A Night with Emily
Han Shin guided her to the passenger seat on the left side of the car.
"Thank you."
Once Emily had climbed in, he took the driver's seat on the right.
Man and woman sat with the center console box between them.
Even the engine's start-up sound felt quiet in the atmosphere as Han Shin gripped the wheel.
"You've worked hard today, Manager!"
"You've had it rough too, Emily—juggling marketing and negotiations because of your popular manager."
"Me? You did everything, Manager…"
"Emily, did you know? In Korea we drive on the right and the steering wheel's on the left. Still getting used to it. But hey, it's close enough."
"…"
"What kind of car do you drive, Emily? Is the seat uncomfortable?"
"…"
"I've got some French wine I received as a gift after the championship win."
After a moment's thought, Emily parted her lips.
"Emily Bleuenn Arnault."
"Your full name?"
"Yes."
Wait a second… Arnault? The director said she used to work in the luxury goods industry…
"It's a pretty name."
"The name too? So that means my face is pretty as well, right?"
"Yes. It is pretty."
"Heehee."
In high spirits, Emily fiddled with the control panel.
"Mind if I put on some music?"
"Of course. Connect via Bluetooth. I'll do it for you."
"No, I can manage. The menu screen is…"
At the same moment their fingertips stretched toward the panel and brushed together.
A tingling sensation shot through them.
"Ah…!"
"I'll handle it. Just pick the music."
"Alright."
A gentle jazz clarinet melody began to flow, and she asked,
"Do you know this song?"
A double bass, guitar, and drums soon layered in softly beneath it.
"It's a movie OST, isn't it? Something about going back to the past in Paris? I don't know the title, though."
"Si tu vois ma mère."
"What does it mean?"
"If you see my mother."
Do they have formal family introductions in France too?
"Emily."
Emily closed her eyes and leaned back into the seat.
"Shh!"
"?"
"Doesn't this song make you feel like you're in Paris?"
"It does."
In the car heading toward Han Shin's house, they wordlessly felt each other's presence.
About fifteen minutes later they arrived in front of an ordinary house with a small yard.
Streetlamp light filtered through the car windows, warmly illuminating the dark interior.
"Um… Manager?"
"Yes. What is it?"
"You weren't interested in me, were you?"
"Who would eat a sandwich that was basically a biochemical weapon made by someone with no interest?"
"That's true."
"Why do you like me, Emily?"
The straight shot left Emily reeling.
"Huh?? Uh… um…! You're handsome and smart and… I fell for you at first sight!"
"Hmm…."
Emily clutched her seatbelt like a lifeline.
"And I've made up my mind, you know?!"
"What kind of resolve? Planning something with me~?"
"Manager, I've come this far—I'm not going home tonight."
"Haha. Really?"
"Yes!"
Grinning, he stepped out of the car and walked around to the passenger side.
He opened her door and held out his hand.
"Shall we get out, Emily?"
The moment his voice—lower and softer than ever—reached her ear, Emily's heart began to race.
Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed.
Han Shin carefully took Emily's hand. Their fingers intertwined.
"Let's go inside."
Emily nodded quickly.
Holding her hand, Han Shin opened the door and stepped into the house.
He slipped off his blazer and hung it on the rack; Emily followed suit with her coat.
"I only just moved in, so it's pretty empty, right?"
"It's lovely… so clean…!"
"Shoes off, please."
"Okay."
"Then…"
The moment they entered the living room he pressed her back against the wall.
"M-Manager!"
His hot breath brushed her skin and made it prickle.
The air between them stretched taut as if charged with electricity.
"Han Shin… if you do this… that…"
Emily rolled his red necktie like origami.
"Shh!"
Her pupils trembled.
"Leave everything to me."
"Yes…"
Han Shin wrapped an arm around Emily's waist and drew her closer into his embrace.
"Hah…!"
With his other hand he gently caressed her face, smiling softly so she could relax.
Emily surrendered to his warm touch and tried to undo the necktie with a pretty smile.
Han Shin stroked her hair, then reached the blue ribbon.
Without a word he untied the knot.
Ssshh—her platinum-blonde hair cascaded free and shimmered.
"Haa… haa…"
To Han Shin's ears her quickened breaths were sweeter than any lyrics, and the pounding of her heart sounded like drums.
Emily felt his lips slowly approaching and closed her eyes.
Chup—!
He gently caught her upper lip between his, then moved his own lips slowly, knocking softly until they parted easily.
When Han Shin pulled away a thin string of saliva connected them before breaking; he closed the distance again until their tongues finally tangled inside each other's mouths.
The two shared a deep kiss while caressing each other's faces.
The hand that had been stroking her hair trailed down her ear, jawline, chest, and back before stopping at her hip.
As delicate as a butterfly alighting on a flower.
Every time their lips and tongues met, it felt as though the most beautiful music in the world was playing.
A moment as if time itself had stopped.
Emily, face melting with excitement and a dazed smile, wrapped her arms around his back.
"M-Manager…! Pick me up."
"Alright."
Emily locked her legs around his waist as he lifted her; only then were their eyes level.
"Your eyes are beautiful."
"Yours too."
Emily looped her arms around his neck.
"But why are you such a good kisser? Are you a player?"
"Hmm…"
"Don't stop—keep going."
"Then say 'woof!' like yesterday."
Cheeks blazing, Emily swallowed her embarrassment and managed,
"W-woof!"
"Good girl. Here's your reward!"
"Eh…?! Eh! Mmph."
He sealed her lips with his own, scooped her up, and carried her toward the master bedroom.
He laid Emily down on the king-size bed, climbed over her, and looked down while kneading her breasts over the bra.
His white T-shirt was already soaked with sweat.
Emily tried to unbutton his white shirt but couldn't manage it.
Clumsy, isn't she? Hang on—condoms…
"For someone who did the seducing, you're pretty awkward. I'll take it off."
"Mm…"
Pop—pop—
As he undid the shirt buttons one by one, Emily covered her eyes with her hands yet peeked through her fingers.
Huh? Why is she just sitting there? Not taking anything off?
He unbuckled his belt and lowered his pants.
Even the silhouette looks big…
Emily blinked and simply watched.
"Are you just going to stare? Come on—arms up."
"Huh? Okay!"
What's with her? Acting like a total amateur.
When Emily raised both arms he pulled the T-shirt off.
She wore a white lace bra, the upper curves of her breasts spilling over the cups.
Beads of sweat traced the lines of her body and dampened the underside of her breasts.
They're big… much bigger than they look under clothes…
"Beautiful."
"W-woof!"
"You can stop that now."
"Then… meow~?"
"Cute, but could you lift your waist a little?"
Showing off his well-honed, solid muscles, he slipped a hand behind her back, found the hook with one hand, and unfastened it in an instant.
Emily clutched the loosened bra straps so they wouldn't fall and covered herself.
"Oh my, you're way too good at undoing that, aren't you?"
"With this face I won't claim there haven't been women, but let's leave it at that."
Just as he was about to take off his pants properly, Emily dropped a bombshell confession.
"B-but… I… I'm a virgin. So please be gentle… No! I mean… I know how men and women do it, of course…"
"Come on, that's a lie. So that just now was your first kiss?"
"W-well, I tried kissing out of curiosity… but Manager, I liked kissing you so much… how should I put it? When I just followed my instincts and let my body go, it worked?"
"Uh… hang on a second, then…"
A virgin? Is that even possible?
Han Shin slowly edged away from her.
"Manager?"
"No, I just… went too far without saying anything. You must have been a bit startled."
In truth he was the more flustered one; his black hair was already a bird's nest.
How old is Emily again? I thought she knew everything. Especially in England it's always sex first, talk later…
"No! I've prepared myself mentally!"
"Let's have a glass of wine and… talk honestly for a bit."
"No, Manager! I told you I'm a virgin! Sob…"
Don't all men love virgins?
"Ah! That's exactly what I mean…"
I brought her straight home and she's a virgin? This is a lot of pressure. Feels like I'm committing a crime—I'm getting dizzy. Wait… the Arnault family… could it be?
What he knew about her: worked in the luxury industry at a young age, then became the top marketing executive at a professional football club.
A club whose owner was backed by Dreyfus, one of France's three largest grain companies.
She pulled off eccentric stunts yet landed massive sponsors.
And, though unconfirmed, the "Arnault" background on top of it all.
She's not some precious chaebol granddaughter straight out of a drama, is she? Is the virginity because of an arranged marriage? Then why is she working in a backwater up in northern England?
His suspicions about her only deepened.
"Um… want to wash up first? You're all sweaty."
"In a man's house… take a shower?"
Still reeling, Han Shin smacked the top of his own head.
What is this, Joan of Arc?
"This won't do. How about you go home tonight and I'll drive you?"
"No! I'll shower. Then… what about a change of clothes?"
"My T-shirts are bigger, so I'll leave one out front for you to change into."
"Okay…"
She already regretted confessing; she should have kept quiet.
"The shower's that way, and I'll wash up in the bathroom."
Emily finished her shower and changed out of the sweat-soaked T-shirt and confining underwear into one of Han Shin's oversized tees printed with a big puppy character.
Instead of jeans she pulled on comfortable short training pants, cinching the elastic waistband tight.
Her platinum-blonde hair still held moisture that caught the LED light and sparkled.
The bathroom was spotless, and the house is as clean as an office.
The living room, decorated entirely in white, held only a TV, a simple DIY assembly table, and a black cowhide sofa sitting forlornly.
Not a speck of dust anywhere. On the table: cheese, apple slices cut into neat bite-size pieces, a pitcher of ice water with cups and forks, a corkscrew, and crackers.
Did Han Shin cut these?
Emily speared a piece with a fork and tasted it.
"You look great without makeup too."
Han Shin, face freshly cleansed of makeup with foam cleanser, emerged from the kitchen carrying a wine bottle and two crystal-clear glasses hooked between his fingers.
"I usually wear light makeup anyway. Is it okay?"
"Yes. The T-shirt I gave you suits you wonderfully."
"Really? How about like this?"
She tied the oversized tee behind her back, accentuating her slender waist, full breasts, and hips even more.
Han Shin pretended his nose was bleeding.
"Lethal."
"Heeheehee… Did you cut this apple, Manager?"
"Yes. Is it good?"
"I think you peel fruit better than I do."
"I've lived alone a long time, so I can cook a bit. Handle a knife pretty well too. Tomorrow morning I'll show you what real food is."
"Mmm… so that's why you called the sandwich a biochemical weapon."
Emily was oscillating between heaven and hell inside.
Morning? So I'm really staying the night? What do I do! What do I do!
He casually sat down on the sofa beside her and set the wine and glasses on the table.
"You didn't eat the sandwich either."
"Oh! You knew?"
"It was pretty obvious. Anyway, I'm sorry. I went too much at my own pace. Guess I had some stereotypes myself."
She came on so seductively even in the office… Isn't France supposed to be a bit freer? I never imagined she was a virgin.
"No! Not at all! You don't need to apologize, Manager—I was the one who seduced you first."
I can never, ever tell him that the bag I bought yesterday has the first condoms I ever bought in it! I'd die of embarrassment…
"Well, that's a relief. Do you drink?"
"Of course! Shall I pour you a glass?"
"Just a moment—let me open the cork first."
As Han Shin twirled the corkscrew like a toy, Emily asked,
"You're not just playing with my heart, are you, Manager?"
"I stopped there because I thought you might feel that way."
"I see…. So you were interested in me."
"How can you be this oblivious and still do marketing?"
"What do you mean?"
Han Shin poured a little of the Pinot Noir red wine and studied the way the color spread.
"My eye for detail is pretty good, but how many people do you think I've met in the last three days?"
"Um… a hundred?"
He took a sip, drew in air, and savored the aroma.
Not bad.
"Including people I just passed by, yeah, around a hundred. So if I wasn't interested, how would I remember the new bag and shoes you bought?"
"Ah…! I was just surprised, but I thought you were a really attentive guy."
"When we first met, when you came to the office yesterday, in the transfer meeting room, and even when you brought the sandwiches—I noticed you'd changed your perfume each time too."
"Uuuung… I'm so embarrassed… You don't see right through my heart as well, do you?"
If I did I wouldn't have brought her straight home. We should have gone on a proper date first…
"When someone dashes at you like that, what man wouldn't notice? I'm not an idiot."
"Do you think other people saw it that way too?"
"Pretty much every club official knows you like me, Emily."
Even twenty-year-old Jobe probably knows.
"Oh no, what do I do? I'm so embarrassed…."
"In that spirit, let me pour you a glass."
"Thank you. Me too."
They each filled their glasses halfway with the deep crimson wine.
"What's the Korean toast?"
"Jjan—!"
"Jjan…?!"
Diiing—
The glasses rang in resonance; Han Shin filled his mouth with wine and swallowed.
"You sent me a message less than a week ago, right?"
"Yes."
"That was the first message and call I ever received in Sunderland."
"Oh my, was it?"
"Whatever my background, you'd never even seen my face, yet you called me Manager and asked for my opinion. Whether I had any ideas."
"Yes, because a star was coming, so I prepared."
I can't tell him I've been cheering only for him since the tournament…
"Wearing hanbok was my idea, but you were the one who scoured London, pounded the pavement, and actually got them."
"That's my job. Doing the work well just means I'm competent."
"You call it work, but you approached a person and a club you'd never met and scored a huge success. I've always rated that highly."
"I see. So is that all?!!"
She pouted and threw a little tantrum.
"Ah…. You must have felt disappointed. This is what you wanted to hear, right?"
He brushed her damp hair back like a comb and stroked it.
"You're the prettiest person I've ever seen. The first moment I saw you I thought you were a doll."
"How much? How much? Prettier than celebrities? The announcer from Manager War was pretty impressive too."
"You're far more beautiful, Emily. I'm not sure if it comes across well in English…"
"Hmph! Then say I'm pretty in Korean."
"Neon naega bon geu nuguboda yeppeo."
Unable to understand Korean, Emily recalled the broken Korean greeting Chairman Kirill had been practicing after learning it from Han Shin.
"Did you just call me an idiot? Heeheehee."
"How did you know?"
"What is that supposed to mean! Stop teasing and say it properly!"
He caught her slender wrist as she waved her arms.
"Shall we take our time getting to know each other?"
"Mm…"
Take our time? How long? After getting me this worked up you're joking? Is that even fair?
Han Shin found her sulky expression adorable.
"Pfft… You hate the idea of taking it slow that much? Ba.bo.?"
"You did call me an idiot!"
"So do you hate me?"
"Not at all! Not at all! I like you so much!"
"Then instead of all this talk, let's just date."
"Really? I love you, Manager!"
The first time is hard; the second is easy.
She threw herself into Han Shin's arms and hugged him tight.
"Are we a couple now?"
The cool mint scent of the shampoo he used at home drifted faintly around them.
"Yes. A couple. And after hearing your resolve not to go home tonight, there's no way I'm just sending you off."
"Yes!!!!"
She bounced with joy, and even in the oversized T-shirt her chest swayed.
"Emily, how old are you?!"
"Twenty-eight!"
"So when we're working, let's not overdo the public displays of affection. Understood?"
"Yes! I'll restrain myself."
"In exchange I'll spoil you that much more after work."
"Yes… hehehe."
Emily picked up both glasses and handed one to him.
"Let's do a love shot."
"Sure."
"Manager! Did you know? The French toast is similar."
"What is it? Kirill says 'Santé!'"
"That's for more formal occasions. Among close friends we say tchin, tchin."
"Chin? Pretty similar."
"Tchin tchin!"
I should use "chinhan chingu" when I go to Korea.
They exchanged several more glasses while chatting about this and that.
"Maaanaager…"
Her eyes were heavy and her pronunciation already slurred.
"Sleepy?"
"Mmm… I was so tense, but I guess it all melted away."
I still had so many questions for her… Can't be helped.
"Shall we sleep on the bed instead of the sofa?"
"Carry me like before."
"You're impossible."
"Kyaa!"
Han Shin scooped her up in a princess carry.
"At this rate you'll wake right back up."
"Isss fine… Your arms feel nice, Manager…"
He headed straight for the master bedroom and laid her on the bed.
"I'll hold you until you fall asleep."
"Okay… don't forget the kiss either… mmnya…"
"Got it. Sleep well."
"And your arm as a pillow…"
"Yes, yes."
After confirming that the lightly tipsy Emily was sound asleep, he set his laptop on the side table and continued reviewing players.
In the WhatsApp group chat the director and scouts were updating player analysis info.
Han Shin checked everything with eyes bluer than the laptop panel's blue light.
Pre-season prep is done. Player and coach recruitment, matches… from now on we run non-stop all the way through the league.
Han Shin researched the Championship table's rival clubs.
Nottingham Forest, Southampton, and Luton Town—who at least tasted the EPL—are going to be tough.
Even bouncing between the first and second tiers nets enormous money, so they had to be watched carefully.
Norwich City, WBA, and Watford can't be ignored either.
Perennial second-tier sides. Objectively their squad quality was equal to or better than Sunderland's.
He listed the difficult away grounds.
Stoke away is famously hard, and Millwall's hooligans are world-renowned.
Draining the last of the wine, Han Shin muttered,
"But the real dark horse we have to watch most carefully is… probably…"
Wrexham! Wrexham!
"Surprisingly, Wrexham AFC…"
The club owned by none other than Deadpool.
Wrexham AFC, based in the Welsh town of Wrexham, is the oldest club in Wales and the third-oldest in the world.
A storied side that had been absorbed into the English league system and spent long years in the third tier.
Then a disastrous owner ruined the entire club and sent them down to the fifth tier.
For more than a decade they couldn't even return to the professional ranks—until two unexpected Hollywood stars bought them.
Ryan Reynolds, famous as Deadpool, and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham.
British clubs are extremely wary of foreign capital.
After being burned by the previous owner who drove them to ruin, they were initially suspicious when celebrities who knew nothing about football approached.
But with genuine sincerity and a desperate need to reverse the club's dire finances—barely clinging to semi-pro status—they secured 95 % approval and Hollywood money poured in.
A mining town that even produced a documentary titled Welcome to Wrexham, chronicling the promotion journey in a way that felt uncannily similar to Sunderland.
Although they didn't win the title in the first season after Deadpool's takeover, the following year massive sponsorships arrived, higher-league players joined, and even retired EPL goalkeeper Fraser Forster came out of retirement to help Wrexham.
They returned to the EFL after fifteen years.
The next year they achieved back-to-back titles, entered League One in 2024, and in 2025 once again stormed through the playoffs to finally earn promotion to the Championship.
An unbelievable, script-like story that won Wrexham the love and support of countless fans.
But more fans also meant more haters.
Football supporters who already viewed foreign capital as a thorn in the side now shouted abuse mixed with criticism whenever Wrexham arrived for an away match—resenting the absurdly stacked sponsorships and the easy Hollywood-star-powered signings.
In short, public enemy number one for every other club.
"Wrexham… is surprisingly a dark horse."
It was already dawn when Emily, half-awake, wrapped her arms around Han Shin from behind.
"Manager, you're still not sleeping?"
"Sorry. Did I wake you?"
"No, bathroom… and my throat's a bit dry…"
"Go ahead. I should sleep now too."
"Come with me."
"Yes, yes."
"Manager… I like you!"
After that the two of them lay on the same bed, holding each other and feeling each other's body heat as they drifted off to sleep, bringing the long day to a close.