However, Jihong felt that the most amazing thing about Jaekyong was not his endurance. After all, it looked more like a result. There is such a method: "Repetition with a decrease in distance". Simply put, the distance shortened with each set of repetitions. For example, if he started with 1200m, after a short break he would swim another 1000m, and then after the second break - 800m, and so on. And the last 100 meters become the culmination of the training program.

If you start at 1200, then the final 100 meters will naturally be relatively easy to overcome. However, after swimming a total of 4000 m, even with short breaks in between, your forearms and hips will be on the verge of exhaustion. In such a state, it is difficult to accelerate speed, even if you make every effort.

The last 100 meters that seemed close become unattainable, and you can't tell the difference between sweat and tears running down your cheeks. But Jaekyung is different: his speed in the final short distance is simply incredible. Although Jihong didn't measure the exact lap time, he believed it was comparable to the guy's freestyle record.

"Hey, isn't it hard for you? Out of breath?" when Jihong asked with a puzzled expression, Jaekyung replied as if stating the obvious, "It's hard, how could it be otherwise?"

He didn't look tired at all and quickly explained, "But I like it. After all, some paltry 100 meters determine the outcome of your race."

Watching the guy's hard work, Jihong understood why he was the best in the world. It's not just about strict training or physique. Of course, these are decisive factors, but he was distinguished by talent and love for his work. This passion lasted for more than ten years, and maybe a lifetime. Ji-hong never managed to understand: why did Jaekyung decide to end his career after winning the Grand Slam tournament, if he was so passionate about swimming? Yes, and the athlete's skills have always remained at their best, even before reaching their peak.

Although Jihon was curious, he wasn't going to ask, because the guy wouldn't bother to explain anyway. Moreover, Jihong was afraid that he would be misunderstood, assuming that he was trying to convince Jaekyung for the sake of company, and he didn't want to get on his nerves either. After a few days of close communication, Jihong managed to move on to more casual conversations and was definitely not going to return to that tense atmosphere: "If I ask, he will probably get cold again."

With his arms crossed over his chest, Jihon studied the papers scattered around the table, each containing promotional offers. They were carefully selected and sorted by priority by the team leader Lee Yujong. Some companies did not want to wait for the end of the Pan-Pacific Championship and insisted on early contracting. The argument is quite prosaic: if Jaekyung wins the gold medal, he will claim the title of the first Asian Grand Slam champion, and it is obvious that the fees will skyrocket. In recent days alone, Jaekyung's value in the advertising market has skyrocketed. His decision to sign a contract with the agency, contrary to anyone's expectations, gave rise to high hopes. Consequently, despite the yet-to-be-confirmed advertising collaboration, fierce competition within the industry broke out.

"Are they really going to be in such a hurry?" If he really had to pull out a tooth for each scan, then in less than a month he would need prostheses.

"What luck that I changed the condition to the usual fulfillment of requests," - feeling truly relieved, he absentmindedly ran his tongue along the inside of his teeth for no particular reason.

"Why don't you come out?"

Hearing a sudden voice, Jihong muttered, "Hm?" and looked up. Jaekyung, dressed in a tracksuit, stood at the entrance to the waiting room, staring at him.

"When did you have time to change your clothes?"

"Just now

Jaekyung replied curtly and nodded towards the table, "What is it?"

— Oh, a few selected commercials

As soon as Jihong finished speaking, Jaekyung abruptly approached and took one document from the table.

"Where to sign?"

"Wait, this is just a suggestion. Do not put your signature anywhere. Study at least two or three times before making a decision," Jihon stopped him, puzzled.

"Well, no. Anyway, you chose

Jaekyung put down his papers in exasperation and sat down across from him. Jihong looked at him blankly and said jokingly, "What if I deliberately ask you for something that will ruin your reputation?"

"You won't hurt the company, hyung," the guy blurted out without hesitation.

"Hey, isn't it against the rules to make such realistic arguments?" laughed Jihong tried to argue and crossed his arms over his chest.

"And even if it's not related to the agency, you're not one to do that, hyun

"Do you know me so well?" asked Jihong playfully and looked at the guy.

Jaekyung, wiping his wet hair with a towel, grinned.

— Indeed. I didn't even know you were an omega, confidently believing that I knew everything about you. Faithfully?

«.......»

Jihon was speechless as he buried himself deeper and deeper. He was afraid that the sensitive topic would be discussed further, but fortunately, Jaekyung again focused on current affairs and said, "Have you chosen them?"

— No, initially the selection was handled by the head of my group

"I survived," Jihong said in his mind, adding, "There are quite a few advertisers who want to make a deal as soon as possible. Team leader Lee chose the ones she liked first."

"So, what do you think I should choose, hyung?"

"I think... start with these two," Jihong found the sentence he had marked in advance and handed it to Jaekyung.

"The bank?"

— Yes. There is a perception that advertising in the financial sector is only for top-notch celebrities with a good reputation. As soon as you become the face of the bank, then sympathy and authority will increase dramatically. Moreover, large banks do not change their representatives often. The contract is usually for long-term cooperation."

"Good. And what about sportswear?

— Yes. There is an unspoken rule: the first advertising for athletes must be related to their professional activities. After all, it is quite native, and consumers will be calm about it. And the brand will be able to sponsor you in the future. I've noticed that most of your wardrobe is just their brands.

"I bought them just because they are my size

Jaekyung casually explained, flipping through a pile of waste paper, "I searched all the stores, but only one company was suitable for me."

"Ahh," Jihong muttered a little belatedly. Even foreign manufacturers have standardized sizes that they brought to Korea. Given Jaekyung's height and physique, it is extremely difficult to find clothes here.

– If the product is out of stock, you can always order

"It's troublesome. In any case, I will choose these two," Jihon concluded indifferently.

"Okay. By the way, they plan to shoot a video as soon as possible. Are you satisfied? This brand is also one of the sponsors of the championship. You said that you were ready to take part in advertising campaigns after the competition.

"There's still plenty of time, the main thing is to manage it in a week."

— Super. I will ask them to agree on a schedule in the coming days. But hey, you're not doing it on purpose because you don't want to be filmed, right...?"

— Of course not. But I've never worked in front of a camera before, and I'm not confident in my acting skills, so don't expect too much.

Jihong was well aware of this, and he had to develop the right commercial concept.

"I was thinking of handing them over when we got out of the car. Read it at least once. Just in case, in case you don't like something. Or show it to your mother.

"My mother will probably advise the same

— Perhaps

Jihong nodded with a smile and clarified, "The documents will be ready by the middle of the week. We are in a situation where we cannot waste time"

Jaekyung's eyes silently expressed, "It doesn't matter." Glancing at the athlete, Jihong put the bag on the table and said, "Listen... We have written a separate memorandum..."

He fervently, sincerely hoped that the guy had already forgotten or scored, but... True to his normal self, Jaekyung replied bluntly, "Yes."

Jihong held back a sigh and then calmly asked, "When are you going to voice your request? After filming?"

"It will all start when I sign a commercial contract

..... This brat usually acts like he doesn't have any common sense, but why does he change completely only in moments like this

"So, what are you going to ask for?"

"I'll let you know after I've signed the pact

"Hey, don't languish

In the end, Jihong refused the role of observer, insisting on his own.

"I need to prepare mentally

Seeing that he wasn't even trying to hide his anxiety, Jaekyung smiled. He threw the towel over his shoulder and stood up, pushing back his still damp hair.

"Next time I train, you'll join me in the pool too, hyung."