WOPE Ch 2

“I held back because you seemed like a clueless kid.”

Hooyoung was so nervous he couldn’t properly hear what the man was muttering.

“What?”

“It’s fine if you didn’t hear. Here.”

The man swapped the beer glass in Hooyoung’s hand with his own. It happened so naturally and quickly that Hooyoung wondered if the man had wanted his beer. Was it a different kind? He took a sip of the new beer, but perhaps because he wasn’t sensitive to the taste of alcohol, he couldn’t tell much of a difference.

“What are you doing here? A student shouldn’t be skipping studies.”

The man spoke as if he hadn’t expected to see Hooyoung here.

“It’s the weekend. My friends asked me to come along.”

“Happy to see me?”

The man leaned in close, tilting his head slightly. Hooyoung couldn’t answer right away. It was more than just happy, but wouldn’t it be too embarrassing to admit he’d been waiting? As he hesitated, unsure how to respond, the man simply smiled knowingly. …He’s handsome again today. Maybe he works in film or modeling in LA.

“Your face says it all. You’re overjoyed to see me.”

“No, I’m not?”

“Yes, you are.”

Hooyoung couldn’t contradict the man who spoke with such certainty. And he kept glancing at the man, a nagging thought creeping in: what if, like last time, this ended abruptly?

“Shall we go for a walk?”

The man glanced around before quietly suggesting, making eye contact. Hooyoung couldn’t answer immediately. From the moment their eyes met, neither his eyes nor his mouth seemed to function properly. There was no need to analyze his feelings any further. No matter how he thought about it, it was obvious.

He’d fallen for him.

The reckless act he’d committed in the exhilaratingly unfamiliar environment had snowballed, overwhelming all his reason. His curiosity about the man had grown to the point where he could build a snowman, and he couldn’t help but follow the man’s leading hand.

Everything had been impulsive from the moment he first saw the man. Impulses born from the unfamiliar surroundings. Here, unlike his usual life, he didn’t overthink or second-guess himself. No, he couldn’t. He lived in that sweet impulsiveness until the day he suddenly realized he had to return to Korea. He could guarantee it had been far more magical than Disneyland right next door.

🏀

Unlike the cheerful atmosphere of the event, Hooyoung quietly reflected on his life. I haven’t done anything seriously wrong, have I? I’ve never shoplifted from a stationery store or littered on the street. I even consistently donated to charities for the less fortunate while living on sponsorships. But why? Why is this happening to me?

Returning to his seat, almost in a daze, Hooyoung mechanically stuffed the cold food into his mouth, lost in thought. He had to eat. He needed the energy.

“Hooyoung?”

Yunsoo called out to Hooyoung, who was eating mechanically, his eyes unfocused.

“Yes?!”

“Why are you so startled? Did something happen over there?”

“Ah, no. I’m just a little out of it…”

He couldn’t possibly ask, “Senior! I ran into someone I was hoping to keep a secret from forever, what should I do?” Ah, this is the first time the taste of meat has felt so bland. It’s supposed to be expensive hotel food, why does it taste like chewing rubber? For the first time in his life, Hooyoung lost his appetite due to stress.

You’ll be seeing him often from now on? The chairman had clearly said so. Does that mean he works in Korea? Does he live here permanently? Hooyoung replayed the conversations he’d overheard. He’d thought the man was just a rich guy living in America, but he turned out to be a chaebol heir with a titanium spoon. Wait, how old is he? He spoke informally from the beginning, so Hooyoung assumed he was older, but he didn’t think there was a huge age gap. He looked 20-something, late 20s at most.

Hooyoung glanced towards where the man was and made eye contact. Oops. Hooyoung blinked, then quickly looked away.

‘Grandmother… your grandson is doomed…’

The man was definitely glaring at him. His gaze was so sharp that even a brief encounter sent chills down Hooyoung’s spine.

Hooyoung sighed deeply.

“Are you that bored?”

To the oblivious Yunsoo, Hooyoung, sighing deeply, looked simply adorable. Yunsoo stroked the back of Hooyoung’s head, then gently squeezed his cheeks together.

“Wh-what are you doing…”

Hooyoung, his lips puckered like a duck, struggled to tell him to stop, and Yunsoo chuckled, squeezing harder.

“Ah, what are we going to do with you? Still acting like a rookie.”

“I’ll have juniors soon…”

“Rookie or second-year, it’s all the same. Even when you have juniors, if they don’t make the roster, you’ll still be the one carrying the icebox.”

That was true. Hooyoung pursed his lips and nodded in agreement.

“Senior, should I get you more food?”

“No, I’ve had enough. You eat more. You couldn’t eat much because you were busy greeting people.”

Hooyoung shook his head at Yunsoo’s offer, as he surveyed the room. He was surprised that he could lose his appetite so quickly. Probably a first in his life.

“The new HG chairman is really young.”

“He is…”

“Who’s next to him? He looks about my age.”

Yunsoo spoke, looking over, but Hooyoung stubbornly kept his gaze averted. He knew who Yunsoo was referring to without looking and didn’t want to risk making eye contact again.

“His younger brother.”

At Hooyoung’s words, the people at the table exchanged glances and murmured amongst themselves. Oblivious, Hooyoung fidgeted, his leg bouncing nervously, preoccupied with his thoughts. He’d assumed the man was wealthy, but he hadn’t imagined a chaebol heir connected to a Korean corporation. With his hair slicked back and dressed in a suit, he looked completely different from how he appeared in America. Knowing his background, the man seemed much more mature and authoritative.

…Which meant much more intimidating.

“Uh, I think they’re coming this way?”

“What?!”

Why? Why here? Hooyoung couldn’t bring himself to look. Should he just run away, regardless of what the general manager might say? Why did he have to be from HG? Why? Just as Hooyoung, his mind racing, was about to bolt,

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

Junwook, approaching faster than expected, greeted the group. The people at the table, who had been stealing glances at Junwook as he walked over, rose one by one to shake his hand. If Hooyoung suddenly left now, he’d look insane.

The golfers sponsored by HG, the soccer players who were advertising models, and even Yunsoo greeted Junwook with smiles. Hooyoung was the only one frozen stiff, unable to meet anyone’s gaze. If he were meeting this man for the first time, he would have been smiling brightly, trying to make a good impression. What terrible luck…

Regardless of Hooyoung’s inner turmoil, the greetings between Junwook and the others were cordial.

“Hello, I’m Kim Yunsoo.”

Yunsoo introduced himself, bowing slightly as he shook Junwook’s hand. Hooyoung stood stiffly beside him, forcing a smile.

“It’s a pleasure. You’re a basketball player, right? You’re really tall.”

“Oh, I’m not that tall for a basketball player.”

At 192cm, Yunsoo was tall for a guard, and Hooyoung was on the shorter side. But Junwook was almost eye-level with Yunsoo. Hooyoung felt even smaller standing next to them. He’d been drawn to Junwook’s model-like long legs in America, but now, meeting him like this, his height just felt irritating.

“Are you currently playing for the Big Whales?”

Before Yunsoo could answer, someone standing behind Junwook approached and whispered to him.

“Ah, he says he’s not on our team. He’s the best player in the league right now. That’s a shame.”

“You flatter me.”

Could he speak so casually in situations like this because he was the highest-paid player in the league? Hooyoung stood there, silently praying it wouldn’t be his turn. But even while talking to Yunsoo, Junwook’s gaze kept flickering towards him. His eyes were merely polite and professional when looking at Yunsoo, but there was a coldness when they landed on Hooyoung. He wanted to dismiss it as just a feeling, but it wasn’t easy. Even though he was just standing there, his leg started to tremble.

“And next to you is…”

Finally, it was his turn. Hooyoung gulped and bowed deeply.

“He-hello.”

As soon as he finished greeting, he heard soft chuckles. Junwook and Yunsoo laughed simultaneously. He glanced up slightly to see a hand extended towards him. He’d been so nervous that his brain hadn’t registered the approaching hand, and he’d simply bowed at a 90-degree angle.

“You seem nervous. I’m not that scary.”

…Even an alligator with its jaws open wouldn’t be this terrifying. Hooyoung, his facial muscles no longer cooperating, slowly, as if handling red-hot lava, took the offered hand.

“He-hello…”

“Am I scary?”

“No, no, sir.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a considerable force gripping his hand. Hooyoung’s eyes darted nervously. Junwook’s large hand completely enveloped his, squeezing tightly before letting go. It felt like it would leave a mark. Hooyoung couldn’t bring himself to look down and check.

“We met briefly over there, didn’t we? Lee Hooyoung?”

Junwook’s face, as he confirmed Hooyoung’s name with a slight smile, looked like the Grim Reaper to Hooyoung. He couldn’t answer. He couldn’t avoid the man’s piercing gaze. He felt like if he even slightly averted his eyes, Junwook would bring up things that shouldn’t be mentioned here.

“The general manager mentioned you were our team’s rookie. He had a lot of praise for you, said you were incredibly promising.”

“Oh, our Hooyoung is definitely a player who can carry the HG Big Whales.”

Seeing Hooyoung frozen and unable to respond, Yunsoo patted his back encouragingly. Junwook’s smile deepened.

“Hearing everyone speak so highly of you raises my expectations. I’ll have to rely on you.”

Junwook raised his hand again. The movement felt incredibly slow to Hooyoung, like slow motion. The arm rising, the hand reaching out, settling on Hooyoung’s shoulder. There was no skin-to-skin contact, separated by his shirt and jacket, but Hooyoung felt an intense heat emanating from the hand on his shoulder. Perhaps it was because of the familiarity, the illusion that this hand had already touched his bare skin.

“Lee Hooyoung.”

Junwook’s hand caressed, then patted Hooyoung’s shoulder.

“Let’s not cause any trouble.”

With those words, Junwook moved on. Hooyoung stood frozen, his mouth slightly agape. He didn’t understand why the words “let’s not cause any trouble” sounded like “you’re dead.”

The event, an annual affair, was far from over. Hooyoung had no opportunity to leave early. The words “let’s not cause any trouble” echoed in his mind as the general manager and other officials continued to seek him out. Having received sponsorships from various foundations, he had many people to thank.

“Our Lee Hooyoung grew up in very difficult circumstances with his grandparents, but thanks to our continuous support, he’s become such a fine professional player.”

“This young man, Lee Hooyoung, received the most support from our foundation.”

Even though it was all true, it stung his pride. Yet, he couldn’t dare show any displeasure. He’d used that money to buy basketball shoes, train, and pay team fees.

It was always an uncomfortable situation, but today it was especially so because of that man’s presence. Even in such a large space, he kept seeing him. That cold, unsettling gaze followed him everywhere.

‘Let’s not cause any trouble.’

Yunsoo had said the man seemed witty, but those words were clearly a warning directed at him.

When he first saw Junwook, his heart had almost stopped. During their greeting, he’d been terrified. As time passed, his emotions became more complex. He was still shocked and scared, but resentment began to creep in. It was a matter of chance, why was he being blamed?

Hooyoung narrowed his eyes slightly and glanced sideways, only to make direct eye contact with Junwook, who was standing at a distance, observing him with a sardonic expression. Hooyoung immediately looked away, carefully lowering his gaze to the floor. He didn’t have the courage to openly display hostility. After all, Junwook held the power, and he was at his mercy. A super ultra-powerful alpha versus the most insignificant omega.

His head began to pound. His life was already complicated enough, why did it have to get even more tangled?

“Are you done?”

Yunsoo approached Hooyoung as soon as he was alone, having waited for the right moment.

“Yes, I think so.”

“You’ve had a tough time.”

Yunsoo gently patted the back of Hooyoung’s head. Although they hadn’t attended school together at the same time, they’d gone to the same middle school, high school, and university. In a tight-knit world like basketball, unlike soccer or baseball, this kind of alumni connection meant they were considered part of the same lineage. Even without a close personal relationship, there was enough reason for Yunsoo to favor Hooyoung. Besides, as a rookie just finishing his first year, Hooyoung was much younger than the veteran Yunsoo.

“I’m thinking of leaving soon. When are you leaving?”

Hooyoung, whose head was starting to ache, slightly frowned and glanced around. He couldn’t just leave whenever he wanted; he had to be mindful of others. Fortunately, no one seemed to want to drag him away anymore. He’d made his rounds, greeting the basketball team officials, high school representatives, basketball-related foundations, and youth support foundations. He’d fulfilled his duties.

“…Um, I think I can go now.”

“Can you leave without saying goodbye to the general manager?”

“He’s busy, he won’t mind.”

Eager to escape, Hooyoung quickly agreed with Yunsoo. He walked quietly, not wanting to attract attention as he left. Walking behind the large-framed Yunsoo as a shield, Hooyoung, despite knowing better, couldn’t resist his curiosity and glanced up slightly. And as expected, he made eye contact with Junwook.

The man’s expression clearly conveyed his displeasure. Internally, Hooyoung thought, “So what if you glare at me?” but he quickly lowered his head again.

Leaving the event hall, Hooyoung finally relaxed, sighing deeply. When things go wrong, they really go wrong. It was absurd. Not only was the man he met in America in Korea, but he was also the son of the parent company’s owner. The man could just glare and express his anger, and that would be the end of it, but Hooyoung, the ultimate underdog, could only tremble.

“Senior, I have to go catch the bus.”

Despite his mental turmoil, Hooyoung spoke to Yunsoo at the intersection. Yunsoo, who had driven, was headed to the parking lot, while Hooyoung had to go outside the hotel to the bus stop.

“Where do you live? I’ll give you a ride.”

“Ah, I’m going to Suji. The bus is faster.”

“Suji? Oh, you’re still staying at the dormitory?”

The team’s training facility and dormitory were located in Suji, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. HG Group had built a sports center in Suji to manage all its sports teams. Commonly called the H Center, it was where all the subsidiary teams, including soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball, trained and rehabilitated.

Until a few years ago, players were required to live in the dormitory, but not anymore. Dormitory life had been abolished for quite some time now, citing respect for players’ autonomy. However, the space remained available, as it was faster for players to depart from the dormitory when resting during training or when away game schedules were tight. Also, lower-ranking rookies who had difficulty finding housing were allowed to live in the dormitory.

Hooyoung had been living in the dormitory since joining the team. Even though he was a rookie, most players found their own place and moved out immediately, but not Hooyoung. He planned to stay in the dormitory until the team told him to leave.

“Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“I find it comfortable staying in the dorm.”

The dormitory was the best way to save money. With his graduation from university coinciding with his grandmother’s hospitalization, Hooyoung had completely withdrawn the deposit on his apartment. It wasn’t much, but every penny was crucial. His grandmother had initially refused to go to the hospital, insisting it was just old age, but he couldn’t let that happen. Her condition was more serious than expected, and the medical expenses were high, but he didn’t want to skimp on anything if it meant she could stay with him a day longer. So, he planned to stay in the dormitory as long as possible.

I should visit Grandmother tomorrow. Thinking he needed to see his grandmother often before the season started, Hooyoung smiled and gestured for Yunsoo to leave.

“I’ll at least walk you to the bus stop.”

“No, it’s close. You should go.”

When Hooyoung firmly refused, Yunsoo looked disappointed.

“Let’s get together with the guys sometime. We have alumni gatherings occasionally. I haven’t bought you a meal as your senior yet.”

Hooyoung rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. He didn’t know what to do with the kindness of such a senior player who wasn’t even on his team.

“Or, there’s the national team training camp this year.”

Hooyoung beamed. It was the brightest smile he’d shown all day. He couldn’t help but feel good when a veteran player said he’d definitely be selected for the national team. Yunsoo, amused by Hooyoung’s sudden brightness, laughed heartily and waved.

“Go on, then.”

“Alright.”

After watching Yunsoo leave, Hooyoung started walking. Usually, the thought of going back to Suji from Seoul would have been daunting, but today, he preferred the extra travel time. He needed to process the shock he’d experienced. The event had been too chaotic.

How could he run into him here? He still couldn’t believe it. What would happen now? He wouldn’t be fired or forced to transfer teams, would he? Gasp, could that happen? Would he be considered a nuisance? If he was the son of someone from HG Group, burying a player like him wouldn’t be difficult. Ending his career without a trace would be a piece of cake, wouldn’t it?

“…Damn it.”

Sitting alone at the bus stop, Hooyoung banged his head against the pole a few times. A man meeting and sleeping with another man wasn’t commonplace. If anyone found out, both he and Junwook would be in trouble. Junwook might think he had been caught in a compromising position.

Damn, I’d be annoyed too. Muttering to himself, Hooyoung loosened his tie and stuffed it into his pocket. A red bus was approaching. Despite his heavy heart, Hooyoung boarded the bus with light steps. He had been looking forward to the food at the event, but the unexpected encounter had prevented him from enjoying it properly.

“Hello.”

He didn’t forget to greet the bus driver. His grandmother always said greetings were essential. Greet people politely and speak kindly, and you’ll get an extra piece of rice cake.

Hooyoung slumped into the window seat at the very back of the empty bus and rested his head against the window. Eun Junwook. He’d learned the man’s name today. They hadn’t exchanged names in America. Towards the end of his time there, he’d become a little, just a little curious. But he hadn’t asked. He didn’t want to be the first to ask when the man hadn’t.

Ugh. Hooyoung smacked his forehead with his palm. He was ridiculously handsome. The fact that he was still thinking about the man’s looks in this disastrous situation made him wonder if he’d lost his mind. He couldn’t help it; he’d initially looked at the man because of his appearance. With his usually casual hair neatly styled and dressed in a suit, his face and long limbs stood out even more.

“Must be nice to be so good-looking.”

Tall, strong, and rich. He had everything Hooyoung wanted. He could easily ruin Hooyoung if he wanted to. Ugh, what should he do? Should he contact him first and apologize? But how would he even get his contact information? Just as Hooyoung was running his hands through his hair in frustration, he felt a vibration in his pocket.

[Confirmed this month’s payment~ When are your contract negotiations?]

Hooyoung frowned at the message. His grip on his hair tightened, as if wringing it out of frustration. He thudded his head against the bus window, his eyes welling up.

Today is just a mess. Nothing has gone right since this morning.

The infant his father, who hadn’t shown his face for ten years, had brought to his grandparents, claiming him as their grandson, was him. His grandfather had said his father had dropped him off and rarely visited afterwards. His father, whose face he couldn’t even recall, had eventually died, leaving behind a mountain of debt. They only found out about his death when creditors swarmed their house. The small apartment his grandfather had saved up his entire life to buy was taken, and they had to start renting.

The remaining debt grew and became his.

[Soon, I think. I’ll let you know when it happens.]

Hooyoung meticulously replied. He had to accept the debt as his own. Loan shark debt was said to endlessly multiply no matter how much you paid, and his grandfather’s taxi driving income and his grandmother’s dishwashing wages weren’t enough. But then, basketball had appeared as a ray of hope. The gangsters who’d come to his school, causing a ruckus about taking him on a deep-sea fishing vessel, had changed their minds after listening to his coach.

“Hooyoung is the best in his age group right now. I can guarantee his skills. He was on the youth national team, and if he keeps growing like this, he’ll make the adult national team. The kid has a bright future; how can we tell him to throw it all away and just earn money?”

One of the gangsters, who had been acting as if he was about to tear down the gym, pondered for a moment, then said he’d be back and left with his crew. A few days later, he returned to Hooyoung’s home. He talked a lot, but the bottom line was that he would extend the deadline. He’d let Hooyoung pay only the minimum amount each month, saying if he didn’t make it to the national team or go pro, then they would put him on a fishing vessel or sell his organs.

It was a significant concession on their part, but it didn’t mean the debt wouldn’t increase. It would continue to grow with the extended time, but they would ease up on the harassment. They probably calculated that if he became a professional, his income would be guaranteed, and they could recover the entire amount. Well, they’d squeeze him dry, that much was certain.

The debt, which had started at 800 million won, had grown, feeding on his future, exceeding 2.5 billion won this year. It wasn’t an insurmountable amount if he had a successful career. If only he could perform well.

Hooyoung closed his eyes and leaned back completely in his seat. It had been an exhausting day.

🏀

“Beep Beep! Your hyung is here!”

Hojin, just entering the gym, called out loudly to Hooyoung. It was an unspoken rule that the youngest arrived first. Hooyoung had already gotten there and was warming up with a foam roller. He had a lot to do.

Hooyoung and Hojin opened the refrigerator and started filling it with drinks that had been left outside. They also needed to gather and fold the towels.

“Didn’t you get in late last night?”

Unlike Hooyoung, who lived in the dormitory, Hojin’s family home was in Suji, so he commuted from the beginning. Hooyoung secretly wished Hojin would live with him, thinking it would be less lonely, but Hojin had flatly refused, saying four years of dorm life in college was enough to make him sick of it. Since his home was close, Hooyoung couldn’t push him further.

“I got home around eleven?”

“Yikes, tough day. Did you at least eat well?”

Hmm. Hooyoung recalled the food from last night’s event. He couldn’t remember anything particularly delicious.

“It wasn’t great. It was so chaotic, I don’t even remember what they had.”

“Whoa. If even you say it wasn’t good, it must have been really bad. You could eat a rock and say it’s delicious.”

“I don’t eat rocks…”

His voice lacked conviction. He cared about food because he was an athlete, but he knew the difference between good and bad food.

Hojin patted Hooyoung’s head as he squatted down to fold towels. He knew Hooyoung was sensitive about his height. Among the giant players, those around 180cm inevitably felt small.

“Hey Beep Beep, should we go out for lunch?”

“No. I have to save money.”

Hooyoung’s firm refusal made Hojin dramatically pull a long face. But Hooyoung remained unmoved, shaking his head. The best thing about the start of training was that he could save money. Living in the dorm with lunch and dinner provided meant he had no expenses. Just transportation costs and meals on his days off. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to eat out or have late-night snacks. It was just a luxury.

“I’ll buy! Huh? I got paid yesterday!”

“No.”

He’d already accepted too many meals from Hojin. Back in school, he’d shamelessly accepted any offer, but now, as professionals with transparent salaries, it was embarrassing to keep being treated. Even though Hojin knew his circumstances, he still felt ashamed sometimes. Last night’s encounter definitely played a part in this.

“You’re playing hard to get. Do you not like gopchang? They don’t serve things like that in our cafeteria.”

“It’s fine. They serve other good food. Even without gopchang, we get grilled meat once a week. And eating organs isn’t good for you.”

“You’re so picky, Beep Beep.”

Hojin, finally giving up at Hooyoung’s stubborn refusal, finished filling the refrigerator and plopped down next to him. There was still a mountain of towels from the dryer.

“I hope they serve pork cutlets. What about you?”

“I want abalone.”

This summer was his first off-season as a professional. The best part had been the samgyetang with abalone served on hot summer days. They had chicken and pork often, but abalone and eel were special treats for special occasions. Hooyoung, who believed seafood suited his body better than meat, especially loved those special meal days.

“You love health food too much, Beep Beep. You’re nicknamed Beep Beep, but your taste buds are like an old man’s.”

Hooyoung pursed his lips and continued folding. Seeking healthy food was a long-standing habit. He’d always wanted to be taller and have a strong, injury-resistant body, which led him to this.

“Right, our salary negotiations start today, don’t they?”

“Today?”

He’d known it was coming soon, but not this soon. Huh. Hooyoung sighed softly, and Hojin slapped his shoulder hard.

“Ow! That hurt!”

“What are you sighing for, first draft pick? I should be the one sighing, I haven’t even played a single game!”

Hooyoung just smiled bitterly. If he’d performed well in his first season, he wouldn’t have to worry about this. No sports team expected immediate high performance from rookies. However, they expected a first draft pick to show corresponding skills. Even if they didn’t score many points, they wanted to see potential in their flashy passes or movements.

Naturally, Hooyoung’s initial goal had been to be the best rookie. And he’d been confident he would achieve it. But the professional world was harsher than he’d imagined, and with his grandmother’s collapse and hospitalization, his goals had crumbled. It had been difficult to regain his focus, and the formidable pro seniors blocked his path, making it hard to break through. In the end, he missed out on the Rookie of the Year award. His rival guard, whom he’d never lost to in college and had never even considered a threat, had won the award.

“…They won’t reduce my salary, will they?”

“Nah, I doubt it. Even if they do, it won’t be much since you’re a rookie.”

He’d been terrified that his grandmother would die. But he shouldn’t have lost his focus… His worry had made him neglect his training. He couldn’t concentrate during games and lost his motivation. Perhaps having achieved his life’s biggest goal of becoming a professional player, he’d let his guard down. There had been many days when he’d failed to meet the expectations of the team and the coach. The team, once again, didn’t make it to the top 6. For three years in a row. So, it was natural to fear a salary reduction.

“Hey, honestly, it wasn’t your fault we didn’t make the top 6 last season. You’re a rookie and didn’t even get much playing time! Well, from this season onwards, it might be a different story…”

“Even you think it’ll be my fault from this season on?”

Hojin smiled wryly. He wanted to disagree, to encourage Hooyoung, but the heavy responsibility on Hooyoung’s shoulders was a reality.

“Ah, I really hope they don’t cut my salary…”

Maintaining his current salary wasn’t enough for Hooyoung, who had to repay his debt. He absolutely had to get a raise. He needed to perform well, increase his salary every year, prove his worth in free agency to pay off his debt quickly, completely. He had to show the loan sharks, who were accruing interest daily, that he could repay everything. They had waited a long time. If his salary decreased, if his value dropped, their patience might run out.

“Ugh.”

Hooyoung stopped folding towels and lay down on the floor. He was worried about his salary and the man he met yesterday. Instead of decreasing, his worries were piling up.

“Hey, Hojin.”

“Yeah?”

“Chaebols are super busy, right? Like, corporate chairmen and such are too busy to care about basketball, right?”

“Of course. They’re probably too busy worrying about baseball or soccer.”

“Right?”

Hooyoung looked up at Hojin with hopeful eyes. Yes, they wouldn’t bother obstructing his path because they found him annoying. They’d be too busy to even care about him. Yesterday must have been a simple case of surprise at the unexpected encounter. So, if he kept quiet, the man wouldn’t bother him, would he?

“Why are you asking all of a sudden? Are you regretting not choosing baseball or soccer now?”

“What are you talking about…”

Hooyoung rubbed his forehead a few times. His head throbbed from overthinking.

“Hojin, if you were rich and powerful, and someone knew your secret, what would you do?”

“What do you mean what would I do? I’d shut them up. I’d be like, ‘Just try talking, I’ll show you what the world’s really like.’”

A chaebol heir associating with another man was a huge weakness. That’s why Eun Junwook had glared at him like that last night. He’d even warned him not to cause trouble. Was it a warning? Or a promise to spare him if he stayed quiet?

“…I shouldn’t have met him.”

“What?”

Hojin asked again at his mumble, but Hooyoung just shook his head. Sensing Hooyoung’s gloom, Hojin started to observe him carefully.

Almost all the players his age knew about Hooyoung’s difficult financial situation. It had been hard to grasp the difference during their school days, but now, with their professional incomes, it was apparent. Most of the first-round draft picks after Hooyoung had already bought cars. Those from wealthy families had signed contracts for imported cars that cost more than their annual salaries. Even Hojin, who received the minimum salary, had bought a cheap used car. The clubhouse was located in an area inconvenient to access by public transportation.

“Beep Beep, how much allowance did you get this month?”

“…150,000 won.”

Hojin ruffled Hooyoung’s hair roughly. Who would believe a player earning 100 million won a year lived on 150,000 won a month? Since the team provided all his meals on weekdays, it probably covered transportation and weekend meals. It meant that except for 150,000 won, his entire income went towards paying off his debt.

“It’s okay, man! You’ll earn so much in the future! Just pay it off quickly!”

Hojin patted Hooyoung’s back reassuringly with his large hand. Hooyoung couldn’t bring himself to say it wouldn’t be easy to pay it off quickly. It was good that Hojin, who had nothing to do with his debt, was optimistic.

“Fighting!”

Hooyoung suddenly slapped Hojin’s back, shouting a cheer.

“Hey, what the heck?! Your hands are small, but they pack a punch.”

Hooyoung’s face, his lips tightly pursed, was filled with determination. There’s always a way out, no matter how dire the situation. He could overcome his debt by playing well, and he could handle the man by pretending not to know him.

Ugh! Hooyoung clenched both fists and cheered himself on. Hojin, somewhat used to this, shook his head and continued his work.

Perhaps his pep talk had worked, because the morning training session was very satisfying. From the coach to the senior players, everyone gave Hooyoung a thumbs-up.

“Wow, Beep Beep, seeing you play like this, I have no worries for this season.”

The coach had a style of giving pressure and praise at the same time. Hooyoung wiped his sweat and smiled awkwardly, and the assistant coach behind the head coach gave him a reassuring look.

“Alright, everyone gather around.”

The players, still catching their breath, formed a circle around the coach. The usual instructions followed. Focus, keep your eyes on the ball, tighten up your defense, and so on. Only the rookies and a few lower-ranking players were truly listening.

“You all know that you need to get in shape during the off-season to avoid injuries and have a good season, right?”

“Yes!”

The players’ resounding response echoed through the gym. Some, unable to bear the heat, had already taken off their practice shirts. Sweat dripped onto the basketball court.

“Work hard on your weights this afternoon. And although it’s voluntary, make sure to do the night training.”

“Yes!”

“Okay. Good work today, everyone.”

The players huddled closer, raised their hands together, then brought them down, signaling the end of practice. Hojin and Hooyoung plopped down on the court. They had to clean up after the senior players left. It was the fate of the youngest to shower and eat last.

“Beep Beep!”

A team employee called out to Hooyoung from the hallway connected to the office.

“Yes!”

“Come to the office after lunch.”

Hooyoung and Hojin exchanged glances. The time had come. It seemed they were conducting salary negotiations in order of seniority, starting with the first-year players. Hooyoung, snapping back to reality, belatedly replied, “Yes, sir.”

“Don’t be too nervous! Let’s get it over with quickly and take a nap!”

Hooyoung, his face tense, nodded at Hojin’s words.

But in Hooyoung’s life, things rarely went as planned. Sitting at the negotiation table with a trembling heart, he could only be led along. The general manager was firm. He wanted to reduce Hooyoung’s current salary of 90 million won with a 10 million won incentive, totaling 100 million won, by 10 million won. 80 million won salary with a 10 million won incentive, totaling 90 million won.

He’d expected it would be difficult to get a raise since the team hadn’t made the top 6 playoffs and he hadn’t performed well enough to win the Rookie of the Year award, but he’d thought his salary would at least stay the same. He hadn’t anticipated a reduction. The general manager promised a generous raise if he performed well this year, but those words weren’t very comforting to Hooyoung, drowning in debt. More than anything, he was worried about the loan sharks’ reaction to his decreased salary.

…They said they rarely reduce salaries for players in their first two years. Hooyoung swallowed his words, unable to voice them. He didn’t have the opportunity, nor the courage. If he’d at least won the Rookie of the Year award despite the team’s failure to reach the playoffs, he could have confidently argued against the reduction.

“Let’s do well this year, Lee Hooyoung.”

He calls me Beep Beep every day, but only uses “player” in situations like this. Swallowing his retort again, Hooyoung picked up the pen offered to him, his face set in his signature displeased expression.

The general manager across from him knew that look all too well, but the front office operated strictly based on profit. All he had to do was pretend not to notice and get the signature on the contract. From the team’s perspective, having failed to achieve good results for several years, they had to adhere to the salary cap set by the parent company, requiring sacrifices from everyone, veterans and rookies alike. Besides, a clueless rookie was the easiest target to persuade.

Just as Hooyoung, his face sullen, was about to leave after signing, there was a commotion outside the frosted glass window of the office. The general manager stepped outside with Hooyoung.

“What’s going on?”

At the general manager’s question, the assistant manager adjusted his glasses and spoke. Hooyoung, curious, stayed put.

“The group’s personnel announcement just came out.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the team manager entered, having just finished lunch. Hooyoung bowed in greeting, but the manager, seemingly in a hurry, just mumbled a quick acknowledgment and walked towards the assistant manager. Personnel announcements were clearly a big deal for office workers.

“I thought it was coming out tomorrow. So who’s the new head of the sports division? Ah, I hope it’s Senior Managing Director Cho or Director Ahn. They’re interested in basketball and generous.”

“No, it’s a name I’ve never seen before. An Eun.”

Hooyoung, who had been about to leave, stopped dead in his tracks. Eun? Why is the name Eun coming up here? And why did I stop at the mention of an Eun?

“An Eun? Is he a son? I know the new chairman is taking over, and the second son, Vice President Eun, is taking over the trading company and department stores. Wait, so it’s the youngest? The youngest is becoming our owner?!”

The manager turned sharply to look at Hooyoung. He’d attended the sponsorship event with Hooyoung and had seen the man’s face, so he looked at Hooyoung for a shared reaction, but Hooyoung, startled like a squashed worm, just flinched.

“Eun Junwook? Is it Eun Junwook? Is that youngest son who was in the US this Eun Junwook? Hmm, there’s no photo, it’s just announced on our internal intranet. I guess a photo will come out with the news article?”

“Yeah, the youngest, Eun Junwook. But why the sports division? Even if he’s much younger than the others, he’s still the late chairman’s son and the current chairman’s brother. The sports division is practically a dead-end job…”

The manager, his face puzzled, trailed off. Hooyoung just stared back and forth between the assistant manager looking at the computer and the manager, his own face a mask of shock.

“What, are they saying they’re not going to care about the sports division anymore? If it’s his son, he’ll be transferred soon anyway, right? Is the sports division all he’s in charge of?”

“Uh, it says he’s the representative director of HG Sports, and the chairman of both the Culture Foundation and the Public Service Foundation.”

The office buzzed with excitement at the news of a member of the owner family taking charge of the sports division. Meanwhile, Hooyoung slipped out and slumped onto a chair outside.

“…I’m doomed.”

His face was still pale with shock. Was the “let’s not cause any trouble” a warning to be careful now that he was in charge of the sports division? Would they cross paths? What if he tried to unfairly fire or bury him?

Hooyoung’s hands instinctively went to his hair, ruffling it wildly. The hair that had been neatly styled after his morning shower was instantly disheveled. Before the shock of the reduced salary could even wear off, a tidal wave named Eun Junwook had crashed over him.

🏀

The night they met at the pub, the night they walked out together, he went to the man’s house. The streets he’d walked alone a week ago had felt noisy and crowded, but walking with the man felt completely different. Every moment was exciting. As they walked a bit further, the beach stretched out to their left and the bustling city to their right.

“…Why do you keep smiling at me like that?”

The man chuckled repeatedly. It wasn’t a malicious laugh, but it wasn’t a silly, carefree one either. Sometimes he seemed amused, other times self-deprecating.

“I’ve been a bit preoccupied with my thoughts.”

“What kind of thoughts?”

“My car is nearby, and my house isn’t far. Today’s the chance, but…”

Hooyoung wasn’t stupid enough to misunderstand the man’s words and his intent gaze. But…?

“I think you’d follow me willingly…”

Hooyoung gulped. I think so too, but so what? What comes next? Is he going to end it here again today?

“I’m wondering if this is okay?”

Hooyoung had already decided he wouldn’t refuse whatever the man said or suggested. His mind was putty.

“Not even on that day…”

He felt incredibly frustrated. It was as frustrating as the time he’d been excluded from the youth national team despite having the best individual stats, supposedly because of someone’s connections. Don’t play with my feelings. You acted like you were going to do something, suggested we leave together… Aren’t you a jerk? Just as the words were about to spill out, the man spoke.

“But you look like you’ll cry if I don’t ask you to come with me. Guess I have no choice.”

The man’s car was nice. Hooyoung didn’t know much about cars, but even his wealthy teammates considered this brand one of the most expensive, their dream car. After driving for about ten minutes out of the city, they reached a well-maintained road with little traffic. The occasional cars that passed were all luxury vehicles.

The alcohol he’d already consumed, the liberating feeling of being abroad, and the sense of accomplishment at finally making progress with the man combined to make him feel almost drunk. The alcohol emboldened him, and he felt no fear despite being with a man he barely knew, going to an unfamiliar place. Instead, a different kind of excitement coursed through him. A strange fluttering in his stomach and a tingling anticipation down his spine.

What’s going to happen now? What should he do once they arrived to avoid awkwardness? The man had invited him home, and he’d willingly followed, so he knew what it meant. But having never experienced this before, he was curious and excited, yet nervous.

“You were about to cry if I didn’t ask you to come with me, and now you’re all nervous? You’re making me want to tease you.”

Hooyoung tried to hide his nervousness by fidgeting with his toes inside his shoes, but the man noticed and asked with a smile. He probably saw Hooyoung’s hands resting stiffly on his thighs like a robot.

“…I’m not.”

“Sure, you’re not.”

The man’s house was nice. No, the neighborhood itself was different. After passing a fingerprint scanner at the entrance, they entered a community of beautiful houses. It looked like a neighborhood where rich people lived in American movies. As they parked and walked towards the house, he saw a lovely, well-maintained garden and a small swimming pool.

“Wow.”

As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a scene unlike any he’d ever seen. He couldn’t help but let out a small exclamation of awe. It was far nicer than the expensive apartments his friends lived in. He liked the spacious living room and the view of the beautiful garden through the window. He must be rich. Must be nice. Did he earn this money himself? Does he live alone? Are his parents wealthy? All sorts of thoughts raced through his mind, but he kept them to himself.

Just as he was engrossed in observing the house,

“Want another drink? Or do you want to shower?”

Ah, so this is how one-night stands work. Quite straightforward. Have another drink, get drunk, and sleep, or if he was ready, shower and then sleep. Simple.

“Can I shower and then drink?”

“Sure.”

The man nodded towards the bathroom. The toiletries inside were also luxurious, befitting the house. He liked the unfamiliar scent. In retrospect, he must have been completely smitten, because normally, he’d regain his senses while showering, but that day, his heart pounded so hard that he had to press his hand against his chest to calm it down. The option of stopping here didn’t even exist.

The man smiled faintly as he watched Hooyoung emerge from the shower.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Hooyoung, slightly offended, asked defensively, but the man simply shook his head without answering. Normally, he would have persisted until he got an answer, but the man’s smiling face was so captivating that he decided to let it go. He realized for the first time how a handsome man’s smile could weaken his resolve.