Kiss the Ground

“Beautiful.”It was an honest sentiment. Truly fitting and beautiful. Whether wearing a formal tuxedo or a casual shirt, it would suit him well, but he looked best in clothes for what he wanted to do.“This suits you the best.”To ensure this uniform wouldn’t just end as a formality for a photoshoot, it was crucial to move forward to the next game. He had always been stuck in strange thoughts. Chahyun slowly raised his head after tidying Misha’s waist and shoulder area of his clothes. The person in front of him had been so quiet all along.Misha blinked widely and looked down at Chahyun’s face. Chahyun, seeing his large gray pupils, absentmindedly opened his eyes wide. Amidst the noisy surroundings of the shoot, a vacuum-like stillness filled the space between them.“Oh, that’s right. What I mean is…”Chahyun mumbled foolishly, and at the same time, Misha smiled brightly. His eyes narrowed, and his pupils contracted like crescent moons. It was such an unreal sight, as if quickly flipping through scenes where stars were born or flowers bloomed. While it wasn’t the first time seeing him smile, it was the first time seeing him smile like this.For some reason, Chahyun felt his chest tighten and tightly closed his lips. Instead, Misha seemed to be about to say something, opening his lips. His forehead’s stray hair swayed slightly.“Yuan, you…”That familiar vibration rang out.“Oh, just a moment…”Chahyun picked up his phone from the nearby shelf. The phone precariously hung on the shelf, vibrating as if it could fall off at any moment due to an incoming call. Without even the leisure to check the caller, Chahyun picked up the phone first.“I’ll take this call and come back. Keep taking pictures.”Misha closed his lips and nodded slowly. Chahyun suppressed the oddly pounding heartbeat and walked out of the interview room as if running.There were few people in the corridor. Passing between busy staff and colleagues who had just finished their interviews, Chahyun walked quickly to the lounge. He glimpsed Keihl talking to someone in a secluded corner of the hallway.Although the other person was hidden behind the wall, they were probably lucky to have secured an interview opportunity with a coach. Seeing them still busy after finishing their official schedule showed that being a captain was never a comfortable position, not even for a moment.With a slight sense of envy, Chahyun entered a quiet space behind the corridor and took a seat. Then he pressed the answer button on his phone, which had been vibrating incessantly throughout.“Hello.”―It’s a video call, idiot!“What?”Chahyun lowered the phone he habitually pressed against his ear. Filling the screen was Choi Namwoo’s smiling face. Seeing the face of a friend he hadn’t seen in almost two months, Chahyun was surprised for a moment, but soon a feeling of joy filled his chest.“Namwoo hyung! What’s up?”―What’s up? I could be contacting you too, you know. Your habit of answering calls with your ear still ringing hasn’t changed. Our father used to do that…“Oh, really… It’s just not familiar. Why would we call each other just to see each other’s faces.”―No sense of decorum, really, Chahyun.At that moment, another face appeared at the corner of the screen where Choi Namwoo’s face had been. Park Jungeun, who had taken a seat shoulder to shoulder with Choi Namwoo, was smiling mischievously.“Jung, what’s up? Why are you in Korea again?”―Don’t you remember? We failed to make it to the Champs.“Oh.”―We decided to stay a bit early after the preseason. We’ll probably be here for a few weeks.“Really? Must be nice.”―Are you making fun of my elimination?The nostalgia brought about by the familiar faces of colleagues and the familiar atmosphere was a longing for home. Unbidden, Chahyun found himself envying Park Jung’s season break, but Park Jung, who was teasing him, still had the same smiling face. He never lowered his tail unless the game was 3:0 in their favor.“I want to go too, that’s why. It’s been a while since I left Korea, and it’s already coming to mind.”―I knew when you suddenly rushed to catch your flight. What’s so urgent that you ditched everything?“I’m regretting it too, hyung.”―Chahyun, it’s okay! If we lose this game, you’ll be right here with us.“Thanks for the support.”At Chahyun’s cynical response, Choi Namwoo and Park Jung exchanged shoulder taps and laughed. The camera shook. They truly had great chemistry. After a few spins, the camera finally focused on their mischievous faces. Namwoo spoke.―Actually, I contacted you because I was really wondering if you were prepared. I’ve been thinking about you. Shall we start moving for the away game soon?“Yes. The day after tomorrow, already.”―Wow, that’s literally the day before the game. It’s a bit tight. Is your condition okay?“Not too bad. I’m not far away. The day before, I don’t do anything special, just look around the stadium, warm up a bit, that sort of thing.”In Choi Namwoo’s eyes, worried about Chahyun’s condition before the game, there was a familiar gentleness. His slightly drooping eyes softened, creating a tenderness, giving a different sense of determination from Cheon Sungju, who was about the same age. When Chahyun smiled faintly at the affection conveyed through the screen, another person intervened.―He’s only talking about you here, Chahyun. If it were me, I’d feel pressured and wouldn’t leave the house.“Park Jung, you’re funny. You love being the center of attention the most.”―How did you know? Actually, I’m on my way back from the studio after shooting.“Shooting? What shooting?”―Chacha Cha interviews with teammates.The last words were a duet by Choi Namwoo and Park Jung. The unfamiliar term momentarily froze Chahyun like gypsum, but soon a slight chill rising from his arms reminded him of a broadcast memory he had forgotten. It was in the documentary proposal. They were going to insert interviews with friends, colleagues, or family. Production seemed to be progressing really fast.“…So I thought of you. Did you both do it together?”―Yeah. You really said a lot of good things about you. You’ll have to praise me a lot when it’s your turn.“What did you say?”―Check it out on the broadcast. It airs after the quarterfinals. I also talked to Sungju hyung, and if we don’t make it to the finals, it’ll be a big problem, you know? Seems like he’s more determined than he was during the World Cup.Park Jung said cheerfully. If things had gone well, they could have seen a Korean derby with two Korean players in the Champions League, but people couldn’t help but lament the collapse of FC Straussberg, to which Park Jung belonged, which thwarted their league journey. Fortunately, he seemed to have little regret. Although watching a game he couldn’t participate in might be a bit depressing, he cheered for Chahyun’s victory cheerfully.―Don’t come to Korea in a hurry just to end up supporting the other team for real. Why don’t we go play together sometime? You whined to Namwoo hyung last time that you wanted to see me.―You were acting all cute?“What do you mean I acted cute?”―If you want something to eat, just say it. I’ll buy it for you and bring it.“I want tteokbokki.”―Buy it and try making it!“Buy it…”―You’re acting all high and mighty just because you’re a world-class player.“Please buy me sundae too.”With Chahyun’s compliance, his two colleagues looked satisfied. It couldn’t be helped. The closest place selling snacks was in Birmingham, and even that wasn’t spicy at all. Homemade ones didn’t taste like the authentic ones back home.They chatted about various things they hadn’t shared in a while, such as small talk and discussions about games and schedules. Chahyun felt particularly comfortable when dealing with his Korean colleagues, probably because of the strong bond rooted in their relationship since childhood. Although they hadn’t met often since moving the stage overseas, the strong bond remained at the base of their relationship.―Anyway, since Ji and the others decided to watch the live broadcast together, do your best. If you lose, it’ll be a disgrace to Seoul FC.“You’re already giving up?”―Why video call now when it’s late? It’s three in the morning here. I need to sleep.“Is it already that late…”―Control your mindset well. It’s the most important thing for you.“I’ll do my best.”Namwoo and Jung waved their hands. Looking at the abruptly disconnected call, Chahyun held his phone a bit lonely for a moment, but then shook his head. The away game was two days away, and there was barely a day and a half left to train properly. Pushing aside the mixed feelings, Chahyun headed back to the interview room.***Two days flew by in a flash. As they managed training and various schedules, the game was approaching, scheduled for the next day.On the eve of the game, Yoon Chahyun woke up at the crack of dawn, packed his belongings, and left home. Even though it was an away game, Birmingham Stadium wasn’t too far. It seemed somewhat irrational for the club to arrange lodging and dormitories when the stadium was easily reachable within a 30-minute drive, but Blue had mentioned stories of crazy people who overslept on game days if they didn’t stay in a hotel near the stadium. That chilling legend was enough to convince all the young players who had doubts about an early departure.When the limousine bus carrying the players arrived at the hotel near the stadium, it was already noon. The entrance of the hotel, which Winchester FC had booked an entire floor of, was bustling with cameras and journalists taking photos. Although the game hadn’t even started yet, the media frenzy far exceeded that of the first round. It was understandable, as this was the last game determining the surviving eight teams out of sixteen.After the players and staff unpacked at the hotel, they quickly finished a simple meal and headed straight back to the limousine. Free time was scheduled for the afternoon after completing a tight schedule. There was hardly any time to rest.***“I have to admit. The facilities here are impressive.”“Winchester Stadium is new too, right? We have iris recognition at the entrance of our dressing room.”“After it’s been over three years, it’s not considered new anymore, Winston.”Alois and Winston murmured as they looked around the gleaming locker room of Birmingham Stadium. Stadiums where games were held were designed to give visiting players time to adapt to the venue. Knowing the facilities and environment they would use on the day of the game and understanding the quality and condition of the ground were as important as the game itself.The new owner of Birmingham, rumored to be an aviation conglomerate that loves football, seemed to have really invested heavily. The convenient facilities, from the floor so clean you felt guilty stepping on it to considering the players’ movements, were impressive even to Chahyun’s eyes. As the players admired the new amenities, a staff member suddenly popped his head into the locker room.“I’ll need you to get ready quickly and head out to the field. It’s two hours, including a 20-minute public practice. Please hurry, as time is tight.”“Only two hours? Is that enough?”“Two hours should be plenty. It’s the day before the game, not a marathon, is it?”At Leroy’s anxious voice, Donobi threw a retort and quickly took off his shirt. As a signal, all the players began changing into their training gear. It always felt awkward and strange to come into someone else’s territory to change clothes.Running around the freshly laid good turf, the players swallowed their silent admiration. Even though it was the same standard-sized ground they were used to, the fact that it was newly built added freshness to it.While they couldn’t be seen in the locker room, Misha was already sitting on the team bench looking steady. He was still in his civilian clothes. Whenever Chahyun unintentionally glanced in that direction during a practice game, Misha would subtly raise the cheer scarf he held in his hand. He had brought that thing again. It wasn’t even a cherished blanket or anything.“What are you doing there?”When Chahyun asked with his mouth, Misha shrugged and pointed to Blue, who was sitting next to him, propping himself up. Apparently, Blue still hadn’t been allowed to practice. His sulky face inside the fence seemed strangely amusing, and Chahyun smirked unnoticed.The restaurant where the players gathered for dinner was a rooftop restaurant near the Thames River. The sight of burly men occupying a few tables against the backdrop of a beautiful view overlooking the river was enough to draw attention.However, people only watched from afar or took photos; no one dared to approach. With the entire Winchester FC first-team squad gathered, it seemed even harder to approach them.After a short stadium tour, the players were given a short rest and free time. Alcohol was absolutely forbidden, so the only thing the players with nowhere to go could hope for was delicious food.Fortunately, the restaurant guided by the staff was sufficiently splendid and nice enough to dispel their regrets. It must have taken days to choose a place like this. Chahyun looked around at the meals coming out and savored the taste. The players, who had been through a tight schedule since morning, all rushed to the plates at once.The table where every item on the menu was laid out was splendid. At the table where Chahyun sat, Cahill was a bit further away, and Misha was sitting on the opposite side. While everyone was focused on eating, the one who poked Chahyun’s side was Jude, who sat next to him.“Yuan, this is the perfect photo opportunity. Isn’t there a more harmonious scene than a group dinner? You should take out the camera and snap it right away, what do you think?”“He broke it and is now recuperating at home.”With the sudden topic, Yoon Chahyun clenched his fork tightly. An unjust feeling surged within him.“While we’re on the subject, I wonder which of the guys would break my camera by dropping it?”Chahyun glanced at the faces in front of him. They were all holding their breaths, not even lifting their forks. Cahill and Misha, sitting a little further away, turned their heads simultaneously to look at Chahyun. They almost spoke at the same time.“It broke?”“It’s broken?”It was understandable that they were surprised, considering that it had been completely new just when they touched it. Chahyun himself hadn’t expected it to become second-hand so quickly. When the two famously taciturn individuals in the club showed a reaction, the rest of the teammates finally realized the seriousness of the situation and raised their heads.“Yeah. My new camera broke.”Chahyun took a deep breath and said honestly.“I’ll give you time to report the culprit……”Before he could finish speaking, six arms shot up simultaneously, pointing at someone. The problem was that the individuals at the end of those fingers were all different. Alois pointed at Winston, Winston at Leroy, Leroy at Kaya… As the arms crossed in a star pattern, Jude muttered.“How many times did they drop it……”“……”“First, let’s finish eating, Yuan.”Seeing Chahyun unable to continue due to astonishment, Jude scooped some of his food onto Chahyun’s plate and comforted him like a parent. Did he really see such shameless kids? Putting aside the identity of the culprit lost in the maze, Chahyun forced himself to chew and swallow his food. What he really wanted to chew on were the guys sitting in front of him, but unfortunately, the game was right in front of them.The table, which had been as quiet as a mouse, brought up a new topic in less than five minutes.“But the facilities here are really nice.”“Winchester Stadium is new too. We even have grass sprinklers!”“Even elementary school playgrounds have those.”Alois and Winston, who roughly finished their meal, bickered over the same topic as during the day. They were tied together as a combo to the point where they were called Alston in the media, and they engaged in big and small arguments every day. Their playing style was also similar. If the pattern was for the opposing defenders to be entangled by their frantic passes, then that was the pattern. When other guys listening in joined the conversation, the atmosphere quickly heated up.“Our game is their stadium’s first game, right? Then Birmingham United players probably haven’t even properly played there.”“So, there’s no need to be scared. Whether it’s them or us, neither of us has experience.”“They’ll be desperate to score the first goal themselves. It’ll go down in stadium history forever. Remember when Winchester went crazy saying we had to score the first goal when our stadium was new?”“Oh? That……”Suddenly, Jude narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice. As the speaker lowered his voice, the chatter at the table instantly subsided.“What if we score? What happens then? The first goal at Birmingham Stadium.”All eyes at the table focused on the speaker.“They’ll feel so cheated and be filled with resentment. They’ll get an earful from their supporters too.”“I think this game is it for them. Guys.”Jude pulled out his phone with a professional gambler-like expression. He showed more passion for this Winchester scoring bet than anyone else. Always willing to take on the role of a dealer, that was all that needed to be said. Opening a document application to organize names and amounts, Jude said.“Let’s make the first goal of the game clean. I’ll pool all the money for the person who guesses the first scorer correctly. You can bet on yourself, and if it’s the opening goal, it’s double the winnings. If there’s no scorer? The game is void, and our season is ruined.”Like a professional in Las Vegas, Jude deftly tapped the touchscreen keyboard. The problem was that the greed of Winchester’s other members was no less than Jude’s. As the players sitting around the table started guessing the scorer and stating the amounts without waiting for anyone to suggest, it felt more like a scene from an away gambling site than an away game.“I’m betting 200 on myself. I’ll score at Birmingham’s new stadium.”“Me too, 300 on myself.”“Count me in.”“All these guys are betting on themselves. They’re getting greedy……”As the condition of doubling the winnings with ambition and competitiveness added, the players began to lose control and put deals on their own names. Their passion for scoring ignited, and while it seemed outwardly hot as a match, the intentions were too impure.The right to speak eventually arrived back at Winchester’s captain. Cahill looked quietly at the table for a moment before speaking up.“I’ll pass. I don’t have a knack for betting money.”“It’s a shame. If I were you, I would have bet £700 on you.”Leroy seemed genuinely disappointed at Cahill’s refusal. £700 was the maximum limit set by the rules of this game. It was a meager consideration not to empty their pockets completely and return home barefoot. Cahill just gave a faint smile and brought the glass to his lips without saying a word. Next, the arrow was aimed at Yoon Chahyun.“What about you?”Jude already had a serious expression. Since Yoon Chahyun didn’t mind playing along, steadily betting a few pounds each time, it seemed natural that he would participate this time too.However, this time was different. It wasn’t a situation to bet and joke around. Chahyun raised his head and glanced at Misha. Their eyes met head-on. It had been like this for the past few days.“…I’ll pass this time too.”“Yuan! Is this a joke to you?!”Jude shouted, banging the table. What a joke this was, seriously… Ignoring the eyes of Chahyun, who had forgotten about soccer and became overly involved, just like Cahill before, Chahyun drank the water on the table. Now he understood why he was drinking water in this situation. He didn’t need to respond. But the next moment, as someone’s voice flowed in, Chahyun almost spat out the water he had in his mouth.“Then I’ll bet £700. On Yuan scoring the first goal.”What?“Since he passed, it shouldn’t matter if the spectator scores instead, right?”“Oh, uh…”Misha, who wasn’t on the roster or the gambling list, looked at Jude with a serious and composed face. It was an all-in move. Players who had been interested in watching others’ deals until now all raised their heads to look at Misha like meerkats.Who the hell would bet a million won on someone else’s goal in a random side bet?Especially in a game they couldn’t even participate in.“Hey. Hold on a second…”“Are you sure you won’t regret this? This is a rule with no going back. You know that, right?”Chahyun tried to intervene belatedly, but Jude quickly recorded the amount, nailing down the stake.“Of course I know.”Know what? Know how to bet on sports? Chahyun turned his head to look at Misha, but Misha met his gaze with a sincere and supportive look. It felt like an overwhelming trust and support. He had no idea how much it amplified Chahyun’s dilemma.“Hehe. I’m really curious to see how far your racehorse can live up to expectations…”Immersed in his role, Jude waved his hand like a mad Shakespearean literary pawnbroker. What a crazy line… But there was no way to intervene, and the enthusiasm of the colleagues eagerly anticipating the outcome of this gambling, as well as their interesting faces, were the same. With £700 suddenly on his shoulders, Chahyun had no choice but to gulp down the water.***“Are we really going to ride this?”The sky was stained with sunset, blending blue and orange hues exquisitely. Fifteen Winchester players who had finished their meal stood in front of the Ferris wheel near the Thames. Alois tilted his head, murmuring as he looked up at the red neon lights decorating the circular structure.“We can’t help it. We have free time.”“If we have time left, we could go back to the hotel and sleep early.”“But sleeping too early before the game ruins the flow, that’s what Coach Martinez said, so we have to kill time somehow.”“But a Ferris wheel? Just us?”The players stood in a circle, looking at each other. They absentmindedly watched as tourists and locals passed by, casting curious glances at the large group of men.“If we’re going to ride the Ferris wheel here, we have to ride that one.”Pointing across the river, someone indicated the iconic London Eye, which was already lit up beautifully with its majestic and grand appearance.“That one’s only an hour wait. Even if we get fast tickets, it’s still late for this time slot.”“So, we’re going to ride this? It looks so old. Isn’t it going to collapse?”Leroy muttered anxiously. Compared to the London Eye, the small Ferris wheel, which seemed to have a maximum capacity of barely a hundred people, creaked and turned slowly, making a squeaking sound. It had enough appearance to instill fear of death.“Just our combined weight is over a ton… We won’t die, right?”