Follow the journey of Haneul, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, as she battles not only her opponents in the quest for victory but also the conflicting emotions of a budding romance with her fellow athlete, Sung-Bin. Amidst the adrenaline-fueled rac...
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COACH KIM ════ ⋆★⋆ ════
"IT'S NICE TO FINALLY MEET YOU" Kim Sik smiled his head bowing towards her out of admiration. Haneul immediately returned the gesture. "Mr Kim, I have heard so much about you, it is an honour to be on your team and work alongside you" Haneul kept her position of a bow towards the elder until a hand was placed on her shoulder bringing her back up to a standing position.
Kim Sik's warm smile remained as he addressed Haneul, his voice carrying an air of wisdom and experience. "The pleasure is mine, Haneul. I've been following your journey closely, and I must say, you've impressed not only me but also Sung-bin. He speaks highly of your dedication and talent."
Haneul couldn't help but blush slightly at the mention of Sung-bin's praise. She looked over at Sung-bin, who had an amused smirk on his face as he observed their interaction. Clearing her throat, she replied, "Thank you, Mr. Kim. I'm eager to learn from both of you and do my best to contribute to the team."
Kim Sik's curiosity about Haneul's relationship with Sung-Bin was palpable, and his tone shifted as he broached the subject. "If you don't mind me asking... what is your relationship between yourself and Sung-Bin?"
Haneul felt a sudden unease wash over her, her body tensing at the directness of the question and the change in tone. "We are just friends..." she replied hesitantly, her voice betraying her discomfort. "You two seem very fond of each other," Kim Sik observed, his keen eye not missing the subtleties in their interactions.
Haneul bit her lower lip, unsure of how much to disclose. "Um well, I am fond of him," she admitted, her cheeks slightly flushed. "We've been friends for a while. I know him very well" It was the first time she had spoken those words aloud, and they hung in the air between them, laden with unspoken emotions.
Kim Sik, well aware of the demanding schedules of Olympic athletes, adopted a stern tone. "You are an Olympic athlete, your life isn't free enough for a committed relationship." He knew the sacrifices athletes often had to make for their careers, and he was concerned about how Haneul's involvement with Sung-Bin might affect her.
Haneul found it difficult to meet his gaze, feeling cornered by the conversation. She remained silent, her discomfort evident.
Kim Sik pressed on, wanting to understand her perspective. "You still are a competing Olympic athlete, right?"
Haneul finally met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and vulnerability. "Paris will be my last," she confessed, her voice steady. The weight of her decision hung in the air, and it was clear that she had given it a lot of thought.
Kim Sik nodded thoughtfully, his expression one of understanding. "I see, and this is something you have thought about thoroughly?"
Haneul met his gaze with unwavering determination. "Yes," she affirmed, her voice reflecting her conviction. "My mind and body need a rest. I will be a 3-time gold medalist for my country, and I will happily be ready to start living a normal life."
Kim Sik couldn't help but respect Haneul's decision, knowing the immense dedication and sacrifice that came with being an elite athlete. He offered her a warm smile. "It's important to listen to your heart and prioritize your well-being. You've achieved remarkable success, and your future holds great promise beyond the world of sports."
His eyes held a gentle gleam as he continued, "And speaking of priorities, if there's someone special in your life, like Sung-bin, you should consider sharing your decision with him. It's a significant part of your journey, and opening up to him might help you both grow closer during this time of change."
It was clear to Haneul why Sung-Bin spoke highly of his coach, he was harsh but always had your best interest at heart. "Thank you, I will be sure to speak to him about it".
"Now, go have a protein bar, we're gonna need all the energy we can for our task" He smiled tapping her shoulder and instructing her like he was her coach not wanting to disappoint she nodded her head and hurried off to the contestant room where she could raid the supplement shelf.
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AUTHOR NOTE: I'm so sorry for the lack of updates! I just bought a house and have been busy doing paperwork and packing for it. Next week I aim to write all the remaining chapters and get them uploaded for you guys
