Kiss the Ground

Chahyun’s urgent words made Illya hesitate a little. He could sense the anxiety in the other person’s face. However, he soon spoke in a firm voice.“The person who sent the photos is not the one who was caught. The real culprit must be someone else.”“I think so too.”Misha said, looking intently at Illya. Once again, it was Misha who answered on Chahyun’s behalf.After pondering for a moment, Illya adjusted his glasses slightly with his thumb and continued in a calm voice.“Actually, it’s quite common for apprehended suspects to confess to crimes they didn’t commit. This could be due to rebellion against authority, simple bravado, or self-aggrandizement…”“So, you’re saying they gave false testimony.”“Yes. The exact reason isn’t clear, but I’m certain of it.”Listening to their conversation, Chahyun pulled his feet slightly back under the chair. His heart rate increased.What Illya was saying was something Chahyun had suspected for a while. The possibility that someone else had been tormenting him… It was hard to accept but had been felt subconsciously. Hearing an objective judgment from another’s mouth was shocking. But that wasn’t the most startling part.“And… stalking is usually done by someone the victim knows.”“Someone I know?”Chahyun repeated, dazed, and Illya calmly continued.“Yes. Someone whose face you would recognize. You said that your activities over several days were all documented? There aren’t many people who could watch you so closely in all those situations.”“……”“It would have to be someone who knows your daily routine and whereabouts very well.”Chahyun’s body suddenly felt cold. The floor under his feet seemed to soften, and he covered his mouth with a clenched fist. As his heart pounded like a bouncing ball, another foot touched his gently under the table.Chahyun suddenly looked up. Misha was quietly watching him from across the table. Unable to touch or hug him from this distance, this small contact was the best comfort Misha could offer.Chahyun straightened his back, trying to appear composed. But the weighty words lodged firmly in his ears.“Though I’m cautious to say it, I believe it’s highly likely the perpetrator is someone close to you, Chahyun.”“……”“While the motive isn’t clear, it could be jealousy, hatred, or obsession… it varies from person to person.”As he spoke his frightening conclusion, his eyes were more focused than ever behind his glasses. Rather than hesitating and amplifying the other’s anxiety, he seemed to choose honesty.Someone familiar… someone nearby?“But the only people around me are colleagues, coaches, and club staff…”“Even they aren’t exceptions. It’s best not to trust anyone too much. At this point, no one can be considered completely safe.”“That’s…”Illya’s words seemed to pinpoint exactly what was troubling Chahyun. He continued in a low voice, addressing the petrified Chahyun.“To be blunt, there are probably quite a few people who would want to harm you.”Crash—a glass slipped from the table and fell onto Illya’s plate with a clatter. It happened before he could finish his sentence. The sharp sound seemed to shatter the heavy atmosphere.Startled, Chahyun quickly turned his head forward. Misha, who had knocked over his water glass, was awkwardly looking at them with one hand on the table.“Sorry about that. I tried to catch it and slipped.”The spilled food splattered onto Illya’s clothes and face. Blinking in surprise behind his dirty glasses, he clumsily accepted the napkin Chahyun handed him.“Are you okay? All of a sudden…”“Oh, I’m fine… I think I need to wash up a bit.”Illya, who was brushing off his pants, stood up. It seemed that cleaning with a napkin wouldn’t be enough. As he turned and headed to the restroom, Chahyun leaned over to Misha.“What was that? It looked like you threw it.”“Of course not. My hand slipped.”As soon as the person sitting opposite left, Misha flicked the water from his hand. Watching the droplets scatter, Chahyun remained seated, feeling a wave of relief wash away his growing anxiety.“Make sure to apologize properly when he gets back.”Misha nodded calmly at Chahyun’s bewildered reminder. While Chahyun tidied up the table, Illya, now soaked from washing, returned to his seat.“I’m really sorry. I didn’t expect that to happen… I’ll compensate for the cleaning bill.”“Oh, no! It’s alright. These things happen.”Illya waved his hand and laughed at Misha’s drawn-out apology. While a staff member cleaned the remnants from the chair and under the table, the three of them sat in silence for a moment. Once seated, Misha broke the awkwardness by speaking first.“The finals are coming up soon, so journalists must be busy. Do you travel around a lot?”“Yes, it’s a big part of our job.”“I saw you at Winchester’s interview as well. You must attend all the games and events.”The conversation shifted to the league’s current state, a common interest for all three. Illya nodded slowly.“Yes, especially since Winchester is being called the biggest surprise of the season… I mean it in a good way, as they’re at the center of attention.”“That’s what I’ve heard too.”“It’s incredible. There must be tens of thousands of people waiting for Winchester to make it to the finals.”As the conversation continued, casual chatter once again dominated the table. The word “final” evoked a heavy weight that had been buried deep within the heart. It would be a lie to say there was no pressure.When Chahyun forced an awkward smile, Ilya continued in a cheerful voice.“Chahyun, don’t worry too much. Just think about the people cheering for you right now.”Chahyun swallowed the saliva that had pooled in his mouth.Ilya was right. He had to stay strong. Even at this moment, fans were likely holding onto the hope of reaching the finals. There was no room to be distracted by such personal matters.“I can’t let them down.”Ilya nodded at the small murmur and then, as if to escape the difficult topic, brought up something different.“Oh, right. The documentary you shot recently was amazing. You even interviewed Misha, right?”Ilya turned his head towards Misha, seeking his agreement. Misha slightly nodded while looking at him.“I guessed you two were close, but I didn’t expect Misha to get all the questions about you right. Did you know that was a huge hit in Korea?”“You watched that too? The… friendship test?”“Of course! I watched it live from start to finish.”Chahyun’s tension eased a bit at the gentle comfort, finally allowing a smile to appear. Ilya, quick to notice this, continued in a lively manner.“Your dog’s name is Hongsam, right?”“Yes, that’s right.”“Such a cute name. I heard he was a stray, is there a story behind the name?”At the expected question, Chahyun laughed out loud for the first time in a while. When he mentions the dog’s name, Koreans usually ask about its meaning. The answer was always the same.“They say giving food names makes them grow up healthy. He was a stray, so I hoped he would live a long life.”“Hongsam, for sure! It’s a health supplement, after all.”“Right? His color is similar too, like Misha’s hair color.”Chahyun and Ilya both looked at Misha simultaneously. With both pairs of eyes suddenly on him, Misha tilted his head slightly in confusion. Whether it was intentional or not, the way his hair fell was utterly adorable.“Is it really that similar?”“Very similar. Didn’t I tell you? They seem like the same breed.”Ilya laughed heartily at their conversation. While Chahyun gave a subtle smile, Ilya continued the light-hearted chatter.“Speaking of health supplements, you’ve been performing incredibly well lately. Do you take any special supplements?”“Uh… Hongsam? My father sometimes sends me herbal medicine.”At the mention of family, Chahyun briefly thought about Korea. His father, who used to work as a team doctor for a football club, would send a large international package to Chahyun every three months. Inside, there would be dozens of packets of herbal medicine, meticulously avoiding any dangerous ingredients.Yoon Chahyun’s father was a professional when it came to managing his son’s health. His dedication, unable to take care of his son personally, was reflected in those carefully prepared packages.“Do those help with your performance during games?”“Um… maybe? I feel less fatigued and a bit stronger. It could just be a placebo effect though.”“I’m sure it helps your mood as well. So, that’s Chahyun’s secret.”Ilya nodded enthusiastically, looking like a journalist conducting an interview. This might be a professional habit of his.“The secret to Yoon Chahyun’s wonder goals is family love. Can we use that headline if you win the championship?”“What? No… that would be a bit embarrassing.”As the casual conversation continued, the table’s atmosphere became more pleasant. Although most of the conversation was between Yoon Chahyun and Ilya, Misha, who sometimes spoke first or responded calmly, did not seem uncomfortable.While enjoying the sweet dessert that came at the end of the course meal, Chahyun was convinced that inviting Ilya today was the right choice. Even though there was no clear resolution to the incident, it had been a satisfying meal with a good atmosphere.Swallowing the sherbet that left a peculiar pain at the bottom of his heart, Chahyun looked at Misha’s face across from him.***It was an incredibly sunny morning, perfect for shooting an outdoor commercial.After an early finish at the center, the two headed to the filming location with the dog. The schedule at the center, a simple physical check-up, had been completed in the morning.This final step before the competition focused more on assessing the condition of the body rather than testing strength or flexibility. Winning the league was important, but considering an athlete’s entire life, one couldn’t stake everything on a single season.Today’s schedule was important enough to skip a precious training day, and the center was busier than the athletes to provide personalized care. Thus, the commercial shoot squeezed into the tight schedule was perfectly timed.“The weather is amazing. How is it like this?”Chahyun mumbled, looking up at the blue sky through the car window. In the heart of London, where the weather was usually gloomy and damp, capturing such a clear day seemed almost like a stroke of luck. Perhaps that capitalist monster could even buy sunny weather.“Yeah, it’s rare. Hongsam will love it today.”“He’ll go crazy. He hasn’t had a proper playtime since we moved… I hope the shoot goes well, though.”“He’s cute, so he’ll look great on camera. Is he doing okay back there?”“Uh… he’s enjoying the view?”Chahyun turned to look at the large creature occupying the back seat. The dog was eagerly watching the passing scenery, tongue lolling out. The unfamiliar road seemed to intrigue him.Today’s commercial was inspired by a self-cam video of Hongsam, Misha, and Yoon Chahyun playing with a ball. What looked like a fierce competition to trample each other in the garden had appeared to a certain sports company as a fun time with a pet. Seeing Hongsam’s name included in the contract showed how much they liked it.“What’s with the sudden commercial… I still can’t believe it. I must be crazy.”“Let’s head home quickly after the shoot.”While Misha was driving, Chahyun leafed through the project proposal they had received by mail. Could they really shoot a commercial in just half a day? It had been ages since Chahyun last filmed a commercial, so he was unsure. Understanding his concern, Sunjoo had meticulously attached explanatory post-its throughout the densely written document.“Why did he go through all this trouble?”Chahyun lightly touched the paper with his fingers. Having been busy sticking close to Misha, this was the first time he would meet Sunjoo in person since the quarterfinals.Despite the documentary’s production and airing being over, Sunjoo was still frantically busy with his ever-burgeoning workload. Yet, he still found time to send messages to cheer Chahyun on or reprimand him. It was overwhelming but filled with genuine concern.Considering how close they were, doing a commercial as a favor wasn’t a big deal, even if it meant some bad acting.“……”Thinking that far, Chahyun turned his gaze to the passing scenery. The familiar nuance made him feel uneasy.“Be careful of those close to you.”That was the advice he had received during dinner the other night. Ilya had told Chahyun to be suspicious of those nearby rather than someone distant. The perpetrator was more likely to be someone intimately aware of Chahyun’s every move rather than a mere fan.Though the conversation had been derailed by Misha’s water splash, the chilling advice remained lodged in Chahyun’s mind like a stone in his shoe. It wasn’t enough to stop him from walking, but it was certainly enough to be bothersome.If Chahyun were to list the “close people” he met daily, he could name dozens right away.Colleagues, coaches, trainers, club staff… They were not just aware of Yoon Chahyun’s schedule; they were people who spent time with him. They trained in the same place, attended seminars together, and shared meals and drinks. During away games, they even stayed in the same buildings. If someone intended to do something, it wouldn’t be difficult.Chahyun pulled his legs up from under the seat. The paper crumpled slightly under his fingers.Could it really be true? Could someone close to him have done such a thing?If so, who? And for what gain?At that moment, Chahyun felt a chill run down his spine. It wasn’t the faceless criminal that scared him. It was the dirty feeling of being forced to suspect his closest and most aligned companions.The photos delivered twice were clear and stiff with pure malice. Merely being called a “sneak shot” was too vague a term for the crime that had continually fed Chahyun’s anxiety. And now it was planting strange suspicions and fostering distrust in his heart.“An acquaintance….”“Yuan, are you thinking about what the reporter said?”Misha’s pinpointed question hit the mark as he turned the steering wheel, glancing at Chahyun’s pensive face.It was a topic neither of them had brought up since returning from the dinner. There was an unspoken agreement that reviving such a disturbing story wouldn’t be helpful during this crucial time. Chahyun’s lips parted slightly as he brought up the topic for the first time in two days.“What do you think? About the advice we got that day.”The car turned into an unfamiliar intersection. The neighborhood, with its sporadically spaced houses, looked quiet and relatively affluent. While Chahyun blankly stared at the sparsely populated street, a calm voice came from beside him.“…I agree with the content of what he said. The culprit might not be an outsider.”Chahyun had not sought a comforting denial, but the candid words felt rough on his heart. He bit his lip slightly.“It wouldn’t be easy for someone unrelated to know your daily life so precisely. Who you’re dining with, where you go after work before heading home.”The car smoothly rounded a curve, approaching their destination. Slowing down, Misha continued speaking.“I don’t think it’s someone completely unaware of your situation. And it’s even less likely to be a pure fan.”“Yeah…”“You have an unusually high number of such people around you.”It was a calm, objective opinion. Misha had the right to say this. The scar under his eye, received in place of Yoon Chahyun, proved it.A complex emotion surged within him. Chahyun stared blankly at the luxurious car’s center console. None of the flashing images registered until Misha’s hand touched his left shoulder.“But Yuan, it’s not your fault.”The faint hum of the engine disappeared, leaving silence inside the car. Misha leaned slightly to the side as if trying to catch Chahyun’s gaze.“It wasn’t right to ask that guy such questions. It only made you anxious.”“But we needed that kind of advice, didn’t we?”“Fear without a solution is meaningless. We shouldn’t have let him talk for so long…”Chahyun turned to look at Misha’s face at the rude words. His pretty, pouting expression was endearing, making it hard to scold him.“I should have given him a proper bath.”“What?! You…”Seeing Chahyun’s eyes widen in surprise, Misha tilted his chin slightly. Chahyun, watching this in a daze, opened and closed his mouth.“You… You really did that on purpose…”Somehow, he couldn’t believe that someone as adept as Misha would drop a water glass so easily. Though the brazen behavior made him wonder, he hadn’t thought Misha would actually do such a thing right in front of him.His tension drained away, leaving him feeling oddly lighthearted. The anxiety that had been tensing his shoulders melted away, replaced by an unusual expression.“What about Ilya? He must have been soaked.”“I shut him up, so it was worth it. Now talk about me. Praise me.”“Praise? You deserve a scolding!”As Chahyun raised his hand and pinched his chin, Misha blinked like a mischievous child caught in the act. He didn’t intend to hide it completely; it was as if he had been waiting for Chahyun to acknowledge his prank. When Chahyun let out an incredulous chuckle, Misha erased his smile and put on a serious face.“So, Yuan, stop thinking about it.”The grip on Chahyun’s shoulder tightened. Misha enunciated each word clearly.“No one will get closer than me. Next to you.”The intense emotions conveyed through his touch were as heavy as his gaze. It was an exclusive form of protection, almost possessive. This sharp sensation was no longer frightening or unfamiliar to Chahyun. It felt familiar, almost warm.“No one, not anyone, will get close.”The tension melted away. Chahyun placed his fingers over Misha’s hand on his shoulder.“I know… Thank you.”Yes, having him should be enough. With a crazy lover who would stand in the way of a knife for him, what was there to fear? As Chahyun nodded slightly while making eye contact, Misha’s eyelashes lowered, and he smiled like a bouquet of baby’s breath. Though the touch of their hands grew warm quickly, they couldn’t kiss because Hong Sam, watching them from between the front seats, interrupted them.***The location promised for the commercial shoot was a mansion on the outskirts of London. As Sunjoo had firmly promised that it wouldn’t interfere with their training, the shooting location was not far from the club center. It was a convenient distance for the two to drive there themselves.The two got out of the car and entered the mansion’s entrance, holding onto the dog’s leash. The three-story house, with its white walls, looked more like a building made for filming than an actual residence. Its exceptionally beautiful exterior and well-maintained garden seemed perfect for a commercial.“The house is really pretty. Cozy and white.”“Yeah, it looks like a model house.”The wide wooden fence surrounding the garden seemed more decorative than protective. Misha’s hand easily opened it, confirming their suspicion. Chahyun murmured as he looked up at the mansion.“Would it feel good to live in a place like this?”“Should I buy it?”At Misha’s idle comment, Chahyun glanced at him. Misha tilted his head, seemingly serious. Geez… This kid doesn’t know how to save money because he’s young. What would they do with three houses when two people only need one to live together?“Sun Joo hyung. We’re here.”Calling the only person they knew by name, they walked inside. The filming staff, who were preparing in the yard, greeted them warmly. Chahyun bowed back, looking for the person in charge.“Oh! Our little one is here?”Sunjoo, who had been checking the storyboard with the staff from a distance, raised his hand high and then walked over briskly. His stride was like a runaway rhino’s.“Why are you here so early, cutie?”“Hyung, just call me the usual way. It doesn’t feel right.”“Alright, Yoon Chahyun. The protagonist usually shows up an hour or two late. You’re too diligent.”Sunjoo’s eyes melted like butter, which made Chahyun feel oddly uneasy. Hong Sam wagged his tail happily at the sight of the familiar man. Chahyun shivered at the sight of the gentle man petting the dog’s head with a hearty laugh. But that greasy gaze quickly turned to Misha, who was holding the leash.“Oh! Misha Oswald!”The two similarly built men faced each other. It was Sunjoo who extended his hand first.“Do you remember me? This is the second time we’ve met since the interview!”“Of course.”Misha, wearing the social smile he had recently learned, shook hands. But then Sunjoo suddenly pulled Misha into a bear hug. It was a blink-of-an-eye moment. Surprised by the aggressive hug, Misha couldn’t even wrap his arms around him and widened his eyes.Chahyun, who witnessed the scene from up close, also widened his eyes in shock.“This guy looks even more handsome after a few months. His face is so clear… I guess he’s okay despite all the roughness?”Sunjoo spoke over Misha’s shoulder, patting him on the back as if they were close. It was just a second. Chahyun quickly stepped forward and grabbed Misha’s arm firmly. Then, with his other hand, he pushed Sunjoo away.“So, what exactly are we advertising?”Startled by the strong grip, Misha stepped back and stood next to Chahyun. Watching the two stand side by side, the manager laughed heartily, as if amused by something. Is he crazy? If they hadn’t known each other for ten years, Chahyun wouldn’t have let it slide.“Right, I didn’t mention that. They were still deciding until the last moment.”“What’s there to decide until the last minute?”“But they made a final decision. Here…”Sunjoo walked a few steps to the side and rummaged through a large prop case on the table. The product they were to advertise wasn’t mentioned in the project proposal. All they knew was that it would be a simple shoot incorporating the product, with barely a few lines of script.So, the only thing the two actors knew was that they were supposed to play with the dog comfortably. Just like their self-cam shoot the other day, except for having a separate cameraman. As Chahyun exchanged a puzzled glance with Misha, Sunjoo finally pulled out the sample and turned around, holding it out in front of them.“This.”It was a small tube-shaped object that fit in the palm. The familiar logo and product name etched themselves onto Chahyun’s retina.“Power Booster ― Original Warm-up Cream”“……”“You use this regularly, right? They were thrilled about the advertising effect. The marketing team almost cried when they got your signature on the contract.”Listening to Sunjoo’s booming voice, Chahyun took a deep breath. The air filled his lungs deeply before slowly exhaling through his lips.“Hyung.”Taking a few deep breaths, Chahyun’s mind became foggy. Feeling dizzy, he ended up covering his face with both hands.“Can’t we break the contract?”At this belated declaration of withdrawal, Sunjoo raised his eyebrows as if looking at a crazy person.“What are you talking about? Backing out now?”“I don’t have confidence.”“Why are you suddenly talking about confidence… Are you nervous?”Chahyun pressed his fingers into his eyelids. He wished he could pass out from lack of breath, but his body, trained by years of exercise, was unnecessarily healthy.“Hey, take it easy. Why are you getting so scared all of a sudden? Everyone knows you’re not a great actor.”Through slightly parted fingers, Chahyun peeked at the object before him. The thing wavering in Sunjoo’s hand was unmistakably the product in question. There was no way he could have mistaken it for something else. It was always in the corner of Yoon Chahyun’s team bag and used daily.For various reasons… it was something he used.Yoon Chahyun had once thought that if there were a god overseeing sports, he would surely punish him one day.But he hadn’t expected judgment day to come so soon. The moment of reckoning for using a product meant for athletes’ sweat and passion to fulfill his urgent desires was here! He felt like his body was being torn apart by shame and guilt. It was a dismemberment of disgrace, a public execution of embarrassment. Sunjoo’s rough voice hammered the final nail in the coffin.“This product is hot these days. They want to shed its image of being used only by professional athletes and appeal to the general public. They’re aiming for the popularization of home training… something like that. I hear it works pretty well.”“…I know, I use it too.”“Right? Then no need for further explanation about the product. Just emphasize that it’s for warming up before exercise.”“……”“Show the heat sensation? That kind of warming effect? Emphasize that. Narration. Done.”He felt like his brain was going to be fried. Misha took the product from Sunjoo’s hand in Chahyun’s stead, who was holding back tears.“Power Booster… So that’s what it’s called.”Then he closed his mouth and gave Chahyun a meaningful smile. Was it just his imagination, or did that smile seem strangely sinister? It was a smile that seemed to say he had also used the booster once.Chahyun clenched his teeth as he watched the toothpaste-like tube roll in Misha’s hands. There was no escape now that the contract was signed. Whether it turned out well or not, they had to go through with it. Just then, Sunjoo called over a staff member, who handed them two small sheets of paper.“These are the lines and story, but it’s barely a script. Just read through it. Only Yoon Chahyun has lines, so don’t worry too much.”“Why do I have all the lines?”“Why would we make our guest work? It’s the job of our house servant.”“…….”With those chilling words, Chahyun slowly unfolded his paper. Given the situation, he decided he had to do his best. The only way to lessen this shame was to perform perfectly and finish as quickly as possible. Grinding his teeth, Chahyun looked at the detailed scenario before him.***「Even in a busy life, warming up is essential.」Yoon Chahyun is sitting on the marble steps at the entrance of the house, tying the laces of his white sneakers. Close-up of the Power Booster Original Warm-up Cream next to his foot.After tying a bow knot, he stands up and walks up and down a few steps. His stiff upper body bounces up and down like a puppet. Full figure shot.「Preparation for myself― because it’s the most important.」Sweat glistening under the sunlight. Chahyun wipes his chin with the back of his hand, looking seriously into the distance.「Passion!」With the narration, the screen switches to Yoon Chahyun chest-trapping a ball. The green garden and the blue sky form a vivid contrast.Yoon Chahyun runs through the garden in slow motion, performing a fancy but pointless dribble. Long shot capturing the entire beautiful mansion.「The legend of my victory―」From the opposite side of the garden, Misha raises his arm. The ball is beautifully kicked into the air from Yoon Chahyun’s foot. Backlit, low angle.「With the most reliable companion.」Misha gracefully receives the pass. He pretends to run, taking small steps in place. At that moment, Hong Sam jumps into the frame, intercepting the ball with a spectacular header. Brown fur flying.The BGM fades, and faint sounds and laughter are added.「Moving forward together, South Korea.」The sprinkler suddenly turns on in the corner of the garden. Misha raises his hand just enough to avoid the splashing water. The screen captures a joyful shot of a dog and two humans running through the garden.And the final narration is inserted.「Trust in the national team. Trust in Power Booster.」The hastily edited video reached its end. Silence fell among the three watching the screen.The first to speak was Yoon Chahyun.“I want to die.”“Not wanting to die, look at this. You’re moving your arm and leg on the same side simultaneously while running.”Is that even possible? Sunjoo tapped the screen with the pen tip. Indeed, in the small screen, Yoon Chahyun was running awkwardly with his limbs flailing. Despite this bizarre movement, the ball somehow managed to bounce forward.“You’re really fast.”