The Plan (3)
So, you drove here?
Why are you so surprised? I showed you my license last time.
No, it's just...
Angela's expression turns hesitant when I mention driving the car. It seems like she's thinking she should let me drive once, but unexpectedly, a word of defense comes from right next to me.
You drive well. Anyone would think you've been driving for almost ten years.
Look, I said I drive well, didn't I?
Haha. That little kid is all grown up and already driving. Amazing, Ha-neul.
I'll give you a ride sometime.
Tina, but maybe you're just making up words because Ha-neul is looking at you?
Ah! No, Tina, say something.
...Honestly, I think I drive better than you.
Really?
Angela, who knows Valentina isn't one to make empty words, now takes my word as true. Anyway, why do everyone react like that when I say I drive?
...Well, it wasn't that I didn't understand. A young woman just becoming an adult driving around is unusual.
But, what kind of car did you come in?
...I borrowed it from the dormitory.
...Oh. Do they lend cars to players from the dorm? As far as I know, there's no such rule in La Masia.
Angela's words are correct. The car borrowing rules are quite strict.
But even if the rules are strict, it doesn't mean the procedure is complicated, so players just borrow cars when they're free and drive around. But Angela keeps pressing on that point.
Well, seeing the mischievous glint in Angela's eyes, she probably knows the fact too, but she's enjoying my predicament.
...I'm sorry.
If it was just Angela and me, I would have joined in the prank, but since Valentina is here, I apologize to respect the supervisor's authority.
Hmm, hmm.
And the unexpected apology makes Angela cough awkwardly. If it was the usual Angela, she would have taken this as one of my pranks, but with Valentina here, it's like she's holding back. There's also a worry that maybe I shouldn't have been in the 1:1 conversation between the two, but seeing them like this, it seems I did well to insert myself.
Anyway, in this schedule, the two of you were able to perform well and win. As a supervisor, I'm grateful.
No, thank you, Supervisor.
Hey, that's the players' job.
Responding appropriately to Angela's attempt to change the subject, I wait for the food to come. And the conversation topic is almost entirely about me.
But, Tina. How is Ha-neul doing in the dorm lately?
Well, it's the same every day. After training, he plays soccer or watches soccer videos.
As always, nothing has changed since he was little. Ha-neul, how about going out and doing some shopping or something?
You know, Aunt, I don't like those things.
Well, it's true. Since I only knew soccer since I was little. Sigh, who will take such an unlovable boy?
But this is a bit awkward. Even now, my DMs are filled with photos of women from all over the world, so to speak. But if I talk about that, Angela and even Valentina would get angry, so I just nod quietly.
If it's Tina's personality, she probably wouldn't hesitate to go find and kill me.
Somehow, I think Valentina would do that, so I laugh inwardly.
Anyway, while laughing inwardly and chatting, the food comes out, and a bottle of wine is placed in front of us.
Eh? Wine? There's training tomorrow...
I look at Angela with a panicked expression, but Angela gives an okay expression and says.
It's fine. Just a glass of wine.
Well, after consulting with experts for diet management, it was said that one glass of red wine is better for recovery (though I don't know if the research results vary, but anyway). As long as I don't overdrink, it should be okay.
Then, just one glass. Ah, but I came in that car...
Honestly, one glass of wine wouldn't make me drunk, and in Spain, a glass of wine isn't even considered drunk driving, but to be safe, I wanted to prevent any unexpected situations.
And, actually, after drinking heavily, I died in a helicopter crash accident, so I wanted to avoid alcohol and driving.
Ah, right. I forgot. I already reserved it before you two came. Then, this is...
Angela doesn't know about my trauma, but an aunt who encourages her nephew to drink and drive wouldn't exist, so Angela tries to call the server back to take away the wine. But then.
Ah, it's fine. Supervisor. I'll drive.
Valentina stops Angela.
Hmm.... Well, if it's Tina, it's fine. Yeah, thanks. Tina. Actually, this is the first time I've drunk with Ha-neul. Normally, adults should teach these things. But since I'm the supervisor and there's talk of drinking personally with players, it might be awkward, so I wanted to tell you about today with Tina here, but I'm glad Tina is here.
I understand why Angela gave me wine today. If Ha-neul and Angela were alone, a male player and female supervisor drinking alone, bad rumors would spread, so it wouldn't have been possible on a day like today.
No, thank you, Supervisor.
Valentina shakes her head at Angela's gratitude.
Thank you. Tina. And Ha-neul.
Yes?
Did you drink before I taught you?
At Angela's stern expression, I almost make eye contact with Valentina. But if I did that, Angela might notice, so I fix my gaze on Angela.
Ah, last time...
At that moment, Valentina suddenly opens her mouth, and I reflexively pinch Angela's thigh.
Ugh.... I drank separately, but Ha-neul didn't.
Hoo... Fortunately, it seems Angela didn't notice. If the rumor that I drank with friends reached Angela's mother, who is her friend, and then to her father, my father would definitely fly to Barcelona with his younger sister Bada, but it was fortunate.
Haha, well, girls can drink a glass of beer from 14-15. Still, Tina, alcohol is the enemy of players. You know?
Of course, Supervisor. I don't like it much either. When I see drunk people acting rough, it comes to mind.
Valentina smiles while looking at me. Damn, did I make another mistake after drinking? But since that day I got caught drinking for the first time, I haven't acted rough...
Haha, that's the charm of this alcohol. But today, there won't be any of that. Just one glass. Ha-neul. Don't drink too much just because it tastes good.
...Okay.
Valentina's smile makes me uneasy, so I hesitate to drink. But it was my first drink with Angela, and one glass of wine is nothing like grape juice, so I take the wine Angela offers.
Then, while cutting the steak with wine, the meal flows. Many stories come and go: my story, Valentina's worries, Angela's advice, etc., most of which are about soccer, our interest, so the time passes quickly, to the point where eating the food is a pity.
Aunt, but didn't Aunt come by car?
Well, adults have their own ways.
...Sure, if it's Angela level with her fame and appearance, even if a bit older, no one would stop her in Barcelona or even in Spanish clubs.
Tsk. Why don't you quickly catch a decent man and get married.
I'm worried about how long she'll keep enjoying like this, but since I don't have the time to talk to Angela about that, I keep my mouth shut.
Then, Aunt. I ate well today. Ah, should I pay the bill? Aunt, you haven't renewed your contract yet?
Teasing an adult. If I say you ate it all, how will Wisdom look at you?
Anyway, since I'm the highest paid among us, receiving about 250 million won per week, I joke, and Angela smiles faintly and stands up. When I try to stand too, something makes the floor feel unsteady, and I almost fall.
But, immediately, Valentina reaches out and grabs my body.
Ha-neul, are you okay?
Uh.... It's just one glass.... Ugh. It seems wine doesn't sit well with this body.
...You don't seem to handle alcohol well.
What kind of nonsense is that.
In my previous life, I could handle 2-3 bottles of wine without a problem.... Hearing Valentina's absurd slander makes me furious. But other alcohols weren't that bad, but it definitely felt like wine doesn't sit well.
What time is it now? 9 o'clock? Nice and late. Anyway, let's go back to the dorm.
This place is right in the middle of Barcelona, and if the photo of Valentina supporting me comes out, weird rumors will spread, so I push away Valentina who is trying to support me and walk out of the restaurant as straight as possible.
Then, see you tomorrow.
Aunt, can I come out tomorrow?
Of course. I'm still active.
Supervisor, see you tomorrow.
Yeah, Tina, you worked hard too. Drive safely.
Yes.
After saying goodbye to Angela, we head to the parking lot, and Valentina starts the engine.
Ha-neul.
...Yeah?
Are you okay?
A bit dizzy.
Ugh. Then...
Valentina sitting in the driver's seat mutters something. It seems like she's preparing something, but her small voice isn't heard.
Ah.... Wine really doesn't sit well. Anyway, let's go back.
Yeah, in this state, there's no choice.
After starting the engine and driving, my stomach keeps churning. And somehow, the car that feels like my home feels scary. Like the feeling when I fell from the helicopter that time....
Ah, damn. It's already a past event.
Are you okay? You seem to be sweating cold.
Drive, concentrate on driving.
I say coldly without realizing. Valentina didn't drink, but the pilot didn't drink when she was on the helicopter that time either.
Ugh...
Are you okay?
I'm okay, so concentrate!
My head is spinning. I think I'm going to die again.
Ah, no way. Ha-neul, let's rest a bit.
But even in the middle of that, Valentina's obvious suggestion to rest makes me laugh. It was the kind of thing men say to drunk women in my previous life. Clearly obvious acting....
...In the end, there are no friends?
Seeing Valentina thinking of taking me to the hotel because my condition is bad, even with my head spinning and hands and feet trembling, a bitter smile comes out.
Yeah, this is what women of this world are like.
If I go to the hotel according to Valentina's words here, then after that.... Because I feel the fear of death, is that bad? It doesn't seem bad either. But the next morning, I'll regret it. And I'll lose one friend.
There is a park in front of here. Let's walk there for a bit while sobering up. Anyway, why is he drinking so much when he can't even drink alcohol?
...Park?
Yeah. There's one in front. Let's walk a little there. It's still 9 o'clock, so no dangerous people.
...My face is red. As much as I want to erase my brain that thought such things with a real friend like Valentina.
...Eh.
Your face got even redder. You really shouldn't drink wine no matter what. If you want to drink, do it only in front of me.
...Okay.
At Valentina's pressure, I unconsciously use the honorific.
*
The light from the streetlamp illuminates the bench. And there is Ha-neul's figure fidgeting as if he did something wrong.
Anyway, he's tall, but why is he so cute.
178cm. Even if he's 10cm smaller than average, even if I go to the Netherlands where average height is the tallest, can a person with such a height be so cute? Valentina sits on the bench and watches Ha-neul who can't sit still.
When Ha-neul lifts his head, he meets eyes with Valentina who is standing and watching him. And when their eyes meet, Ha-neul trembles all over and turns his gaze away.
Is it because he's cold?
Although March has started, it's a good day even if nights are a bit chilly, so Valentina is worried about Ha-neul, so she takes off the jacket she's wearing.
Hey.
Uh, yeah?
Put it on.
No, it's fine.
Forcing the jacket on Ha-neul's rejecting shoulder makes me feel at ease. But, there's a momentary worry that the jacket might smell. Fortunately, seeing him not scrunch his face, it seems there's no smell.
But, Ha-neul who was putting the jacket on his shoulder seems to have made a decision, and with a firm expression, he stands up from his seat.
I'm really not cold. And I don't like this kind of thing much.
What kind of thing? Then don't shake your body.
Clearly, his condition is bad, and while shaking his body.... Valentina almost gets angry. But looking at Ha-neul's face illuminated by the streetlamp as if receiving a halo, the anger melts away like snow.
And only regret remains for having spoken rudely to Ha-neul.
I'm really okay.
Ha-neul's pitiful appearance extending the jacket. Ha-neul lifts his head and looks up at me.
Dark surroundings, the streetlamp illuminating only Ha-neul, eyes like containing stars, flushed cheeks from alcohol, lips stained red like wine because of the red wine. And an expression that seems firmly decided, stimulating female instinct, and lips red like cheeks because of red wine.
Valentina, who has held back her desires for over ten years, feels like she can't hold back anymore the more she looks into his eyes.
Didn't drink alcohol.... But can just smelling it make you drunk?
Valentina unconsciously approaches Ha-neul, and the moment she comes to her senses, something wet is felt from his lips.
Uhm...
No, the moment something wet is felt, she can't come to her senses again.