Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: The Introvert I Was, Now a Popular Guy? -1
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I woke up to the sight of a familiar square.
Hmm… this is right in front of my house.
Ah, we’re almost there.
“You worked hard. You worked hard.”
After packing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder, I got off the bus, exchanging greetings.
From behind me, I could hear cheers echoing, telling me I played a great game and worked hard.
“Phew—”
The bus drove off toward its next destination.
I stood there for a moment and looked around the square.
This is the same square I see every day on my way to practice.
The square, bathed in the red glow of the evening sunset, looks no different from yesterday.
As always, people are leisurely sitting around, sipping coffee, and the sound of church bells rings out from a distance.
Wow.
It feels so nostalgic.
It’s only been a day trip, but it feels like I’ve truly returned home.
I should get back and get some rest.
“Hmm, hmm, hmm.”
My body is sticky with dried sweat, and my legs feel heavy, but a hum escapes my lips anyway.
I tasted it again today.
That feeling after finishing a death-defying physical training session.
That sense of accomplishment after doing something that felt impossible.
In today’s match, I played for 70 minutes, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
It’s a bit awkward to evaluate my own performance, but I didn’t play badly.
For me, that was a good game.
Thanks to the intense physical training, I played ten minutes longer than last week’s match and recorded one more attacking point.
Especially since both of the goals I scored were moves I’d practiced with Coach Luca, it felt even more rewarding.
The dribble break and the mid-range shot.
When I scored, Coach was overjoyed, and when I went over and we hugged, I couldn’t have been prouder.
However…
that doesn’t mean I can be completely satisfied with the game.
Right.
My performance was good.
But the problem was that it was all concentrated in the first half, specifically the early to mid-first half.
Both the goals and the assist were recorded before the 30th minute of the first half.
To be honest, I was a little too excited.
I took Coach’s advice to “be confident” a little too far.
And since the goals went in exactly as I wanted, I subconsciously pushed the pace a bit too much.
As a result, I lagged a bit after the 30-minute mark.
My breathing was completely off, so I spent time jogging slowly and focusing on passing, but the moment I did that, the game came to a halt.
It was only natural.
The manager had entrusted me with leading the team, but when my tempo dropped, the other kids’ tempo had no choice but to drop as well.
I really feel like I’m still far from ready.
I should have felt more responsibility and played with a cooler head.
Thank goodness the opponent was Empoli; if it had been a stronger team, we might have ended up conceding a comeback.
Just because of me.
I have to consider today’s victory to be, to some extent, a matter of luck.
“Phew.”
Still…
I refuse to think that the things I achieved through my own play were just luck.
The dribble break to get past the defense, the assist, the mid-range shot for the goal—those plays.
I want to believe these were not simple luck, but things I accomplished with my own ability.
Of course, I know.
I know that the plays I showed in today’s match were only possible because I performed beyond my usual abilities in the moment.
I know that…
but I was the one who did it.
No one else did it for me.
Drawing out that nonexistent ability was something I did.
Coach told me so.
He said there’s no such thing as luck on the field.
So…
I’ve decided to believe that.
No matter what the truth is, believing that makes my heart feel at ease.
I don’t feel that anxious feeling like I used to.
Click—
I arrived at home before I knew it.
I took the key out of my bag, unlocked the door, and went inside.
The lights are off, so it seems Dad isn’t home from work yet.
I was hoping he’d be home by now.
Well, anyway, he’ll be home soon.
I should give Ji-woo a call.
Click!
I turned on the lights here and there and stripped off my clothes.
I’m hungry, but I should shower first.
Grabbing a change of clothes, I headed for the bathroom.
Then, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
I wish Dad and Ji-woo could have seen today’s match.
“…?”
I was surprised at myself for thinking that.
Wanting someone to watch me play?
I used to hate that idea to death.
I guess people really do change.
Well, whatever…
Once I start making good money, I’ll have Dad, after he retires, come follow me around to watch my games.
…Hmm.
Is that filial piety, or am I just being a burden?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Here, your food is ready! Our special Bacon Cream Risotto!”
Ji-woo, wearing an apron, places a steaming bowl on the dining table.
That apron…
I bought it for him when he asked for it as a back-to-school present, but it looks like he’s already gotten something all over it.
Well, of course.
That’s what aprons are for.
I chuckled and scooped up the risotto with a spoon.
“How is it?”
“It’s okay.”
“Okay? That’s it?”
“…It’s delicious.”
“Right?”
It has to be delicious.
My tongue is already accustomed to Dad’s cooking.
After Dad came home from work, we invited Ji-woo over and were having dinner together.
Originally, Dad had offered to cook, but after tasting Dad’s cooking last time, Ji-woo urgently stepped in and said he’d do it.
In fact, Dad is surprisingly proud of his own cooking…
so he was a bit sullen, but even I couldn’t take his side on this one.
So I just told him to stay put.
“Well, it tastes decent.”
Dad, who had tasted Ji-woo’s risotto, nodded with an air of ‘Well, it’s not bad.’
…What’s with that reaction?
At first, he would say it’s delicious no matter what, as long as Ji-woo made it.
Could he possibly be feeling competitive?
I have been avoiding Dad’s cooking lately.
“Is it okay? To be honest, this is my first time making risotto. For a first try, if it’s like this, I guess I can do even better next time, right?”
Ji-woo crossed his arms and said with a smirk.
…And what’s with you?
“Well, risotto isn’t that difficult of a dish to begin with.”
“Is that so? But from what I’ve learned, the taste of such dishes varies greatly depending on who makes it.”
“That’s true. That’s why Ji-an doesn’t really eat risotto at restaurants, but he eats the shrimp risotto I make very well.”
“Wow, really? But doesn’t Ji-an like bacon more than shrimp?”
Ji-woo and Dad locked eyes for a brief moment, then both looked at me at the same time.
“It’s shrimp, right?”
“It’s bacon, right?”
…What are the two of you doing, seriously?
I sighed and answered.
“It doesn’t matter. I like sandwiches better.”
“A… Sandwich?”
“Hahaha! My secret weapon is actually sandwiches!”
At my answer, Ji-woo frowned, and Dad burst out laughing.
…It seems I’ve unintentionally declared Dad the winner.
Is that how it turned out?
Let’s just eat.
“Hmph. You’re lying, aren’t you?”
Ji-woo, who had been grumbling and sat down, asked.
“About what?”
“They said you scored two goals today. You’re lying because I didn’t see it, right?”
“Why would I tell a lie like that?”
“Ah, whatever. It’s just a lie.”
…Why is he acting like this?
Is he pouting because I didn’t take his side?
If you don’t believe me, look it up on the internet…
I thought about saying that but swallowed my words.
If he looks it up, all the old records will come up too.
That’s absolutely not happening.
“It wasn’t a lie.”
At Dad’s words, I looked up at him.
“I got a call. From the team.”
“…A call? For what?”
“They said you did incredibly well today. Not only that, but everyone is singing your praises, saying you’ve been working very hard lately.”
“…Is that so?”
Why would they call for something like that?
I tried to hide my proud feelings by pretending to be uninterested, stirring the risotto with my spoon, but Dad continued.
“They want to set up a meeting.”
“What kind of meeting?”
“About the contract, of course. They want to sign a professional contract.”
“A… Pro contract?”
I was so startled I dropped my spoon.
A professional contract?
Really?
Dad nodded.
“I’ve already contacted that agent from back then. We’ll have to set a date soon. Congratulations, son.”
“Ah…”
Dad wouldn’t lie about something like this.
It must be true.
A real professional contract…
I’m really going to become a pro player.
I was envying Bruno just the other day, and now I…!
“See? I told you it wasn’t a lie.”
Feeling so good, I couldn’t help but shrug my shoulders at Ji-woo.
Then Ji-woo replied.
“Tch. I know, me too. I saw it on the internet.”
……Huh?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Hey, by the way.”
“Yeah?”
“You said you saw it on the internet earlier.”
“Yeah.”
“Where… did you see it?”
At my question, Ji-woo tilted his head.
“I just saw it on the internet? I searched for ‘Fiorentina U17, Empoli U17.’ The results came right up.”
“…Ah. So you saw that?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Nothing.”
Phewww.
I thought he had looked up the detailed records and was startled for a moment.
Now that my racing heart has calmed down, the night air finally feels peaceful.
After dinner, I was walking Ji-woo home.
The city’s night streets look especially beautiful today.
Was it always this pretty?
“You’re that happy?”
“Huh?”
“No, it’s just… I’ve never seen you look this happy before.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. I guess signing a pro contract is a really big deal, huh?”
Was it that obvious?
I nodded.
“It’s important. Very.”
“What changes if you sign the contract?”
“Well, honestly, I don’t know the details either. But first, I can debut as a pro. And I’ll make more money.”
“How much more?”
“Who knows.”
I shrugged my shoulders.
It probably depends on how the team sees me.
If they view me favorably, the offer will go up, and if they just see me as average, it’ll be a modest increase…
I am a little curious, though.
To be completely honest, I don’t expect much.
I do have a conscience.
Considering how I’ve been stealing a wage for the past while, just the fact that they’re offering me a contract is something to be grateful for.
So…
I’m not expecting to jump tenfold like Bruno did.
Just a modest amount, well…
“Anyway, congratulations.”
“Ah, yeah. Thanks.”
I scratched the back of my head at Ji-woo’s words.
Now that I think about it, this isn’t the time to be thinking about money.
I really should be thanking Ji-woo.
Well, regardless of the reason.
It’s all thanks to Ji-woo that I started playing soccer seriously again.
If Ji-woo hadn’t come to Italy, would I be working this hard right now?
No.
If it weren’t for Ji-woo…
I’d probably still be a complete mess.
“Really, thank you.”
“Huh?”
“Just. Thanks.”
“What is it, Lee Ji-an? Why are you acting like this?”
Ji-woo looked at me as if I were strange and started walking ahead.
Whatever the case, I’m grateful.
“Hey, wait up.”
“Hurry up.”
…Hmm.
But something feels off about the mood since a little while ago.
He seems a bit down, which is unlike him.
Did something tiring happen today?
Or maybe…
“I’m going in. Be careful going home.”
We arrived at Ji-woo’s house before I knew it.
Ji-woo, unlike his usual self, gave a half-hearted greeting and was about to go inside.
I said to him,
“Uh, the risotto today was really delicious. Yours is way better than Dad’s, after all. See you.”
With that, I turned around.
As I was about to head home, I heard Ji-woo’s voice from behind.
“Tch, I’ll forgive you just this once. Be careful on your way home!”
That was finally the lively voice I knew.
I thought, ‘No way,’ but he was actually pouting…?
“Phew.”
I sighed and headed home.
Well, at least that’s a relief.
He noticed in the end.
I’m sorry, Dad.
But it’s the truth.
Wait, but why is Dad feeling competitive about something like that in the first place?
And Ji-woo too.
I swear.
“This is tough…”
Shaking my head, I walked home.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Please trust me with this again this time. I will drain the treasury without a drop of blood or a tear.”
“Oh, you don’t have to go that far…”
“Not at all! Negotiation! If you don’t make a fool of the other party, you become the fool. That is the law of the preservation of the fool!”
“Ah, yes…”
The loud voice made my shoulders, which were just standing next to Dad, instinctively hunch.
The man with an appearance that no ordinary mafia would dare to mess with and a voice like a general was the agent who had helped me with my past contracts.
The one from three years ago with that team in Turin, and the one with our current team.
“Anyway, leave it to me, the professional!”
“Yes, yes. I’m in your hands.”
To be honest, just by looks alone, he gives off the vibe of someone who wouldn’t do anything legal…
but I know he’s surprisingly very reliable and competent.
The production staff of the study abroad program I got into three years ago introduced him, saying he was a top-tier expert in the industry.
And in reality, he handled the last two contracts without any issues.
Anyway, I guess I’ll just have to trust and leave it to him again this time.
“Now, let’s go in!”
“Yes.”
As I followed the agent’s broad back into the meeting room, I saw the team officials waiting inside.
“Welcome. Please, have a seat.”
After exchanging brief greetings and some small talk, we immediately got to the main point.
“Here is our proposal. Please take a look.”
The official handed over a few sheets of paper, maybe two or three pages.
“Hmm, there seems to be a slight difference from our perspective…”
The moment he took the paper, the agent started reading through it, muttering like a machine.
He hadn’t even read a few lines yet.
As expected…
so this is the negotiation master who has no blood or tears to shed.
I couldn’t help but feel awkward just watching.
“……Huh?”
The agent’s eyes widened.