Hu-seong's Terrifying Steak Date
"Is this real?"
The operations team leader quickly asked a nearby staffer.
"Uh... looks like it. That's definitely our underground parking lot... their outfits match... and not many players drive that car, so it's gotta be Kim Hu-seong."
The team leader clenched his fist tight.
"Good. Finally, Hu-seong's showing a weakness. Gotta leverage this right."
Moments later, he headed to Kim Young-ho, the manager.
"Manager Kim Young-ho."
"Yes. What is it?"
Kim Young-ho looked annoyed.
"Heard the news?"
"What news?"
"Well, it's... Hu-seong..."
"Huh? What's up with Hu-seong?"
That's when it happened.
Thud thud thud thud! Someone came rushing in.
"Manager! Big trouble!"
Kim Young-ho scowled at the urgent playing coach, Lee Gyu-yong.
"What now? Why come in like this making everyone nervous?"
"Uh... Min-seok got injured during fielding practice."
"Ah."
Kim Young-ho let out a groan of despair.
The Gocheok Turkeys were already plagued by injuries. Especially pitchers: last season's workhorses Jo Seon-jae and Lee Tae-sin were out, reliable closer Kim Jin-ho had chronic issues, and trade acquisition Kim Chan-seok had nagging injuries leading to his departure. Their bullpen was down to just Kim Do-yoon from the minors.
And now fielders were getting hit too.
"Haa... Well, outfield's solid with three good ones..."
Then, remembering what the operations team leader had said, Kim Young-ho turned serious and eyed him.
"What was that about Hu-seong earlier?"
"Er... minor issue with his personal life..."
"And the plan?"
"No firm action yet... but we'll just give a light warning. It's... with a team cheerleader, of all things..."
"Haa..."
Kim Young-ho rubbed his temple and sighed at the team leader's words.
"Another cheerleader?"
"But... we can't bench Hu-seong now. It warrants a warning, but we'll let it slide this time out of consideration. Just say we're giving him a heads-up as a favor..."
Only then did Kim Young-ho nod.
"Fine. Call Hu-seong in now."
Lee Gyu-yong glanced around, assessed the situation, and nodded.
"Got it."
Soon, Kim Hu-seong arrived.
"...You called for me? Buuuurp."
Kim Hu-seong turned his head briefly and let out a burp.
"Yeah. Everything okay with you?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Kim Hu-seong tilted his head, looking puzzled.
"No idea."
'...? What's this?'
Kim Young-ho sensed something off in Kim Hu-seong's demeanor but decided to move on—team priorities first.
"Anyway, keep it clean outside—no scandals. Got it?"
"... Buuuurp. Yes, sir."
"Why all the burping?"
"Uh... food's not digesting."
"Digesting? Oh, bulking up, right? But you're training hard again?"
"Yes. Barely managing thanks to that... buuuurp."
'Hmm? Doesn't seem like he's out partying with a girlfriend...'