The Extra in a Baseball Novel

The shocking result of Taiwan’s defeat by the mercy rule filled their portal sites with articles, most of which featured Cha Taehyun.

The Taiwanese people’s reactions to Cha Taehyun were divided into two categories.

People Criticizing Cha Taehyun:

– “Brothers, we really need to consider the possibility that Cha Taehyun is using drugs.”

– “Am I the only one who dislikes this player?”

– “Me too. His face alone makes me angry.”

– “I agree. He has no manners; he’s constantly smirking.”

– “An ill-mannered youth.”

People Supporting Cha Taehyun:

– “Yeah, our team may have lost, but he seems like an excellent player.”

– “Brothers, let’s not be too harsh. He looks like someone who could make it big.”

– “Does his face make you mad? I think he’s handsome.”

– “Let’s just see baseball as baseball, brothers.”

However, when a photo of Cha Taehyun smiling rather smugly during the game began to circulate, people started to label him as a disgrace to sportsmanship.

Things escalated, and some even started to express anti-Korean sentiments.

It was at this moment that a particular social media post went viral and instantly changed the atmosphere.

—

[An Unforgettable Memory!]

“This Baseball World Cup has given us an unforgettable memory, thanks to Cha Taehyun. Despite the unexpected request, he kept smiling and signed the hat for us. But then, he went even further and gave my child a bat with his signature on it—a bat he had actually used! Even when saying goodbye, he saw us off with a smile.”

[Photo]

[Likes: 17,265] [Dislikes: 231]

– “So, he was just a player who smiles a lot during games.”

– “Korea is truly an advanced country. The mindset of their players is admirable.”

– “I’m genuinely moved!”

– “A well-mannered young man.”

– “Brothers, is this not what they call ‘jeong’ (affection)?”

– “This is true fan service and sportsmanship!”

– “Who was it that tried to slander our brother Cha Taehyun?”

– “Can anyone share info about the bat? It’s exactly my style, but I can’t seem to find it.”

This post didn’t just become a hot topic in Taiwan; it quickly spread worldwide through platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Even reaching as far as the New York Mets’ locker room in the U.S.

—

“Hehe…”

“Hey, Hosan, are you high or something? You seem to be in a great mood.”

The teammate was joking, but considering that nationalism could be a type of high, it wasn’t entirely wrong.

Of course, Hosan himself wouldn’t see it that way.

His teammate glanced at the phone screen that Hosan was holding.

—

[Taiwan Cries! China Cries! Japan Cries! The U.S. Cries! He Made the Whole World Cry!!! Cha Taehyun Shows Korea’s ‘Jeong’!!!]

—

[A K-Baseball Player Stopped the Tears of a Child Who Was Crying Over Taiwan’s Shocking Mercy-Rule Defeat? Cha Taehyun Touches the World!]

“Hmm… It’s in Korean, so I don’t quite understand. Anyway, it looks like a fun video, right?”

“No, it’s just that our national baseball team beat Taiwan. I’m just really happy about it.”

The teammate let out an admiring “Oh…” in response.

“Just as I’ve heard, your patriotism is really impressive. I bet you’d run back to Korea immediately if a war broke out.”

“Of course.”

“Oh, right. In your country, every man must serve in the military, right? So you’ve already completed your service? That’s really incredible.”

“It’s nothing special. Every man born in Korea goes to the military and trains hard with the sole desire to protect their country. It’s a natural duty.”

The teammate nodded earnestly, genuinely moved, and gave Hosan a thumbs-up.

Another teammate, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation, tilted his head.

‘But… didn’t Hosan once boast to me about winning an Olympic gold medal?’

—

The national team’s accommodation is divided into either two-person or single rooms. Since there aren’t many rooms, upperclassmen usually get single rooms.

However, I, a second-year student, currently have a single room.

“Does anyone have a problem with Cha Taehyun using a single room?”

It seems the coach thinks highly of me. Well, I don’t mind at all. I’m sensitive to noises like snoring or teeth grinding, so having a room to myself makes me feel more at ease.

I was happily preparing to drift off into dreamland when…

“Love is an open door~”

I heard a strange song coming from the door.

I tried to ignore it, but they kept singing until I finally opened it, revealing the trio: Jin Taehyun, Kim Yoobin, and Kim Sinhwa.

There was one more person standing behind them.

“Jiho?”

Now that was unexpected.

“Hehehe… Taehyun, isn’t Jiho really a man’s man?” Kim Yoobin giggled as he pointed to Jiho.

“What the heck are you talking about now?”

“He’s such a total gay! I’m really shocked.”

…What?Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Does Jiho have such a preference? Have I somehow changed the world’s fate by being involved?

I stared at Jiho with a look that said, “Is this true?”

“No, damn it…”

Hmm. Guess not. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard Jiho curse.

“Hey, why are you reacting like that to a joke? Anyway, Jiho came to us for advice, you know what it was about?”

“No, don’t—”

Jiho quickly tried to cover Kim Yoobin’s mouth, but Kim Yoobin stepped back and spoke up.

“He went on and on for 30 minutes, telling us his story, but in the end, he just wanted to make up with you! Isn’t it true that guys should just say ‘sorry’ and be done with it?”

Kim Sinhwa, who had been quietly standing beside them, nodded.

“That is indeed an undeniable truth. Jiho does seem pretty gay, though.”

“No, damn it… Fine, I’ll say it.”

Jiho sighed, then stepped forward and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry for everything, Cha Taehyun. My apology is late.”

Jiho was seriously apologizing, but the problem was that I had no idea what he was apologizing for.

“Uh… Why are you apologizing, exactly? I’m not teasing; I genuinely don’t know.”

“Because I’ve treated you like trash based on baseless rumors…”

Jin Taehyun suddenly covered his mouth and muttered.

“Blasphemy… Blasphemy!”

These guys keep ruining the mood, but anyway…

“Was that it? I honestly didn’t know you were doing that. I didn’t really care.”

Jiho lifted his head and looked at me with eyes full of newfound admiration.

Seriously… When you look at me like that, it makes me suspicious.

“Anyway, I don’t hold any grudges, so you don’t need to worry about it.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. Like you said, why should guys bother over something like that? Are you really gay?”

Jiho smirked and replied.

“No, I’m not. Anyway… thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

As a warm atmosphere settled in, suddenly…

“Taehyun-god’s mercy is as vast as the ocean…”

“Oh… we have no choice but to worship him.”

Now, even Kim Yoobin was following this weird worshiping concept.

“So, are you guys done now?” I subtly hinted for them to leave.

But Kim Yoobin shook his head.

“We agreed to a one-at-bat match with Kim Sinhwa this morning.”

“But I was the starting pitcher today—”

“What, are you scared? Is your arm too tired that I’ll strike you out?”

“…Fine. Come on out. I’ll show you the difference in skill.”

Normally, I would ignore it, but right now, an extremely important message just came to my phone.

“Everyone, get out. I have a very important call to make.”

When I spoke with a serious expression, Jin Taehyun, going “Ooh… The god commands us…,” led the others out.

[Ms. Miyeon: Taehyun, are you in your room?]

Ms. Miyeon’s message is a major issue, after all.

[Yes, I just got to my room…]

I stopped typing the message and pressed her number instead. While texting is nice, I just really wanted to hear Ms. Miyeon’s voice right now.

“Ta-Taehyun…?”

“I was going to text, but I just wanted to hear your voice.”

“O-Oh… Really?”

I heard a soft laugh through the speaker, though it seemed like she had moved the phone away for a moment.

I wanted to call her, but now I have no idea what to say.

After thinking for a bit, I just said what was in my heart.

“I really miss you right now.”

There was no response.

I moved the phone closer to my ear, and a small voice from the speaker tickled my ear.

“…Me too.”

Is it possible to feel this much happiness from such a short answer? I also had to lower the phone to cover up my laughter.

After calming myself, I picked up the phone again.

“I… really

miss you, Taehyun.”

And I had to lower the phone again.

“Whew…”

This is bad…

I really want to see Ms. Miyeon.

There’s nothing on my schedule tomorrow anyway… Should I just take a flight and go see her?

—

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