Strategic Mating Partner Chapter 13

Now that Taehyun had become so famous, many people understood that his kindness wasn’t a sign of romantic interest but simply a habit ingrained in his nature. However, before he rose to stardom as an athlete, awkward situations frequently arose. He had inadvertently caused misunderstandings, with people pressing him to confess first, and there was even an athlete who firmly believed they were in a “something” phase, despite never formally defining the relationship. If there was any silver lining, it was that these misunderstandings could be easily cleared up by observing Sung Taehyun closely for just a month. Taehyun was kind to everyone unless they explicitly rejected his help, and he was accustomed to offering assistance without hesitation.

After years of such misunderstandings piling up, even people who didn’t know Taehyun well eventually caught on. He was easy to get close to, but crossing a certain line was nearly impossible. Taehyun didn’t care much about the rumors circulating about him. There were some early years when people accused him of playing the field, but now everyone knew his actions stemmed from a lack of romantic interest in anyone.

So, the problem was guys like that. The type who, despite knowing Taehyun hadn’t dated anyone seriously or sought out one-night stands since his last relationship years ago, still tried to worm their way into any perceived opening. Even when Taehyun tried to think positively, convincing himself it was just a misunderstanding and not some embarrassing overreach, there were times when their behavior was simply too blatant to ignore.

‘…….’

In those moments, Taehyun would draw the line with practiced ease. He’d express gratitude for their feelings but also regret, making it clear that this was as far as it could go. If they pushed further, he’d signal that even their current relationship might not survive, and most would back off. Despite not having an Olympic medal, Taehyun’s standing in the sports industry was undeniable. With his penchant for stepping up and helping others, coupled with an extensive network spanning various sports and industries, it was commonly assumed he’d land a prominent position in an association or corporation after retirement, even if he didn’t enter politics. For athletes who would rely on connections to thrive in the future, turning Taehyun into an awkward acquaintance was something they desperately wanted to avoid.

This time would probably be no different. Taehyun swallowed a sigh and left the fitness center without even a proper goodbye. Heading to the intensive training room prepared for his individual practice as per his schedule, he found his personal coach, who had arrived on time, waiting for him.

“Condition okay?”

Having worked together for years, the coach seemed to sense something was off just from Taehyun’s expression. Taehyun thought he’d hidden it well, but the coach’s keen perception picked up on the subtle difference with razor-sharp accuracy.

“Yeah, it’s nothing major. Just feeling a bit mentally drained.”

The coach, aware that Taehyun often felt stressed by interpersonal relationships despite appearances, smiled and replied.

“Alright. As long as you’re not injured, that’s what matters.”

It wasn’t the first time Taehyun had gotten himself into a headache-inducing situation due to misunderstandings. The coach’s playful jab made Taehyun bristle.

“My heart’s hurting, my heart.”

But the response was always more or less the same.

“Who’d you charm this time? I keep telling you to stop being so nice to everyone.”

But it’s not just anyone, is it? They’re from the same agency, recently thrust into the public eye and struggling to manage their surroundings, and even went to the same university. Seeing them like that makes it hard to just stand by, so Taehyun ends up stepping in. The coach, unfazed by Taehyun’s protests, picked up the mitts to begin their familiar routine. No sooner had the flat, synthetic leather pads been positioned than Taehyun, now changed into his dobok, aimed a long leg at the target with a powerful kick.

Between the neatly fastened collar of his uniform, his solid upper body was visible, and his forcefully extended leg exuded masculinity. With a striking face and a great personality to boot, it was no wonder so many were drawn to him. Even if his looks weren’t exceptional, his personality alone would have unintentionally stirred feelings in many, but being handsome on top of that ensured there was no shortage of admirers. Though it wasn’t public knowledge, if it were revealed that he was an omega, many would be shocked, but Taehyun was unlikely to ever disclose that secret himself. The coach, as if used to this, casually moved the hand mitt to the other side with an unbothered expression.

Pow! The crisp, forceful kick reverberated through the coach’s wrist with a tingling intensity. Having completed one set, it was time to switch legs and go again. Over the years, the coach had worked with countless athletes, but Taehyun was the first whose movements were so textbook yet flowed as naturally as a dance. He had consistently achieved strong results in other international competitions, so barring any variables, a similar outcome was expected this time. But the peculiar streak of bad luck at the Olympics, which weighed heavily on him, was a pity.

No one could be lucky in everything. As much as things had gone well for Taehyun as a star athlete, it sometimes felt like an Olympic medal just wasn’t in his fate, a thought that brought a tinge of regret. Yet, seeing how hard he worked, it was hard for anyone watching to give up on him. In a field where everyone gave their all, the coach knew how crucial that tiny bit of luck could be. That’s why giving up wasn’t an option. All Taehyun could do was throw himself into it desperately, hoping that this time, that sliver of luck would be on his side.

“Alright, start again from the other side. If you feel any pain in your ankle or it starts heating up, ice it immediately.”

“Got it. I’ll let you know right away if something feels off.”

No sooner had he caught his breath than Taehyun, as if unwilling to waste a second, resumed his stance. The coach, feeling a bit sheepish for dwelling on luck, adjusted his grip on the mitts. Thirteen years as an athlete, ten as a coach, and still, a guy like this was a first. The coach sincerely hoped this time would work out. But was that ever up to anyone? Pow! With another crisp strike echoing, the coach focused on Taehyun’s movements.

🤺

Training wrapped up about four hours later. After completing the designated workload, Taehyun repeated relaxation exercises to avoid overstraining his muscles. Muscles fatigued from intense morning sessions were soothed with ice packs, and the day’s routine concluded with a sports drink packed with vitamins and nutrients to aid recovery and hydration. It wasn’t about mindlessly kicking without sleep—proper rest was an integral part of training.

“Go rest up. The training camp schedule will be set soon, so don’t go running around just because people invite you out.”

Knowing Taehyun enjoyed social gatherings like drinks or dinners, Coach Im nagged him sternly, prompting Taehyun to immediately cover both ears with his hands.

“I’ll manage myself just fine. I’m not going to get drunk and sprain my ankle or anything, so don’t worry.”

“Yeah, I know you’re good at handling yourself. Just saying, just in case.”

It was true that this time of year was when social drinking peaked. Athletes still competing in qualifiers weren’t affected, but those who had secured a spot in the national team early through rankings or the first round of selections had this brief window before training camps and overseas sessions began. It was their last chance to relax. Taehyun, having long secured a spot on the national team through the WT (World Taekwondo Federation) Olympic ranking criteria, was a prime example. His outstanding performance in WT-sanctioned international competitions had earned him a stable place. Once the training camp started, everyone would wake at dawn and live a military-style life, with dorm lights uniformly shut off by 11 p.m. This period just before was when incidents and accidents were most likely to occur, so Coach Im’s concern wasn’t unfounded.

Of course, even during camp, some bold individuals secretly smuggled in alcohol and held clandestine drinking sessions, but getting caught didn’t just mean expulsion. If their performance suffered afterward, they’d face a lifetime of public scorn, accused of squandering taxpayer-funded training with a lax attitude. Last year at the Asian Games, hadn’t a -68kg athlete gotten into trouble? Right before being summoned—practically dragged—to the Jincheon training center after the camp schedule was announced, he’d been drinking with friends, tripped on stairs while heading home, and had to withdraw from the lineup. The injury was just a sprain, but failing to win a medal upon return earned him sharp criticism from taekwondo fans. Taehyun wasn’t some rookie who’d make such a mistake, especially not when he knew what this competition meant to him. Feeling offended at even being suspected, he pouted, lips pursed, and packed his gear with a sulky expression.