CCS Ch 13
by soapaTitle: Hey, is our gallery owner perhaps doping?
Content: My cousin’s older brother’s friend is a staff member of the national team, and I heard that our gallery owner’s record-breaking pace is insane; although they don’t say it openly, at this rate, the gold medal in 2 years is a sure thing.. For the 1500m, there’s no doubt he’ll win the Asian Games twice in a row, and for the 400m, they say no one on the national team can compete with him, it’s like he’s swimming half a lap less than everyone else;
But is it even possible for a swimmer who had shoulder tendon surgery, even with good rehabilitation, to improve their skills this much after not even competing properly?… There are even people saying he should be tested because of this lol Of course, it’s a joke lol…
They say the reason our gallery owner couldn’t go world-class in his teens, despite his physique, was because he wouldn’t even look at steroids, but what if he finally gave in to temptation now eek
Comments
ㅇㅇ: Ah, this idiot is back again.
ㅇㅇ: If you don’t delete this post, you’ll go bald.
ㅇㅇ: You can tell just by looking at them if someone’s on drugs, idiot. Even trolling should be done by someone smart, it’s less pathetic that way.
Title: You can tell if someone is doping by checking their pants.
Content: Yooho, I’m waiting.
Comments
ㅇㅇ: Please just fondle the pupa between your legs, mister.
Title: Was that doping troll post deleted earlier?
Content: Why delete it? If you’re so confident, why delete it? Why delete it? If you’re so confident, why delete it? Why delete it? If you’re so confident, why delete it? Why delete it? If you’re so confident, why delete it? Why delete it? If you’re so confident, why delete it? Why delete it? If you’re so confident, why delete it?
Comments
ㅇㅇ: Mister, go to sleep…
ㅇㅇ: They probably went bald from the shock.
ㅇㅇ: This is all because our gallery owner has such luscious hair.
“Myunghoon, where’s Yooho?”
At the familiar voice, Myunghoon quickly put his phone in his pocket. Those internet trolls are hopeless. He stood up abruptly, suppressing his anger, and politely replied to the team doctor,
“He just finished morning training. He went to shower.”
“I heard Yooho is in good condition these days?”
“Ah, yes.”
“Is his pain being managed well? What do you think as his manager?”
“He hasn’t said anything about being in pain, but he doesn’t really talk about those things… But seeing his records, I think he’s much better than before.”
Two years ago, Yooho, who had decided to withdraw from the finals, had to take strong painkillers and sleeping pills just to get on the plane. Even then, he couldn’t sleep during the entire flight and was drenched in cold sweat.
Hearing that reporters were waiting at the arrival gate, Director Kang Sungmin had arranged for him to leave the airport discreetly. However, that only further provoked the reporters, and for a while, Yooho was plagued by malicious speculation and negative articles. It was fortunate that he went straight into surgery and was unaware of the chaos.
“Myunghoon, please keep a closer eye on him. Athlete care is the staff’s responsibility.”
“Yes.”
“Not just his physical condition, but his mental state as well… Yooho manages well on his own, but it’s times like these that we need to be more attentive and look for ways to help him.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Athlete care is the staff’s responsibility. Even if he doesn’t say anything, I should check on him and look for ways to help. Myunghoon nodded solemnly, reaffirming his commitment.
Just then, Yooho returned to the weight room after showering. He bowed his head respectfully upon seeing the team doctor. Myunghoon spoke with a renewed sense of duty,
“The doctor came to see you before lunch.”
“Ah.”
“You know you have physical therapy today, right? Your appointment is at 7 pm, so eat at the gym…”
Their eyes met suddenly. Yooho blinked slowly, a hardened look in his eyes. Myunghoon, glancing at the team doctor, asked in a low voice,
“What’s wrong?”
“…Nothing.”
“What? Is something wrong?”
“I have to go today… No, wait. I need to make a quick call.”
Yooho let out a low sigh and turned around. He walked briskly to the locker room, took out his phone from his locker, and turned it on. Several messages full of anticipation were waiting for him.
[Yooho-ssi, about having dinner together tonight 08:42]
[I’ll make a restaurant reservation! 08:42]
[It’s not far from your place, and they have a really delicious Korean set course meal. They have a room with a large window overlooking the garden, and I called them, and they happened to have a cancellation for tonight 08:43]
[Let’s eat a delicious, filling meal, and I’ll take you back to your place 08:44]
[I miss you 08:44]
Ha… He couldn’t help but sigh. Yooho leaned against the locker, rubbing his face, and hesitated for a while before making the call.
― Yooho-ssi!
His heart sank further at the excited voice. Yooho moistened his dry lips and forced himself to speak.
“Um… Kang Semin, I have something I’m really sorry to tell you…”
― What? Why are you suddenly so formal…
“I feel terrible. I forgot it was my physical therapy day today.”
― …Ah.
Semin let out a dazed sound after a pause. He could practically see the disappointed expression on Semin’s face.
― W-well, it can’t be helped! You have to go to therapy.
He seemed to have lost his words for a moment, then quickly raised his voice. Yooho felt even more apologetic. He ran a hand through his hair roughly, then paused. Myunghoon was standing at the entrance of the locker room, frowning.
“About the restaurant reservation…”
What’s with him? Yooho gestured for him to go away, but Myunghoon only tilted his head.
― I haven’t made it yet, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.
“You said you called.”
― Ah, no. I only asked if they had a table available.
“……..”
― I’m really okay. I’m a little disappointed because I wanted to see you, but of course therapy comes first. Don’t worry about it and take care of yourself at the hospital.
Semin whispered sweetly and added a short laugh. Meanwhile, Myunghoon still showed no sign of leaving the locker room. Yooho glared at him slightly, turned around, and lowered his voice.
“…Sorry. I’ll make it up to you later.”
― Yes!
Myunghoon still stared intently. Yooho finally gave up, said a quick goodbye, hung up, and asked irritably,
“What?”
“Huh?”
“Why are you standing there like that?”
Myunghoon finally looked around and approached Yooho, his expression serious. What’s wrong with this guy? Yooho put his phone back in his locker and faced Myunghoon. Myunghoon hesitated for a moment, then asked with a determined look,
“Is it the director’s brother again?”
“What?”
“Yooho, why are you so submissive to him? It’s not even the director, it’s her brother, why are you acting like he’s some important figure…?”
“Lee Myunghoon.”
Myunghoon closed his mouth at Yooho’s low growl. Yooho sighed and continued calmly,
“Why are you interfering in my personal life? Is there a reason for you to do that right now?”
“…Uh, huh?”
“I’m not doing anything wrong as an athlete, so why are you meddling in matters outside of training?”
Myunghoon opened and closed his mouth wordlessly. Yooho closed his locker door and turned around.
“I appreciate you thinking of me, but you don’t have to worry about this, so I’d prefer it if you didn’t do this again.”
“Ah… Uh, sorry…”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. Let’s go eat lunch.”
Yooho walked ahead, his usual unwavering composure intact. Myunghoon sighed, hitting his chest softly. This thoughtful guy. Look at him trying not to worry me.
“Yooho, I really respect you…”
“Stop with the nonsense and let’s go.”
“You… you’re a real gem… a real man…”
“Ah, what’s wrong with this guy today?”
Myunghoon chuckled mindlessly and walked briskly. He was recalling the hellish time two years ago.
All the team members wished for Yooho’s success. They considered his achievements their own. The coach back then was no different.
He wasn’t a villain trying to ruin Yooho. He just got carried away thinking about how to get an Olympic medal for Hyun Yooho.
Myunghoon clenched his fists in his pockets. He reaffirmed the promise he’d made countless times as he snuck out of the airport like a criminal. He would keep a close eye on Hyun Yooho, so that he wouldn’t be swayed by well-meaning others and make the wrong choices again.
* * *
“…Yes, I’m sorry. No, I’m not canceling completely, I’d like to reschedule… Would it be okay if I contacted you again within this week? …Yes, yes. Thank you.”
Semin hung up the phone and flopped onto his bed. His exhausted limbs felt like jelly. I wanted to treat him to a nice meal. It would have been nice to have dinner together in a room with a view.
Even though he knew it couldn’t be helped, he couldn’t shake off his disappointment. Semin got up sluggishly and put the clothes he had hung on his door back in the dressing room. It was an outfit he had carefully chosen from all the shirts he owned.
He wanted to treat Yooho to as many good meals as possible before July. Once Yooho entered the training village, they wouldn’t be able to see each other for two months, so he wanted to do this to ease his mind. He lingered in the dressing room, unable to let go of his disappointment, when he heard a long vibration. His phone, which he’d thrown on the bed, was ringing.
He glanced at the clock. It was 12:55 pm. Is it Yooho-ssi? Semin rushed to the bed and picked up his phone.
“……..”
Unfortunately, it was a number starting with the US country code. Semin pressed the decline button and collapsed back onto the bed.
“Ha…”
He wanted to see Yooho. To see his face, to touch him. He didn’t want to think about anything else.
His phone started ringing again. This time, the number was restricted. Semin pressed the decline button again without hesitation.
Joseph had been persistently sending messages and calling for weeks. His inbox was overflowing with Joseph’s meaningless apologies and pleas. Blocking him was useless since he used a different number every time. He stared blankly ahead, trying to calm his gloomy mood, when another long message arrived.
[Semin plz let’s talk for a second I’ll really apologize I’ll atone for everything I did wrong to you I’ll even kneel please don’t push me away like this]
Semin turned off his phone completely. He ran a hand through his aching head and let out several deep breaths. It’s okay. There are days like this. Not every day can be happy like a dream.
“I miss Hyun Yooho…”
The words he muttered to himself dissolved into the air without a trace. Semin turned on his side and buried his face in his pillow.
He couldn’t remember when he fell asleep. He opened his heavy eyelids at the hand shaking his shoulder and fumbled for the bedside table. Dear, a gentle voice called, and a wave of relief washed over him. Semin instinctively reached out and hugged the elderly woman. Housekeeper Kim stroked his back and whispered softly,
“Dear, someone’s here to see you.”
“Mmm…”
“That friend who brought you home before.”
“Friend…? Who…?”
Semin mumbled, then his eyes flew open. The friend who brought me home? He sat up abruptly and looked around. The elderly woman spoke calmly to Semin, who was frantically looking around,
“He’s in the drawing room on the first floor. He said he came because he couldn’t reach you.”
It was already dark outside. The blood drained from Semin’s face. The phone he’d grabbed was still turned off.
“Ah, I turned my phone off earlier… What should I do? When did he arrive?”
“Just now. I told him you were probably sleeping and couldn’t answer.”
“Tell him I’ll be right down. Just let me wash my face.”
“Okay, I’ll let him know. Take your time, okay?”
He didn’t hear her words. He rushed into the bathroom and groaned as soon as he saw himself in the mirror. His hair was a mess, and there was a clear mark on his cheek from the pillow. He was even still in his pajamas. He quickly brushed his teeth, grabbed some clothes to change into, and checked the wall clock. It was just past 8:30 pm.
He hurriedly washed up, barely drying his wet hair, and opened his door. The drawing room seemed unusually far away today. And why were there so many stairs? He practically flew down the stairs, gripping the railing, and as soon as he reached the first floor, he heard a faintly familiar voice.
“I’m sorry to come so late.”
“No, no, it’s alright. It’s usually just Semin and me at this hour anyway. Come anytime. Semin’s friends are always welcome.”
Semin froze, his hand on the drawing room door, and gasped for breath. Housekeeper Kim and Yooho, who were sitting at the table, turned around simultaneously.
“……..”
As their eyes met, Yooho smiled softly. Is this a dream? Semin pushed aside the rational doubt that first came to mind and bit his lip.
“Y-Yooho-ssi. I’m sorry. I turned my phone off…”
Yooho tilted his head at his flustered apology. It was a gesture of confusion. Housekeeper Kim, watching Semin fidgeting nervously, quietly stood up.
“I’ll bring some tea. Take your time.”
“Ah, it’s okay. I have to go now.”
“What? Already?”
Semin blurted out without thinking at Yooho’s words, then quickly closed his mouth. Yooho’s bedtime was 10 pm. So, he had to leave before 9 pm for Yooho to rest properly.
“I came because I thought you might be sick. Now that I see you’re okay, I should go.”
“Ah…”
Semin clenched his fists. He wanted to apologize, but the words wouldn’t come out. As he stood there anxiously, he saw Housekeeper Kim gesturing towards the entrance from behind Yooho. Semin understood what she wanted to say and quickly spoke,
“I-I’ll see you out.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s, let’s talk on the way. We don’t have much time.”
Semin rushed out before Yooho could refuse. He grabbed his car keys, which were hanging by the elevator to the garage, and looked back. Yooho followed slowly, shrugging as if he had no choice.
Yooho didn’t speak until they were in the small car and out on the road. Semin fidgeted with the radio volume knob, then asked brightly,
“How did you get here? If you had called, I would have picked you…”
He immediately regretted his words and closed his mouth. He came because I wasn’t answering my phone, and now I’m saying I would have picked him up. Yooho answered calmly, leaving Semin to wallow in self-reproach,
“I took a cab. It’s close to the hospital, so it didn’t take long.”
“Ah, the hospital… Did your treatment go well?”
“It’s not really treatment. It’s just a regular massage. It’s always the same.”
“I see…”
Semin nodded, then paused. Yooho was staring intently at him, his head tilted. Semin stopped the car at a red light and turned to face him. Yooho’s dark eyes were fixed on him, devoid of any humor.
“……..”
The scrutinizing silence made him break out in a cold sweat. Semin blinked rapidly, unable to speak. Is he angry? Yooho’s unreadable expression made him anxious.
“Y-Yooho-ssi…”
“Did you turn off your phone because you were mad at me?”
“What? No?”
His voice cracked as he blurted out his denial. Yooho finally smiled faintly, humming in response.
“You suddenly stopped answering my calls after you stood me up, so I got worried and rushed over. I thought I was being dumped.”
“Dumped… No, it’s not that. I’m really sorry. I kept getting calls I didn’t want to answer, so I turned off my phone for a bit and ended up falling asleep…”
“Calls you didn’t want to answer?”
Semin took a shallow breath and moistened his dry lips. Yooho’s hand was on his right thigh. His broad, firm palm rested there, squeezing gently as if urging him to continue. Semin forced himself to meet Yooho’s gaze.
“…That… middle school classmate you saw before…”
“Ah, that noisy guy.”
“Yes… But Yooho-ssi, I can’t focus…”
“Why?”
Yooho’s fingers gently rubbed his inner thigh, reawakening the sensation he had momentarily forgotten. Semin blushed and rubbed his cheek with the back of his hand.
“It’s… dangerous to do this while driving…”
“Is he still contacting you?”
“It’s n-nothing much, he just keeps asking to meet and talk… but Yooho-ssi, where are your hands going…?”
“Can’t you block his number?”
“Ah, I blocked him a few times, but… he knows my number, so it doesn’t really… w-wait, I said it’s dangerous…”
“It’s okay. We’re almost there.”
At those words, Semin, who was about to turn the steering wheel, paused. He could see the familiar alleyway in the distance. As he turned into the narrow, dark street, a wave of disappointment washed over him.
The traffic isn’t even bad today. Semin sighed softly, glancing at the clock, which had just turned 9 pm. He put the car in park and turned on the hazard lights, but Yooho immediately turned them off.
“Are you leaving right away?”
Semin knew instantly that Yooho meant to go up together. He looked out the window at the building and swallowed hard.
“You… have to go to bed soon…”
He wanted to go with Yooho. But he wasn’t confident he could leave before 10 pm. While Semin hesitated, Yooho unbuckled his seatbelt.
“Then how about ten minutes of kissing?”
He grinned and patted his thigh. Semin’s gaze shifted from Yooho’s large hand to his lips. A sudden surge of desire rose from deep within his abdomen, and the alleyway was narrow, dark, and quiet.
“……..”
Semin unbuckled his seatbelt without a word and carefully moved his body. He awkwardly climbed over the narrow console and placed a hand on Yooho’s firm thigh. Yooho pulled Semin closer, his arm wrapping tightly around his waist. Their lips met, and a warm tongue parted Semin’s lips.
“Mm…”
It was a familiar yet gentle invasion. Semin closed his eyes tightly and let out a slow breath. Yooho’s tongue delved deep into his mouth, then pulled back to kiss his lips repeatedly, his hand slipping inside Semin’s shirt.
“…Ah, nn…”
Yooho’s thumb brushed against his nipple, and Semin’s back arched, a shiver running down his spine. His slightly opened eyes were glazed with moisture, his trembling eyelashes casting fleeting shadows. Yooho gazed at Semin, his thumb rubbing against his nipple.
“Hmm…”
Semin’s shoulders flinched, and he gripped Yooho’s collar tightly. His face flushed a warm red. Yooho pressed his lips against Semin’s closed eyelids and whispered softly,
“Kang Semin, you must have had a rough day today.”
At those words, Semin opened his eyes. His eyes shone brightly even in the darkness. He stared intently at Yooho, then his gaze softened.
“Yes… It wasn’t a good day.”
“……..”
“But I’m okay now… because I saw you…”
Semin’s pale hand gently cupped Yooho’s face. His fingers traced Yooho’s nose, then his lips, in a natural movement. Yooho chuckled, offering his lips to Semin’s clumsy tongue. Semin licked Yooho’s lips tentatively, like a puppy, and whispered,
“…Yooho-ssi.”
“Yes.”
“I’m in big trouble…”
“Why?”
“I can’t think of anything but you all day… I don’t even remember what I did before I met you…”
“……..”
“Earlier too… I was really upset because of Joseph… but after kissing you, I don’t even care anymore.”
Ah, what is this. Yooho pulled Semin closer, his arms tightening around him, and ruffled his hair. Semin let out a choked sound, then smiled sheepishly.
“Ah, Yooho-ssi. But…”
“Yes?”
“We need to kiss more quickly. Ten minutes is short.”
Semin pulled back slightly and smiled shyly. No answer was needed. Yooho, indulging his young lover’s whims, parted his lips with a smile.
Time flew by like a brief, sweet dream. Semin watched longingly as Yooho got out of the car without hesitation. Yooho walked briskly to the building entrance and waved at Semin.
“He’s so… straightforward…”
He muttered, feeling both envious and wistful, and then started the car. Yooho’s reflection in the side mirror was his only solace until he completely left the alley and entered the main road.
He turned up the radio volume with a dejected hand. The calming music and the DJ’s soft voice filled the quiet car, easing his restless mind. It was a song that felt like it was being whispered right next to him. As he listened intently, a short commercial played, and then the DJ’s voice returned.
“……Yes, that was Jo Woo-kyung’s new song, ‘The Way Home.’ Those of you listening to the radio right now must be on your way somewhere, right? Going home with a happy heart after a long day, or perhaps with a wistful heart after parting with your lover or friends……”
The traffic light at the intersection turned red. Semin stepped on the brake, bringing the car to a stop, and muttered to himself, “Yes.”
“I love this part of the lyrics: ‘I’m going back because I can see you tomorrow. If there were no tomorrow, I wouldn’t go anywhere.’ It’s so relatable. Isn’t it like that when you’re just starting to date? You hate saying goodbye, you want to stay together a little longer.”
Semin nodded unconsciously, then sighed. But I can’t see him tomorrow. And there’s no promise for the day after tomorrow either. As his thoughts turned gloomy, he heard the guest’s cheerful reply.
“That’s when people start thinking about marriage. Because if you get married, you don’t have to say goodbye.”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s ironic, isn’t it? That the time you think about marriage the most is at the beginning of a relationship. When the time actually comes to think about marriage, you wonder, is this right…?”
“So you ask around…”
Because if you get married, you don’t have to say goodbye. Semin’s hand, tapping the steering wheel, paused. He no longer heard the cheerful chatter. He stared blankly ahead, and it wasn’t until he heard the honk of the car behind him that he realized the light had changed and hurriedly started the car.
“Hyun Yooho came to the house, didn’t he?”
Semin, who had entered the house wearily, looked up in surprise. Sungmin, still in her work suit, holding a can of beer in one hand, was standing there with wide eyes. Semin nodded instinctively.
“Uh, uh, yeah. He came.”
“Alone? How did he know the address?”
“Ah, he brought my camera before, and… he brought me home once, so…”
Sungmin frowned at the awkward answer and tilted her head.
“Why did he come today?”
“I… I didn’t answer his calls all day.”
“Calls?”
“Ah, we had plans… But I turned off my phone and fell asleep…”
“What? You can’t do that. What if you make plans and then fall asleep?”
“…Huh?”
Semin was momentarily bewildered by the stern scolding. Sungmin sighed and shook her head.
“He must have been so worried. Did you apologize?”
“Ah, yes…”
“This is serious, serious. I told you to cut down on your naps.”
“Yes, I’m sorry…”
Ah, she misunderstood and thinks I stood him up. He thought about explaining, but then stopped. Come to think of it, telling her the truth would probably make Sungmin even more bewildered. As Semin glanced at her nervously, she seemed to be thinking about something, then asked in a slightly lower voice,
“By the way… did he really come to this house alone? I knew it, but he’s really something else.”
“…Huh? Why? What?”
“Even if you’re friends, this isn’t a place he can easily come to, you know.”
“Huh? Is that so…?”
“Of course, it’s his sponsor’s house. He must have been really worried about you.”
Sungmin placed the empty beer can on the table and headed upstairs. Semin followed her, mulling over her words. It’s not a place he can easily come to alone. He must have been really worried.
“……..”
He glanced back, gripping the railing. He had never thought of it that way, since it was just his home. But as Sungmin said, Yooho was an athlete sponsored by Lee Kang Dairy, and coming here alone might not have been an easy decision.
‘I got worried and rushed over. I thought I was being dumped.’
Is it wrong of him to feel happy that Hyun Yooho might have been worried? Semin climbed the stairs, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn’t quite articulate.
“Noona…”
As soon as they entered her room, Sungmin headed for the window. After beer, it was time for a cigarette. Normally, Semin would have complained, but he decided to ask what he was curious about first.
“Have you ever thought about getting married?”
Sungmin, who was about to light her cigarette, paused. Her face, as she turned around, was unexpectedly tinged with betrayal.
“…So even you are saying that to me…”
“Ah, no, no. I’m not saying you should! I’m not saying I want you to!”
He denied it vehemently, but Sungmin still looked dubious. Her gaze didn’t leave Semin as she lit her cigarette.
“It’s not like that at all… I was just curious. Really, just curious. Because everyone who dated you… wanted to marry you.”
“Of course they would want to marry me. They’d get a ton of money just by divorcing me.”
“……..”
“And the ones who didn’t care about that were all so arrogant that I didn’t like them… I couldn’t tell. Whether they really liked me or not. They all said nice things to my face.”
Sungmin exhaled a long stream of smoke and ran a hand across her forehead. Semin blinked unconsciously. He felt like it was the first time he’d heard Sungmin talk about her feelings.
“I thought they all liked you…”
Sungmin chuckled softly at his hesitant words.
“Semin, do you know what’s the first thing people learn in society?”
“…What?”
“To pretend to like someone.”
“……..”
“To pretend to respect, cherish, like… They practice desperately and use it on anyone they can get something from. Of course, it’s all empty flattery.”
“……..”
“I was a bit unlucky. I met a string of those kinds of people, and I mistook it all for sincerity for too long. It’s such a waste of time. I could have achieved something if I had just focused on work.”
He couldn’t help but think of Joseph. Empty flattery. All of his words, which now seemed so transparent, had felt comfortable and sweet back then.
“But why are you suddenly curious about that? Do you want to get married or something?”
Semin quickly shook his head at the pointed question, his hair swaying.
“No, no. On my way home, uh, I heard something about marriage on the radio…”
“Honestly…”
Sungmin chuckled, exhaling another puff of smoke. A long dimple appeared on her smooth cheek.
“I guess our Semin has really grown up. He’s talking about these things now.”
Semin smiled sheepishly, fidgeting with his fingers, then suddenly looked up.
“…But, noona.”
“Yes?”
“But, noona… uh… what do you think if I… get married? Or… if I go live abroad…?”
“What? Absolutely not.”
A firm answer came back before he could even finish his hesitant question. Semin’s eyebrows furrowed, and he whined, “Why not?”
“How old are you to be talking about marriage? And what’s with the going abroad? Are you going to marry a foreigner?”
“No, I was just… just saying. Because of the radio…”
“I’m saying this because I’m really worried, Semin.”
Sungmin put out her cigarette and strode over to him. A faint scent of tobacco lingered on her hand as she placed it on Semin’s shoulder.
“If… you happen to meet someone, don’t suddenly bring up marriage…”
“…Uh, huh? Why…?”
“Well, usually… marriage itself is a very burdensome topic. Especially for a twenty-year-old. They might run away without even thinking about dating longer. I’m serious.”
Although Hyun Yooho was twenty-four, Semin didn’t think his perception would be much different from a twenty-year-old’s. He quietly took his sister’s advice to heart. No matter how much I want to get married, I won’t bring it up. He’ll feel burdened. And I’ll definitely refrain from talking about moving abroad. He’s a national athlete.
“But do you really have someone?”
“No. N-no, I don’t.”
“Did you maybe meet a pretty model at that photography study group or something…?”
“No, no.”
“If that’s the case, tell me. Don’t ever make a move on your own. I’ll coach you. Okay?”
“I said I don’t. …But what kind of coaching will you give me?”
Sungmin burst into laughter at his sly question. Semin quickly averted his gaze and leaned back.
“Kang Semin.”
“No, forget it. I misspoke.”
“Who is it? Who could it be? Who does our Semin like so much?”
“I said no… I’m going to sleep. Good night, noona.”
He hurried out of the room and into the hallway, and as soon as he did, he heard Sungmin laughing. “Make sure you get coaching from noona! Okay?”
Semin fanned his flushed face and ran into his room. He covered his ears to block out the continuing laughter, buried his face in his pillow, and replayed her words over and over.
Talking about marriage is forbidden. Talking about moving abroad is even more forbidden!