Jeong Ha-yoon....? (1)
I only played the first half before getting subbed off. In those 45 minutes on the pitch, I scored 6 goals.
The lead was insurmountable, and CD Coslada's squad held its own against Rovelo CF—no, it wasn't even close to being outmatched. ...Honestly, if we'd been inferior here, everyone involved should hang up their boots and forget about pro soccer.
I didn't bother asking why I was being pulled. Coach Vitolo seemed to sense I wouldn't be sticking around CD Coslada much longer. With the game already in the bag early, he probably wanted to give the regular starting striker some run-out in the second half.
The guy who'd been the usual starter didn't show any outward resentment—maybe because we all shared the common goal of promotion, or thanks to the insane performances I'd put on in training. Still, the disappointment and frustration of sitting on the bench were plain as day on his face.
Beep—!
But once the final whistle blew, that same starter wore a look of quiet resignation. Probably disappointed in himself for failing to record a single attacking contribution despite playing the full 45 minutes after I came off.
Final score: 7-2. CD Coslada victory, naturally.
A bit of a shame we gave up two, but on the flip side, it felt like the right amount to concede. When you're up by six, it's damn hard to maintain the same tension and focus as when it's level or you're trailing—that's just reality.
"Let's give a big round of applause to Theo for that brilliant performance today."
After the match, in the locker room, Coach Vitolo nodded my way as he addressed the team. The players' faces lit up, and they gave me a standing ovation.
I raised one hand like a presidential candidate on the campaign trail and flashed a smooth grin.
"Thanks so much, Theo!"
Tiago had been repeating his thanks nonstop since the game ended. At first, I figured he was grateful for knocking off the league's second-place team and vaulting us into that spot. But the more he said it, the more it felt like there was something else.
I finally learned the real reason in Uncle Adrian's car on the way back.
"This is the first time I've ever notched three attacking points in a single game, boss."
"No kidding?"
"Honestly, it's more thanks to Theo than me, but I'll never forget today. Haha!"
Tiago, who was usually pretty quiet around Aunt Han Mi-ju and Uncle Adrian, was bubbling over like a kid on Christmas, words tumbling out in excitement.
I hadn't even realized he'd assisted me three times. It had been a while since my last game, so I'd been totally locked in, lost in the flow.
"Heh. We're now just four points behind Ursaria."
"We can definitely catch them at this rate."
CD Ursaria sat atop the league CD Coslada competed in. They'd been in the fifth tier until last season but got relegated and dropped back down this year. Teams usually bleed key players when falling from semi-pro to amateur levels, but they'd held onto most of theirs, turning them into the league bullies this season.
That said, with those core players gradually leaving or getting injured, they were now on a five-game losing skid.
It hit me just how crucial that head-to-head win over Rovelo CF had been for our promotion hopes.
"Theo, got any plans tonight?"
I chuckled and shook my head at Tiago's question.
"Me? Plans? Come on."
"Perfect. Then how about dinner with me? My treat."
Uncle Adrian, gripping the wheel, shot a surprised glance in the rearview mirror.
"Tiago's buying dinner? That's a rare treat."
The guy must be a real tightwad. Made sense, though—juggling soccer and restaurant work didn't scream financial security.
No reason to turn down Tiago's generosity.
"You can trust our good, innocent Tiago. But no funny business, Tiago—you know what I mean?"
"Of course not."
The subject was implied, but I could guess it involved the nightlife scene.
Spain legalized prostitution, after all. Uncle was probably worried Tiago might drag me to one of those spots.
Back home, it's all about where the crime takes place—break the law anywhere, and you face Korean justice. For the record, I'd never done it and wasn't into it. Never even had a one-night stand... until Kim Hyo-jin, anyway. Past tense now.
"Sigh. That Dong-ho kid is the problem. Our Tae-oh can't go getting corrupted...."
Aunt's words made me tilt my head. Dong-ho?
Tiago seemed to know who she meant, so I asked him casually.
"You know this Dong-ho guy?"
Tiago nodded, but Aunt jumped in first.
"I told you before. The exchange student who comes to work during breaks. Korean guy."
"Oh, right. Yeah, I remember."
"His name's Dong-ho—son of one of my friends. Smart as hell; he's studying architecture at Complutense University in Madrid. Think of it as one of Spain's top three schools."
"A total golden boy, huh."
"Yep. Big guy, super manly-looking. Great personality—charismatic, smooth-talker. But... he loves to party way too much."
Aunt clicked her tongue.
"After his shifts during break, he'd hit the clubs and go wild. Total player—flirts hard with pretty customers. Even tried it on Elena and got busted."
"Elena shut him down cold. Haha!"
Uncle roared with laughter. We'd only worked together a short time, but Elena was definitely not the easy-to-approach type.
"And you still hire him?"
"Gave him a stern warning after that. Told him next time, family friend or not, he's out."
Connections probably played a part, but giving him a second chance? Likely because the guy was easy on the eyes.
"Handsome, then."
"Mm... manly. Yeah, that's handsome, I guess. But compared to you? He's a joke. My nephew's the real looker. Ho ho!"
Tiago nodded in agreement beside her. Once Aunt and Uncle dropped us in Madrid and headed home, I sidled up to him as we got out.
"You think I'm pretty decent-looking too?"
He was scrolling on his phone for restaurant options when he heard me. He nodded right away.
"I was shocked when I first saw you."
"For real? Not just buttering me up?"
"...I'm not gay, Theo. No point sucking up for points."
That dead-serious tone told me it was an ice-cold, honest assessment.
...So my face works in Spain too. Figures—that's why Aunt was thrilled about drawing in more female customers.
"I've got this secret spot I want to show you... but it's closed today."
"Too bad."
"Hm... Anything you're craving?"
"Not really?"
I hated giving that answer, but nothing else fit. I quickly added,
"I eat anything. For real. Wherever you pick, no complaints. Promise."
Tiago glanced around, nodded, and turned to me.
"There's a good place nearby. Great for a light drink too—nice vibe. Oh! And the server's Asian."
...Why are there so many Koreans in Spain?
"Wait... Korean? Nah, Japanese? Definitely not Chinese, I think. Memory's fuzzy... Anyway, Asian."
"You close?"
"Nah. Just the nod-and-wave-if-we-pass-on-the-street type. Oh, close with Elena, though. Same uni, I hear."
Friends with that ice queen Elena... Whoever it was, I felt a pang of envy.
"I actually used to work there myself. Until last year. Only overlapped with the guy for about a month. Then I signed with Coslada, met the boss, and switched jobs."
Tiago grinned.
"Mr. Bravo and Ms. Jane are great people. They know my situation and pay me a bit more than average. Shh—top secret, just between us. Got it?"
"Yeah, lips sealed. But why tell me?"
"They'll look out for you more than me anyway."
Fair point.
"And... I figure you'll be pro soon. You know, getting a real salary."
Tiago eyed me with naked envy. I sheepishly grinned and dodged with a chuckle.
"I've got a ton of questions for you. Watching you made me realize I'm miles from pro level... but I still want to get there. Even if not as a player, something in soccer. That's my dream."
Tiago's passion burned as fierce as mine. I liked him even more for it. Felt like we could talk soccer all night.
"Here we are. Nice atmosphere, right?"
We'd arrived. The sign read Gorjeo—meaning "chirp" or birdsong.
"Yeah. Let's head in."
The interior was sleek. Perfect for couples or a relaxed dinner with drinks. Not so much for solo diners, though—which explained why every occupied table (about half full) had groups. No one was rowdy.
"Welcome. Table for two?"
The server who greeted us wasn't Asian. He led us to a window seat, and Tiago checked with me every step before placing the order like a pro.
"Guess that friend of yours isn't working."
"Yeah... Quit, maybe."
Tiago was scanning the dining area and kitchen when—
"Ah!"
He spotted someone and waved enthusiastically.
"Vicky!"
Tiago had described her as someone he'd cheerfully greet on the street, wholesome and innocent—so I'd assumed a guy. But the one waving back was a woman. Asian, as promised.
"Tiaaago!"
The moment she bounded over with a beaming smile, I jolted in shock.
"Jeong... Ha-yoon... ?!"