^;
So what’s so great about Hyun Yooho? First of all, this guy is just naturally gifted… I looked up his old photos, and his shoulders were already exceptional even as a child ㅡ.ㅡ; He has a Western frame and he’s genetically gifted…
As you know, everyone is born with different bone structure and muscle composition. To cut to the chase, Hyun Yooho… not only has the frame, but the quality and shape of his muscles are off the charts. Those muscles that look for show would probably be soft to the touch. Building and maintaining them wouldn’t be too difficult for him… He’s more than half naturally gifted, rather than having worked for it.
I saw him once as a special guest on a variety show, and he was incredibly light… I think he probably weighs less than he looks. Another important factor for swimmers is buoyancy. You can’t swim if you’re just a musclehead… you won’t float ^^;; (It’s true…)
Anyway… I just wanted to ramble a bit because I heard people are saying all sorts of things about how excessively beautiful(?) Hyun Yooho’s body is…^^ As a gym bro, seeing such blessed people makes me feel all sorts of things ㅠ.ㅠ but what can you do… life is unfair… sigh
Comment List
re1: Thanks, I got a refund on my PT sessions after reading this, I’m going to buy some chicken.
re2: Lol I looked up Hyun Yooho’s middle school photos because of this, and wow, is this really a middle schooler?
⤷ re2: No way, crazy… what’s with those middle school shoulders?
⤷ re2: Why is he so tall? Are the other kids short, or is he just tall?
⤷⤷ re2: That’s him in 9th grade, he was already 180cm tall then.
re3: Haha, Hyun Yooho, you’ll never understand the heart of a skinny guy, I win in that respect.
⤷ re3: Wipe your tears… there’s a flood coming.
re4: Please… please let it be 3cm, please.
Title: The reason Hyun Yooho can’t debut in the entertainment industry
Content: Because he’s going to marry me.
Comment List
re1: Please, get a grip…
“What’s the commotion about this time?”
Myunghoon, scrolling through his phone, exclaimed, “Oh!” after searching a website for a while.
“Hey, hey, Yooho. Look at this.”
Yooho glanced at the phone Myunghoon suddenly thrust at him from the back seat. Myunghoon urged him to take a proper look and even placed the phone in his hand.
“Isn’t this the person who used to upload your photos before?”
“…….”
A faint smile played on Yooho’s lips as he stared at the screen. The photo of him waving at the audience was captured in a particularly bright tone. He didn’t make eye contact, but he sure took a good picture. Yooho handed the phone back and mumbled nonchalantly,
“Is that so? I don’t really know.”
“No logo, and it’s obviously the same person. This person makes you look… how should I put it? Incredibly handsome. Like a Hong Kong actor in the photos.”
“Dude, our Yooho is already handsome.”
The coach, silently driving, suddenly chimed in. Myunghoon chuckled.
“Who doesn’t know that? But it’s not just handsome, he looks incredibly handsome and charismatic. He looks like a Hong Kong actor in the photos.”
“Really?”
“I think it’s a woman taking the photos. A woman who really likes Yooho.”
“As if she’s the only one.”
The coach and Myunghoon burst out laughing. Yooho decided to ignore them and took out his phone. A lone message sent at lunchtime was displayed.
[12:30 PM Want to have dinner together tomorrow?]
It was approaching 7 PM, but Semin hadn’t replied yet. As Yooho was thinking he should call Semin as soon as he got back to his accommodation, Myunghoon leaned forward again.
“Hyun, what are you doing tomorrow?”
“Huh?”
“Tomorrow’s our special meal day. My recommendation is duck, it’s been a while…”
“Oh, I have plans tomorrow.”
“Eh? With who?”
To be precise, he was planning to make plans. Yooho hesitated, and Myunghoon frowned slightly.
“Is it… that person again…?”
Just as he was about to reply, the car stopped. Seeing the familiar studio apartment building, Yooho got out of the car. As expected, Myunghoon quickly followed.
“Are you meeting the CEO’s brother?”
Why is he so nosy? Feeling uneasy, Yooho simply shrugged. Myunghoon, looking displeased, asked again,
“Really?”
“Why do you care?”
Unable to resist asking back, Myunghoon sighed deeply.
“Yooho, listen.”
“Yeah, what.”
“If you’re in a difficult situation, you have to tell me. I may not be of much help, but…”
Yooho frowned.
“What are you talking about?”
“That young master. I could ask the CEO to mediate…”
“What?”
Although unintentional, his voice came out sharper than intended. Myunghoon continued undeterred,
“It’s fine if he comes to watch your training. But coming during lunch time is a bit much. And with the Asian Games so close, calling you out all the time…”
He seemed to have seriously misunderstood something. Yooho sighed and replied calmly,
“I asked him to come for lunch yesterday. And I asked him to meet tomorrow too.”
“You did? Why?”
“There’s a reason. It’s not your concern, so don’t worry about it.”
“How can I not worry? You’ve never done anything like this before. Are you being blackmailed or something?”
Blackmailed? Yooho stopped mid-scratch of his head. Kang Semin blackmailing someone? He couldn’t even imagine it, and he let out a chuckle.
“Why aren’t you answering? Are you really…?”
“Stop talking nonsense. Your imagination is running wild today.”
Yooho waved his hand dismissively, annoyed. He wanted to go inside and call Semin. Myunghoon, who was about to say something more, finally slumped his shoulders.
“…Well, whatever. This won’t happen once you enter Jincheon.”
“…….”
“Go in. Get some rest.”
Yooho watched the taillights of the departing Avante and turned on his phone screen. May 2nd was coming to an end. He had to enter the athletes’ village in early July. He wouldn’t be able to leave much until the competition in September.
“…….”
He knew, but it still felt disappointing. He licked his dry lips and was about to put his phone back in his pocket when it vibrated. It was Semin.
― …Yooho.
Startled by his weak, husky voice, Yooho quickly stepped inside the building. Fortunately, no one was around.
“Your voice sounds rough.”
― Ah… I just woke up…
“You should sleep at night.”
― …I, I will. I’ll try.
I’ll try. He chuckled at the absurdly cute words. Semin, seemingly relieved by his laughter, asked in a slightly brighter tone,
― But… can I see you the day after tomorrow?
“Sure. But why? Are you busy tomorrow?”
― Oh, no… I’m not busy, but… I took your clothes to the dry cleaners. I think I’ll get them back the day after tomorrow…
“My clothes? What clothes?”
He asked, and it suddenly came back to him. He must be talking about the training suit he lent Semin after he got soaked by the shower. He took it to the dry cleaners? It was just something Yooho casually threw in the washing machine.
“Why did you take it to the dry cleaners? You could have just kept it.”
― But… still.
“You don’t have to give it back. You can have it.”
― Really?
Semin exclaimed in surprise, then added in a small voice,
― Then I shouldn’t have taken it to the cleaners…
“Yeah, you didn’t have to.”
― …Oh. Oh, no, no. That’s not what I meant.
Yooho pressed the elevator button and slowly asked, “Not what you meant?”
― No… I don’t want to say.
“What is it? You’ve piqued my curiosity.”
― You’ll be disappointed in me…
“Disappointed?”
― I… I’m disappointed in myself too. I di… didn’t know I was this kind of person.
The elevator quickly reached the 7th floor. Instead of heading to his apartment, Yooho changed his mind and climbed the emergency stairs to the rooftop.
“What did you do? Did you do something to my clothes?”
― What? Wh, wh, what would I do?
Yooho chuckled soundlessly and opened the rooftop door. A cool spring breeze brushed against his forehead.
“If you don’t explain properly, I’ll have to imagine things.”
― …Imagine?
“Like, why you would need to take a cheap t-shirt to the dry cleaners, that kind of thing?”
― …?
“Or that you did something unspeakable to it…”
― I, I, I just smelled it! I just smelled it! Really! It smelled good…!
A desperate cry burst through the speaker. Yooho snorted and crouched down, unable to contain his laughter. Oh, this is crazy…
― And, and then it got wrinkled, so I thought I should clean it and return it… So. But if I can have it… if I had known that…
“Okay, okay.”
― Anyway, I really… didn’t do anything weird to your clothes… Please believe me.
“I believe you. Besides, I wouldn’t mind even if you did.”
Yooho chuckled, running a hand through his hair. A gentle energy seemed to flow through his tired body.
“But I have a question. Did you upload the photos you took the other day online?”
― What? No… Yes.
What kind of answer is that? Yooho chuckled and stood up. He walked a few steps and sat on the rooftop railing, overlooking the peaceful landscape of the low-rise residential area.
“Did you upload them or not?”
― I… did, but I deleted them right away. But how…?”
“Our staff told me. They said the photos are causing a stir.”
― ….
Silence filled the other end of the line as Semin fell silent. Yooho checked the screen, thinking the call had dropped, then spoke in a low voice,
“Kang Semin?”
― …Ah.
“Can you hear me?”
― Yes. Ah… I’m sorry. Really…
“What are you apologizing for?”
― I really didn’t mean to…
It seemed like he had wandered off again in that short time. Yooho was about to interrupt him but decided against it and listened patiently.
― I never intended to cause you any trouble… I’m really sorry things turned out this way… I’ll make sure all the photos are taken down…
It seemed like he wouldn’t be able to resolve this over the phone. Yooho simply nodded and changed the subject.
“Okay, okay. I understand. So, what about tomorrow?”
― Tomorrow…?
“If you’re not returning the clothes, we can meet tomorrow, right?”
― Ah…! Yes, I’ll… come tomorrow.
“Okay. I’ll buy you something delicious tomorrow. What do you like?”
He actually wanted to ask what Semin would actually eat with gusto. Semin thought for a moment, then whispered shyly,
― I like anything as long as I’m eating it with you…
“…….”
Yooho covered his face with his hand and sighed.
“You’re really something…”
Huh? Semin’s voice was tinged with confusion. Yooho quickly added, waving his hand,
“No, I don’t mean it in a bad way. I mean it’s cute.”
― ….
“Then let’s meet tomorrow at 6:15… at the gym entrance.”
― …Okay.
Yooho hung up and stood up. He felt strangely light on his feet. He opened the rooftop door with a spring in his step, humming a soft tune.
* * *
“Dear, what should we do? They said the laundry is already done.”
The housekeeper, Mr. Kim, said with a troubled expression, holding her phone. Semin quickly shook his head and hurried to her side.
“It’s okay. It was just a thought, don’t worry about it.”
“He said it would be a problem if you washed them? Your friend who lent them to you.”
“No, no, it’s not like that.”
Semin chuckled and hugged the elderly woman’s waist. Mr. Kim patted his hand and headed towards the kitchen.
“You should sleep early if you’re going out again tomorrow. Should I make you a light dinner?”
“Yes.”
Semin sat down on the sofa, feeling slightly disappointed. If he had known he could keep them, he would have carefully stored them away. Of course, he should buy new ones and…
“…….”
Semin mumbled blankly, then sighed softly. Right, he shouldn’t just keep them, he should buy new ones and return them. He hurriedly checked the time, only to find that the department store was nearing closing time.
‘Since we’re meeting tomorrow evening, if I go shopping around 3 PM…’
What clothes should he buy? Semin’s heart pounded as he started browsing various brand websites. His chest swelled with an unfamiliar excitement that made him breathless.
“I’m sorry, sir. We don’t currently have that large a size in stock…”
The sales associate said cautiously. Semin’s face fell. Just moments ago, they had been excitedly discussing various clothes spread out before them. Semin, after much deliberation, had said he would buy one of each design, and all the sales associates hovering around him had smiled happily. The problem was that the associate had assumed Semin was choosing clothes for himself, and Semin had naturally assumed that a wide range of sizes would be available.
“If you place a custom order, we can have them made to your exact measurements…”
“Ah… you don’t have any ready-to-wear in that size?”
“You said the person who’ll be wearing them is 195cm tall, right? Then our standard pants will be too short. If he was just large, it would be different, but for someone who’s tall and slim, the only options are to alter oversized ready-to-wear or have them custom made…”
“…….”
“It will probably take about two months…”
Two months… Semin mumbled inwardly, suddenly remembering the Asian Games. The competition was in September, and he thought he had heard Yooho say he would be entering the athletes’ village around the beginning of July.
“Would it be possible to receive them within June?”
“It’s tight… but we have a VVIP hotline to our headquarters in France. If you leave it to us, we’ll make it happen.”
“Hmm…”
Wouldn’t it be nice to give them to him as a gift before he enters the athletes’ village? As Semin browsed through several simple t-shirts and jogger pants, the associate spoke up.
“They would suit you too… Especially this track suit set, I chose it with your image in mind, so it’s a bit of a shame.”
“……Huh?”
“These days, even friends wear similar looks. You could get this in beige, and since your friend likes neutral colors, you could have it made in gray for him as a gift.”
Semin was speechless at the unexpected suggestion. Wearing the same design as Hyun Yooho… He blinked slowly. He didn’t usually wear clothes like this outside, but he could wear them at home, and then he could watch Hyun Yooho on TV while wearing the same clothes…
“Sir…?”
“……Ah.”
“Would you… like to look at something else?”
“No, it’s just… I’m being a bit creepy, aren’t I…? Oh, no. Never mind. I’ll place an order as you suggested… and please give me one of these in my size.”
Semin hurriedly blurted out the words and pointed at the beige track suit. The associate finally smiled brightly and led him to a seat.
“Then, sir, let me confirm your order. A custom order from our activewear line: four short-sleeved cotton t-shirts, two sweatshirts, three pairs of jogger pants, one ready-to-wear sweatshirt, and one pair of jogger pants. A total of eleven items for 15,520,000 won.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve received your card. What would you like to drink?”
“It’s okay. Please just process the payment quickly, and send the clothes to my home.”
“Certainly.”
Even though he rushed, it was almost time for him to leave. Leaving the quickly processing associate behind, Semin hurried out of the store as if he was being chased. He felt bad about going to meet Yooho empty-handed, but it was more important to be on time.
Thump, thump. His heart pounded with each hurried step. He had been feeling strange since last night. A mix of anxiety and excitement. He always felt this way when meeting Yooho, but there was an unfamiliar nervousness this time.
‘Why am I like this?’
As Semin sat at the valet booth, waiting for his car, his gaze drifted towards an advertisement on the wall. It was a photo of a famous actor holding a ring box. Even in the still black-and-white photo, his eyes sparkled like a boy facing his first love. The text below his hand suddenly came into focus.
【For you, a thrill】
For you.
Semin finally realized the source of the excitement that had been swirling within him since last night. It was because he had prepared a gift. For the first time in his life, he had bought a gift for someone else. Not for family or employees, but for someone he had met outside his home.
‘For Kang Semin…’
The meaning behind Yooho’s words also became clear.
‘I’m your first friend, and your first… someone you’re interested in.’
How special those words were…
* * *
A peaceful love song played on the radio, and the familiar Seoul sky settled between the rooftops of old buildings. The roads were starting to get congested as rush hour approached, but Semin didn’t feel impatient. He tapped the steering wheel, listening intently to the song, when the music faded and his phone rang.
There were only two possible callers: his family or Yooho. Without hesitation, Semin pressed the answer button and spoke softly,
“Hello?”
― ….
There was no response. Semin tilted his head, turning the steering wheel into the last alley leading to the gym.
“Hello?”
― Is this Kang Semin’s phone?
A cheerful, high-pitched voice, like a bolt of lightning across a clear sky, pierced through the speaker and into his ear. Semin swallowed nervously.
― I think this is the right voice… Hello?
His warm, excited mood plummeted, and the world, which had seemed peaceful like a scene from a movie, froze over. Feeling his hands tremble, Semin pulled over to the side of the road.
― Semin, it’s me. Joseph.
As he braked and rubbed his face, the fact he had been dreading finally hit him. Suppressing the urge to press the end call button, Semin managed a weak,
“……Yes.”
His mouth was dry, as if burning. Joseph seemed to chuckle at his subdued voice.
― How have you been? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
“How… did you get my number? I never gave it to you.”
― How did I get it? I just called the number saved in my old phone.
Semin covered his aching forehead with his hand. Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t changed his number… It was more accurate to say he hadn’t felt the need to.
― Last time, you said you couldn’t come because you had something important to do. What could be so important that you’d ditch a friend you haven’t seen in five years? I’m really hurt.
“……Joseph.”
Did you get amnesia while you were abroad? Semin couldn’t find a way to express his thoughts and remained silent. He just wanted to end the call, block his number, and be done with it.
“Sorry, but I have to go. I’m driving.”
― Oh, really? What car do you drive? My dad said he’ll buy me a Panamera when I come back to Korea for good.
Come back to Korea for good? Semin’s hair stood on end at the unexpected bombshell. Ignoring Semin’s reaction, Joseph continued chattering.
― I’m only back for a short time because of entrance exams. I was supposed to go to Yale, but with all the talk about terrorist threats and all, things changed. I’ll go to one of the SKY universities for now, and then I’ll see about going abroad again later. Ugh, I don’t want to attend a Korean university. The educational level is so-so, and the kids don’t know how to have fun… But life is precious, so what can you do.
“…….”
― What are you up to? Which university do you go to? Let’s meet up and talk. I’ll come to you.
“……Sorry, I have to go.”
As soon as he pressed the end call button, his heart started racing. Semin hunched over, clutching his chest, struggling to catch his breath.
“Ha…”
His back trembled with shock. He felt like he had been dragged down into a mire, his feet entangled in the sticky reality.
After a while, when he had calmed down somewhat, a question arose. Even if Joseph had contacted his sister, why was he so persistent about meeting? Unless he really didn’t remember anything.
‘Does he have some kind of motive?’
But Semin quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought. He didn’t want to think about Joseph. He was afraid it would bring back a string of unpleasant memories he had carefully buried. He just wanted to live a quiet life, never having to interact with Joseph again.
His mood, which had sunk, didn’t recover easily, even as he got out of the car. Semin adjusted the strap of his unusually heavy bag and walked towards the gym with heavy steps. The area in front of the gym was eerily quiet, with only a few people passing by.
Putting his weight on his toes as if to suppress his emotions, he headed for the entrance. It was past 6:10 PM. The churning in his stomach only subsided after he climbed the stairs and stood in front of the entrance.
“…….”
Semin hesitated, then picked up his phone. He cautiously peeked inside as he called Yooho. He knew Yooho would be out soon, but he wanted to hear his voice.
It was something he wouldn’t normally do. It was an impulse from deep within him. He felt like he could forget everything if he could just see Yooho’s calm, unwavering eyes and genuine smile—the unpleasant memories, the churning anxiety gnawing at his heart.
“Wow, really? Awesome!”
A clear voice struck his ears like hail on a clear day.
“No, it’s okay. I like Hyun Yooho too.”
Semin braced his almost buckling knees. The familiar tone, the unforgettable voice, was approaching with frightening speed. He thought he should run, but just keeping himself from collapsing took all his strength.
“But why did Semin say he’s coming…?”
The inside of the gym was dark, and the face reflected in the darkened glass was unmistakable. The round face, round eyes, small stature, and chubby fingers were all exactly as he remembered. Semin finally turned around and clenched his jaw.
“Oh! I just met him now.”
As their eyes met, an intensely dark gaze scanned Semin from head to toe. Beneath the clouded eyes, a wide smile spoke cheerfully.
“Yes, I’ll hang out with Semin. Yes, you can go in. Mother.”
“Mother?”
Semin blurted out involuntarily and gasped. Joseph ended the call and shushed him.
“Your mother called me earlier. She must have heard that I’m back in Korea.”