Chapter 109
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Park Si-hyun Flex
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I first took Charlie's parents to the most famous Currywurst joint near the airport.
Currywurst is loved across Germany, but the version from the Ruhr region—where Essen is located—stands out with its rich, subtly spicy sauce that suits even my Korean palate quite well.
In one word: the 'German equivalent of a Korean's burger'.
Convenient, quick, and delicious anywhere.
If you're wondering what Currywurst is, it's simply a plate piled with sausage, french fries, and broccoli, drenched in a thick curry sauce—a straightforward dish that's sneakily addictive.
"Oh? This Currywurst is spicier than any I've had before."
Charlie's father, Charles Adam, said in surprise.
"The Ruhr region puts a lot of effort into the sauce. It's more aromatic and flavorful than in other cities. That's why pretty much everyone loves it."
Of course, 'spicy' here is mild—like the tame version of Shin Ramyun by Korean standards—but that lingering tingle on the tongue must come as quite a fresh shock to foreigners.
At that moment, Charlie's mother, Sophia, pointed to what looked like a round potato pancake beside her plate.
"Oh my, what's this? It looks like... potato?"
"It's Reibekuchen. Basically, German-style potato pancakes."
A Ruhr specialty with a grand name, but really just shredded potatoes fried crispy into a simple, savory pancake.
The big difference from Korean potato jeon is dipping it in applesauce instead of soy sauce.
Sounds like it wouldn't match at first, but the crisp nuttiness of the pancake blends subtly with the sweet, smooth apple sauce, creating an oddly addictive flavor.
"Try dipping it in this applesauce. It's even better."
Sophia and Charles followed my suggestion.
No words were spoken, but their reactions were far more honest than any praise.
Their eyes widened, their heads nodded slowly, their lips curved upward involuntarily, and their faces plainly read, 'This is really delicious.'
Seeing his parents eat with such delight, Charlie gave me a small nod of approval.
His expression said, 'Bro, total success today.'
A moment later, Sophia set down her chopsticks, smiling softly.
"Hehe... It was so good I just ate without thinking. Player Park Si-hyun, thank you so much for taking such good care of our Charlie. He's a bit gruff like his dad... and sometimes blunt... but please understand."
I nodded with a smile on the outside, but inside, I couldn't help chuckling.
Charlie, gruff?
The guy who's all talk and noise on the training pitch? Guess he's a totally different type at home.
Korea has those kids too.
The ones who yap endlessly with friends but turn into 'children of darkness' at home—holed up in their rooms, barely responding when family speaks to them.
"Ahem... Mom, saying I take after Dad? That's not true!"
Sophia just smiled, while Charles crossed his arms and snorted.
"Charlie, are you saying... you don't take after this dad of yours?"
"Of course."
"Ha... Then what's with your face? Half the people we pass on the street would think we're brothers."
"…"
"…"
Both Charlie and Charles shut their mouths at the same time.
Charles Adam must have been called 'old-looking for his age' when he was young.
But with time, his features softened, his expression grew gentler, and he'd naturally shifted into the 'baby-faced' category.
And that baby face looked exactly like Charlie Adam's.
...Damn, I shouldn't laugh.
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to swallow the laughter threatening to burst out.
Charles Adam rolled his glass between his fingertips, gazing at Sophia, Charlie, and Park Si-hyun laughing brightly a short distance away.
How long had it been since he'd seen his wife smile so radiantly?
The joy warmed his heart even as a heavy, indescribable emotion settled quietly within him.
'She's smiling so much, Sophia... Being with our son really is the best for her, huh.'
He knew full well why she hadn't followed their son all the way to Germany.
It was all because of him.
Still insisting he could do it, urging just a bit longer...
That one selfish desire had kept him clinging to his playing career into his later years, forcing Sophia to live apart from their son.
And moments like this, where the family laughed together whole-heartedly, were far too rare.
Suddenly, a dark thought crossed Charles's mind—one that startled even him.
'Would things... be better if I were gone? Could Sophia and Charlie smile more freely without being tied to me?'
He bit his lip, trying to shake it off hastily, but the feeling lingered stubbornly.
He'd had a dream too.
To succeed in Europe.
The reason he couldn't let go even at this late age.
The reason he still held onto the title of 'player'.
But deep down, he knew.
The chances of achieving that dream now were almost nil.
Instead...
Heaven had sent him Charlie—a son born with every ounce of talent he'd yearned for.
His son was now unleashing that talent freely, which should have filled him with infinite pride as a father.
Yet, from the depths of Charles's heart, a slow but certain envy seeped in.
He was happy for his son's success, but it stung that such brilliance had gone to the boy instead of him.
'I'm... such a failure.'
Back then, Charlie used to say:
"Dad's so cool."
That boy was now shining far brighter than him on a grander stage, while Charles watched from the sidelines.
But if that young Charlie heard his inner thoughts now, he'd surely say:
"...Dad, why be embarrassed? You're still the coolest to me."
Feeling his nose tingle, Charles quietly lifted his glass.
His son had grown up in the blink of an eye.
Yet he himself...
Was still struggling to accept the emotions crashing in late.
Even so, on a day like today—seeing his son laugh, his wife laugh, just watching them—it felt like his wavering heart was finally settling.
Then, Park Si-hyun approached his table.
A player who turned his son's unique traits into strengths and looked after him.
And...
A player who possessed every talent Charles had craved his whole life.
"Why drink alone?"
At Park Si-hyun's question, Charles smiled lightly and asked:
"Si-hyun... Does Charlie get lonely being by himself?"
Sensing the sincerity in the question, Park Si-hyun pondered briefly before answering honestly.
"...On the training ground, he's the mood maker. At home... I haven't seen much, so I'm not sure... But one thing's clear: he really hates going home. Always grabbing teammates to hang out, crashing at other players' places..."
Charles nodded quietly.
And... a question from the depths of his heart slipped out.
"Do you think... players without talent should give up?"
The answer he wanted was clear.
'No.'
Just that one word.
But Park Si-hyun took a breath and spoke calmly.
"Honestly... I think talent is really important in soccer. The value of effort with talent and without it is different."
Charles's hand trembled ever so slightly.
Harsh, but an undeniable reality.
Yet Park Si-hyun lifted his head, looking Charles straight in the eye, and continued.
"That doesn't mean they can't shine, though."
Charles slowly raised his head.
"A player without talent to some could be the best to others."
And finally, as if with conviction, Park Si-hyun said:
"...Charlie probably thinks the same about his dad."
Those words struck deep.
Charles drew in a deep breath.
'Yeah... Time to accept it. The reason I've clung to soccer... was just to stand tall in front of my family. I wanted Sophia and Charlie to see me as cool, even like this.'
Confessing it inwardly felt like the lingering regrets he'd held onto for so long were melting away.
For the first time, he felt like he understood there was no need to grip tighter or force himself to endure.
Charles suddenly burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! Si-hyun, thank you so much! You've cleared my mind right up! Keep getting along with Charlie! No—let's be friends, you and I! We click like peers!"
Park Si-hyun smiled and said:
"I heard you were still playing soccer professionally."
Charles waved it off.
"No, no—from now on, I'm my son's cheerleader! Naturally, I'll move to Germany to live together! Visas? We'll figure it out!"
Then, as if it just occurred to him, Park Si-hyun mentioned:
"Ah... My dad's in charge of the Korean cultural exchange project at the Essen Municipal Cultural Center. He's recruiting coaches for a soccer program this time. It's for teaching kids in Essen... Want to give it a shot?"
Charles's eyes lit up.
"Coach, huh... Yeah! I'll do it! Si-hyun, you're a lifesaver!"
On the way back after dropping Charlie's parents at the hotel, Charlie spotted me and bowed deeply with a huge grin.
"Bro, thank you so much. Seeing my parents smile like that after so long... felt amazing. I'll be loyal forever."
It was touching, but what I'd said to Charlie's dad earlier kept circling in my mind.
Was it the right thing to say?
Was there a better answer?
'...Who knows.'
Honestly, no clue.
I gave it my best in the moment, but like always, time will tell if it was right.
"Charlie."
"Yeah, bro?"
"Is... your place really small?"
A shadow briefly crossed Charlie's face.
"Yeah. As a prospect, the signing bonus wasn't huge... so we got a small place. That's why my parents are staying at the hotel too."
"...Talked to your dad earlier. He's really moving to Germany this time."
"For real? Seriously?"
"Yeah. He told me. Retiring from playing and coming here."
"Tch... Why tell you and not his own son..."
He grumbled, but Charlie's lips were twitching upward, unable to hide his smile.
So I fired off the next question right away.
"Which brings me to this... You confident you'll make it big in soccer?"
It might seem out of left field, but Charlie answered without hesitation.
"Obviously. If you're gonna be the world's top striker, I'll be the world's top midfielder."
Good. That resolve is enough.
"Then... I'll lend it to you."
Charlie's eyes widened.
"...Lend what?"
"Money for a house. Borrow it. Pay me back when you make it."
Charlie's voice trembled.
"...Bro..."
"Move your face. Before I hit it."
Charlie bit his lip hard and bowed his head.
"I'll be loyal forever."
Unlike the first time he'd shouted it jokingly, this was pure sincerity.
"That's more like it."