A Serendipitous Night Run
The late-night running wrap-up camp had finally ended. I got home and flopped onto my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling for a good while. It had been a long time since I'd had such an extended break, but for some reason, my heart felt heavy. Was it because I was too used to training? My body felt fine, but my mind was weighed down by this strange sensation. It didn't take me long to figure out why.
My peers were getting their due recognition in their own ways, but I felt like I was the only one falling behind. Anxiety. That was the problem. Ah... Confronting the root of my unease made sweat bead up in my palms. Lying there still felt even more suffocating, so I finally bolted upright. I needed to do something, but nothing came to mind. I couldn't play baseball at home... What the hell was I supposed to do? Pacing around my room, I eventually settled on a simple but reliable choice: go for a run. Moving my body and sweating it out might lighten my mood, at least.
I quickly changed into workout clothes and headed out. "Mom! I'm heading out for a bit."
"Why?"
"Just gonna do some running and come back. My body's itching 'cause I haven't trained like an athlete should."
"Alright, be safe."
As I stepped outside, the night air brushed against my face. I pondered where to go, then decided on the neighborhood park—a route I didn't usually take. But on the way there, I heard a weird noise. Drunken laughter mixed with taunting words that were clearly harassing someone. I turned my head and saw a woman wearing a cap and mask, blocked by three guys in front of her. The stench of booze wafted from them along with their heavy breathing. They were blatantly hitting on her.
Ah... Not even dawn yet, and they're already like this? Sigh. At first, I thought about just walking past and minding my own business. I didn't want to get involved. But seeing this crap right near my house pissed me off too much. In the end, I stopped.
"Hey, knock it off."
I spoke low, and all three turned to me at once. Their eyes sharpened instantly, and one sneered. "What's a kid like you butting in for? Scram."
I didn't respond and just stepped closer. My shadow stretched long under the streetlight. Only then did their eyes scan my build. At 185 cm and 85 kg, it wasn't just size—it was the muscle from consistent training, plain as day. Any guy could tell I'd put in serious work. As I got nearer, their faces hardened. One muttered a curse but shut up; another cleared his throat awkwardly and backed off.
"Hey, let's just go."
"Tch..."
"You. Lucky bastard."
In the end, they tossed out some lame parting shots, glanced at each other, and slunk away. Once the area quieted down, I turned to the woman. "Uh... you okay?" I asked calmly.
She steadied her surprised breathing and nodded. "Yes... thank you so much."
With the tension easing, she lifted her cap brim slightly, revealing her eyes. But I had no intention of dragging out the conversation. It'd just get awkward. "Alright, take care."
I turned to go, but—grab. Before I could take a step, her hand caught my arm. Huh? I froze in surprise. Her fingertips were still trembling.
"Um... wait a sec."
Her voice was soft, but laced with clear desperation. I turned back to look at her. She had her head raised, gazing at me, and thanks to that, I got a good look at her eyes. Whoa... her eyes are gorgeous. Under the streetlight, they quivered faintly. Then she realized she was still holding my arm and let go with a start.
"Oh... I just... wanted to say thanks properly."
"Ah! Yeah, no problem. See ya."
"Wait!"
She grabbed my arm again. Why does she keep doing that? She held on, hesitating for a moment, then blurted out, "Hey... what were you planning to do right now, anyway?"
The unexpected question threw me off. I hadn't anticipated her clinging like this. I paused, choosing my words, then answered honestly. "Oh... just gonna go for a run. Sitting around home was making me antsy."
She clapped her hands like it was perfect timing. "I actually came out to run too."
Huh? She runs often? A spark of curiosity flickered in me. "Really? Know any good routes? I wanna run for a while, but I don't know where's best around here."
"You don't live nearby?"
"Over in those apartments. But I don't usually run here, so I'm clueless." She answered right away. "Then follow me. I run a lot, so I know the good courses."
Her tone brimmed with confidence. I nodded, but one thing crossed my mind, so I warned her. "But you gotta be able to keep up for real. I'm an athlete—I can go pretty long."
She glanced at me slyly, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Athlete? What sport?"
I didn't hesitate. "Baseball."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Baseball? So... pro player? Your face doesn't ring a bell, though. You look too young."
I shrugged. "Yeah, that's right. Well, technically a rookie. Just signed with the team not long ago."
Her expression shifted in an instant. Surprise filled her eyes as she stared at me, then suddenly pulled off her cap and lowered her mask. Platinum blonde hair spilled out into the night air, framing an astonishingly beautiful face underneath. Whoa... she's stunning. I froze solid. It was so surreal, like I was questioning reality. She felt like a goddess.
Seeing my face, she grinned mischievously. "Heeey~? Surprised, huh?"
I couldn't say a word. My mind looped on one thought: She's pretty. So pretty. Really, really pretty. I'd never seen someone this beautiful up close, not knowing her name or face before. She smirked higher, amused by my dumbfounded stare. Whew. Almost lost it there. But... who is she? She casually pulled her cap back on and raised her mask, hiding her face again. It felt like the glimpse was a dream.
"Hmm. Anyway, follow me. I'll show you the route."
Still dazed, I nodded. That scene replayed in my head, my heart racing for no reason. It felt like an unexpected night was just beginning.
* * *
Huff... huff... The running route she guided me on—led by this unexpectedly beautiful woman—was fantastic. One lap was perfect for a light warm-up; two or three got the sweat flowing and breath heavy. Five laps would definitely hit the muscles hard enough for a solid workout. I was impressed, thinking how great the course was, but what really shocked me was her running alongside. Not just walking or lightly jogging—she kept a steady pace with me for three laps. I'd slowed down for her, but it wasn't easy.
"You run really well," I said first.
She caught her breath and replied proudly. "Of course. We're pros too."
Pros? I tilted my head at the word. She noticed my vague smile and narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing something off.
"Hold on... you don't know who I am?"
I shook my head sheepishly. "Yeah... no clue."
She looked incredulous and asked again. "But you said you're a baseball player?"
"Yeah, but... still don't know."
I answered honestly. She blinked wide in disbelief, then finally introduced herself. "I'm Kim Se-rin. Popular cheerleader... you really have no idea?"
I scratched my head with an awkward smile. "Ah, I am a pro, but... honestly, I don't know other players well either, let alone..."
The cheerleader named Kim Se-rin shook her head in total exasperation. "Oh my god, then why'd you look so shocked earlier? When I took off my cap and mask."
Only then did I confess. "That was... 'cause you're so pretty. I was just stunned."
At my words, Kim Se-rin blanked out for a second. Her eyes wavered, then she burst out laughing. "Hahaha. What? You're cute."
Cute? She waved it off and turned around. "Good spot for running, right?"
"Yeah. Think I'll come here for a while."
"Cool. See you around then. I'm done for today."
She glanced back as she went, giving me a hand wave before disappearing. I stared blankly at her retreating figure, feeling my heart pound. I couldn't tell if it was from the run or this totally unforeseen encounter.