Knowing Brother-Chapter 75

“What do you mean, it’s a pity?”

“After the Olympics next year. Have you thought about it?”

“.......”

“Some of my acquaintances have experienced similar things. If you have a straight crush and the other person throws you a net, you can’t escape. But they soon show their true colors. There’s nothing you can do. They only wander around unfamiliar neighborhoods for a short time. They have no choice but to continue living their natural lives. They get used to having sex a few times and then it’s over. Even if the relationship continues after that, they’re just someone who can easily satisfy their needs. In my opinion, being swayed by that... I think it’s a psychology of wanting more of what you can’t have. Also, in Seol-woo’s case, you may have been addicted to it for a long time. Of course, I’m not saying that my thoughts are necessarily right. However.”

Yoon Ji-hwan, who had been explaining in a straight tone, slightly frowned.

“I see what the near future holds. I’m worried. Since we are a long-term sponsorship partner of Won, I tend to quickly receive and understand information about the players’ private lives and performances.”

“.......”

“There is talk that filming a variety show with Seol-woo is also for money.”

It was a remark that made me forget my fatigue and my eyes sparkle. I thought he was suggesting a delay in declaring a breakup... . However, I couldn’t blindly believe his words. When Choi Seol-woo showed strong doubt in his expression, Director Yoon used an even more serious tone.

“I’m not spreading groundless rumors. I checked with the general producer to see exactly what the purpose of the content production is, whether it’s for promotion or profit. When I handed over the plan, Dae-young said clearly, ‘We have to make money.’”

“He....”

“You’d probably ask why a medalist with advertisements would be worried about money, right?”

He hit the player with the exact point that Seol-woo was trying to refute.

“The speculation is that he is worried about the situation where the advertisement is falling, that is, his performance at the next Olympics. Is the injury holding him back again? Is his mental state deteriorating due to the pressure? Is there some problem that will have a fatal impact on his performance? There were all kinds of speculations going around.... I got a tip yesterday.”

“What’s the tip?”

“It was a call from the bank saying that Dae-young had lent him nearly 200 million won twice a few years ago and that he had not yet received the full amount.”

Choi Seol-woo, who had maintained a grave expression, could not hide his surprise this time.

“The federation that was listed as the guarantor called to confirm Dae-young’s income. It must be a confirmation procedure before debt collection. In short, Dae-young is now at risk of being embroiled in controversy over defaulting on a loan he took out using his performance as collateral.”

“No. That’s ridiculous. Is it Dae-young?”

It’s ridiculous that Won Dae-young owed so much. Was he gambling without Choi Seol-woo knowing? It’s money he could have made by selling just one or two inheritances, but it was shocking to hear that he had been in debt for years.

“This is my opinion. He’s using Seol-woo to create a buzz and earn money.”

“That’s....”

“What would he have done with that much money? Buying a car? At most, three or four thousand. If there’s a behind-the-scenes story like gambling abroad, drugs, prostitution, or silencing immoral controversies, it’s only a matter of time before it’s revealed.”

Choi Seol-woo growled with a sharp expression.

“Dae-young isn’t that kind of person. Absolutely not. Even during rehabilitation, he trained every day, weekdays and weekends. He never talked a single day. If he had borrowed money to gamble, take drugs, and become addicted to women, his comeback would have failed.”

By any chance... ... .

A few years ago, on a snowy day, I remembered the day I wrote Mrs. Choi’s debt settlement certificate at the law firm. The money that was supposedly from selling the officetel... ... .

— My brother’s family is doing well.

That can’t be true. Even though Won Dae-young’s family was noisy with inheritance disputes and dark family history, they were always financially wealthy. That can’t be true...!

Yoon Sang-moo’s calm voice came to Choi Seol-woo, who was still in shock.

“There could have been a secret that Seol-woo didn’t know about. And... This is a concern that arose after hearing Seol-woo’s answer just now, but since we were best childhood friends, it seems like he didn’t hear about it. If it wasn’t something awkward, why would he have kept quiet?”

“.......”

“There’s a third episode filming at Seoul National University tomorrow morning, right? I’ve also decided to visit with the federation officials.”

To be honest, Yoon Sang-moo’s words didn’t register properly.

“To be exact, he declared war on me, Player. Maybe that’s where Seol-woo and Player Dae-young’s passionate love affair on Saturday night will begin, or will we go to an entertainment resort and play poker together?”

When Won Dae-young’s face, confident of a wealthy future, was fading in confusion, Yoon Ji-hwan rummaged through his coat pocket. He took out his plane ticket, e-cigarette, and cell phone one by one, and handed over his cell phone.

“This is a loan contract sent by the bank debt collection officer.”

He clicked on the company email and opened the attached image file. The scanned image file contained a number of 190 million won, and

[Won Dae-young]

The name Won Dae-young had written in his own handwriting in the debtor column, along with traces of his seal.

“......!”

“I didn’t bring it up lightly without verifying the facts. I didn’t rush here because I wanted to interfere with the relationship. I’m just saying it as it is, so that Seol-woo would be less hurt.”

Yoon Sang-moo’s expression was serious, without any superiority or arrogance. From this man’s perspective, Won Dae-young must have ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ seemed like a person with many unstable factors, such as the fact that he caused trouble by setting up a track and field association guarantee and going around causing trouble, as well as his past controversies and dating scandals. It was easy to think that he was using Choi Seol-woo appropriately to create a buzz and to have him sit down quietly as a routine during the Olympics.

However, the real Won Dae-young is not that kind of person. Choi Seol-woo knows. Seol-woo opened his mouth, thinking of him who used to open up his heart to the world while risking a medal.

“I understand what you mean.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to prevent the news of the debt from reaching the sports reporters. Seol-woo will definitely have a hard time.”

“Yes, please. But, sir,”

After gently placing his clasped hands in front of the cocktail glass, Choi Seol-woo made his position clear.

“Still, I want to sort out our relationship. I don’t want to make any more mistakes. ... It’s true that I was shaken. I... I like Dae-young hyung. Still, a lot.”

As Choi Seol-woo lowered his head with a reproachful expression, Yoon Ji-hwan silently put his phone away and put it in his coat pocket. He tapped the table with his fingertips to organize his thoughts for a moment. After finishing his thoughts, he answered faster than expected.

“I know that no matter how much I try to hold on to you, there’s no answer. Looking at your face, Seol-woo.”

“.......”

“But I won’t stop.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Seol-woo, come when you need me. I’ll wait. I don’t care what the process is. I don’t mind if Seol-woo experiences everything with Dae-young. Rather, after that, Seol-woo’s mind will definitely be sorted out, and you might be able to have a healthier relationship than now.”

It’s okay to come after doing everything...? It was a suggestion that Choi Seol-woo or Won Dae-young couldn’t imagine. It’s okay to hold hands with someone else, jump into bed, and have sex? No! Choi Seol-woo hates even imagining it.

Is this an adult relationship, or is it pretending to be cool? Is it because he’s Americanized, so he’s open-minded? Is it a high-level pushover? Is it confidence or arrogance? Is it consideration or neglect? It was a moment when ChatGPT was needed.

Waiting. That’s Yoon Ji-hwan’s way. However, Seol-woo couldn’t understand no matter how much he thought about it, so he asked him in a questioning tone.

“Why on earth? You’ve only seen me a few times, so why are you doing that?”

“Just one. I’m attracted to you. I can’t see anyone else but you, and I want you to be my lover. I’m greedy. Seol-woo is so charming. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this excited about love. I even changed planes to catch you.”

It was a feeling that Choi Seol-woo could never understand. A feeling that is strongly attracted to someone based on appearance, feeling, and a few encounters.

This was the kind of love that Choi Seol-woo, a twisted seed, could understand. The person who ran on the track the day after his father’s death and won first place in the Youth Sports Festival, the person who shed tears on Choi Seol-woo’s shoulder at dawn, the feeling he felt when he ran 400m sweating profusely and more viciously than anyone else and crossed the finish line... That being drenched in the scorching sunlight. The feeling that he couldn’t bear because he loved the boy who overcame guilt, death, loss, absence, the darkness of life, and himself alone on the track.

The attraction that didn’t accumulate time and memory was something Choi Seol-woo had never experienced, and it felt like an unrealistic story.

“I’m not doing this lightly. I’m a person who does my best for the person next to me. I can promise you that I’m sincere to my partner. Even if you didn’t want to find a partner to spend the rest of your life with, the future is unknown to anyone. It might change as we meet. I think that even thinking like that is just empty talk, boasting, or one-sided speed.”

“That’s true.”

“No one can say for sure what will happen in the future, but Seol-woo could be that kind of person. That’s why I’m holding on to you, saying I’ll pour my heart into you. Even taking on the bad role.”

Director Yoon finally expressed his determination. Unlike when he had set conditions, saying it had to be a real relationship, he had let go of his pride. He clearly conveyed his intention that he wasn’t just trying to get you to sleep with him.

However, he got up from his seat because he thought he shouldn’t give you any more room.

“No. But I don’t want to make any more mistakes. I’m sorry for everything. I’ll get up first.”

“No, I’ll give you a ride. Seol-woo.”

Choi Seol-woo reached out to Sang-mu Yoon, who was hurriedly packing his bags, to indicate his refusal.

“No, I’m not related to you anymore, Sang-mu.”

“.......”

“There are only a few days left until the National Sports Festival. He needs to get a record there.

Let’s pretend I didn’t hear about the debt. I didn’t hear anything today and I don’t know anything.”

He opened the curtains without looking back. As he left the cocktail bar and approached the main street, he thought he heard footsteps running behind him, but he quickly got into a taxi.

Before falling asleep, Choi Seol-woo stood in front of the gold medal hanging with a red whistle.

The gold medal seemed to brighten up the mottled wallpaper and dark windows. Seol-woo slowly swept his glory and blinked his wet eyes.

Won Dae-young, who are you...?

What kind of person was the real you that I don’t know?