Kiss the Ground

“Regarding the upcoming match, there were mentions of how you are managing your condition for the Birmingham game. There are concerns about Yoon Chahyun’s current performance.…”Yeah, that would be a concern.It felt like facing a familiar practice question multiple times. The timing was a bit quick, but Yoon Chahyun remained calm in response to the anticipated question.“I’m aware that many people are concerned about my health and condition. There have been talks about a post-match slump. However, what I want to convey is that soccer is not a solo sport.”After taking a deep breath, Chahyun continued, “Winchester has many excellent and talented players besides me. I believe that by working together, understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, we can overcome any temporary drop in my stamina. Of course, I need to make efforts myself through sufficient rest and training to regain optimal condition. Right now, the most important thing is to seize the opportunity to play in the matches.”As soon as he finished speaking, reporters bowed their heads simultaneously and began typing something. Knowing that there were no additional questions, Yoon Chahyun took a long exhale. He felt like he had overcome a mountain.The public praised Yoon Chahyun’s style of sticking to standard responses without mixing in jokes during interviews. His colleagues, however, commented that it was too rigid. Yet, Yoon Chahyun found that stiffness just right. Rather than getting involved in unnecessary gossip by mumbling off the top of his head, he felt more comfortable speaking his mind naturally.That’s why… Chahyun quietly glanced at the expressionless face of the person sitting next to him.The unexpected variable named Misha Asplund was pressing on Yoon Chahyun’s mind more than ever at this moment.At this very moment, in front of more than a hundred media personnel, there was no guarantee that Misha wouldn’t boldly express his feelings about Yoon Chahyun.Whether there was assurance that Misha would not blatantly state his feelings towards Yoon Chahyun with his face like a prince of stray dogs into the microphone was questionable.Yoon Chahyun could easily imagine Misha repeating the words he had said to him in front of the microphone with his princely face. Starting from a year ago, something about the loan and… now unable to endure any longer… not being able to score goals because there’s a goalkeeper… Ugh! Chahyun inadvertently crumpled the plastic bottle he was holding. The male reporter sitting in front of him looked at Chahyun with confusion.Surely he wouldn’t go that far. But the Misha inside Yoon Chahyun was someone who could go that far. Lately, Misha was like a crazy Swedish tank driving against traffic with a time bomb attached. Usually, to stop a time bomb, cutting one of the red or blue wires would suffice. However, to stop Misha Asplund, one had to jump onto the table and cut the microphone cord.“I’ll take the next question.”Upon the staff’s words, the journalists once again raised their hands like well-behaved exemplary students. The staff pointed to one person.“I would like to ask a question to player Misha Asplund,” said the staff.Yoon Chahyun took a gulp of the water in his hand. His throat was dry.“The intimate moments between you and Yoon Chahyun during the last game gained attention. Now, with the upcoming match, I’m curious about how Misha Asplund sees Yoon Chahyun as a player and what games you would like to play together in the future.”Why on earth would anyone be curious about that? Yoon Chahyun forced himself to bite back the words that almost slipped out to the tip of his tongue.However, despite Yoon Chahyun’s effort to hold back, the journalists who heard the question were all preparing to type, looking at Misha, showing little fluctuation in their expressions. Was it a question that could arise from the perspective of an uninformed third party? If so, Yoon Chahyun had to act as if he were indifferent.Chahyun leaned back behind the chair, pretending to be relaxed. However, all attention was focused on Misha, who slowly bent toward the microphone, looking like an actor playing the part.“Player Yoon Chahyun,” Misha began slowly, “I think he’s a dazzling player. He shines consistently both outside and inside the field. He’s someone whose presence alone holds meaning.”The air became silent. Misha continued his unfinished words.“I consider it fortunate to be on the same team as him. He is a gentle and kind person. I am very happy and honored to be able to play alongside him. I admire how Yoon Chahyun kicks or handles the ball. I want to watch him play for a long time, and if possible, I want to be by his side.”Misha spoke like lines from an old romance movie, delivering a very simple answer. However, his expression was paradoxically serious. Reporters stared at Misha as if they had forgotten to type. No one dared to open their mouths.In the hushed press room, Yoon Chahyun sat alone, staring fixedly at the table.It was definitely not a public declaration of how Misha felt about him and what he intended to do. However, to Yoon Chahyun, who had heard Misha’s stubborn and persistent confession, it was no different from such a declaration.He likes Yoon Chahyun. Enough to grab anyone at hand and give them a kiss, among so many people watching. Among all these people gathered here, only Yoon Chahyun could understand the implications.A strange feeling crept into his heart. Chahyun thought he would be afraid of Misha’s confessions or what he might do, but he had never asked or tried to find out what Misha liked about him. It felt taboo. It seemed like something that could lead to trouble if he heard it. However, now that he had heard it, it was a very cheesy and genuinely sincere monologue.If that succeeded in appearing like a heartwarming camaraderie, a few people clapped. The eyes of the journalist in front of Chahyun were even teary. Hey, I don’t want to cry… In the slowly emerging warm atmosphere, Misha added quietly.“Of course, he is not the closest teammate to me.”Saying that, Misha glanced slightly at Jude. His gaze seemed somewhat satisfied.“I would like to distance myself now.”Amidst the laughter that followed Jude’s seemingly bored remark, someone in the journalist’s seat chuckled. A daring atmosphere pervaded the room. Taking a deep breath again, Yoon Chahyun spoke. What else was there to say?“…Misha Asplund is a player who always surprises me with unexpected performances.”Yoon Chahyun had to respond to the declaration of war he received.“He has high potential and future prospects compared to anyone else. Since he’s still young, I think he’ll have plenty of opportunities to show good performances in the future. There’s boundless potential for him to step onto better stages and participate in bigger matches.”The sound of someone taking notes echoed. In the silent press room, Yoon Chahyun closed his mouth, feeling drained. It was tough. Even though he had only done interviews a couple of times. Without giving him a break, the staff pointed to someone else.“Birmingham’s second leg will be an away game. If you have any strategies to play a good game at Birmingham Stadium where you’re playing for the first time, please let us know.”The eloquent voice, filled with sharpness and intelligence, was quite familiar. Chahyun raised his head to look at the journalist standing in front of him. Ilya, who had quickly turned the conversation around, sent him a subtle nod, a deliberate gesture of consideration.“Birmingham Stadium is probably Birmingham’s newly-built ground, so…”Watching Jude grab the microphone to respond, Chahyun closed his eyes briefly. A strange fatigue had taken over his body.***▷[Thank you for the handkerchief. Thanks to it, I finished the interview without any issues. I’ll wash it and return it next time. – Yoon Chahyun]Sitting in the waiting room, Chahyun tapped his phone screen. Although Ilya’s contact information was written on the business card he received, Chahyun hadn’t shared his own contact details. So, at the end of the message, he added his name.The waiting room, where players who finished their interviews gathered, was chaotic. Due to the allocated 15 minutes per team for interviews, the first group couldn’t maintain composure, and the second group was disoriented towards the end. Chahyun belonged to the latter.After what felt like an unusually long and exhausting interview, Jude left to take photos with a journalist who claimed to be his fan, and Misha disappeared somewhere. Meanwhile, Chahyun, feeling like a limp pickled cabbage, headed straight to the waiting room. After a quick interview, Aloys, Winston, and Leroy, who finished quickly, were bombarded with strange questions, but Chahyun had no energy to smile.“Yuan, you look tired.”Approaching the slumped Chahyun with a puzzled expression was K-Hill. Despite being the first to finish the interview, he had a fairly lively face, even though filling the time after the interview must have been tough.“A lot. Today feels unusually challenging. You seem unbothered as usual.”“Because coach interviews don’t have as many tricky questions.”“Well, Blue might cry if questioned too much. It’s not easy to ask him anything recklessly.”Chahyun laughed softly while slouching in his chair. K-Hill spoke, recalling the coach’s issues.“Do you know there’s a dinner scheduled after this? It’s an official schedule after the interview. It’s not mandatory, but they encourage everyone who can make it to attend.”“Oh, really? Well, I’m tired, but I’ll go. Excited to see what kind of good food they’ll serve.”“Okay, see you in a bit.”Waving at K-Hill as he left, Chahyun raised his hand. Perhaps he felt sorry for leaving his clothes in the lobby before the interview. Chahyun didn’t think of K-Hill as someone with a bad back, despite the rumors.Taking a short break, Yoon Chahyun got up to find Jude. By now, he would have finished the photoshoot with fans and probably signed a few autographs. After eating and drinking together with colleagues, this inexplicable heavy feeling might lighten a bit. He had to believe that.***“Remember what the journalist who took a picture with me in the lobby said? He asked for your autograph on his shirt.”Although there were only a few glasses of beer on the table, Jude’s eyes were already glazed. Chahyun unintentionally became the perpetrator of his unfortunate story. He had no choice but to quietly refill Jude’s glass. In such situations, offering clumsy comfort was strictly forbidden.“That guy is really overdoing it. If he took a picture, he should at least have the courtesy to get Jude’s autograph on his shirt. Or better yet, go directly to Yuan.”“Okay! I won’t raise any crosses to anyone now. If I’d handled it myself, I would’ve handled it.”“Oh, why…”Instead of offering any consolation, Winston, who couldn’t manage anything and just threw jabs, was glared at by Chahyun. Seeing Jude, who was being pulled away from Chahyun, the colleagues on the opposite side chuckled.The dinner scheduled after the interview took place in a glamorous banquet hall resembling a year-end awards ceremony. During the bus ride down and while taking their seats at the round table in the banquet hall, more than a hundred photos were taken. At first, Chahyun made an effort to have a somewhat healthy expression, but later, even that effort became tiresome. Looking at the cameras surrounding him from all directions, Chahyun managed to lift the corners of his mouth slightly. He eagerly anticipated the photos that would be uploaded to the club’s account tomorrow.After the dinner, which was more like a ceremony than a meal, came to an end, colleagues moved to a local pub near the club. As it was a place where players who finished training would occasionally gather, the club’s regulars, even without hats or masks, felt comfortable in the space. Although the post-dinner gathering was an unofficial social event, most players except the married ones were present, proving it to be a friendly occasion.“But how tough was your interview? What happened that Yuan’s face was so pale?”Aloys, who had thrown away his uncomfortable suit jacket a while ago, gulped down beer like a thirsty calf, talking. His colorful tattoos and the remaining makeup on his face were in imbalance.“Well, the usual questions. How has it been so far, and what are your plans for the future?”“And someone asked me why I’ve been hanging out like a slow poke.”“Scary…”Leroy stuck out his tongue in response to Chahyun and Jude’s statements. Judging by their surprised faces, it seemed like they hadn’t been asked about sensitive issues. Jude added, “And, they asked about our relationship, what we think of each other. Didn’t they ask you guys?”“Why would they ask such things? Is it some kind of matchmaking show?”Following Aloys’s hearty laughter, Chahyun smiled faintly. It felt strange to be sitting with colleagues and unwinding like this after what seemed like an eternity in the interview room.Chahyun discreetly glanced at other tables. One person caught his eye unintentionally – Misha. While not exactly factions, even within the same team, close players tended to form groups. It could be based on positions, nationality, age, personality, or even past clubs they played for. In other words, it was nearly impossible for a 20-year-old striker and a 34-year-old center-back to become close like picking stars from the sky.It wasn’t that extreme, but Misha and Yoon Chahyun were similar. Chahyun usually sat with close friends like Jude, Winston, Aloys, and Leroy, while Misha was at a different table with another group.If Misha wasn’t bothered after the interview, it would be a lie. Chahyun, understanding Misha’s confession just like Misha understood Chahyun’s vague refusal, couldn’t help but glance at him, heading out of the press room after the interview. It was as if he could read Chahyun’s discomfort. Winston asked the question.“Is Misha okay?”“He didn’t seem particularly bothered. He didn’t even blink during the interview.”Jude’s response made Winston nod.“Well, that’s understandable. That guy can’t stop talking about his face whenever he gets interviewed. Imagine getting questions like that all the time. Don’t you remember the headline from a while back?”“Depressed Prince,” right? The nickname that sounded like a character from a fairy tale brought a burst of laughter from everyone except Chahyun.The headline from Football Messengers announcing Misha’s transfer last year was truly legendary.“The Depressed Prince of Alsbenskan Enters the English League.”Once a star at Winchester FC, this crazy nickname subtly teased Misha’s essential mood. Whether the club members liked it or not, Misha spent the next three months being teased as “Prince” before eventually accepting it. Later, he even responded when someone called him that. Everyone joyfully reminisced about this amusing memory.It was much later when Kaya Schwarzkopf approached Chahyun’s table.“Why are you guys so happy? It’s just an interview talk.”“It’s about the interview. What about you guys?”“We’re kind of breaking up, but if you’re staying longer, can you take charge of our table’s drinks? I have something to do, Adrian has already gone home, and this guy doesn’t seem to have any intention of leaving yet. I’ll bring him with me.”After nodding at Jude’s agreement, Kaya returned to the table with someone’s arm, bringing back the designated drinker. The unsteady drinker, who didn’t seem in good shape, was none other than Misha.How much did he drink? Chahyun, sitting on the inside of the table, watched with furrowed brows. Leroy asked in surprise.“Is Misha drunk?”“He drank surprisingly well today, so I was curious to see how it would turn out. And it’s gotten to this point.”“It’s not a holiday tomorrow. Did he forget there’s training in the morning? Even if the coach scolds him, we won’t know!”Aloys’s playful teasing was met with a shrug from Kaya. Misha, taller than Kaya by a head, blinked like a child in a petulant mood.“Fine, it’s not a big deal. It’s okay…”It was clear to anyone that he was drunk. Skipping Misha and addressing Kaya, Chahyun said, “Did you give him vodka? He doesn’t take vodka.”“It was just one glass…”“Straight, without mixing it with orange juice?”“Straight.”Of course. Chahyun sighed. Taking advantage of the brief calm, Kaya carefully placed the wobbly drinker back on his seat. Misha, looking desperate, spoke in a slurred voice.“I really need a favor. I think things might go well with the girl sitting at the other bar, but it won’t work if Misha is next to me. You get what I’m saying?”As he pleaded, everyone at the table had a wry smile on their faces. It made sense. Every player had experienced the embarrassment of posing next to Misha for a photo, only to see their faces side by side in a magazine.Once everyone seemed to agree, Kaya quickly left without a trace of wounded pride. It seemed like a matter of life and death for him.Chahyun glanced at Misha sitting diagonally across. Despite having a fair amount of alcohol, Misha sat up straight. Was he only slightly tipsy? In the past, he had been weak to vodka to the point that it seemed like an allergy to distilled spirits. But now, it didn’t seem to be the case. Winston, sitting beside Chahyun, looked puzzled.“Yuan, how do you know Misha can’t drink vodka?”“Why wouldn’t I know? Around this time last year, I was busy dragging him around everywhere.”After finishing his sentence, Chahyun took a sip of water from a cup instead of a glass. Misha looked at him. It was a slightly rebellious gaze, as if questioning why.What’s wrong? So what if you look at it that way?Meeting Misha’s gaze head-on was Chahyun’s subtle certainty and gamble that Misha wouldn’t drop any bombshells in this situation. Misha must have known from their previous encounter with Ruhl that Chahyun didn’t want their issues exposed to their teammates. Perhaps he thought that acting insincere might earn him some resentment or that Chahyun felt the same way. Considering the close call during the interview, it seemed plausible.Misha might be eccentric, but he wasn’t the kind of eccentric to jeopardize his relationship with Yoon Chahyun forever just to satisfy his own desires. That was the hypothesis Chahyun had set up.While the two engaged in their silent battle like swans secretly kicking underwater, the table continued to buzz with trivial chatter. The topic flowed seamlessly from the interview to Blue, from Blue to Blue’s cat, and it went on endlessly.The shift to a conversation filled with complaints from singles happened in an instant.“Adrian said he’s getting married early next year. He’s been really happy lately, right? Just by watching him rush home after drinking, you can tell…”“So, is he performing well lately? Seems very lively. Watching him defend, I’m afraid he might get a penalty.”Listening to the conversation, Chahyun toyed with the water cup. Alcohol-induced topics were commonplace. Just a month ago, it would have been a relevant conversation, but now it was different. He was dealing with a more unusual problem.Grabbing an unknown beer mug behind Misha, he finally spoke up. Despite seeming quite intoxicated, Misha spoke surprisingly well.“…Adrian said he’s inviting all of us as his best man. He said his fiancée has already chosen a suit design.”At Misha’s nonchalant words, his teammates sighed simultaneously. It felt like the table might collapse.“He’ll end his life just by being someone else’s best man. Misha is lucky. If he sets his mind to it, marriage should be easy, right?”“That guy doesn’t fit in with our table.”Winston’s words carried the bitterness of a solo. Without paying much attention to the sharp comment, Misha, looking somewhat desperate, spoke slowly.“I’m not getting married.”Saying so, he took a slow sip of beer. Yoon Chahyun also drank from the water in his hand, feeling an unusual burning sensation.“But…”Beyond the glass, Misha suddenly looked at Chahyun.“Yuan, you have a girlfriend, don’t you?”The water in Chahyun’s mouth surged back. Silence enveloped the scene.What?Look at this guy.Before Chahyun could say anything, his teammates screamed in shock. Winston and Aloys couldn’t hide their astonishment, and Leroy seemed like he might cry at any moment. Jude’s expression was genuinely one of betrayal and shock.In the midst of it all, Misha, who had dropped the bomb, stared at Chahyun’s face as if pondering what to do. Well, what are you going to do?Who packaged this guy as a depressed prince or something? Misha’s face was like that of a mischievous, naughty puppy contemplating whether to chew on the owner’s shoes. Well, the shoes were already halfway chewed, so to speak. The merciless teammates who had lost their senses grabbed onto Chahyun’s collar.“Is this true? Did you… Did you say you got married with Winchester?”“Just wait a moment… Let’s put this down first, Jude.”“You hypocrite!”While Jude was shaking Chahyun frantically, Misha only glanced at Chahyun with disdainful eyes. What kind of revenge was this? For what purpose? Chahyun wanted to grab him and interrogate him, but the singles of Winchester did not allow it.“This guy seems unusually quiet today… You, who are not even qualified to be on the field.”“Retire, you bastard!”Receiving anger and resentment from head to toe, Chahyun closed his eyes, choosing to ignore it. What did I do wrong to deserve this humiliation? However, no one provided an answer.***“Why on earth do I have to take him with me?”“Weren’t you not drinking to drive? Since our houses are within three blocks, it would be great if you could take him in the car. We didn’t bring cars, we drank, and our houses are in the same direction. By process of elimination, you’re the only option.”“But still…”“It’s not like he’s going to wake up now, right? Just take him and let him sleep. There’s no other way.”Chahyun looked down at In-yeong, sprawled on the sofa in confusion. Since Misha, Asplund, who had been pushing him into a minefield, started observing the situation with his head pressed against the table, drinking. It took less than 30 minutes for him to collapse and lose consciousness on the table. It was a fatal flaw that no one tried to stop his drinking to at least question him about his actions.Teammates strongly argued that Chahyun should take responsibility for Misha’s whereabouts tonight. It was regrettable that there was no one to stop his excessive drinking when he was being pushed into such an awkward situation. They insisted that Chahyun should have at least had a drink and gotten drunk to pass the time.In this awkward situation, bringing a stranger to his home seemed even more awkward. Despite contemplating multiple times, his teammates’ determination was unwavering. It made logical sense. Yoon Chahyun’s house was close, and he had a car.With only an hour of struggle, Aloys, who had hit the bullseye several times, and two others, who easily surpassed 6.2 feet in height, loaded the adult male Misha Asplund into the back seat of Yoon Chahyun’s car like luggage and quickly left the pub. Chahyun sent a wistful look to the remaining Jude, but even he was surprisingly cold. Jude said something like a new stepmother leaving Cinderella behind to do housework and going to a party.“You might need permission from your ‘girl’ at home.”Jude did not forget to make a V-shape with his fingers and flick them on both sides of his head while pronouncing ‘girl’. It was that thing foreigners often did. Chahyun felt mentally numb due to his cynical tone. Where should he even begin to resolve this situation?