23 – Side Story 4. Welcome, La Roja! (3)

Je-rim’s eyes fluttered open at an unknown sense of emptiness.

Reflexively feeling around the spot beside him, he felt the remaining warmth and forced his eyelids open. Did he leave not long ago? He wasn’t the type to leave without a word, so he must have left a note somewhere.

His effort to find any trace Aaron had left, blinking through the haze of sleep, ended quickly. This was because Aaron suddenly appeared from behind the open closet door. Seeing him in training gear, Je-rim asked in a raspy voice.

“…Are you going out?”

“Did I wake you up? Sorry, I have morning training.”

“Ah…. I should get up too.”

It seemed that even if the first few days were free, morning training was mandatory. Knowing that the guys he would soon face as opponents were working that hard, Je-rim felt he couldn’t just lounge around and tried to sit up.

As Aaron strode over and sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress tilted. Aaron leaned over, pressing his lips to Je-rim’s forehead, gently coaxing him.

“You can sleep a bit more. I left some breakfast on the table, so eat it later.”

“I have to go before the coach catches me.”

“It’s okay, the afternoon is completely free. Just hide in my room until I come back. Let’s go on a date.”

You can just say you came over around lunch because you had plans with me. Je-rim grinned at the following words. He found his boyfriend, who had already prepared a perfect alibi, admirable and cute.

After the kiss, as Aaron tried to pull away, Je-rim cupped his cheek and pulled him back toward himself. Then, he kissed his lips with loud, embarrassing smacking sounds.

“Alright, I’ll hide here and plan our date course. Have a good training session.”

It was an expression of affection that, despite the sound, was at the level of a child’s greeting. However, Aaron blinked slowly, as if he had just been told to have sex in a public place.

“…Just now, it really felt like we were a married couple, I loved it…. One more time….”

“What? The kiss? The greeting?”

“Both.”

“You’re too greedy.”

Naturally, he only said that and did both.

Today was the last day he could spend this much time glued to Aaron in Korea.

Since he had entered the country early following Aaron, he thought he would have more leeway, but that was a mistake. He had forgotten other pre-arranged schedules besides the A Match call-up. He had to handle his schedule tomorrow, and from the day after, Je-rim had to join the national team training, meaning the next time he would see Aaron would be on the day of the match.

Therefore, he couldn’t waste a single second. He had to share as much skinship as possible while he could. The second kiss, started by Aaron’s request, naturally flowed into a deep kiss. After pulling Aaron down to the bed instead of a pillow and lingering for a long while, Aaron hurriedly got up, panting and disheveled. He was on the verge of being late.

The guy, who didn’t even seem to have the presence of mind to fix his messy hair and clothes, was humming with a grin from ear to ear. He must have enjoyed it immensely.

“Then, I’m off. Can I look forward to how wonderful the date will be?”

“Yeah. Just trust this Hyung.”

After seeing off his lover who left for training with a light step, Je-rim’s first stop for the date was booking an appointment at an oriental medicine clinic.

✲✲✲

Je-rim couldn’t hide his amazement seeing Aaron, who had thrown a fit saying he hated it when he suggested hand acupuncture to bleed his fingers, now calmly receiving needles in his ankle.

“You’re taking it well…? I thought you’d be scared like you were with the hand acupuncture.”

“That was just because I was flustered when you suddenly said you were going to draw blood with a needle while I was feeling sick.”

Whether he found the accusation of being scared of hand acupuncture particularly offensive, Aaron corrected him in an indignant tone. He continued speaking while shaking his ankle, which was riddled with needles and being treated with red far-infrared light.

“Of course I’ve had acupuncture before. When my ankle was wrecked, there wasn’t a treatment I didn’t try.”

Even though he had recovered enough to play matches now, the stories from the time Aaron suffered an injury so severe he sensed the ‘end’ always made Je-rim feel uneasy. Consequently, Je-rim’s expression stiffened.

Aaron snapped his head up and glared at Je-rim with suspicious eyes.

“Don’t tell me you lied about our destination because you thought a guy with this many tattoos on his body would be scared of something like acupuncture?”

“…Now that you mention it, I guess I did.”

“I’m seriously speechless….”

It was the moment Je-rim’s effort to secretly drag Aaron to the clinic by pretending it was an amazing date spot went to waste.

Although the first course of the day was a slight failure, the date continued successfully after they left the clinic. They wandered around various parts of Seoul until it was time for the dinner appointment with his mother.

The gloomy, rainy weather was unexpectedly helpful. There weren’t many people on the streets, and thanks to the cool breeze, Aaron didn’t feel the heat even while wearing a hat, a thin zip-up hoodie, and a mask.

Since Aaron disliked rainy days, Je-rim had even rented a car to switch to a drive if Aaron found outdoor activities uncomfortable or too hot, but they barely used it except when moving between locations. The giant umbrella he rented from the hotel lobby also effectively shielded the two of them.

Hiding under the umbrella and pretending to be an ordinary foreign couple, they made up for yesterday, which had felt more like a school field trip than a date. At some point, the date course Je-rim had planned became useless, but neither of them cared.

They strolled through rainy alleys wherever their feet took them, peeking into the courtyards through the gaps of open Hanok gates. They climbed a low mountain along a path labeled as a ‘walking trail’ but which was actually a hiking trail, walking up endless stairs to reach a mineral spring.

Wherever they went, Aaron’s eyes sparkled like a curious boy, and he asked Je-rim various things.

“Do people all use this ladle together? What about hygiene?”

“It’s submerged in water, so it’s probably clean.”

“…I’m not drinking it. You shouldn’t either, if possible.”

“It’s fine. No one’s died from drinking it. …Probably.”

Since he refused to drink the spring water even if he died, Je-rim popped an energy gel he had brought into Aaron’s mouth. Then, he quickly pulled up Aaron’s mask and led him down the path before anyone could see them.

After leaving the hiking trail disguised as a walking path and walking along a secluded road, they visited an antique shop Aaron had pointed out on a whim. It was a shop with a quite mysterious atmosphere, thanks to its classical exterior that didn’t match the scenery of the secluded alley and its door made of dark brown wood with clearly split grains.

Upon entering, as expected, the prices were high, perhaps because they only dealt in high-end antiques. But the prices didn’t matter. Aaron didn’t care whether there were six or seven zeros on the price tag. He simply examined items that caught his eye as if he would buy them right then and there, asking Je-rim questions.

“Je-rim, what is this? It’s ugly.”

“A gold toad. Adults like them because the uglier they are, the more they bring luck.”

“Then let’s buy the ugliest one. To give to your mother later.”

“Is that necessary? I’ve already prepared a gift. And buying gold in a place like this is expensive.”

“The more gifts, the better. It’s for the person who gave birth to you. Honestly, even this isn’t enough. The price doesn’t matter at all.”

It’s truly a relief that there were no other lovers in his life besides me, and there won’t be any in the future….

Every time Je-rim heard the casual things Aaron said, he felt a sincere sense of relief. If he imagined Aaron whispering such things to someone else, his stomach literally turned.

And because he felt sorry for Aaron exactly as much as his stomach turned, he did everything Aaron asked and bought everything he wanted throughout the date. Thinking that Aaron must have felt this same shitty feeling whenever the topic of his ex-lover came up, he deeply understood why Aaron had rambled on so much about him being a ‘slut.’

After dating like an ordinary couple all afternoon, they headed to a flower shop as the time for the dinner appointment with his mother approached. This was because Aaron insisted on buying a bouquet for her.

“You’re going to visit your partner’s mother’s house without a single flower? That’s not proper manners.”

“Mrs. Hwang doesn’t really like flowers.”

“You just don’t know her well; she’ll like them.”

“You sound like you know her better than her own son. Why don’t you just become my mother’s son?”

“Wasn’t that why I’m going today? To ask her to adopt me as a son.”

“Well, that is true….”

It was true that he had designated today as the day of decision, as he couldn’t hide his relationship with Aaron from his mother forever. Since Je-ah was away on a business trip and Je-hee couldn’t come because she was preparing for graduation exams while both he and Aaron were in Korea, he didn’t know when this optimal timing would come again.

But could an extremely ordinary middle-aged housewife from South Korea truly accept the confession that her eldest son intended to spend the rest of his life with a man? Especially since her heart was already weak.

As Je-rim’s expression darkened, Aaron took his hand as if to instill courage in him.

“It’s okay. I don’t expect her to understand and accept everything from the start either.”

“That’s a given. We have to be prepared for the possibility of her collapsing from the shock.”

“Now that is a bit worrying.”

“For now… just pretend you don’t know anything until I bring it up. Got it?”

Je-rim requested this because he felt the shock might be less and the situation more serious if it came from the mouth of her own son, rather than from Aaron, a man dreaming of the position of the first daughter-in-law. Aaron nodded, saying he understood. Meanwhile, the florist called them over, announcing that the ordered bouquets were finished.

Approaching the counter, Aaron received not only the bouquet he had ordered but another one as well. The sight of him awkwardly clutching two bouquets, each nearly the size of a major tournament trophy, was quite a spectacle.

“What is this…?”

“You told me to do more childish things.”

Je-rim had been debating whether to give him a bouquet as part of those “childish things,” and since they happened to be at a flower shop, he had secretly ordered one without overthinking it. While Aaron was preoccupied with picking out flowers for his mother, Je-rim had quietly called the florist and asked them to make one using mostly red, orange, and yellow flowers.

He worried that she might not welcome flowers due to her disastrous past of drying out every plant in the garden, but he decided to give them anyway. Fortunately, Aaron left the shop with a beaming face, holding the bouquet for his mother in one hand and the one from Je-rim in the other.

Je-rim did the driving on the way home, as Aaron wasn’t covered by Korean driver’s insurance.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Aaron carefully placed the bouquet for his mother in the back seat and rested the one he received on his lap, fiddling with it continuously as his eyes softened. Rather than liking the bouquet itself, he seemed touched that his partner, who almost never acted sentimental, had given him such a surprise gift.

Throughout the drive, they chatted casually about trivial things.

“Is that bastard Mateo doing well lately?”

“Much better than before. You can tell just by looking at him.”

“His personality definitely seems to have improved.”

“He changed a lot after getting married.”

“It’s strange. Him and Will. After getting married and having kids, it’s like they’re different people…”

“There are those who don’t, like Pepe.”

Je-rim groaned, thinking of the friend who had divorced at lightning speed just six months after marriage. The official reason for the divorce was personality differences, but everyone around Jose knew the real reason.

An intelligence gap.

“Hey, in his case… honestly, his ex-wife was the amazing one for marrying him.”

“She was a lawyer, too. I don’t know for sure, but I bet it was incredibly exhausting for both of them.”

A combination of a football player who didn’t even know the capital of the US and an international lawyer who traveled the world. It must have been difficult. Just as Je-rim was speculating that it was a miracle they even made it to marriage, Aaron suddenly asked: “By the way, Je-rim, why didn’t you come to Jose’s wedding? He’s still upset about that.”

“No, well, at the time… hmm. Still, I gave the biggest wedding gift, so why is he upset?”

It wasn’t just the money; he had watched the wedding video Jose sent and sent back his thoughts and a congratulatory letter. Since Jose had flown into a rage, claiming he would treat anyone who skipped a friend’s wedding without a special reason as a dead person for the rest of their life, Je-rim had—in a very rare instance—complied with every single one of Jose’s demands.

Because he couldn’t exactly say he didn’t go because it was awkward to see them, given that he and Aaron had dated like people with no tomorrow and then broken up like dogs…

Reading the reason for the absence from the vague way Je-rim trailed off, Aaron glared at him as if he were appalled.

“The Ballon d’Or ceremony, the wedding… you really didn’t go to any of it because of me?”

“Don’t pout. That’s all in the past.”

“And you’re the one who ruined the mood every time the other guys talked about me in the locker room,” Je-rim added playfully. Aaron let out a soft smile, saying, “Yeah, it’s all in the past.” Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he changed the subject.

“Oh, I heard you’re giving your uniform pants to Dani? He was thrilled.”

“…Uh, yeah.”

The corners of Je-rim’s mouth, which had been fine while talking about other people, instantly flattened into a straight line. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, making the blue veins on his hand stand out.

Because the interior of the car was dark, Aaron didn’t notice and continued with the same topic.

“It seems he bragged about it in the Tavarona group chat because you followed him back. Did you know?”

“How would I know that?”

The moment the car arrived at the house parking lot, a blunt answer rolled out like a jagged stone. His throat felt scratchy. Perhaps because he answered while checking the rearview mirror to park, Aaron didn’t pick up on the mood, thinking he was just concentrating.

“That’s what he said. Jose told me. And during training today, he told me—”

“I’m not curious, so shut up.”

That was the limit of Je-rim’s patience.

Until now, he had endured it under the self-reflection that exercising a pathetic sense of possessiveness while having such a trashy past was something only a piece of garbage would do.

But when Aaron mentioned Daniel in a tone that suggested he found him precious and cute, even at this critical moment of seeking his mother’s approval of their relationship, Je-rim finally exploded.

After cutting Aaron off mid-sentence, he locked the car doors again. He prevented Aaron from getting out of the car, where the doors had automatically unlocked when the engine stopped.

Hearing the click of the lock and Je-rim’s frost-like voice, Aaron seemed to sense that things were taking a strange turn. He stopped his hand while unbuckling the seatbelt and glanced toward the driver’s seat. His eyes were clearly filled with bewilderment.

“Why are you suddenly angry? I didn’t really do anything this time… did I?”

The way he paused to consider in the middle suggested he was aware that he often behaved in ways that provoked the other person’s anger. But “didn’t do anything” my ass. With fire in his eyes, Je-rim pointed out exactly what Aaron had done.

“Why on earth are you talking about another guy on the day we’re going to greet your partner’s mother?”

“I just wanted to make you feel good… And you were the one who brought up the other guys first, Je-rim.”

Aaron’s point was correct. However, Je-rim ignored the truth and reacted only to the part that bothered him.

“Why should I feel good hearing about a guy who isn’t even a Hubae from my own country?”

“I wanted to let you know that my own direct Hubae respects you that much, even though it’s not me. You secretly enjoy that kind of thing.”

“Who does!”

Not only did he make his stomach twist with jealousy, but he even treated him like an attention seeker. Overheated, Je-rim shouted.

Aaron couldn’t hide his confusion at the sudden abnormal reaction. After remaining silent for a while with his eyebrows raised, he slowly stroked the bouquet Je-rim had given him.

It looked as if he were using the bouquet to verify if this was reality. He let out an “Ah,” and slowly blinked his bewildered eyes, erasing the expression. Soon, a gaze full of admiration pierced Je-rim.

“Je-rim, don’t tell me… are you jealous of Dani?”

While stating the correct answer plainly, he wore a stunned expression as if he were witnessing the creation of the universe. So, Je-rim drove the point home.

“Yes, fuck! I am jealous! Why do you call him by a nickname, huh? Is he just that fucking cute?”

“Daniel isn’t that much, but Je-rim, you’re so cute I could die.”

As soon as Je-rim finished speaking, an answer flew back as if asking why he would even ask something so obvious. For someone who had just been subjected to a bizarre interrogation, he spoke in a very calm tone, muttering like a madman several more times about how cute and lovely he was, before taking a long breath.

The moment Je-rim noticed that the long sigh was somehow trembling, Aaron finally burst into laughter and hugged him.

“How did you end up feeling such an absurd jealousy, huh?”

“…Not the kind of talk from a guy who’s jealous of a stray dog or a yacht.”

“The jealousy you’re feeling right now is on that level, Je-rim. No, it’s even worse than that.”

As if he didn’t know. Je-rim knew best how irrational this emotion was. It was a useless emotion born from a truly trivial anecdote that Aaron didn’t even need to explain.

He couldn’t tell Aaron that he was jealous and that he should clear out all the new human relationships he’d made while they were broken up, nor did he have the heart to demand such a thing. If he did, he’d move beyond being trash and become a psychopath.

Expressing the jealousy despite knowing this… was close to a temper tantrum. A tantrum thrown with the certainty that Aaron would generously accept it.

In fact, Aaron was tenderly cupping Je-rim’s cheeks and repeatedly pressing his lips to the bridge of his nose. There wasn’t a trace of displeasure to be found. If anything, he looked happy.

Aaron bumped his forehead against Je-rim’s, whose forehead was heating up to a temperature where it wouldn’t be strange if his head exploded, and whispered softly.

“Thank you. I asked you to do more childish things, and you’re really diligently listening. Thanks to that, I feel completely better now.”

This wasn’t something done out of such a commendable heart. The last “childish thing” he did according to Aaron’s request was giving the bouquet. In fact, it wouldn’t have been strange for Aaron to get angry and ask why he was picking a fight for no reason, yet Aaron said thank you for making him feel better.

Because he always poured out such blind affection, as if looking up to the heavens…

Je-rim’s chest felt so hot he couldn’t bear it. A burning breath leaked from his naturally parted lips. Slowly raising his hands to mimic Aaron’s posture, Je-rim rubbed their foreheads together and muttered as if talking to himself.

“…Really, you’ve spoiled me far too much.”

“You’re the same. You’ve become arrogant because I tell you you’re cute no matter what I do.”

“Right now… you’re really cute. No, actually, usually…”

“Still, you’re much cuter than me right now, my heaven.”

Since it sounded like nothing more than a chick chirping, Je-rim ignored the nonsense twittering. Toward Je-rim, who shut his mouth again out of embarrassment, Aaron threw a question that was guaranteed to get a reaction.

“If calling Daniel by a nickname bothers you that much… what should I do? I’ll do whatever you say. Tell me.”

“…Only the guys I don’t know bother me. Don’t call people you’re not close with by nicknames.”

Was this a request that should come out of the mouth of a thirty-year-old man? For a moment, a sense of skepticism washed over him, but getting what he wanted was far more important to Je-rim. This would be much easier to grant than a request to cut off all ties.

The reward for being honest came quickly.

“Got it. From now on, I’ll always call them by their full names. Including Daniel Carrasco.”

That was more than enough. Je-rim, who hadn’t hoped for full names, narrowed his eyes.

A captain who was already uncomfortable and scary calling him by his full name whenever—whether during training or a match? Regardless of the level of one’s fragility, as the youngest, one couldn’t help but shrink. Full names were used when being scolded; in daily life, names and nicknames were the standard.

“No, that’s a bit pitiful.”

“Who cares. He needs to be pressed down a bit to make him timid. Otherwise, he’ll get cocky.”

“Oh, another boomer-like comment.”

“I learned it all from you.”

A pleasant sound of laughter filled the car and eventually flowed over Je-rim’s neck. His scratchy throat swallowed the suffocating affection and soon grew quiet.

The kiss shared in the parking lot in front of the house, ahead of the major event with his mother, was naturally exhilarating. Enough to wash away even the tension and worry he had been harboring.

✲✲✲

His mother was happier with the bouquet than with the top-grade olive oil and expensive vintage vase Aaron had brought from Spain. Seeing his mother, whose cheeks were usually pale and bloodless, blush red as she murmured how long it had been since she’d received flowers, Je-rim’s conscience pricked him.

He really… didn’t know she liked flowers. Whenever he brought some from award ceremonies or events, she would grumble that they were only pretty for a moment and soon became trash, so he naturally assumed she didn’t like them. If he had known, he would have bought them for her more often.

“What did I tell you?”

Nudging Je-rim’s side as he regretted, Aaron added boastfully. For a moment, Je-rim considered snatching back the bouquet he’d given Aaron and giving it to his mother, but he held back, remembering Aaron’s expression when he received the flowers. He’d let it slide because he was cute.

His mother also spent a long time looking at the ugly golden toad, laughing as she held it in her palm. The more his mother reacted, the more Aaron’s boasting grew.

While stepping on Aaron’s foot under the table, Je-rim pushed the braised short ribs and japchae toward him. Fearing that Aaron might struggle with the smell of side dishes with strong flavors, Je-rim pulled them all toward himself. His mother tilted her head for a moment at the sight, but he brushed it off by saying he was craving spicy vegetables.

Dinner ended in a peaceful atmosphere. After clearing the table, they drank coffee brewed from the beans Aaron had brought and continued the conversation they hadn’t been able to have at length during the meal.

“Je-hee kept throwing a tantrum, saying she missed Aaron Hyung and wanted to come too.”

“Does she not care about her own biological brother?”

“Haha, she can just come next time. Then I’d like to meet your sister and your father as well.”

“I’d like that, but… when would you two be able to come to Korea together like this again?”

“Our summer break is long. I’ll come with Je-rim.”

The crack in that peaceful atmosphere happened in an instant. It was around the time Aaron gave a mundane answer without thinking.

To the mother, the fact that a man who had loudly proclaimed he was in a relationship at last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony was suddenly saying he’d come to Korea again with a friend during his vacation immediately raised a question.

“Huh? Aaron, don’t you meet your partner during vacation? Je-rim has been busy spending every vacation with his partner lately.”

“…Ah.”

Aaron froze in an awkward posture, like a half-finished stone statue. Interpreting the sight in her own way, his mother waved her hand.

“Oh dear, was that too invasive of a question? I’m sorry. I keep forgetting you’re a foreigner. Maybe it’s because you’re so much like a son.”

At that, Aaron quickly erased his awkward expression and put on a natural smile. He was truly a man trained by countless interviews since childhood. Je-rim secretly cheered him on as he desperately tried to keep the promise to pretend not to know until Je-rim brought it up.

“It’s okay. I’d be very grateful if you took me in as a son.”

“How can you speak so beautifully. By the way, Aaron, have you met Je-rim’s partner?”

“Pardon? Ah, yes…”

I am the partner. The same answer echoed in the minds of both Je-rim and Aaron.

“He still hasn’t introduced them to me.”

And as soon as Aaron managed to handle the situation, the second crisis arrived.

“Could you give me a hint about what kind of person they are? You’re really more reliable than my son…”

Giving her son a smack on the back, the mother let out a loud sigh for him to hear. Aaron glanced at Je-rim, braced his core, and spoke.

“…They earn a lot of money.”

That sly fox.

Even in this volatile situation, Je-rim was inwardly impressed by his partner, who calculatedly chose the one point a parent would most likely appreciate when vetting a child’s spouse.

Perhaps surprised by Aaron’s answer, his mother widened her eyes and continued questioning.

“More than Je-rim?”

“…Yes. Slightly?”

“Are you dating an heir to some noble family?”

“There are many siblings, so it’s split up, but I’ve… I’ve heard there’s quite a bit of inheritance.”

Regardless of whether the listener understood, Aaron put all his effort into his self-PR.

A wealthy young master… no, young lady, who earned slightly more money than a son who made 600 million won a week just by breathing, and who also had a significant inheritance… At those words, his mother covered her mouth and stomped her feet in excitement.

“My goodness. No wonder you couldn’t bring them to Korea easily, they’re such an incredible person! My son has great taste.”

“…I must take after Mrs. Hwang to be this handsome.”

“…That’s true.”

“But… Je-rim, was there such a person among the ladies you dated? I heard you’re meeting again after breaking up.”

“There, there was! I just didn’t mention it!”

“I couldn’t say anything because you’re a young master, not a young lady…” Seeing his mother tilt her head in confusion again, the two of them broke into a cold sweat.

Since the topic had come up, Je-rim contemplated whether he should just come clean right now. He felt there was a limit to how much more he could deflect, but while he was hesitating, his mother changed the subject.

“Oh, right. It’s okay to ask this, right? Aaron, where and how do you usually spend your vacations? Do you take luxury yachts or private jets? Je-rim-ssi told me he doesn’t do things like that. He mostly just attends parties hosted by others.”

This wasn’t a particularly difficult question. Except for the fact that Je-rim had already informed his mother of his vacation plans. Unaware of this, Aaron answered in a tone that was considerably more relaxed than before.

“I usually spend them on my island in Greece, but I plan to spend this summer in my hometown. I do have a private jet, but I don’t use it often. My hobby is sailing, so I spend most of my time at sea…”

“Tavarona? Je-rim-ssi said he’s going there with his lover this vacation; are you going too?”

“…….”

“Greece… last year, Je-rim-ssi…”

An unnatural silence descended. Now, it seemed his mother also sensed that something was wrong, as she looked back and forth between the two with a confused gaze. Still, she didn’t seem entirely certain of that ominous intuition, her lips merely fluttering.

Watching his mother, Je-rim knew.

The time had come. He hadn’t originally intended to create a ‘moment’ like this… but regardless.

Before a question could escape his mother’s lips, Je-rim took both of her hands in his. Then, though his pace was somewhat slow, he spoke with clear articulation.

“Actually, I’m going with Aaron this vacation.”

“…Honestly, you… you said you were going with a lover.”

“That’s why I’m saying I’m going with Aaron.”

Whether she truly didn’t understand or was intentionally pretending not to, his mother gave an evasive answer, so he repeated the same words. In a definitive tone that left no room for denial.

The hands they held began to tremble. In response, Je-rim applied more pressure to support her. Anxious, Aaron discreetly pulled out his phone and placed it on the table. He seemed to be preparing to call an ambulance immediately in case his mother collapsed.

Je-rim also began to feel uneasy. His mother’s complexion turned pale, and her bloodless lips quivered. She looked as if it wouldn’t be strange if she fainted on the spot.

Was it too premature? Should he cover it up now by saying it was a joke, that it was all a prank? But his mother had likely realized the truth from the conversation just now, even if she couldn’t accept it; what use would that be?

Suddenly, his mother’s voice pierced through Je-rim’s thoughts. Though it was still trembling faintly, it was a voice more resolute and calm than he had feared. Like someone who had reached a strong conviction.

“Ban Je-rim, the person you dated in the past… was that ‘past’ perhaps when you were teenagers? When you were in Tavarona?”

“Yes.”

“Aaron, the person you bought tteokbokki for… was it Je-rim?”

“Yes. …Since we were young, I have liked Je-rim very much. Truly, very much…”

“…….”

Just as she had noticed everything long ago without him explaining the details of his friction with Aaron, it seemed she had reached her own conclusions again. Everything from the past of her son and Aaron to their current relationship.

There was no turning back now. After taking a deep breath, Je-rim looked straight into his mother’s eyes and spoke.

“I’m telling you because I felt I couldn’t hide it forever. I’ve been seeing Aaron seriously since we were young and I am now, and I plan to live with him after I retire.”

His mother averted her gaze as if it were too difficult to hear more.

“Are you serious… no, you must be. For you to say such a thing…”

Her sentences were fragmented, as if she were barely managing to move her tongue to string words together. She opened her lips slightly as if wanting to say more, but then glanced at Je-rim and Aaron and held her breath again.

She seemed conflicted—whether she should scold them for being insane, grill them for details, or tell them she understood for now. After standing at the crossroads of deliberation for a long time, she finally managed to utter a request for them to leave. She chose avoidance for the moment.

“…I think I… I’ll need some time. I would like you to go home for today.”

“Yes. I am ashamed, as you invited us for dinner. If you could please give us one more chance in the future…”

The moment the restless Aaron spoke in a pleading tone, Je-rim grabbed his forearm.

“That’s enough. This isn’t something you need to be subservient about. Don’t do that.”

Neither Aaron nor he had committed a crime, so there was no need to be so desperate. It was simply a matter of needing time, just as his mother said. Pulling Aaron toward him, Je-rim quietly shook his head. He hadn’t brought him here to see him act like this.

After hesitating for a moment, Aaron eventually followed Je-rim to the door. Still maintaining his politeness, he gave a low farewell to his mother, who remained with her head bowed.

“Then, we shall take our leave.”

“Let’s go. …Mother, I’ll see Aaron home.”

“…Alright.”

Fortunately, a faint reply came. Along with a whisper, like a sigh, telling them to go safely.

This was enough for today. Je-rim tucked away the softly rising hope and led Aaron out.

The rain that had been drizzling since morning did not stop even as night fell. As soon as they drove out of the parking lot, raindrops pelted the car window, breaking the silence. It was a while later that Aaron, who had been leaning against the window staring at the flooded road, spoke.

“…Did I rush it too much?”

“Aaron, stop thinking useless thoughts and just think about going to Tavarona together during the vacation.”

Je-rim cut off that pointless worry instantly.

The words had already been spoken, and spoken words cannot be taken back. The rest was entirely for his mother to handle. Whether she accepted her son’s lover or remained unable to do so, the relationship between him and Aaron would remain unchanged. It wasn’t something for Aaron to be so distressed about.

There was something else that bastard should be distressed about. Clicking his tongue, Je-rim reached out his right hand and interlaced his fingers with Aaron’s.

“You know that if we part ways today, we’ll only see each other once during the match, and then not for another week, right?”

At that, Aaron’s expression, which had been blank and melancholic, crumpled into a pout as he muttered.

“I know. Ah, I don’t want to leave.”

“Me neither. So let’s endure it by thinking about going to Tavarona together.”

“Yeah… Je-rim, just in case, don’t push your mother when you get home. Just leave her be.”

“Do you think I’m an idiot? I have that much tact!”

Starting from his indignant protest, the depressed atmosphere gradually lifted. As Je-rim squeezed their interlaced hands, Aaron also closed his fingers completely, gripping Je-rim’s hand. While doing so, Je-rim gently tickled the back of Aaron’s hand and cautioned him.

“I’m telling you just in case, but even if Mother says she can’t accept our relationship, nothing changes between you and me. Don’t dig a hole for yourself.”

Hadn’t he already said he didn’t expect her to understand and accept everything from the start? Of course, even if he was prepared, the fact that the gathering ended as if they were kicked out must have been disheartening… Since he was usually the one pampered by his mother, the blow would be even greater.

Worrying about that, Je-rim patted him like a child, and fortunately, like a world-class striker, Aaron quickly recovered his mental state and smiled.

“I’m not really worried about that part. But if she really acts like that, what will you do?”

“What do you mean ‘what’? I’ll run away from home and start a life with you.”

“…I think that would be good in its own way.”

“Your mother should know about these sinister inner thoughts of yours so she’ll stop calling you kind and pure.”

Trivial jokes were exchanged as if the previous gloom had been a dream. Occasional laughter broke out. In the meantime, they arrived at the hotel where Aaron was staying.

Even after arriving, the two didn’t get out of the car for a long time. It was only when a message arrived from Coach Louis looking for the captain that Aaron unbuckled his belt with a truly reluctant gesture. Je-rim glanced at the messenger window, where angry face emojis were being received in succession, and offered his farewell first.

“Ugh, he’s pissed. Get inside quickly. Get some good rest today.”

“You too, Je-rim. I’ll see you on the pitch next time.”

The last words were spoken not as a lover, but as the captain of the opposing team. Thus, Je-rim responded with a provocation.

“Sure. Just look forward to the blowjob.”

“I’m not looking forward to that. There’s no hope.”

“This little shit, seriously.”

When verbal provocation doesn’t work, physical provocation usually follows. Je-rim considered giving him a flick on the forehead as he did to others, but as soon as he saw the forehead boasting a beautiful hairline, he pressed his lips against it like a bee drawn to a flower.

Sometimes, one has to be the one to fold first. Usually, Aaron was the one who did that for him. Since they would both be desperate to win against each other in the match in a few days, he felt a rare urge to let him win today.

Ruffling the hair that had been meticulously set to look good for his mother, Je-rim soothed his precious lover until the very end.

“I’ll come to you when it’s all over… so don’t be anxious.”

✲✲✲

Don’t forget you said you’d do it with your mouth if Korea wins

Didn’t you say there was no hope?

Just in case, I have to get a promise

My heaven has absolutely no conscience

Now that I think about it, it might be easier to get it on the condition that Spain wins

Change the condition

Now I’ll absolutely never do it even normally

Consider yourself eternally separated from my mouth

Ah, wait a second

After coldly rejecting the phone calls that followed the ignored messages, Je-rim turned off his phone. He had no obligation to answer a call from an opposing team’s player right before a match. Even if that person happened to be his lover.

He tossed the phone into his locker and finished pulling up his tights. Despite the upcoming match, he wasn’t nervous in the slightest. It was partly because it was a friendly, but more than that, the thumping sound of his heart, fluttering with anticipation, drowned out everything else.

How long had it been since he faced Aaron as an opponent? It had been two years, since they clashed in the Champions League final before Aaron came to Sefton.

And before that final, about six years ago, during the Champions League main tournament in the Season Je-rim transferred to Sefton, he had faced Tavarona, where Aaron was. At that time, Je-rim was substituted in the first half due to a risk of injury after having his foot stepped on, and Aaron, perhaps due to poor condition, was only brought in toward the end of the match, so they hadn’t shared the pitch.

And going back another four years from there… the World Cup.

Excluding today’s match, those three games had all been unpleasant memories. But today would be different.

Because he was already this excited.

“Let’s go. Get ready.”

Yeo-bin, the captain of the Korean national team and a long-time friend, stood up first, striking a pose. Je-rim charged at Yeo-bin as if performing a body check and wrapped his arm around his neck. Yeo-bin, momentarily stumbling, glared at Je-rim and slightly narrowed his eyes.

“…Are you okay?”

“Huh? What?”

“…No, never mind.”

Je-rim clung to Yeo-bin’s neck, squeezing it with his arm. As he was dragged along into the tunnel in that state, the Spanish national team, who had arrived first, were already lined up. The Korean national team lined up beside them. Soon, the two captains at the front exchanged brief greetings and handshakes.

Although they didn’t have a personal friendship, they wouldn’t be strangers as they had both heard many stories through Je-rim. In place of Yeo-bin, who acted blunt toward people he wasn’t close with, Aaron asked a few more pleasantries before slowly turning around. Toward Je-rim, who was positioned right behind Yeo-bin.

The opposing captain, wearing a confident smile, asked Je-rim how he was, just as he had done with Yeo-bin.

“Je-rim, don’t tell me you broke your phone again?”

“And if I did, what of it?”

“You’re getting older now, so you should fix that impulsive temper of yours.”

When someone speaks so annoyingly and then holds out a hand for a handshake, it’s only natural to want to ignore them. As Je-rim pretended not to see the right arm densely covered in tattoos, Aaron waved his hand slightly and put on a pretentious voice.

“Don’t be like that, just shake my hand. My hand is just idling here.”

“Do you finally understand how that feels?”

“…Trying to cowardly shake my mental state right before the match?”

“Ah, it’s not working.”

Seeing Aaron’s lips flatten, Je-rim quickly grasped his right hand. On each of their arms sat tattoos written in different languages but with the same meaning.

He really did well to get them. While a momentary sentiment unsuitable for the situation crossed his mind, Je-rim spoke his resolve first. Their joined hands shook lightly.

“Let’s have a fun game.”

“Of course.”

The moment they let go, the sound of drums and trumpets, cheering songs, shouts, and the familiar rhythm of clapping and chants mixed together, vibrating beneath their feet. Staring at the pitch-black sky unfolding outside the tunnel and the red waves decorating the stands, Je-rim once again pressed down on his chest, which was heaving with anticipation.

Objectively, while Korea was a recognized powerhouse within Asia, it was no match for Spain. Especially the current squad captained by Aaron—a golden generation that had seized the World Cup trophy, said to be ordained by God; they were truly the Invincible Armada.

No matter how much the Korean spectators filling the Sangam Stadium were united by patriotism, one couldn’t ignore the objective difference in strength. It was for this reason that predictions of an overwhelming Spanish victory were prevalent even before the match began.

And piercing through those prevalent predictions, South Korea was performing quite well.

≪Ban Je-rim again! Is he looking toward Han Se-jin this time!≫

≪Ah, three defenders close in immediately. The passing angle is… Oh!≫

≪He lets it slide right through the legs. Haha, the opposing player must be feeling quite bitter.≫

≪Song Yeo-bin received it! Is Song Yeo-bin recording a goal after a long time!≫

The ball that rolled through Mateo’s legs became a perfect ground pass. As soon as he saw three opposing players clinging to him, Je-rim spotted the empty space behind them and without hesitation pushed the ball that way, and Yeo-bin caught it like a ghost to score the opening goal.

At South Korea’s unexpected opening goal, cheers poured out from the crowd as if the stands were about to collapse. Naturally, a good result given without expectation feels more joyful. The cheering slogans shouted in Korean filled the stadium and echoed all the way to the sky.

Je-rim took advantage of Yeo-bin’s ceremony to approach the slumped Mateo. Mateo was a midfielder, not a defender, but regardless of position, there are a few common things that make every football player feel terrible.

The first is, obviously, conceding a goal. The second is letting the ball slide through the legs, so-called ‘nutmegging.’ Having suffered both just now, Mateo was punching the grass in frustration. Je-rim, who had unintentionally screwed over his friend, comforted him sincerely.

“How does it feel to get nutmegged? I’ve never experienced it.”

“Fuck off!”

“Damn, how scary. Get up. Stop ripping up another country’s grass.”

Mateo grabbed the hand Je-rim offered with a giggle, while still swearing. Shaking the grass off his hand, Je-rim returned to his position.

The momentum had shifted for now. He wanted to widen the score by even one more goal while he had the chance.

Facing Aaron, he couldn’t relax just because they had luckily scored an opening goal early on. It was a given that they would be caught up as time passed. Before Aaron truly caught fire, he had to score more goals while the momentum was on their side.

To do that, he would have to perform the play he was best at.

Positioned slightly below the striker Yeo-bin, in the center of the second line, Je-rim habitually scanned the entire pitch. Mateo was in the right half-space of the Spanish camp, and Daniel was in the left half-space.

Further to the flanks were the attackers Angel and Hugo, and at their lead, naturally, was Aaron.

Except for Daniel, they were all faces he knew well. He clashed with Angel countless times in the Premier League, and Hugo was a prospect from Tavarona’s rival team he had met in every youth league match.

Looking at his old friends whose expressions were completely sour after conceding a goal, Je-rim thought.

He felt a bit sorry for having such a thought against a team commanded by his former teacher, but…

‘Compared to the attacking lineup, the midfield is a bit…’

Not that threatening.

No sooner had he harbored that somewhat arrogant thought than the ball rolled to Je-rim’s feet. The first player to react to it was Daniel. He could see why Aaron had praised him for having great vision, stamina, and speed.

“Ban Je-rim! Over here!”

Just then, Yeo-bin signaled me as if asking for an immediate pass. However, it was still too risky to attempt a pass here. Je-rim pretended to look for a better position, slightly slowing his pace while continuing to advance relentlessly.

At the same time, Daniel, who was closest to Je-rim, instinctively rushed in. It was common sense and basic tactics that one should not give a midfielder of Je-rim’s type an angle to pass, so it was only natural for him to come and apply pressure. Seeing Daniel stick to Je-rim, Mateo kept glancing over but did not abandon his own position.

‘I guess I can’t… draw both of them out, after all.’

No matter how much Je-rim usually ignored him as a joke, Mateo was a seasoned midfielder and a Starting Player for the Spanish national team. He likely judged that leaving the right half-space—a route the enemy frequently used for attacks—vacant was more dangerous than leaving the youngest player to handle the pressure alone. Je-rim would have reached the same conclusion.

Furthermore, Daniel, who had come to press, was performing his role quite well. Well, if he couldn’t even do this, there would be no way he’d have been selected for the national team at his age.

The basis of pressing is to limit the opponent’s space and restrict their options. His movements suggested he understood this point very well. Daniel’s expression was solemn, as if determined to ensure no forward pass was ever made.

So, Je-rim leaned his body as if trying to break away by nudging the ball to the right. Daniel, tense and scanning Je-rim’s surroundings to see if there was a Korean player ready to receive a pass in that direction, shifted his focus.

The moment Je-rim felt Daniel’s gaze drift away for a split second, he kept the ball tight to his feet and spun half a turn. He rotated in the opposite direction fluidly, as if his body and the ball had become one. Then, he began to sprint toward the open space on the left.

“Whoa!”

What’s wrong with you, you idiot, taking your eyes off both the opponent and the ball at the same time? It’s not like you’re confident enough to catch up with a dribble or some fancy trick. Swallowing the scolding he would have naturally hurled if Daniel were his Hubae, Je-rim dove into the space the opponent had previously occupied like he had wings.

While the right side was slightly more convenient for developing an attack, that didn’t mean he couldn’t exercise his skills on the left. Je-rim could use both feet freely, and his wide vision meant he had no restrictions on direction.

≪Ah, Carrasco is too late! He’s completely played by Ban Je-rim!≫

≪Perhaps because that player is still young, his footwork is a bit weak. His instantaneous judgment is also slightly lacking compared to veterans like Ban Je-rim or Mateo Sosa.≫

≪In contrast, our player Ban Je-rim’s head spins so well that his nickname is… that, isn’t it? That one.≫

≪The nuance of it is a bit odd, but it’s actually a compliment. If you look at a mouse and ignore the tail, it’s quite cute… Ah, the moment I say that, Park Hee-jun!≫

≪Huh? When did Park Hee-jun get all the way over there?≫

≪How did he see that, Ban Je-rim! Is Park Hee-jun taking the shot? Ah, aaah! Goal!≫

≪Great save by the goalkeeper! That’s a shame… it was a complete 1-on-1 open chance.≫

Je-rim slapped the back of Hee-jun, who was wailing in grief after having served the ball perfectly into the goalkeeper’s arms. If he just stayed quiet and read the room like Reman does when he makes a mistake, Je-rim would actually comfort him, but this guy always overreacted and asked for a beating.

Regardless, although they failed to score, the move to draw out either Daniel or Mateo to target the empty space had worked successfully. Glancing at Daniel, Je-rim saw a face relieved that a goal had barely been avoided. However, as if disgusted with himself, he immediately spat and kicked the grass violently.

The guilt stemming from almost conceding a goal due to his own mistake, and the shame of being outmatched both in dribbling and mental warfare. The emotions he was currently feeling were transmitted clearly to Je-rim. Along with a faint fear that he might be cursed by the public again.

The ridiculous jealousy Je-rim once felt for Daniel had long since vanished. After witnessing the other team’s youngest player flinch every time the captain called him ‘Daniel Carrasco’ during warm-ups, Je-rim actually felt sorry for him.

Moreover, the shared experience of making a fatal mistake in a crucial international match and being showered with insults by the entire nation evoked a sense of kinship in Je-rim. They even shared the same position.

But pity is pity, and first, they had to win the game. Since it was a friendly, he wouldn’t be cursed that much. He might get scolded by the scary captain, though. Je-rim lightly patted Daniel’s back as he passed by. The game resumed in the blink of an eye.

“Are you just going to keep getting dragged around? The ball isn’t moving forward at all!”

Since they couldn’t win the battle in the midfield, Aaron eventually dropped down himself. Because Aaron’s position is the one that goes absolutely crazy with frustration when the ball doesn’t move forward, his expression was stained with an emotion that was hard to tell whether it was anger or irritation.

The way he chased the ball with angry strides looked exactly like a tank charging. Seeing Aaron rushing straight toward him, Je-rim quickly racked his brain. He was no match for him in a standard physical struggle, so he had to quickly pass the ball to someone else or dribble away.

The method Je-rim chose was the pass he was most confident in and familiar with. Aaron’s footwork was as good as his own, so engaging in a dribble battle was dangerous. The moment he was caught, it was certain he’d be pushed back in a physical clash, and it would be hard to draw a card from that guy.

After judging the situation in a short amount of time, he habitually lifted his head to scan the wide space. Then, he launched a long ball toward Hosoo on the opposite side.

Aaron immediately kicked off the ground and sprinted to return to his position. Je-rim realized at that moment that he had fallen for Aaron’s pressure.

From afar, Hosoo easily trapped the ball that had flown toward him almost like a delivery. However, while driving forward with the ball, he was stripped of it by a tackle shortly after. The organic movement—Jose cleanly taking the ball and passing to Mateo, who then passed perfectly to Aaron—was very familiar to Je-rim.

It’s working.

That link cannot be stopped. The moment he intuited it, the net shook vigorously and the score on the electronic board changed.

Aaron wasn’t the type to perform an exaggerated Ceremony after scoring a 1-1 equalizer. He simply approached Je-rim subtly and whispered: “I bet you were expecting a lot when you were playing with our youngest. Too bad. Giving up your momentum just because you conceded the first goal is something only weak teams do.”

…This son of a bitch?

Je-rim fell for the provocative comment intended to stir the opponent. It wasn’t that his faded jealousy surged back or that his vision turned red with rage.

Only one thought dominated Je-rim’s mind: How can I make this bastard even more pissed off than I am?

The method was simple. Just pay him back by scoring a goal. Since this was practically a set formula, there was no need to think long. In fact, Aaron, perhaps thinking an equalizer wasn’t enough to drive his lover crazy, caused another stir in three minutes.

“Damn it, just get the ball to me no matter what!”

Simultaneously with the bold and anger-filled command of the Spanish captain, South Korea’s goal was breached once again. Not content with taking the lead in an instant, Aaron knelt on the ground, made the sign of the cross, and kissed his pinky finger as if he couldn’t resist a celebratory Ceremony. Je-rim gnashed his teeth.

‘Next time, I’m definitely scoring.’

An assist alone wouldn’t resolve this grudge. The moment Je-rim got the ball, he crossed the half-line. As the defenders swarmed him again, he moved the ball away with a short pass to a nearby teammate. The teammates kept the ball moving, protecting it until Je-rim settled into an appropriate position, and then handed it back.

After lightly bypassing Jose, he deliberately chipped the ball over the heads of the defenders blocking his path. The ball, which floated smoothly with almost no spin, sailed right over the head of the goalkeeper who had stepped slightly forward from the goal, and then dropped straight into the net like a lie. Even Aaron moved his head blankly, following the rainbow-like trajectory of the ball.

≪What was that! I’ve never seen a goal go in with a trajectory like that!≫

≪Our player Ban Je-rim’s technique was already perfect, but! Wow, that was truly…≫

≪There’s no way to describe it other than fantastic. A fantastic chip shot! It’s a shame this match isn’t the World Cup finals!≫

≪Ah, how wonderful would that have been. He could have had a proper revenge.≫

Supporting the teammates dangling from his back and neck, Je-rim raised his index finger toward Aaron. When he brought it to his lips and gave a refreshing smile, the crowd reacted electrifyingly. Cheers, boos, praise, insults.

Ah, this is why I play.

This narcissistic euphoria, as if he had become the axis of the Earth’s rotation. It wasn’t a new pleasure, yet for some reason, his legs trembled more than usual and a ringing sounded in his ears. His whole body throbbed as if his heart were racing through every limb.

It was probably because the opponent was Aaron. Because he met his precious lover—who always planted anticipation in his daily life and future—as a match opponent of all things.

He felt truly fortunate that he had decided to meet Aaron again and be with him, and that he had postponed the day he would quit football to the distant future. Otherwise, he would have lived his whole life without knowing this exhilaration. Je-rim approached his lover, who couldn’t take his eyes off his smiling face, and whispered.

“Hey, you must have been looking forward to it so much after taking the lead. Too bad.”

“…Don’t smile.”

“You’re picking fights over everything because you’re nervous.”

“When I see you smile, the strength leaves my legs and I can’t run properly.”

“…Thanks for volunteering your weakness, you crazy bastard.”

Je-rim defied everyone’s predictions and brought the game back to a 2-2 draw.

But from then on, it was the time of Aaron, who had said the strength would leave his legs. The world’s best striker, who had boasted that he was most confident when the game was slipping or in the second half, indeed revealed his true colors as the match progressed.

≪Uh, well… it’s obvious, but…≫

≪Haha, Reyes has caught fire. He’s doing so well that, honestly, it’s almost annoying.≫

≪Ah, when he was coordinating with our player Ban Je-rim at Sefton, he was just admirable.≫

≪If he plays like that, he can’t naturalize to Korea.≫

≪No way, he’s too cheeky. We have to take away the surname Kim too.≫

As if determined to show what perfect individual skill looks like, he showcased all sorts of individual techniques alone, mocking the opposing players and breaking the line. The Korean defenders could only hesitate like newborn animals even with Aaron right in front of the goal.

After scoring like that to widen the gap again, he now craved an assist and sent a kill pass. However, for the goal Angel scored receiving Aaron’s pass, the offside flag went up before the score on the electronic board could even change.

Immediately after, Aaron, wearing the captain’s armband, protested vehemently. The referee also drew a large square with both hands, indicating he would review the video.

While waiting for the review result, each team drank water, listened to the coach’s instructions, or wiped away sweat.

Aaron, who had received instructions from Coach Luis alone, gathered his teammates. Then, Daniel, who had been grinding his teeth, confessed first, perhaps fearing he would be scolded.

“Aaron, are you angry… because I didn’t play up to your expectations?”

“No. You’re doing as well as I expected, so don’t be pathetic.”

In the first place, Aaron never dared to think Daniel would be a match for Je-rim. However, there was no need to lower a teammate’s morale during the game, so he hid his honest thoughts. After calming Daniel’s nerves, Aaron appropriately cut off Jose’s words.

“Damn it, Jerry is absolutely flying today! It’s driving me crazy. If Angel’s goal is ruled offside, we’re really in dan-.”

“It’s onside. I guarantee it. We’ll lead the first half as it is. I guarantee that too.”

Since they couldn’t establish an overwhelming advantage over an opponent they naturally expected to beat, everyone seemed anxious. In this situation, shouting at them to do better would only be poisonous.

Aaron first soothed his teammates with a confident tone. Then, after conveying the instructions he had just received from the coach, he laid out his opinion by carefully combining the playstyle of Je-rim that he knew well.

“Don’t try to play a mental game with Je-rim. It’s useless even if you read his passing lanes. He’ll just find an even more bizarre path. If even that’s blocked, he’ll shoot himself. Then what about us? We’ll be giving up a long-range goal with our eyes wide open, which would be fucking embarrassing.”

“Are you saying we should give up on stopping him?”

“Do you think the captain of La Roja is saying it with that meaning?”

Easily ignoring Mateo’s protest, Aaron continued.

“Don’t send the ball toward Je-rim easily, and apply strong forward pressure. Cut it off as much as possible. Jose, Enrique, you two must double-team him no matter what. Let’s not give him any space at all. Make sure fouls are intelligent and only when necessary. Don’t give him an excuse.”

“Okay.”

“We’ll push Je-rim until he doesn’t even have room to breathe, and crush the rest with the difference in squad quality.”

At first, it seemed like they were playing neck-and-neck, defying predictions because of a single genius named Ban Je-rim, but that too showed its limits as the first half neared its end. Football is a team sport in the first place. No matter how well Je-rim played, it was hard to overcome the wall of squad difference. He must have consumed twice his usual stamina struggling alone.

Unless there was a major upset, the first half would end in a victory for Spain. The real problem lay not in the first half, but in the second.

In the second half, a significant number of Starting Players, including Aaron, were scheduled to be substituted. In a friendly, against Korea—which was objectively and relatively the weaker team—and while already winning. Coach Luis was not the kind of person to do something as stupid as playing his starters for the full time in such a match, especially considering the upcoming World Cup.

If the Korean coach had any sense, he would substitute key overseas players like Je-rim and Song Yeo-bin… but one couldn’t jump to conclusions. Therefore, what Aaron, who was scheduled for substitution, had to request of his teammates as captain was clear. It was also what Coach Luis had instructed.

“For the remaining time in the first half, let’s focus on draining Je-rim’s stamina. —Unless you want to be overtaken in the second half.”

And at that moment, Je-rim gulped down water while watching the Spanish players gathered together. He had a rough idea of what they were saying. Coach Luis often used these small pockets of remaining time to instill tactics.

In contrast, the Korean coach, to put it nicely, respected the players’ free will; to put it bluntly, he was so damn laissez-faire that there were no particular instructions. Hosoo, who was looking at the Spanish side with envious eyes just like Je-rim, whispered secretly into Je-rim’s ear.

“Those guys are whispering something.”

“We’re whispering too.”

“No, anyone can see the captain is delivering the coach’s tactics! Hyung, you say something too.”

“Why are you telling me to say something? This Hyung isn’t the captain. Yeo-bin-ah, he wants you to say something.”

Then, Yeo-bin, who was cooling down with a wet towel, responded as if he had been waiting.

“Fuck, just Ban Je-rim and I are working our asses off doing the forward pressure right now. Are the rest of you bastards not doing it properly?”

“That’s what he says.”

“I’m sorry…”

Je-rim spat out what he wanted to say through Yeo-bin’s mouth and looked at the electronic board. 3 to 2. If the last goal was ruled offside, that score would be maintained, but that wouldn’t happen. It was barely onside.

From the stands where a small number of Spain supporters were gathered, a familiar song was flowing. It was a cheering song with very annoying lyrics, saying that Aaron would score endlessly, so the rest should just grab their dicks and go home.

But well, that’s only until the first half. Let’s see who ends up grabbing their dick and going home. Je-rim comforted the discouraged Hubaes who had been scolded by Yeo-bin and whispered in a low voice, lest anyone hear.

“It’s fine. Aaron will be substituted after the first half anyway, so save your stamina for now.”

“Aren’t Yeo-bin Hyung and Je-rim Hyung also being substituted after the first half?”

“I told them I’d play until the end. My knee condition is fine today.”

“I got the okay until the 80th minute too. But given Coach Luis’s tendencies, there’s no way he would have given the okay for that side.”

He was a coach who cared terribly about the players’ health and condition, to the point of inviting even a former student to share his private jet. There was no way such a coach would meaninglessly exhaust a player of Aaron’s caliber in a friendly.

“Even if Aaron lies down on the pitch saying he wants to play more, the coach is the type to sub him out just in case. So, let’s be smart about this.”

Keeping this in mind, Je-rim had already told Yeo-bin that he intended to play longer than Aaron. He had, of course, expected that in the first half, where all the starters including Aaron played, he would eventually be pushed back no matter how hard he flew or crawled.

For now, the goal was to maintain the current state so that the gap didn’t widen by more than three goals in the first half. He had calculated that a three-goal lead would be difficult to overcome in the second half. When he revealed this secret plan, Yeo-bin poked Je-rim in the ribs repeatedly with his water bottle.

“That’s not being ‘smart,’ that’s being underhanded. You’re just trying to sound fancy while saying we should scavenge for goals in the second half once the boss mob is gone.”

“Shut up. Anyway, let’s enjoy the first half. How many more chances will we have to play against the starting lineup of a World Cup-winning team?”

On a day when his condition was this good, he would have secured an overwhelming victory without a second thought if it were a normal league match. However, the match against Spain did not unfold easily. Normally, that might have been irritating, but right now, he was simply filled with anticipation for the game ahead.

The moment the other teammates let out a shout of agreement, the VAR result came out. As suspected, it was onside.

As the score on the electronic board changed, the Korean players kicked the grass in frustration. Still, they didn’t lose heart, shouted a spirited “Fighting!” and scattered one by one to prepare for the restart.

It was just as Je-rim took a final sip of water and stepped forward to return to his position.

“…Hey, Ban Je-rim. I can’t believe the word ‘enjoy’ is coming out of your mouth.”

The guy who should have been at the very front preparing for the kickoff was, for some reason, not leaving. Je-rim twitched an eyebrow and looked at Yeo-bin, confused by his words.

“What?”

“I mean, you’ve never… enjoyed playing soccer before. Especially not when the opponent is Spain.”

Je-rim wondered why the guy had been testing the waters and reading his expression like a dog desperate to go outside for a while now.

It seemed he was worried. He was dwelling on the past from over ten years ago, when a young friend had made a mistake while playing against Spain in a World Cup match and had even been pelted with eggs.

To show there was no need to worry, Je-rim gave a wide smile and vigorously ruffled the hair of his oldest and closest friend. Today, both his condition and his mood were indeed excellent.

“I changed a while ago.”

“Ah, shit, this guy always goes for the hair! But what caused this change of heart?”

“…Come to think of it, I haven’t told you yet. Make some time later. I have something to tell you.”

“What is it? Now I’m curious. Tell me!”

Leaving behind a jumping, curious Yeo-bin, Je-rim trotted away. Yeo-bin chased after him and shook Je-rim’s shoulder roughly, but he ignored him. He let the occasional threats go in one ear and out the other. When he pointedly picked at his ear, the urging soon turned into a stream of curses that tickled Je-rim’s ear canal.

“Hyungs, stop messing around and get over here quickly!”

Unable to watch any longer, Hee-jun called out to the captain and the ace, and the match resumed.

Today, truly, his mood, condition, and intuition were all wonderful.

✲✲✲

“Give me your pants! Why give them to Dani and not me!”

“Ah, wait! How can I take off my pants here!”

“You’re wearing underwear anyway!”

“Get lost, you pervert!”

The scuffle between Jose, who was clinging to Je-rim’s waistband in the middle of the pitch, and Je-rim, who was struggling to defend his pants, looked like a violent fight at first glance. However, the spectators remained in their seats even after the match ended, capturing the scene on their phone cameras with beaming smiles.

Having barely shaken off Jose, Je-rim waved his hand at Daniel, who was standing there with eyes expecting some crumbs to fall.

“You too, later. Let’s exchange them in the locker room.”

“B-but! I want to exchange them in front of the crowd.”

“…So you’re telling me to take off my pants here?”

“I’ll take mine off too! I’ll give you my top and my pants!”

As if he truly intended to become naked in front of tens of thousands of spectators, Daniel threw off his top and grabbed his own waistband. He looked ready to pull them down at any moment. Fortunately, just as the waistband of his underwear was precariously revealed, Daniel was grabbed by the scruff of his neck and thrown aside.

“Stop messing around and get to the locker room right now, Daniel Carrasco. Go review your mistakes.”

The one who had ruthlessly tossed aside the youngest member of his team was Aaron, who had returned after giving his jersey top to a child in the stands. At the captain’s growling shout, Daniel sprang up like a roly-poly toy and dashed toward the tunnel. Even in the midst of this, he pressed the discarded top firmly into Je-rim’s arms.

Holding the opposing team’s jersey like a snake’s shed skin, Je-rim sighed while watching the tunnel where Daniel had disappeared.

‘That guy is really… Aaron needs to break his spirit a bit.’

Je-rim fully agreed with the assessment that if you don’t keep him sufficiently intimidated, he’ll keep climbing over your head. Je-rim’s annoying boyfriend wrapped a bare, unclad arm around his shoulder and whispered triumphantly.

“I told you that you wouldn’t be receiving ‘that,’ right?”

“Aren’t you embarrassed? You bragged that you’d definitely win, and you ended up with a draw.”

“It couldn’t be helped. I didn’t play the second half at all…”

“The result would have been the same even if you played the second half, you idiot.”

“I doubt it.”

The reason Je-rim couldn’t argue further with the slyly smiling face was likely because, deep down, he acknowledged Aaron’s words. In fact, he had aimed for the moment when the starters, including Aaron, were largely substituted in the second half, and yet it had barely ended in a draw.

Regardless, it was enough that he didn’t have to go home feeling like a total loser. Normally, he disliked draws because they felt unsettled, but this time, simply saving face in front of his partner—who was being bottomlessly obnoxious—was sufficient.

“If you’re willing to count a draw as a win, I’ll gratefully accept.”

“Wish for something realistic. Consider yourself eternally parted from my lips.”

“…Were you serious about that? Really?”

Je-rim covered the eyes of Aaron, who had been teasing him relentlessly only to immediately act pitiful and whine when he wanted something. And although he had clearly witnessed the process of Aaron taking off his jersey, he grumbled out of sheer annoyance.

“Put some clothes on. Where did you throw the jersey you were supposed to give me?”

“No, it’s just that some Korean kid was calling me, even speaking Spanish.”

Je-rim had heard and seen it too. He saw the chubby-cheeked child sitting in the front row of the stands calling Aaron desperately in Spanish with a lispy pronunciation due to missing front teeth, and he saw Aaron approach, touch the child’s cheek with a finger, and smile.

Upon discovering the square gap where two front teeth were missing, Aaron had handed over the jersey and whispered that a mouse would bring a pretty new tooth. In Spain, mice acted as the tooth fairy. It was questionable whether the child understood all of Aaron’s Spanish, though.

It was a heartwarming sight, so Je-rim had etched every moment into his retinas. However, he hated that as a result, his boyfriend’s bare body was exposed to the whole world. Since he hadn’t played the second half, it seemed he had taken off everything, including the inner shirt and the GPS tracker.

He already had such a beautiful body and chest…

Looking at the muscles with the perfect shape and texture that any man would envy, Je-rim swallowed hard, chewing on an emotion other than envy. Misinterpreting that dissatisfied expression, Aaron quickly added, “The one I gave the kid was a new jersey without a single drop of my sweat, and I’ve kept the one I wore in the first half safe. After all, who did I make a promise with?”

His voice was urgent as he explained that the sweat-soaked jersey felt unpleasant, so he had changed into a new one while watching the second half. Perhaps worried that his partner would get fiercely jealous again, he even buried his lips in Je-rim’s hair and kissed him to soothe him.

Since this was a type of skinship Je-rim frequently experienced from people other than Aaron while playing in overseas leagues, he remained motionless. Then, he was slightly flustered as screams that sounded like sobbing poured from the stands.

Come to think of it, players in the Korean league didn’t really do this kind of skinship… Did they? For one, he and Yeo-bin had never done it in their lives, and he felt like they would both bite their tongues and die if someone ordered them to. Je-rim lightly pushed Aaron away and stood in front of him to block him from view.

“I’ll take off my clothes for you, so put them on right now. Just how many tens of thousands of people are you stripping in front of? You’ve already got a partner, yet you’re so brazen…”

“You’re the one who shouldn’t strip, Je-rim. Let’s exchange them in the locker room!”

Aaron hurriedly grabbed Je-rim, who had already put his arm under his shirt as if to take it off. It was just as Je-rim was being practically dragged toward the tunnel by Aaron’s insistence.

A spectator sitting near the tunnel fluttered something as if pleading for them to look. His eyes were naturally drawn to the intense red color.

It was the South Korean national team jersey that Je-rim was wearing. However, on the back, along with the number 99, something that sounded like a puppy’s name was printed in huge letters.

Kim Aron. It was the nickname Aaron was primarily called in Korea.

Je-rim, who read the letters first, couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Aaron also seemed to realize that although he didn’t know the exact meaning of the letters on the jersey, it had been specially made for him, so he waved back. Then, seeing Je-rim laughing incessantly, he eventually couldn’t hide the smile that leaked out.

Thanks to one cheerful spectator, the two of them stood in the awkward space between the pitch and the tunnel, facing each other and laughing for a long time.

✲✲✲

Je-rim tightened his shoelaces with his simply packed luggage beside him. His mother stood behind him to see her son off, but she only hesitated and didn’t speak.

The subtle distance that had opened up between mother and son after he confessed his relationship with Aaron remained even today, after the A Matches had completely ended. On the day after the confession, he had returned home late due to his schedule, and the next day, he had to go straight to Paju due to the call-up order, so there had been no time for a separate conversation.

Should I just go like this? Aaron told me not to push her. But…

Feeling the presence of his mother pacing anxiously behind him, Je-rim agonized for a long time. That was why the time spent tying his shoelaces was becoming endlessly long.

His mother also seemed to have a multitude of things she wanted to ask. Above all, she probably desperately wanted to ask if he was really going to see Aaron. He could tell without even hearing it.

With a small sigh, Je-rim let go of the shoelaces that had long been tightened and stood up. Since she was the only mother he had in the world, the moment the determination that he couldn’t leave like this surged up.

He spoke without hesitation to his mother, who looked surprised by her door-sized son suddenly standing up.

“You told me to make a grand exit when I want to.”

“…….”

“For me, that ‘time’ is when I’m playing with Aaron and stepping off the stage together.”

He had neither the time to explain in detail nor the confidence to persuade her. Knowing well that his natural way of speaking was blunt and his habits were not the best, this was the best he could do. Still, choosing his words as carefully as possible, he grabbed his mother’s shoulders.

“He’s that kind of existence to me… so Mom, please understand. I can’t even keep your wishes if I don’t have him.”

Despite his resolve, the word ‘Mom’ instead of ‘Mother’ slipped out unconsciously due to his nervousness. To her son who was speaking as if acting spoiled for the first time in a long while, his mother finally answered.

“…Is it that much? Why?”

“What do you mean ‘why’? Is there a reason for this? Just… it just happened at some point.”

In the summer he was sixteen when he first met Aaron, and in the summer he was twenty-eight when he reunited with him, he had simply realized he was deeply fallen for him. The hunch he had when asking Aaron for a ‘promise’ in the past was indeed accurate.

If Aaron held onto him, if he could just meet Aaron again, he would definitely fall for him again at any time. Even if his feelings had completely cooled. Even after so much time had passed that the romance of his youth had become a blur.

Whether it was when he was young, wondering alone how he could like him this much, or now, nothing had changed. He had no clue why he had fallen so deeply. No, there were too many reasons to pick just one.

To Je-rim, the inability to clearly pick just one reason among tens of thousands was synonymous with not knowing. Because whenever his mind was confused by multiple options, he had always played soccer and lived his life by producing one clear answer and ruthlessly erasing the rest.

“You didn’t weigh all the reasons when you loved Dad, did you, Mother?”

Only after saying it did he regret using his parents, who had divorced long ago, as an example. Fortunately, instead of scolding him for saying something embarrassing, his mother hesitantly covered her mouth.

“…I never thought the day would come when I’d hear the word ‘love’ from your mouth….”

That wasn’t all. The guy who didn’t even cry after being pelted with eggs by his own citizens for failing to lead his country to the World Cup finals had even cried over a single voice message from Aaron.

But he only thought this, as it was too embarrassing to say out loud. After staring at Je-rim in astonishment for a while, his mother closed and opened her eyes as if making a decision.

“Son, bring Aaron back with you during your next vacation.”

At the proposal that was practically a permission, Je-rim’s face lit up. Regardless of whether her son was happy or not, his mother continued to nod to herself, unable to erase her worried expression.

“I’ve felt bad since I chased him away like that. He’s such a pure boy; I wonder if he was hurt….”

“…Mother, should the three of us hold hands and go to an eye doctor next time?”

His mother, who described a guy who wanted him to cut ties with his family and run away to start a home together as ‘pure.’ Himself, who saw a 195cm soccer player boasting a body full of tattoos and a decadent face as a chick. And Aaron, who consistently called a 184cm soccer player—who was mostly described as looking cold when expressionless—a rabbit.

Not a single person was sane. Come to think of it, maybe they should go to a psychiatrist instead of an eye doctor. In response to Je-rim’s serious suggestion, his mother replied by smacking him on the back.

“I thought you were being serious for a moment, but you’re talking nonsense again. Hurry up! You’ll be late for your flight.”

She was thin, but her hand was surprisingly stinging. It seemed she hadn’t given birth to an athlete with these physical conditions for nothing. Je-rim jumped in pain but hugged his mother with a grin.

“To my dearest and most respected Mrs. Hwang, I’ll see you next time.”

Bending his waist to match the eye level of his mother, who was a head shorter than him, he announced both his farewell and his reunion.

In the past, every time he parted with his mother like this, a corner of his heart felt uncomfortable and weighed down by pressure, so he would leave quickly. He spent his time soothing his mother, who was always disappointed, and plotting how to escape quickly, so he couldn’t even exchange long greetings. Cringey expressions and saying “see you next time” were all things he was doing for the first time.

Since he was uttering words he had never said in his life, the tip of his tongue felt somewhat tingly, but once the greeting was finished, his entire body felt light. Even though it was a relationship where seeing each other again was natural, promising a reunion made him feel as if he had a welcome appointment, which was even pleasant.

Although he left the house feeling so refreshed that he hummed a tune, as time passed, the freshness was replaced by growing anxiety. In the car heading to the airport, while waiting for takeoff at the airport, and inside the plane to Spain. As the location changed, his mouth went dry and his heart pounded.

Just a little more endurance, and he would meet Aaron again. They had only been apart for a week, but he was with a lover he had missed unbearably.

This exaggeration was definitely caught from Aaron. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be like this…

He couldn’t sleep because he was running unproductive simulations: what to say first upon meeting, what kind of skinship to do, and how to react to the aegyo Aaron would surely display, saying he missed him.

He wanted to tell him quickly that his mother told him to bring him back, so he shouldn’t worry anymore. Thinking of the table that Aaron would have surely filled with all his favorite foods in anticipation of his partner’s arrival, his stomach felt empty, and he suddenly didn’t want the in-flight meal. Thinking about meeting Aaron was the most fun, so there was no need to look at his phone or the seat screen.

Time seemed to stretch like taffy, yet it also felt as if pieces had been cut out with scissors; when he snapped out of it, it had flown by. Thanks to that, he arrived at Tavarona Airport just before he was about to go completely crazy.

They hadn’t set a specific meeting spot. Aaron said he would be at the airport in time for the flight’s arrival, and Je-rim told him to wait until he contacted him, as the flight might be delayed. Since the distance from downtown Tavarona to the airport was relatively short, Aaron agreed.

However, far from being delayed, Je-rim arrived 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. Even so, he didn’t reach out. It was because he could intuitively picture where Aaron would be right now.

‘It’s obvious where he’d be trying to compose himself while waiting for me.’

For Je-rim, it was a place he hadn’t visited in quite some time. Yet, everything felt vivid, as if he had been rolling around there with Aaron just yesterday.

The wide-open beach, the grains of sand breaking white under the moonlight, the gently rolling waves, and the images of Aaron etched into his mind as if the moment had been preserved.

Aaron, who looked devastated when his attempt to confess was drowned out by the noise of the fireworks. Aaron, who lamented that he’d become an idiot because of him after being lured in by that cute expression and kissed first. Aaron, who had been giggling with his head on Je-rim’s lap, only to suddenly lose himself in thought, as if possessed by something again.

…Aaron, who got angry, asking why he made the decision alone. Aaron, who cried, hurt by his words. Aaron, who asked for time to think.

And even the image of Aaron, who must have waited for him here alone after that.

That was why Je-rim could quickly decide what to say the moment he saw him.

“I’m back. Did you miss me?”

Je-rim wrapped his arms around Aaron from behind—who was standing alone and blankly on the empty white beach, gazing longingly at the sky where planes flew and the distant sea—and finally delivered the words he had been thinking about the whole time.

* * *