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From a parent's standpoint, the scene that unfolded in front of Eun Ha was a parent's worst nightmare—except maybe the death of a child. In hindsight, that seemed a bit dramatic to say, yet she couldn't help but flinch and then recoil in fear of her child becoming the target of their aggression.
"I want to complain! My child's talent is wasted here!" An irate parent demanded, taking it out on one of the assistants.
"We assure you we will evaluate every child appropriately, ma'am." The poor man tried to placate her with a strained smile. He'd probably done this a million times.
'That's why parents should come separately.'
Eun Ha could feel a migraine setting in, the noise grating against her already frazzled nerves.
She glanced at the retreating back of Coach Park, then back to the chaotic mess before her.
Yeong Gu, who'd been silent beside her, finally stirred.
"This..." He said slowly, shaking his head, disbelief in his voice. "Unreal. Did you see him move?"
"Of course." She managed to force a chuckle despite her nerves. "You kept saying, 'Look! There!' every few seconds. And so did Mia!"
"..." Mia simply coughed in her hand.
To be honest, Jae-il's performance was indeed unreal. She hadn't been exaggerating her words to Yeong Gu that evening on the balcony, about her son having something that set him apart. Anyone with a functioning head could've noticed that.
But she hadn't quite anticipated this level of contrast.
There had been a few standout kids, but Jae-il had been something else entirely. He played with a sophistication and nuance that Eun Ha didn't even pretend to understand. It was beyond his age. Beyond any seven year-old's ability, actually.
And that was actually coming from a woman that didn't exactly know much about football at all, or what it meant.
One thing, though, was obvious... he stood out, and that wasn't always a positive thing.
Yeong Gu had often mentioned the potential problems of being 'too outstanding.' How people might react differently. And she saw that here. She saw how the children from the other team started to grow bitter. How they started looking at the kids from Team B, especially Jae-il and Hyunwoo, with growing envy.
Envy in kids was just envy; they wouldn't be able to understand it until they got older. What really troubled her was how the adults seemed to be worse in that aspect.
However, despite her concerns, Jae-il looked perfectly unbothered, unfazed, and almost… professional, she'd call it, in the face of the chaos that ensued after the game had been blown to hell by the sheer difference in abilities between the two teams. He merely waved in their direction and headed for the changing rooms.
She wondered where her little Jae had learned this composure and how she had failed to see him develop in such a way. Surely, it wasn't just a result of football alone. There was something more, wasn't there? Something that she was missing.
'Was I really so busy that I failed to notice the way he's grown?'
The crowd was beginning to thin. Several of the other parents, their complaints not having found any traction, retreated back to their cars with disappointed children.
A few, still buzzing with discontent, lingered, hoping their objections would somehow miraculously alter their child's performance or perhaps get them another chance.
'Unlikely.'
Their attention shifted towards the ongoing match on another match, which was still proceeding normally, as the game wasn't as one-sided.
"They didn't let the team finish." She heard Yeong Gu muse aloud, clearly also watching the match unfold. "It's unusual for trials to be cut short. But they couldn't afford to continue anyway with how one-sided the match became. They wanted to see how children play and see how they react when things don't go as well."
In fact, despite the match on the other pitch being drastically more even and well-played, it still didn't elicit nearly the excitement of Jae-il's spectacle.
The other games didn't have the explosive energy and devastating effectiveness that Jae-il had displayed with Hyunwoo at his back.
That duo alone had decimated any opposition that the other team could have possibly put forth.
'Definitely an eye opener. If he can play like that here… what would he look like on the international stage?'
Then again, perhaps it was a little too early to think that far.
xXx
Jae-il's POV:
Sung Hyunwoo was waiting at my table. It wasn't entirely unusual for players from the same tryout group to share a table in the cafeteria. But Hyunwoo had a look in his eyes, something more than just the usual camaraderie.
He'd sought me out.
"Cha Jae-il. I've never seen anything like the way you play." His admiration was evident, his smile wide. "Do you play every day?"
"Only in the mornings." I replied, taking a seat at the lunch table across from Hyunwoo.
"Just the mornings? You train every morning?" His surprise was almost comical.
"Yeah, pretty much. Every morning. That way, the rest of my day is free to study and do stuff."
"Oh." Hyunwoo mused as he took out a snack. "That's cool, I wish I had enough discipline to do that."
"I guess it's something you develop over time."
"Yeah. Maybe." A sudden thought lit up his face, his eyes widening with excitement. "Hey! Since you're so good, do you want to practice with me someday? I know this great park, lots of space and the pitch is well-kept!" The invitation, tinged with the innocence and excitement unique to a seven-year-old's earnest desire to spend time with someone he admired, was sincere.
I briefly paused mid-bite to look at that eager face of his. "Sorry, Hyunwoo." You're not at my level; is what I wanted to say, but held my tongue. I didn't have to destroy this child's dreams. "I prefer practicing on my own, actually." Not technically a lie.
"Alright." Hyunwoo's face faltered, the smile slipping a fraction. "Maybe another day. It'll be really fun!" His enthusiasm didn't waver.
I gave him a noncommittal smile, turning my attention back to the meal. 'Not going to happen.'
The kid had potential. Maybe we'd even go far together, but we were a long way off that. I had no interest in practicing with anyone at his level.
'No offense kid, but I need to take bigger leaps than you.'
"Maybe." I replied to his insistence.
Hyunwoo nodded, returning his focus to his lunch, the initial disappointment now replaced by a hopeful expectancy, clearly believing 'no' would eventually become 'yes.'
...
Coach Park strode into the room, his presence commanding an instant hush.
"U-8s! The evaluation is now closed. After a careful, thorough, and objective assessment by the coaching panel, I am pleased to announce the names of those who have made it onto the list of our newly minted FC Seoul Youth Academy U-8 players. Those who have been chosen, please proceed directly to Coach Lim. She'll take down your information and direct you to where you can sign the appropriate contracts for enrollment in the program." He looked over the group of children with stern appraisal before nodding. "Good work, all of you. The successful players are as follows:"
He consulted a clipboard. "Chae Min Jun." The first name elicited a sharp breath and a sudden enthusiastic outburst of "Yes!" as Chae ran over to Coach Lim's side, beaming from ear to ear.
The next few announcements—Yi Kyung-soo, Choi Yun-seok—were greeted with similar excitement.
Hyunwoo sat straighter, eyes gleaming, as his name was announced next.
I didn't react to mine.
What was the point? It wasn't a question of 'if', it was always 'when'.
I merely walked over to Coach Lim.
Hyunwoo joined me shortly after his celebration ended and was now next to me in front of the registration table, practically bouncing with excitement.
Coach Lim's smile was perfunctory as she handed out a couple of sheets with instructions and rules and other formalities. Then she ushered us to follow her into an administrative building. The sun was relentless, beating down on our small procession of the chosen few—maybe fifteen, I counted—who trudged behind her.
"Have your parents read these documents. Make sure they agree to all the terms before they sign them."
Then, almost predictably, she looked straight at me when she said:
"I hope they won't be making a mistake."
I returned a calm, measured nod, understanding her insinuations and the implications of being the youngest member of the U-8 squad.
But it didn't matter. Whatever worries they had were irrelevant. I had proved myself on that pitch, and that's what mattered.
"I'll keep that in mind, Miss." I said simply, already envisioning the celebrations Yeong Gu and the girls would throw upon my return.
After I bid Hyunwoo goodbye and the last of the chosen kids vanished from view, I turned my steps toward the main parking lot. A sea of vehicles greeted me, with my family's car standing among the others, unmistakable.
As I drew near, I caught sight of Yeong Gu and Mia deep in an animated conversaition. I could tell it was animated because Mia was waving and throwing her hands around in hand gestures I couldn't possibly fathom. Su Ah, ever the reserved one, listened half-heartedly, a book held in her hands.
Eun Ha was, as always, stood in between like a pillar, smiling away in a way that actually caught a shaft of sunlight, making the woman look almost holy.
"Jae-il!" Yeong Gu was the first to notice my approach, his voice cutting their conversation short, causing their attention to shift immediately to me.
I lifted my chin a notch and flashed him a smile.
The document in my hand was clear: the contract and enrollment form for the FC Seoul Youth Academy.Last edited: Dec 21, 2025 Like ReplyReport Reactions:PassingBy, Vodoo_Woodpecker, Demon_queen and 150 othersNneeilSep 6, 2025Add bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 11: A Mother's Reflections and a Sister's Growing Affections View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 6, 2025Add bookmark#15Chapter 11: A Mother's Reflections and a Sister's Growing Affections
Eun Ha's POV:
With each step, the heat of the parking lot seemed to rise, the sun's glare reflecting harshly against the multitude of cars that stretched out before them.
Yeong Gu was pacing back and forth in front of their parked sedan, the movement almost rhythmic. Eun Ha watched her husband, recognizing his nervous tic—a symptom of his deep investment in Jae-il's success at the tryouts.
For Yeong Gu, this day held an almost existential importance for their family, as if the entire Cha family was riding on Jae-il's tiny shoulders, a metaphorical burden far too heavy for a child. Their household was wealthy enough; they weren't exactly pinning their future livelihood to Jae-il's success, but they certainly saw him as someone to be proud of.
And with his talent, they should. He's just one of those once-in-a-lifetime children, even in Eun Ha's limited experience as a parent.
But in Eun Ha's view, football wasn't about the glitz and the fame. Sure, there was money, and glory, but that wasn't what mattered most. To her, football was a metaphor for Jae-il's potential in whatever he chose to do.
It was his ambition, his drive to improve, to seek a better future—not just in sports but in every facet of his young, burgeoning life—that made football such a significant symbol for the family. After all, neither Eun Ha or her husband, Yeong Gu, would've ever gotten into football if it wasn't for Jae-il.
Personally, she still wasn't into it, but her son certainly was. And so, in turn, was everyone around him.
Glancing at her daughters, Mia was predictably engrossed in an intense conversation, gesturing wildly with her hands before breaking into a mischievous grin and putting Jae-il in a headlock of sorts, something that looked halfway like a hug and an actual restraint. Su Ah, as always, was stoic in her participation, listening, offering occasional input but largely content to not partake in their activities.
As the trio engaged in their antics, a fondness touched Eun Ha's lips. She cherished these little moments.
Yeong Gu, as he expertly drove through the city, glanced at Jae-il through the rearview mirror. "So Jae-il..." he started, his voice a mix of pride and a barely contained excitement. "Tell us. How was it?" This was a man ready to erupt into a full-blown celebratory dance in the confines of the vehicle if the answer aligned with his hopes.
"It was okay." Came the slightly nonchalant response from Jae-il. A little disappointing at his understatement, to be honest. They had expected him to be more excited, to be jumping on his seat, or bouncing around, but their boy was as poised as always.
Eun Ha caught his gaze in the mirror.
"That's great." Yeong Gu responded with palpable pride, despite his attempt at restraint.
"We should celebrate!" Eun Ha interjected, her enthusiasm finally bursting.
Mia immediately seized the idea and ran with it. "I want fried chicken and cake!" Her voice was almost a squeal.
"Fried chicken and cake, please." Su Ah added softly.
"Girls, girls... Let Jae-il choose. This is his day, right?" Yeong Gu gently intervened.
Jae-il merely shrugged. "I'm fine with anything. Fried chicken and cake sounds good." He said.
"That's my lil bro!" Mia responded with her usual excitement, leaning over him. He gently pushed her face aside with his free palm.
"Unnie! Please leave him alone!"
"Mia, don't make your brother's head fall off, okay? We kinda need him." Yeong Gu chimed in with a slight chuckle. "How is he going to get those sponsorships with an injured spine?"
Eun Ha chuckled at Yeong Gu's joke. A bit too much for her husband's sense of humor, to be honest. And her laughter only served to fuel Yeong Gu's enthusiasm. As the merriment inside the vehicle grew, Eun Ha thought that nothing, nothing, could ever ruin such a perfect family moment.
xXx
Mia's POV:
Dad had gone above and beyond for dinner. It was enough to even make the usually quiet Su Ah break into a smile and let herself go a little. Not to mention the number of plates of chicken that Mia consumed.
And, as the night drew to a close, everyone retreated to their respective corners.
Everyone but Jae-il.
She found him sitting in the living room, watching TV. An ongoing football match; his eyes were so intense that she managed to sneak behind him, snake her arms around him, and utter a soft 'boo' in his ears. She chuckled halfway through, expecting her little brother to jump, to yelp in surprise.
Yet, he remained calm.
The faintest flicker in his eyes indicated recognition, not alarm, and a subtle relaxation of his muscles followed her presence rather than the tensing one would anticipate at being suddenly grabbed from behind. What followed, however, wasn't his usual reprimand or chiding, it was a soft chuckle and a gentle tug on one of her arms still coiled around him.
"Noona, go to sleep already. I'm gonna finish watching this."
In her world of unshakeable convictions, there had been a fundamental, albeit unspoken rule: her brother—her only true rival, her comrade in a shared world of mischief and laughter, wasn't supposed to grow up.
Not so fast.
Not faster than her, at the very least. This was new and different to what she had grown used to, but for some inexplicable reason, Mia didn't hate it.
She released her grip. A small smile, as she stepped around and plopped down next to him on the couch, taking up a significant amount of space and not really sorry about it. "Don't wanna." With a defiant smirk, she draped herself over his legs, her head nestled comfortably.
"Why not?"
"You know, being awake, being cool. Stuff." She quipped with her usual sass and confidence.
"Right. So cool."
"What's so special about football, anyway?" She redirected the conversation as she turned to look at the match.
"You've asked me the same thing before."
"Have I?" Her tone feigned ignorance.
"You have."
"Really? Well, what's wrong with asking it twice?"
He exhaled softly, a brief, patient pause hanging before answering. "There's strategy, precision, athleticism..." He trailed off.
"Strategy? Like what? Kicking the ball into a net?" She cut in, a teasing grin stretching across her features. He arched an eyebrow, his expression a mirror of mild exasperation. "I can kick a ball too, y'know."
"Strategy, yes, but it's not just about kicking the ball. You have to be clever, move in ways that your opposition wouldn't expect, exploit their mistakes. It's not as easy as you're trying to make it sound."
"Sure it's not." She dismissed, her grin undiminished.
He knew she was simply messing with him, but that's how it had been between them for quite some time now.
She sighed, shifting and nuzzling deeper into the pillow that was her brother's lap.
He stilled, tearing his eyes away from the game to look down at her. He seemed... weirded out, for some reason.
Mia couldn't understand why he was making that expression.
Then the first half of the game ended, and an advertisement break commenced. A very beautiful blonde Unnie was displaying an expensive shampoo. There was a lot of exposed skin involved, even as the young woman's wavy blonde fluttered in a cinematic way in a wind machine's gale.
She then applied the product on her head and began shampooing. 'Weird.' Mia concluded, wondering why the hell did anyone think this was the most effective method for selling a shampoo brand. She had already forgotten about it the moment it went away from her screen.
However, Jae-il's eyes seemed to be more interested in that woman than her.
Then it got Mia thinking. "Do you like blondes, Jae-il?" Mia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"..."
Jae-il went uncharacteristically silent for a bit. Then...
"Why are you asking me that?" He queried back.
"I'm curious, is all." She smiled.
His look grew increasingly weird, and she didn't like it one bit. However, after a drawn-out sigh, he composed himself. "I'm not sure about what I like, to be perfectly honest. I just… haven't given it much thought." His gaze, typically so direct, wandered.
A knowing smile stretched across her face. "Don't be like that. Tell me." The mischievous twinkle in her eyes matched her tone as she shifted to prop her chin up with one hand.
He shrugged. "I guess blondes have their appeal, sure."
Mia's fingers found their way to her dark, silken hair. "So not dark hair, then?" Her tone held the barest hint of a challenge.
"No, that works too. It's a look, for sure." His response was measured.
"Well, then what is it? Short or long?" Her line of questioning continued.
"Length is irrelevant." Jae-il said simply.
"Irrelevant, is it?" She leaned in slightly. "How about height? Taller, shorter?"
"Doesn't really matter."
"No preferences? That's surprising."
"I have preferences. It just depends on who it is."
"You don't say? Then... body types. What are you into?"
"Again, depends on who it is." His patience was clearly waning. "Noona..."
"Huh?"
"It's late." He pointed out, nodding towards the digital clock at the far end of the room which read 9.55pm.
"Mhmm..." She agreed without any actual intention of moving.
"Go to sleep." His command, laced with brotherly authority.
As if that would work on her.
"Okay, I'll sleep here." She declared. There was a stubborn set to her chin that promised this would be a battle of wills. "I'll keep you company."
"Oh, would you look at that? I'm so tired. Must've been all the football. Think I'm off to bed." With a yawn that was far too dramatic, he reached out and ruffled her hair, messing up her neat bun. Then he slipped out from beneath her.
She puffed up indignantly, "Yah! Come back here!" But it was a token protest as he vanished around the corner.
"Night!" He called out.
"Night!" She grumbled back, her annoyance palpable as she rolled over. She glanced back at the TV. The commercial was long gone, and now it was some kind of detergent that cleaned better and whiter. Still... "Blondes, huh?" Like Reply
Chapter 12: The First Match
Mia's POV:
Mia stared at the ceiling of the living room, the glow from the TV casting shifting shadows across her face. The detergent commercial had long finished, but her mind was elsewhere, replaying the conversation with Jae-il.
"Blondes, huh?" She muttered again, twirling a strand of her dark hair around her finger.
She'd always been confident in her appearance—she knew she was pretty, had heard it enough times from relatives and family friends. But something about Jae-il's casual admission bothered her in a way she couldn't quite articulate. It wasn't jealousy, exactly. It was more like... disappointment?
The thought made her sit up abruptly.
Why would she care what type of girls her little brother liked? It was weird enough that she'd even asked in the first place.
She grabbed the remote and flicked through channels, trying to distract herself.
A romantic drama appeared on screen—some melodramatic scene where a woman was confessing her feelings to a man who looked remarkably uninterested. Mia snorted and changed the channel again.
Another show, another set of commercials, none of which could pull her attention away from the nagging feeling in her chest.
With a sigh, she turned off the TV and tossed the remote onto the coffee table.
She lay there for a few more minutes, eyes closed but mind far too active for sleep to claim her. Eventually, she pulled herself to her feet, her sock-clad feet dragging a little as she headed towards her own room.
Mia briefly glanced at Jae-il's room as she passed by.
"Are you jealous of the blonde on TV?"
She startled as a voice came out of nowhere and whipped around to see Su Ah, standing in the dim hallway with her book in hand, a slight arch to her brow that hinted at amusement.
"Were you eavesdropping?" Mia retorted, her tone accusatory but not entirely upset.
Su Ah shook her head. "Just walking down to grab a drink. Overheard you guys. Couldn't help myself."
"Spying little..." Mia started, but then realized it wasn't worth the energy. "I'm not jealous. Don't be ridiculous."
Su Ah didn't look convinced but she didn't push the topic. "Alright." Her eyes flickered from Mia's annoyed expression to the dark hallway ahead.
"So what, do I have to dye my hair?" Mia huffed after a beat of silence.
"Isn't it a bit too soon for you to be concerned about Jae-il's love life?"
"..." Mia opened and then shut her mouth, unable to refute her point. She wasn't exactly concerned about his love life. It wasn't her business anyway. So what was bothering her anyway?
"He might not find someone good. What am I supposed to do? He needs help. What kind of a sister would I be otherwise?" She said instead, looking away, her voice tinged with defiance..
Su Ah sighed, her voice softening as if dealing with a petulant toddler. Wasn't Mia supposed to be the older sister? "I don't think he requires our help, Unnie. All the boys his age aren't into relationships or anything." She then tilted her head. "But even if that was the case, why are you being so... worked up? Even for you, this isn't something you should care about this much." There it was; her usual perceptiveness.
"Maybe I should bleach it. It looks good on some girls I know at school..." Mia continued, as if she hadn't heard her sister's words, staring intently at the long strands of black. Then a sly smile curled on her lips as a thought seemed to strike her. She turned her gaze to Su Ah. "You know what, I'll go blonde. How would that look on me?"
Su Ah, exasperated and no longer interested in humoring Mia, turned back towards the kitchen to fetch some water. Mia followed closely, like a stray pup looking for approval, continuing her train of thought aloud, contemplating shades and styles that might suit her best. Su Ah didn't care about any of it; her attention was solely focused on the water, as Mia's words rolled past like the relentless chatter of the TV.
"Or, you think blonde isn't good? I dunno." Mia shrugged.
"Just go to bed, Unnie. You'll forget about all of this come morning." Su Ah sighed yet again. She just wanted a drink, damn it.
And so Mia went to her bed, while Su Ah went back into the embrace of the novel she had been reading earlier.
Except that the novel turned out to be quite disturbing. Who'd have thought that relationships between relatives was a thing?
She shook her head and put the book back into the shelf, hopefully to gather dust and be forgotten.
xXx
Jae-il's POV:
The opening day for the Seoul under-10's competition had rolled in quickly. Too quickly. I could almost see time itself speeding up, and the days becoming mere moments that were swept away in a river's flow.
However, this was precisely what I needed to make sure my future plans wouldn't get all muddied up due to the circumstances.
As always, I woke up early, got dressed, ate breakfast and waited outside for Yeong Gu to finish and take me to the venue.
"You ready for the ceremony, champ?"
"As I'll ever be." I shrugged as I made to enter his vehicle.
My dad glanced over, his expression serious. He leaned in and gave me a gentle nudge. "You know, it's alright if you feel nervous."
"I'm not nervous." I replied, then sighed, understanding exactly what my words implied to a parent's ear. "It's okay. Really. I'm not afraid."
"If you say so, but you don't have to always put up a brave front." He responded with a hint of pride, as he always did. His face always brightened up when he heard me saying things beyond my age.
Then, we took off towards the destination. "You have your lunch, change of clothes, shoes, and other stuff in the backpack?" Yeong Gu inquired.
"Yep." I tapped on the backpack, its contents securely packed and double-checked by Eun Ha before we had set out.
"Good. It'll be hard for your mom and sisters to make it in time, what with all the other things on her schedule." Yeong Gu commented.
"No problem." I said calmly. It was just a training session, and not even the first one.
They didn't have to come watch.
"No problem, he says." Yeong Gu muttered to himself, as we moved towards the stadium.
...
He dropped me off at the stadium; he said he couldn't overstay either due to work. Another business trip that'd keep him away for another week, likely.
Apparently, that was a normal thing in the Korean corporate scene. And Yeong Gu held quite a high position in that ladder.
I waved him off. Then, with a last glance at his departing figure, I turned my focus to the building before me. In the past few weeks, it had become a familiar sight as I participated in various training sessions.
Inside, the place was bustling with energy, excitement tangible in the air as people moved about. I slipped inside and quietly navigated until I reached the locker room. It wasn't particularly hard to find considering the signs.
Upon arrival, the room was abuzz with a blend of nervousness, excitement, and the usual banter. Though, for some reason, today the tension was more pronounced than usual.
The moment I stepped in, several pairs of eyes swiveled my way.
The first voice to greet me wasn't one from my teammates. Instead, it was from one of the assistants of the U-8 team. He looked so nondescript that I'd always forget his name.
"Ah! If it isn't little Jae-il!" His greeting was enthusiastic. "Everyone, the team's ace is here!"
A cacophony of voices followed, a few even calling out 'Ayyy, the ace has arrived!' And 'Who let this guy in here?'
All lighthearted ribbings.
"Hey." I acknowledged with a casual wave.
"Right on time, Jae-il." Coach Park gave me a slight nod, his cap slightly lowered. "I was just about to make it official."
I merely raised an eyebrow as I joined my teammates in a loose semi-circle around the coach.
Coach Park's gaze swept across the room, ensuring all eyes were on him, before he began. "This weekend is a significant moment in our football calendar." He paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "We have managed to bring our team together and build something we're all immensely proud of."
He gestured towards our jerseys. "This sunday marks the start of our first match. This is neither the Seoul Youth Cup or the K-League International Cup." Coach Park stated, pausing for effect, ensuring his next words would resonate deeply. "But for us, it might as well be. It represents the same things; an opportunity for growth, recognition, and unity."
His pause this time felt more profound than just for emphasis. He looked straight at me.
"I am appointing Cha Jae-il as the captain for this sunday's opening game and, if the boy accepts, for the entirety of the season."
A burst of applause rang out.
Coach Park's eyes were darkened by the shadow of his cap.
The assistans were all enthused, clapping the hardest of everyone.
I merely nodded. Nothing new. Just another step in the same old routine.
Sung Hynwoo patted my back with a big smile on his face. I had become a 'bro' of sorts to this boy, though the feeling was mostly unilateral.
"Yes! You've earned this, bro! Congrats!" Sung Hyunwoo beamed.
"Thanks." I said back to him with an amicable smile.
As the noise started to settle, the other players returned their attention to Coach Park.
"Get ready. It's time to show everyone out there the potential of FC Seoul Youth Academy." Coach Park added as a final note, then ushered us out onto the field. Like ReplyReport Reactions:Demon_queen, SpaceWolfotheWilds, Apoc2020! and 134 othersNneeilSep 6, 2025Add bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 13: The First Match II View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 6, 2025Add bookmark#17Chapter 13: The First Match II
I studied my jersey. It bore the familiar logo, a deep shade of red with black stripes, and the proud lettering of the club's name: FC Seoul.
I put it on with an air of casual professionalism. No nerves. No anxiety. It felt just like another training day—only, this time, we'd face an opponent rather than the familiar faces of our usual training squad.
My teammates didn't seem to share my relaxed demeanor.
I fastened the captain's armband, ensuring its fit was snug on my bicep. Just in time as Coach Park and his entourage of assistants swept inside the locker room. He didn't say much, just a simple nod and some words of encouragement.
It did little to boost some of the nervous kids' morale, but it was better than nothing, I supposed.
"Time to go, lads." Coach Park called out, his voice firm.
And we all followed him out.
The match was to be held at ten in the morning, and it would last roughly forty minutes. Not exactly enough to get a good read on how my teammates would play against a live opposition, but enough to showcase the basics.
The sun, high in the sky, shone down with an almost oppressive warmth.
"There aren't many spectators." Sung Hyunwoo commented, a bit sourly.
He was right. All I could see was a smattering of parents and relatives. The only thing that stood out in this sea of casual watchers were the cameras, mostly for the club's promotional material.
"Guess it's better than an empty stadium." I remarked.
Not that I minded either way; I preferred playing in quiet environments anyway.
However, a streak of blonde, and a tiny waving arm caught my attention. And there, in the front row of a section near the pitch, I spotted her.
Mia.
I thought she was busy and couldn't make it.
Yet now there she was, in the stands.
She gave me a radiant smile, saying something that was clearly lost due to the distance, but the way she flicked and flaunted that freshly dyed hair told me all I needed to know.
And it made me wonder. 'Why?'
Was she doing this on purpose? Was she trying to mess with me? Or was this her way of showing support? But even that didn't add up.
I didn't know how to feel about this, honestly.
It felt weird.
And heart-warming, at the same time. How contrasting. I wrenched my gaze away.
A brief warm-up session ensued. I stole a ball from the bag and juggled my way closer to the other half of the pitch.
The team that faced us, a collection of unfamiliar faces from a club that I couldn't recognize at all, looked determined, and perhaps even more anxious than my own team.
I could see the nervous shuffling, the restless jiggling of legs, the occasional glance at the stands. These were kids, no different from the ones around me, all grappling with their own pre-match jitters.
As I observed them, my thoughts were drawn back to a time in another life, where the stadium roared and the stakes were infinitely higher, and I was just a man in the middle of it all, dealing with his own bouts of nerves and self-doubt.
I caught the gaze of a boy from the opposing team. Tall, for his age. Good posture. Too clean—hair gelled, socks pulled up too neatly. He walked like a prince. One of those kids who'd never been tackled on concrete or learned to play barefoot in the rain.
He stared at me too long. I stopped juggling and rolled the ball under my foot.
"You the captain?" He asked, nodding at my armband.
I tilted my head. "Yeah." I looked at his arm; no armband.
His grin widened, eyes narrowing as if he'd found something interesting.
"I saw that girl in the stands earlier." He said, languidly. I already didn't like the tone. "Long blonde hair. Pretty eyes. Is she your sister?"
"..."
I merely stared at him, curious to see where he was going with this.
"That's a shame." He said, a smirk etching its way onto his face. "My older brother says that girls that pretty should listen to boys. Hmm, will she be obedient to me if I destroy y'all? Hehehe~" His wink was obnoxious, the insinuation clear. Kids these days—were they really this bold, or was this just how the world worked now? Given his age, it was probably just a clumsy attempt to get under my skin.
Still, some lines don't get crossed without consequence.
I stared at him, blankly, for a second longer than I needed to.
Then I smiled.
"You talk like that again..." I said, voice quiet. "And I won't embarrass you on the field. I'll humiliate you in front of your parents."
His smile stiffened as I walked off.
'That piece of shit…'
"Alright, team. Huddle up!" Coach Park called.
Our group coalesced, each of us looking towards him with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"I want you to focus. Focus on the game. Focus on the tactics. Remember what we've practiced." Coach Park started.
I could see a few nods, a few uncertain glances, and even a few determined faces.
"You've done the work, so go out there and give them a good fight, yeah?" He finished, adjusting his cap.
"Yeah!" Came a chorus of enthusiastic voices. Some more, some less so.
Coach Park's attention then turned to me. "Cha Jae-il. Are you ready?"
"I am, coach." I said simply.
"Then lead the way." Coach Park said with a small gesture towards the center of the pitch, where the other team was already gathering.
A quiet nod was my reply.
The team parted, allowing me to pass through and take the center of our formation, right in the middle. "Line up, guys. The game is starting." I said, nonchalantly.
With the team in position and the opponents in line across from us, the atmosphere took a more serious turn.
I caught that cocky kid's eyes one more time. I smiled—now, how to demoralize that motherfucker even further? Ah, I know.
A single, piercing whistle cut through the tension and the ball was in play.
Sung Hyunwoo passed the ball to me.
The ball rolled in my direction. Clean, quick, as if Hyunwoo knew exactly what I wanted.
He didn't, but I appreciated the obedience.
I took one step forward, let the ball slide the outside of my right boot, and let it ride with me.
Their midfield hadn't even shifted yet. That piece of shit—our dear prince of hair gel—was jogging up, still grinning like the game was a formality.
That was his first mistake.
I didn't bother dribbling. No flair. No flashy step-overs or samba bullshit. Just one glance up.
The keeper was slightly off his line. Their defense was still climbing, slowly.
Second mistake.
The ball was still bouncing slightly from the pass, not even settled yet. But I didn't care.
I leaned in and smashed it.
A full strike. Laces. Midfield.
The ball soared.
It sliced through the air with a whistle of its own, carrying weight and a lifetime of muscle memory behind it.
The opposing keeper—short for a goalie, maybe nine at most—backpedaled like a cartoon character, his arms flailing, legs a second behind his brain.
Too late.
The ball dipped and slammed into the top left corner.
And then the net rippled.
Goal.
No roar. No announcers shouting my name. Just the stunned murmur of parents who'd looked away for a second and missed it. And one very loud "WHOO!" from Hyunwoo, somewhere behind me.
I didn't celebrate. I turned back, slow and calm.
That kid stood frozen in midfield, jaw slack. His smirk now a crooked frown.
I passed him as I walked back to position.
"Thought I'd warm up the crowd." I said casually, just loud enough for him to hear.
He blinked, his mouth still trying to decide whether to talk or eat grass.
"Keep watching." I added. "You might learn something."
Back in my half, Hyunwoo jogged over, grinning like a fool. "Bro—what the hell was that?"
"A shot."
"From midfield?!"
I shrugged. "They left me space."
He laughed. "You're built different, man. Like… scary different."
"Thanks, Hyunwoo." I patted him on the back, which seemed to energize the boy.
I caught the slightly widened eye of Coach Park from the shade of his cap, before he lowered it until it couldn't be seen again. The assistants were literally frozen mid-gasp.
Once the horde of over excited boys finished swarming me, the match restarted. The opposing team's morale hit rock bottom, going all the way underground.
On the other hand, my own team's confidence had soared to the high heavens. I probably didn't even have to lift a foot now. Then again, I probably should, shouldn't I?
I still had to prove a point.
I didn't think I'd be so petty even in this life, b
oh well. Shit happens. Especially if you're a seven year old. And especially if you're me, it'd seem.
Chapter 14: The First Match III (Conclusion)
There was an uneasy look on most spectating parents' faces. They had expected a close game. They had come to watch their kids put in their best efforts. Instead, they were watching a massacre. A slaughter. An absolute embarrassment of their children. There was a supportive cheer after that ridiculous first goal—after all, the kids were giving it their all.
But then the second one hit. And the third. And the fourth.
That's when the murmurs started, the looks turned sour, and the cheers became awkward clapping.
Because, at this point, it was no longer about their kids doing their best. It was about a single child doing the best. It was about the other kids being left in the dust, being outclassed and outmatched by a kid who didn't seem to belong on the same pitch. And that, in their eyes, was unfair.
A seven year old child, scoring six goals, dribbling around the other team like they weren't even moving, and making it seem effortless, wasn't just unfair.
It was impossible.
So, as the parents watched, as the assistants' expressions went from surprise to horror, the kids on the opposing team began to visibly despair. The coach for the opposing team looked on, his face a mask of resignation. He had no more tactics to offer, no more pep talks to give. He was helpless, standing on the sidelines of a game that was beyond him.
And the score kept rising. Not a steady rise, but a rapid, merciless accumulation.
I didn't even have the ball at my feet for the seventh. Hyunwoo was on the wing and I was in the center. He put in a good cross. I flicked it on.
Another kid, Kim Jee, was there at the back post. He nodded it in. Not the cleanest, but it went in. Kim was jumping around, yelling his head off, like he'd scored in a cup final.
And the game went on.
The eighth goal was a penalty.
I didn't take it. Kim Jee did. He wanted a second.
I didn't mind. The ball rolled into the net. I didn't even look at the net. My gaze was on that kid—the one who'd dared to speak of Mia like she was some kind of trophy to win.
"..."
The ninth goal was the culmination of their despair. The kickoff was a formality. The ball was passed back, then sideways, with no intent, no direction.
It was as if they were merely going through the motions.
The ball eventually found its way back to their central defender, a slightly taller boy who, until now, had at least tried to maintain some semblance of order. He looked up, saw me casually drifting into his zone, and his shoulders slumped.
He attempted a long, hopeful clearance, more a hoof than a pass, aimed vaguely downfield.
It was easily intercepted by one of our midfielders, who quickly laid it off to me just inside their half. The entire opposing team seemed to freeze. Their defenders backed off, creating a vast chasm of space in front of me. They weren't even trying to close me down anymore. They seemingly opted to create some sort of wall around the goalpost.
As if that would stop me.
I didn't even need to use any fancy dribbling. I took a few touches, advancing unchallenged towards their penalty area. The hair gel kid, who had drifted into a more central defensive position, made a token effort to step towards me, but there was no conviction in his movement.
His shorts were matted with grass and earth, a result of one too many unsuccessful slides.
I simply glided past him with a slight change of pace. Their goalkeeper, a picture of misery, stood rooted to his line. He looked small, defeated, and utterly alone. I didn't blast it. I didn't chip it. I just rolled the ball with precision into the bottom corner, an almost dismissive finish.
There were no cheers from our side this time. Just a heavy, profound silence from the stands, broken only by the distinct sound of a child on the opposing team starting to sob openly, his small body shaking.
Even Hyunwoo and my other teammates offered no celebration, just turned and walked back towards the center circle.
By the end of the first half, it was 10-0. Ten fucking nil. The other team hadn't even managed a shot on target. They'd given up trying. The kids were in tears. Some were angry. Some were just staring blankly, their spirit extinguished.
The piece of shit prince, who'd tried to taunt me about Mia, was now sitting on the grass near his own goal, head in his hands, his perfectly gelled hair dishevelled. Good.
The halftime whistle shrilled, a mercy for the vanquished.
Coach Park met us as we trooped off, his face unreadable beneath the brim of his cap. He didn't offer praise, nor criticism. He simply watched, his gaze lingering on the desolate figures of the opposing team being led away by their beleaguered coach. The murmurs from the handful of parents had died down, replaced by an uncomfortable, heavy silence.
Even Mia's usual exuberance was tempered; she was watching, a complex expression on her face.
As our team gathered around the water cooler, an almost reverent quiet enveloped me. My teammates, still buzzing from the one-sided demolition, kept stealing glances at me, a mixture of awe and something akin to fear in their eyes.
Perhaps, I overdid it a little. I had to admit it—but just because I could freely admit it, didn't mean I was about to apologize for the chasm in skill, nor that they hadn't thoroughly earned every digit on that scoreboard.
Coach Park finally walked over, his footsteps measured on the artificial turf. He motioned for me to step aside with him, away from the others.
xXx
Coach Park's POV:
"Jae-il…" He began, his voice low. "You've shown us more than enough today." His eyes, when they met Jae-il's, were serious. "The score… it speaks for itself."
Jae-il nodded, his expression calm. He knew what was coming. It was the logical, the only sensible, course of action.
"For the second half." Coach Park continued, his gaze drifting towards the other team's dejected huddle. "I'm going to take you off." He paused, letting the words settle. "It's not a punishment, son. Far from it. You've been exceptional."
He then elaborated, his points sharp and clear. "First, out of respect. These are children, Jae-il. There's a line between competition and humiliation. We crossed it about seven goals ago. Continuing like this serves no one, especially not them. Their confidence is shattered."
Jae-il's gaze followed Park's. He saw the slumped shoulders, the tear-streaked faces. He'd been on the giving end of such defeats many times, but rarely against opponents so utterly outmatched from the first whistle.
"Second." Park went on, "Is for your own development. This… this isn't a challenge for you. Playing at this level, against this opposition, you risk developing habits that won't serve you when you face real competition. You need to be pushed, to adapt, to solve problems. Today, there were no problems for you to solve."
Jae-il understood that perfectly. The game had become a glorified training drill against moving cones.
"And third." Coach Park concluded, "I need to see the others. With you on the pitch, the game revolves around you. It's difficult to truly assess how the rest of the team functions, how they react under pressure, or how they create opportunities without your direct intervention. This is a youth academy; my job is to develop all of them, not just witness a one-man show, however brilliant."
He looked at Jae-il, awaiting a reaction.
Jae-il met his coach's gaze, a flicker of that unnerving maturity in his purple eyes. "I understand, Coach. Completely." There was no disappointment in his voice, no petulance. Just a calm acceptance of an undeniable truth. He'd made his statement. The message had been delivered, loud and clear. "It's the right call."
A small, almost imperceptible sigh of relief escaped Coach Park. He'd half-expected some resistance, some youthful ego, but Cha Jae-il was, as always, an enigma. He clapped a hand on the boy's small shoulder. "Good. Get some rest. You've earned it."
As Jae-il walked towards the bench, the parents from the opposing team watched him. Their expressions were no longer hostile, but filled with a weary, almost grudging respect, and an undeniable sense of relief.
Their children wouldn't have to endure another twenty minutes of being systematically dismantled by the small boy with the number 9.
The boy who, in his short years, played football like a man who'd spent a lifetime on the pitch. A man who'd seen, experienced, and conquered it all, yet somehow found himself in a child's body, playing against children who were not even worthy of being called beginners.
A boy who was not a boy. A child who was not a child. An entity who defied all logical explanation, a living contradiction that the world was not yet ready to understand or explain. Like ReplyReport Reactions:SquirtleTurtle, PassingBy, Demon_queen and 143
Chapter 15: Coach Park's Suggestion
The second half began. I was not on the pitch. Instead, I was seated on the substitutes' bench, a rare place for me. I couldn't remember when was the last time I'd been sidelined in any sport.
The match resumed, and the opposing team, understandably, seemed relieved. However, the damage had been done. The mental scars of a 10-0 drubbing were not easily erased, and their spirit was fractured. Even without me, our team was too much. Sung Hynwoo—who would've been the team's ace, had I not been there—was running rampant. Kim Jee was scoring freely, and the rest were finding their confidence and form.
By the time the final whistle blew, it was 14-0.
A complete, merciless victory.
I stood up, stretching my limbs.
"Wow." A voice came from my left. It belonged to an assistant, a man with an average height, a bit chubby and a bit too pale for his own good. "You were amazing out there, kid. Truly incredible."
"Thanks." I responded, a bit absentmindedly.
"Are you disappointed?" He inquired, tilting his head.
"No." I replied truthfully.
"Are you mad?"
"..." I shook my head. "Why should I?"
"Because Coach benched you." The assistant said, matter-of-factly. "Most kids would be upset."
"It was the right call."
"Right call?" The man chuckled. "Who the heck are you, kid?"
"..."
I didn't respond. Instead, I walked away. It wasn't the first time someone had asked me that. Acting like a kid? Not for me. I didn't care if people thought I was a freak or an anomaly. Considering my circumstances, I might as well have been. I wasn't a normal seven year old, and I wasn't trying to be.
I was a man inside a seven year old boy's body. It was a weird reality to grasp. Hell, even I had my doubts sometimes.
My gaze was drawn to the stands. Mia, now back to her usual self, was waving frantically, a beaming smile on her face. While the opposing team was mourning their defeat in the stands, my sister seemed to be celebrating my win.
"Jae-il!" She shouted, jumping up and down, making her blonde hair bounce wildly.
I nodded at her. She was such a peculiar character. So different from my mother, or Su Ah. She was the outlier, a little nutcase, a girl with more energy than she knew what to do with. She'd probably grow out of it in a few years, but I had to admit this side of her was endearing.
I've always wanted a family, someone to celebrate my victories. Now, it seemed I had a very enthusiastic one. I disengaged from my team's loud celebration and made my way towards her.
"Jae-il!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a quick, fierce hug, her blonde hair smelling of some floral shampoo. "That was incredible!"
"Thanks." I patted her back. "You didn't have to come, y'know." I said.
She pulled back, looking at me with those big, sparkling eyes. "Of course I had to! I'm your sister, aren't I?"
"I mean, it's just a game." I shrugged.
She scoffed. "Just a game? No way. That was amazing! I've never seen anyone play like that."
"You're being too generous." I chuckled.
"I'm serious! You were, like, a hundred times better than everyone else." Her praise was genuine, not a trace of envy or sarcasm; she was way past all of that shit, fortunately.
It was refreshing.
"I've had more practice, that's all."
She crossed her arms, a haughty smile over a raised chin. Almost as if she were looking down on me. 'Just wait until I hit puberty.' With how tall my parents well, height wasn't something I'd ever have to worry about. She enthusiastically patted me on the back a few more times before wiggling her eyebrows. "So? So? What do you think?"
I feigned innocence, tilting my head. "What do I think about what?"
"You know..." She trailed off, shaking her head and making that butter-yellow hair bounce wildly. "Hmm? So?"
I frowned. "I don't—"
"My hair, you damn idiot!"
"Ah." I paused. "It's... it's good."
She leaned in closer, a playful grin on her lips. "Just good?" There was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Okay, okay. It's very pretty. Really suits you." I admitted.
Her grin widened, giving me a very close-up view of her white teeth. Her canines were growing too sharp. "See? I knew you'd like it." She winked at me. Again. What was she doing?
Then she ruffled my hair.
I swatted her hand away, but not before she left a mess on top of my head.
"Yah!" She giggled. "Don't mess up my masterpiece."
I rolled my eyes. "Alright, alright. Listen, dumb Noona. Wait for me outside, I'll go change and shower right quick." I said, pointing at the exit of the stadium. "And don't talk to strangers."
"Hey!" She protested. "That's my line!"
I gave her a look that spoke volumes. "Exactly. Don't talk to them."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine. But hurry up, okay?"
I nodded.
"Promise?"
"I promise."
...
By the time I made it back to my team, all that was left of the earlier festivity were lingering smiles and tired eyes. The match, despite its one-sided nature, had taken its toll. Coach Park was there, as were the other coaches and assistants, but the atmosphere had shifted from celebration to quiet reflection.
Coach Park, his voice low and measured, was addressing the team. "...despite the result, this game has highlighted areas where we need to improve. We won't always face opponents so outmatched, and we need to remember that every game is a learning opportunity, regardless of the outcome." He glanced around, his gaze meeting each player's. "I'm proud of you all for your performance, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have a long journey ahead." He said, glancing at me before adjusting his cap.
My presence seemed to liven up the expressions on the assistants' faces.
I still couldn't remember their names.
Coach Park clapped his hands once, the sharp sound cutting through the air. "Alright, boys. Get changed. We'll meet again in a few days. Rest up and stay healthy. Dismissed."
The team broke apart, each heading their separate ways.
"Jae-il, a word please." Coach Park called out.
"Sure." I replied, walking over to him. My eyes inadvertently found the spot on the pitch where I'd made that first strike, the shot that had set the tone for the entire match. A single moment that had, in many ways, sealed the fate of the game..
It wasn't something I could confidently do in an actual professional match, but against these kids, and with the state of the opposition, it had been an obvious strategy.
We stopped in some corridor of the stadium. The echo of cleats and my teammate's voices slowly faded as they disappeared around corners.
Coach Park's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Today's game... it was quite something." He began, his tone carefully neutral.
"I suppose it was." I replied, my voice calm and even.
He adjusted his cap. "We've never had a result like that before. It's unprecedented." He said, pausing to gather his thoughts. "I'm not going to lie, Jae-il. If you keep developing like this, we're going to need to make some tough decisions soon."
I tilted my head, as if I didn't already know what was about to be said.
Coach Park continued, his voice steady. "The U-10 league, as far as I've observed, will likely fail to provide you with the level of competition you need to really grow. You're already far beyond what most of them can offer."
"Then what's the solution?" I asked, playing along.
He looked at me. "I'm thinking about accelerating you to the U-12s."
I nodded, as if considering this for the first time. I didn't think he'd bring it up so soon, though. My performance today must have been even more shocking than I anticipated. I didn't want to seem like I was pushing for this, so I tried to play it cool. "U-12s, huh?"
Coach Park nodded. "It's not a common move, but given your abilities and the current state of the U-10 league, it's something we should seriously consider. Of course, before I bring this up to the academy directors, your parents, and you, I'll need more data to back this decision. One game, no matter how dominant, isn't enough to justify such a leap. But, if you're serious about football and your development, I think this is the right path for you." His eyes met mine. "What do you think, Jae-il?"
"I think..." I paused for effect, then readily agreed. "I'm up for it if everyone thinks it's the right thing to do."
A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of Coach Park's mouth. "Good. I'm glad you're open to it." He adjusted his cap. "We'll talk more about this soon. For now, enjoy your day."
He adjusted his cap one more time and walked away. Like ReplyReport Reactions:PassingBy, Demon_queen, SpaceWolfotheWilds and 138 othersNneeilSep 6, 2025Add bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 16: Honesty Isn't Always the Best Policy View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 6, 2025Add bookmark#20Chapter 16: Honesty Isn't Always the Best Policy
Eun Ha picked us up from the stadium. She didn't ask how the match went; the result had already spread throughout the academy and the club. She didn't seem very surprised, but did seem particularly sorry for the other team. It was a bit hard to explain Mia's presence to her. Eun Ha just smiled and shook her head at Mia's new hair, and that was the end of that.
Back home, I spent the afternoon lazing around. My mom and Su Ah were doing their thing while Mia stuck to me like a puppy. She'd sit next to me, watch whatever I was watching, and occasionally throw in a few comments or two about her own thoughts on the matter.
Mostly, though, she was quiet, and I didn't mind her presence.
I was sitting on the couch, engrossed in a television show, when I felt a light tap on my shoulder.
"Hey, Jae-il?" Her voice was soft, almost tentative.
"Yeah?"
"Do you, uh, think we could go out for a bit? Just the two of us?" She was looking at me, one of her eyes hidden behind a curtain of blonde hair. Her arms were crossed. Was it a measly attempt to show dominance or a mask to hide nervousness?
"Where to?"
"Anywhere, really. I just feel like hanging out with you." She shrugged, her head tilted, her smile widening. "Is that weird?"
"No." I paused. "But there's nothing to do in the area. You know that."
My current age restricted a lot of activities I could have partook in.
She frowned. "Yeah, I know. But there has to be something, right? Maybe we could go for a walk or something?"
"Mom's not gonna let me leave the house without her." I pointed out. I was too young to be wandering outside alone without the supervision of an adult.
"I can handle her. Just tell me where you wanna go and I'll convince her, easy." Mia said confidently. She did have a point, she could charm the pants off of Eun Ha. And Yeong Gu, to an extent. Especially him, actually.
I pondered for a moment, considering her proposition. "There's this park not far from here. Has a nice field and some exercise equipment. It'd be nice to take a stroll there." I finally said.
She beamed. "Great! I'll go ask mom. Be ready in ten."
As Mia hurried off to find our mom, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this sudden invitation. She seemed more clingy and affectionate as of late. Perhaps it was a phase? Or maybe she was just excited about the new look? I'd never had siblings, so I didn't know. This was all uncharted territory for me.
Ten minutes later, as promised, I was dressed and ready to go. Mia had managed to convince our mom to let us leave the house alone. The only condition was that we'd be back by dinner. I didn't ask how she did it, and I didn't care to. Perhaps one day I'd learn that power.
Together, we stepped out into the sunlit street.
The afternoon was warm, with a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves on the trees lining the road. Mia, her blonde hair gleaming in the sunlight, had a skip in her step, and her face was adorned with a wide smile. She was wearing a white tank, black shorts, and a pair of white tennis shoes.
"You look happy." I commented, casting a sidelong glance at her.
"I am!" She chirped, her eyes sparkling. "It's nice getting out of the house, y'know? And hanging out with you is always fun."
"Fun?" I arched an eyebrow. "How so? I barely even talk."
She waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, you talk enough. And besides, it's not all about that. It's more about who you're with, isn't it?"
"..."
I didn't respond, choosing to focus on the path ahead.
The park was a short walk from our house, nestled in a quiet neighborhood with rows of modest homes and neatly manicured lawns. It was a simple, yet welcoming place, with a playground at its center, a few benches scattered around, and a large, open field where kids often played various sports, usually soccer.
We found a bench overlooking the field, and Mia flopped onto it, stretching out her legs and sighing contentedly.
"It's a nice place." She remarked, tilting her face to catch the last of the day's sun.
I sat down beside her, observing the children on the field. Most of them were around our age, running around with a ball, their laughter filling the air. I watched them for a while, lost in my own thoughts.
Mia, sitting next to me, seemed to notice my distraction. "Penny for your thoughts?" She nudged me gently.
"Just thinking about football." I admitted.
"Always the same." She rolled her eyes, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "Do you ever think about anything else?"
"Not really."
She chuckled. "Well, that's one thing about you that never changes." Her gaze followed mine, watching the kids play. "Do you think you'll be a pro someday?"
"I know I will." My answer was firm. "The coach today suggested moving me up to the U-12's."
Her eyes widened. "Really? That's... that's incredible!" She paused. "But don't you think that's a little... soon? I mean, I'm no expert, but I thought these things were supposed to take time."
"I'm exceptional." I tilted my chin slightly, imitating some of her haughty demeanor.
"Arrogant, aren't you?" She raised an eyebrow, grinning.
"Arrogance is just confidence that doesn't suit people. My arrogance is my confidence. And it suits me just fine."
"You always have an answer for everything, don't you? Creepy seven year old kid." She sighed, but it was a happy sigh. "Seriously though, I'm happy for you. I hope everything works out." She winked at the end.
"What about you?" Since we were talking about the future, I wondered if this wayward sister of mine had any plans. I doubted she did, but you could never be too sure with someone like Mia. She had the tendency to spring surprises on you.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Any goals? Dreams? Plans for the future?"
"Me?" She looked taken aback for a second. "Uh, not really. I mean, I'm only eleven, you know? I don't have it all figured out yet."
"That's a boring answer."
"Hey, you asked!" She poked my side, causing me to flinch. "Besides, I'm sure I'll find something I'm passionate about. Just like you did. It might take a while, but I'm not worried."
I nodded. It was a fair response. "Well, whatever you choose to do, make sure you're good at it."
She scoffed. "Says the boy who's a prodigy at everything he tries." She nudged me again, this time with a playful smile. "But I get what you mean. Thanks for the advice, o wise one." Her tone was teasing, but her words were sincere. She turned her gaze back to the field, watching the kids run and play.
The conversation ebbed and flowed, touching on various topics.
She talked about school, her friends, and the latest boy she turned down because he 'didn't meet her standards'. I listened, nodding occasionally, offering a word or two when necessary. It wasn't the most riveting conversation, but I didn't mind.
It was nice, just being in the moment, with someone I considered family.
Not everything had to be about football, BOPE, or anything else. Sometimes, I could just sit with my sister and talk about nothing, and it felt... right. Normal. Like something I should have experienced in my previous life. Something I'd missed out on.
And now, I was slowly getting a taste of it.
I didn't hate it, I had to admit.
"Hey, Jae-il." Mia's voice cut through my thoughts. "I'm going to get a drink from the vending machine. Want anything?" She asked, pointing to a lone vending machine in the distance.
"Water." I responded, reaching into my pocket to pull out a 1000 Won bill.
She shook her head. "No need. My treat today." She winked, then skipped off towards the vending machine.
I watched her go, her blonde hair swaying as she moved.
It didn't take long for her to return, two drinks in hand.
"Here you go." Mia said, handing me a bottle of water. She popped the cap of her own bottle, which was a bright pink color, and took a long sip. "Ah, that's good." She literally melted.
"What's that?" I asked, pointing to her drink. I still had to acquaint myself with most korean beverages.
"Oh, this?" She held up the bottle, the liquid inside catching the light. "It's just some kind of fruit juice. Want to try it?"
I blinked for a moment, then nodded. "Sure." She handed me the bottle. I took a swig, the sweet taste of mixed fruit filling my mouth. It was surprisingly refreshing. A bit too sweet, perhaps.
"Good, right?" Mia grinned. "Right?" She leaned in, invading my space.
"Better than I anticipated." I agreed, handing the bottle back to her.
She took it, her fingers briefly brushing against mine. "Hehe~" She eyed the lip of the bottle, where I'd just drunk from, before taking another sip.
I didn't think much of it.
Mia leaned back, stretching her arms over her head. "So..." She began, fidgeting slightly. Almost ten seconds passed, and I turned around to see if she needed any prompt from me. Turns out she didn't; she was merely waiting for my full attention.
She hummed, legs swinging.
"Have you ever thought about, like, kissing someone?"
And then she asked, out of the blue. Like ReplyReport Reactions:PassingBy, Demon_queen, mac_&_cheese a
bookmark#21Chapter 17: Honesty Isn't Always the Best Policy II
"What." I stared at her, not sure I'd heard her correctly.
"Kissing. Y'know, putting your lips on someone else's lips." She mimicked a kissing face. "It's a thing people do, supposedly."
"..."
I was speechless. This wasn't the type of conversation I thought I'd be having with someone who was practically my sister. "What kind of question is that?"
Like, seriously.
"Just curious." Mia shrugged. "I mean, we're at that age, you know? Some of my friends have started talking about it. So, I was wondering if you've ever thought about it." Her tone was casual, but her eyes were bright with curiosity. "For example, did you know that I secretly caught Su Ah kissing her pillow? Or that mom and dad used to be so gross in front of me when they thought I wasn't looking? It's like, they didn't care. But I was only five or six years old, y'know? It was so weird and gross. It still is. And I'm older now." She made an overly disgusted face.
"..." I merely blinked at those words. Jesus Christ. "Noona, I likely won't be thinking about that stuff until I'm a few years older." I finally said.
"Really?" She looked surprised. "I thought all boys were obsessed with that stuff, especially the cute ones." She said casually.
"Well, I'm not most boys." I said dryly.
"That's true." She conceded, nodding. "It always feels like I'm talking to someone way older. It's so creepy, but cool at the same time." She mused, a finger tapping her chin thoughtfully. "That's why I thought you might've had some thoughts about it. I know that's not something a sister and brother should be talking about, but I don't see it like that, you know? You're just the cool kid down the street. The one who teaches you how to swear and get away with it." Her eyes met mine, a genuine warmth in them. "You're not just a brother to me. You're a friend."
"..."
I looked back at her, my gaze steady. "And you're not just a sister to me." I responded, my voice even. "You're a pain in my ass."
"Hey!" She punched my shoulder playfully, but she was smiling. "Asshole."
She didn't look offended at all.
We sat there for a while longer, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and gold. The warmth of the day began to fade, a gentle coolness settling in. Soon, it would be time to head home. I was kind of looking fowards to it. Mia's choice of conversation had been... disconcerting, to say the least.
Maybe I was looking too much into it.
Maybe it was completely normal.
Maybe I was the weird one for thinking there was an ulterior motive. Perhaps, I was simply a creep. I didn't want to think about that.
As the light began to fade and the first stars appeared in the sky, Mia and I got up from the bench. "We should get going." I said. "Mom will be expecting us soon."
Mia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's head back." She paused, looking at me for a moment, her head tilted slightly to the side. "Hey, can I ask you something?" Her voice was soft, almost shy. "You don't have to say yes, of course."
"Go ahead." I said, preparing myself for whatever weird question she had in store.
"Can I, uh..." She hesitated, looking at me, then away, then back at me again. "Can I hold your hand? On the way back, I mean." She bit her lip. "It's just that it's getting a little dark, and, well, I feel safer when I'm holding your hand." She finished quickly, looking at me with those big, amber eyes of hers.
"..."
I didn't have a good reason to refuse her, so I extended my hand towards her. "Sure, Noona."
"Thanks!" She beamed at me, slipping her hand into mine. Her palm was warm and a little sweaty, her fingers intertwining with mine. "It feels nice, doesn't it?" She asked, looking down at our joined hands.
I didn't know about that. In fact, I was pretty sure this wasn't a good idea. But I couldn't bring myself to say that.
Her reasoning wasn't unfounded either, and considering the way my previous mother died, maybe it was a legitimate fear.
I didn't want to think about what I'd do to someone who'd try to harm her.
But this smelled a bit like emotional manipulation.
I'd have to be careful with that.
I squeezed her hand gently. "Let's go, Mia Noona." I said, and together, we started walking back home, her hand in mine, and a feeling of unease settling in the pit of my stomach.
I briefly looked back at her.
She grinned at me, eyes narrowed.
That wasn't the face of someone scared to walk alone at night.
xXx
The days passed by in a blur. Weeks. Then months.
Yeong Gu would always come back from a business trip, stay a couple of days, seldom a week, then leave again. I didn't envy him at all, despite knowing very well that going professional in any sport would entail such sacrifices. At least he made enough money to make it worth his while.
In this timelapse, I've also had my eighth birthday. It was a relatively simple affair. A cake, presents, and my family's love. I was getting used to this new life, as slow as it was.
"Jae-il." Eun Ha said softly. "Make a wish and blow the candles."
I nodded and closed my eyes. A wish... what to wish for?
World peace? Health and longevity for my current family? A Ballon D'or at ten years old?
In the end, I settled for something that I hoped would never come true: 'May I never see my loved ones die in front of me again.'
I blew out the candle.
"Yaaaay! Happy birthday, lil' bro!" Mia cheered, clapping her hands enthusiastically before getting me in a chokehold. Su Ah, sitting next to her, clapped along, a small smile on her lips. She'd gotten taller, and her features had begun to sharpen. Her hair was longer, reaching down to her shoulders.
Yeong Gu, on the other side of the table, was smiling. His eyes were warm, and he looked at me with pride. "Congratulations, son." He said, his deep voice filled with affection.
Eun Ha, next to him, was beaming. Her long hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore a simple blue dress. "Make sure you enjoy your presents later, sweetie." She said. There was a big pile; Yeong Gu hadn't held back at all.
"Thank you." I replied, my voice soft but sincere.
"Time to cut the cake!" Mia exclaimed, reaching for the knife.
"Ah, ah." Eun Ha admonished her, taking the knife from her hand. "Let's do this properly, shall we?" She began cutting the cake, serving each of us a slice.
The cake was a masterpiece, decorated with chocolate icing and topped with strawberries.
The merriment and cheering faded as night came. The leftovers were put in the refrigerator, the living room was cleaned, and we all went to our rooms.
I stared the ceiling of my room.
Time fast forwarded again.
I played a lot of football in this period. My mom, though she didn't fully understand the game, would sometimes watch and cheer me on. Su Ah occasionally joined in, usually preferring to sit on the sidelines and read her book.
Mia, well, she was always there. Her blonde dye seemed to have become a permanent fixture.
Meanwhile, my team, FC Seoul Academy, went on to win every single game—by a large margin. The results were always above 10 goals for our team, and only once did we allow a goal, though that was due to a fumble from our keeper and the defense.
We were dominating our category, and I was breaking all the scoring records. It was getting obvious to anyone who watched the games that I didn't belong there. Even if I hadn't recovered some of my previous life's skills, I still wouldn't have had any trouble.
It wasn't about individual prowess alone, but experience as well. I could see holes in their playstyles, their formations, their tactics, their weaknesses. I could read their movements, their habits, and their reactions.
They were children playing a man's game.
I was a man playing a child's game.
Coach Park's suggestion was starting to come to fruition.
After a match against a local team from Busan, in which we won 13-0, Coach Park approached me with a solemn expression. "Jae-il." He said, his voice low and serious. "I've been thinking about what I told you a few months ago."
I nodded, waiting for him to continue. My parents had been called to the club, and we were all now in the office of the Academy Director.
The Director, a tall, thin man with sharp features and a serious expression, was seated behind his desk, his hands steepled in front of him. Coach Park was standing next to him, straight as a javelin, his cap slightly lowered.
My parents were sitting across from him, their attention focused on him. I was standing beside them, my expression neutral, as if I wasn't aware of the topic of this meeting.
"Jae-il." Coach Park reiterated. "Your performances this season have been nothing short of sensational. You're not just the leading scorer in the U-10 league; you're a standout talent in our entire academy. It's evident to everyone that you require a higher level of competition to further your development."
Director Lee concurred with a nod. "We've deliberated on this extensively, and we are of the firm belief that the most beneficial step for your progression, Jae-il, is a promotion to the U-12 team." Like ReplyReport Reactions:SquirtleTurtle, PassingBy, SpaceWolfotheWilds an