Surviving Winter (2)
It's already November. Suddenly, last year flashes through my mind.
Last November, right after the final round of K League 2, I got released. And at the same time... Jeong Ha-yoon dumped me.
Everything was bleak, but then, like a miracle, the goblin appeared in my dream. In exchange for taking his bump, I inherited his otherworldly soccer skills. And on top of that—I'm convinced of this—the goblin whacked my dick with his bat, giving me this monster cock as a bonus.
Two problems that had been plaguing me were solved in an instant.
"...That was a year ago."
To be precise, it was at the end of the month, so there were still over three weeks left... but whatever, close enough.
"What was a year ago, hyung?"
Was my muttering too loud? Someone pokes his head into my view.
"When did you get here?"
"Just now. But what was a year ago?"
This guy's staring at me with eyes full of curiosity. He's the baby of our A-team, subbed in for the injured Jeong Hoon-won this A-match window: Hong In-soo, midfielder from Busan FC.
"Why are you so damn curious all the time?"
"I can't stand not knowing stuff. I'm just impatient by nature."
I can't help but like the guy grinning like that. Felt that way from the first time we met. Maybe because he's so approachable.
"Just... you know. Last year, I got released."
"Ah...."
Hong In-soo finally gets it and nods slowly.
"Now that you mention it, yeah, it's been a year already. I made my debut last year too...."
"You were impressive."
Was it our second matchup against Busan FC last season? Their backup striker got injured, so my name was on the bench list, but I didn't get to play. Meanwhile, nineteen-year-old rookie Hong In-soo started and shone, pushing up from midfield to attack, recording an assist, and handing us a loss. 0-3, something like that.
"Me?"
"Who else?"
I chuckle and nudge him. He looks at me with touched eyes.
"Whoa... Getting props from you feels amazing, hyung. Thanks. It's an honor."
Last year around this time, our situations were worlds apart. He was flying high; I was scraping the bottom. Makes sense—he debuted and locked down a starting midfield spot at Busan FC, even snagging K League 2 Young Player of the Year. And now, not even a year later, he's thrilled by a single compliment from me. Feels weird... but good.
"Oh, yeah. I found a Spanish tutor. Been self-studying, but it wasn't cutting it. Conversation practice should help, right?"
Hong In-soo's extra friendly with me because his dream is playing La Liga. Honestly... it's a bit burdensome. He thinks I've been prepping for Spain forever. Not much real advice I can give. But I don't want to dodge or push him away. Helping a junior chasing his dream like this? That pulls at me more.
"Better than nothing."
"Right? Nothing beats jumping in headfirst, but prepping first feels smarter."
Suddenly, I admire this kid. Three years younger, but his mindset and passion might even outshine mine.
"Cool. Great attitude."
My sincere praise makes him beam. But then his face sours, voice dropping low.
"But honestly, I kinda regret it."
"Regret? Why?"
"After high school, I thought about going overseas right away. Had offers too. But... I got scared."
I just listen quietly.
"Busan's coach convinced me back then—said he'd use me as a U22 card, that stacking pro experience here would be best."
K League's U22 rule: Field an under-22 player, get an extra sub slot. Two of 'em make five total. Teams usually start a young guy and yank him after ten minutes. Hell, I only played three games last year thanks to that.
"I love Busan. Coach is great, they trust me, good hyungs. But I keep thinking... if I'd been fearless like you, hyung... maybe I'd be happier playing soccer...."
I wait, then ask softly.
"You unhappy now?"
"No, no! Not unhappy. Just... this lingering regret. I crave Spain more and more."
"Why Spain, though?"
He grins.
"Of Europe's big three leagues, it feels the most romantic. England and Germany seem kinda rigid...."
"...That's your whole reason?"
"Haha, kidding. Grew up watching tons of La Liga. Love that Spanish passing game. Beautiful, y'know? Not brute force—piercing defenses with passes."
Some teams go hard, sure, but passing's the foundation.
"I get the impatience. I'd feel it too. Honestly... I'm feeling it now."
"You too, hyung?"
"Yeah. Stuck in second division. Wanna hit first division ASAP."
He nods, understanding.
"But feeling regret mid-game? Not healthy. Could be my assumption, but maybe it's arrogance—like you've got nothing left to learn here."
"......!"
His eyes waver; I hit the nail on the head.
"Every game, I think, 'Gotta learn something today.' No room for regrets. Content-wise, sure, but...."
"...Even after thirty goals in thirteen games?"
"Obviously. Though the regrets are tiny."
I smirk and keep going.
"Setting goals is great. But don't tunnel-vision. Can't see the forest for the trees, right?"
I surprise myself—words flowing smooth as silk. Feels a tad awkward even to me.
"Stay present. Goals'll come closer. Rookies sign three-year deals... you'll be a free agent next year."
I slip in casually.
"Maybe even get offers this winter."
Something clicks in his eyes.
"Hyung... Forget what I said earlier. So embarrassing. You nailed it—I was arrogant."
"Happens to everyone. We're human."
"...I'll approach every game to learn. Thanks so much, hyung."
He looks up like I'm his master. Still a bit much... but seeing him enlightened? Feels good. Deep down, I root harder for him to storm Europe as a midfielder.
The November A-matches were both in Korea: one in Daejeon, one in Ulsan. Opponents: Latvia and Singapore.
Teams still in qualifiers couldn't play, and World Cup locks didn't schedule in November, so we drew weaker sides.
I started both. Hat-trick vs. Latvia, multi-goal plus two assists vs. Singapore. Both nations rank outside FIFA's top 100—huge gap with us.
Joao Martins rotated heavily, using the full squad. Hong In-soo got minutes—under ten, but he was sharp: smooth press resistance, quality forward passes, held his own physically, even dribbled ahead. Short time, but he made his mark.
Not perfect—inexperience showed in errors. But with more games, he could be another Kim Min-woo, putting Korea on Europe's map.
Watching him, a thought hits: If he joined AD Alcorcon, filling Maurinho's midfield spot? No guarantees he'd ace it... but he'd smoke Oscar Santos.
Wanna play with him bad, but non-EU rules mean Pierre Mvubu'd have to go first. I swallow the regret.
Back in Madrid post-A-match. Rested up, returned to club. Greeting staff and players, prepping training—then Iñigo Chapé, technical director, barges into the dressing room and hits me with a question instead of hello.
"Theo. You close with that Hong In-soo guy? Know his personality, habits, all that?"