DASH

Two days later, a picture of the national team at the airport for a flight to Malaysia appeared in the news section. The Korean Sports Association said that they would do everything possible to ensure that the athletes did not feel the absence of the federation, and in the article they did not skimp on praise of their efforts - better living conditions, a perfectly prepared training base, and the like.

However, at the same time, the name of Kwon Jaekyung, who did not even participate in the training camp, was at the top of requests on portals. Apparently, people were looking for: "Why is he not in the photo? Is he late?"

Closer to lunchtime, as if waiting for the right moment, Kava began to send out press releases. In their usual style, they launched something like: "Why did Kwon Jaekyung and Han Yoosung refuse to collect?", "Two titans explain their decision", "A similar path of two swimming stars: Kwon Jaekyung and Han Yoosung". These catchy headlines were supposed to attract attention, but in the end, as always, under the guise of information about Kwon Jaekyung, the public was slipped material exclusively about the latter.

And the information about him was as banal as ever: Kava was just repeating the already boring PR theses. They say that this year was significant for South Korean swimming thanks to Han Yoosung, who was not afraid to participate in the 400-meter individual medley at the upcoming Olympics. He trains hard, his physical shape is impressive, thanks to his innate talent and incredible effort, his performance is growing day by day, and there is a spirit of anticipation for great achievements. This time, they only added that Han Yoosung had given up training camps for the sake of individual training.

Obviously, the main purpose of this press release was to justify plus the veiled equation of Han Yoosung with Jaekyung.

Kava and their PR department are half-hearted as usual, Jihon thought, half-lying on the couch with a visibly bored look as he read another meaningless text.

But when he reached the very last paragraph, he straightened up abruptly.

Something new made him forget about boredom.

<... A few days ago, although unofficially, a new Korean record was recorded, in connection with which the participants did not hide their joy, sources say...>

Jihon, rereading this sentence, was surprised every time. A new Korean record? This means that he had to overcome the mark of 4 minutes 15 seconds.

The current one, officially recognized at a distance of 400 m individual medley, is 4 minutes 15 seconds 27 hundredths. For comparison, the world record is 4 minutes 03 seconds 84 hundredths, and the Asian record is 4 minutes 06 seconds 05 hundredths. While it's still a lag, it hasn't been updated in Korea for years. It was a difficult discipline in which it is very difficult for Asian swimmers to get good results by overtaking Western athletes, so many did not even want to participate in the competition.

But now it was said that Han Yoosung, who tried his hand at this discipline for the first time, immediately broke the Korean record. If this is true, then it is not surprising that people were so excited and rushed to release the article.

- Of course, this is a lie. Jaekyung said sharply. – How can a swimmer who specializes in long distances adapt so quickly to short distances? They usually start slowly, and it takes at least six months to master the rhythm. In addition, you need to complete all four styles.

Jaekyung was convinced that Han Yoosung had not yet reached the qualification time for the Olympics. That is why they publish articles. If he had already qualified, he would most likely be training quietly now.

"In any case, at the end of next month, the first qualifying round will take place, and the results there will be much more dramatic and will create more reasons for PR. Since they are not confident in themselves, they are now using such tricks.

Jihon, in general, thought the same way. If Han Yoosung cooperated with another agency, then perhaps one could believe in some chance, but given whose protégé he is, this is out of the question.

"But then, after the first qualifying round, the hype will immediately begin.

"Probably, they will justify themselves by feeling unwell. This is a standard move for those who promote unofficial records.

Jihon began to worry even more. The PR component is not something one-time, but if they continue in the same vein, people will get tired. And in the end, all the burden will fall on the athlete himself. If Kava is not going to use Han Yoosung for one season and throw him away, then you need to limit such aggressive PR.

But at the end of the day, that's their concern. His house was literally sinking, so there is absolutely no time to watch how someone else's is burning.

Jiheon put down his phone and stared at Jaekyung, who was sitting next to him. He seemed to feel the scrutiny, as he looked up from the TV and turned to it.

"What's wrong?"

– Are you sure you won't go to training?

When asked, Jaekyung immediately furrowed his brows.

"It's only been three days, wait a little.

"That's right, ten more days.

– The Olympic Games in seven months.

"Hey...

"You can skip a month if you work the last six without a break, the gold medal is yours.

"Jaekyung." Jihong sighed heavily and leaned back on the sofa, and then, massaging his temples with his fingers, continued: "These are not the Asian Games, but the Olympics. You know better than anyone how other athletes work at this time. Especially Noah... According to rumors, after your decision to participate in the 400 m individual medley, he changed his personal coach.

"Forget about Noah. Jaekyung interrupted. "Don't worry. This guy wouldn't be able to break the three-second barrier anyway.

"Have you broken the record?"

— Yes.

"What?" How? Jihon got up from the couch, not believing his ears. He looked at the phone screen that Jaekyung handed him.

"Look.

Jihon began to peer at the photo. The green stopwatch with the shabby brand logo belonged to Oliver. When Jihong saw the numbers, he snatched the cell phone out of Jaekyung's hands without hesitation. And he double-checked several times, doubting whether he was mistaken.

[ 04:03:98 ]@@novelbin@@

"This... When was it? Jihon babbled, not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Last Friday.

"What?!" Why didn't he tell me?!

"I wanted to, but we went to the hospital then, so I didn't have time.

"Oh, it was that day. Jihon muttered. "No, well, you could share your successes later..."

– Still, this is not a world record. Jaekyung muttered indifferently, leaning back on the sofa. In addition, this is an unofficial result. I don't do PR on them.

Jaekyung snorted and pretended not to care. But judging by the fact that he took the picture and showed it to Jihon, it was clear to him that the grumbler himself was happy with his achievement. After all, he trained for more than a month for this.

"So what?" This is not a deception, everything is real.

Jihong stared at the numbers again. The longer he looked, the more incredible it seemed. [ 03:98 ]. So far in the history of swimming in the discipline of 400 m, only one has overcome the barrier of 4 minutes 04 seconds.

Of course, unofficially there were several of them. Some athletes claimed that they broke this record in the process of training, but no one provided evidence.

Perhaps this is the only such case in the future. 4 minutes 03:98 is still an unofficial record, and no one can guarantee that it will be possible to surpass it at the Olympic Games.

In truth, when Jaekyung decided to participate in the 400m individual medley, Jihong quietly hoped for such a result. But after seeing it with his own eyes on the stopwatch, he still couldn't believe his eyes. It was so incredible that there was no time left for other thoughts.

"Wow...

Really, unbelievable. Jihong couldn't stop smiling and was talking quietly to himself. At this moment, Jaekyung, who was watching him, suddenly put his head on his shoulder.

"This record is thanks to you, hyung.

"Hey, what are you talking about, I have nothing to do with it.

Jihon nudged him lightly in the side, trying to avoid too much pathos. But Jaekyung was serious.

– To be honest, if it wasn't for Oliver, I probably wouldn't have fit into 3 seconds before the Olympics.

"So it's thanks to Oliver.

"But you were the one who brought Oliver to Korea. Jaekyung continued to keep his head on Jihon's shoulder and replied by turning it slightly. "You offered to call Oliver, and then you extended his contract. And when he told him that Carol had to return to Australia urgently because of her hospitalization, you found him a nurse and made all the arrangements.

— ... Who told you?

"Who else?"

Jaekyung glared at him as if he was asking an obvious question. After all, Oliver was not the type to discuss personal matters with an athlete, and Jaekyung hadn't met with CEO Kang to discuss these things. So, having ruled out all options, there was only one person left.

"My mother said that in Australia the cost of labor is high, and it is very expensive to find a qualified specialist. But when Oliver saw that it was included in the contract as a separate clause, he was very happy.

— Yes, I spent money as if I was not myself. Jihon joked to defuse the atmosphere.

"That's why the company probably didn't like you even more. You insisted on it and forced them to sign.

"Hmm, yes, that's true.

"So you really worked hard, right?"

"Well, yes, you're right. Jihon mumbled, a little embarrassed. He touched Jaekyung's cheek again, which was resting on his shoulder, and added, "This is my job. Don't thank me.

The wording was such that Jaekyung didn't feel obligated. But instead of understanding the hint, the guy narrowed his eyes sharply at the word 'work', and immediately burst out: "Are you saying that if it was a different athlete, you would have done the same?"

Jihong thought for a moment, and then answered, "No, I probably wouldn't.

"So what kind of talk about work?" Jaekyung stammered, and then abruptly stood up and said offended, "Would you take horse doses of drugs for the condition of another athlete?" Probably not.

— Of course not.

"See? It wasn't work-related," Jaekyung said, wincing.

"Yes, now that you say that, I understand. You can't call it just work.

When Jihong agreed, smiling, the wrinkles on Jaekyung's forehead began to smooth out a little. However, that didn't mean he was smiling too. His face remained as impassive as usual. But the gaze was surprisingly soft. And the warm light in the living room made her brown eyes even brighter. For a long time, he looked at Jihon with tenderness, and then finally continued:

"You once mentioned that the best gratitude for you is my successes and praise from people, right?" Then I'll do so. Whatever happens, I will win gold in the 400m and win all the other gold medals I can. I will get everyone to recognize that Kwon Jaekyung is Kwon Jaekyung until the very end.

His expression and tone were so serious that Jihong even tensed, fearing that he would suddenly say something like, "So when the Olympics are over, marry me."

But...

"So don't worry. Why are you worried that I will lose? This is the most useless thing to worry about.

Fortunately, Jaekyung did not blurt out any terrible (?) words related to marriage. Instead, he brazenly stated such a thing and put his head on his shoulder again.

Jihon, scared to death by the possible offer, sighed. He tensed up so much that he felt weak. This sigh was so eloquent that he even had a thought: "What? Am I disappointed?" But then he grinned, deciding that it was impossible.

Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had drunk kimchi without waiting for a treat. [1]. 

Embarrassed, Jihong ruffled Jaekyung's hair and grumbled jokingly, "Hey, why are you so cocky? Do you think everything will work out just because you said so? Do you think the world is so simple?

"Why are you so afraid?"

Jihon's hand froze at the unexpected question. Jaekyung looked at him silently, and then, straightening up, repeated his question: "What are you so afraid of that you give up in advance. You even deny your own achievements.

His voice was not accusation, but sincere curiosity. Therefore, Jihong could not brush it off, as usual, and honestly admitted, avoiding eye contact: "Failures. That's why I don't even try. Then there is no chance of failure.

"So what if you fail?" You'll try again," Jaekyung replied in total bewilderment.

At this painfully characteristic reaction of Jaekyung, Jihong involuntarily smiled.

"Because I've failed too many times before," he muttered, sinking deeper into the sofa. If I fail again, I'm afraid I'll never dare to start over again.

"How many times have you managed to make a mistake?" Jaekyung said with obvious disbelief. And he added, as if to himself: "Someone will hear, think that you managed to bury your whole life at the age of twenty.

But immediately his irritation grew into an open complaint: "Who has never suffered defeat in his life? Do you think I got everything I wanted? Here you are, for example!

It seemed that the more he spoke, the more inflamed he became. His voice grew louder, and for a moment it seemed to Jihon that he was watching a geyser that was about to explode. And, of course, Jaekyung exploded, "You've rejected me alone so many times, and what?!"

"I'm sorry...

"If I got drunk every time after you left me, I'd be in the hospital with cirrhosis of the liver right now. And after that, you still dare to complain!

"All right, I'm sorry," Jihon repeated guiltily.

But Jaekyung didn't even seem to hear him. It was as if the geyser had boiled long ago and could not stop now. And then, with veins on his forehead, he added: "And I went through such humiliation to get my way! And what about you? Have you ever really loved someone in your life to shed tears, beg, cling, get rejected and still not retreat?

Jihong was about to retort, but remembering how he had cried in the hospital a few days ago and was angry, he bit his tongue. A picture of his tears falling in large drops popped up in my head. Which made my heart shrink.

He quickly reached out and gently ran his hand over Jaekyung's forearm. I won't say that again. I promise, though.

The reason why he made the promise in a hurry was simple: it wasn't because he suddenly realized that his defeats weren't. He didn't want Jaekyung to get upset. Every time he talked about his failures, Jaekyung would get worried, and Jihong couldn't stand it.

Fortunately, Jaekyung was the kind of person who mostly took Jihon's words seriously. Therefore, he did not stubbornly or argue: "Okay, you promised. Now no more talking about you failing.

And, apparently, having decided that his mission for today was completed, he instantly calmed down. Jihon watched his "geyser" for a while, which finally stopped bubbling, and then asked:

"But, Jaekyung, do you really think you've shown me all your weaknesses?"

Jaekyung looked at him as if the answer was obvious, "How could it be otherwise?"

"Hmm, no. It's just a little unexpected for me.

— What exactly is unexpected?

Hugging the pillow, Jihong explained: "You say that you did all sorts of humiliating and ridiculous things because of me, but I don't remember anything like that.

On the contrary, the guy always seemed confident and calm. And "I'll get there anyway, so why worry?" is literally his credo in life.

"So I only remember how worried I was," Jihon added, squeezing the pillow tighter and smiling. In any case, if you really think that you have shown me all your weaknesses and are worried about it, I can assure you that you shouldn't. In my opinion, you always looked confident and unyielding...

— Hyung.

Jaekyung interrupted him. And then, with the most serious and solemn expression Jihon had ever seen, he said:

"It's just because you love me.

At these sudden words, Jihon involuntarily laughed and asked:

"What?"

"That's true. If someone else were to look at it from the outside, they would probably think, "What is he doing?"

Jihon was still smiling, shaking his head incredulously.

— Exactly. You like everything I do, so it seems cool. But objectively, what good is it to try to blackmail someone with a contract, fail with it, and then threaten again in order to eventually get your way? It is logical that there is nothing worthy in this.

Ji-hong was stunned not so much by the harshness of Jaekyung's words as by his ability to soberly and critically assess his actions. Moreover, the guy even applied social norms of morality to himself (!), and his self-esteem turned out to be unexpectedly harsh. What struck Jihon the most. After all, given Jaekyung's character, he expected that he either did not think about the consequences at all, or would say something like: "Well, it's not illegal, so it's normal."

"But I'm just like you," Jaekyung continued, as if comforting Jihon. "I love you, so whatever you do, it won't be disappointing or humiliating for me. On the contrary, I am even glad that you show me such sides of yourself.

And then he understood why Jaekyung described his actions so ruthlessly. It was all for the sake of conveying one important message to Jihon: "You will not disappoint me, even if you show your weaknesses. Whatever you do, it doesn't matter to me. You don't have to be afraid of your own imperfection."

Suddenly, my heart clenched so hard that it hurt. Jihong felt tears welling up in his eyes, and to prevent this from happening, he deliberately pulled the corners of his lips to the sides, forcing himself to smile.

"Uh... well, maybe," he said.

"Of course," Jaekyung replied quickly.

Then he suddenly collapsed on the sofa and added with a heavy sigh: "Hyung, stop acting like a person who at twenty-seven, no, twenty-eight has never been in love.

He clicked his tongue as if he didn't understand how to communicate with such a person at all. Jihong couldn't help but laugh at his sudden change in tone, "Hey, what are you talking about?

"Only recently he told me not to pretend to be experienced in relationships.

"Love and relationships are not the same thing. And it's hard to call your 'relationship' normal," Jaekyung clicked his tongue disapprovingly again. But then he abruptly sat up straight and said: "Although, you know, I understand why it's scary to show your weaknesses because of love. I also wouldn't want you to see how I, for example, will cry if my results in training don't suddenly drop.

He grimaced, as if the very thought of it was unpleasant to him.

"Everyone has something that you never want to show to anyone.

"Yes, it is," Jihon agreed with a smile.

Jaekyung looked at him for a second, and then sighed heavily.

"So if you really don't want me to see how bad you are, I understand.

— … I do.

"But I'm not going home," Jaekyung interjected immediately, as if he was afraid he would be sent back. "There are people whose symptoms are so severe that it literally interferes with their lives. So I have to be here to help, just in case.

However, he immediately clarified that he was not going to be in the same room with Jihon: "I'll stay in the living room. And until you call me yourself, I won't go there. Moreover, I won't do anything until you ask for it. I promise I'll sit as quiet as a mouse and not interfere in anything.

Judging by his confidence, he clearly thought about the decision for a long time. Compared to his stubbornness three days ago, it looked almost like a concession. And it would be cruel to refuse now.

"All right. If you don't mind, then I don't care either," Jihon finally gave up.

After all, Jaekyung is not one to lie. Especially if he himself made a promise, he will fulfill it, no matter what happens. And now, having said: "I won't do anything until you ask for it," he will definitely keep his word.

Well, that's enough. And if it becomes difficult for him, then, most likely, he will find a way to rest or distract himself. Jihong could not even think that in a few hours something completely different awaited him.

The feeling of anxiety and pressure receded, and Jihon felt much lighter. So much so that my mood improved. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to take a real vacation and watch a movie.

Since it is not possible to go to the cinema, I had to be content with IPTV. He asked Jaekyung to buy popcorn. As expected, the guy brought two packs of exclusively caramel popcorn, and he managed to eat one of them on the way.

After dinner, they sat down on the sofa in the living room. Jihong studied the list of new products for a long time, looking for something worthwhile, but nothing caught his attention. Then he asked Jaekyung if he had any preferences. Without hesitation, he chose one famous love drama, declaring: "You should watch this and learn something."

However, it only took ten minutes for Jaekyung to change his mind and turn it off. Then, already to his taste, he chose a disaster film and launched it.

This time, Jihong realized after ten minutes that he didn't like the movie at all, but he remained silent because Jaekyung was fascinated by it. Although by the middle of the film it became noticeable that he was no longer so concentrated: towards the end, he stopped paying attention to the screen at all and was staring at the phone all the time.

When the film ended, Jaekyung suddenly announced that he was going to watch another one, and after giving Ji-heon a generous look, he added:

"If you're sleepy, go to bed, don't wait for me."

"Um, no, I don't want to sleep," Jihon stubbornly stubbornly sprawled on the sofa.

Jaekyung looked up from his cell phone and, glancing at it, narrowed his eyes.

— No, I definitely want to.

"I tell you, I don't want to.

"But you look very sleepy," he said.

"No, I'm just a little tired," Jihon replied honestly.

And it was true. He really didn't want to sleep, but lethargy came over him suddenly. Even before the film, he felt great, but as soon as it ended, it was as if in an instant his strength left him. Jihong even wondered how this was possible. Apparently, it was about the film - too large-scale and emotionally exhausting.

For three hours on the screen, people died en masse, the islands sank one after another, and in the finale, only a piece of the whole continent remained. Jihon just sat and watched, but it felt as if he himself and the heroes had been running back and forth for several days, wandering, worrying, and in the end he was miraculously saved.

Now his body seemed to be filled with lead, aching in his joints. It even became a little anxious - what if tomorrow he wakes up with a fever?

"All right, I think I'll go to bed." Don't stay too long either. Even if there is no training, it is still better to follow a sleep schedule.

"I know. I'll look a little more, and as soon as I feel sleepy, I'll immediately lie down," Jaekyung assured.

Jaekyung, without taking his eyes off the phone, muttered something incomprehensible.

Jihong wanted to say, "Since you're not following the movie anyway, go to bed already," but deciding that it would sound too nitpicking, he remained silent and went to his room.

He turned off the light and went to bed, but, despite fatigue, he could not fall asleep immediately. It seemed that the heartbeat was too loud, and this caused incomprehensible anxiety. Maybe he really gets sick? Or, God forbid, heat?

If Jihong had experienced her at least once in his life, he would have realized that these were her first symptoms. But, alas, this was his first time.

Moreover, he had never thought that such a thing could happen to him at all, so he was not even interested in this matter. Although the internet is full of stories and advice, Jihong avoided the topic. All he knew about the heat cycle was just a couple of lines from a school textbook. To this were added vague prejudices: he believed that estrus begins abruptly and is accompanied by an instantaneous uncontrollable surge of sexual desire.

Thus, he did not even suspect that his body had already undergone changes, and that it had recently released a huge amount of pheromones. Of course, he couldn't have guessed what Jaekyung had noticed before him. And even more so to imagine that all this time he was on the Internet, typing in queries like: "symptoms of heat", "how to cope with heat", "medications", "what to do during heat", "heat: precautions".

[1] This is a Korean idiom. The expression "drinking kimchi without waiting for a treat" describes a situation where a person is prematurely happy or expects something that has not yet happened and may not happen.