Kiss the Ground

The thought that occurred just before the ball touched the foot was a leisurely one, ‘What ceremony would be good?’ It was a moment as if even a wide-angle lens was looking in, with an unusually broad field of view. A teammate from the same team, who had side-stepped and entered near the goalpost, preparing for an early cross, appeared vividly in slow motion. Soon after, the ball, about half a beat fast, flew like a laser under Chahyun’s foot and slowly bounced up in front of his eyes.With a clear opportunity for a valid shot in front of him, it’s a common experience for any forward to gather their words as time seems to slow down. However, in this moment, Chahyun truly felt the flow of time coming to a halt. Even transparent droplets clinging to the soccer ball were visible. Perhaps it was the sweat of someone desperate or the dew on the lush grass of the ground.The angle and position were exactly as anticipated. It felt like playing the role of a character in a script written by someone, performing the role assigned for a moment like this. Making the heart beat or breathing seemed unimportant at this moment.Caught off guard by the swift attack, the defenders of Italy’s Umbertide FC stumbled backward like newborn giraffes, and the goalkeeper didn’t even glance this way. The shooting space that would lead Chahyun to an honorable comeback goal crossed straight through the midst.It’s going in. Chahyun kicked with his left foot instinctively.The perfectly kicked ball flew as if sucked into the right side of the goal net. A half-volley shot! Along with a momentary silence, a deafening roar, like an avalanche, covered the ground as the spectators poured down from the stands.The dramatic turnaround goal that Winchester United FC scored in the 96th minute, maintaining the agonizing flow of 1-1 from the first half, was enough to move the old fans who had been thirsty for Champions League Round of 16 for nearly three years. The red wave in the Winchester stands began to roar like rough waves. Chahyun ran along the edge of the field, chasing after the foot that had kicked the shot.Fantastic goal!With a record of finishing fourth in the domestic league last year, Winchester United FC secured a spot in the Champions League with this goal and would advance to the Round of 16 a month later as the leaders of Group E.Receiving the cheers of the Saint Briton Ainsworth Stadium, Chahyun ran backward on the field. Heat rose through his spine, reaching his neck and face. His chest was filled with a bursting sense of excitement. The consideration for the ceremony seemed pale in comparison to running aimlessly on the ground.A fireworks display celebrating the home club’s goal and the end of the game adorned the evening sky above the stadium fantastically. The flash of the camera flickered like a star.“Yoon Chahyun Season 25th Goal Imminent,” “Personal Season All-time Highest Goal for South Korea,” “Possibility of Asia’s First Ballon d’Or Award”… Exciting headlines from the homeland’s sports dailies raced through my mind. By now, as the early dawn approaches, the home country, currently active at the forefront of overseas leagues, will be in a frenzy over the news of the young Korean player leading an English club thirsty for victory to the Round of 16 with a wonder goal. Even the family members who chose not to go to the UK, not wanting to burden him, are likely watching this moment.Overwhelmed with emotion, Chahyun stopped his legs and stood tall on the ground. Even thinking about it himself… it was indeed a perfect shot.“Yuan!”In the thunderous shout, Chahyun turned around at the familiar voice calling him. His teammate Jude Ingram rushed in and wrapped his arms around Chahyun’s shoulders.Shaking his head in bewilderment, Chahyun realized too late that the person who lifted the ball to him was Jude. They had become close friends since Jude transferred to Winchester United FC, and now they were the kind of friends who understood each other without words. Before Chahyun could say anything, Winston and Alois, the midfielders, rushed towards him like hungry wolves.“I knew it! Leroy bet 200 pounds that Yuan would score the comeback goal. He’s really a crazy guy.”“He did it in the end, so he’s not crazy!”“The way he’s running towards us crying, he does seem a bit crazy.”Despite being jostled by the towering figures of European giants exceeding an average of 6 feet, Chahyun received each punch from his teammates one by one. The players who ran towards him from their positions formed a unity, celebrating the dramatic victory, raising cheers and shouts. Amidst the clapping and hitting hands, Chahyun swayed like a scarecrow, but the joy shaking the ground showed no signs of subsiding.After goalkeeper Luga, who had been restraining his teammates with his long and strong arms, let them go, the view of the stadium began to come into focus for Chahyun. The coaches of Winchester FC, just as excited as the fans and players, were not holding back in sharing the joy of the dramatic victory.“Look at Blue. He’s gone crazy.”“Well, can you blame him?”Jude echoed Chahyun’s words. Blue, Maximilian Blaifroy, Winchester FC’s coach, was lying on the ground, overcome with emotion, not entering the field but lying down, shedding tears. Given his naturally tearful and emotional nature, it was natural for him to achieve the triumph of reaching the Round of 16 after three years and lose composure.Watching Blue sprawled with outstretched legs, surrounded by sports journalists with buzzing cameras capturing the scene, Chahyun and Jude burst into laughter.“Yuan.”Someone called Chahyun with that nostalgic voice. Both Jude and Chahyun turned their heads towards the source of the sound. Approaching with arms wide open towards Chahyun was Misha Asplund, a midfielder for Winchester FC. Shaking his sandy-colored hair, he was the hero of the late equalizing goal in the second half of the unfavorable 1:0 game.“Misha! Seeing you come late, did Leroy bet 200 pounds that Yuan would steal the spotlight? Seems like he’s hurting.”While hearing Jude’s teasing remark, Misha, who had approached, suddenly wrapped Chahyun’s neck with his extended arms.“Oh…”With a sudden embrace from Misha, Jude, who let out a playful sigh, stepped back a few paces. Chahyun met Misha’s shoulders, which were a few centimeters higher than his own.Even with a thin rash guard and uniform in between, the contact of their chests still felt the palpitations of the heart that had not completely calmed down. Like lace just finished, the hearts of the two thumped out of sync. In the midst of the reporters rushing to them, sensing some meaning in the hug between the hero of the equalizing goal that changed the flow of the game and the dramatic hero who led Winchester FC to the next game with a comeback goal, Chahyun and Jude chuckled.“Misha, well done. Today’s victory is thanks to you.”Chahyun whispered in Misha’s ear, and it seemed like he wouldn’t miss a single sound. His words were sincere. If Misha hadn’t leveled the playing field, the same result couldn’t have been guaranteed. With the flash firing continuously, capturing the scene around them, Chahyun’s words were heartfelt. Misha, like a big dog, rested his head on Chahyun’s shoulder.“Yuan.”A soft voice that ironically suited his tall stature flowed from under Chahyun’s arm. Despite the significant age difference, the brotherly relationship between them didn’t carry much meaning here. However, Misha, who was several years younger, always managed to make himself seem younger to Chahyun. Praising Chahyun’s broad back like a younger brother, Misha received the compliment with pride.“You did really well.”Unexpectedly, Misha released Chahyun from his embrace. Despite being fellow players, the difference in stature pushed Chahyun aside mercilessly. Surprised, Chahyun looked at Misha’s neck and chin, and Misha firmly held them with both hands. The reflection of the stadium lights in his eyes sparkled for a fleeting moment.And then, unexpectedly, Misha pulled Chahyun’s neck and kissed him.Oh… Unlike before, Jude’s astonishment, which was as scarce as a speck of dust in playfulness, echoed. The surrounding noise instantly subsided, and a stillness flowed. While Chahyun was unable to react to the unexpected situation, the cameras for the shoot mechanically rotated around the two. Good heavens. Only an unintentional exclamation from a journalist cut through the silence.I did contemplate what kind of ceremony to have, but a kiss is a bit much.Still unable to shake off the heat from the enthusiastic crowd and the shocked faces of fellow players, Chahyun closed his eyes and let the cameras snap away. The continuous sound of shutters filled his ears like thunder.In the central area of the 107×71 square meter stadium, time seemed to stretch into eternity as the two men kissed.On that evening, it goes without saying that the passionate kiss ceremony of the key figures who led Winchester FC to victory had become the focus of the media.***“…We’re sending you greetings from a special booth set up at Incheon International Airport. We are currently welcoming back Yoon Chahyun, who returned to Korea after finishing the match against Ubertide FC and is soon to have a friendly match with Ivory Coast. He’s the hero who achieved Winchester’s long-awaited advancement to the Round of 16, isn’t he?”“Oh, it’s exaggerated.”“Yoon Chahyun has always maintained a humble attitude, but the last wonder goal must have garnered a really enthusiastic response even locally in England. As much anticipation was placed on this season’s league victory, your impressions must be fresh. Can we hear a few words?”“Yes. Since Ubertide FC has been a long-time rival, we knew each other’s strategies and situations well, which was both an advantage and a disadvantage. So, we needed tactics that surpassed the opponent’s expectations…”“It seems like the fantastic half-volley just before the end of the game was part of a strategy to pierce the opponent’s defense!”“Well, actually, that part wasn’t intentional before the game…”“So, you mean it wasn’t something you practiced in advance?”“That’s right.”“Amazing. Until the early hours of Tuesday, scenes that shook Korea across the sea must have been unforgettable. If you have a few words for Korean fans who supported Yoon Chahyun until late at night?”“Yes, thank you for the unwavering support. I’m proud that I could repay it with the game’s performance.”“Yes, thank you, Yoon Chahyun, for taking the interview right after returning home. Oh, and finally…”The short-haired female reporter, despite being on live broadcast, paused for a moment and fumbled with the paper on her lap. Yoon Chahyun, sensing her blatant hesitation, lowered his head and closed his eyes, realizing that the extensive interview so far was merely a prelude to this final question.“After the game, the ceremony with midfielder Misha Asplund was quite impressive. Do you have any comments on that?”It had come. The first hurdle to return to his homeland.***The friendly match between South Korea and Ivory Coast had found a remarkable place in the midst of the Champions League group stage and Round of 16 matches. Yoon Chahyun, who had naturally gained recognition in the national team as a young Korean player playing at the forefront of overseas leagues, had been granted an exceptional early return to participate in his country’s friendly match. This was thanks to his dramatic performance in the game against Ubertide FC just two days ago.Originally, Chahyun should have dedicated himself to practice at Winchester FC’s club ground for the month leading up to the Round of 16 match. However, Coach Blue surprised those around him by personally escorting Chahyun to the airport, showing an encouraging gesture that shocked everyone. It was a sign of trust sent to the main character who had turned Winchester, which had finished each season with poor results and fallen into a sense of helplessness, into a beacon of hope.Although it was a tight stay of about a week, being able to set foot in Korea, even for a short time, was good news for Chahyun. Due to the atmosphere at the club, which had ignited expectations for this season as he had promised to show something, he hadn’t stepped on Korean soil for over half a year. As a result, Chahyun’s phone was always buzzing with messages from colleagues and family in Korea.However, this return was not just a source of pride and joy for Chahyun.The Champions League group stage, particularly the highly anticipated last game in Death Group E, where attention from around the world was focused.The kiss ceremony that followed Yoon Chahyun and Misha Asplund’s dramatic performance in the last ten seconds of the game against Ubertide FC had been more than enough to plunge the entire football world into a vortex of shock. (Chahyun didn’t know it had actually lasted for about ten seconds.) Based on the emotional scenario of Winchester FC’s dramatic victory, the kiss between the two players had become a hot topic worldwide overnight. The excited embrace and the final kiss, broadcast live, had been shown in real-time around the world.Therefore, until the moment he left for the locker room right after, Chahyun had been vaguely optimistic that the incident would be covered as a brief clip in the late-night sports news, at best with a common name like ‘an awkward happening’ mentioned by the announcer. However, the problem was that Misha Asplund’s kiss with Chahyun did not stop at his cheek or ear. The sequence of scenes where Misha tightly embraced Chahyun, whispered something, and then abruptly, simultaneously, and inexplicably tenderly brought their lips together was walking a tightrope on the borderline between sports and romance. The video, skillfully capturing the heated aftermath of the match and the subtle sexual tension, spread like wildfire across all media and social networks, fueled by the public’s wild enthusiasm.So, when Chahyun forced down the victory juice he couldn’t stomach and collapsed onto his bed early the next day, spitting out the hangover oatmeal he was having for breakfast, it was an entirely expected outcome.“Winchester FC Sets the Stage for Victory – The Kiss at St. Ainsworth Stadium”The full-color photo covering an entire page, accompanied by a headline no larger than a fist, was unmistakably Misha and Yoon Chahyun. Misha firmly pressed his hands against the back of Chahyun’s neck and jaw, overlapping his lips with Chahyun’s, while Chahyun, eyes tightly closed as if giving up on everything, had his head tilted to the side. The image of Misha’s chocolate-colored hair, now even darker with sweat, flowing messily over his furrowed forehead, would not have seemed out of place in a scene from a 1960s French romance film. The droplets of water clinging to his long eyelashes made the young player’s profile appear both innocent and emotionally charged.And then, with his large hand gripping Chahyun’s face, making him go limp as if lifeless, and his eyes closed in a seemingly lifeless state, Chahyun looked like the victim in a splatter film. The fact that half of Judd’s face was peeking out from the corner of the photo, gazing at their kiss with protruding eyes, was an added bonus. It truly was an oddly fitting yet mismatched collage.Only then did Chahyun realize that he had been overly optimistic in thinking that the incident would end as just a happening. People liked sensational and shocking news, and the media loved responding to them. This delicate interaction, within the short span of 12 hours, had undergone infinite magnification and reproduction, creating a strange scandal that even the parties involved couldn’t touch.With the situation being what it was, Chahyun naturally tried to find Misha Asplund, the main character of the same situation and the perpetrator of the incident. He was planning to give him a piece of his mind, perhaps even jokingly threaten to have their scandal featured on the front page of the morning newspaper by hitting his shoulders with his fist. The two of them were teammates who might have to face each other for several months or even years to come. It shouldn’t be awkward or uncomfortable due to the excessive coverage from the media.At least, in the eyes of Chahyun and Misha, this incident needed to be concluded with a laugh. It should become a story they could recall and laugh about together every time they scored a goal in the many upcoming matches.However, as numerous teammates passed by Chahyun, teasing him relentlessly, Misha was nowhere to be seen. The scheduled return to Korea on that day was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. In the end, unable to meet Misha even once, Chahyun boarded the flight to Korea as if being chased. Thus, he missed the golden time to laugh off this subtle and strange sports-romance-scandal.It was when the London Heathrow-bound plane, after an 11-hour flight, landed at Incheon International Airport, awaiting the passengers to disembark. Chahyun finally turned on his phone and opened the portal site he had deliberately avoided connecting to.The intense ceremony of Yoon Chahyun was broadcast in real-time, and Korea was no exception. The atmosphere in which the nation seemed to treat the incident more as a source of amusement than a scandal was somewhat fortunate. However, the destructive power of the jokes written in the native language was more potent than any English article. Until now, Chahyun had managed to avoid seeing how his home country was reacting, but with an interview looming, he needed to know what was going on.Several messages from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcoming his arrival arrived, and slowly, the familiar website began unfolding before Chahyun’s eyes. He glanced through the screen with a heavy heart.“No way, this is driving me crazy….”The main screen of the portal site was distressing, to say the least. Even two days after the match, the country was still heated up with news of his victory in the overseas league. Without even going to the sports section, most of the news adorning the main page was Yoon Chahyun’s pictures, to be precise, a two-shot of Yoon Chahyun and Misha.Chahyun skimmed through the largest headline on the main page. “Yoon Chahyun, displays fantastic theater goal in the 96th minute, showcasing passionate camaraderie behind.”… And below it, the even more high-definition shot of the two kissing.Is this really the photo they chose for the main headline? Not scenes of Aloys Pfuhni’s pressing or Luca Eckein’s stellar performance, or even scenes of my own successful shots? A news page opened before Chahyun’s eyes, trembling hands swiftly pulling down the main photo hanging like a billboard. The comment section was buzzing with out-of-place discussions.[Even if you roll backward, you can see the tongue going in.]└ In terms of angles, is there space for the tongue to go in?└ No way, it’s just a kiss, not something crazy.└ Even a kiss is not entirely normal,,[If you watch the gif, it clearly went in.]└ It went in 222ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ└ 33[Let’s review this with VAR, not like this.]└ Yeah, seems like we need an accurate judgment.└ Couldn’t sleep for two days because I’m curious if they kissedㅠㅠㅠㅜㅜㅜHe didn’t. Chahyun fumbled with the phone screen with a soulless hand. Photos of Chahyun and Misha taken from various angles and distances covered the news list. No wonder the shutter sound was so loud. In between, sporadic images of Blue wailing were included, but it provided no solace to Chahyun. The popular search terms on the website were even more absurd.[1 ― Yoon Chahyun kiss ▲][2 ― Yoon Chahyun ceremony ▲][3 ― Yoon Chahyun Misha new][4 ― Yoon Chahyun smooch ▲][5 ― Misha Asplund ▲][6 ― Kiss ceremony new]……“Ovande?” (What is this?)No matter how many times he refreshed, the results were the same. Even scrolling through the screen until his fingerprints wore off didn’t change anything. Chahyun, hands trembling like a grandfather encountering a smart device for the first time, squinted his watery eyes.The ecstatic crowd, drenched in sweat, with a player locking eyes intensely with the opponent in front of 70,000 spectators had something terrifying about it. They cheered. They admired. They called him a son of Korea!Chahyun shivered with a sense of betrayal. No matter how much people liked sensational things, who would pay more attention to a sweaty public kiss than a historic theater goal from a promising young player? He felt a sense of betrayal.Thinking about the upcoming domestic interview the moment he stepped off the plane, Chahyun covered his face with both hands. It felt like all the prepared remarks had flown away somewhere.***Chahyun’s final response to the reporter’s last question was ultimately like this.“Uh, I was excited.”After all, football is a team sport that cannot be done alone. Just because one person is good doesn’t mean the team will definitely win, and the game won’t go well just because you gather good players. You need to know each other well, and your movements should match perfectly. To achieve that, you have to practice a lot and spend a lot of time together, so teammates become more like family or friends… Moreover, that friend is still young and inexperienced. So, it was an exciting and spontaneous action.In his nervousness, Chahyun, instead of saying what needed to be said, excessively omitted with just five letters. He thought it was a disaster, but the ball had already flown to the center.Upon Chahyun’s hesitant response, the reporter pursed her lips, made a subtle expression for a moment, and then released Chahyun with the closing statement. She seemed to be planning to give a boost to the newspaper… Like a child who lost his mother, Chahyun lowered his head awkwardly, surrounded by flashes and shutter sounds of numerous cameras. If it were a camera, he would have developed a nervous tic.“Chahyun, I really, really support you!”“Hyung, I love you!”Behind Chahyun, as he slowly moved his feet along with the broadcast staff, affectionate voices followed him. Those who expressed love no matter what happened were generally younger fans. Chahyun accepted the letters and gifts pouring in through the security guards and headed towards the limousine. The realization that he had finally stepped on Korean soil overwhelmed him amidst the various native languages heard here and there. The scent, which had been left far away, was now faintly perceptible.Sitting in the back seat of the car, Chahyun waved vigorously at the fans. The somewhat uneasy feeling in his chest slightly eased. Well, what can you do, just store it. Chahyun decided to focus on resolving the friendly match that lay ahead immediately. Even if it was Winchester United’s home ground that he had to return to.For some reason, in his mind, the adult-like chestnut-colored hair, Chahyun had to make an effort to erase it under his eyelids.The Paju NFC Ground, stepped on after a long time, felt good. Coming out to the central field for warming up before breakfast, Chahyun knelt on the grass and touched the studs of his soccer shoes. With only the Panmunjom as a nearby building, the air was clear and refreshing.The Paju Training Center, established for the exclusive training and accommodation of the South Korean national football team, boasted a vast area of over 50,000 pyeong. It included eight standard grass fields, one indoor artificial turf field, as well as accommodations for players and staff, lecture halls, a restaurant, and leisure spaces. As a single sports center, it was the largest in Korea.Although it was a facility that made people gasp with admiration the first time they set foot, for Chahyun, it was a familiar place he had used since his K-League days. Chahyun occasionally missed the feeling of the grass here, which had deeper and firmer roots than in Europe. Of course, his favorite thing was the sauna for players in the recreation area.In the center of the center, on the first field, players gathered from early in the morning, warming up with light movements. Most of the players gathered were midfielders since Chahyun had been selected for the national team a long time ago, but there were some young players who glanced at Chahyun. The ground, which displayed a spectrum ranging from players in their early twenties to veterans in their mid-thirties, exuded a subtle tension.“Yoon Chahyun!”Someone forcefully slapped Chahyun’s back, causing his body to lean forward. When he turned around after feeling the impact, he found his one-year senior, Choi Namwoo, standing there. Choi Namwoo had been connected to Chahyun since the time when Chahyun played as a regular for Seoul FC’s youth soccer team.“Namwoo hyung. It’s been a really long time.”“Hey, you! If you came to Paju, you should’ve run up to say hello to your senior. Did you talk big, saying you’ve had some foreign food? Is the fish and chips really that good?”“Why? I still watch all the games you play. I even looked up the one against Incheon FC last time. It was just like the old days, wasn’t it?”“Don’t talk about Incheon. We got completely thrashed.”“But you played well, right? You spread out in the second half… It’s just that you can’t fool your age, huh?”“We don’t have much of an age difference, do we?”Namwoo hit Chahyun’s back again. Even though Chahyun rolled his eyes, Namwoo still had a cheerful face. Namwoo, who had steadfastly defended Seoul FC’s defense since Chahyun played as a regular in the youth team, was still the same with his easygoing and generous personality, now proudly wearing the captain’s armband for the national team. Thanks to his rare soft temperament in the rough sports world, he had many junior players following him, and Chahyun, who had experienced a lot of hardship in the past, was one of them.“You’ve been doing well lately. How did you manage to leave Korea from there? You’re probably holding on tight and won’t let go because of the Round of 16.”“Well… They sent me off saying I did well this time. It felt like a reward vacation.”“A reward vacation, and you’re playing in the A-match? Are you crazy? You might really get injured.”Shrugging at Namwoo’s incredible words, Chahyun responded. The ongoing controversy about his frequent appearances in high-intensity matches was indeed true. However, Chahyun’s positive trend, steadily rising despite the busy schedule of matches, had been drawing attention since the start of the group stage. Now, with his club team’s tournament advance imminent, he didn’t want to disrupt the favorable momentum with unnecessary rest. With an expression that showed no complaints, Namwoo nodded at Chahyun.“As long as you’re okay, that’s enough. Playing for the national team after a long time, isn’t it burdensome?”“Anyway, whether I do well or not, I’m just Chahyun.”“That’s true.”Namwoo chuckled at Chahyun’s nonchalant response. When he first joined the U-17, he had been somewhat fearful of the public, who would praise or criticize him for every gesture. Now, having played for various clubs, everything had become familiar. While there was no need to completely block out what was said, it wasn’t necessary to take everything to heart either.