On The Rise As A Catcher [EN]: Chapter 185

“I just wrote that I’ve admired you for a long time, that I really wanted to meet you, and that I was serious.”

“…That’s it?”

“Yeah, that’s all I wrote.”

“You’re telling me you just wrote that, and she contacted you right away to meet?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“Sigh… Hyung [older brother or close male friend]. Are you lying to me? I’m disappointed.”

“I’m telling you it’s true. But when I met her, it turned out there was another reason besides the text.”

Song Seok-hyun straightened up again.

“What is it?”

“She had a bad experience. She didn’t tell me who, but she dated a really famous celebrity. Someone you’d know just by hearing the name?”

“Ooh, you don’t know who it is?”

“I didn’t ask. Why would I pry and embarrass myself? My sister said she was serious, but he kept taking her too lightly.”

“Ah, lightly…”

“My sister was completely broken. She felt self-conscious, wondering if she was such an easy woman. That’s when I sent the text. The first time my sister called me, it wasn’t because she liked me. She called me to vent her anger, wondering if she looked so easy.”

“Getting slapped in Jongno [a district in Seoul] and glaring in the Han River [a major river in Seoul]. Why did she vent her anger on you?”

“Like, do you also see me as easy? She was angry, asking why I was contacting her when she never gave me her number. So, she got really mad the first time we met. I couldn’t say a word. Then she started crying by herself again? She drank a lot by herself too. I couldn’t stop her. Then she suddenly collapsed… Ha, she threw up and it was a mess. The owner got angry, threatening to call the police… It was really tough.”

“When was that? Wasn’t that when you were in Busan, Hyung?”

“Yeah, my sister was in Busan then too. Somehow, she got in touch with SP Sports, and they decided to take her to her accommodation, but she threw up in the taxi again. I cleaned it up, paid for it, and even gave them money, man. They wanted 100,000 won [approximately $75 USD] because they couldn’t do business. The first meeting was a complete disaster… Anyway, it wasn’t good. She woke up around the time I took her to her accommodation. Ha, the first meeting was the worst, the worst.”

“But how did you start dating? You were the worst to each other.”

“The next day, she suddenly called me. She said she was sorry and wanted to apologize. I said it was okay, but she kept calling me, so I went. When I got there, there were other girls with her? I was the only guy, and they were all girls. I ended up joining them, and my sister’s friends were pushing us together. There was even a fan of our team there. Ah, that sister asked you to get her an autograph. Make sure to do it later.”

“Okay, okay. So?”

“So, what… My sister’s friends did everything. They played king games [a party game] and tried to connect me and my sister somehow. I was going to leave after a while, but my sister didn’t seem to dislike it? When I went to the bathroom, my sister’s friend poked me in the ribs. She seriously confessed that my sister only looks tough on the outside, but she’s a naive person who went to an all-girls middle school, high school, and teachers college, and told me to confess. So, on the way to taking her to her accommodation that day… Um… I confessed, I guess. It didn’t matter if it didn’t work out.”

“So, okay?”

Kim In-hwan shrugged his shoulders.

“We started dating that day. Funny, right? I was honestly dumbfounded.”

Clap clap clap.

Song Seok-hyun clapped his hands.

“As expected, only the brave win the beauty. So, there’s another way to date. Amazing, amazing. That was a week ago, right?”

“Yeah.”

“As expected, men have to be proactive. Hyung, you finally got it right because you had the courage. Congratulations, Hyung. Escape from being single!”

Kim In-hwan muttered in a small voice.

“My sister is more proactive than me…”

“Huh?”

“No, no.”

“But Hyung, did your sister close her SNS? When I went in earlier, there was nothing there.”

“She closed it for now. We decided to admit the dating rumors. What can we do when the photos are all out? I’m the only one who feels sorry for my sister.”

“Looking at the photos, it seems like your sister likes you a lot. Ooh. You’re capable~.”

Kim In-hwan scratched his forehead.

“No, well, it wasn’t like that from the beginning, but as we dated, it became like that, uh? It became like that, um, um. It became like that?”

Song Seok-hyun blinked.

“Why are you stuttering so much? Why is your face like that again? Hyung, did you drink? Your face is red?”

“It’s because I went to the sauna too much, the sauna. Ugh, I don’t know if I’ll wake up properly tomorrow.”

Kim In-hwan took off his clothes and immediately covered himself with the blanket.

Song Seok-hyun got up from his seat and approached Kim In-hwan.

“It seems like there are a lot of omitted stories…”

“Let’s sleep, sleep. I’m too tired today. Let’s get some sleep.”

“Um… I understand. I’ll go to sleep. I’ll listen to the rest tomorrow.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. That’s all there is. Sleep, you rascal. Go to sleep quickly.”

The next morning.

The spotlight was on Kim In-hwan.

Everyone who made eye contact with Kim In-hwan asked how it happened.

Kim In-hwan tried to avoid them, but he couldn’t avoid the reporters who were stationed at the Daejeon stadium.

“Yes, yes. We are currently dating seriously, and I plan to work hard to maintain a better relationship in the future.”

It was a canned response as if he had a recorder on, but the reporters’ expressions were serious.

The expressions of the players and coaches looking at Kim In-hwan were even more serious.

“Why on earth…?”

“I still don’t understand. Even if In-hwan is doing well these days, all the seniors who are better than In-hwan and make more money were all cut off?”

“What is In-hwan’s charm? How did he seduce Han Ga-yeon?”

“What’s so lacking about the Wall of Grief [referring to Han Ga-yeon], Han Ga-yeon…?”

“You saw the picture, right? Han Ga-yeon is completely smitten. It seems like Han Ga-yeon likes him more.”

“There are so many things in the world that are hard to understand.”

While people were chattering, Kim Jeong-ryul and Yoo Seon-ho stood in the back with their hands behind their backs, shaking their heads.

“How would those guys know?”

“Ha, I knew something was strange. I thought he was being picky because he was trying to shower alone.”

“I really need to go on a blind date right after this season.”

“Hyung, it’s not a blind date, it’s a matchmaking meeting.”

“…Why is a guy who’s worse than a cold bath talking so carelessly?”

“What are you talking about, worse than a cold bath? I’m practical.”

Yoo Seon-ho snorted.

“Practical my foot. You’re penny-wise and pound-foolish.”

As Yoo Seon-ho left, Kim Jeong-ryul chased after Yoo Seon-ho with a flustered face.

“What’s penny-wise and pound-foolish? What’s penny-wise and pound-foolish?”

“No, I misspoke. It’s not penny-wise and pound-foolish, it’s nominal.”

“Hey, Hyung!”

“If you can’t scatter flowers on Hee-ya’s path, why are you tackling me?”

* * *

Although the game was approaching, the interest in Kim In-hwan’s dating rumors was hotter than the match against the Phoenixes.

Laughter and jokes poured out from the Gotez bench.

“Ah, those punks. They have no tension.”

Kyung Soo-in, the fourth hitter for the Phoenixes and the fourth hitter for the national team, scanned the Gotez bench with a displeased face.

Jeong Gwang-woo, the starting pitcher for the Phoenixes, clicked his tongue.

“They’re doing well, that’s what it is. Gotez is no joke these days.”

“Still, those punks should at least look nervous before the game. They’re just laughing and making a fuss.”

“If you’re upset, Hyung, you win.”

“Can I do that alone?”

“Young-hoon does it.”

Kyung Soo-in chuckled.

“Screw that. Then you’re the pitcher, so you do as well as Young-hoon.”

“I’m impossible. I’m just a mediocre B-class pitcher.”

“Ooh, you think you’re B-class?”

“At this level, I’m A-class in our team.”

“When Young-hoon comes, you’re C-class, C-class.”

Jeong Gwang-woo licked his lips.

“When will Young-hoon come? Will it be next year?”

“If he’s been overworked that much, it wouldn’t be strange if he retired.”

“Didn’t they say he could return as early as next year?”

“As early as. In my opinion, I see it as at best the year after next. Even then, it won’t be the Young-hoon we know. My wish is that Young-hoon retires and remains a legend. Even if Young-hoon comes back with our current strength, we’ll just be a burden.”

“You already wore a championship ring once, so you’re happy-go-lucky, Hyung.”

“Do you think I’m not frustrated? Sigh. When will we rebuild and become regular guests in the fall baseball season?”

“Hyung, but.”

“But what?”

“Aren’t you curious? The great Han Ga-yeon went over? Even to Kim In-hwan! You were rejected a few times, right?”

Kyung Soo-in smiled bitterly.

“She must have unique tastes.”

“It’s really amazing. What kind of charm is it? How did he seduce the impregnable Han Ga-yeon?”

* * *

Bang!

“Right field fence! Right field fence! Right field fence! It’s over! Kim In-hwan’s solo home run! 2 consecutive home runs in today’s game! Kim In-hwan is thoroughly beating Kim Woo-min today.”

“Kim In-hwan’s power is really amazing. It seems like he hit it almost at the end of the bat, but it goes over the fence. This terrifying power, the nickname Hulk is not at all awkward. Look at Kim In-hwan’s body. His torso is thick, and his thighs and buttocks are solid. I think he hits home runs with the power of that core, that core.”

“The Phoenixes are collapsing from the beginning again today. Kim Woo-min is a promising player that the Phoenixes are putting effort into, but the wall called Gotez is really high and scary.”

“The Phoenixes’ rebuilding is just beginning. To rebuild properly, it takes at least 3 years. For 3 years, they have to discover good rookie players and nurture existing promising players to make a cornucopia of baseball possible. Even if it’s difficult, the Phoenixes have to steadily plow the field. Experience is scary. Look at Kim In-hwan. He’s the same age as Kim Woo-min, but until the beginning of this year, he was an ugly duckling. But now, isn’t he a member of the league’s best sluggers?”

When Kim In-hwan returned to the bench, the players rushed over and asked.

“Aren’t you going to do a ceremony for your sister-in-law?”

“Is it the power of love?”

“Kim In-hwan, look at him hitting home runs because he’s dating. I’m jealous, you bastard.”

Only Kim Jeong-ryul folded his arms and held out his hand to Kim In-hwan with a dejected face.

Kim In-hwan asked while touching hands with Kim Jeong-ryul.

“Hyung, why are you looking at me like that?”

Kim Jeong-ryul sighed and replied.

“I’m jealous, you bastard.”

“Huh? Me?”

“I’m happy, I’m happy.”

Kim In-hwan, not knowing why, only blinked.

“What’s so good, really?”

“Everything! Everything! Everything!”

Success as a catcher

The tears of the Daejeon Phoenixes

-I’m happy~ I’m happy~ I’m happy~ I’m happy because I’m a Phoenix~.

-Ttan, ttan, tta-da-dan, Phoenix home run!

-Ttan, ttan, tta-da-dan, Phoenix home run!

Bottom of the 9th inning.

14-2.

When Kyung Soo-in came out to the bases loaded with two outs, the Phoenixes fans stood up and sang the cheer song with all their might.

The Gotez players and Gotez fans became tight-lipped at the desperate cheer song.

Tak!

“Right fielder! Right fielder! The right fielder~~! Catches it! Seol Jin-il’s fine play! Game over! Kyung Soo-in’s ball did not go over the fence. 14-2. Gotez’s great victory.”

“The Phoenixes fans cheered with all their heart and soul, but unfortunately, the Phoenixes lost again today. A brief rebound and then back to 8th place. The hearts of the Phoenixes fans are aching again today.”

“On the other hand, the Gotez fans are in a festive mood. With today’s game, the gap with Pegasus has narrowed to 1 game, 1 game. There are still Daejeon games left with the Phoenixes tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.”

“The Pegasus fans will desperately want the Phoenixes to perform well.”

“Kim In-hwan was selected as the MVP of today’s game. He is the main character of today’s game with 3 consecutive home runs, right? He also set a record for all-base appearances.”

“Haha, I thought Kim In-hwan would be scolded today because of the dating rumors, but his performance was even better. I think this is the power of love.”

“Gotez is having a happy dilemma. Hulk Kim In-hwan and Jamsil’s King Song Seok-hyun are producing home runs one after another.”

“There was a time when everyone was talking about how Gotez’s farm was devastated at the beginning of this year. It’s a world of difference. The KS duo came out of Gotez’s farm. I think they are the best duo in the league, surpassing the best ever.”

* * *

“Yeah, yeah. I understand, Sister. Yeah. You too, Sister.”

After the game, inside the accommodation.

Kim In-hwan went into the bathroom and talked to Han Ga-yeon.

Song Seok-hyun glanced at the TV while texting Kim Na-young on his phone.

“Ahem.”

Kim In-hwan, who came out of the bathroom, cleared his throat.

“You need to use the bathroom now, right?”

“Did you finish talking?”

“Yeah, moderately.”

“That’s good. It’s pouring out, pouring out. Your sister is very proactive. How many times is she calling, hehe.”

“I know, haha.”

Kim In-hwan scratched the back of his head as if embarrassed.

“How could someone like that be the Wall of Grief? She’s so proactive?”

“Well, I don’t know that well…”

“Is it Hyung’s magic? A charm that you can’t get out of once you fall in?”

“Eh, how can there be such a thing? I guess it’s just burning up quickly in the early stages because I don’t have much dating experience?”

“Hyung, I saw you getting scolded earlier, right? You got scolded for not doing the ceremony, right?”

“…How did you know?”

“There’s a way to know everything. Because I’ve experienced it all.”

“You too?”

Song Seok-hyun nodded.

“But don’t do it too often, because people will feel uncomfortable. Only at the most decisive moments.”

“Ah, I need to think about that too.”

Kim In-hwan lay down on the bed.

Song Seok-hyun got up from his seat and headed to the bathroom.

“Hyung, sleep well. You have to hit a home run tomorrow to make your girlfriend feel better by doing the ceremony.”

Kim In-hwan immediately lay down on the bed with a thin blanket over his stomach.

Even with his eyes closed, the corners of his mouth twitched.

“Hehe.”

Kim In-hwan couldn’t hide his laughter as he squirmed.

Then the bathroom door opened and Song Seok-hyun came out.

“…”

“…”

The two people who made eye contact were silent.

Song Seok-hyun pointed to the towel and picked it up.

“The towel was here.”

“…Yeah.”

As Song Seok-hyun went into the bathroom, Kim In-hwan covered his face with the pillow.

Then the bathroom door opened again.