The Keystone Romantic Combination is a completed manhwa at sixty chapters. It is by Teava with art by TEAL and published by NETCOMICS. The manhwa adapts the novel by Yuni Lim. The title involves baseball terminology namely the keystone combination involving Youngjun and Hyun where romance is involved.
Synopsis[]
Ever since they first met seven years ago, Youngjun has spent most of his career comparing himself with Hyun, a star baseball prodigy. Youngjun’s own insecurities festered until he doubted Hyun’s kindness and has tried to push him away ever since. Just knowing Hyun has never been anything less than special was enough reason to be jealous. But, all this time, Youngjun hasn’t taken his eyes off Hyun and Hyun has always been there for him. After all, they are the Keystone Romantic Combination.
Characters[]
Youngjun Kwak[]
Watching Hyun give an interview Youngjun says aloud how good looking he is and is scared to be overheard by Hyun himself. Being kissed Youngjun wonders how he ended up like this with Hyun. His original feelings for Hyun were ones of hatred where on the baseball pitch in the past even though he was the ace Youngjun was largely powerless to win against him. Feeling sick Youngjun thought he was pathetic more so since Hyun was two years younger and he intended to quit pitching. Hearing Hyun share how he felt Youngjun answered that he was gifted so should keep playing. Youngjun would not continue since he could not understand Hyun. At the time Youngjun knew his own childish inferiority complex was pathetic. At his coach's recommendation Youngjun switched over to batting but naturally could not get used to it. At 26 Youngjun is a shortstop and considers how most like him eventually reach the point where they do not want to do anything and take part if only to put food on the table. Youth and passion were not important it is just how they live. Turning away from Hyun when they meet again, Youngjun thinks he is just here to scoff at him since Hyun was scouted whilst he was not. With nothing wrong with him physically Youngjun was diagnosed with depression where he was scared of everything baseball related during what he called his decline. Affected later, Youngjun's insomnia would come back and with his condition deteriorating he was dropped as a starter from the future's league. Even though Hyun is very caring towards him Youngjun cannot seem to grasp that Hyun likes him.
Hyun Choi[]
Celebrating a team win Hyun puts it down to him listening carefully to what his manager and coach teach. He intends to keep working hard and develop in a way to help the team. Wondering what Youngjun is watching, Hyun needs to know who he said was good looking instead of him before demanding to know who this punk is. Hyun states he is going to like only Youngjun forever. Desiring to be intimate with Youngjun then asking whether he is okay Hyun is concerned whether it is too much. In the past he approached Youngjun after a game and was impressed enough where he went on to say that he liked Youngjun. Meeting him again Hyun remembers Youngjun said he could not stand him. Having been talented at baseball Hyun's capabilities are sustained over time and as he continues to excel Hyun also seeks to enjoy time with Youngjun.
Character Article: Hyun Choi[]
Mingeun Woo[]
Youngjun's friend who he mentions Hyun to. Noticing and commenting on Youngjun working out at the gym Mingeun asks if he is in trouble. Specifically Mingeun considers whether he has a girlfriend that has not been mentioned and then whether Youngjun has got her pregnant.
Jiyoung[]
Discussing her over the phone Jiyoung hears he should hurry up or Jiyoung will forget what her big brother Youngjun looks like.
Jisoo Kim[]
She stated that she was Youngjun's biggest fan. Jisoo is then seen in a cafe with Hyun.
Story[]
Today's most valuable player (MVP) Hyun Choi made two great defensive plays and hit the walk-off home run. Youngjun is watching the interview and Hyun nearby in person is relieved that he called him good looking and not someone else. Since they do not have a game tomorrow Hyun would like to kiss Youngjun. Recalling around seven to eight years ago when his baseball team lost to Hyun's, Youngjun gave up pitching even after Hyun shared that he enjoyed playing against him. Presently as Youngjun takes part as a batter Hyun approaches him and his heart starts beating.[1] Other players notice Hyun and wonder if he and Youngjun know one another. Hyun would like to spend time with Youngjun and at the very least suggests the two of them form a keystone combination. Unable to do that since Hyun is in the majors he says for Youngjun to just come and join the league. At Seoul Hospital Youngjun went to see a psychiatrist where with his mother out the room he revealed being afraid of baseball.[2]
Youngjun is struck out yet Hyun feels he can have his batting average go up swiftly then make it to the majors. With Youngjun dejected Hyun questions whether Youngjun is afraid he will lose even when giving it his all. Hyun is told if he wants to play teacher he should go and find another chump. Mingeun Woo leaves to give the room to Hyun who tearfully says he is sorry to Youngjun.[3] Drying Hyun's eyes Youngjun says he will call him later. Once he returned to the majors Hyun made an impressive comeback as many people expected. The season ended for Youngjun without much to speak of. The off-season begins in mid-September and he will be inactive in December. Jiyoung is discussed by Youngjun on the journey home before he receives a call from Hyun. Wanting to meet up Youngjun questions whether they are going on a date. It is 14.55 and Youngjun's call time with Hyun is at 08.20 as Youngjun contemplates the public impression of Hyun and how he acts to him.[4]
Hyun picks Youngjun up in his sports car and they head to a grilled meat restaurant where the latter heads regularly. After asking Hyun if he likes it, Youngjun finds the staff treat Hyun as a celebrity. Taking him back to his place Hyun is happy for Youngjun to sleep with him.[5] Before Youngjun can see what may be a picture of him Hyun joins him and they sleep together on the couch. Youngjun thinks Hyun is just messing around and by morning they have breakfast together. It is only at this point does Youngjun consider how Hyun acts and he bluntly asks if he is one of those guys who likes guys.[6] With Hyun answering yes Youngjun feels he is screwed and should not have brought that up so carelessly. Not knowing how to respond Youngjun says he needs some time to think and leaves. Hyun says sorry for liking him and wonders whether they are incompatible. Considering that Youngjun really may not be able to stand him Hyun says he is sorry and will stop but does not want Youngjun to avoid him. Clarifying if Hyun really likes him and reiterating the need for time to think Youngjun affirms he will call Hyun later. As he plays a game Youngjun is told his step-father is home. Retiring to his room he calls his dad. Youngjun remembers the time his parents were divorcing where he became weak at baseball so thought of people to blame including Hyun whose only fault was that he was too good.[7]
Images[]
References[]
The Keystone Romantic Combination Wiki[]
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