Chapter 2
Chapter 2
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: #1 Fan
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"Si-eon..?"
Stunned as I was, trying to process this sudden situation, Ji-na looked at me with a puzzled expression and called out my name.
"I have no idea.."
"Huh? Oh.. yeah?"
I couldn't be sure if this moment was reality or a dream, but whether it was one or the other, I wanted to savor this newfound freedom without a care in the world.
Rather than settling on that thought, I decided to put it aside for now.
Only then did I notice her standing in front of me, fidgeting and mumbling nervously.
She had long straight hair and stood nearly 170 cm tall.
Her bare face was perfect in every feature, save for slightly pale lips.
The way her big eyes darted around, watching my reaction, made her look just like a puppy.
"Wanna hang out today?"
"Huh?"
"Got any plans after school? If not, let's hang out for the first time in ages."
"Sure.."
I stood up from my seat. No need to grab my bag, so I just threw on my cardigan and left the classroom.
My body felt incredibly light.
It was just walking, but compared to the sluggish body I'd dragged around for a year, soaked in booze and neglecting exercise just hours ago—or what felt like hours—the vibrant body of an active player now made even simple steps feel exhilarating.
"Um.. where are we going..?"
"Hmm.. why are you hanging back so much?"
"Huh?.."
"Does it make you uncomfortable? We're friends, right? Just say it straight."
Her mumbling while stealing glances at me was kind of amusing, but it also felt a bit frustrating.
"Yeah.. we're friends... Got it!"
"Pfft.. Let's just get out of here first."
Taking in the school scenery as I walked out slowly, I finally started to wonder.
What should we do for fun?
"What do you wanna do? Anything you like?"
"Hmm… Watching soccer?"
"Oh, really? Then have you seen me play?"
I was surprised.
We'd known each other for a while, but I had no idea she liked soccer, let alone that she'd watched my games without me knowing.
"Yeah, you're the best.."
"Really? That makes me happy…"
It was just words from an ordinary person, but praise like that was rare for me.
Days spent like a shut-in, always in a supporting role—it was something I never could have heard.
"Yeah… Your fundamentals are perfect! And you always give your all!! I don't think I've ever seen you play a game that matched your level. If you go pro, you'll definitely.."
"Whoa, thanks. Aren't you getting a bit too excited?"
She must really love soccer—her voice suddenly got louder, and her words sped up, so I calmed her down.
She'd definitely watched my games.
I'd thought the same: at the Korean youth level, no one else handled the ball like I did.
"You really love soccer, huh. Got a team you root for?"
"Not yet.. You need to join a team soon.."
"Huh? Me?"
I was caught off guard by the unexpected answer and asked again.
"I don't have any friends to cheer with… So I'll root for whatever team you join.."
"Ah~ I see. Hmm.. Wanna go in here?"
I'd dragged her out to hang, but nothing specific came to mind, so I picked a random cafe that caught my eye.
We got our drinks and sat down. I asked her,
"So, which team should I join?"
By now, I was convinced this wasn't a dream.
The moment certainty hit, I decided: no going to the team I'd joined in my past life.
So my options were completely open.
She seemed like my #1 fan, so why not hear her thoughts?
"Hmm… So many teams I'd recommend… But only one?"
"Up to you. No England leagues?"
My body wasn't fully developed yet, so a rough league might do more harm than good.
"Then Espanyol or Nürnberg?"
"Huh?"
Surprisingly, both were teams that had scouted me.
Nürnberg had even been my first team.
She'd considered both me and the clubs—it seemed spot-on.
100% accuracy? Pretty expert level.
"Those are huge clubs. Do they even know who I am?"
I tossed out a probing question to hear her reasoning.
She unleashed another torrent of words.
"Sure, you're an unproven prospect, but there were articles about both teams showing interest after the U-17 World Cup. And right now, both have injury crises—especially at fullback, which is rare. With your fundamentals and work rate, you're a no-risk lottery ticket. Espanyol barely avoided relegation this season, so they need signings badly."
"Oh…"
"Ah.. sorry… I talked too much?"
Ji-na blushed, realizing she'd gone on nonstop.
My reaction was nonchalant, but inside, I was shocked.
I hadn't even noticed those post-U-17 articles myself. They might've been rumors, but she knew they existed.
She'd analyzed the clubs' needs and my strengths perfectly.
"I don't like Nürnberg personally."
As planned, no past-life clubs.
"Then Espanyol?!!!"
"Whoa… is that how it works? Would you like that?"
"Yes!! If you go to Espanyol, the timing's perfect! You'll get way more games than you'd think. Like I said, injuries everywhere, fullbacks are a drought. Starting in the second division might be easier to prove yourself than jumping straight to the first. Plus, Espanyol's used to the top flight despite being in second now. Way more spotlight than a typical second-division team. If they promote, no need to transfer!"
The more she talked, the better it sounded.
With my overflowing talent plus past-life experience, I could hold my own in most top flights.
Relegation instability meant shaky squads, but also less factionalism or bullying.
Setting aside that she was 'just a fan,' it seemed like a solid fit.
"But… they'd have to offer first.."
"Oh, right. They did. Offers.."
"What?!!"
I'd answered casually, figuring her analysis meant she'd guessed it, but her reaction shocked me instead.
"You didn't expect it?"
"I hoped, but didn't think it was real… Pro contracts are tough!! Jackpot!"
I'd gotten tons of offers due to unique circumstances, but a fresh high school grad from Korea landing overseas deals was rare.
Offers came first, explanations later—I hadn't fully grasped why until now.
If she'd predicted popularity pre-offer, I wouldn't have believed her.
"Then… meet with Espanyol?"
"Awesome… Starting today, I'm an Espanyol fan!"
"Not even signed yet?"
Her shyness flipping to bursts of enthusiasm was pretty fun.
"You'll sign for sure! They'd be idiots not to take you!"
It'd been ages since someone gave me such pure faith and support.
"Alright. I'll think about it seriously."
I said that, but I'd already decided.
How rare was support this selfless, just for me?
Even if it went south, I wouldn't regret it.
Starting fresh with a fan's pure cheers sounded great.
I contacted Espanyol's rep to express interest, then turned back to Ji-na.
"Wanna walk some more?"
With my mind set, soccer passion surged back.
I wanted to test this body's condition now, and see what position and style I'd play this life.
Half-distracted, we strolled until it was time to part.
"I can text you, right? As your #1 fan.."
"Of course. See you again."
Back home, I flopped onto my bed.
What a day—or rather, just hours—packed with events.
The biggest shock: I'd returned to the past.
Right before my pro contract, just before high school graduation.
This second chance was huge luck—I couldn't waste it.
If it'd been pure skill, I wouldn't feel so wronged.
Post-pro, politics and factions stalled real growth.
Switching teams and leagues, I never felt hopelessly outclassed—just frustrated.
With past failures and experience as foundation, I'd grow beyond before.
And a stark difference from last life: Yoo Ji-na.
Her cheers energized my new start and helped pick my first team.
Most of all, learning I had a fan cheering for me, not the team, was huge comfort.
"I want to repay her."