Kiss the Ground

The Round of 16, first leg match, the matchday between Winchester and Birmingham. The game was scheduled for 8 p.m., but Winchester FC players’ schedule had started early in the morning. Since the first leg was taking place at Winchester’s home stadium, Saint Britten Ainsworth Stadium, there was some relaxation for the players in terms of warming up compared to the away team. However, the subtle tension that permeated the entire club was no different from any other match.After completing warm-ups and brief exercises, the afternoon quickly passed. Only two hours before the game, players, including Yoon Chahyun, changed into club suits from their training attire and shouldered their team bags. Players with the potential to play, including substitutes, took the club limousine bus, while those with injuries or absent players would travel separately later.As the players left the locker room, they carried an underlying tension despite their usual playful attitudes. The staff, loading various equipment onto carts for transportation in preparation for the game, also wore serious expressions. The club limousine bus parked in the parking lot behind the training center, waiting for the players. The low hum of the engine warming up felt like its heartbeat, and Yoon Chahyun clenched his fist slightly.Yoon Chahyun had never felt the weight of playing in overseas leagues. Playing on the international stage fundamentally involved teamwork but was also a fierce individual competition to showcase outstanding performances and claim one’s share in the world’s eyes. It was a different essence from national competitions where players gathered under the name of their homeland, driven by responsibility and duty.However, this Round of 16 league match was different. They had to win to advance to the next game. They made that promise. What tickled Yoon Chahyun’s fingertips, firmly clenched, was a determination that went beyond personal pride or the joy of victory.***The limousine bus came to a stop behind the stadium’s back gate. Since it was the starting match of the tournament, the club had deliberately avoided the main gate, expecting a large crowd. However, somehow, the already gathered spectators, like clouds, easily surpassed the club’s operations department’s expectations. Judd, who was following behind Chahyun, quietly whispered to his teammates as they descended the bus exit stairs.“Is this the club limousine we rode, or is it a cash escort bus? Look at all the guards.”“It seems like there are twice as many as fans…?”“Don’t even dream that they’ll consider signing autographs for you.”Leroy and Winston, lined up behind, answered while looking outside the bus exit. Security personnel, like giants, were lined up from the drop-off area to the entrance for club officials, creating a passage where only players could move freely. It must have been an extraordinary measure taken by the Winchester FC management, having experienced a major incident. Yoon Chahyun waved his hand gently to the fans visible through the narrow gap with a more bitter heart than anyone else.“Yoon Chahyun! Over here.”“Sungjoo hyung. It’s been a while since I’ve seen your face.”Cheon Sungjoo, who had informed Yoon Chahyun of the arrival of the filming team in the UK through a phone call yesterday, was smiling warmly towards Yoon Chahyun. Next to him, a cameraman holding broadcasting equipment hastily bowed to greet Yoon Chahyun. Both of them had press badges hanging loosely around their necks. They seemed to have arrived at the stadium early, despite earlier concerns about being late. Yoon Chahyun stepped away from the line of players and stood next to Sungjoo.“It’s been a while, and you’re here. Why is your team so late? I was scared waiting for you. The Birmingham guys arrived a while ago.”“What’s good about a home game? We had a leisurely time coming out after training at the center and having breakfast.”“Isn’t that too relaxed? You have to play well today. The Round of 16 match is the opening part of this documentary.”“…Is it really being filmed?”“Should we film it fake then? Don’t be nervous. We’re just doing another interview after the game today.”He had done broadcasting one or two times before. Sungjoo patted Chahyun’s shoulder with a casual expression. Nowadays, even Baduk players had to communicate with fans, which was his motto and assertion in the media industry. What about sports players running and jumping in front of the audience in real-time? It wasn’t an entirely unreasonable story, so Chahyun also found it acceptable. Sungjoo asked.“Is the starting lineup for today’s game the same as announced? Winchester’s coach is weirdly known for making substitutions at the last minute. It’s causing headaches for reporters.”“It’s probably unchanged today. Maybe.”Cheon Sungjoo rummaged through the documents he was holding. A hint of seriousness flashed across his face.“The attacking lineup is similar to last time, right? Cahill Love is returning from this game onwards.”“Oh, I thought Cahill wouldn’t be back yet. Is his injury okay now?”“I thought you wouldn’t be out, you punk. Do you know how worried I was that you might not be in the starting lineup because your condition is supposedly bad these days? Worried about the screen time!”“Why worry about me? I can play, can’t I?”Sungjoo brushed off Chahyun’s nonchalant response. It was true that there were concerns about Chahyun’s recent shaky performance, so Sungjoo’s worry was understandable. However, Chahyun’s indifferent expression shattered with Sungjoo’s next question.“What about him?”“Who?”“Kiss.”“…”At the emergence of the cringe-worthy word once again, Chahyun furrowed his brows like an old pumpkin. Sungjoo looked at Chahyun with a nonchalant expression and drove the point home.“Why, you have your ‘kissing’ friend.”“No, you should call people by their names, what’s with that!”Chahyun’s serious tone caught the attention of some nearby journalists. Sungjoo casually nodded in response.“Oh, right. Misha As… Plun… I keep getting confused with that player’s name. Is he completely absent from this game due to an injury? Will it take long?”“…The Round of 16 seems challenging.”“It probably is. If there’s an injury on the face, it’s difficult to substitute. Somehow the formation has changed, and it looks like Cahill Love is taking the baton. It’s like swapping out a fixed piece.”“…”“It’s a shame since he’s still young. When you look at it from a distance, each game feels precious… especially at a time like this, outside the game, dealing with an injury.”Sungjoo spoke quietly, resting his chin on his hand. Chahyun looked down at the ground.The incident during Winchester FC’s Open Training Day had been almost broadcast in real-time to the public, but the details beyond the fact that Misha Asplund and Yoon Chahyun were the victims were not well-known. The specifics, like how Misha got hurt while trying to shield Chahyun, were not widely disclosed. The police considered it a private matter, and revealing the detailed account of such a shocking incident to the mass media was also deemed inappropriate.If one hadn’t been there in person, it would have been difficult to know that Misha’s injuries were the result of sacrifice. So, there was no malice in Cheon Sungjoo’s words, trying to prod Chahyun’s sense of guilt. It was just an objectively neutral comment from a third party…A heavy feeling settled in his heart once again. However, now was not the time to dwell on long-standing wounds. Chahyun raised his head and spoke, putting strength into each word.“I’ll be back for the next game.”With a serious expression, Sungjoo looked at Chahyun, who was anticipating a future game that hadn’t happened yet, with a slightly impressed gaze. He silently patted Chahyun’s shoulder once again, this time with a gesture filled with a different kind of strength.“Yeah, you’re determined, Yoon Chahyun. Just do as you’ve been doing.”Chahyun nodded, responding to Sungjoo’s supportive farewell, and walked deliberately to the locker room inside the stadium.***“All right, the last chance to participate in the game has come. Those who haven’t placed their bets, walk quickly.”Jude said sternly. As soon as he finished speaking, several players eagerly began to speak up.“Aloys, I bet 200.”“I’m betting 200 pounds on myself.”“Why do you always bet at moments like this? Couldn’t you do it in the locker room earlier?”Leroy frowned, turning around. Chahyun thought the jab made some sense because it was now three minutes before the official start of the game, the moment when players lined up in front of the entrance to go onto the field. The scene was filled with cameras, journalists, and, alongside them, the players of Birmingham United FC.St. Britein Ainsworth Stadium, packed with its 70,000-person capacity, felt like watching an enormous work of art created by humans. From the appearance of the players briefly stepping onto the field to stretch before the game, the crowd sent out a thunderous cheer.While the enthusiasm of Winchester’s fans, occupying most of the home stadium, was tremendous, the yellow wave of Birmingham FC’s cheering squad behind one goalpost was equally impressive. Considering the original tendency of away cheering sections to compete in terms of quantity of tools, the orange smoke covering Birmingham’s flags and stands was vivid and passionate.Amidst the cheers of the spectators, the sky quickly darkened as players stretched a bit to warm up. It was only when they returned to the locker room after the coach’s gesture signaling the final stand-by that Yoon Chahyun truly realized that the game he had been waiting for a long month was about to begin.From the almost pitch-black A match to this very moment, the first game of the tournament… Truly, how many events and incidents had occurred.“Hurry up and bet! We won’t accept applications during halftime.”Jude’s urging shattered the distant nostalgia. The tradition and bad habit of Winchester FC, goal betting, was taking shape on the gambling scene until just before the start of the match.“Ingram, is it appropriate to show such a competitive attitude in front of the kids?”Luga, the leading goalkeeper, turned around and spoke earnestly. His voice carried the added strictness of a father with a daughter. Only then did Jude, holding the hands of the players, become aware of the presence of the lead escort kid.“Do the kids understand the ruthless game of adults? They probably didn’t even grasp what we were saying.”“Well, maybe?”Aloys’ trivial words interjected in the middle, and Jude, relieved, sighed as if a weight had been lifted. Then he kneeled down, holding hands with the child who had realized the presence of the escort kid and looked affectionately into their eyes. Jude’s escort kid was a six-year-old with black hair divided into two ponytails. Despite their small stature, the cute friend in a slightly oversized uniform spoke with a clear and vivid voice, looking into Jude’s eyes seriously.“I bet 10 pounds on Cahill.”Jude’s hunched back, seen from behind, visibly tensed. Despite the child’s small voice, the direct deal was so clear that it seemed to reach everyone in the space. It was evident from the suppressed laughter that broke out among some Birmingham FC players standing nearby. Trying not to join the laughter, Yoon Chahyun bit his tongue slightly.Without a moment to ease Jude’s fragmented heart, the staff in front signaled for entry. Inserting Jude, who stood up awkwardly, between them, players from both teams walked in sync towards the field. The gaze of thousands of spectators was solely fixed on the players. League association staff, running quickly to the center of the field, unfolded a giant league logo, and in front of it, Birmingham and Winchester players stood side by side.The majestic theme song of the league covered the cheers of the crowd. Yoon Chahyun, holding his hands behind his back, looked into the distance. Overflowing spectators and flashing cameras. Scanning the whole scene and coming down, the last thing caught in his sight was Misha, sitting in the upper seat of the Winchester club’s bench area.You found a good spot. A seat where the entire field is clearly visible.Misha wore a deep red club jersey, similar to the uniform Chahyun was wearing. Despite the distant distance where only the color could barely be distinguished, somehow, Chahyun was sure that Misha was looking in this direction. Turning his body for the handshake with the opposing team, Chahyun clearly felt that transparent gray gaze behind him.***With Birmingham FC’s kickoff, the game began. Like the E group, where Winchester FC belonged, Birmingham FC, securing the 2nd place in the infamous “Group of Death” or C group, was living up to its club’s name. Just as it was known as the rising star of the league, Birmingham’s players energetically roamed the field, pressuring Winchester’s territory like needles poking at it.Due to unexpected squad changes and off-field unfortunate incidents, the media anticipated a tough match for Winchester. However, despite an initial struggle, Winchester FC quickly regained their experienced gameplay, fending off Birmingham’s attacks. The ball bounced on the ground, rising higher, as if defying gravity. Chahyun, returning from a prolonged absence, and Yoon Chahyun, gradually recovering from a fitness slump, powered Winchester forward, finding their rhythm.As the game became a 50-50 battle, the ball swiftly traversed the field multiple times, from one end to the other, in a matter of moments. After the first 20 minutes, the visibly boosted morale of both teams prompted fans to roar with excitement.Yoon Chahyun, positioned at the forefront of Winchester’s territory, tirelessly sought opportunities beyond the half-line. His condition was neither very poor nor exceptionally good. The feeling was not quite like swimming in a slump, but it wasn’t exactly a light sensation with wings. Yet, there was no room for complaints.After an intense offensive battle, Winchester earned a shocking penalty kick against Birmingham around the 30th minute. It began with Leroy, sneaking near Birmingham’s goal with his characteristic subtle presence, being forcefully grabbed by a young Birmingham defender. Seizing the moment, Leroy let out a pitiful scream, as if hit by an unseen force, tumbling mercilessly to the ground.“Wow… what…”“He’s a real pro at that.”Jude, who muttered briefly, quickly rushed to Leroy, appealing to the referee about his teammate’s suffering. Yoon Chahyun, who had belatedly run over, also uttered a few words, realizing that their player had been seriously injured. That our kid got hurt so badly.Aloys, who effortlessly converted the penalty kick that Leroy had earned, rushed towards the camera, staring into the lens with a deadly expression. Regardless of his overt center-forward ambition, a goal was a goal. The entire stadium erupted into cheers as fans rose to their feet like a raging wave.However, the joy of taking the lead did not last long. Just before the end of the first half, around the 44th minute, Birmingham scored an equalizing free-kick goal. The cheers of Birmingham’s away supporters were as intense as Winchester’s.At halftime, with the score tied at 1:1, players gathered with their drinks.Blue, looking more serious than ever, gave strategic instructions. In moments like these, Blue always wore a solemn face, like a serious headmaster. Yoon Chahyun also nodded his head with a model student-like expression. Cahill approached, lightly tapping Yoon Chahyun’s back. Although their breaths might not sync perfectly, his silent support was quite reassuring.As they stepped onto the field for the second half, Yoon Chahyun inadvertently glanced at Misha’s seat. As if waiting for this moment, he displayed a Winchester supporter muffler available at the official store in front of the stadium. It had Yoon Chahyun’s number and name marked, making him look like just another handsome fan. Where did he get that? Did he actually wait in line at the store to buy it? Yoon Chahyun sneakily chuckled as he turned back to the field.As time passed, the movements of both teams’ players slowed down gradually.In the 30th minute of the second half, a moment when players were reaching their lowest stamina and simultaneously the most vulnerable time for a goal, Birmingham FC’s forward managed to score a chaotic shot through Lu’s legs. Lu, with a rare expression of disbelief, stretched out his arms, but it was already too late after Birmingham’s comeback goal.1:2. This isn’t a favorable turn of events. Yoon Chahyun watched as Birmingham’s players joyfully crossed the field. A one-point difference in such a time was an ambiguous score that could be easy to catch up with or difficult, depending on the circumstances. What if they concede another goal while striving for an equalizer? That would make predicting the outcome extremely challenging.An unfamiliar restlessness invaded Yoon Chahyun’s mind. Chahyun somehow moved his heavy legs to chase after the ball. There were only about 10 minutes left. Players who scored the comeback goal for Birmingham intensified their pressure on Winchester from all directions. In front of Winchester’s goal, a fierce battle ensued as defenders Kaya and Adrian robustly blocked the attacks, visible even from a distance.The ball passed backward by a Birmingham player unexpectedly landed at Chahyun’s feet. Along with the surprised expression of the opposing player, Yoon Chahyun sensed that this opportunity could be the last shooting chance in this game. However, the position was too ambiguous. Sturdy defenders from the opposing team were rushing towards Yoon Chahyun. The space was narrow for a breakthrough, and it was challenging to find a spot for a shot. In that moment of hesitation, Winston, positioned on the left side of the goal, raised his hand.His location was reasonably good, at least more certain than Yoon Chahyun’s. Without further thought, Chahyun lofted the ball towards him. Normally, he would have eagerly tried to create a goal for himself, but this game was different. They absolutely couldn’t afford to lose.Winston’s shot soared like a painting, shaking the opponent’s net. The referee’s whistle announcing the end of the game echoed through the stadium alongside the cheers of thousands. 2:2. The first-round match between Winchester and Birmingham concluded in a draw.In the Winchester locker room, players entered with mixed opinions about the game. The atmosphere was chaotic as they discussed what went as expected and what went awry with Birmingham. In the midst of the commotion, Yoon Chahyun wiped his sweaty forehead with the heat of the post-game rush.Winchester and Birmingham might be tied on the scoreboard, but strictly speaking, it wasn’t an entirely identical score.There are regulations in the league regarding away goals. In case the combined scores of both clubs are exactly tied after the first and second legs, the association grants the victory to the team that scored more away goals. Therefore, the first leg held at Winchester FC’s home ground, where Birmingham FC earned 2 points as the away team, gives Birmingham a slight advantage.Yoon Chahyun looked down at the familiar home stadium locker room floor. He felt that he could have done slightly better. If only he had run a bit more and moved his legs a bit more.Today’s game, where Yoon Chahyun assisted Winston’s equalizing goal, would be considered a decent performance by anyone who watched. However, there was a somewhat stifling emotion in Yoon Chahyun’s heart. It felt somewhat regrettable and somewhat lacking… What should he call this feeling?Frustration.Expressed in words, that was exactly it.“Yuan, loosen up your expression. For a slump escape match, it wasn’t bad at all.”Jude, who had thrown off his upper body, patted Chahyun’s shoulder and sat down next to him. Chahyun sighed and responded, “It’s just because it’s regrettable, that’s all.”“When you can’t score, you always get all bothered like this. You’re not the only one who’s good.”Jude jabbed Chahyun’s side with his elbow. Unable to refute his indisputable remark, Chahyun closed his mouth with a resigned look.“Yuan, there’s an interview right away.”Without a chance to discuss the game with his teammates after the match, a staff member, poking his head into the room, gestured for Yoon Chahyun. Chahyun only now remembered the forgotten documentary interview. What should he say when he hasn’t scored? Feeling uneasy, he couldn’t help but be bothered by the thought of his home country’s fans when he hadn’t contributed. Yoon Chahyun slowly got up and headed towards the door.“What’s with that sulky face again, buddy? That was okay for an opening. Your form has improved a lot. Our ambitious Yoon Chahyun.”“Ouch, seriously….”Chahyun’s cheek was mercilessly pinched by Sunghyun Joo in the press box. He still occasionally treated Yoon Chahyun like a mischievous kid from his teenage years. While such familiarity did indeed soften the weary heart of Chahyun after the game, it couldn’t be helped that he felt a bit uncomfortable.“Don’t worry about the documentary, and just do the interview as usual. Nothing to be nervous about, right? Just relax and be yourself, as always.”“I’m always natural…”“No. Whenever you do interviews, you act like a robot. You might not realize it, but you do. How so?”Whether Yoon Chahyun grumbled or not, Cheon Seongju, holding a document in his hand, conducted the interview. Several filming staff members placed multiple microphones below Chahyun’s chest. Cameras from unfamiliar and familiar broadcasting companies filled the scene.The pouring questions were no different from usual. Thoughts on the game, impressions of assisting the goal, and future aspirations, etc… Other than the constant sign from Seongju, who stood far behind, urging him to keep smiling, the content of the answers was always the same. Yoon Chahyun awkwardly raised the corners of his mouth, hoping not to look like a crazy runner’s high.Whether short or long, at the end of the post-match interview, Yoon Chahyun could only find the familiar face standing at the back of the reporters. If he was there at all. Since the open training day incident, this was the first time Yoon Chahyun had seen Ilya’s face in a few days. When their eyes met, Ilya smiled broadly.After two days since the open training day incident, Yoon Chahyun was able to check the lengthy comforting message that Ilya had sent. Buried under numerous other contacts, he hadn’t discovered Ilya’s message until now. As it was sent by someone somewhat involved in the incident, the message contained a more serious concern and comfort than anyone else.Yoon Chahyun also sent a brief reply informing Ilya about the incident’s resolution, but he thought that seeing each other would be difficult for a while. Yet, unexpectedly, they met so casually. Perhaps it was natural since they were both involved in sports, one as an athlete and the other as a sports journalist.After the interview ended and the reporters scattered, Ilya gestured towards Yoon Chahyun with a small raised thumb. It was a simple and clear way to acknowledge each other in the midst of the crowd. Yoon Chahyun also subtly raised his thumb toward him.“Who’s that?”Approaching Chahyun as he folded the interview card, Seongju turned back in the same direction and asked. Ilya seemed to blend in and disappear among the busy crowd.“A known reporter.” “Do you even know reporters in this field?” “He’s of Korean descent.” “Really?”Seongju stared into the crowd. Ilya looked like he might appear or disappear, hovering between being seen or unseen.“Why?” Yoon Chahyun asked, puzzled by Seongju’s contemplative profile.“No, I’m just a little hesitant. It’s not important… Actually, what’s really important starts now!”Cheon Seongju received a box from the staff and handed it directly to Yoon Chahyun. The box, of a size suitable to fit comfortably in both hands, was neither too heavy nor too light.“What’s this now?”“A gift for you. Open it up.”“A gift?”Seongju returned with a cheerful face and smiled as he nodded towards the box. What’s with that creepy face again? Yoon Chahyun opened the box slowly, revealing its contents.***What appeared from the box was a small camera about half the size of Yoon Chahyun’s palm. It was accompanied by a tripod that could be set up and a long handle.Why does it feel like my ominous premonition is coming true? Yoon Chahyun looked at the elder in front of him with a cool gaze.“What’s this?”“You’re asking even though you know. It’s an action camera. You’ll use it when you film your self-cam this time.”“And this is a gift?”“Well, once the shooting’s done, you can have it, so it’s a gift. It’s from our sponsored brand, you know? Did you read the contract? You can use it for documentary shoots, and the footage can also be used for CF clips. You get to play and earn money, and even get married, right? Killing three birds with one stone!”Seongju clapped as if he were intoxicated by his own words. While he vaguely knew about the contract after scanning it, the fact that he actually had to hold the camera himself was surprising. Unlike the enthusiastic Seongju, Yoon Chahyun remained silent. It was then that someone barged in between them.“Yuan, why are you so late? We have to go out again to take pictures.”“Jude…”“Oh! Jude Ingram.”