Peak Condition!
Condition was at its peak as I headed home from the park. The fact that I'd run into Kim Se-rin the cheerleader after so long kept circling in my mind. For some reason, the afterglow lingered.
"Ah… what the hell… let's just get inside already."
I muttered to myself and grabbed my gear from the car before heading home. As soon as I punched in the code and stepped inside, the familiar feeling washed over me.
"You're back? Good work."
Mom, watching TV in the living room, looked up and said.
I flashed a tired grin and threw up a V-sign with my fingers.
"Yeah! Made it back. Your son's fully revived! That's why I came home instead of crashing at the dorms! Gonna impose on you a bit more, Mom~"
Mom chuckled and set down the remote.
"Good job. It's easier on my body when you're at the dorms… but my heart's at ease when you're home."
Her words made me pause for a second.
"Ahem. Yeah."
But Mom's expression shifted subtly. Her eyes sharpened just a bit, her gaze piercing right through me.
"No issues after that, right?"
Those words carried layers of meaning. This wasn't about the game. It was about that incident.
I took a breath and forced a smile.
"Of course not. It was nothing to begin with. Just got blown up in the articles. But I didn't let it get to me—I powered through. Ahem."
Mom stared at me a moment longer, then gave a slight nod. Not full belief, but like she'd confirmed her son was okay now.
"Alright. That's what matters."
"Gonna crash then. Game, drive, all of it—I'm wiped. Wanted to chat more, but Dad's already out, right?"
Mom waved with a smile.
"Yeah, he's been asleep awhile. You rest up too. Got another game tomorrow."
I headed to my room, shut the door, dumped my stuff haphazardly, and flopped onto the bed. The mattress sank comfortably under me.
"Haa…"
My long exhale scattered toward the ceiling. Closing my eyes, the day's highlights flashed by: the game's tension, and Kim Se-rin. Why'd she have to show up now of all times… But I shook it off. No point dwelling. Focus on tomorrow. I'm a pro, after all. I resolved myself and shut my eyes again, but a restless itch gnawed at the corner of my mind.
Night deepened, but sleep wouldn't come. I'm screwed. I tossed and turned under the covers, watching time slip away, until I checked my phone. I bit my lip hard. It was already 5 a.m. Eyes shut, but my brain wouldn't stop spinning. That park scene with Kim Se-rin replayed on loop: her hair fluttering in the wind, our brief eye contact, the words we'd exchanged.
Damn, did Pigeons send an assassin or something? Ace-level distraction tactic? Arghhh. Tried to sleep, but her touch on my hand… the words she'd said while locking eyes… why wouldn't they leave my head? I'd shove them out, they'd creep back. Finally, I gave up and opened my eyes. Morning light crept through the window by 6 a.m. I'm toast… totally pulled an all-nighter… What now… Body heavy, head foggy. Lying there wasn't helping—in fact, every muscle ached. I kicked off the covers decisively and got up.
"Screw it, off to the training ground."
I splashed water on my face, threw on training gear, hopped in the car. Quick goodbyes to Mom and Dad—no breakfast—and straight to the field. Eyelids weighed down by fatigue, but staying put felt like it'd drive me insane.
A few staff were visible when I arrived; coaches just clocking in. Being this early, they looked surprised to see me.
"Hey, Kim Hu-seong. Everything okay? Why're you here so early? You drove home last night—aren't you beat?"
The chief coach emerged with his coffee mug and asked.
I bowed, dark circles heavy under my eyes.
"Coach, I got here early… but I've got a problem."
"Problem?"
"Couldn't sleep at all last night. Kinda half-awake for six hours… I'm exhausted now. Honestly, training like this—I don't think I can push through."
He scanned me up and down, frowning.
"So what're you gonna do?"
"Think I need to catch some Z's today. Mind if I nap during training?"
The chief coach laughed in disbelief at first.
"Wait… you came early to ask permission to sleep during training?"
I bowed lower, murmuring quietly.
"Sorry. Felt like I had to say something. I'm really wiped… Training and the game like this… it'd be rough."
No choice. Best I could do.
He paused at my words. Sipped his coffee, eyed my face steadily.
"Hm…"
The brief silence felt tense. But then the corner of his mouth twitched up.
"Alright, got it. Your usual work ethic says you're not the slacking type. Find a spot and crash."
"Really?"
"Yeah. But conditions: Keep your phone on. If 1st team calls, pick up right away. Text the 1st team manager where you're sleeping—just in case. Got it?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you, Coach."
I bowed deeply and headed into the stadium. Drifting through spots in my fatigue, I found a refreshingly cool room and slipped in. Used my folded training jacket as a pillow, hat over my face, and lay down. Weird spot to sleep, but exhaustion hit fast—eyelids drooped heavy. Consciousness faded, and within minutes, I plunged into deep slumber.
My body grew heavier and heavier in sleep. Then, a whisper-like voice intruded.
"Hey, poke his shoulder."
"Shouldn't we answer that call?"
"But why's he sleeping here…?"
Presence stirred me; eyes fluttered open. I sat up.
"Huh?"
"Oh! He's up."
"Who're you?"
Vision cleared slowly. About six people stood before me.
"……?"
Huh? Who… Seo Ha-yoon? And five more girls?
Brain snapped alert. Cheerleaders—staring at me in shock. I'm screwed!
"U, uwaaak!"
I jolted up reflexively but lost balance in my drowsiness. Tumbled backward straight into a pile of suitcases.
Thud!
"Arrrgh!"
A scream escaped. Colliding suitcases burst open, clothes spilling out: short-sleeve uniforms, sparkly cheer skirts, skimpy outfits raining down on me. Dazed, a white fabric flopped over my face last. Sweet scent wafted gently. The fragrance seeped in, mind going hazy.
"Kyaa! Nooo!"
"Careful, that's new!"
"No underwear in there, right?"
Cheerleaders rushed in, yanking clothes off me. Whoa… screwed. No underwear, at least. Silver lining? I stayed dumbfounded till the mess cleared—then a familiar face popped up. Seo Ha-yoon.
"Kim Hu-seong."
"Uh… wh-where am I…?"
"This is the cheerleaders' lounge. Lucky we were mostly at dance practice. Your phone kept buzzing, so we were debating waking you."
I nodded at her quick rundown. Huh? Phone?!
She handed it over. Screen flashing: 1st Team Manager.
"What time is it?"
"5:30."
…How long did I sleep?
"Gasp!"
I shot up like struck by lightning.
"Sorry! So sorry! I'm outta here!"
Snatched the phone, answered while sprinting for the training ground.
"Hu-seong, where are you right now?"
"Sorry! I'm in the stadium building. Heading to the locker room now!"
"That was close… Hurry over."
Call ended; I bolted down the hall. Burst through the locker room door—whole team seated, eyes locking on me. Air froze solid. Then the manager, arms crossed, spoke slowly.
"Sleep well?"
Toast. I froze stiff, then cracked an awkward grin.
"Yes! Slept like a rock! Condition's peak!"
Screw it. Shameless it is.