DASH-Chapter 178

“Yes, that could be it.”

Manager Yoon snapped his fingers.

“The talks about Kwon Jaekyoung’s sprained shoulder were already all over the place. Han Yuseong was at the awards ceremony too, so he must have known about it way before. Maybe he was just waiting to see how things played out.”

After hearing that, Jiheon thought it sounded pretty likely.

“Wait. Maybe they’re still hoping for Kwon Jaekyoung to withdraw, and if he doesn’t, they might withdraw first.”

In response to Team Leader Lee’s words, Manager Yoon said, “Haa, I really hope so,” rubbing his hands in anticipation.

However, even 30 minutes before the race started, there was no news of Han Yuseong withdrawing. Instead, Manager Yoon suddenly exclaimed because of some unexpected news.

“The vice president of Kavva is here?”

Team Leader Lee asked with her eyes widened.

“Yes, ma’am, he was in the officials’ seat.”

“What’s going on? He didn’t show up in the first selection round. He didn’t even come for the 1500m freestyle either.”

“It’s the last day, so he probably just came here to say hello. Kavva has a very close relationship with KSC after all.”

Both of them looked clearly disappointed. Now they thought there might be no chance for Han Yuseong to withdraw since the vice president of Kavva was present.

However, Jiheon had lost interest in whether Han Yuseong withdrew or not. That was because Jaekyoung, who was doing stretching while waiting for the race, suddenly frowned and paused several times already.

Jiheon really wanted Jaekyoung to withdraw if he could, but there was no way that was possible, so he was feeling frustrated inside.

“How are you feeling?”

Jiheon asked Jaekyoung, who was sitting on the exercise mat.

“I’m okay.”

Jaekyoung answered briefly. He just sat there without moving.

Jiheon approached Jaekyoung, sat in front of him, blocking others’ views, and said:

“Jaekyoung-ah, take some painkillers.”

As always, Jaekyoung silently refused.

“It’s an injection, not a pill. It’s a non-steroidal painkiller but different from naproxen. Athletes use it a lot.”

Only then did Jaekyoung ask.

“What’s it called?”

“Diclofenac.”

Jaekyoung immediately shook his head.

“I’ve never used it.”

“It’s one of the most common injections. When athletes say they got painkiller injections before a competition, they most likely use this.”

“Just because other athletes didn’t experience side effects, are you sure I won’t either?”

Maybe because it was right before the race, Jaekyoung’s tone was especially sharp.

“In terms of possibility, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any side effects.”

“Unlikely doesn’t mean zero possibility.”

With nothing to say, Jiheon just looked at Jaekyoung, who took off the black jersey he was wearing and dropped it on the floor. Then he immediately stretched his left hand, placed it on the floor, twisted his upper body, and said:

“If you don’t know the effects or side effects, it’s better not to take it at all.”

“What if I guarantee there will be no side effects?”

Jiheon asked, almost pleading.

“If I told you to trust me and get the injection, would you still refuse?”

“Yes.”

Jiheon was about to burst into laughter at that ruthless response.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, hyung.”

Jaekyoung added in a dry tone and suddenly gripped Jiheon’s shoulders with both hands. Leaning forward as if doing some stretching, he spoke softly into Jiheon’s ear.

“When I went to submit my urine sample after the race on Wednesday, I spotted Kim Giseok with someone from the Anti-Doping Agency. They looked very close.”

Jiheon was startled by the unexpected conversation, but he quickly understood what Jaekyoung was trying to convey and whispered:

“Han Yuseong is the ambassador for the anti-doping campaign. There’s nothing really odd about it.”

“That might be true. But if Kim Giseok is involved, it’s right to be suspicious.”

After stating that, Jaekyoung straightened up for a moment. Then, leaning down again, he spoke into Jiheon’s other ear this time.

“They have many ways to do tricks. They can mess with the samples or manipulate the results. Is there anyone who doesn’t know that my shoulder is hurting right now? Even though I use a safe painkiller that’s not on the list of banned substances, they can manipulate the results and question why I use that non-steroidal painkiller that isn’t even effective for my pain. They might suspect me of using steroid painkillers. If it were a protein anabolic, those people would ask why I would take it, but since it’s a painkiller, they can use it against me.”

“Do you think they would go to such lengths?”

Jiheon clicked his tongue, finding it absurd, but Jaekyoung seemed unfazed.

“It’s not impossible. They can pull off anything if they put their mind to it.”

“You’re just anxious. Even if they can, they won’t do it unless they’re incredibly stupid. If they get caught, they’ll be the only ones ruined. This isn’t some prank like a media play; it’s an obvious crime. And if they try something like that, are we just going to fall for it?”

Jiheon spoke, agitated, even though he kept his voice low.

“I won’t let them off the hook. I’ll shake them to the core and make sure they never set foot in this field again. So, please, don’t say you can’t take the medication because of such worries.”

Upon hearing this, Jaekyoung eventually released his grip on Jiheon’s shoulders and said:

“I don’t know. I feel like I don’t really take painkillers well.”

“But it’s better than not taking any.”

Jaekyoung held off on replying until the end, and the first call rang just then.

“I’ll be back.”

Jaekyoung gripped Jiheon’s hand tightly before getting up.

Feeling worried, Jiheon followed him to the front of the first call room for the first time. Right then, Han Yuseong and Kim Giseok were also heading their way from the opposite direction. Jaekyoung entered the call room and swiftly passed Jiheon. Kim Giseok gave a slight bow to Jiheon and Spoin staff before entering the call room with Han Yuseong.

“What? Why is that guy tagging along with him?”

Manager Yoon expressed confusion as he watched Kim Giseok entering the call room. Jiheon was momentarily taken aback, but then he spoke calmly.

“If a doctor or a coach needs to monitor the athlete because of a condition, they can ask for consent from the athletes inside before entering.”

“Then, did he follow inside because Han Yuseong isn’t taking anti-pheromones? Because he needs to watch the athlete’s condition?”

In response to Team Leader Lee’s comment, Manager Yoon remarked:

“No, seriously. He probably thought the athlete himself wouldn’t speak up if something went wrong.”

He looked dumbfounded and then turned to Jiheon.

“This is just so unsettling. Wouldn’t it be better for one of us to go in too?”

Team Leader Lee seemed to share the same sentiment. In the end, Jiheon saw the situation and requested entry, using the excuse that Jaekyoung needed a painkiller injection. The official who heard the explanation went back into the call room, stating he would seek the athletes’ opinions.

“What if Han Yuseong refuses?”

“Then he’s out of his mind. He’s supposed to agree.”

Manager Yoon immediately swore.

“There’s no case of refusal. Getting consent is almost a formality, and once you apply, they just let you in.”

As soon as Jiheon finished speaking, the official opened the door and came out.

“You may come in.”

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The official first clarified that entry was only allowed in the first call room, strictly prohibiting the second call room.

Jiheon then entered the call room through the door he opened.