Chapter 83: I Want to Provide Treatment
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 83: I Want to Provide Treatment
“How is it? This is my training ground, and it also serves as a demonstration court where I play practice matches with other players.”
“Whoa.”
It was a spacious indoor sports complex located on the outskirts of Seoul. Not only was it packed with various facilities, but...
Thwack! Thwack!
Right next to the main hall was a tennis court filled with people playing.
“There are a lot of people here.”
“Right? There’s been a huge tennis craze lately.”
From older men who looked quite seasoned to young children who still hadn't lost their baby fat, everyone was swinging their rackets and practicing.
“It’s a bit embarrassing to say it myself, but the number of people visiting tennis courts like this has increased significantly since I won the French Open.”
“Well, whenever a famous sports star emerges, public interest naturally follows.”
It was the same with figure skating and volleyball in the past. It wasn't often that unpopular sports received such a spotlight. It usually required the appearance of an exceptional star or remarkable results in a major tournament.
Hyun-kyung was a case where both had happened simultaneously. A soft smile played on her lips as she watched the people playing tennis.
“I love seeing this. So many people playing tennis... seeing others enjoy the sport I love so much and being able to share that joy.”
“Is that why you wanted to win?”
“Yes. I wanted to win over and over again so I could see everyone in Korea enjoying tennis.”
Her voice, as she calmly stated her goal, was filled with pure delight.
“You’ll be able to do it, Hyun-kyung.”
“Of course. I’ve gained confidence.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. To be honest, I lacked confidence until recently. I even wondered if I’d make it through the finals... but...”
Hyun-kyung shrugged and looked at me.
“Ever since I met you, Jae-ho, I’ve felt like I can actually win!”
“You thought that just by looking at me?”
“Yes! Isn't it amazing?”
“Maybe it’s because the rehabilitation is going well?”
“That’s part of it, but my body has felt much lighter than usual ever since I started exercising with you!”
“Ho-oh.”
Hyun-kyung hopped up and down. I could see her breasts, which looked smaller than they actually were because they were tightly bound with compression bandages.
“You always wear compression bandages on your chest when you train.”
“Yes, that’s right. Does it look a bit strange?”
“To me, you look much prettier without the bandages.”
“I-is that so?”
“Of course, if you’re asking from a trainer’s perspective, I think a moderate amount of compression is good for both shape and health.”
“Then I guess it’s best to wear the bandages only when I’m exercising and take them off the rest of the time.”
“That would be better.”
“Then I’ll do that!”
Hyun-kyung tucked her arm into mine. Just as I was caught off guard by the sudden physical contact, I felt eyes piercing into me. The stares coming from all directions were so intense they were almost overwhelming.
What’s going on?
I looked around. I could see the people who had been playing tennis whispering among themselves.
“Hyun-kyung brought a man.”
“Did you see that? She’s linking arms with him and acting so affectionate.”
“Isn't this the first time she’s acted like that with a guy?”
“Is that definitely a guy?”
“Doesn't look like... a woman with short hair.”
“My goodness, wonders never cease. That Hyun-kyung actually brought a man here.”
“I don’t think he’s her boyfriend, though?”
“But it’s not like there are no feelings involved, right? That skinship makes him look like a total ‘some-nam.’”
Whisper, whisper.
Buzz, buzz.
What was this? They were all gossiping about Hyun-kyung and me as if we were some rare animals on display. For a moment, I felt like a creature in a zoo.
In the midst of this strange atmosphere...
“Hyun-kyung! Who is that man next to you?”
A woman wearing glasses ran toward us. She looked to be in her 40s—no, maybe her 30s.
“Coach, this is the rehabilitation specialist I told you about.”
“Ah, the one you said was so effective?”
“Yes.”
“Aha.”
If she was Hyun-kyung’s coach... Lee Seo-hye. I remembered her being a famous tennis star in the past.
“Hello.”
“Nice to meet you. But is it because you’re a trainer? Your physique is really something. No wonder you seduced Hyun-kyung... No, wait. I’m getting ahead of myself. Hoho!”
What was with everyone’s reaction, from the crowd to the coach? It was as if they had all been waiting for the day Hyun-kyung would finally bring a man around. Just what kind of life have you been living, Hyun-kyung?
“Oh, by the way, Coach Park Yi-man was looking for you. Go see him.”
“Me?”
“He says he wants to test if your pelvis is really healed.”
“But you saw it yourself last time, Coach.”
“I did, but you know how he is. He’s got a lot of pride because of his experience in Europe and Australia. He probably can't accept it yet. Since Jae-ho is here anyway, why don't you go talk to him?”
“Alright.”
Hyun-kyung nodded and headed into the indoor gym.
“Ah, Jae-ho, would you mind chatting with me for a moment?”
“Sure.”
Once she confirmed Hyun-kyung had entered the gym, Coach Lee Seo-hye lowered her voice and asked, “What exactly is your relationship with Hyun-kyung?”
“Pardon?”
“I’m asking what’s going on between you two. Are you dating in a romantic sense, or is it strictly business?”
“I’d like to know why you’re asking so suddenly.”
“Ah, sorry. I was a bit too blunt. Ahem.”
Lee Seo-hye cleared her throat and continued.
“She’s a girl who has never had a boyfriend because she’s been so focused on tournaments. Honestly, I was speculating that her decline in condition might be due to a lack of that kind of affection. That’s why I asked about your relationship.”
“Ah.”
What kind of relationship, indeed. It was a relationship between a trainer and a member. Of course, it was far more twisted than what ordinary people would imagine. A trainer using hypnosis and a member under its spell.
It’s not like Hyun-kyung has no feelings for me at all...
Considering how we had progressed during the massages even before the hypnosis took hold.
“Hmm.”
“Is it a difficult question to answer?” Coach Lee Seo-hye asked persistently.
“For now, we are business partners. I think the skinship has just become natural because it’s necessary for the rehabilitation therapy.”
“‘For now,’ huh... Fine. I think I get the gist of it. And one more thing!”
“There’s more?”
“Do you have feelings for Hyun-kyung?”
“Excuse me?”
I couldn't say I had none. She was an attractive woman, after all. She was beautiful and charming, the kind of woman your eyes naturally followed. She had a healthy, voluptuous body, great looks, and incredible talent. What man wouldn't like her?
“It’s difficult for me to say.”
“Why?”
“It’s a matter of personal privacy.”
“Hmm, alright.”
What was this? I felt like I was being interrogated. While this was happening, the people who had been watching from the tennis court and the surrounding area were slowly creeping closer. It felt like they were straining their ears to overhear our conversation.
I knew this feeling.
It feels like being interrogated by a girlfriend’s family.
It was clear how much she cherished Hyun-kyung.
“Everything else is fine, but if you’re just trying to mess with her and end up hurting her...”
Lee Seo-hye’s smiling face suddenly turned cold and rigid.
“I won't let you get away with it.”
A cold sweat ran down my spine at her murderous gaze.
“That won't happen.”
“Fufu, alright. I’ll trust you. Well, since you said you aren't in that kind of relationship yet. Go on in. The medical coach is waiting for you with his claws out.”
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
I let out a sigh of relief and entered the gym. That look in her eyes was truly terrifying. I thought I was going to die just from her stare.
Wait. Where am I supposed to go?
*
Medical Coach Park Yi-man was currently in a very foul mood. It was because Hyun-kyung’s physical condition had improved drastically a few days ago, and her performance had followed suit.
Normally, a coach should be happy when their athlete is doing well. If her condition had improved because of his analysis and treatment methods, he would have been overjoyed without a second thought.
The problem was that he had predicted Hyun-kyung’s pelvic issues would be chronic and persistent. Based on his vast experience and having observed many athletes, her pelvic injury was the type that couldn't be easily fixed. To truly heal the injury, she would have had to completely overhaul everything from her smash form to various habits.
Was that something possible in a month or two? He had insisted she needed a year-long break, but Hyun-kyung was determined to compete in this year’s tournaments. So, he had swallowed his pride and taken responsibility for her body.
And then, some strange guy suddenly appeared and supposedly solved the problem he had been agonizing over in one go.
Park Yi-man had seen it. He had heard it from Lee Seo-hye as well. That Hyun-kyung’s power was exactly the same as it was before the injury. If anything, it was stronger, not weaker.
That son of a bitch.
But he didn't want to believe it. He denied the fact that her body had been healed by someone other than himself.
“You want to do another test?”
“Yes. We have to be sure. We don't know when or how the injury might recur.”
“Fine. But this is the last time.”
“I have no intention of being stubborn either. But if I’m right, and if this is proven to be just a temporary placebo effect! Hyun-kyung, you’re going back to my process, just as I said.”
“I understand.”
There was no way.
There’s no way I’m wrong.
He clenched his fists.
“When I tested you last time, I clearly said it would take nearly a year to heal your body. I still stand by that. Massage therapy? Do you think I’d ever acknowledge such an unscientific treatment? Absolutely not.”
“But it was effective.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Park Yi-man led Hyun-kyung to the indoor practice court. Hyun-kyung’s voice remained cold and distant throughout, annoyed at being forced into another test.
However, he wanted to see it with his own eyes one more time. He tossed a ball lightly toward Hyun-kyung, who was holding a racket in her gym wear.
“Alright, smash!”
At Yi-man’s signal, Hyun-kyung’s body leaped into the air.
BOOM!
She slammed the ball down. Terrifying speed. It hit the floor with a destructive force that even professional players wouldn't be able to react to.
“G-good. One more time.”
Thwack!
Boom! Thwack!
It was the same no matter how many times they repeated it. There was absolutely no hesitation in her movements. Usually, when pain is felt, there’s a slight hitch or stiffness amidst the fluid motions. But Hyun-kyung showed no such sign.
Even after repeating smashes until she was drenched in sweat, even after hitting countless serves, there was no pelvic pain. Instead, she displayed a level of flexibility she hadn't possessed before.
“H-how is this possible?”
Park Yi-man took pride in having near-perfect medical knowledge backed by cutting-edge science and years of experience. But now, he was witnessing a part of his knowledge system crumble.
He had denied and avoided acknowledging Hyun-kyung’s condition to protect his own expertise. But after witnessing the reality unfolding before him, he could no longer question her body.
Was I wrong?
Or was Hyun-kyung’s body special? If not that... was that rehabilitation trainer who handled her special?
I’m not wrong. My experience is correct.
If Hyun-kyung’s body were special, it should have responded to his treatment as well. One fact he had wanted to deny until the very end began to consume his mind: the rehabilitation trainer who looked after Hyun-kyung was far more skilled than he was.
It was the moment Park Yi-man’s ego, built on confidence and self-esteem, collapsed. His fingers trembled.
“Whew, why is this place so big? I got lost for a while.”
While he was drowning in despair, a man entered the indoor gym where they were practicing.
“Ah, Jae-ho! Did your talk with the coach go well?”
The moment he saw Hyun-kyung’s face brighten, he realized it. That was the man. The rehabilitation trainer. Park Yi-man strode toward him.
“Coach Park?”
Ignoring Hyun-kyung’s confused voice, he walked up to him. He stood before Jae-ho, biting his lip hard.
“What is it?”
Jae-ho looked surprised by his sudden approach.
“I have something to say.”
He tightly gripped his trembling hands. His fists continued to shake. It was a volatile situation, as if a fight were about to break out at any second.
Park Yi-man, who had been glaring at Jae-ho, suddenly dropped to his knees.
“Please, tell me your secret! I want to learn from you!”
“Eh?”
If you can't beat them, you have to learn from them.
“I want to provide treatment like that.”
Park Yi-man, who had traveled through Europe and Australia learning the latest medical processes, had crumbled before Jae-ho.
Tell him my secret? How am I supposed to teach him this kind of training? I could tell him if he had a hypnosis tool, though.
*
“Haa, haa... How’s this? Is it good?”
“It’s no joke.”
“Really? Then how about this?”
“Incredible.”
“Haa, haa. I think I like this position better too. Haang!”
I watched the beads of sweat forming on Hyun-kyung’s skin. Sweat that traced her collarbone, passed between the mounds of her breasts, and flowed down to her navel. Every time she moved her panting body, her large breasts swayed in every direction.
In front of me, Hyun-kyung was swinging her racket, completely naked.
“You’re doing great.”
Is it strange to swing a racket while naked? This is all just a part of the rehabilitation training.