Chapter Text
Hae-soo wiped the sweat from his brow, still catching his breath after a brutal round on the heavy bag. Turning to Potato, the slightly more experienced fighter, wrapping his hands nearby.
It's his second week here at the gym and he’s gotten along just fine with most of the guys, but he still hesitated for a moment before speaking to someone other than the Coaches. "Hey, can I ask you something?"
Potato glanced up, arching a brow. "I'm seeing someone." He laughed when a blush crept into Hae-soo's face.
"That's not what I wanted to ask!" The rookie huffed but pushed forward. "What’s the best way to build endurance?"
"Like, real fight endurance—like Jaekyung-hyung."
Potato couldn't help but smirk, knowing fully well why he didn't bother asking the Champion himself. He finished the wrap on his wrist. “You mean the kind that keeps you from passing out in mid-second round?” Yoon-gu straighten his posture, rolling his shoulders.
"What works best is circuit training. Sprints, explosive movements, high-volume drills."
Potato looked around, making sure someone wasn't listening to them before adding. "But from watching Jaekyung, I would say sparring too."
"A lot of it."
Hae-soo nodded, taking mental notes, but Potato wasn’t done. "And you got to train hard, but be smart about it as well."
"Learn to control your breathing, stay loose, and pace yourself. Burning out in the first round is how you lose fast."
That's how I lost my first match, is what Potato does not say.
Nerves had gotten to the young fighter almost two months ago and even now it still bothered him.
Determination flickered in Hae-soo eyes. “Got it. So, when’s our next sparring session?"
Potato chuckled. "I'm ready whenever you are."
"See you tomorrow, Potato!" Hae-soo waived goodbye to Yoon-gu as he exited the building and headed towards a familiar car that was waiting for him.
Can't wait till I'm home.
And in bed.
I wonder if Heesung will allow me to eat dinner in bed?
Potato greeted Heesung as he got into the car. "Hey."
"Who's the new guy?" Heesung inquired. "The one who seems a little too eager in your sparring session."
"He'd seemed really comfortable being that close."
"Had no issue touching you in places that a lover normally would." His voice was light, almost teasing, but Potato knew better. "Should be I concerned, or is he just that friendly with everyone?"
Potato glanced at Heesung, taking note of the forced smirk tugging at the actor's lips.
"Don't be ridiculous," Potato snorted. "He's the newest rookie."
"So as senior rookie it's my duty to help him."
"Is it?"
"Don't be like that." Potato turned to look at the road ahead, trying not to smile.
"Hmpf."
They rode in silence and Potato snuck a glance at the actor, wondering why a man like him would get so jealous of a guy that clearly didn't stand a chance against him.
"His name is Lee Hae-soo," he said. "And he's got a girlfriend."
"He showed me some photos in the locker room—she's cute."
Heesung remained quiet for a moment. "Oh, that's nice."
"Yes, very nice so stop being jealous of a guy who doesn't hold a candle to you."
"Really?" Potato rolled his eyes at Heesung's dumb question. "Really, Heesung."
"Well."
"Maybe you should prove it when we get home."
Potato couldn't resist a laugh.
"Only if I can get eat in the bed."
Heesung scoffed. "No, that's disgusting."
"And a lot of what we do in bed isn't?" Potato countered. "The only thing that another man would have on you would be letting me do whatever I want."
"A man willing to let you do that is a massive downgrade, Yoon-gu, and you know that.”