Calm Before the Storm
…………… After that, things went relatively smoothly. I taught her a few exercises like bench presses, deadlifts, overhead presses, and so on.
But there was a problem. For example, when I was teaching her upper body workouts. As I lay down on the bench to demonstrate the bench press, Lee Jin-ah naturally circled around to my head side and stood there.
"What're you doing?"
"Spotting you. Like this, right?"
She wasn't wrong. It's standard to spot from the head side of the person lifting the barbell. The issue was, from that position, I couldn't see her gaze looking down at me…… only the swell of her chest barely contained by her crop top.
Don't let it get to you. It's just a demo.
Right. If I got distracted by those two round, heavy masses jiggling with every breath she took, I'd lose.
"Okay, watch. Lower it slowly until it almost touches your chest——"
I lowered the barbell slowly, then pushed it back up.
"——then press it up again."
I glanced at Lee Jin-ah as I spoke. Still couldn't see her eyes or expression.
But.
"Whoa…… Senior, your arms are so solid."
Lee Jin-ah didn't react to the bench press demo at all. Instead, she lightly traced my triceps with her finger or poked at them firmly.
"……Hmm."
I got the gist that it was praise, but her voice had this incredibly sultry tone.
I scolded her as politely as I could. "I'm demonstrating here. Focus and learn."
"Ah, yes. I'm watching. Keep going, please."
There was a hint of laughter in Lee Jin-ah's voice. And after saying that, she didn't pull her hand away. No, she pressed harder, kneading it like dough.
Heh, this girl.
It must mean my triceps were impressive. ……That's what I'd decided to think, anyway. Among gym-goers, touching muscles is common. No big deal.
……………
After showering, I waited for Lee Jin-ah near the entrance. I figured the women's showers might take a while, but surprisingly, she came out quick. Her hair was still damp, roughly towel-dried as she approached.
"Senior, today was really great."
"Yeah? Glad to hear it."
"For real. It's totally different from doing it alone."
Her face was definitely brighter. Must've been thrilled to learn proper form. Yeah, first time getting real instruction, that makes sense.
"So, um…… Could you come more often from now on?"
"More often?"
"Yes. I want to work out with you, Senior."
Lee Jin-ah's eyes sparkled. Full of expectation, I guess.
"Wouldn't it be better to get a personal trainer……?"
"I want you, Senior."
The words cut me off. Lee Jin-ah's expression had subtly hardened. Not the bright vibe from before, more like…… venomous?
Nah, that's too strong a word.
"……Uh, yeah?"
"Yes."
Her reply was curt. Not like her at all.
"Then I'll drop by occasionally to help."
"Three times a week okay?"
"Three times?! That's too much."
"Once then?"
Hmm.
How did I end up negotiating workout sessions with Lee Jin-ah? Felt like I'd been schemed into this. Still, it's hard to turn down a cute junior openly asking to work out together.
"……Fine. Once is okay."
I caved. I'd only meant to teach her once, but somehow, we'd scheduled weekly sessions. Felt like I'd gotten seriously hooked.
"Thank you, Senior! Looking forward to next week too."
Lee Jin-ah beamed again. That stiff expression vanished like an illusion.
……Whatever. Helping out a junior with workouts is fine.
As we headed out of the gym, I felt eyes on us. A few male gym members watching. Jealousy? Envy? I could guess, but I wanted to tell them it was a misunderstanding. I was just teaching my junior. Not some creepy old guy hitting on a young woman.
But I couldn't go explaining myself to strangers.
The moment we stepped outside, Lee Jin-ah spoke up. "Senior, since we're both off early anyway, hang out with me a bit longer."
"A bit longer?"
"Yeah! Sun's not down yet."
She pointed at the sky. True, the late afternoon sun still lit the streets.
"Hmm."
Not like I had anything urgent at home. What would I do? Zone out in front of the TV and crash? Or habitually grab soju from the fridge. One bottle turns to two, two to three. No work tomorrow, so I could drink till I blacked out.
I'd resolved to cut back, but alone at home with nothing to do, the urge hits endlessly. I'd learned that the hard way.
Can't do that.
Not to me, my daughter, or Lee Jin-ah who cares about my health. Sinking back into booze would be the worst.
"Alright, what're we doing?"
I gave in again. Lee Jin-ah smiled, satisfied.
"Just walk with me. A little further and we'll hit the main strip."
"Sounds good."
Nice, sunny afternoon. Great day. Except for feeling like Lee Jin-ah had me on a leash.
Maybe she was just good at handling guys.
……………
Late afternoon Gangnam buzzed with people. Close to quitting time, office workers spilling out. We blended in, strolling slowly.
Lee Jin-ah stuck close to my side. Shoulders nearly brushing. Hands occasionally grazed.
Narrow streets. Can't be helped.
Probably not intentional. No need to overthink.
"Senior, let's check that out."
She pointed to a shop. Accessories store.
"I'll wait outside."
"Come on, look together!"
I got dragged in. Then cosmetics store. Then dollar shop. Then shoes. Before I knew it, I was half porter. Shopping bags piling up in my hands. Mostly hers.
Tired.
Never thought a fortysomething guy would be keeping up with a twenty-something girl's shopping. Sounds simple, but just tagging along drained energy fast.
Still, not hating it. Weird.
Watching her excitedly browse…… felt like a dad out with his daughter.
"Senior, over here!"
Lee Jin-ah waved from another shop. Men's clothing store this time.
"Why?"
"Check out some clothes for you, Senior. I told you before. Put some effort into your casual wear."
"What's wrong with my clothes?"
"They're cool but…… drab. It suits your vibe, though! Like that irresistible offer you can't refuse uncle type."
"……Ugh."
Her words hit hard. I saw myself as a shabby old guy too, but even wasted on booze, Han Kang had a light heavyweight fighter's build. Now? A few days off alcohol, and my weight was up a bit. Not fat—rehydrating after the booze dehydration.
Yeah. Bluntly, I might look rough. Fine, I admit it.
I shut up and followed her in.
"How's this?"
She held up a gray dress shirt. Neutral color, slim fit.
"Looks decent."
"Right? I thought it'd suit you, Senior."
Tried it on in the fitting room. Mirror check: Hmm. Not bad at all.
Definitely better than what I'd pick.
Stepped out, and Lee Jin-ah's eyes lit up.
"Whoa! It fits perfectly. Your broad shoulders and muscles make the pecs pop right away. The fit is spot-on."
"Yeah?"
"Yes. I'll buy it."
"What?"
"A gift. You taught me workouts and carried my bags."
She grinned slyly. Knew exactly what she was doing, making me her porter.
"No, it's fine. Too much."
"Nuh-uh, no way."
She was firm. No budging.
"Seriously. Think about my age. It's burdensome."
"Then……."
She pondered, then flashed a sly smile.
"Buy me clothes next time."
"……Huh?"
"Shop with me again next time. You pick and buy for me."
As she said it, she was already handing her card to the cashier.
What the……?
Realization hit late. Got a free shirt. And a next shopping date locked in. No specific day, but a "next time" existed.
"……Thanks. I'll wear it well."
"Yes! Wear it often!"
Lee Jin-ah beamed. Not a joke—I was properly hooked. Just my imagination, probably.
……………
As we walked, sorting bags, my pocket buzzed. Phone. Screen: Han Sol. My daughter.
Joy surged first. We'd gotten closer lately, so calls felt natural.
"Hello?"
"Dad, I'm at your place, but you're not here."
"Huh?"
Han Sol at my house? No heads-up?
"Suddenly? What's up?"
"Just wanted to see you. Can't I?"
"Ah, no. Of course you can."
Flustered but pleased. Daughter dropping by to see her dad. Unimaginable a week ago.
"Where are you now?"
"Uh, well——"
I named the nearby district.
"Oh, there? Not far. Be right over."
"What?!"
Call ended before I could reply. Just wanted to see you. Those words lingered oddly. Old Han Sol never would've said that. Things had really changed since reconciling.
Good thing. Really good.
Daughter's coming. In this situation. Maybe hang out as a trio? Or ditch Lee Jin-ah and see daughter alone? Sorting thoughts, Lee Jin-ah spoke up beside me.
"Who was that? That woman."
"My daughter."
"……Ah, your daughter."
Lee Jin-ah's voice dipped subtly. That was her only reaction, and we kept walking.