‘But what the hell is this?’
“Hey, Kwon Jaekyung gave the green light! Jiheon, don’t complain now!”
Inyeop, who had rushed into the locker room to meet Jaekyung, came out screaming with joy in less than five minutes.
Jiheon, in the middle of a conversation with Writer Choi, was taken aback and shouted:
“What?! Jaekyung agreed?”
“That’s right. So don’t you start complaining, man.”
Inyeop puffed out his chest triumphantly. Looking at his expression, it seemed like he wasn’t lying.
“What the heck did you say you were going to film?”
Inyeop slyly raised the corner of his mouth, glancing at Jiheon, who was in a bit of a panic.
“Sunbae.”
“Hey, no need to be scared.”
Inyeop laughed and gave Jiheon a friendly pat on the back.
“I won’t be filming much. Just a few more afternoon training scenes and some transitional shots, okay? Well, I just decided to pick a few scenes to use as a bridge.”
If that was the case, Jiheon was grateful, but he was surprised that Jaekyung had agreed to participate in something seemingly insignificant.
“What? How on earth did you manage to seduce him?”
Writer Choi’s initial reaction was more about questioning the unexpected turn of events, rather than liking it.
“I didn’t really seduce him or anything. I just said we needed more footage because we didn’t have much, and he just said, ‘Do as you please’.”
“Wow, what’s going on? Kwon Jaekyung must be in a really good mood today.”
“For real. I noticed earlier that he’s in exceptional spirits. What’s happening to him these days?”
Of course something did happen. It had to be because that guy had started a relationship with the hyung he liked so much, been doing all sorts of things with him every night, and his skills were improving day by day since applying the new training menu. There was every reason for Jaekyung to be in a great mood.
However, Jiheon didn’t expect Jaekyung to go to such lengths for the broadcasting station and Inyeop.
Jiheon, who couldn’t believe it, eventually asked Jaekyung directly on their way to lunch.
“Why the hell did you agree to the extra filming in the afternoon?”
“You told me to be nicer to people.”
Jaekyung answered indifferently, putting his arm on the window frame.
“That’s why you agreed to it? Because you want to be nice to Inyeop sunbae? For such a humanity reason?”
Jiheon gave him a look as if asking if that even made any sense.
Perhaps realizing his explanation was complete bullshit, Jaekyung didn’t push the issue and simply said quietly:
“There’s something I want to show.”
“Really? Such as?”
“Just training. The training menu I’ve never tried before.”
He considered that the training intensity must be higher now than before. And if possible, wouldn’t it be better to show that he was working really hard?
“I’m not just going to the Olympics; I want to prove that I’m giving it my all. That way, people won’t spread all sorts of ridiculous bullshit later on.”
Originally, Jaekyung didn’t pay much attention to other people’s reactions. He would either ignore what they said or simply say, “It wasn’t me,” in response.
So, what Jaekyung was talking about now ultimately revolved around that. In the unlikely event that he didn’t perform as well as expected at the Olympics, it meant there would be a lot of noise about his relationship becoming public in that situation.
And, of course, the reason Jaekyung cared about that was more for Jiheon’s sake rather than his own. Because Jiheon had told him this on the day he asked Jaekyung out:
‘Until the Olympics are over, there should be no rumors related to our relationship. Especially, revealing that we’re dating at this time is like giving people something to criticize. This applies to any athlete, not just you. Even if an athlete who’s excited about marriage tries to announce it as soon as possible, the management’s role is to stop it at all costs. But I can’t be involved in it. That will only lead to criticism from all over the place.’
When Jiheon told him that, Jaekyung seemed like he had a lot to say, but he eventually nodded.
Afterward, Jiheon had no idea because they didn’t really talk about it, but it seemed that Jaekyung had been thinking about it a lot on his own. Seeing that he was trying to think ahead and take preventive measures, which didn’t quite match his personality, it seemed that he was fully motivated to announcing their relationship after the Olympics.
‘A public relationship with Jaekyung…….’
As soon as Jiheon thought about it, he couldn’t help but sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
Jaekyung asked, slightly surprised, probably because the sigh was quite loud.
“No, nothing.”
Jiheon quickly shook his head.
Yeah. He didn’t need to dwell on it right now. There were still eight months until the Olympics, and nobody knew what might happen during that time. He was still feeling anxious every day, but he didn’t want to give himself a headache in advance over something uncertain.
To clear his mind from the distracting thoughts, Jiheon focused more on driving.
They went back to the gym after lunch because they needed to get the bridge scene or whatever. When they arrived, the filming crew was busy preparing for the afternoon shoot.
As Jaekyung headed to the third floor with Writer Choi, Jiheon sat in the second-floor lobby, taking a moment to relax. While exchanging messages with Team Leader Lee regarding the changed schedule, he suddenly received a call from Inyeop.
[Hey, come to the rooftop right now.]
Inyeop said this and promptly hung up before Jiheon could ask any questions.
Jiheon went up to the rooftop to see what was happening. Besides Inyeop, there were two other people in the smoking area on one side of the rooftop. Judging by their suit and coat, apparently they weren’t part of the broadcasting station staff.
Jiheon approached, wondering who they were, and the moment he saw their faces, he was taken aback. His eyes widened as he muttered, “Huh?”
It was Wonmyung and Dongjin, senior club members two years above Jiheon who used to hang out with Inyeop.
The two of them noticed Jiheon and greeted him happily.
“Oh, hey, Jung Jiheon.”
“You’re here?”
And—
“Hey, I heard you’re getting married soon.”
When Wonmyung said that with a bright smile, Jiheon unwittingly stopped walking and muttered:
“……Excuse me??”
“Yeop hyung said so. He thinks you’re gonna get married soon.”
“Oh, seriously, what the heck?”
Jiheon slouched and let out a sigh.
“It’s nonsense.”
In response to Jiheon’s words, Wonmyung and Dongjin turned to Inyeop with questioning looks and mumbled, “Hmm?”
Instead of answering, Inyeop giggled with a cigarette in his mouth. Only then did they realize it was a prank, and they both sighed in unison.
“Oh, what the hell is that, man?”
“What else? You’re being tricked by Inyeop sunbae.”
Jiheon clicked his tongue and walked over to where the three of them were.
“Well, I’m still a fool, it seems.”
Dongjin was laughing as if he found it amusing, but next to him, Wonmyung asked:
“By the way, Jiheon, you’re not seeing anyone right now?”
“He is, he is. I think he’s seeing someone.”
Inyeop quickly chimed in.
“Oh, really?”
“Of course he is. When is he not seeing anyone, anyway?”
Dongjin snorted as if he was stating the obvious, and Inyeop lowered his voice, as though he was baffled.
“No, the guy he’s seeing is different from the others before. He’s serious now.”
Hearing Inyeop’s words, both Dongjin and Wonmyung widened their eyes and exclaimed:
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. I’m not joking. Jung Jiheon is completely smitten.”
“Sunbae, stop it.”
Jiheon frowned at Inyeop, who was excitedly chuckling.
To be honest, if it weren’t true, he might have ignored it or even played along, but since it was all true, he found himself even more embarrassed.
Wonmyung and Dongjin also started to rush at Jiheon with their eyes shining even brighter.
“What is this, man? Jung Jiheon finally met his tamer?”
“Hey, who is it? Let’s see how great he or she is. Please introduce them to us quickly.”
Jiheon couldn’t bring himself to admit that there was no such person. He clicked his tongue and slipped both hands into his coat pockets, signaling that he would use his right to remain silent.
It was at that moment—
“PD-nim, how do I use this?”
Jiheon was startled by the familiar voice he suddenly heard and turned around.
Sure enough, Jaekyung had just opened the rooftop door and stepped out. Perhaps he didn’t expect to find Jiheon here; he had a rare, slightly baffled expression.
Inyeop, too, was caught off guard by this ridiculous timing and accidentally dropped the cigarette from his mouth.
“Oh, it’s Kwon Jaekyung.”
“Wow, holy shit. His shoulders are no joke.”
Meanwhile, Wonmyung and Dongjin quickly extinguished their cigarettes and straightened their clothes for some reason. Jiheon was about to ask what they were doing, but he belatedly noticed the cam in Jaekyung’s hand and asked:
“What is that? What are you gonna do with the cam?”
Before he could ask what he was going to film with it, Inyeop quickly responded.
“Oh, I asked him to interview Coach Yoo later.”
“Why would Jaekyung interview Coach Yoo…?”
Before Jiheon could complete his sentence, Inyeop got exasperated and shouted.
“Why, you ask? Because that’s the only way to get something useful! Okay? If things continue like this, it will turn into a documentary! Seriously, I’m forced to open liberal arts here, dude!”
“Oh, I get it. Why are you so upset?”
As Jiheon attempted to calm Inyeop in bewilderment, Dongjin quickly pulled out the pen from his cell phone and approached Jaekyung.
“Excuse me, Mr. Jaekyung, could you please give me your autog—”
“No.”
Jaekyung didn’t even listen to everything Dongjin said; he flatly refused.
“Oh, okay….”
Dongjin muttered in embarrassment and quietly returned to his spot. Wonmyung, who had been watching this, put away the notebook he was about to retrieve and cleared his throat. Then, as if trying to hide the awkwardness, he spoke to Inyeop and Jiheon in a brighter voice.
“Anyway, Yeop hyung’s wish has come true. He was so eager to film Jung Jiheon, and now he’s got him on his show.”
It was at that moment.
Jaekyung suddenly walked over to where the four of them were, and he spoke to Dongjin.
“I can’t give you an autograph, but taking pictures is fine.”
“What? Really?”
Dongjin was ecstatic and swiftly took out his cell phone again. He extended his arms and angled them for a selfie. However, the distance between them was so short, making it difficult to capture both of them in one frame since their height difference was over 20cm.
Kwon Jaekyung had no intention of showing any service spirit such as bending his knees or lowering his head in consideration of the other person. Eventually, Wonmyung had to step back to capture them both in a single frame.
“Oh my god, thank you so much!”
Dongjin was still satisfied and continued to smile, thanking Jaekyung. With a flushed face, Wonmyung also pulled out his cell phone and asked:
“Excuse me, Mr. Kwon Jaekyung, may I take a photo with you as well?”
Jaekyung willingly took a photo with Wonmyung too. Even though he didn’t bend his knees or lower his head, the fact that THE Kwon Jaekyung agreed to be photographed with strangers twice in a row was quite extraordinary.
At this point, Jiheon couldn’t help but feel anxious.
‘What the hell is going on with him? Is he suddenly working hard to be nice to all mankind? Did he decide to be reborn at this point? No, that can’t be it.’
Just as expected.
“Are you all hyung’s seniors from his club? It’s the film production club, isn’t it? Did hyung play in a movie too? What roles did he play?”
Right after Kwon Jaekyung took two pictures with them, he confidently began asking about Jiheon’s club activities in return.
‘But what the hell is this?’
“Hey, Kwon Jaekyung gave the green light! Jiheon, don’t complain now!”
Inyeop, who had rushed into the locker room to meet Jaekyung, came out screaming with joy in less than five minutes.
Jiheon, in the middle of a conversation with Writer Choi, was taken aback and shouted:
“What?! Jaekyung agreed?”
“That’s right. So don’t you start complaining, man.”
Inyeop puffed out his chest triumphantly. Looking at his expression, it seemed like he wasn’t lying.
“What the heck did you say you were going to film?”
Inyeop slyly raised the corner of his mouth, glancing at Jiheon, who was in a bit of a panic.
“Sunbae.”
“Hey, no need to be scared.”
Inyeop laughed and gave Jiheon a friendly pat on the back.
“I won’t be filming much. Just a few more afternoon training scenes and some transitional shots, okay? Well, I just decided to pick a few scenes to use as a bridge.”
If that was the case, Jiheon was grateful, but he was surprised that Jaekyung had agreed to participate in something seemingly insignificant.
“What? How on earth did you manage to seduce him?”
Writer Choi’s initial reaction was more about questioning the unexpected turn of events, rather than liking it.
“I didn’t really seduce him or anything. I just said we needed more footage because we didn’t have much, and he just said, ‘Do as you please’.”
“Wow, what’s going on? Kwon Jaekyung must be in a really good mood today.”
“For real. I noticed earlier that he’s in exceptional spirits. What’s happening to him these days?”
Of course something did happen. It had to be because that guy had started a relationship with the hyung he liked so much, been doing all sorts of things with him every night, and his skills were improving day by day since applying the new training menu. There was every reason for Jaekyung to be in a great mood.
However, Jiheon didn’t expect Jaekyung to go to such lengths for the broadcasting station and Inyeop.
Jiheon, who couldn’t believe it, eventually asked Jaekyung directly on their way to lunch.
“Why the hell did you agree to the extra filming in the afternoon?”
“You told me to be nicer to people.”
Jaekyung answered indifferently, putting his arm on the window frame.
“That’s why you agreed to it? Because you want to be nice to Inyeop sunbae? For such a humanity reason?”
Jiheon gave him a look as if asking if that even made any sense.
Perhaps realizing his explanation was complete bullshit, Jaekyung didn’t push the issue and simply said quietly:
“There’s something I want to show.”
“Really? Such as?”
“Just training. The training menu I’ve never tried before.”
He considered that the training intensity must be higher now than before. And if possible, wouldn’t it be better to show that he was working really hard?
“I’m not just going to the Olympics; I want to prove that I’m giving it my all. That way, people won’t spread all sorts of ridiculous bullshit later on.”
Originally, Jaekyung didn’t pay much attention to other people’s reactions. He would either ignore what they said or simply say, “It wasn’t me,” in response.
So, what Jaekyung was talking about now ultimately revolved around that. In the unlikely event that he didn’t perform as well as expected at the Olympics, it meant there would be a lot of noise about his relationship becoming public in that situation.
And, of course, the reason Jaekyung cared about that was more for Jiheon’s sake rather than his own. Because Jiheon had told him this on the day he asked Jaekyung out:
‘Until the Olympics are over, there should be no rumors related to our relationship. Especially, revealing that we’re dating at this time is like giving people something to criticize. This applies to any athlete, not just you. Even if an athlete who’s excited about marriage tries to announce it as soon as possible, the management’s role is to stop it at all costs. But I can’t be involved in it. That will only lead to criticism from all over the place.’
When Jiheon told him that, Jaekyung seemed like he had a lot to say, but he eventually nodded.
Afterward, Jiheon had no idea because they didn’t really talk about it, but it seemed that Jaekyung had been thinking about it a lot on his own. Seeing that he was trying to think ahead and take preventive measures, which didn’t quite match his personality, it seemed that he was fully motivated to announcing their relationship after the Olympics.
‘A public relationship with Jaekyung…….’
As soon as Jiheon thought about it, he couldn’t help but sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
Jaekyung asked, slightly surprised, probably because the sigh was quite loud.
“No, nothing.”
Jiheon quickly shook his head.
Yeah. He didn’t need to dwell on it right now. There were still eight months until the Olympics, and nobody knew what might happen during that time. He was still feeling anxious every day, but he didn’t want to give himself a headache in advance over something uncertain.
To clear his mind from the distracting thoughts, Jiheon focused more on driving.
They went back to the gym after lunch because they needed to get the bridge scene or whatever. When they arrived, the filming crew was busy preparing for the afternoon shoot.
As Jaekyung headed to the third floor with Writer Choi, Jiheon sat in the second-floor lobby, taking a moment to relax. While exchanging messages with Team Leader Lee regarding the changed schedule, he suddenly received a call from Inyeop.
[Hey, come to the rooftop right now.]
Inyeop said this and promptly hung up before Jiheon could ask any questions.
Jiheon went up to the rooftop to see what was happening. Besides Inyeop, there were two other people in the smoking area on one side of the rooftop. Judging by their suit and coat, apparently they weren’t part of the broadcasting station staff.
Jiheon approached, wondering who they were, and the moment he saw their faces, he was taken aback. His eyes widened as he muttered, “Huh?”
It was Wonmyung and Dongjin, senior club members two years above Jiheon who used to hang out with Inyeop.
The two of them noticed Jiheon and greeted him happily.
“Oh, hey, Jung Jiheon.”
“You’re here?”
And—
“Hey, I heard you’re getting married soon.”
When Wonmyung said that with a bright smile, Jiheon unwittingly stopped walking and muttered:
“……Excuse me??”
“Yeop hyung said so. He thinks you’re gonna get married soon.”
“Oh, seriously, what the heck?”
Jiheon slouched and let out a sigh.
“It’s nonsense.”
In response to Jiheon’s words, Wonmyung and Dongjin turned to Inyeop with questioning looks and mumbled, “Hmm?”
Instead of answering, Inyeop giggled with a cigarette in his mouth. Only then did they realize it was a prank, and they both sighed in unison.
“Oh, what the hell is that, man?”
“What else? You’re being tricked by Inyeop sunbae.”
Jiheon clicked his tongue and walked over to where the three of them were.
“Well, I’m still a fool, it seems.”
Dongjin was laughing as if he found it amusing, but next to him, Wonmyung asked:
“By the way, Jiheon, you’re not seeing anyone right now?”
“He is, he is. I think he’s seeing someone.”
Inyeop quickly chimed in.
“Oh, really?”
“Of course he is. When is he not seeing anyone, anyway?”
Dongjin snorted as if he was stating the obvious, and Inyeop lowered his voice, as though he was baffled.
“No, the guy he’s seeing is different from the others before. He’s serious now.”
Hearing Inyeop’s words, both Dongjin and Wonmyung widened their eyes and exclaimed:
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. I’m not joking. Jung Jiheon is completely smitten.”
“Sunbae, stop it.”
Jiheon frowned at Inyeop, who was excitedly chuckling.
To be honest, if it weren’t true, he might have ignored it or even played along, but since it was all true, he found himself even more embarrassed.
Wonmyung and Dongjin also started to rush at Jiheon with their eyes shining even brighter.
“What is this, man? Jung Jiheon finally met his tamer?”
“Hey, who is it? Let’s see how great he or she is. Please introduce them to us quickly.”
Jiheon couldn’t bring himself to admit that there was no such person. He clicked his tongue and slipped both hands into his coat pockets, signaling that he would use his right to remain silent.
It was at that moment—
“PD-nim, how do I use this?”
Jiheon was startled by the familiar voice he suddenly heard and turned around.
Sure enough, Jaekyung had just opened the rooftop door and stepped out. Perhaps he didn’t expect to find Jiheon here; he had a rare, slightly baffled expression.
Inyeop, too, was caught off guard by this ridiculous timing and accidentally dropped the cigarette from his mouth.
“Oh, it’s Kwon Jaekyung.”
“Wow, holy shit. His shoulders are no joke.”
Meanwhile, Wonmyung and Dongjin quickly extinguished their cigarettes and straightened their clothes for some reason. Jiheon was about to ask what they were doing, but he belatedly noticed the cam in Jaekyung’s hand and asked:
“What is that? What are you gonna do with the cam?”
Before he could ask what he was going to film with it, Inyeop quickly responded.
“Oh, I asked him to interview Coach Yoo later.”
“Why would Jaekyung interview Coach Yoo…?”
Before Jiheon could complete his sentence, Inyeop got exasperated and shouted.
“Why, you ask? Because that’s the only way to get something useful! Okay? If things continue like this, it will turn into a documentary! Seriously, I’m forced to open liberal arts here, dude!”
“Oh, I get it. Why are you so upset?”
As Jiheon attempted to calm Inyeop in bewilderment, Dongjin quickly pulled out the pen from his cell phone and approached Jaekyung.
“Excuse me, Mr. Jaekyung, could you please give me your autog—”
“No.”
Jaekyung didn’t even listen to everything Dongjin said; he flatly refused.
“Oh, okay….”
Dongjin muttered in embarrassment and quietly returned to his spot. Wonmyung, who had been watching this, put away the notebook he was about to retrieve and cleared his throat. Then, as if trying to hide the awkwardness, he spoke to Inyeop and Jiheon in a brighter voice.
“Anyway, Yeop hyung’s wish has come true. He was so eager to film Jung Jiheon, and now he’s got him on his show.”
It was at that moment.
Jaekyung suddenly walked over to where the four of them were, and he spoke to Dongjin.
“I can’t give you an autograph, but taking pictures is fine.”
“What? Really?”
Dongjin was ecstatic and swiftly took out his cell phone again. He extended his arms and angled them for a selfie. However, the distance between them was so short, making it difficult to capture both of them in one frame since their height difference was over 20cm.
Kwon Jaekyung had no intention of showing any service spirit such as bending his knees or lowering his head in consideration of the other person. Eventually, Wonmyung had to step back to capture them both in a single frame.
“Oh my god, thank you so much!”
Dongjin was still satisfied and continued to smile, thanking Jaekyung. With a flushed face, Wonmyung also pulled out his cell phone and asked:
“Excuse me, Mr. Kwon Jaekyung, may I take a photo with you as well?”
Jaekyung willingly took a photo with Wonmyung too. Even though he didn’t bend his knees or lower his head, the fact that THE Kwon Jaekyung agreed to be photographed with strangers twice in a row was quite extraordinary.
At this point, Jiheon couldn’t help but feel anxious.
‘What the hell is going on with him? Is he suddenly working hard to be nice to all mankind? Did he decide to be reborn at this point? No, that can’t be it.’
Just as expected.
“Are you all hyung’s seniors from his club? It’s the film production club, isn’t it? Did hyung play in a movie too? What roles did he play?”
Right after Kwon Jaekyung took two pictures with them, he confidently began asking about Jiheon’s club activities in return.
