CCS Ch 16
by soapa“Whoa, what are those clothes?”
Myunghoon, sitting in the driver’s seat, asked in surprise as soon as Yooho got into the car. Yooho tossed his bag carelessly into the back seat and changed the subject.
“Why are you driving? Where’s Coach?”
“He had some business at the association. He’ll be back later. More importantly, where did you get those nice clothes? They fit perfectly.”
“Just drive.”
Myunghoon belatedly sensed Yooho’s mood in his curt reply. He stepped on the accelerator as instructed, concentrating on navigating the narrow streets. Once they were out, he cautiously asked, “You seem down. Did something happen…?”
“Why did you talk to Kang Semin yesterday?”
Myunghoon’s mouth snapped shut, and he swallowed hard. A deep anxiety clouded his face as he slowly turned to look at Yooho.
“I just thought he was visiting too often…”
Yooho sighed audibly and muttered in a low voice, “I thought I told you several times not to interfere in my personal life.”
Myunghoon rubbed his face, his expression strained. His voice became more urgent.
“What should I do…? Is he really mad?
“…Who?”
“Kang Semin. Do you think the CEO will find out? I was just… worried something similar might happen to you again…”
“Something similar?”
Yooho’s eyes hardened. Myunghoon seemed too flustered to notice. He rubbed his face with one hand and rambled on, “He won’t really tell the CEO, will he? He doesn’t seem like that kind of person…”
“Myunghoon. I keep telling you this is my personal life.”
“…What?”
“Kang Semin and I are meeting purely personally, and there are no external factors involved. Is that so hard to understand?”
Myunghoon blinked, confused. Yooho frowned at his unexpected reaction. Myunghoon asked in a dazed voice, “But you told me… you were just accommodating him because he’s the CEO’s brother…”
“What?”
“That’s… that’s what you said. When I asked if you were seeing someone, you said no, and that I shouldn’t go around gossiping about it…”
Yooho searched his memory, then sighed and rubbed his forehead. He’d definitely said something along those lines.
‘Don’t tell Coach or anyone else about Kang Semin.’
‘I don’t want people poking around in my business. It’s annoying to think about people gossiping and adding their two cents. I’m just accommodating him because he’s a difficult person to deal with, we’re not really close.’
He hadn’t meant it at the time. He’d said it to prevent Myunghoon and the coach from gossiping about Semin and causing him trouble. But realizing why Myunghoon had been so persistent in his warnings about Semin felt like a blow to the head.
“…Ha.”
It’s not like that. Here’s what’s really going on… Yooho opened his mouth to explain, then stopped.
“Did you tell Kang Semin that?”
He could clearly picture Semin’s pale, anxious face. His round, dark eyes had been trembling like shattered glass. Why was he so scared? The question lodged in Yooho’s chest like a thorn.
“What?”
“Did you tell Kang Semin what I said?”
Myunghoon swallowed hard. He shook his head.
“N-No…. I didn’t.”
“…”
“…I just told him not to take pictures, not to disturb your training… that’s all.”
“Myunghoon.”
Yooho ran a hand over his forehead and asked again, his voice even lower, “I’m not going to ask you this twice. Are you sure nothing else happened?”
“No, nothing happened,” he answered quickly this time. Ha… Yooho sighed and slumped back in his seat. After he’d calmed down a bit, Myunghoon’s earlier words came back to him. I was just worried something similar might happen to you again.
“Myunghoon.”
Myunghoon had been the most furious when Yooho had been injured. He’d raged, demanding Yooho sue the coach, spewing curses and insults, which had actually helped Yooho stay calm in his hospital bed. Myunghoon had also been the one who had stayed by his side for the past two years, actively supporting his rehabilitation.
“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, and I plan to continue working with you. That won’t change. However…”
Sometimes Yooho wondered. Where did that bottomless devotion come from? Perhaps it was identification. Just like how parents projected their own desires onto their children, pushing them to achieve—that unconditional goodwill towards another person, going beyond that, the desire to become their agent, their problem-solver, might stem from a desire to live their life for them.
“Don’t regret my life for me.”
“…”
“I’m not going to give you the right to do that.”
Myunghoon blinked slowly, as if mulling over Yooho’s words, then closed his mouth, his face crestfallen. The sight softened Yooho’s heart, but he forced himself to add one last thing.
“Don’t ever do this again.”
There was no reply, but he wasn’t expecting one. Yooho turned away, his heart heavy.
* * *
[Heading to dinner now 6:15 PM]
[Everyone’s asking where I got these clothes, they’re so nice 6:15 PM]
[But I forgot the name so I couldn’t tell them 6:16 PM]
Following the short messages was a mirror selfie. Yooho was wearing the T-shirt and tracksuit Semin had bought him, holding his phone. The stylish yet understated outfit suited him perfectly. Sungmin, watching her brother’s barely suppressed smile, asked curiously, “What’s got you in such a good mood?”
“Nothing, just…. Just feeling good. Oh, Noona, can I borrow a suitcase?”
Semin changed the subject awkwardly, still smiling broadly. Sungmin hummed thoughtfully and finished her green juice.
“A carry-on is fine?”
“Yeah. I’m just packing a few changes of clothes.”
“The housekeeper said she put it out… There it is.”
A white carry-on suitcase sat next to the living room table. Semin quickly grabbed the handle and headed upstairs. Sungmin followed him, still chewing on the straw from her juice.
“Should I pack toiletries, too?”
“They have everything there. If I need anything, I can just ask the concierge.”
Their accommodations were a two-story pool villa at one of their affiliate hotels in Incheon. They’d chosen it because Sungmin thought it was best to stay close by for such a short trip. She’d also offered to have a driver take them, and Yooho had said he’d meet Semin at his house before they left.
Sungmin’s decisions were always swift and precise. She’d arranged for a secure and luxurious villa, a chauffeured sedan, discreet staff, and even security personnel who would travel in a separate car.
“Don’t tell Hyun Yooho about the security. They won’t approach you unless something happens, so don’t worry about it.”
“…Okay.”
“He’s surprisingly lacking in awareness. Gapyeong pension? I guarantee you he wouldn’t have been able to take a single step outside the car. How did you even think of going to a place like that? Especially with so much media attention these days.”
Sungmin clicked her tongue. Semin, too, had been so caught up in the excitement of the trip that he hadn’t considered Yooho’s position at all. He looked down, feeling dejected.
“There’s a beach right in front of the villa, but even after sunset, try to stay inside. It’s no use for Hyun Yooho to cover his face. He’s too big.”
“Okay…”
“Did you pack a swimsuit? I asked for the room with the largest pool. It’s heated, but it’s supposed to be cool this weekend, so don’t stay in too long.”
Semin nodded repeatedly, then stopped as he reached for his doorknob. Sungmin also stopped, looking puzzled.
“Noona.”
“Yeah?”
“Is there anything… I should be careful about? I’ve only ever traveled with my family… Are there things you shouldn’t do when you’re traveling with a… friend…?”
“Why would you worry about that? Just act normal.”
Sungmin said casually. But I don’t have a ‘normal’… Semin looked downcast and spoke again.
“And, Noona…”
“Yeah, what?”
“Do I have any… bad sleeping habits…? Like… talking in my sleep, or tossing and turning…?”
“…Don’t worry. The villa has three bedrooms.”
“…”
I want to sleep in the same room. Semin chewed on his lip, unable to voice his desire.
“Can I call Diver Jeong for a ride?”
“I told him to pick you up by 3 p.m. on Sunday, why?”
We have to spend two nights and three days together. Semin wondered if Yooho would get bored or tired. Should he suggest Yooho leave early if he seemed uncomfortable…? He started picking at a hangnail.
“What if he has to leave early…?”
“Call Secretary Lee if that happens. He’ll arrange a separate car for him. And call if you’re not feeling well. Okay?”
“…Okay.”
“What else?”
“Nothing. That’s all.”
The thin hangnail around his thumb came loose. Tick, tick, as he pulled at it with his other nail, his thoughts grew more and more complicated.
‘Is it really okay to go like this…?’
Was there anything else he should be careful about? Back in his room, he placed the suitcase in his dressing room and grabbed his phone.
He searched randomly for “travel etiquette,” “travel manners,” and “things to be careful about when traveling,” and then stumbled upon a page titled “Hyun Yooho Gallery.” It had been a while since he’d visited, and he was curious, hoping to find some useful information. He scrolled through the posts, then stopped.
Author: ㅇㅇ
Title: Saw the swimmer at the gym today while delivering a gift
Content: Hey everyone!! I went to the Korea National Sport University gym because I wanted to give him a small personal gift. I didn’t expect to see him, but I ended up running into him while I was leaving my gift with the staff ;;ㅠㅠ This is what it feels like to hit the jackpot
Seeing him in person, he’s really… big… He’s super handsome, but I was so overwhelmed by his size that I almost didn’t recognize him… His shoulders are like the Pacific Ocean… and his waist was above my chest…
But when I told him I was a fan and had brought a gift, he said thank you and coolly left lol He just went on his way like nothing happened, so I also acted cool like I could see him again tomorrow lol I came to my senses later and took a picture of his back ㅠㅠ It’s not much, but I’m uploading it anyway ㅠㅠ
Comments
ㅇㅇ: Thanks for the picture! But please don’t go to the gym anymore ㅠㅠ
Utterly Ruined Real-Life Gallery: Is that really him in the picture?
ㅇㅇ: Obviously it’s him
Utterly Ruined Real-Life Gallery: I’ve never seen him not wearing his three-stripe tracksuit… Wasn’t it established that he only has Adidas jackets and the national team uniform in his closet?
Gol Dohyun: Where are those clothes from? They’re so nice
Gol Dohyun: I want them
So everyone else thinks they’re nice too…. He felt a strange mix of emotions. He blinked slowly, scrolling through the board, when suddenly several new posts started popping up rapidly.
Author: ㅇㅇ
Title: Think I found the swimmer’s clothes?
Content: Maison Schiller track top and pants ㅇㅇ
Comments
ㅇㅇ: Oh, you’re right
ㅇㅇ: Nice ㅠㅠ How much are they?
Author: Track top 2.25 million won, pants 2.1 million won
ㅇㅇ: ㄷ….
ㅇㅇ: ㄷㄷ….
Gol Dohyun: Giving up on getting those
Author: ㅡㅡ
Title: I think the T-shirt is Maison Schiller, too
Content: If you add the T-shirt, it’s exactly 5 million won
Comments
ㅇㅇ: Is the swimmer rich?
ㅇㅇ: ㄴWouldn’t he be?
Author: Utterly Ruined Real-Life Gallery
Title: ―――――Stop talking about the clothes―――――
Content: You’re going to attract trolls, stop
Author: ㅇㅇ
Title: Another picture of the swimmer
Content: Saw it on Instagram, apparently taken near the association
It’s a front view and the quality is good
Comments
Utterly Ruined Real-Life Gallery: Tell them to delete it
Utterly Ruined Real-Life Gallery: You’re going to attract trolls
Author: What do you want me to do, idiot? It’s already on Instagram
Semin’s expression grew increasingly serious as he read through the posts. He sat up, his heart beginning to pound.
‘This atmosphere is…’
Ominous.
Author: ㅡㅡ
Title: Guys, don’t worry too much about trolls
Content: It’s disgusting to see a national athlete, trained with our tax money, walking around in luxury tracksuits!ㅎㅎ
Semin’s chest tightened, and a cold sweat broke out. Hadn’t there been a time when misinformation had spread rapidly and even made it into the news? His trembling hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly. He abruptly stood up.
“…”
What should he do? What if this got any bigger?
‘The media attention is so high these days that anything can become news.’
Myunghoon’s words flashed through his mind, and he started to tremble uncontrollably. Semin forced down his fear and grabbed his phone again.
He’d simply bought Yooho clothes he liked from a store he frequented. He’d never imagined it would cause such a stir. Was I stupid? Semin sniffled, looking down at his phone screen.
Author: Gol Dohyun
Title: —–Closing the troll gallery—–
Content: See you all tomorrow
Fortunately, the forum had quieted down. It seemed they’d deleted all the negative posts and disabled posting permissions. Semin breathed a sigh of relief and wiped his sweaty forehead. He could only hope it would end there.
* * *
But as always, life didn’t go Semin’s way.
Title: Hyun Yooho’s Controversial Outfit Yesterday
Content: In a picture taken by a fan, he’s wearing a luxury tracksuit worth 5 million won, causing controversy
Many people find it inappropriate for a national athlete, trained with tax money
Comments
Comment 1 But where are the clothes from? They’re awesome
Comment 2 Hyun Yooho has so many endorsements, who cares about tax money… 5 million won is probably nothing to him
Comment 3 It does look a bit much… Seems like showing off… Why would you need a luxury tracksuit?
Comment 4 Maybe it was a gift? If he liked luxury brands, he would’ve worn them two years ago when he had even more endorsements
Comment 5 Forget that, where are they from? Does anyone know?
⤷ Comment 5: Maison Schiller
⤷ ⤷ Comment 5: Thanks
Title: Hyun Yooho Wearing a Luxury Suit 2 Years Ago
Content: Full Saddle suit… Seems like he’s liked luxury brands for a while
Comment 1 That’s from a photoshoot, idiot
Comment 2 This guy… an athlete who’s always showing off his face, muscles, and luxury brands…
⤷ Comment 2 It’s a photoshoot, mister
Comment 3 He’s been spoiled since then
⤷ Comment 3 Can’t you read?
Title: Hyun Yooho’s Maison Schiller T-shirt Today
Content: It’s different from yesterday’s, so it looks like he has several. The T-shirt costs 650,000 won in Korean stores
Comment 1 Look at those shoulders
Comment 2 Is he an ambassador or something? Why is he suddenly wearing Maison Schiller head to toe?
⤷ Comment 2 Lol ambassador my ass Maison Schiller would never use a nobody athlete from Korea
Comment 3 I’m so jealous, you have to have that kind of physique for expensive clothes to be worth it… His shoulders are insane
The gossip spread like wildfire, flaring up every now and then. The combination of “national athlete” and “tax money” always seemed to fuel the flames. Faced with anonymous accusations and judgment, Hyun Yooho became a tax thief, an aspiring celebrity, a washed-up athlete obsessed with showing off.
Some people tried to explain how talented Hyun Yooho was, how much he contributed to the economy, but those who threw careless accusations and disappeared were much faster.
‘What should I do…?’
He’d been glued to his phone for two days, but the situation showed no signs of calming down. Meanwhile, Yooho contacted him as usual. He was relieved, but also increasingly anxious. Does he already know about this and is just pretending not to? Is he sighing inwardly?
What should I do? Who can I ask for advice? Semin’s phone buzzed.
[Hey Culjae’s bro~~ ^^ Whatcha doin?? We have a study session next week, wanna join? [email protected] 12:45 PM]
Semin gasped. He was so relieved he almost cried. Without hesitation, he pressed the call button. The man on the other end answered cheerfully.
― Hello?
“Sanggu…”
― Whoa, you sound like you’re dying. Are you sick?
He was trying to start with pleasantries, as any decent person would, but Semin didn’t have time for that. He sat up straight and blurted out, “Do you have some time today?”
― Time? I have an off-site meeting later, then I’m off work, why?
Semin was desperate, but Sanggu’s leisurely response reminded him of Yooho. He steeled his resolve and asked urgently, “If you’re not busy later… could we meet? I need to talk to you about something.”
“Hyun Yooho is getting hate? What for?”
Sanggu asked, puzzled. His apparent ignorance of the situation surprised Semin. He’d assumed Sanggu would already know, since it was trending all over social media.
“Well, he was photographed wearing some expensive clothes…”
“He’s getting hate for wearing expensive clothes? How expensive are we talking?”
So he doesn’t know. Semin felt a slight sense of relief. No matter how noisy the internet was, it was still a fringe issue. He calmed himself down a bit and explained the situation.
“…I just gave him the clothes as a gift because I was grateful, but I feel so bad that he’s getting criticized because of it…”
“Hmm…”
“I don’t know what to do.”
Semin took a sip of his lukewarm iced green tea. Sanggu rested his chin on his hand, muttering to himself.
“You gave him luxury clothes just because you were grateful…”
“Yes?”
“…You know what, let me ask you something first.”
Sanggu’s gaze shifted to Semin’s car parked in front of the cafe. Semin looked at his car, blinking.
“Is that your car? Your own car?”
“Yes? Oh, yes.”
“Wow…. A BMW electric car at twenty…”
“What’s a BMW…?”
“Ah, never mind. Anyway, to summarize, you gave Hyun Yooho luxury clothes, and now he’s getting hate from jealous people, and you don’t know what to do?”
“Yes,” Semin nodded. Just talking about his worries made him feel a little better. Sanggu hummed and scratched the back of his head.
“First… don’t worry too much. Online controversies are often just controversies for the sake of controversy. The people who have nothing better to do than obsess over them are the ones making a big deal out of it. People who are busy with their own lives don’t care what others wear, whether it’s rags or luxury brands.”
“…”
“But if you can’t ignore those comments, it’s best not to give them any fuel. It’s not about who’s right or wrong, it’s like fire safety. If your mentality is made of steel, it doesn’t matter if something burns next to you, but if it’s made of straw, the damage will be significant. If you think you can’t handle it, it’s better to avoid it from the beginning.”
“I see…”
His words were entirely sensible. Semin looked down, dejected. Even if Yooho didn’t care much, he was about to compete in an important competition. This shouldn’t have happened in the first place.
‘I was too careless…’
He’d been so focused on wanting to give Yooho a gift and seeing his happy reaction that he hadn’t considered anything else. He’d even made Yooho upset because of it. Sanggu watched Semin’s gloomy face and added awkwardly, “Just be careful next time. It’s not really your fault. Someone like Hyun Yooho is bound to attract a lot of haters who are looking for any reason to criticize him. They’ll find fault with him just for breathing.”
“…Why would they do that? He hasn’t done anything wrong…”
“That’s exactly why. People hate those without flaws. So when they find even the smallest thing to criticize, they blow it out of proportion. You’ll meet tons of people like that when you start working. You’ll understand when you’re older, but this is nothing.”
Semin remembered the housekeeper patting his head and whispering, Dear, this is nothing. You’ll understand when you’re older. You’re just young and inexperienced, that’s why you’re so affected. It’ll be okay when you grow up.
“Is that so…”
Would that day really come? If so, when? Would he be like that when he reached twenty-four, Hyun Yooho’s age? It felt so far away. Sanggu swirled the ice in his empty glass, then suddenly said, as if something had just occurred to him, “So, you should start training your mental strength now. I mean, even if Hyun Yooho is okay, you’re going to get your fair share of hate. You’re handsome, you’re tall enough, you seem to come from a good family.”
“…?”
Semin blinked, confused. “I’m handsome?”
Sanggu’s jaw dropped. “Are you kidding? Everyone in our group thought you were an idol when they first met you.”
“No, but… those are just… empty compliments…”
“Have you been living abroad or something? How can you not know you’re handsome? Who do you consider handsome?”
Only one person came to mind. Sanggu, genuinely curious, urged him to answer. Semin hesitated for a long time, then finally said, “…Someone like Hyun Yooho…”
“Hyun Yooho? You have to be Hyun Yooho level to be considered handsome? Come on, he’s on a different level.”
Sanggu waved his hand dismissively and burst out laughing. On a different level. The phrase struck a chord, and Semin almost clapped his hands. Yes, Hyun Yooho is on a different level. Oblivious, Sanggu slapped his knee as if he’d had a revelation.
“I get it, I get it. You have high standards.”
“…What?”
“You have an aesthetic eye. Your standards for judging people’s appearances or scenery are much higher than others. That’s why you’re good at taking pictures.”
Is that so? Semin blinked blankly. He hadn’t liked Yooho for his looks, but it was true that he’d been captivated by him whenever he appeared on TV. His desire to take pictures stemmed from a similar sentiment. Photographs were a medium for capturing memorable scenes.
“What’s your major? Have you considered a career as an art director?”
“Oh, I… I don’t…”
“You don’t go to college? Are you taking a gap year?”
“No, I just…”
Sanggu seemed slightly taken aback when he trailed off. Did I touch a nerve? He quickly changed the subject, his expression filled with concern.
“Anyway, you’re handsome. If you asked a hundred people on the street, all of them would say you’re handsome. You have a pretty, delicate look… like a… pretty boy? Is that term still used these days? Girls your age like that kind of thing.”
Girls his age. He tried to recall, but naturally, he had no relevant memories. He’d barely attended school properly.
“…”
He suddenly felt ashamed of not having lived a normal life like others. Sanggu frowned thoughtfully.
“By the way, you seem pretty close with Hyun Yooho. You said you just knew him.”
“…Oh.”
“Could you get me his autograph sometime? For my daughter.”
“Sure, I’ll… I’ll ask him.”
He answered instinctively, then immediately regretted it. Should I have asked that? Sanggu, excited, pulled out his phone.
“My daughter’s name is Yoon-hee. I’ll send it to you in a message, so please ask him for me.”
“…Okay.”
It seemed like their meeting was coming to an end. Seeing Sanggu reach for the bill, Semin quickly spoke.
“But, Sanggu…”
“Yeah?”
“Should I… apologize to him? What should I say…?”
He felt embarrassed asking such a thing, but his desire to resolve the situation was stronger. Sanggu tapped the table with the bill, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“Well…. It’s strange to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.”
“But it happened because of me…”
“Hey, it’s not because of you. Besides, Hyun Yooho might not even know about it. Is there any need to tell him he’s getting hate because of something you did?”
“…”
“Unless Hyun Yooho brings it up himself, just pretend you don’t know. It’s better for both of you.”
Is that so? Semin nodded absently. Sanggu grinned and stood up. “All good now?”
“Yes, th-thank you for today.”
“Don’t mention it. Call me anytime.”
Sanggu waved and walked away. Semin, left alone, got into his car and immediately checked his phone. To his relief, there was no more mention of Hyun Yooho on any of the forums he frequented. Instead, news of a famous idol’s drunk driving incident was trending.
“…”
Things like this are nothing. People make a big fuss like it’s the end of the world, but it’s just temporary. Sanggu’s words were proving true, but Semin didn’t feel happy. He sighed and rested his forehead on the steering wheel.
‘Pretend you don’t know.’
He couldn’t deny that he was relieved to hear those words.
“Ah…”
Perhaps that’s what he’d wanted to hear all along. That there was no benefit to anyone in acknowledging that he’d caused harm to Yooho. That he should just ignore it and pretend he hadn’t seen anything.
“Why am I like this…?”
Semin buried his face in his hands. Am I the only one who gets so worked up over everything? If so, why am I the only one lacking in emotional capacity…?
The unanswered questions weighed heavily on his chest. The trip was only a day away. The fear that had been masked by anticipation now scratched at his throat.
* * *
As he’d expected, he couldn’t sleep a wink. The more he tried to force himself to sleep, the worse his headache became. He finally gave up and sat up as the sun began to rise. His head felt heavy, and his eyes stung. He’d been surviving on snatches of sleep for days, and his condition was steadily deteriorating.
He dragged himself out of bed and opened his desk drawer, pulling out the Tylenol. He swallowed one pill and put the rest in his bag. It would be disastrous if he developed a fever in the morning.
“…”
He wouldn’t mind if the trip was canceled, but he didn’t want to break his promise to Yooho because of his health again. He lay back down and closed his eyes, trying to relax.
‘You must have scrutinized every expression, every glance, picked up on every casual word, and catered to his every whim.’
The remnants of his anxiety, a product of his exhausted body and overly active mind, clung to his fingernails. He frowned and repeated to himself, No.
‘Even if you don’t intend to burden him, it might be different from Yooho’s perspective.’
No. It can’t be.
‘That’s how you act with people you have to please.’
He pulled the covers over his head and curled up in a ball. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the ominous thoughts and self-loathing that were constricting his mind. He gritted his teeth and silently wished for a typhoon. Anything that would prevent him from having to leave his room.