Black & Grey Vol. 3 Chapter 6

“Taeho, over there. It looks like it’s that way.”

It was the day of Yoochan’s competition, a few days later. The Manager pointed at a banner hanging on a tree and spoke. Taeho squinted as if he couldn’t see clearly, then nodded.

“It seems right. Yoochan told us to come to the general gymnasium.”

“There’s also a signpost!”

Seeing an A4 paper with an arrow drawn on it, the Manager ran toward it, shouting. Taeho adjusted his bag and hurriedly followed her.

“Manager Noona! Taeho Hyung! Over here!”

The Manager and Taeho, who were wandering around at the entrance, saw Yoochan waving from inside and happily waved back. After finally making their way through the crowd and meeting Yoochan, who had just finished sanitizing, they grabbed his elbow, panting.

“Must have been tough coming all the way here.”

Yoochan smiled and said.

“No, it’s fine. But why are there so many people?”

He had said it wasn’t a big competition, but there were more people than expected. Yoochan shrugged as if it was a common sight.

“There’s also the first national team selection.”

The Manager asked in surprise.

“Are you competing in the national team selection?”

“No, I’m in the Chairman’s Cup individual competition.”

“Why don’t you try for the national team too? If you make it with your looks, you’ll be a star.”

“It’s not that big of a deal.”

Yoochan laughed, not disliking the encouragement, and waved his hand. Seeing Taeho sweating, Yoochan handed him an ion drink and said.

“I’m only doing judo as a hobby.”

Yoochan liked judo but had learned it from his national team member father since he started walking, so he had no desire to make it to the national team. The Manager, looking curiously at Yoochan in his judo uniform, suddenly realized and asked.

“You haven’t been at the shop for a few days. You look like you’ve lost weight?”

“Right, Noona? I was going to say that too.”

Taeho, having finished the drink, pointed at Yoochan with the empty bottle and said.

“You look even better.”

“I kept fasting because I was worried about making weight, so I’m a bit weak now. I’ll gain it back once I eat.”

After not being able to hang out properly with Jungeol for a few days and focusing on weight loss, it had paid off. Feeling embarrassed, Yoochan replied and then looked around as if realizing something. Searching among the busy people, Yoochan straightened up and asked curiously.

“Where’s Jungeol Hyung? Is he parking?”

“Ah… Jungeol Hyung…”

At Yoochan’s words, Taeho furrowed his eyebrows and spoke in a regretful tone.

“There was an urgent appointment this morning. We tried to reschedule, but it was a foreign client with urgent circumstances, so he couldn’t come with us.”

“Ah…”

Yoochan’s eyes momentarily shook, but seeing Taeho’s apologetic expression, he forced a smile and said.

“Well, it can’t be helped. Jungeol Hyung is busy. Please take a video on your phone to show him later.”

At that moment, Taeho laughed and lightly patted Yoochan’s back, saying heartily.

“Just kidding. Jungeol Hyung finished his work this morning and is on his way. He should be almost here.”

“Really? Really! Ah, Hyung, you scared me.”

“And Jaehyeok Hyung borrowed an action camera, so we’ll record a cool video for you. Oh, and Jaehyeok Hyung and Jinwoo couldn’t make it today, but they said they’re sorry.”

“It’s fine. Jaehyeok Hyung is busy too. I heard Jinwoo Hyung went on a family trip to Jeju Island.”

Seeing Yoochan finally relieved and laughing heartily, the Manager furrowed her brows.

“Wow, look at him. His expression changes instantly when he hears Jungeol Oppa is coming.”

“That’s right. Yoochan, you’d prefer having Jungeol Hyung here over both Manager Noona and me, wouldn’t you?”

“What? What do you mean, Hyung? Of course, having Noona and Hyung here is a hundred times better than Jungeol Hyung coming.”

“Wow, did you hear that, Noona? He didn’t even blink while lying.”

“No, seriously, that’s not true. It’s unfair.”

Yoochan, who initially made an awkward face, soon couldn’t hide his joy and laughed, showing his white teeth. Taeho and the Manager, who had been laughing along with Yoochan, took out their phones to snap some pictures. Just then, Yoochan’s phone buzzed.

Have you started?

It was Jungeol. Yoochan replied with an excited expression.

I think it’s about to start. Ah, what if you’re the last one, Hyung? Hurry up so we can take pictures together.

I’m on the highway now. It’ll take about 10 minutes to get there.

Well, that’s fine. I was just joking about hurrying, so don’t actually rush. Got it?

Yes, Hyung.

About to send the message, Yoochan reread his conversation with Jungeol and, feeling something was missing, furrowed his brows. Then, as if he had a good idea, he smiled and typed.

I miss you so much.

Since they hadn’t even shared a meal together in days and had only seen each other briefly when Jungeol got off work, Yoochan sent this message. He quickly sent it and then turned off his phone screen.

“Who is it?”

Noticing Yoochan’s lips twitching after sending a text, the Manager asked curiously just as an announcement was heard, signaling the athletes to gather.

“Do you have to go in now?”

“Yes.”

At the Manager’s words, Yoochan took a deep breath as if nervous and asked Taeho to take lots of pictures before heading into the arena.

The Manager and Taeho followed the crowd to the second floor. After securing seats with a good view of the arena, they saw athletes lining up one by one on the first floor.

Among the people standing in line, Taeho and the Manager managed to spot Yoochan and zoomed in with the camera. As the opening ceremony began, Yoochan, who had been chatting and laughing with his friends, straightened up.

“Wow, our Yoochan looks the best, doesn’t he, Taeho?”

The Manager kept pressing the camera shutter while seeking Taeho’s agreement. Taeho, moving around to get a better view of Yoochan, nodded in agreement. Despite his muscular build, Yoochan, tall and well-proportioned, looked sharp even in the thick judo uniform.

Taking a few more photos, the Manager made eye contact with Yoochan, who smiled brightly and waved. Just then, someone sat down next to the Manager. Taeho and the Manager looked up, surprised by the rush of hot air.

“Hasn’t started yet, right?”

Jungeol, sweating and unbuttoning his shirt, checked his watch and asked. The Manager, nodding absentmindedly, watched as Jungeol straightened up.

“But did you run here?”

The Manager asked, eyeing Jungeol carefully.

“It’s just the opening ceremony. Why did you run?”

The Manager clicked her tongue and took out a portable mini fan to cool Jungeol down. However, even at the highest setting, it didn’t budge his hair.

The Manager tilted her head in confusion. Despite the slight dishevelment from running, Jungeol’s hair seemed unusually neat. Narrowing her eyes, the Manager asked.

“Oppa, did you use hairspray?”

“This definitely looks like he had a blowout. Are you attending a wedding today? Or a blind date after this?”

Taeho, who lived with him, chimed in. The Manager quickly turned to look at Yoochan. Unaware of Jungeol’s arrival, Yoochan stood with a somewhat stern expression, listening to the speeches. The Manager quickly turned back to Jungeol and asked.

“Why would you use hairspray and blow-dry your hair for a judo competition of a kid you know?”

Inspecting Jungeol with eagle eyes, the Manager spotted his dress shoes and clicked her tongue.

“Wow, shoes too? And you’re wearing a shirt you never wear!”

“Since I came all the way, I thought I’d dress up a bit. Lee Taeho, do you have any water?”

“Oh! I have bottled water in my bag. Just a moment.”

The Manager squinted her eyes but didn’t say anything more as Jungeol changed the subject. Jungeol took a sip of the water Taeho handed him and sighed.

-Take lots of pictures. You really need to look good. Promise.

A few days ago, Yoochan had pleaded with Jungeol to dress nicely, saying they would definitely go on a date after the competition. Not knowing where they would go, Jungeol prepared both formal and casual clothes in the car. Since he had styled his hair, he decided to try on the suit and shoes, but he regretted not changing after the competition once Taeho and the Manager had left.

Ignoring the Manager’s sharp gaze, Jungeol placed the water bottle on the floor and looked for Yoochan. Taeho pointed to show him Yoochan’s location.

When Jungeol finally spotted Yoochan, Yoochan also noticed him. Yoochan’s eyes widened in surprise before blinking rapidly, seeing Jungeol all dressed up for the first time.

However, Yoochan’s expression soon melted into happiness. Ignoring the fact that the Manager was watching, Jungeol smiled gently and waved.

Yoochan, his tension eased by Jungeol’s smile, lightly waved back with a more relaxed expression. Somehow, he had a good feeling.

“Why are there so many cameras?”

During another competitor’s match, the Manager, who had just returned from the restroom, asked in amazement at the cameras filming the arena. Taeho, who was checking if the action camera had captured good shots of Yoochan, looked up and nodded.

“Yeah. Yoochan mentioned they were having the national team selection too. Looks like a broadcast company came to film. Is it live now?”

Taeho put down the camera and took out his phone. He opened a live-streaming app from the broadcast company and, surprised, said.

“Oh, it’s live?”

While the Manager and Taeho alternated between watching the phone and the arena, Jungeol clasped his hands on his knees and looked at Yoochan in the waiting area.

Unlike the other competitors who shouted “Fighting!” with wide-open mouths, Yoochan rested his elbows on his thighs and clasped his hands, covering his mouth with a serious expression.

Jungeol, intrigued by the different atmosphere compared to Yoochan’s usual playful demeanor, observed him leisurely with a lifted lip.

Just as he thought their eyes would meet, Yoochan glanced over at Jungeol. As Jungeol, leaning back in his seat, made eye contact and smirked slightly, Yoochan’s eyes crinkled over his clasped fists.

After briefly smiling, Yoochan composed himself and looked ahead again. At that moment, the match was decided with a throw.

“Oh, is it Yoochan’s turn now? Taeho, take pictures, take pictures.”

The Manager exclaimed excitedly. Taeho put down his phone and picked up the camera. Yoochan, wearing a white judo uniform, jogged forward lightly. On the opposite side, another competitor in a blue uniform walked out slowly and stood before the referee. The competitor’s tight grip on the belt and firm stance were impressive.

“He looks heavy, so he might be hard to throw.”

“Yeah. Are they in the same weight class?”

Listening to Taeho and the Manager, Jungeol squinted. The competitor in the blue uniform was much shorter than Yoochan but appeared bulky and strong. Just then, Yoochan and his opponent’s brief introduction appeared on Taeho’s phone.

[Baek Yoochan, in the white judo uniform, won the high school division at the National Sports Festival and the Cheongpunggi National Judo Competition two years ago.]

[Baek Yoochan’s specialty is a combination of thigh sweeping and pinning techniques. He is also the son of Baek Jeongho…]

Taeho, surprised, asked.

“Wow. Noona, Jungeol Hyung, did you hear that? Yoochan’s father is Baek Jeongho.”

“Is he famous?”

“You don’t know? He’s an Olympic gold medalist.”

As Taeho explained to the Manager, who seemed unaware of who Baek Jeongho was, the competitor in the blue uniform pulled his belt tighter, lightly bent his knees, and straightened up, warming up. All the while, his eyes were fixed intently on Yoochan. The intense stare made the Manager exclaim nervously.

“Look at that competitor’s deadly gaze at Yoochan. It’s so scary. What will our Yoochan do?”

The Manager and Taeho, who were deeply supportive of Yoochan, worried that the competitor in the blue uniform might hurt him with excessive competitiveness. Jungeol, who had been watching Yoochan, glanced at the competitor in the blue uniform at the Manager’s words and couldn’t help but laugh softly. Jungeol thought the competitor just had small eyes and wasn’t glaring at Yoochan.

While the competitor in the blue uniform kept moving his arms and rotating his shoulders restlessly, Yoochan calmly stood, adjusting his slightly raised judo uniform. He maintained a composed demeanor, as if waiting for a bus.

Following the referee’s instructions, the two competitors stepped back and prepared for the match, taking a few steps towards each other. Yoochan stepped forward with his right foot and let out a short, deep kiai. The Manager was impressed by the deep, resonant voice, different from Yoochan’s usual tone.

“Wow. Yoochan sounds like a train whistle. He looks different.”

The competitor in the blue uniform circled clockwise, slightly bending his waist as he watched Yoochan. As he extended his hands to grab Yoochan’s collar or sleeves, Yoochan stepped forward with his right foot and grabbed the competitor’s left sleeve.

A shout came from the coach’s corner. The competitor in the blue uniform quickly pulled his arm back. Yoochan pretended to release the sleeve but then reached deep and grabbed the middle of the competitor’s sleeve below the elbow.

As the competitor stepped back to free his trapped hand, Yoochan took advantage of the weakened attack and grabbed the back of the competitor’s collar with his other hand. As their upper bodies touched, Yoochan lifted his right foot high and hooked the competitor’s calf as he stepped back. The competitor lost balance and tilted. Yoochan followed through, pulling the sleeve and collar towards him.

Thud!

With a resounding noise, the competitor’s back hit the floor. The referee raised his right hand high, signaling an ippon.

“He won!”

The Manager shouted, half-standing. Taeho, forgetting to take pictures, cheered along with the Manager.

Yoochan quickly stood up and straightened his disheveled judo uniform. Following the referee’s instructions, he shook hands with the competitor and bowed. Only then did Yoochan glance at the coach’s corner and smile slightly.

“Wow, Yoochan is better than I thought. He didn’t seem nervous at all.”

A small smile appeared on Jungeol’s lips as he watched. The coach patted Yoochan’s back approvingly and leaned forward, speaking passionately. Yoochan quickly erased his smile and focused seriously on the coach’s words.

After the brief coaching session, Yoochan rotated his arm and looked over. Taeho and the Manager clapped and gave him a thumbs-up, and Yoochan playfully made a V sign, looking at Jungeol with eyes that seemed to seek praise. Jungeol nodded approvingly, and Yoochan, looking satisfied, left the arena with a lively expression.

The matches continued without a break. Yoochan watched the matches from the waiting area, occasionally chatting briefly with the competitors next to him. He smiled whenever he saw the Manager or Taeho, and when he looked at Jungeol, his cheeks and lips twitched as if he was trying to suppress a laugh.

In the next two matches, Yoochan won both. In one, he grabbed the competitor’s collar and scored an ippon with a sweeping throw using his long legs. In the next match, the competitor fell at an angle, with only half his back touching the floor, so Yoochan quickly pinned him, grabbing his neck and elbow.

The competitor tried to push his leg under Yoochan’s thigh and lift his hips, but it was futile. After holding on for a few more seconds to prevent the competitor from escaping, Yoochan eventually won.

After winning the semifinals, Yoochan stood up without showing any signs of fatigue and straightened his disheveled judo uniform. Tightening his belt and shaking hands seriously with the competitor, he looked more mature than usual.

I might fall for him.

After winning three matches, Jungeol sent Yoochan a message and looked at him. Yoochan read the message, twitched his face, and typed on his phone.

Go to the bathroom now, Hyung. You’ll regret it for life if you miss the finals.

Yoochan’s confident tone showed he was determined to win the gold medal.

Yoochan waited for Jungeol to look up after reading the message, and when their eyes met, he puffed out his chest and patted it, as if to say, “Trust me.”

Yoochan wanted to appear dependable, but to Jungeol, he just looked cute. Jungeol received a drink from Taeho, who had returned from the convenience store, and watched as the referee entered the arena. It was the finals of the Chairman’s Cup individual competition in the university division, -81kg category.

The competitor in the finals was similar in height and build to Yoochan and looked solid.

From the start, the two clashed fiercely with little defense. Every time Yoochan reached for the competitor’s collar, the competitor slipped away. There were several close calls where Yoochan almost got caught. When Yoochan’s elbow was grabbed by mistake, he sharply struck the competitor’s arm with his left arm and stepped forward, grabbing the competitor’s collar.

A tense power struggle began. In the intense physical battle to gain a favorable position, Yoochan and the competitor’s chests were fully exposed. The competitor in the blue uniform tried to shake off Yoochan’s grip on his collar, but Yoochan twisted the sleeve and pulled him closer.

As the competitor tried to push him away, Yoochan twisted his grip on the collar even tighter. The competitor gave up pushing and reached for Yoochan’s shoulder. Yoochan, without letting go of the collar, grabbed the outer sleeve of the competitor’s arm.

Realizing his mistake too late, the competitor in the blue uniform tried to shake off Yoochan’s hand by raising his head, but Yoochan had already stepped deep inside the competitor’s feet, releasing the collar and wrapping his arm around the competitor’s neck. Yoochan simultaneously twisted the tightly held left sleeve and the wrapped neck, sweeping the competitor’s left foot with his right leg. The competitor lost balance and tilted but quickly spun around, switching positions with Yoochan.

The Manager screamed, Taeho’s mouth dropped open, and Jungeol furrowed his brows. Fortunately, Yoochan managed to regain his balance by stepping back with his left foot. The competitor grabbed Yoochan’s back collar, and they stood locked in a tight grip on each other’s judo uniforms.

The competitor in the blue uniform attacked first. As he pulled Yoochan’s body towards him with gritted teeth, Yoochan waited and then hooked his leg. The competitor avoided Yoochan’s foot and regained his stance. Both Yoochan and the competitor soon became drenched in sweat from the intense physical struggle.

This time, Yoochan took the initiative, pulling the competitor forcefully towards him. The competitor pretended to be pulled in, grabbing the back of Yoochan’s collar and attempting a throw but failing. Yoochan crossed his grip on the collar of the opponent who had turned his back and bent his knees.

The competitor quickly protected his neck and fell forward. Yoochan used his strength to lift the competitor’s body and leaned back. The competitor struggled to escape Yoochan’s legs wrapped around him. However, Yoochan calmly pursued, trapping the competitor’s legs with his own and locking his neck with strong arms.

The competitor’s face turned red as his neck was constricted. The competitor twisted his legs and turned his body, changing his stance to relieve the choke. Yoochan tried to slip his hand under the competitor’s neck a few times but finally judged it wouldn’t work and stood up.

Following the referee’s instructions, they both stood again. As the two competitors adjusted their disheveled uniforms and tightened their belts, the Manager, who had been holding her breath while watching the match, finally exhaled and glanced to the side. Taeho couldn’t take his eyes off the arena, looking distressed, while Jungeol watched Yoochan without any change in expression.

As the Manager refocused on the match, Jungeol unclenched his fist, which he hadn’t realized he had been gripping tightly since the finals started. Glancing at his sweat-soaked hand and then back at the arena, he saw Yoochan, who had been calm until now, looking nervously at him.

Jungeol masked his own rising tension with a smile. Yoochan clenched and unclenched his fists and focused on his opponent. The match resumed, and this time Yoochan was even more aggressive in attempting to grapple. Almost simultaneously, both grabbed each other’s collars. The competitor attacked first, pulling Yoochan and attempting a thigh sweep. Yoochan tilted back instantly, and Taeho shouted in a deep voice.

“……”

Before he knew it, Jungeol had stood up and was looking down at the arena with a stern face.

The referee raised his right hand high, signaling a clean ippon victory. The two stood up and returned to their spots. With a flushed face, Yoochan shook hands with the competitor and, before returning to the waiting area, anxiously searched the stands and finally spotted Jungeol. Seeing his anxious partner, Jungeol leaned on the railing and looked down at Yoochan.

Jungeol then relaxed his tense expression and smiled.

He mouthed congratulations on the gold medal to Yoochan.

* * *

“How did you even win? It looked like you were losing your balance, then suddenly you both were on the ground.”

“Yoochan turned his body and knelt at the last moment, right? Is that an uchi mata? Anyway, something like that.”

Taeho briefly explained to the Manager as they descended to the first floor. Meanwhile, Yoochan was taking pictures with his judo teammates, wearing the gold medal around his neck.

Seeing Jungeol gesturing for him to come over, Yoochan, grinning widely, slung his bag over his shoulder and ran over. The Manager patted Yoochan on the back approvingly and asked.

“Well done, Yoochan. I missed the last part because it ended so quickly. Did you turn your body and throw him while kneeling?”

“Yes. He kept getting too close, and I thought he was going to try a move. I didn’t expect to go down, though. He’s strong. But with an athlete’s reflexes, I immediately turned my body and did this and this and this! And I won.”

Yoochan explained triumphantly, mimicking the throw in the air.

“Noona thought you lost because you didn’t look happy. You really threw him while kneeling at the end?”

Taeho interjected. Yoochan furrowed his brows as if recalling an unpleasant memory.

“I really didn’t want to use that technique. My specialty is the thigh sweep. I wanted to win the finals with that, but he kept avoiding it whenever I tried. In the end, I had no choice but to kneel and use the throw. It’s not my specialty or my style, so it didn’t feel good.”

“Is that why you looked upset? Because you couldn’t use the thigh sweep?”

“Yes. Ah, man, it’s the finals… I wanted to win with a cool thigh sweep.”

“You were cool enough without the thigh sweep, starting from the first match.”

“Thigh sweep, though. Noona from the judo gym said it makes my legs look longer and cooler.”

Yoochan furrowed his brows and glanced sideways at Jungeol, looking disappointed not to have won the finals in a more impressive manner in front of him. Noticing Yoochan’s expression, the Manager suddenly had an idea and said.

“Why don’t you show the thigh sweep on Taeho? Let’s see what it looks like.”

“On me? Noona, why me all of a sudden?”

Taeho asked in bewilderment, but the Manager elbowed him in the ribs. Rubbing his side, Taeho finally said.

“Fine, Yoochan. Try it on me. Let’s show Noona what it looks like.”

“Shall I?”

Yoochan relaxed his expression and looked at Taeho’s T-shirt. Realizing it might be hard to perform the technique without a proper grip, Yoochan untied his belt and said.

“Then, Hyung, try wearing this for a moment.”

As the belt came undone, revealing his toned chest and abs, Jungeol furrowed his brows.

“Baek Yoochan.”

At the low voice, Yoochan looked up and, seeing Jungeol’s furrowed brows, quickly retied his belt, realizing his mistake.

“I’ll just show you a little.”

Yoochan grabbed the collar of Taeho’s T-shirt and turned his body while holding his arm.

“Like this. Normally, you grab the collar here and above the elbow, then turn your body like this… like this…”

As Yoochan turned his body, he slid his long leg between Taeho’s legs and kicked up powerfully like a horse’s back kick.

“Whoa!”

Even though it was just a light demonstration, Taeho, who weighed quite a bit, was lifted into the air like he was on a plane. Yoochan then lowered his leg and gently placed Taeho back on the ground.

“You’re really strong, huh?”

The Manager clapped and exaggeratedly cheered. Yoochan, feeling pleased, pulled the Manager closer and said.

“Right? Oh, Noona! Hyung! Let’s take a picture too.”

“Shall we?”

The Manager picked up the camera and tried to find a good angle.

“With all three of us being so big, only our faces will fit. Yoochan, try folding your shoulder a bit. Jungeol Oppa too.”

“Hey, give me the camera.”

Taking the camera from the Manager, who was struggling to take a selfie, Yoochan asked a passing student to take the picture. As the student took the camera, Yoochan squeezed between the Manager and Jungeol, extending his arm for a shoulder hug, and then looked up at Jungeol.

Jungeol looked straight ahead, silently wrapping his arm around Yoochan’s waist with a gentle touch.

“……”

Yoochan, suddenly tense, straightened his back. Just then, the student, who had been adjusting the angle, said they were ready to take the picture. Yoochan quickly straightened his head and awkwardly smiled. Jungeol, noticing this, chuckled softly and looked at the camera with ease.

As they took a few more pictures, the competitor in the blue uniform, sitting a few meters away, glanced at Yoochan.

“Yoochan, I think your friend is looking at you.”

The Manager, recognizing the competitor Yoochan had been chatting with before the opening ceremony, said. Yoochan turned and saw the competitor, then took out his phone and approached him.

“Your name is Taejun, right? What’s your last name?”

“Kim. And you?”

“Baek Yoochan. Here, put in your number. Do you use Facebook?”

“Yeah. Want my ID?”

Watching the two exchange phone numbers and social media IDs, the Manager’s mouth dropped open.

“I’ll message you later!”

Returning to the group, Yoochan was asked by the Manager in disbelief.

“Weren’t you friends?”

“We are friends.”

“When did you meet?”

“Today.”

Yoochan’s answer made Jungeol smile. Yoochan, noticing Jungeol’s sudden smile, explained.

“He has a lot of friends in his area, so I asked if he knew any of them, and we became friends.”

The Manager looked at the competitor’s chest, which had “Changwon City Hall” written on it. Before she could ask how Yoochan, who grew up in Seoul, made friends in Changwon, another coach called Yoochan. Yoochan told Taeho, the Manager, and Jungeol to wait for a moment and ran to the coach.

A middle-aged man with the coach spoke to Yoochan. Yoochan, looking puzzled, shook his head. After a moment, the middle-aged man handed Yoochan a business card as he stepped back. Yoochan bowed and returned. Taeho, excited, exclaimed.

“What was that? A scout? Was it a scout?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

Yoochan shrugged and stuffed the business card into his bag. Taeho, looking at Yoochan with pride, soon rubbed his belly as if hungry and suggested they go for dinner. Yoochan grabbed his bag and ran off to change clothes.

A short while later, Yoochan returned in casual clothes. Taeho and the Manager were surprised at Yoochan’s unfamiliar appearance. They were used to seeing him in training clothes, but now he was wearing beige slacks and a white shirt.

The Manager immediately turned to look back and forth between Jungeol and Yoochan’s outfits. Seeing both of them dressed similarly on the same day, she finally voiced her realization in disbelief.

“Wow, incredible. You two are really…”

“What is?”

Jungeol replied nonchalantly. While the Manager squinted her eyes at Jungeol, Taeho asked.

“What’s with you two? Did you plan these outfits?”

When Taeho first saw Jungeol in a suit, he thought nothing of it, assuming he was going to a wedding. But now, seeing both dressed up similarly, he started to sense something odd.

“Are you meeting a girl? Is it a double date? A blind date? Something like that? Wow, Jungeol Hyung, Yoochan… I didn’t see this coming, and you left me out?”

Jungeol looked down at Taeho as if he was making no sense. Taeho, feeling left out, shouted.

“Hyung, isn’t this too much? Recently, when I asked you to meet some girls, you said you were too lazy.”

“I’m not going to meet girls.”

“Don’t lie. You rejected my proposal because you’d have a better chance with Yoochan, right? Fine, I’ll just take Jaehyeok Hyung and Jinwoo out.”

The Manager, looking at the rings Yoochan and Jungeol wore, gently placed an arm around Taeho’s shoulder and spoke in a calm voice.

“Taeho, never lend money to anyone lightly. Always check with me before you get married or buy a used car.”

“What’s that got to do with anything? Why are you talking about marriage and used cars all of a sudden?”

Oblivious, Taeho grumbled, and the Manager clicked her tongue. Jungeol, taking out his car keys, said.

“Let’s go get dinner. My treat.”

“No thanks. Taeho and I are going to have something delicious in Seoul. You two enjoy your meal.”

“Why not? We’re already here. We should check out the local eateries. Hyung, what time is your blind date? We’ll drop you off then.”

“Ugh, you’re so clueless.”

The Manager put Taeho in a headlock and dragged him away, then told Yoochan to have a good time. Yoochan cheerfully responded, “You too, Noona!” and waved before turning to Jungeol.

“The Manager Noona said to have a good time. I think she actually believes we’re going on a double date.”

Excitedly, Yoochan quickened his pace. Jungeol, rolling the car keys in his palm, thought for a moment and said.

“Min Yesul has figured it out.”

“Figured what out?”

“That we’re dating.”

“What?”

Yoochan stopped, looking up at Jungeol in surprise.

“How did she know? Did she tell you secretly? Ugh, we can’t let anyone find out yet.”

Seeing Yoochan’s pensive expression, Jungeol chuckled softly, pulled him along, and headed to the parking lot. As soon as he got in the passenger seat, Yoochan suddenly remembered something.

“What about Gaang? Is he out for a walk?”

“Jaehyeok is looking after him. He’ll be at the shop until midnight.”

Nodding, Yoochan buckled his seatbelt. While Jungeol started the car, Yoochan found the address on his phone and input it into the navigation system.

“It’s a must-visit place around here. I’ve been looking it up for a few days to go with you, Hyung.”

As Jungeol drove in the direction the navigation indicated, he replied.

“Now that the competition’s over, no more salads.”

“I’m just happy to eat with you, Hyung. I’ve been eating with the juniors at the judo gym on purpose to avoid having dinner with you these past few days.”

“Why avoid it? I like salads too.”

Yoochan shook his head and answered.

“Being with you strangely boosts my appetite. Food tastes better too. Oh, by the way, Hyung…”

As the signal changed and Jungeol stopped the car, Yoochan rolled down the window and began.

“How was it today?”

“What do you mean?”

“Hyung, it’s your first time seeing me really compete. I’m curious about what you thought.”

“Ah.”

Feeling shy, Yoochan scratched his cheek and added.

“I was just curious. You don’t have to say anything.”

Embarrassed, Yoochan turned his head and rested his elbow on the window frame. The signal changed. Jungeol gently pressed the accelerator and, after a slight delay, answered.

“I was proud.”

“Really?”

“And impressed.”

Yoochan’s ears turned red at the casual compliment.

“Well, people say I look cool when I do judo. It’s not just me saying that; the Noonas at the judo gym told me.”

Having received the answer he wanted, Yoochan quickly changed the subject.

“But did Taeho Hyung really ask you to meet some girls?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“A few days ago.”

“And you said no?”

Jungeol nodded.

“…Why?”

Yoochan asked, anticipating the answer. Jungeol replied calmly, without any change in expression.

“Why would I go when I have you?”

Yoochan’s cheeks twitched again. Trying to contain his excitement, Yoochan spoke nonchalantly.

“If you keep saying no, won’t they get suspicious? Just tell them you have a partner. Then Taeho Hyung won’t bother you anymore.”

Jungeol’s eyes softened.

“Right. I’ll tell them I’m dating a judo player whose specialty is the thigh sweep.”

Yoochan suddenly turned his head and looked out the window. Seeing Yoochan’s wide smile in the side mirror, Jungeol laughed along.

The sun was slowly setting behind the mountains. Yoochan, watching the scenery outside, leaned his head against the window frame. Feeling good and relaxed, his eyelids fluttered slowly.

The restaurant Yoochan had reserved was a high-end Korean beef place, costing 200,000 won per person. Since Jungeol had brought the car, they drank soft drinks instead of wine and enjoyed a cozy meal in a private room. After leaving the restaurant, Jungeol asked if Yoochan wanted to continue hanging out or head back to Seoul. Yoochan said he had a place in mind.

“Actually… there’s somewhere I want to go… Ah, man.”

“Give me the address.”

“Don’t laugh.”

Yoochan hesitated, then furrowed his brows and placed his phone with the address on the console. Jungeol looked at Yoochan’s phone.

Seoul P Hotel

Jungeol squinted. It was a five-star hotel in Gangnam that Jungeol was somewhat familiar with.

“I booked the best room. I thought we could have fun and order room service. We can’t stay all night because of Gaang, but still…”

When Jungeol turned to look at Yoochan, he saw him blushing deeply, head bowed.

“I thought it would be nicer to hang out somewhere fancy rather than my studio apartment. So, while I was preparing…”

Just as Jungeol was about to say he understood, Yoochan fumbled in his pocket and pulled out something, fiddling with it. It was the same type of condom Jungeol had used before.

“……”

Unable to bear Jungeol’s silent gaze, Yoochan blurted out.

“I want to be with you tonight, Hyung.”

Jungeol, who had been smiling at his partner’s preparations, froze at Yoochan’s serious tone.

“All the way.”

Seeing Jungeol’s startled expression, Yoochan added with conviction.

“Even if I say it hurts, don’t stop.”

Jungeol, silently staring at Yoochan, slowly shifted the gear. Unlike his usual smooth driving, the ride was rough.

Exactly three hours later, the presidential suite of a hotel in Seoul was filled with the peculiar sounds of a young man in his twenties.

“Ah! Cancel, cancel, cancel, cancel! Ugh! Hyung! Cancel going all the way! Cancel!”

Hearing Yoochan’s desperate cries, Jungeol, who had been kissing his nape, couldn’t help but laugh. Yoochan had eagerly stripped and pounced on him as soon as they arrived at the hotel, but now he was scared and trying to back out.

“Can’t do it?”

“I-I don’t know, how much is in?”

Yoochan, grimacing, looked down at the still-smiling Jungeol and asked. Jungeol, sitting up, glanced down and answered.

“Almost all.”

“How much is almost all?”

“About half.”

“Wow, that’s all in?”

Yoochan shouted, pulling his neck forward in frustration.

“There’s still half left?”

Jungeol lifted his lips and leaned in to kiss Yoochan’s cheek.

“Does it hurt a lot?” he asked.

Yoochan furrowed his brow as if deep in thought, then shook his head. Although the thick penis made his entrance stretch taut and ache, the pain was minimal thanks to Jungeol’s fingers and oil preparing him before insertion. However, he was terrified that something might go wrong as Jungeol’s penis relentlessly pushed in.

Jungeol, trying to ease his lover’s tension, continuously kissed Yoochan’s chin and cheek. Seeing Jungeol’s soothing efforts, Yoochan let out a deep sigh and slowly spread his tightly closed legs.

Although Yoochan had spread his legs, his expression remained tense, more so than during a judo final. Jungeol, seeing Yoochan biting his lip and closing his eyes tightly, slowly pulled his hips back.

Expecting Jungeol to push in again, his penis instead completely withdrew. Yoochan opened his eyes wide and looked at Jungeol. Jungeol lightly kissed Yoochan’s forehead, covered him with a blanket, and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Do you want some water?” Jungeol asked, stretching his neck. Yoochan looked at his half-erect penis, nodded reluctantly, and sat up, wrapping himself in the blanket. Jungeol put on a robe, stood up, popped a Shine Muscat grape into his mouth, and handed Yoochan a bottle of water.

“Thank you,” Yoochan said in a hoarse voice from shouting. Thirsty, he drank the entire bottle of water like it was beer.

Thud.

Yoochan carelessly tossed the empty bottle onto the rug. After wiping his wet lips, he reached out to Jungeol and said,

“Now, Hyung, you lie down.”

Jungeol looked at Yoochan with interest. Yoochan, looking like a ghost with only his face peeking out from the blanket, added,

“I think it might be less overwhelming if I do the inserting rather than Hyung.”

Jungeol, having popped a Shine Muscat grape into his mouth, approached him. As Jungeol’s hand grasped his shoulder, Yoochan looked up, and their lips met softly.

The tongue that smoothly entered his mouth tasted of the Shine Muscat Jungeol had just eaten. Yoochan closed his eyes gently and enjoyed the cold, sweet tongue. Finally, Jungeol pulled away and straightened his back, lightly brushing Yoochan’s chin with the back of his hand.

“You can take your time. We have plenty of time.”

“We don’t have time. Jaehyeok Hyung gets off work at 12, so we only have three hours left.”

Yoochan said this while slipping his arm through Jungeol’s robe and hugging his thick, firm thigh. Yoochan’s broad shoulders lifted the robe, revealing Jungeol’s still erect penis.

“Even the snake is in a hurry,” Yoochan said, making Jungeol accustomed to the humorous expression. Jungeol calmly stroked Yoochan’s head. Yoochan nudged Jungeol’s penis with his chin. The penis, which bent down, immediately stood erect again. Although Jungeol said he was fine, he seemed quite eager.

Sensing Jungeol’s feelings, Yoochan raised his eyebrows playfully and licked his lower lip, slowly lowering his head. As his soft lips and tongue touched the penis, Jungeol’s thigh moved away, and his large hand lifted Yoochan’s chin.

Yoochan looked up at Jungeol, having failed to give him a blowjob. Jungeol closed his robe and, carrying a fruit basket from the table, walked to the sofa and said,

“The fruit is delicious. Come sit here and have some too.”

“Hyung! We don’t have time for that. We need to finish what we started.”

Yoochan hit the blanket covering his legs in frustration.

“Lie down here quickly. I’ll put it in.”

Jungeol, sitting on the sofa, leaned his arm on the backrest and looked at Yoochan.

“You don’t have to. You said you were scared of it going in all the way.”

“No one will believe you saying that with an angry snake,” Yoochan grumbled.

Jungeol smiled and said,

“Do we have to rush to the end today?”

“We only have two months left…”

“What did you say?” Jungeol asked, not hearing clearly. Yoochan quickly shook his head, saying it was nothing, and thought. Even if they did it once a day from today, that would be 60 times, and even if they did it twice a day when they had the energy, it would only be 120 times. Considering Jungeol’s schedule, the time they could be intimate before he went to the military was actually quite limited.