Blushes and Fan Frenzy
I was flustered by Seo Ha-yoon's appearance during our good time together. "Ahem, what... what do you mean?" I could feel my own panic.
"I just came to visit you in the hospital... that's not bad, right?" Seo Ha-yoon said, tilting her head slightly. Her tone was cautious somehow.
"Still, you didn't have to come all this way." At my words, Seo Ha-yoon let out a very small sigh. Then she looked at me... with eyes that seemed shy yet determined. The moment I saw that gaze, I froze even more.
"I... originally saw you as a friend I could get close to. When I first saw you at the stadium, we're both twenty, and we had that similar fresh-out-of-school vibe, right? So... I was really happy thinking I'd made a friend."
Seo Ha-yoon spoke slowly. Friend? Yeah... that was the vibe. Even now. Or... not now?
"But then something unfortunate happened. Because of the seniors' prank, I dragged you into it and caused you trouble. That stuck with me. I felt sorry."
I averted my gaze, recalling that situation. Seo Ha-yoon continued regardless of my reaction.
"But you said it was fine. You were planning to go down anyway... and you'd come back up. It's not easy, though. But you actually did it."
At that moment, her eyes changed a little. Just a bit, sparkling.
"That's when I first... thought you were cool." Thud. Hearing that, a strange heat surged in my chest all at once.
Seo Ha-yoon kept going. "And I felt sorry again. I don't know much about baseball, so I didn't realize how amazing that was. You kept fouling weakly to the back, but you said it was impressive. That fans would love it. I couldn't believe it."
Then she recalled yesterday. "But I... saw it for real for the first time. Even after cheering for months, I thought I knew fan culture pretty well? The fans holding their breath so they wouldn't distract you, then cheering desperately for your win in the brief pauses, everyone supporting you individually without asking for autographs... I'd never seen that. We cheerleaders followed the fans late. But that weird vibe felt really good."
Ah... so that's what the stands were like.
"And when you fought through it and reached first base, the fans went absolutely wild with joy. Just like you said. You looked so cool standing on first."
She caught her breath and spoke slowly. "So... I came because I liked it. I had to. You were too cool."
Huh? This is like... a confession?
Then Seo Ha-yoon's face flushed red, and she stood up. "This! I mean... not like that! Don't get the wrong idea. I just liked it! Like 'like' in English. You know what I mean? Confession is too soon... Ah, what am I saying? Anyway, I'll go! Get better quick and keep being cool."
She hurried out. What the hell, she just said her piece and...Thump thump thump thump! But my heart was racing.
Hmm, just praise, right...? That I've been cool all along. And telling me how much the fans loved it then? Hmm... Feels good.
Time in the hospital dragged on endlessly. For an active player like me, staying still in that situation was torture. Especially since I was used to long training sessions, the frustration was normal. But thanks to Seo Ha-yoon, that eased up.
I started scrolling through sports articles on my phone, and the fun of reading them made time melt away.
Found it!
Just the headlines told the story. Mostly praise. Not over-the-top hype, but articles capturing exactly what I'd shown in the game.
I propped myself up a bit and scrolled to the comments.
Hmm. Didn't work this hard for rumors to spread... but feels good? Hmm hmm.
And below, comments fully defending past stuff.
Every comment was gold. Felt like people were genuinely rooting for me.
Time passed, and I was discharged. Thought I'd crash at home, but no. Back-to-back praise kept my mood sky-high.
Yeah... sports pros spoke well, internet full of good vibes. Hmm... this is why we play baseball.
Hard to sleep every night, staying up reading that stuff in the hospital, napping days away exhausted. But home today... maybe a short walk? Doc said it's fine.
Strolling the park slowly, a familiar silhouette caught my eye under a streetlamp. Long platinum blonde hair, hat and mask despite summer heat.
"Huh? Kim Hu-seong?" It was Kim Se-rin, the cheerleader.
"You okay? Heard the news. Collapsed at the stadium?"
I smiled awkwardly and nodded. "Yeah. I'm good. Week's rest ordered. Day 4, discharged today... 3 more days off, back right after."
Kim Se-rin put hands on hips, relieved. "Phew, good. Was worried sick. But you look fine now."
I nodded. Then, naturally, another face popped up—Seo Ha-yoon's worried look in the hospital, her shy words.
"Um... can I ask something?"
"Ask away?"
"Yeah... you said before, what about players and cheerleaders dating? If it's getting serious?"
Her expression hardened instantly. Eyes narrowed, scanning me up and down.
"Similar to what you asked me... but why suddenly? Serious, huh?"
Too direct—I panicked, words stuck. Hands flailed uselessly.
"Ah... just... y'know... Pigeons have cases like that, right? Even marriages? Unthinkable for Turkeys, but... just curious about the vibe... since they like each other and marry..."
Zing. Kim Se-rin glared fiercely.
"Hmm~? Something off with your words? Got a cheerleader on your mind? At Turkeys? Why else ask outta nowhere~?"
Her sharp words hit; I widened eyes, waved hands frantically.
"No, no! Not that... just... curious..."
She watched my reaction, silent a moment. Then slowly, unhappily: "Lucky you. Fine, whatever, not my business. Pigeons do have marriage cases? Not many, but..."
"But?"
"They keep it super careful even there. Sneak around, then 'Surprise, we're married!' Lots like that. We just congratulate."
Then Kim Se-rin turned. "There, answered your curiosity. Have. A. Good. Time."