By the time twenty minutes had passed in the match, I had already delivered two more assists to Caleb, putting us 4–0 ahead. This time, Evan carried the ball forward on his own. From outside the penalty area, he curled a shot toward the top-right corner. The goalkeeper couldn't reach it, and the opposing team scored their first goal.
Players at Caleb's and Evan's level were rare—even in the tryouts I had attended. With that thought crossing my mind, the match continued. After several back-and-forth attacks, we secured a convincing 7–2 victory. I finished the match with 4 assists and 2 goals.
After the game, I opened the system screen and checked the incoming messages:
• You have earned 40 points for winning the match.
Mission Rewards:
• Successfully complete 5 dribbles (12/5)
• Win 2 aerial duels (6/2)
• Successfully complete 5 defensive interventions (13/5)
• You have earned 45 points for completing all 3 missions.
After the match ended, the losing team, as usual, treated us to drinks. While drinking, we teased each other about the match and occasionally bragged about our own performances. In that short time, the tension that had been weighing on me finally eased.
After attending the remaining classes of the day, I headed home. When I got back, around four o'clock, a message notification popped up on my phone. My heart started racing, thinking it might be from the tryouts. Still, instead of checking it right away, I went to wash my face. The cold water refreshed me and helped calm my nerves.
When I picked up my phone again, the notification was still there. I opened my messages and saw the sender: Greenfield Rovers FC. Without hesitating, I tapped on it and began reading.
---
Subject:
Greenfield Rovers U16 Tryout Results
Message:
> Dear Ryan Miller,
Your performance in the Greenfield Rovers FC U16 tryouts has been evaluated, and we are pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed the selection process in accordance with the decision of our technical staff.
You are kindly requested to be present at the Greenfield Sports Complex on Saturday, October 30, 2032, at 09:00 AM, to participate in the new youth team training program.
The required documents and further details will be provided prior to the first training session.
We wish you continued success and welcome you to our club.
Sincerely,
Oliver Grand
U16 Coordinator
Greenfield Rovers Football Club
Youth Academy Department
---
After finishing the message, I couldn't contain my excitement and shouted out loud. At that moment, Sofia opened my door and stepped in with an annoyed expression.
"Why are you shouting so loudly? Do you want complaints from the neighbors?!"
She was right. I needed to keep my excitement down. Sofia looked at me as if waiting for an explanation, so I didn't keep her waiting.
"The results of the tryouts I attended came in… I got accepted into the club," I said.
Sofia turned toward me and replied calmly,
"So that's why you were shouting. Well… congratulations," she said, then turned around and walked away.
I paused for a second.
Was it just my imagination, or did she smile?
Before she got too far, I asked in a teasing tone,
"Hey, didn't you just smile?"
With an irritated look, Sofia replied,
"What nonsense are you talking about? Why would I smile?"
Then she quickly walked off.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling.
It se
emed like Sofia was finally starting to think more positively about me.