Chapter 714 - 3

RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)15 — Coach Park's Suggestion

The second half began. I was not on the pitch. Instead, I was seated on the substitutes' bench, a rare place for me. I couldn't remember when was the last time I'd been sidelined in any sport.

The match resumed, and the opposing team, understandably, seemed relieved. However, the damage had been done. The mental scars of a 10-0 drubbing were not easily erased, and their spirit was fractured. Even without me, our team was too much. Sung Hynwoo—who would've been the team's ace, had I not been there—was running rampant. Kim Jee was scoring freely, and the rest were finding their confidence and form.

By the time the final whistle blew, it was 14-0.

A complete, merciless victory.

I stood up, stretching my limbs.

"Wow." A voice came from my left. It belonged to an assistant, a man with an average height, a bit chubby and a bit too pale for his own good. "You were amazing out there, kid. Truly incredible."

"Thanks." I responded, a bit absentmindedly.

"Are you disappointed?" He inquired, tilting his head.

"No." I replied truthfully.

"Are you mad?"

"..." I shook my head. "Why should I?"

"Because Coach benched you." The assistant said, matter-of-factly. "Most kids would be upset."

"It was the right call."

"Right call?" The man chuckled. "Who the heck are you, kid?"

"..."

I didn't respond. Instead, I walked away. It wasn't the first time someone had asked me that. Acting like a kid? Not for me. I didn't care if people thought I was a freak or an anomaly. Considering my circumstances, I might as well have been. I wasn't a normal seven year old, and I wasn't trying to be.

I was a man inside a seven year old boy's body. It was a weird reality to grasp. Hell, even I had my doubts sometimes.

My gaze was drawn to the stands. Mia, now back to her usual self, was waving frantically, a beaming smile on her face. While the opposing team was mourning their defeat in the stands, my sister seemed to be celebrating my win.

"Jae-il!" She shouted, jumping up and down, making her blonde hair bounce wildly.

I nodded at her. She was such a peculiar character. So different from my mother, or Su Ah. She was the outlier, a little nutcase, a girl with more energy than she knew what to do with. She'd probably grow out of it in a few years, but I had to admit this side of her was endearing.

I've always wanted a family, someone to celebrate my victories. Now, it seemed I had a very enthusiastic one. I disengaged from my team's loud celebration and made my way towards her.

"Jae-il!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a quick, fierce hug, her blonde hair smelling of some floral shampoo. "That was incredible!"

"Thanks." I patted her back. "You didn't have to come, y'know." I said.

She pulled back, looking at me with those big, sparkling eyes. "Of course I had to! I'm your sister, aren't I?"

"I mean, it's just a game." I shrugged.

She scoffed. "Just a game? No way. That was amazing! I've never seen anyone play like that."

"You're being too generous." I chuckled.

"I'm serious! You were, like, a hundred times better than everyone else." Her praise was genuine, not a trace of envy or sarcasm; she was way past all of that shit, fortunately.

It was refreshing.

"I've had more practice, that's all."

She crossed her arms, a haughty smile over a raised chin. Almost as if she were looking down on me. 'Just wait until I hit puberty.' With how tall my parents well, height wasn't something I'd ever have to worry about. She enthusiastically patted me on the back a few more times before wiggling her eyebrows. "So? So? What do you think?"

I feigned innocence, tilting my head. "What do I think about what?"

"You know..." She trailed off, shaking her head and making that butter-yellow hair bounce wildly. "Hmm? So?"

I frowned. "I don't—"

"My hair, you damn idiot!"

"Ah." I paused. "It's... it's good."

She leaned in closer, a playful grin on her lips. "Just good?" There was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Okay, okay. It's very pretty. Really suits you." I admitted.

Her grin widened, giving me a very close-up view of her white teeth. Her canines were growing too sharp. "See? I knew you'd like it." She winked at me. Again. What was she doing?

Then she ruffled my hair.

I swatted her hand away, but not before she left a mess on top of my head.

"Yah!" She giggled. "Don't mess up my masterpiece."

I rolled my eyes. "Alright, alright. Listen, dumb Noona. Wait for me outside, I'll go change and shower right quick." I said, pointing at the exit of the stadium. "And don't talk to strangers."

"Hey!" She protested. "That's my line!"

I gave her a look that spoke volumes. "Exactly. Don't talk to them."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine. But hurry up, okay?"

I nodded.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

...

By the time I made it back to my team, all that was left of the earlier festivity were lingering smiles and tired eyes. The match, despite its one-sided nature, had taken its toll. Coach Park was there, as were the other coaches and assistants, but the atmosphere had shifted from celebration to quiet reflection.

Coach Park, his voice low and measured, was addressing the team. "...despite the result, this game has highlighted areas where we need to improve. We won't always face opponents so outmatched, and we need to remember that every game is a learning opportunity, regardless of the outcome." He glanced around, his gaze meeting each player's. "I'm proud of you all for your performance, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have a long journey ahead." He said, glancing at me before adjusting his cap.

My presence seemed to liven up the expressions on the assistants' faces.

I still couldn't remember their names.

Coach Park clapped his hands once, the sharp sound cutting through the air. "Alright, boys. Get changed. We'll meet again in a few days. Rest up and stay healthy. Dismissed."

The team broke apart, each heading their separate ways.

"Jae-il, a word please." Coach Park called out.

"Sure." I replied, walking over to him. My eyes inadvertently found the spot on the pitch where I'd made that first strike, the shot that had set the tone for the entire match. A single moment that had, in many ways, sealed the fate of the game..

It wasn't something I could confidently do in an actual professional match, but against these kids, and with the state of the opposition, it had been an obvious strategy.

We stopped in some corridor of the stadium. The echo of cleats and my teammate's voices slowly faded as they disappeared around corners.

Coach Park's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Today's game... it was quite something." He began, his tone carefully neutral.

"I suppose it was." I replied, my voice calm and even.

He adjusted his cap. "We've never had a result like that before. It's unprecedented." He said, pausing to gather his thoughts. "I'm not going to lie, Jae-il. If you keep developing like this, we're going to need to make some tough decisions soon."

I tilted my head, as if I didn't already know what was about to be said.

Coach Park continued, his voice steady. "The U-10 league, as far as I've observed, will likely fail to provide you with the level of competition you need to really grow. You're already far beyond what most of them can offer."

"Then what's the solution?" I asked, playing along.

He looked at me. "I'm thinking about accelerating you to the U-12s."

I nodded, as if considering this for the first time. I didn't think he'd bring it up so soon, though. My performance today must have been even more shocking than I anticipated. I didn't want to seem like I was pushing for this, so I tried to play it cool. "U-12s, huh?"

Coach Park nodded. "It's not a common move, but given your abilities and the current state of the U-10 league, it's something we should seriously consider. Of course, before I bring this up to the academy directors, your parents, and you, I'll need more data to back this decision. One game, no matter how dominant, isn't enough to justify such a leap. But, if you're serious about football and your development, I think this is the right path for you." His eyes met mine. "What do you think, Jae-il?"

"I think..." I paused for effect, then readily agreed. "I'm up for it if everyone thinks it's the right thing to do."

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of Coach Park's mouth. "Good. I'm glad you're open to it." He adjusted his cap. "We'll talk more about this soon. For now, enjoy your day."

He adjusted his cap one more time and walked away.

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RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)16 — Honesty Isn't Always the Best Policy

Eun Ha picked us up from the stadium. She didn't ask how the match went; the result had already spread throughout the academy and the club. She didn't seem very surprised, but did seem particularly sorry for the other team. It was a bit hard to explain Mia's presence to her. Eun Ha just smiled and shook her head at Mia's new hair, and that was the end of that.

Back home, I spent the afternoon lazing around. My mom and Su Ah were doing their thing while Mia stuck to me like a puppy. She'd sit next to me, watch whatever I was watching, and occasionally throw in a few comments or two about her own thoughts on the matter.

Mostly, though, she was quiet, and I didn't mind her presence.

I was sitting on the couch, engrossed in a television show, when I felt a light tap on my shoulder.

"Hey, Jae-il?" Her voice was soft, almost tentative.

"Yeah?"

"Do you, uh, think we could go out for a bit? Just the two of us?" She was looking at me, one of her eyes hidden behind a curtain of blonde hair. Her arms were crossed. Was it a measly attempt to show dominance or a mask to hide nervousness?

"Where to?"

"Anywhere, really. I just feel like hanging out with you." She shrugged, her head tilted, her smile widening. "Is that weird?"

"No." I paused. "But there's nothing to do in the area. You know that."

My current age restricted a lot of activities I could have partook in.

She frowned. "Yeah, I know. But there has to be something, right? Maybe we could go for a walk or something?"

"Mom's not gonna let me leave the house without her." I pointed out. I was too young to be wandering outside alone without the supervision of an adult.

"I can handle her. Just tell me where you wanna go and I'll convince her, easy." Mia said confidently. She did have a point, she could charm the pants off of Eun Ha. And Yeong Gu, to an extent. Especially him, actually.

I pondered for a moment, considering her proposition. "There's this park not far from here. Has a nice field and some exercise equipment. It'd be nice to take a stroll there." I finally said.

She beamed. "Great! I'll go ask mom. Be ready in ten."

As Mia hurried off to find our mom, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this sudden invitation. She seemed more clingy and affectionate as of late. Perhaps it was a phase? Or maybe she was just excited about the new look? I'd never had siblings, so I didn't know. This was all uncharted territory for me.

Ten minutes later, as promised, I was dressed and ready to go. Mia had managed to convince our mom to let us leave the house alone. The only condition was that we'd be back by dinner. I didn't ask how she did it, and I didn't care to. Perhaps one day I'd learn that power.

Together, we stepped out into the sunlit street.

The afternoon was warm, with a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves on the trees lining the road. Mia, her blonde hair gleaming in the sunlight, had a skip in her step, and her face was adorned with a wide smile. She was wearing a white tank, black shorts, and a pair of white tennis shoes.

"You look happy." I commented, casting a sidelong glance at her.

"I am!" She chirped, her eyes sparkling. "It's nice getting out of the house, y'know? And hanging out with you is always fun."

"Fun?" I arched an eyebrow. "How so? I barely even talk."

She waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, you talk enough. And besides, it's not all about that. It's more about who you're with, isn't it?"

"..."

I didn't respond, choosing to focus on the path ahead.

The park was a short walk from our house, nestled in a quiet neighborhood with rows of modest homes and neatly manicured lawns. It was a simple, yet welcoming place, with a playground at its center, a few benches scattered around, and a large, open field where kids often played various sports, usually soccer.

We found a bench overlooking the field, and Mia flopped onto it, stretching out her legs and sighing contentedly.

"It's a nice place." She remarked, tilting her face to catch the last of the day's sun.

I sat down beside her, observing the children on the field. Most of them were around our age, running around with a ball, their laughter filling the air. I watched them for a while, lost in my own thoughts.

Mia, sitting next to me, seemed to notice my distraction. "Penny for your thoughts?" She nudged me gently.

"Just thinking about football." I admitted.

"Always the same." She rolled her eyes, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "Do you ever think about anything else?"

"Not really."

She chuckled. "Well, that's one thing about you that never changes." Her gaze followed mine, watching the kids play. "Do you think you'll be a pro someday?"

"I know I will." My answer was firm. "The coach today suggested moving me up to the U-12's."

Her eyes widened. "Really? That's... that's incredible!" She paused. "But don't you think that's a little... soon? I mean, I'm no expert, but I thought these things were supposed to take time."

"I'm exceptional." I tilted my chin slightly, imitating some of her haughty demeanor.

"Arrogant, aren't you?" She raised an eyebrow, grinning.

"Arrogance is just confidence that doesn't suit people. My arrogance is my confidence. And it suits me just fine."

"You always have an answer for everything, don't you? Creepy seven year old kid." She sighed, but it was a happy sigh. "Seriously though, I'm happy for you. I hope everything works out." She winked at the end.

"What about you?" Since we were talking about the future, I wondered if this wayward sister of mine had any plans. I doubted she did, but you could never be too sure with someone like Mia. She had the tendency to spring surprises on you.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Any goals? Dreams? Plans for the future?"

"Me?" She looked taken aback for a second. "Uh, not really. I mean, I'm only eleven, you know? I don't have it all figured out yet."

"That's a boring answer."

"Hey, you asked!" She poked my side, causing me to flinch. "Besides, I'm sure I'll find something I'm passionate about. Just like you did. It might take a while, but I'm not worried."

I nodded. It was a fair response. "Well, whatever you choose to do, make sure you're good at it."

She scoffed. "Says the boy who's a prodigy at everything he tries." She nudged me again, this time with a playful smile. "But I get what you mean. Thanks for the advice, o wise one." Her tone was teasing, but her words were sincere. She turned her gaze back to the field, watching the kids run and play.

The conversation ebbed and flowed, touching on various topics. 

She talked about school, her friends, and the latest boy she turned down because he 'didn't meet her standards'. I listened, nodding occasionally, offering a word or two when necessary. It wasn't the most riveting conversation, but I didn't mind. 

It was nice, just being in the moment, with someone I considered family.

Not everything had to be about football, BOPE, or anything else. Sometimes, I could just sit with my sister and talk about nothing, and it felt... right. Normal. Like something I should have experienced in my previous life. Something I'd missed out on.

And now, I was slowly getting a taste of it.

I didn't hate it, I had to admit.

"Hey, Jae-il." Mia's voice cut through my thoughts. "I'm going to get a drink from the vending machine. Want anything?" She asked, pointing to a lone vending machine in the distance.

"Water." I responded, reaching into my pocket to pull out a 1000 Won bill.

She shook her head. "No need. My treat today." She winked, then skipped off towards the vending machine.

I watched her go, her blonde hair swaying as she moved.

It didn't take long for her to return, two drinks in hand.

"Here you go." Mia said, handing me a bottle of water. She popped the cap of her own bottle, which was a bright pink color, and took a long sip. "Ah, that's good." She literally melted.

"What's that?" I asked, pointing to her drink. I still had to acquaint myself with most korean beverages.

"Oh, this?" She held up the bottle, the liquid inside catching the light. "It's just some kind of fruit juice. Want to try it?"

I blinked for a moment, then nodded. "Sure." She handed me the bottle. I took a swig, the sweet taste of mixed fruit filling my mouth. It was surprisingly refreshing. A bit too sweet, perhaps.

"Good, right?" Mia grinned. "Right?" She leaned in, invading my space.

"Better than I anticipated." I agreed, handing the bottle back to her.

She took it, her fingers briefly brushing against mine. "Hehe~" She eyed the lip of the bottle, where I'd just drunk from, before taking another sip. 

I didn't think much of it.

Mia leaned back, stretching her arms over her head. "So..." She began, fidgeting slightly. Almost ten seconds passed, and I turned around to see if she needed any prompt from me. Turns out she didn't; she was merely waiting for my full attention.

She hummed, legs swinging.

"Have you ever thought about, like, kissing someone?"

And then she asked, out of the blue.

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RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)17 — Honesty Isn't Always the Best Policy II

"What." I stared at her, not sure I'd heard her correctly.

"Kissing. Y'know, putting your lips on someone else's lips." She mimicked a kissing face. "It's a thing people do, supposedly."

"..."

I was speechless. This wasn't the type of conversation I thought I'd be having with someone who was practically my sister. "What kind of question is that?"

Like, seriously.

"Just curious." Mia shrugged. "I mean, we're at that age, you know? Some of my friends have started talking about it. So, I was wondering if you've ever thought about it." Her tone was casual, but her eyes were bright with curiosity. "For example, did you know that I secretly caught Su Ah kissing her pillow? Or that mom and dad used to be so gross in front of me when they thought I wasn't looking? It's like, they didn't care. But I was only five or six years old, y'know? It was so weird and gross. It still is. And I'm older now." She made an overly disgusted face.

"..." I merely blinked at those words. Jesus Christ. "Noona, I likely won't be thinking about that stuff until I'm a few years older." I finally said.

"Really?" She looked surprised. "I thought all boys were obsessed with that stuff, especially the cute ones." She said casually.

"Well, I'm not most boys." I said dryly.

"That's true." She conceded, nodding. "It always feels like I'm talking to someone way older. It's so creepy, but cool at the same time." She mused, a finger tapping her chin thoughtfully. "That's why I thought you might've had some thoughts about it. I know that's not something a sister and brother should be talking about, but I don't see it like that, you know? You're just the cool kid down the street. The one who teaches you how to swear and get away with it." Her eyes met mine, a genuine warmth in them. "You're not just a brother to me. You're a friend."

"..."

I looked back at her, my gaze steady. "And you're not just a sister to me." I responded, my voice even. "You're a pain in my ass."

"Hey!" She punched my shoulder playfully, but she was smiling. "Asshole."

She didn't look offended at all.

We sat there for a while longer, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and gold. The warmth of the day began to fade, a gentle coolness settling in. Soon, it would be time to head home. I was kind of looking fowards to it. Mia's choice of conversation had been... disconcerting, to say the least.

Maybe I was looking too much into it.

Maybe it was completely normal.

Maybe I was the weird one for thinking there was an ulterior motive. Perhaps, I was simply a creep. I didn't want to think about that.

As the light began to fade and the first stars appeared in the sky, Mia and I got up from the bench. "We should get going." I said. "Mom will be expecting us soon."

Mia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's head back." She paused, looking at me for a moment, her head tilted slightly to the side. "Hey, can I ask you something?" Her voice was soft, almost shy. "You don't have to say yes, of course."

"Go ahead." I said, preparing myself for whatever weird question she had in store.

"Can I, uh..." She hesitated, looking at me, then away, then back at me again. "Can I hold your hand? On the way back, I mean." She bit her lip. "It's just that it's getting a little dark, and, well, I feel safer when I'm holding your hand." She finished quickly, looking at me with those big, amber eyes of hers.

"..."

I didn't have a good reason to refuse her, so I extended my hand towards her. "Sure, Noona."

"Thanks!" She beamed at me, slipping her hand into mine. Her palm was warm and a little sweaty, her fingers intertwining with mine. "It feels nice, doesn't it?" She asked, looking down at our joined hands. 

I didn't know about that. In fact, I was pretty sure this wasn't a good idea. But I couldn't bring myself to say that. 

Her reasoning wasn't unfounded either, and considering the way my previous mother died, maybe it was a legitimate fear.

I didn't want to think about what I'd do to someone who'd try to harm her.

But this smelled a bit like emotional manipulation. 

I'd have to be careful with that.

I squeezed her hand gently. "Let's go, Mia Noona." I said, and together, we started walking back home, her hand in mine, and a feeling of unease settling in the pit of my stomach.

I briefly looked back at her.

She grinned at me, eyes narrowed.

That wasn't the face of someone scared to walk alone at night.

xXx

The days passed by in a blur. Weeks. Then months.

Yeong Gu would always come back from a business trip, stay a couple of days, seldom a week, then leave again. I didn't envy him at all, despite knowing very well that going professional in any sport would entail such sacrifices. At least he made enough money to make it worth his while.

In this timelapse, I've also had my eighth birthday. It was a relatively simple affair. A cake, presents, and my family's love. I was getting used to this new life, as slow as it was.

"Jae-il." Eun Ha said softly. "Make a wish and blow the candles."

I nodded and closed my eyes. A wish... what to wish for?

World peace? Health and longevity for my current family? A Ballon D'or at ten years old?

In the end, I settled for something that I hoped would never come true: 'May I never see my loved ones die in front of me again.'

I blew out the candle.

"Yaaaay! Happy birthday, lil' bro!" Mia cheered, clapping her hands enthusiastically before getting me in a chokehold. Su Ah, sitting next to her, clapped along, a small smile on her lips. She'd gotten taller, and her features had begun to sharpen. Her hair was longer, reaching down to her shoulders.

Yeong Gu, on the other side of the table, was smiling. His eyes were warm, and he looked at me with pride. "Congratulations, son." He said, his deep voice filled with affection.

Eun Ha, next to him, was beaming. Her long hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore a simple blue dress. "Make sure you enjoy your presents later, sweetie." She said. There was a big pile; Yeong Gu hadn't held back at all.

"Thank you." I replied, my voice soft but sincere.

"Time to cut the cake!" Mia exclaimed, reaching for the knife.

"Ah, ah." Eun Ha admonished her, taking the knife from her hand. "Let's do this properly, shall we?" She began cutting the cake, serving each of us a slice.

The cake was a masterpiece, decorated with chocolate icing and topped with strawberries.

The merriment and cheering faded as night came. The leftovers were put in the refrigerator, the living room was cleaned, and we all went to our rooms.

I stared the ceiling of my room.

Time fast forwarded again.

I played a lot of football in this period. My mom, though she didn't fully understand the game, would sometimes watch and cheer me on. Su Ah occasionally joined in, usually preferring to sit on the sidelines and read her book.

Mia, well, she was always there. Her blonde dye seemed to have become a permanent fixture.

Meanwhile, my team, FC Seoul Academy, went on to win every single game—by a large margin. The results were always above 10 goals for our team, and only once did we allow a goal, though that was due to a fumble from our keeper and the defense.

We were dominating our category, and I was breaking all the scoring records. It was getting obvious to anyone who watched the games that I didn't belong there. Even if I hadn't recovered some of my previous life's skills, I still wouldn't have had any trouble.

It wasn't about individual prowess alone, but experience as well. I could see holes in their playstyles, their formations, their tactics, their weaknesses. I could read their movements, their habits, and their reactions.

They were children playing a man's game.

I was a man playing a child's game.

Coach Park's suggestion was starting to come to fruition.

After a match against a local team from Busan, in which we won 13-0, Coach Park approached me with a solemn expression. "Jae-il." He said, his voice low and serious. "I've been thinking about what I told you a few months ago."

I nodded, waiting for him to continue. My parents had been called to the club, and we were all now in the office of the Academy Director.

The Director, a tall, thin man with sharp features and a serious expression, was seated behind his desk, his hands steepled in front of him. Coach Park was standing next to him, straight as a javelin, his cap slightly lowered. 

My parents were sitting across from him, their attention focused on him. I was standing beside them, my expression neutral, as if I wasn't aware of the topic of this meeting.

"Jae-il." Coach Park reiterated. "Your performances this season have been nothing short of sensational. You're not just the leading scorer in the U-10 league; you're a standout talent in our entire academy. It's evident to everyone that you require a higher level of competition to further your development."

Director Lee concurred with a nod. "We've deliberated on this extensively, and we are of the firm belief that the most beneficial step for your progression, Jae-il, is a promotion to the U-12 team."

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RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)18 — The Star and the Sibling

Eun Ha and Yeong Gu glanced at each other, their expressions a mixture of concern and pride. "We're honored by this recognition of Jae-il's abilities." Eun Ha said, both hands on her lap. "But we're also cognizant of the potential challenges. Is it typical for an eight year old to join the U-12 team? We don't want him to feel isolated or overwhelmed."

"We understand your apprehension." The Academy Director responded. "But let me assure you, we've carefully considered this. We believe that not only is Jae-il capable of competing at the U-12 level, but that he'll thrive in that environment. His maturity, both physically and mentally, is far beyond his years. He's not an ordinary eight year old, by any means."

Yeong Gu, silent until now, spoke up. "It's a huge leap. Are you sure about this?" His question was directed at me. His gold-rimmed glasses couldn't conceal the pride and encouragement in his eyes.

I nodded, my expression calm. "I'm ready."

He turned to the Academy Director and Coach Park. "If this is what he wants, and if you think it's best for him, we won't stand in his way."

"Thank you, Mr. Cha." The Director replied. "We'll do our utmost to support him and ensure his transition is smooth and successful." He then looked at me. "Jae-il, are you prepared to take on this new challenge?"

"I am." I replied confidently.

He smiled. "Excellent. Coach Park, do you have the documents?"

Coach Park pulled out a stack of papers and placed them on the desk. "These are the necessary forms. We'll need your signatures."

My parents took the forms and began reading through them. Yeong Gu, mostly. Eun Ha usually deferred to his judgment, and in turn, Yeong Gu deferred to mine. He glanced at me once in a while, as if checking to make sure I was okay with all of this. But I wasn't worried; I was eager to move forward.

As they signed the forms, the Academy Director turned to me. "You'll be training with the U-12 team from next week. Use this time to say goodbye to your current teammates, as well as to get yourself mentally and physically ready for the change."

I bowed politely. "Thank you for the opportunity, Director Lee."

"You should be proud, Jae-il." The Academy Director said. "This is a rare opportunity. We don't make this kind of promotion lightly. You've earned it through hard work and talent. We're eagerly anticipating your performance in the U-12 league."

"Thank you, sir." I replied, a small smile on my lips. Yet another significant milestone was reached.

xXx

The following days after that were uneventful, until the weekend. The club had organized a 'farewell party' for me, to celebrate my promotion to the U-12s. It was a bit of an overstatement to call it a party, really. In reality, it was more like a team lunch, a small gathering of my teammates.

Sung Hynwoo's eyes shone with sadness and determination. We hadn't been teammates for that long, but the kid still had some sort of bond with me. "Jae-il." His voice was soft and sincere. "I'm going to work really hard to catch up to you. I'll be in the U-12s in no time."

"Keep your head down and your mind on the game." I gave him a small, encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You've got the potential. Just remember, don't chase me. I'll wait for you. And if you're good enough, you might find me in the same team as you."

He nodded, a fierce determination burning in his eyes. "I won't let you down."

"Make sure you don't." I said, a hint of a smile on my face. Sung Hyunwoo, despite his young age, showed a surprising level of maturity, and a certain amount of self-awareness. He was a good kid, with a lot of potential. I'll likely meet many more like him on my way to the top.

I was going to miss him, just a little bit.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Kim Jee approaching. His face was a mixture of pride and sadness, his lips trembling slightly. "Jae-il." He began, his voice unsteady. "I'm going to miss you. You've taught me so much." He paused, swallowing hard.

I didn't know how to respond to that. To be honest, I didn't teach him shit. Just nudged him into the right direction during practice and games.

"Group hug!" Sung Hyunwoo suggested with big, crocodile tears.

"No." I responded immediately. "Wait—"

"Too late!" Kim Jee exclaimed and threw himself at me, wrapping his arms around me in a tight embrace. Soon, Sung Hyunwoo followed, and the other teammates joined in, surrounding me in a massive, suffocating group hug. My eyeballs were about to pop out of their sockets.

I was starting to wonder if being a footballer in this life was the right call. My last one was simpler, at least in terms of social interaction. I'd never hugged anyone in the BOPE. 

"Okay, okay, let him breathe!" Coach Park's voice rang out, and the group reluctantly disengaged. I gasped for air, trying to regain my composure. I shot a look at Coach Park, who wore an amused grin. "Sorry, Jae-il. I couldn't resist." He chuckled. "You're a part of the team, even if you're moving up. We're like family here."

"Gee, how sweet." I said dryly, adjusting my shirt.

Coach Park adjusted his cap. "Alright, everyone. Let's let Jae-il enjoy the rest of his day. He has a lot of work ahead of him." His gaze turned to me. "You're going to kill it out there, kid."

I smirked, a glint of mischief in my eyes. "Of course I will, Coach. That's what I do."

He smiled.

The conversation and lunch went on for a while. My teammates wished me luck, shared some memories, and teased each other. I mostly stayed silent, observing. I had little to add, and I wasn't feeling particularly emotional about leaving this team.

We'd won all our matches, and it had gotten quite boring towards the end. I'd had to hold back to avoid embarrassing the other teams too much, which was a challenge in itself. Even then, the victories were overwhelming. The other teams had barely put up a fight, and it had become increasingly difficult to stay motivated.

Now, the prospect of playing against older, more skilled opponents... didn't exactly make me that eager since it was still a league for literal children, but it was a welcome change. It meant I could push myself a little harder, set higher goals, and not feel like I was participating in a rigged wrestling match.

...

Su Ah's POV:

Dad didn't hold back with the news, or the beer. 

It was the first time she'd seen him drunk, and it wasn't exactly a pleasant sight. He was sitting on the floor in the living room, his head leaning against the sofa, an empty bottle in his hand.

"Jae-il! My son, the star player!" He hiccuped, his cheeks flushed. "U-12, can you believe it? And he's only eight! Hahaha!"

Mom sighed, rubbing her temples. "Dear, please. You're setting a bad example."

Dad laughed, waving her away. "Nonsense! This is a celebration, Eun Ha! Our son, the little prodigy!" His voice was slurred, his words blending together. "I always knew he was special. Didn't I tell you? Didn't I say he was going to be big?"

"Yes, dear, you did." Mom replied, a tone of resignation in her voice.

"Big, I tell you! Bigger than the stars!" Dad's laughter filled the room, his eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and drunkenness.

Su Ah didn't know what the deal was, or why he was getting so worked up, or why she should care. She was sitting in the corner of the living room, a book in her hand, trying her best to ignore her drunk father. She was used to his business trips and long absences, but this version of him, loud and inebriated, was new and quite pathetic.

Then again, what did she know about football? All she knew was that her little brother was better at it than most boys his age. And apparently, that was a big deal. A very big deal, according to their father. 

He waved a newspaper around, constantly pointing and reading out loud what the local media was saying about Jae-il, about their team, about the U-12 promotion.

Su Ah tried to focus on the words on the page, but they kept slipping away, replaced by her father's voice echoing around the apartment.

"'The youngest ever to be promoted to U-12 in our club's history... a genius forward with vision beyond his years…'" He read aloud, stumbling over the quote with theatrical flair. "Watch out, Europe!" He shouted, raising the bottle like a trophy.

"Watch out, liver failure." Su Ah muttered.

Their mother shot her an exasperated look but said nothing.

It wasn't that Su Ah hated her brother—far from it. She just wasn't used to all this noise surrounding him. Until a year or so ago, Jae-il had just been a quiet, serious kid who barely talked unless it was about football or what he wanted for lunch. 

Now? Now he was the future. A future that went hand-in-hand with reporters, and, apparently, their father turning into a drunk cheerleader.

She sighed and stood up, tucking her book under one arm. "I'm going to my room."

Her father, lost in his own world of alcohol, didn't notice her leave. She could still hear his voice echoing down the hall.

Once in her room, she closed the door behind her, muffling the sounds from outside. Her space was her sanctuary, a quiet haven amidst the noise and chaos.

She let out a sigh of relief, placing the book on her desk before flopping onto the bed.

She wasn't jealous of her brother's achievements, nor did she resent the attention he was receiving. But the whole spectacle was overwhelming. Why couldn't everyone just calm down a bit? Football was a sport, not a religion.

As she lay there, staring at the ceiling, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

It was a familiar pattern, one that she had come to recognize.

"Come in."

Predictably, Jae-il opened the door and stepped inside. "Hey."

She sat up, her gaze meeting his. "Hey."

For a moment, none of them said anything.

Then...

"Sorry about that." Jae-il gestured vaguely towards the living room. "I didn't think father would go that far." It must've been one of the reasons why he and Mia had left earlier, no doubt. 

Su Ah shrugged, sitting up. "It's fine. It's not your fault he can't handle his drink."

"Yeah." Jae-il leaned against the door, his expression thoughtful. "Still, it must be annoying for you."

"It's not..." She hesitated. "Okay, it is a bit annoying. But I'm not blaming you for it." Her voice softened, a trace of amusement in her words. "You're my little brother. I'm proud of you, even though I don't understand what's so great about a U-12 promotion."

"Nothing's great about it, don't worry. Anything related to children's football is ridiculous, at best." Jae-il said dismissively. "The hype's stupid, too."

Su Ah's eyebrows raised at that. She thought along the same lines as him, but it seemed he put his achievements on a lower pedestal than even Su Ah herself did.

"Well." She cleared her throat, changing the subject. "How are you feeling about it, then?"

Jae-il paused for a moment, considering her question. "... Excited, I guess. But not for the reasons people think."

Su Ah tilted her head. "Then for what reasons?"

He shrugged, but didn't elaborate on that any further. Instead. "Here." He held out a platter with cake on it. "Saved you a piece before Mia Noona could eat it all." He said, chuckling. "I saw you reaching for it earlier. Mia Noona's going to go crazy for the rest, and that'd be bad. You know how she is."

A smile tugged at her lips. "Thank you."

Jae-il nodded and handed her the cake. She took it, their fingers briefly brushing against each other. "Make sure to eat that quickly, Mia Noona's got a sixth sense for this kind of stuff." He warned her. "She'll sniff that out."

Su Ah rolled her eyes. She knew how chocolate-obsessed that Unnie of hers was. "Don't worry, I will."

"Alright, then." Jae-il said, stepping back. "Good night, Noona." He paused, his eyes softening. "Enjoy the book."

"Hmm."

She nodded, her growing bangs falling over her eyes.

As he left, closing the door behind him, Su Ah looked at the cake and then at her book.

Indeed, how could she ever be jealous when her little brother behaved like this?

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RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)19 — U-12s

The transition to the U-12 team wasn't as smooth as everyone had hoped.

At the beginning, the older kids had given me the cold shoulder, probably thinking of me as an intruder, an upstart who thought he could walk in and take their spots. It wasn't an unreasonable reaction—they'd been playing together for a while, and I was a newcomer, a few years younger, and with a reputation that likely preceded me.

The new rising star. An eight year old kid playing in the U-12 league. For a bunch of entitled little shits, it was a blow to their overdeveloped egos.

I didn't expect to be welcomed with open arms, but I wasn't prepared for the outright hostility either.

My patience was tested from the get-go.

During the warm-up, I ran laps alongside my new teammates. The coaches and fitness instructors, most of them new to me, were keeping a close eye on us. Or me, perhaps.

Likely me.

But my physical condition was top notch; always been. More than talent, I had discipline. To be at the top, you needed both. I'd had both in my last life, and I had them now.

The first real issue arose when we started to do some passing drills. A routine, basic exercise. However, that was the point where the friction started to become palpable.

I was paired up with a boy named Lee Hyuk, one of the starting midfielders. He had a stocky build, short-cropped hair, and a perpetually sullen expression. His eyes, dark and sharp, were fixed on me with a mix of contempt and annoyance.

When the drill began, he barely passed the ball to me, opting instead to kick it as far away from me as possible. When I tried to pass to him, he either ignored the ball or returned it with excessive force, as if he was trying to hurt me.

It was a juvenile tactic, but effective in its own way. It slowed down the flow of the practice. And it wasn't until one of the coaches, Coach Kim, intervened that Lee Hyuk grudgingly started to pass the ball more reasonably.

That, unfortunately, wasn't the end of it.

"Alright, kiddos. Let's do one match. Bibs versus no bibs." The lead coach, Coach Jeon, announced. He was a middle-aged man, with a chubby build, a receding hairline, and a perpetually serious expression. "Teams will be..." He pointed to each of us in turn. "Jae-il, Lee Hyuk, Joo Young, Seok Woo, and Min Ho, you're on one team."

We were all handed a bib. I slipped mine over my head. Lee Hyuk was on my team, and his scowl deepened when he heard the coach's decision. He shot me a look that was anything but friendly. I could only sigh. A kid's hostility was anything but intimidating, and it was something I could easily handle.

It was just a hassle, and I was getting tired of it fast.

After assigning the rest of the teams, Coach Jeon blew his whistle. The match began.

I started in the midfield. Lee Hyuk and I were supposed to play as a duo. However, it quickly became apparent that Lee Hyuk had no intention of playing as a team. He avoided passing the ball to me whenever possible, opting to either force his way up the field or pass to someone else. When I managed to intercept a pass, he'd often chase me down and literally steal the ball from my feet.

The rest of my teammates said nothing. They merely snickered as they ran past me.

There was not a single attempt from anyone to build any sort of connection, to create a flow, a rhythm. It was all disjointed, individualistic. I understood that my presence there might have made some of the older players feel insecure, but this was just absurd.

...

The first half ended around fifteen minutes later, and it was obvious from the coaches' gazes that they were highly unsatisfied with the performance. After all, it wasn't exactly what they had been expecting when they decided to promote an eight year old to their ranks.

They hadn't expected a bunch of ten to twelve year olds to act like, well, kids.

"Hey, midget." One of the boys, taller than me with a shaved head, shoved me aside as I drank some water.

His name was Jinsoo. He was the team's top striker and, apparently, its biggest asshole.

I stumbled a bit, catching myself before I fell.

"What's the matter, kid?" Jinsoo sneered. "Too small to play with the big boys?" His cronies laughed, their voices grating and mocking.

I straightened up, my eyes narrowing. "No, I'm fine." I replied, my voice steady. "But you'll be the small one once I'm done with you, you prick."

"What did you call me?" He growled, taking a step forward, his fists clenched. "You little shit, I'll—"

"Boys!" A sharp voice cut through the air. It was Coach Jeon. He gathered us around. Both teams. His voice was unusually sterner than usual. "Listen up, everyone. We need to make some changes. We're going to switch up the teams a bit."

I glanced over at Lee Hyuk, who was still scowling, his arms crossed over his chest. Beside him, Jinsoo was grinning, a smug look on his face. The other players seemed equally indifferent.

"Let's see..." Coach Jeon put on a thoughtful expression. His eyes swept over us before he turned towards the reserves—the benchers. "I want to try something different. Jae-il." My name was first. "You're going to play as a striker. You'll have Kim Jonghoon as your attacking midfielder and Park Chulsoo as a winger. You'll have the rest of the benchers as defense. Jinsoo, you're on the other team."

Lee Hyuk and Jinsoo in one team? I smirked. Oh, boy. I wondered if I could make 12 year olds cry too.

I looked back at my new team. The benchers were quite nervous, but at least they were nice enough to introduce themselves without sounding like they were doing me a favor. Kim Jonghoon and Park Chulsoo—Jinsoo's previous teammates—opted for an indifferent approach.

Well, as long as they at least made an attempt to work together, I was okay with it.

Coach Jeon blew the whistle.

xXx

Coach Jeon's POV:

It was like watching a trainwreck in slow motion. The new team was a disaster from the moment they stepped onto the pitch. The kids, most of them on the bench for a reason, didn't know how to work together. Their passes were off, their runs ill-timed, and their positioning was atrocious. 

Yet...

Jae-il was like a shining light in the darkness. He was everywhere, covering every gap, making up for his teammates' mistakes. He was a one-man army. Slippery. Fast. Unbelievably skilled for his age. It was unreal. Coach Jeon had heard from Coach Park, and Director Lee. Jae-il was supposedly a special talent, but the man hadn't expected this.

Even the best kids in the U-12 leagues didn't have the kind of coordination, vision and sheer skill that Jae-il did.

It didn't matter if two of his teammates didn't want Jae-il to succeed. 

It didn't matter if the benchers were out of their depth. 

Jae-il simply made it work. 

An overstep here, a feint there, and he was past defenders twice his size.

He would then dribble past the keeper and score. Over and over again.

By the time Jae-il's team had scored their fifth goal, that's when they began to foul him. The older boys, led by Lee Hyuk and Jinsoo, started to resort to cheap shots. Trips, pushes, even outright tackles from behind. One had even grabbed a fistful of his shirt.

But Jae-il? He didn't flinch. He didn't whine. He just picked himself up, placed the ball, and buried it from a free kick. Then a penalty. And finally, with an almost casual defiance—a goal straight from a corner.

A corner.

Coach Jeon had seen enough. "That's it!" He called a halt to the match. The score was 9-2, with all of the goals on the winning side coming from Jae-il. "Let's take a break, boys."

Jae-il was sitting on the grass, a bruise on his cheek, his jersey torn, and his legs covered in grass stains. He didn't seem to care, though. He was smiling, a satisfied grin that bordered on cocky. He'd just schooled the entire team, and he knew it. "What do you think?" Coach Kim said, his voice low as he approached him.

Coach Jeon sighed, running a hand through his receding hair. "What do you want me to say?"

"Look at him." Coach Kim gestured towards Jae-il. "He's eight, and he's already better than most of the U-14s, skillwise. I've never seen a kid with such natural talent. It's almost unfair."

"I know, I know." Coach Jeon rubbed his temples. "He's going to be the death of me."

"What now, then?"

"We do what we have to." He glanced at the rest of the team, many of them sulking or shooting envious glares at Jae-il. "We let him play where he wants. Besides, I don't think he'll stay with us for long..."

"Hoh?" Coach Kim hummed, eyes narrowed. "You're thinking about it, aren't you?"

Coach Jeon gave a slow nod, eyes still locked on the boy. "Maybe it's too early to say. But honestly… South Korea might be too small for him."

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RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)20 — A Ball of Controversies

ee Hyuk and Jinsoo's faces were a sigh to behold and immortalize; I wished someone had been recording the slaughter, or at least taken a couple of pictures. I'd have enjoyed looking back at them one day, once I was in the Premier League and the likes of them were playing in a third-rate league.

It was a bit cruel, and perhaps even petty, but I was only a child. I was allowed to be petty.

It was also a great lesson. Never underestimate your opponents, especially when you're a child. I wasn't a child, but they were.

They were red, frustrated, and furious.

Lee Hyuk, in particular, looked like he was going to burst a blood vessel, his face a mask of rage. Jinsoo, on the other hand, was seething, his fists clenched tightly, knuckles white.

The rest of the team looked just as shattered—battered bodies and bruised egos strewn across the field.

Meanwhile, the benchwarmers sat wide-eyed in stunned silence, caught somewhere between disbelief and secondhand embarrassment.

The second half never truly reached its conclusion; Coach Jeon stepped in before the final whistle, striding onto the field with a tight-lipped expression and a forced calm. "Good work." He muttered here and there. "Well done..." He offered to the slumped shoulders and downcast eyes, but the words landed like lead.

They all knew the truth—no amount of hollow praise could soften the sting of a 17–3 scoreboard.

As for me?

I was slumped on the grass, a fresh bruise blooming on my cheek, my jersey torn at the shoulder, and my legs streaked with sweat and grass stains.

Some of the scratches on my knees were even bleeding a little, and I had a cut on my elbow. The harder I scored, the more aggressively and frequently they'd tried to foul me. But that was par the course. It was the same as the last life.

When the game is everything, it's normal to see people cheat to get ahead.

I'd seen that a thousand times over.

I exhaled, standing up and dusting myself off.

Coach Jeon was behind me.

He cleared his throat. "Jae-il." His voice was firm yet surprisingly calm. "Let's get those cuts cleaned up."

I nodded, not saying anything. I followed him towards the bench.

He sat me down and pulled out a first aid kit. He wiped my cuts with an antiseptic, his touch surprisingly gentle despite the stern look on his face.

"Jae-il." Coach Jeon spoke again as he wrapped a bandage around my knee. "You're quite something."

"Thanks, Coach." I said, not looking at him. I didn't feel like gloating. I was just tired.

"You're going to have to get used to this kind of stuff." He continued, his voice steady. "There will always be people who will try to bring you down." He taped up my elbow, his eyes focused on my wound. "When you're the playmaker, you're the target. That's how it is. Opponents won't try to foul the guy who plays it safe. They'll go after the one who can change the match."

I glanced at him, and he met my eyes.

"It's not easy. Especially at your age." He paused, looking up at me. "But you've got something special. Don't let anyone take that away from you."

I didn't respond immediately. I looked down at my feet, then back at him. "Thanks, Coach. I'll try not to."

He finished taping up my elbow and stood up, patting my shoulder. "Good. Now, get up. Go home, get some rest. You'll need it."

"Will do, sir."

"Oh, and Jae-il."

I turned towards him one last time.

"Good job today."

"Thank you."

I gave him a nod and walked off the field.

The sensation of being watched didn't fade until I was a long distance away.

xXx

My debut in the U-12 team was, for the lack of a better term, explosive. A national monthly football magazine—Best Eleven—had caught wind of an eight-year-old prodigy in the U-12 league. The news had already been covered by a previous news outlet, but Best Eleven had more of an influence, so to speak. That's how my story was featured on the news.

This time, however, it didn't necessarily come with a positive spin, necessarily. Nothing over the top or harsh. Just a critical question of whether the supposedly eight-year-old prodigy was worth all the hype, and whether he truly belonged in the U-12 league. The short article ended with a call for the boy to prove his mettle, and the magazine's promise to keep an eye on him in the upcoming match against the U-12 squad of Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

Yeong Gu had promptly thrown the magazine in the trash, loudly declaring that he'd cancel the subscription until they published a more positive piece.

"Look what you did to dad." Mia said, a half-smile on her lips. She'd just come out of the bathroom after a long bath and kitchen break. "All riled up because someone criticized his precious son."

I rolled my eyes, taking a sip of water. "It's not that big of a deal. You'd be surprised by how many talented people have been ignored or mistreated before they became successful." I paused. "And that's not even touching on the subject of racism, sexism, and all the other isms. Not to mention the people who never made it despite all the talent in the world."

Mia plopped down beside me on the couch, popping the straw into the bubble tea. "I know, I know. But still, you're not a nobody. You've got enough talent to get people's attention. That should count for something."

I shrugged. "I don't deal in maybes. I'm going to make sure they know who I am."

Her eyes glinted as she kicked off her loafers to curl up on the sofa, making sure her back rested against me as she took a sip of her drink. A pleased sigh escaped her lips. "What are you going to do then, little bro?"

"I'm going to win the match." I said simply.

Mia poked my cheek with the straw of her bubble tea, leaving a wet smudge on my perfectly clear and beautiful skin. I frowned as she laughed. "You're so cute when you get all aloof and cocky." She teased, shaking her drink. The bobas twirled inside. "Want some?"

I wiped the liquid off my cheek. "I'm not cute." I said, getting up and away from this Noona of mine.

"Wait! Don't gooo!" Mia whined as she dramatically stretched a hand towards my retreating form, her drink swaying in her other hand.

I wasn't in the mood to deal with a clingy, spoiled sister right now. It didn't help that Mia had been acting like a particularly obnoxious kitten.

Sometimes she'd just hang around. Sometimes she'd ask something that made me feel awkward. And sometimes she'd just sit there and stare.

It didn't seem like anyone else noticed it, or if they did, they didn't think anything of it. Maybe I was the only one who felt uncomfortable. After all, it wasn't exactly a bad thing to have a sister who seemed to be more physically affectionate than the average.

I shook my head.

Sunday couldn't come fast enough.

xXx

The day of the match dawned clear and cool.

I arrived at the pitch with Coach Jeon and the rest of the team, and we were led to the locker rooms. I eyed my teammates. Ever since that first training session where I'd shown them what I was capable of, they'd been walking on eggshells around me. Some still looked at me with resentment, others with curiosity, and the benchers with respect.

Regardless, thanks to Coach Jeon and Coach Kim putting down their foot, no one was actively antagonizing me anymore. However, the tension was still palpable, and I knew it wouldn't take much for things to escalate again.

This shit actually made me miss my previous teammates. Who'd have thought?

I sat on the bench, tying my cleats. The rest of the team was doing their thing; some of them were stretching, others were having a chat, and some were sitting silently. People poured into the bleachers. More than usual. If the U-10 had a trickle of people, the U-12 had a small stream.

My parents were there as well.

Eun Ha. Yeong Gu. Mia and even Su Ah.

Mia, that pesky brat, literally bent over the railing, waving a manicured hand in my direction with a grin.

Her butter-yellow hair swayed in the wind.

She cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled. "Good luck, little bro!"

"Ah! Mia!" Eun Ha's hand shot out, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. "You're going to fall off!"

"But Jae-il's about to play!" Mia protested, her voice a mixture of excitement and indignation.

Yeong Gu just sighed and took a seat.

I chuckled and gave them a brief wave.

My attention was soon pulled to the other side of the pitch, where the Suwon Samsung Bluewings, bedecked in their classic blue and white jerseys, were warming up. Their team, renowned for its youth academy, was one of the most successful in the K League 1—the top tier of professional football in South Korea.

The Bluewings were a force to be reckoned with.

I looked at my teammates. As much as I didn't get along with most of them, I had to admit that, at least, they were burning with determination and a longing for revenge. It was obvious, after all—all misgivings aside—that they were a step above the U-10s.

Compared to me, they were all older, taller, and bigger.

A gap that I'd bridge and overcome with speed, intelligence, and skills.

Coach Jeon gathered us around him, his face set in a grim expression. "Alright, boys. This is it." He began, his voice low and serious. "We've trained hard for this moment, and now it's time to show them what we're made of." His eyes swept over the team, and I saw some of the boys straighten up, their faces set in determination. "We're not going to let them intimidate us. We're not going to back down. We're going to go out there and play the best football of our lives. Got it?"

"Yes, coach!!" 

We all chorused.

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RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)21 — Making the First Mark

Eun Ha's POV:

Here they were again, in the stands of a football field, their eyes glued to the pitch. Eun Ha couldn't help but marvel at how quickly Jae-il's football journey had taken flight. Just a few months ago, he was playing in the U-10 league, and now, he was already taking on the U-12s.

She glanced around her. Yeong Gu was beside her, his hands clenched into fists, his eyes fixed on Jae-il. Su Ah was next to her, her expression one of curiosity and mild interest.

And Mia...

Well, Mia was the most animated of them all, her face lit with excitement, her hands clapping in anticipation.

The whistle blew, signalling the start of the match.

Eun Ha exhaled softly, her eyes tracking Jae-il as he moved across the field. He looked so small compared to the rest of the boys. But then again, he always did. It was easy to forget that he was only eight years old.

She bit her lip. This wasn't just a game. This was her son, out there, competing against older, bigger boys. It was a strange mix of pride and anxiety that she felt. Then again, she'd had this talk with her husband. One day, it'll be a different country, not a different age group. She just hoped that she'd have a little more time with him before that happened.

By the time Eun Ha turned to the match, Jae-il was already in the thick of the action. He had the ball at his feet. A feint to the left, a quick turn, and he was past the first defender. Another feint, a burst of speed, and he was past the second. Two more came, but Jae-il gave a no-look pass to his teammate and sprinted past them.

The teammate was smart enough to pass it back to him.

Jae-il smoothly received and controlled the ball right at the edge of the penalty area—

Then a much bigger Bluewings defender slammed into him.

Eun Ha gasped, nearly standing up from her seat. Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes locked on her son's prone form on the ground. He didn't get up immediately, and the worry gnawed at her. "Oh, no... Jae-il!" Her voice trembled, her hands clenching into fists.

The referee blew his whistle, signalling a foul. Eun Ha's eyes were fixed on her son, her breath caught in her throat.

Yeong Gu's arm was around her shoulders, his touch comforting. "Relax, honey. Jae-il is strong."

But Eun Ha couldn't relax. Not until Jae-il got up. Not until she knew he was okay. Not until he was safe in her arms.

Slowly, Jae-il rose, dusting himself off. Eun Ha's relief was palpable, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She watched as he shook off the tackle.

The referee beckoned the players to their positions, ready for the free kick. Jae-il, still looking a bit wobbly, took the ball and placed it on the ground, his face a mask of nonchalance.

She held her breath as he took a few steps back, his eyes locked on the ball. The whistle blew again, and Jae-il ran towards the ball, his foot connecting with it in a swift, powerful kick. The ball soared through the air, over the heads of the Bluewings players, and dipped just before the crossbar. The goalkeeper stretched out his arm, but it was too late—the ball sailed over his fingertips, landing in the back of the net.

The spread out spectators erupted into applause, and Eun Ha's heart soared.

She could even hear the praise from some of the onlookers.

"That's the new kid, right? He's amazing!"

"Did you see that? What a shot!"

"I've never seen a player with that kind of skill before. He's a prodigy!"

Yeong Gu was on his feet, pumping his fist in the air. "That's my son! That's Jae-il!"

Eun Ha smiled, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. Her eyes flicked to her son on the field. Jae-il's teammates, who had initially kept their distance from him, were now surrounding him, slapping him on the back and cheering.

He was smiling, a rare sight on his usually stoic face. 

…

What's this?

Now some of the spectators wore frowns.

The first few goals were met with applause, the next ones with surprise, and now, the latest ones were met with silence. Even Eun Ha found herself unsure of what to think.

He was tearing through the Bluewings' defense like they were nothing more than practice cones. It was hard to believe that this boy, barely eight years old, was playing against kids years his senior—and dominating. It was a stunning display of talent.

But it was also... too much. Too overwhelming. Too absurd. The crowd's initial enthusiasm had slowly turned into a mix of awe and unease.

How could someone so young play like that?

How could someone so young be so good?

As Jae-il continued to score, the silence grew. The Bluewings' defenders were left in the dust, their attempts to stop Jae-il futile. The midfielders couldn't keep up with his pace, the forwards were left out of the match, and the goalkeeper was simply a spectator.

Eun Ha glanced at her husband, who was sitting beside her, his eyes wide with shock.

The referee had lost count of how many times he blew his whistle for fouls. A kid, after continuous fouls, was eventually given a yellow card. Another kid was given a straight red card. It had reached a point that the Bluewings were resorting to cheap shots and dangerous tackles to try and stop her son.

Jae-il, however, didn't seem to mind.

A cut here.

A bleeding knee there.

He just kept getting up, shrugging it off with mild annoyance at best, and scoring.

By the time the second half had started, it was apparent to everyone that the match was a foregone conclusion. The score was 7-0 in their favour. It was a rout. 

Whilst not all of the goals were from Jae-il, the actions and passes that led to it certainly were borne from his tiny feet. 

He was always at the right place, at the right time. And even if he wasn't, he'd make it happen. 

xXx

Jae-il's POV:

You know how there's a saying, about how when you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back? Well, I felt like I was the abyss and everyone else was staring into me. And what they saw, what they felt, was a deep, yawning void of disbelief. The crowd, which had started out with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, had slowly turned into a sea of stunned, silent faces.

Parents, coaches, journalists—they all sat in a kind of dumbfounded awe, their eyes glued to the field, their mouths slightly agape.

I low key enjoyed it; I've never enjoyed being gawked at like a circus monkey, but this was the first step towards stardom. It was like I was the magician, performing a magic trick, and everyone was waiting to see how I did it.

Except I wasn't going to reveal my secrets.

And, honestly, I loved proving myself. There was no reason for me to hold back, no reason to let up or allow the other team any chance to recover. I knew that a more mature person or player would've stopped there. Coach Park had said something about it; I'd done my part, I should let the others play.

This was straight out humiliation. It always ended like this.

I felt bad, a bit. Really. But there were people watching. Journalists. Potential scouts.

What could I do? If I saw an opportunity, I'd take it. If I saw a glaring weakness, a clear hole in their defense, I'd slash the ball through it and into the feet of my teammates.

So, I kept pushing, kept running, kept scoring. I played like the devil was on my tail, like the world was ending in the next ninety minutes, like there was no tomorrow.

Kids or not, who cares? If I held back, the world would pass me by.

I'd been given a second chance at life, and I was going to take it with both hands, and I wasn't going to let go until I'd squeezed every last drop out of it. Even if it meant that I'd make the sport bad for others.

I owed it to my previous mother, who never saw me lift the biggest trophy for our nation.

I didn't know if it was the sheer awe of my skills or the fact that the other team was just so outmatched, but the Bluewings seemed to lose their fighting spirit. They were still running, still trying, but it was clear that they were running on empty.

It was towards the last few minutes, when the score was a staggering 14-0, that I decided enough was enough.

"Coach Jeon." I spoke as I walked to the bench. "Let me rest."

He looked at me, surprised. But nodded regardless. "Okay, kid. You've done enough. More... than enough." He gave a brief nod, staring at me with the same incredulous eyes of the Bluewings' players and the spectators.

He had stopped shouting and handing instructions around... ten goals ago. Then he merely let the match unfold in stunned silence.

The substitution was quickly announced. And as I walked off the field, I received a standing ovation, albeit a rather muted one. The crowd's reaction was mixed; some were clapping, others were just watching with blank stares, while the Bluewings' parents and coaches looked like they'd seen a ghost.

I collapsed on the bench, feeling a sense of satisfaction and fatigue. So what? I was still an eight-year old kid. Give me ten years, and then we'll talk.

As it was, I was physically exhausted.

The rest of the game went by in a blur, with the other players on my team doing their best to keep the score as it was. And when the final whistle blew, the silence was deafening.

The scoreboard read 15-0.

It was a record-breaking victory, one that would go down in the annals of Korean youth football. And it was all thanks to me, an eight-year-old kid playing in the U-12 league. Best Eleven was going to have a field day with this news—and I already knew Yeong Gu would sing praises for it in the next edition, as if he had never threatened to cancel the subscription.

Slowly, the spectators filed out of the stands, some of them shaking their heads in disbelief.

My team gave me a wide berth wherever I went. I single-handedly carried out their revenge for them and, in a way, saved them the embarrassment of a second defeat to the same team. But I was no hero. To them, I was a monster.

I was okay with it.

At least, they weren't antagonizing me anymore. Not openly.

As I walked to the parking lot, I could hear the murmurs and whispers from the few stragglers who remained.

I almost forgot what it felt like having your name on everyone's mouth.

"That's him."

"The boy wonder."

"He's a prodigy, alright."

"He's a freak of nature."

"Did you see how he danced around them? It was like they weren't even there."

"Where did he learn to play like that?"

"I heard he's been trained by a European coach."

"Nah, I heard he's been playing since he could walk."

I rolled my eyes. For some reason, South Koreans loved to exaggerate and make up the most outrageous stories.

Thankfully, I wasn't famous enough to be swarmed. My stroll towards the parking lot was mostly leisure and unbothered. The rest of my family, of course, was already there, waiting for me.

"Well done, Jae-il!" Yeong Gu's voice boomed across the parking lot as soon as he saw me. His face was a mix of pride and excitement, his eyes twinkling. "You were amazing out there!"

I gave him a tired smile. I didn't know what to say. I was used to this. It was nothing new, nothing to write home about. At least, that's how I felt. Everyone else, however, seemed to think it was a big deal.

Eun Ha, my mother, was equally ecstatic, but with a subtle hint of apprehension. I tilted my head, smiling up to her. She smiled back, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You did great, honey." She said softly, her hand patting my head.

I nodded. A mother's recognition was still one of the best feelings in the world. 

Still, Eun Ha opened her mouth, clearly wanting to say more, but thought better of it. 

She ended up shaking her head.

"...?"

"Alright, let's go celebrate!" Yeong Gu announced, clapping his hands together. "I know a great place that serves the best chicken in the city. What do you say, Jae-il? Want to feast like a king tonight?"

"Why feast like a king when you can feast like a football player?" I asked, a small smirk tugging at my lips. "I need carbs, dad."

Yeong Gu laughed. "That's my boy!"

"Can't we just go home and eat there?" Su Ah said. "I'm tired."

"Come on, dear." Yeong Gu said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as he tried to coax the youngest daughter. "It's a special occasion!"

Su Ah merely gave him a complete disinterested look.

Mia, who was leaning against the car, her eyes glued to her phone, suddenly spoke up. "I agree with dad. Let's go get chicken."

Yeong Gu smiled. "There you go, see? Someone agrees with me."

"Chicken-obsessed idiots..." Su Ah muttered, shaking her head.

I nudged this reclusive sister of mine. "Come on, Noona. I promise that when I get filthy rich you'll get to eat what you want wherever you want. Let's go grab some chicken, yeah? I'm hungry too."

She sighed and relented, and that was that.

As I got into the car, I saw a group of journalists huddled outside the stadium, probably discussing the match. Some had their cameras, others had their notepads. And they were all talking animatedly, their voices a mixture of awe and disbelief.

News certainly travel fast. 

Yeong Gu saw them too, scoffed, and drove off.

I sighed, looking out the window. 

And, just like that, time flew by. 

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RE: KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY (SECRET CLASS)22 — Intermission ~ Eun Ha's Inner Turmoil

Eun Ha's POV:

It was late in the evening, the sky painted in hues of deep blue.

Eun Ha found herself staring at the ceiling, her thoughts fire dumpster.

Beside her, Yeong Gu's snores echoed through the room, a sound she had long since become accustomed to.

She turned on her side, her gaze falling on her husband's sleeping face. He looked peaceful, his features relaxed. Once, a smile would have flitted across those lips of hers. Maybe she'd have reached out and caressed his cheek. Now, she simply stared at him, her eyes searching for something in his face that she couldn't quite define.

Oh, how she wished she could be so at ease. To sleep so soundly, without a care in the world.

But her mind wouldn't quiet down.

Truth certainly was a strange thing. It had a way of sneaking up on you, of catching you off guard. And when it did, it hit you hard, leaving you reeling. Eun Ha, for once, came to learn how to control the flow of her tears. They no longer came unbidden, like a sudden storm. Instead, she'd have to search for the pain, to will it into existence.

She closed her eyes, her hand reaching for her husband's arm. She traced the lines of his skin with her fingers, her touch light, barely there.

And then, she exhaled, her breath a whisper in the dark.

"Why did you do it...?"

She didn't want it to be a question, for her voice was so low it couldn't have possibly been heard. 

But she really wanted to hear it from him, the reason, the motive that pushed this family man, always so kind and caring, to seek another woman's touch. Not just any—it wasn't a sudden attraction that had her husband's eyes wandering, not even an old flame.

The worst of the worst.

Prostitues. 

Girls that were barely past adulthood.

Eun Ha, despite not being as young as these girls, was still regarded as a highly beautiful woman. She took care of herself, and she knew it. She was attractive, as pale and soft as she'd always been. Her body was slim and her curves were still there, even after birthing three children.

So... why?

Why did he do it? Why did he throw everything away?

She'd been a good wife. She'd been a good mother. And yet, here they were.

Yeong Gu, her husband, the man she'd loved and trusted, had broken her heart, shattered their family. Hell, at least he could've hidden it better. Delete the texts. The calls. But no—

Oh, god.

Yeong Gu stirred in his sleep, turning over onto his side, his back now facing her. Eun Ha let out a sigh, a mixture of frustration and resignation.

She'd been going through the motions for weeks now. Pretending everything was okay. Because, it didn't matter as much as the kids. The family. The one she'd spent her whole life building.

She shook her head and clambered out of the bed. She padded out of the room, moving quietly, the floor creaking ever so slightly under her weight.

A trip to the kitchen, then a trip to the bathroom.

Eun Ha somehow found herself in the living room, staring out the window, vacantly.

Sad thing she didn't smoke. She wondered if a cigarette now would've made her feel better. Eased her pain. Gave her lungs something to do other than fill with grief.

Mother always told her that smoking was unladylike. But then again, mother also told her that a woman who couldn't keep her man wasn't a woman at all. Maybe if she'd done things differently, Yeong Gu would have remained faithful.

Eun Ha scoffed at the thought. She'd been a fool. She'd given everything to this man, and he'd repaid her with betrayal and deceit.

"Mother?"

She started, turning her head to find her youngest son standing in the doorway, his hair a mess, his eyes heavy with sleep. "Jae-il...? What are you doing up so late?"

He stifled a yawn. "I'm thirsty."

She blinked, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Walking over to the fridge, she grabbed a bottle of water, then handed it to him as she took a seat at the counter. Propping her chin in her hand, she watched him quietly.

Her smile widened—this time out of pride. Her son was surely growing up to be a strikingly handsome young man.

A face devoid of any flaws. A well-defined jawline. A sharp nose. Eyes that seemed to hold all the wisdom in the world. Purple, just like hers. And messy hair that framed his face perfectly.

At just fifteen, he was already considerably taller than anyone else in the household, and with a lean and muscular frame.

Eun Ha's heart ached as she stared at him. It was almost unbelievable, how quickly he'd grown. It felt like only yesterday she'd been cradling him in her arms, watching him take his first steps, hearing him speak his first words, and scoring his first goal.

And now... now he was a rising star.

No, a rising star meant that he'd already established his fame. But Jae-il was a comet. His trajectory wasn't one that was easily predicted, and he burned so brightly that everyone was watching with bated breath.

Eun Ha's eyes flicked to his arms, noticing the prominent outlines of muscles. 

He had worked hard.

He had worked himself to the bone.

And she was proud of him, prouder than she'd ever been of anything else in her life.

A stray curl of hair fell over the side of her face. She eyed him up and down, smiling. "You'll always be special, Jae-il. Don't forget that."

He paused, his gaze meeting hers. A small, almost imperceptible nod. Then he resumed drinking, the water disappearing quickly.

"You'll go so far, Jae-il. So far..." Her voice trailed off, and she swallowed hard, her throat tight with emotion.

After all, she'd heard the rumor. Academy Director Lee, The Club Board, and the Head Coach. They all wanted her son on their team. He'd be the first to make the leap, a straight promotion to the big leagues. Or the closest thing to it, anyway. She didn't quite understand it that well.

All she knew, as well as everyone else, was that that it was only a matter of time before he was whisked away to the bright lights of Europe.

Hard not to when even Best Eleven made a worshipping article about her youngest.

Eun Ha wasn't sure if she was ready for that.

And she'd be lying if she said she didn't wish she could keep him close. But that's not how things worked. She couldn't cage him, couldn't clip his wings. "Huh?" When she snapped out of her daze, Jae-il was sitting in front of her. Quietly, at least for a moment.

Finally seeing some sort of clarity returning to her eyes, he tilted his head, blinking slowly. "Are you alright?"

Eun Ha smiled softly, reaching out to softly palm his cheek. "I'm fine, honey. Just thinking about things." A pause. "Why would you ask that?"

He hummed, his expression unreadable as he played with the empty bottle. "It's been a while that I've noticed, but you've been... looking at the world through a foggy lens, lately."

She frowned, her hand dropping to her side. "I don't understand."

"You have the face of someone who's not really here, mother. You're physically present, but your thoughts are somewhere else. Hmm. Does it make more sense?"

Eun Ha swallowed thickly. "Oh, that." She waved her hand dismissively, forcing a laugh. "It's nothing, honey. Just a bit tired, that's all."

"Well... I've noticed a bunch of other things as well." He continued, his tone casual. "You're not talking to dad as much. You're not laughing as much. You're not eating as much."

"Jae-il, dear, I'm fine." She insisted. "You don't have to worry about me."

He stared at her for a moment, his gaze intense. She srunk a little, looking away. Finally, he nodded, though his expression didn't change. "Okay. But, I'm always here for you if you need to talk. I may not have all the answers, but I can at least listen. And... if father did something bad to you, I can always punch him in the teeth." He ended with a laugh.

Her eyes widened. "Jae-il! Don't say such things."

He rolled his eyes, standing up and tossing the bottle in the trash. "Well, it's true." He looked at her. "He's not hurting you, is he? You'd tell me if he did, right?

"

She shook her head, her lips pressed tightly together. "No, of course not—!! And why do you think your father's hurting me, anyway?"

"I've seen you two so happy for so long." Jae-il said. "So, for things to suddenly change like this, I can only assume the worst."

She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Honey... I appreciate your concern, but I promise you, it's nothing like that. We're just... going through a rough patch." She wasn't lying, exactly. Just bending the truth. She didn't want her son to worry about her, not when he had his own dreams to chase. She would handle this, in her own way. She didn't want to burden him with her troubles.

Jae-il leaned against the opposite counter, crossing his arms. The posture was casual. He was observing her, the way he likley observed an opponent's defense from the halfway line, seeing the structure, the weaknesses, the inevitable point of collapse.

Eun Ha's breath hitched. She felt a sudden, absurd urge to cover herself, though she was perfectly decent in her nightgown. It was the way he was looking at her. 

Not with the sleepy concern of a son, but with an unnerving, analytical stillness.

The way a wolf might watch a struggling rabbit, not with malice, but with a simple, terrible understanding of the situation.

"Going through a rough patch." He repeated, mostly to himself. "Right."

He stared at her, head tilted, as if he was diagnosing a problem, but not with her at the root of it. 

And for a second, a long, stretched-out second that felt like a rubber band pulled to its snapping point, he wasn't Jae-il. The low-wattage kitchen light carved out the planes of his face, making him almost a stranger at that moment. He wasn't his father, Yeong Gu, whose features had grown soft and chubby with easy living and easier lies.

This was her son, who was becoming someone she'd never known. A man with a career, with a life of his own, with a mind and will of his own. Not just her little boy anymore. Not just the baby she'd cradled and rocked and fed at her breast.

This young man, he had his own battles. His own demons. His own truths.

She could feel a hot, shameful blush creeping up her throat. Gosh!

"Oh well, if you say so..." He finally said, breaking the tension. "But don't forget what I said, mother. I don't understand the full story, and that's not my place. But I can see how it's affecting you—and I won't pretend it doesn't matter. Whatever your choice is, know that I'm more than willing to talk it out, or punch it out. Though I'm pretty sure that's not something you'd like to see. I'm a room away, if you need me."

Eun Ha let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Jae-il. I really appreciate it. Now off to bed with you. Seriously! Shoo! Shoo!" She waved her hands, herding him out of the kitchen, a playful scowl on her face. "It's late! You have school tomorrow!"

"Alright, alright, I'm going." He chuckled, allowing himself to be pushed towards the stairs. "Goodnight, mother."

"Goodnight, honey. Sweet dreams." She said softly, watching him disappear into the shadows of the upstairs hallway.

She exhaled slowly, leaning back against the wall, her heart racing.

Her son.

He was her pride and joy, the light of her life. And yet, he could be so...

Eun Ha shook her head. She wasn't sure what that had been about, but she wasn't going to dwell on it. Her family was her family, her problems were her problems, and Jae-il was... well, he was Jae-il. Unnervingly smart and mature. She had long stopped questioning it.

She made her way back to her room, and slipped quietly under the covers, careful not to stir Yeong Gu awake.

"..."

Yet sleep did not come easy, as it wouldn't for more nights to come. 

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