* * *
Nowadays, since Taehyun had become quite famous, many people knew that his acts of kindness were more out of habit than a sign of interest.
However, before he became a star athlete, he frequently found himself in embarrassing situations.
Not only had he been badgered about why he hadn’t confessed first when others misunderstood his intentions, but there were also athletes who firmly believed they were “almost dating” with him, even though nothing had been explicitly established.
Fortunately, this misunderstanding could be resolved easily within a month of observing Taehyun up close.
Taehyun was kind to everyone and was accustomed to helping others without hesitation unless someone directly rejected his help.
Over the years, as misunderstandings piled up, it became widely known that while it was easy to get close to Taehyun, it was nearly impossible to cross a certain line.
Whatever rumors circulated about him, Taehyun didn’t care much.
People used to joke about him “managing a harem,” but now they knew better—it was just his lack of romantic interest in anyone.
The real problem was people like this guy.
Even after knowing that he hadn’t had a steady partner since his last relationship several years ago and wasn’t looking for a one-night stand, they kept trying to find an opening.
Even if Taehyun tried to think positively and assume it wasn’t anything like that, sometimes it was impossible to ignore their behavior.
‘…….’
At times like this, Taehyun would draw a clear line, as if it was second nature.
‘I’m grateful for your feelings, and I’m sorry, but that’s as far as it goes.
If you cross this line, we can’t even maintain our current relationship.’
Most would back off when he made it clear.
Though he hadn’t won an Olympic medal, Taehyun’s standing in the current sports world was undeniable.
Given his outgoing nature and extensive network across various sports and industries, many assumed that even if he didn’t enter politics, he would end up with a good position in some association or private company after retirement.
For athletes who would have to rely on their connections in the future, it was a situation they wanted to avoid, turning someone like Taehyun into an awkward acquaintance.
This time will probably be similar.
Taehyun sighed and left the fitness room without a proper goodbye.
Following his scheduled routine, he headed to the intensive training room for personal training, where his personal coach was waiting for him.
“How’s your condition?”
Having trained together for several years, the coach seemed to guess immediately what was bothering him just by looking at his face.
Even though Taehyun thought he hadn’t shown any signs, the coach’s intuition was sharp enough to notice even the slightest change.
“Yes, it’s nothing serious. I just feel like it might be mentally exhausting.”
The coach, who knew that Taehyun, despite his calm exterior, got quite stressed out by personal relationships, replied with a smile.
“Alright, as long as you’re not physically hurt.”
“Hey, I’m hurting—emotionally, you know, emotionally.”
The coach chuckled. “Who did you charm this time? I keep telling you to stop being so nice to everyone.”
But “everyone” didn’t really mean just anyone, did it?
They were from the same agency, and recently, with the surge of public interest, Taehyun had been struggling with managing his surroundings.
They even graduated from the same school.
Watching someone like that struggle made it hard for him to just stand by and do nothing. Ignoring Taehyun’s protest, the coach picked up the mitts to begin their familiar routine.
As soon as the flat, synthetic leather pad was in place, Taehyun, now dressed in his uniform, kicked his long leg towards the target.
With his solid upper body visible through the tightly fastened collar, his strong, outstretched legs, and his handsome face exuding masculine charm, it was no wonder people were attracted to him.
Even if he hadn’t been conventionally good-looking, his personality alone would’ve drawn people to him. But with his looks added to the mix, it was inevitable that hearts would waver.
Although it wasn’t publicly known that he was an omega, it would shock many if it were ever revealed. But Taehyun would probably never let that secret out himself.
The coach, looking as nonchalant as if this were routine, moved the mitt to the other side.
Bang! The powerful kick hit so hard it made the wrist throb.
One set down; time to switch legs for another round.
Having coached countless athletes, the coach had never encountered someone like Taehyun, whose every move was both technically perfect and flowed as naturally as a dance.
Taehyun consistently achieved good results in international competitions, and if nothing unexpected happened, a similar outcome was likely this time as well.
It was unfortunate that he felt such pressure, especially since bad luck seemed to follow him particularly during the Olympics.
Not everyone is lucky in every endeavor.
Though Taehyun’s career as a star athlete had gone smoothly, it seemed he was destined never to win an Olympic medal, which felt like a bitter disappointment.
Watching him give his all made it hard to give up hope.
Coach Lim understood better than anyone how crucial a stroke of luck could be when everyone was putting in their best effort.
That’s why he couldn’t just give up.
There was no choice but to desperately throw everything into it, hoping this time, luck would be on their side.
“Alright, let’s start again from the opposite side. If you feel any pain in your ankle or a fever coming on, apply a hot pack right away.”
“Got it. I’ll let you know if anything feels off.”
Even though Taehyun quickly regained his stance as if there was no time to waste, Coach Lim, talking about luck while watching someone like him, felt a bit embarrassed and adjusted his grip on the mitts.
Thirteen years as an athlete and ten years as a coach, and yet he’d never met someone like Taehyun. He truly hoped things would go well this time.
But when does anything ever go exactly as planned?
Bang!
With another satisfying sound of impact, Coach Lim focused on Taehyun’s movements again.
°❀•°❀°•❀°
Training ended about four hours later.
After completing the scheduled training, they repeated relaxing movements to avoid muscle strain.
After a morning of intense training, they alleviated the fatigue in their muscles with a hot pack and finished off with a sports drink containing vitamins and nutrients to help recovery.
Training wasn’t just about kicking non-stop without rest; adequate rest was also part of the training regimen.
“Go rest up quickly. The training camp dates will be set soon, so don’t run around just because your friends are calling you.”
Knowing that Taehyun liked joining social gatherings like drinking parties, Coach Lim scolded him as if giving a warning, and Taehyun immediately covered his ears with his hands.
“I know how to pace myself. I don’t go around twisting my ankle after drinking too much, so don’t worry.”
“Yeah, I know you manage yourself well, but I’m just saying, just in case.”
In truth, this was the time of year when drinking parties were most frequent.
Players still competing in selection matches didn’t have to worry, but those who had already secured their spots in the team either through rankings or early selection could relax a bit before the intensive training and overseas camps began.
Taehyun had long since secured his place in the team, having met the qualification criteria based on his WT (World Taekwondo) Olympic rankings.
His outstanding skills in international competitions sanctioned by World Taekwondo had earned him a spot on the national team.
Once the training camp begins, everyone has to wake up at dawn, and the lights in the entire dormitory will be turned off by 11 p.m. like a military camp.
This period before the camp starts is when the most incidents happen, so Coach Lim’s concern was understandable.
Of course, even after the camp starts, there are always some daring enough to secretly sneak in alcohol from outside and have secret drinking sessions, but getting caught doesn’t end with just being sent home.
If they perform poorly afterward, they’d face public outrage, with people saying, “With such a careless attitude, no wonder you wasted all that taxpayer money on training,” and they’d be dragged through the mud for years to come.
Remember last year’s Asian Games?
Wasn’t there that one guy in the -68kg category who messed up?
Right before getting drafted to Jincheon Training Center, after the training camp schedule was announced, he went out drinking with friends and ended up falling down some stairs, which got him pulled out of the schedule.
Though the injury was just a minor sprain, he came back without a medal, and the taekwondo fans tore him apart with criticism.
Taehyun was no rookie; he wasn’t going to make such a mistake.
Especially not in a competition that meant so much to him.
With a sulking expression, Taehyun pouted his lips and packed his bag, clearly annoyed at having his discipline questioned.
* * *
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