Kiss the Ground

Hongsam, who was picked up from the sitter, seemed quite sullen, probably because he had been separated from his owners for a whole day. He even looked pitiful with his ears drooping and avoiding eye contact, likely due to being picked up late. However, when Misha kissed the tip of his long nose and put a harness on him, his drooping tail instantly perked up. He was really an easy-to-read dog.With the excited dog leading the way, they bought groceries and headed straight home. Wandering around Winchester on a day like today, right after a match, would only lead to being spotted by fans and turning into an autograph machine or a human photo op. They didn’t want to spend their precious single day off before the second round that way.But more than that… they just wanted to stay warm and cozy in the same space.As soon as they arrived home, Misha, without a word, put on an apron. It was the same one he had worn on the day it was confirmed they would be staying at this house, while in Chahyun’s arms. With a ribbon tied at the back, he handled the ingredients quite professionally. Meanwhile, Chahyun, drying Hongsam’s fur after a bath in the living room, was asked seriously by Misha.“Yuan, is it okay if I leave out the carrots?”“No.”“Is it okay if I leave out the mushrooms?”“No.”“Is it okay if I leave out the potatoes?”“No… are you really making stew?”Every question was ominous. Chahyun glanced over at Misha, who was standing in the kitchen, meticulously drying Hongsam’s inner and outer fur. How could he make such delicious soup while asking such questions? Perhaps cooking was included in Misha’s spectrum of talents, which were all things he did well physically.Before long, Misha called Chahyun and the dog to the kitchen. Seeing the fairly impressive dinner set up on and under the table, Chahyun knew his hunch was right.“How do you make something like this? Did you really make it with the ingredients we bought?”“I realized yesterday that cooking is ultimately a matter of measuring and timing. The key is to minimize deviations from the recipe. Efficient movement and ingredient handling techniques are also important.”“Wow…”As soon as Chahyun sat at the table, Misha took a seat across from him, giving him a slightly intense, sparkling look.Feeling awkward, Chahyun took a bite of his portion of the stew, and the warm food gently enveloped his tongue. The perfectly cooked meat and ingredients combined to create a remarkably flavorful stew, so good it made him open his eyes wide. It was hard to believe this high-level dish was made by someone who usually ate cereal with milk every day.He had been ready to take out all the vegetables, but how could it taste this amazing…?Chahyun moved the spoon to his mouth, one bite after another, as if entranced. Did he put something addictive in this? Misha, watching him with a triumphant look, spoke.“I know what flavors you like. That’s why I’m good at cooking.”Chahyun had no response to Misha’s brazen pride. It was true that no one knew Chahyun as well as Misha did… Misha declared with a smiling face.“And I’ll get even better.”“You’re already good. You made this stew so well.”“More, continuously. I won’t make you regret choosing me, Yuan.”“Wow…”The sudden declaration left Chahyun speechless. Having blurted out something embarrassing, Misha nonchalantly picked up his spoon and started eating. Below the table, the sound of Hongsam happily devouring his meal could be heard. In the midst of it, Chahyun blankly looked at Misha’s face, holding his spoon.Misha was changing. Gradually, quickly.A few months ago, he had been introverted, clumsy, and somewhat self-destructive. Thinking about how he used to exhibit awkward possessiveness, trying to protect Chahyun from everyone and offering to give up everything for him, the current Misha showed remarkable progress. As he said, he was getting more skilled at everything. It felt like watching something that had been stagnant start running again.And the more he did, the more his good traits showed. Misha was meticulous and careful. He learned everything quickly and often made sharp, insightful comments, showing his intelligence. His kind heart was evident in how he treated the dog. He was good at playing the piano, football, and cooking, and he was even good at sex. On top of that, he had a great body and was beautiful…That person was sitting across from Chahyun, eating a meal. And soon, he would be lying next to Chahyun, sleeping.‘Is this what married life is like?’Thinking that far, Chahyun unconsciously gripped his spoon.He was definitely crazy.Marriage… getting married to Misha?Is that even possible, or feasible?But if they’ve been living together, isn’t he responsible? If he’s doing that kind of thing with someone who’s experiencing everything for the first time, shouldn’t he be taking responsibility? But is it right to talk about responsibility and just take him and stamp a seal on him when Misha has barely come of age? Is it right to marry someone just because they follow you around saying they like you? Isn’t that kind of a trashy thief thing to do? A perverted thing? But come to think of it, I’m not that old either, am I? I still have more than five years before I retire, and by then, Misha might be seriously considering this…“Yuan, are you okay?”“Huh!”Startled, Chahyun blinked to see Misha leaning over the table, looking worried. Judging by how he was looking into Chahyun’s face, it seemed he had been lost in thought for quite a while. Chahyun shook his head and quickly took a spoonful of stew.“Oh, your food was so delicious that I… fainted for a moment.”“What are you talking about…”At Chahyun’s nonsense, Misha smiled a blossoming smile and blushed. Chahyun blankly watched that, with stew dripping from the spoon he had raised. Maybe the drug wasn’t in the food, but Misha himself was a drug… my… poppy…Ding, just then, another notification rang from Chahyun’s phone. He flinched and glanced at the phone beside him, seeing a message from a friend on the brightly lit screen.▶[Player Yoon Chahyun! Your goal yesterday was amazing:) Your powerful shooting was so characteristic of you. It’d be great to have a meal and talk about the match sometime:D]It was a familiar emoji. Chahyun’s eyes widened.“Ah, it’s from Illya.”“Illya Park? The reporter we met on interview day.”“Do you remember?”“Yes, the one who shook your hand and touched your arm twice.”Misha nodded lightly as he replied. His memory of specific details was startlingly precise. Now that Chahyun thought about it, they had gotten along quite well during the conversation back then.Friendly and sociable Illya was the kind of person who could naturally get along with Misha, who wasn’t typically very outgoing. Moreover, when Chahyun received the first envelope, Illya had offered advice and support, so he could probably understand Chahyun’s unique situation. Although Chahyun hadn’t mentioned the second envelope to him yet, Illya might be able to offer advice on this matter too…“Oh.”Suddenly, a memory hit Chahyun, and he slightly opened his mouth. Come to think of it, Park Jung and Choi Namwoo had mentioned something similar. They said that for a crime involving covert photography, consulting an expert in photography might be beneficial. At the time, right before the match, Chahyun had been too preoccupied and ended up drinking more than usual, causing him to forget, but the ‘expert in photography’ they mentioned was actually someone in Chahyun’s circle.Chahyun quickly looked up at Misha. Misha tilted his head slightly, perhaps surprised by the sudden movement.“Misha, actually, Illya knows a bit about my situation. My problem… regarding the photos.”“I figured as much. When we met that day, he mentioned being concerned about you.”“You remember that too?”“I remember everything you say. I also remember the conversation you had with him. You seemed quite close.”Misha tilted his head slightly as he answered. Chahyun cautiously moved his lips.“So… why didn’t you ask what kind of relationship we have?”“I thought you’d get mad at me. But since it’s come up, what kind of relationship do you have with him?”Misha immediately asked a sharp question, as if waiting for permission. How on earth had he held back from asking all this time? Chahyun licked his lips and explained his relationship with Illya.He recounted how Illya had helped him when he spilled coffee on his clothes during the Round of 16 interview day, how Illya lent him a handkerchief, and in return, Chahyun treated him to a meal. And how that meal, leading to an unexpected photo of them together, became part of the covertly taken photos of Chahyun… It had been a rather long acquaintance. When Chahyun finished his detailed explanation, Misha spoke quietly.“So you consulted him back then… and that’s how he knows about our situation.”Our situation. That expression warmed Chahyun’s heart a little. A somewhat hesitant voice followed.“Yes, so I thought I might ask for his advice again this time. I mean, there’s nothing I can do about it… and we can’t just keep leaving the house empty.”“You’re going to talk to him again? When?”“Soon, maybe over a meal. So, I thought it would be good if you came with me… I was thinking that.”“…”“He’s a good person… you’ll like him.”This suggestion was partly a gamble. Misha could outright refuse or warn against involving another person. And either reaction would leave Chahyun without much to say. After all, involving Misha in Chahyun’s issues and wanting him to expand his interactions with others were both somewhat selfish.Chahyun hesitated a bit as he watched Misha’s expression, but to his surprise, Misha answered seriously.“Okay. I’ll go too.”“Really? Are you sure?”“Really. Let’s go together.”Chahyun’s eyes widened at the warmth of Misha’s hand over his on the table. The warmth was surprising. It was closer to protection and stability than jealousy or rejection.Feeling his heart melt, Chahyun couldn’t speak and just nodded. Meanwhile, Hongsam, having finished his meal, came out from under the table and placed his paws on Chahyun’s chair, tilting his head as if to check Chahyun’s condition. Chahyun smiled softly and stroked the dog’s cheek with one hand. Watching this, Misha gently brushed his hand against Chahyun’s and whispered.“Yuan. Do you still have the first envelope you received?”***After a meal where he couldn’t tell if the food was going in through his nose or his mouth, Chahyun found his suitcase, stashed in the corner of Misha’s dressing room, and brought it to the living room. The large red suitcase, 28 inches in size, was the one he had brought when they went to Chahyun’s house to pick up Hongsam’s things, packing clothes and pajamas for a few days.‘Just in case, I packed it… was that a good idea?’Chahyun sat next to Misha on the sofa and opened the zipper of the large suitcase. As it slowly opened, the corner of a yellow envelope peeked out. Reaching into the black gap, Chahyun struggled to pull out the envelope wedged deep among the clothes.“Why suddenly this?”“I’ve never seen these photos… I wanted to know how they were taken.”The envelope, which he hadn’t seen in a while, looked almost the same as it had when it was first found at the entrance of Chahyun’s house. Although it was slightly crumpled from going through the police and being examined, it wasn’t damaged or changed when it was returned to Chahyun. The black number “1” scrawled on the front was still the same as that night…“Yuan, are you okay?”“Huh? Oh.”Until Misha grabbed his hand holding the envelope, Yoon Chahyun hadn’t realized his hand was shaking. Trying to stop the strange trembling, he clenched his fist, making the envelope crinkle.When he first received this envelope, he hadn’t felt this way. He had even reassured himself that it could be a prank from an unknown person or the attention of an overly enthusiastic fan. But since that day when he dismissed everything lightly, so much had happened to Chahyun. Among those events, the biggest was hurting the person sitting next to him.The envelope in his hand trembled like it was in the wind. He couldn’t stop it easily. As Chahyun struggled to steady his shaking hand, a warm presence enveloped his shoulder.“Yuan.”“Oh… I’m acting strange, sorry.”“You’re not strange. It’s okay. You’re here in my house now.”Having seen Chahyun like this once before, Misha wasn’t flustered. He gently pulled Chahyun into his embrace.Chahyun, who was used to being the one to initiate hugs or offer an arm pillow, always felt a bit awkward when Misha hugged him. As he hesitantly rested his stiff body in his younger lover’s arms, large arms enveloped him softly, patting his back with surprising maturity.“I’ll check it.”The envelope transferred from Chahyun’s hand to Misha’s. Misha deftly opened the envelope and immediately pulled out the contents. At that moment, Chahyun instinctively lowered his head. He didn’t know where to look.“……”Misha quickly flipped through the twenty or so photos. His movements, briskly skimming through the photos as if only verifying evidence and not interested in the content, were the same as when he had checked the previous photos. The only difference this time was that he paused twice to look at two photos for a longer time.After thoroughly checking all the photos, Misha glanced at Chahyun’s face before speaking slowly.“Yuan, these are the only photos where you’re with someone else.”He handed over two photos to Chahyun. Chahyun slowly lowered his head to look at what Misha was showing him. He had to face what needed to be faced.“This is with that reporter… Illya, the one you mentioned earlier.”It was the photo they had been talking about since dinner. It showed Chahyun’s back while dining at a restaurant, with Illya’s arm visible across the table. Seeing the photo, Chahyun nodded awkwardly, and Misha handed him another photo.“And this one…”“Oh, this…”Chahyun’s eyes widened. The photo Misha held was one he had seen before. His stiff voice grew louder.“This is you, Misha. That time! After drinking too much vodka, you ended up at my place…”“I didn’t know something like this was taken. It’s my first time seeing it.”It was a picture of Chahyun dragging a heavily drunk Misha into his house. Seeing his pathetic self being carried like an ancient slave moving luggage brought back vivid memories. He remembered contemplating whether to carry this large guy like a princess or roll him up in a blanket like a roadside corpse.How could he have forgotten this photo? He was sure he had seen it then… Maybe he had erased it from his memory, thinking it was over. As Chahyun gaped in surprise at the delayed memory, Misha suddenly pouted his lips and teased.“I’m in this photo too. Why didn’t you consult me? But you consulted the reporter.”“Well, at that time…”Chahyun stared blankly at him. If asked why he didn’t mention it… at that time…“We weren’t… close…”It was right after he had bluntly rejected Misha in the most serious and straightforward way possible. It was the day after he had gently told Misha to find someone else who could love him instead of Chahyun. After rejecting his confession so sharply, it wasn’t the right atmosphere to bring up photos or anything.In hindsight, it was an embarrassingly awkward past. Misha, who had been watching Chahyun’s strange expression, narrowed his eyes knowingly.“You rejected me the next morning, Yuan. You said you like someone else.”“Ugh… Ugh.”“At that time, you didn’t know how cute I was.”Oh, my… Misha raised his chin proudly, facing the bewildered Chahyun. His deep eyes narrowed slyly, capturing Chahyun’s baffled expression. The sudden nonsense tickled his previously tense heart, causing it to soften unexpectedly.“I have no intention of letting you go easily now, though.”“Oh, come on.”Chahyun couldn’t help but laugh. It felt like his lips were curving upward for the first time in a while. But Misha, who seemed to be joking, soon locked eyes with him seriously.“So don’t be so scared. I’m here with you.”The trembling subsided with a surprisingly physical reaction. To soothe Chahyun, he even brought up things that had hurt him… This guy, really. Chahyun had no choice but to nod. Then Misha placed a warm hand on his back and whispered calmly.“And, actually, this is what I wanted to check.”The long fingers brought forward the photo with Illya. Since considering the matter resolved, Chahyun hadn’t bothered to look at it again, so seeing it now after half a year felt surprisingly relaxed.It wasn’t a significant photo. The film captured his back while dining at a Chinese restaurant. The silhouette of his face, engaged in conversation under a black baseball cap, was faintly visible. Chahyun looked back at Misha.“Why this one?”Misha tapped his finger on the photo and said cheerfully.“I thought we could make our appointment here.”“This restaurant?”“I want to visit the place where you dined with someone else.”Misha’s blinking lashes focused straight on Chahyun. What on earth was he thinking? But facing his confident and shameless attitude, Chahyun could only smile and nod.***▶[Tonight is perfect for me! Anytime for a meal with Chahyun 😀 See you at the time you mentioned.]Standing in front of his locker, Chahyun picked up his phone. The reply on the screen was a clear acceptance. Even though reporters get busier as the league heads to the finals, Illya’s willingness to meet on such short notice showed his unchanged diligent nature.Chahyun turned to Misha behind him and said.“Misha, Illya said tonight is good for him. He likes the time and place we suggested.”“Great. Let’s head out then.”The two men’s hair was still damp, not long after their showers, though moments before it had been soaked with sweat instead of water. The atmosphere at the club, which had just started training again after a brief day off, was as intense as a heated pot.Today was the perfect day for a personal dinner appointment. The few remaining days would be packed with training and various schedules. Plus, with the CF shoot that had been casually decided, there wouldn’t be any more leisurely times than now.Chahyun, changing clothes faster than anyone, was approached by Alois, who had an odd expression on his face. He raised his eyebrows, looking back and forth between Chahyun and Misha.“Where are you two off to again? You’ve been sticking together a lot lately. Thought you were coming to the last after-party, but you were nowhere to be found later.”Alois, leaning one arm against the locker and tilting his body, wore a curious expression that didn’t match his rugged face. If even this slow guy was asking such questions, it must mean their behavior was noticeably strange. Chahyun stared at Alois’s wild beard for a moment before speaking.“We’re going on a date. We’ll be busy for a while and won’t have any free time. Better enjoy it while we can.”Misha, standing behind Chahyun, turned sharply to look at him. Alois burst out laughing immediately after hearing that and clapped his hands.“Alright, have a good date. I’m taking Winston and Leroy out on a date today too.”“Enjoy your time together. I know we will.”“Yeah, we’re going to have a blast.”Waving his hand playfully, Alois walked away, shaking the spare clothes he held, disappearing into the shower room. It seemed he thought Chahyun’s comment was just a throwaway remark, judging by his sudden disinterest.As soon as Alois vanished, Chahyun met Misha’s wide-eyed gaze from behind. Chahyun shrugged pointedly. It was true.“Yuan, are you sure it’s okay to say that?”“It’s Alois. Didn’t you see his face? He didn’t believe a word.”“That’s true, but still.”Misha walked alongside Chahyun, looking awkward. Leaving a bit earlier than usual, the two stepped outside and headed towards the restaurant where they had made a reservation. The sky was already a beautiful mix of blue and pink as it began to darken. As Misha quietly observed the sparsely populated evening street, he spoke.“I didn’t expect you to say that… It surprised me.”“Well, it is a date. I wasn’t lying.”Chahyun whispered, looking up at Misha beside him. Misha blinked and slowly nodded, biting his lower lip in a shy expression that Chahyun wanted to see more closely. He moved slightly closer but resisted the urge to hold his hand.“I’ve never been on a date before….”“Well, you can start now, with me.”Yes. He wanted to go on real dates, not just this. He’d love to visit a river or a tourist spot, and maybe even the London Eye, which they missed out on before. During the pre-season, they could spend entire days together, cooking, talking, doing things… and maybe even take the dog on a trip. If they won the league, they’d definitely go on a date. The thought felt almost superstitious, but he couldn’t help it.Soon, a low building appeared in front of them, their destination, a Chinese restaurant. As they got closer, Misha looked around, scanning the entire area as if seeing something new.“This place isn’t very busy. The buildings aren’t that tall either.”“We came all the way here just for this restaurant. There’s nothing special.”“Yeah. I don’t see any other stores.”The street, located in a corner of the suburbs, was more of a residential area than a shopping district. Misha occasionally stopped to look at the quiet houses. This curiosity continued until Chahyun, who had entered the restaurant entrance first, turned back to look at him.“What are you doing? Let’s go in.”“Oh, right.”What was he looking for? Chahyun wondered as he stretched out his body, and Misha turned towards the restaurant without hesitation. As they stepped into the warm, orange-lit interior, a waitress in a cheongsam greeted them calmly.“Why does it have to be this table? There are plenty of other good spots.”Chahyun asked curiously as he settled into the chair opposite Misha. Misha’s gaze, which had been scanning the soft wooden table and the Chinese-style tableware, met his.“I told you before. It’s the table where you sat with someone else. I wanted to sit here too.”“There you go again.”Seated elegantly like a model, Misha’s familiar playful tone made Chahyun scrunch his nose slightly. Misha narrowed his eyes with a teasing smile, leaving Chahyun speechless again.They were seated at the same spot where Chahyun had dined with Illya last time. Back then, Illya had arrived first, but now they were the ones waiting for him. As the waitress placed a vacant chair for Illya next to Chahyun, Misha turned his head to the side.“…This is the window, right? Where that photo was taken.”“Ah… looks like it.”On the left side of the table was a large window. Chahyun had been surreptitiously photographed through this window. At that moment, he had no idea someone was taking pictures of him.Would coming here make him nervous? Contrary to his concerns, Chahyun felt no anxiety. The fact that Misha was sitting across from him, that he wasn’t alone, was the biggest comfort. What had he been so afraid of?The sky, once a beautiful sunset, was now darkening. While Chahyun sent a message to the slightly delayed Illya, Misha continued to stare out the window. After a moment, he asked quietly.“Is that a sandwich shop?”“Huh? Where?”Chahyun turned to look outside. The building directly across from the large window was indeed a well-known sandwich shop franchise, as Misha had said. Even Chahyun, who usually avoided fast food, occasionally visited this brand.Had he been staring at that shop? Chahyun turned back to look at Misha’s face.“Yeah. It’s pretty good. Their cookies are tasty too.”“Cookies? They sell cookies too?”Misha straightened up, his eyes shining like a puppy’s. Since he had started living with Chahyun, he had been living a monk-like lifestyle, consuming the bare minimum of sugar. When Chahyun gave him two pieces of chocolate a day, he would place them on his tongue and let them melt slowly. It was, in a way, quite pitiful.In the midst of such a harsh fast, the idea of cookies would be incredibly tempting for him.“If you behave well with Illya today, I might buy you one.”Misha shot a heated gaze at Chahyun.“Yuan, really….”“Sorry to keep you waiting!”Someone approached their table just as Misha reached for Chahyun’s arm. Speak of the devil. Chahyun and Misha quickly withdrew their hands and looked to the side.“Oh, hello, Illya.”“I’m really sorry. I should have been here waiting, but I got caught up with an urgent article.”“It’s a busy time for you right now; we understand.”“It’s a bit funny that a journalist is later than the athletes.”As they exchanged light greetings, Misha stood up. His tall stature made his presence more noticeable. He extended his hand to Illya with a gentle smile, his voice smooth and sociable.“It’s been a while. I’m Misha Asplund.”“Oh, oh! Misha! Hello. It’s an honor to meet you again.”“Likewise. This is our first time meeting since the interview.”Illya seemed unusually flustered by the warm reception, which was surprising for Chahyun as well. Misha must really want that cookie. However, Illya soon regained his professional composure, shaking hands promptly.“I can’t believe this opportunity came up… My colleagues are so envious. You both are quite the rising stars.”“No need to flatter us.”“I’m serious. No flattery.”Illya smiled broadly as he took the seat next to Chahyun. He placed his large duffel bag beside him and picked up a napkin.After some small talk, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Once the group was complete, plates of food began to arrive at the table. The large cream shrimp was the restaurant’s signature dish and the same one Chahyun had treated Illya to a few months ago.As the plates started to empty and their hunger was sated, the pace of their eating slowed. Chahyun glanced at Misha, knowing there was an important reason they had invited Illya today. It might be time to bring it up.Waiting for a lull in the conversation, Chahyun spoke up.“Illya, I actually have something I need your advice on.”“Advice? On what?”Illya, who was wiping his lips with a napkin, widened his eyes behind his glasses. Misha remained silent, looking intently at him.“Well, um… I received a second photo.”Silence fell over the table. Illya’s smile slowly faded, and a serious look appeared in his eyes, gleaming like glass.“Did you report it to the police?”His reaction was the same as when Chahyun had received the first envelope. The only difference was that, instead of being angry and excited, he was now calm and sharp, like a blue flame.“Yes, I reported it immediately this time.”“What exactly happened?”Chahyun explained the ambiguous situation: the timing and place of the incident and the contents of the envelope. The most important point, however, was that despite reporting it, there was no evidence, and the police had yet to find any leads.Nothing had been resolved, yet nothing more had happened—a strange state of limbo.Illya’s furrowed brows slowly relaxed as he listened. Though his focus remained intense, he seemed to be pondering something deeply. His curly black hair shook slightly as he nodded.“Reporting it quickly was the right move. From what I know, the incident a few months ago eventually… led to that event on Open Training Day, right?”At that moment, Illya’s eyes flicked to Misha’s scar under his eye. Although brief, Chahyun clearly caught the look and felt a cold chill.“…which ended up happening.”“But if the perpetrator was caught and another incident occurred, doesn’t that mean the two incidents are separate?”Misha quickly interjected, causing Chahyun’s hand on the table to flinch slightly.“That’s probably the case. Didn’t the police re-interrogate the suspect?”“I heard they couldn’t. He was attacked while in custody.”“He was attacked?”“Yes. I was informed that the investigation was delayed because of it.”Illya’s eyes widened in surprise. The shock was evident in his expression, mirroring what Chahyun had felt when he first heard the news.“Did he die?”“No. There was no such news.”Illya fell silent for a moment. Chahyun had reacted similarly when he first heard it, so he understood Illya’s surprise. After a brief pause, Illya spoke again.“Given the lack of testimony… I hesitate to say this, but.”“It’s alright. If you have any thoughts, please share them.”