Shooting Trajectory is Visible - Chapter 183



Only Krnovel

183. Stupid Timing

The Bundesliga has been dominated by one team for a very long time.

The name is also brilliant and famous, Bayern Munich.

They were the sole champions of the league from season 12 to season 24, so simply calling them a ‘dynasty’ would belittle their achievements.

Rather than the Munich dynasty… … an empire.

Wouldn’t the expression “founding an empire” be an accurate description of Munich’s achievements?

‘They say even rivers and mountains change in 10 years.’

12 years. Since the term of office for a US president is 4 years, it’s roughly equivalent to serving 3 terms. That’s a lot.

Perhaps Munich, who suffered a shocking upset this season, will grind their teeth and ‘the empire strikes back’ next season. It will also be interesting to see how long Hannover can hold out in the gap between the strong teams.

“I can’t believe it….”

The whispering voices of Hannover teammates could be heard around them. Wolfsburg’s home stadium, the Volkswagen Arena, was now in a quiet state.

The tens of thousands of spectators who had flooded the ground had returned to their seats, and as time passed, the players were waiting on the benches in anticipation of the upcoming awards ceremony.

‘Are you saying that at this time last year, you were promoted from the 2nd division to the 1st division with the Meister Chalet?’

It wasn’t my complete victory at that time.

It was a collaboration with Chiller.

The me from a year ago who would smile when I was a starter and sullen when I was on the bench.

Although only a year had passed since then, my status and value within the team had completely changed.

“Kim! Finally, finally, the moment I’ve been dreaming of has arrived! How do you feel?”

It was Sophie. She was holding a camcorder. She had already shed a few buckets of tears and was now quite calm.

At first, she hugged me (she suddenly ran into me so I couldn’t help it) and cried a lot, saying that we really won and that this moment had really come. But later, she must have felt embarrassed and quickly got out of my arms…

“It’s a new feeling. The fact that the Bundesliga, which Munich had monopolized for 12 years, was taken by none other than Hannover, who had just been promoted to the first division this season… I still can’t believe it.”

Winning after promotion.

Football has a long history, but even so, Hannover’s recent achievements are not common even when looking through leagues around the world.

Above all, this is probably the first case since the 21st century when soccer has become highly developed. It is literally a romantic fatality rate of 2,000%.

“I think Hannover’s title win is closer to a fairy tale than Leicester’s.”

“Of course, of course! To surpass the Hanover fairy tale, you have to get promoted directly from the 3rd division to the 1st division and win the championship?”

“That would be impossible.”

“Yes, yes!”

While Sophie and I were joking around, the awards ceremony was ready. The Hannover players flocked to the awards ceremony and received their medals as they had in the second half.

And also the baptism of handshakes with high-ranking officials.

“Kim! I really enjoyed watching the game. It was very impressive.”

It was a compliment from a tall, large, and dignified middle-aged man, who I didn’t know who he was. I nodded and held his hand.

“thank you.”

And the next thing was decided.

Lifting the Meisterchalet.

“Captain! Lift it up a bit and make it taste good!”

Fischer went “woo-woo-woo-woo” like a caveman, then raised his fist towards the sky. Then, the green pollen symbolizing Hanover burst out along with the cheers of the fans.

My colleagues were also in a state of confusion.

I shook my body as if I had heard a sound. I figured that since I was surrounded by colleagues, they wouldn’t know anyway.

‘Lifting the Bundesliga trophy, one of the top four leagues in Europe. I can proudly add a top four league title to my career!’

In fact, I’m joking that I’ve surpassed Son Heung-min’s career with this one thing alone…

Hongmin hyung, you won the Audi Cup anyway. Let’s have a drink~

“Kim! You listen too!”

I heard Captain Fisher’s strong recommendation and said, “Good.” I lifted it and shook it with all my might and the audience responded enthusiastically.

“Kim! Kim! Kim! Kim! Kim!”

Yes, yes. I have about a 50% stake in this trophy. That’s a well-known fact.

* * *

“It’s a sleepless day… .”

Shin-Ah was checking a country on the other side of the globe in real time.

It must have been a huge shock to Europe for the second division champions to win the title again immediately after being promoted to the first division.

“German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulates Hannover on Bundesliga win: “A title that will go down in history””

How crazy is Germany about soccer, when the German Chancellor directly mentions that a team other than Munich won?

Maybe it’s because it’s a Cinderella story?

They weren’t even strong contenders for the championship, and the team that just entered the first division this season beat all the strong contenders to win the championship… … so it will resonate even more with the German people.

Because originally, people tend to hope and cheer for the underdog to succeed.

But it is not common for the underdog to succeed. It takes a miracle to leap over a thick gap in an instant.

And Hanover did it.

[Current Hanover situation ㄷㄷㄷㄷ]

Shin-ah checked the community post.

I have already checked several times from different angles, but Hanover is a city that never sleeps. In Europe, it is said that the lights go out and it becomes quiet at 8 or 9 in the evening, but today’s Hanover was different.

Firecrackers are going off nonstop, people are jumping up and down in excitement, and shops are open late into the night.

[Kim Min-woo: We’re entering Hanover now lol]

When I asked Kim Min-woo, he said that the proper championship celebration starts tomorrow and that all he would do today was take the bus and say hello briefly.

Shin-ah checked other posts because the news was nothing special.

People were talking about topics related to Hannover’s victory.

When the win was confirmed, Kim Min-woo threw the ball he was holding forward and roared.

A scene where people in the stands rush onto the field without anyone being able to stop them, hugging the players and showering them with kisses.

“Ah. This is funny no matter how many times I watch it.”

The scene where Kim Min-woo runs away in fear from the shower of kisses.

Another scene where he trembles as if possessed by a shaman while holding a trophy.

There were also many lively comments, so I enjoyed it without realizing how much time had passed.

[Many people expect Kim to leave Hannover at the end of this season. I want to hear it directly from Kim. He won the championship with Hannover, and Hannover will be even stronger next season than this season, as they won the Bundesliga. So will Kim leave Hannover?]

Even on such a good day, there are bound to be tidbits. Was it really necessary to ask such a question on a day like this? Even though the interview ended a few hours ago, Kim Shin-ah frowns.

[There is a saying in Korea called ‘Hwejajeongri.’]

[N, yes? hwe… … what did you say?]

[It is said that if you meet, you will eventually part ways.]

“Oh~ What are you trying to say about being sophisticated?”

Shin-ah thought with a sigh. If I were that reporter, I would have responded like this.

[There is a saying that too much of anything is as bad as too little. Kim is perfect for Hanover!]

Kim Min-woo is perfect for Hanover~

Kim Ha-tak!

Shin-ah was about to go to sleep because it was late at night, but decided to just read a few more posts.

“Hannover coach Jan Rytl celebrates victory by saying, ‘Justice is the way to win’”

Kim Shin-ah clicked her tongue at the post. If the concept of justice owning Kim Min-woo is right, then that would be right… … Well.

You have to do it without Kim Min-woo starting next season.

“Hannover without Kim Min-woo will be lucky if they don’t get relegated.”

But if they sell Kim Min-woo and use the remaining money + the prize money to strengthen their team, wouldn’t they be able to last a few more seasons?

Shin-Ah was well aware of Hannover’s performance without Kim Min-Woo, so she could roughly guess Jan’s fate.

“A hard ending or a relegation ending.”

Shin-ah stretched out her body and said, “Eu …

[Kim Shin-ah: Good luck with winning]

[Kim Shin-ah: If I go to Hanover, can I be treated like a princess?]

Kim Min-woo’s late reply.

[Kim Min-woo: Yes, I can treat you like Princess Fiona]

Kim Shin-ah checked her KakaoTalk messages because she couldn’t sleep after tossing and turning.

“…Princess Fiona?”

It’s a name I’ve heard a lot.

Shin-ah quickly searched for “Princess Fiona” in the search engine window. Then, a familiar figure popped up.

She was Shrek’s female princess.

Kim Shin-ah giggled in disbelief.

[Kim Shin-ah: Hahaha]

[Kim Shin-ah: The human version doesn’t work for me either?]

[Kim Min-woo: lol]

[Kim Min-woo: Today is a happy day, so let’s just let it pass]

* * *

Hannover’s victory, which had stirred up a stir in Germany and all of Europe, is slowly calming down.

Time had passed, the championship ceremony was over, and now there was nothing left.

It was a vacation.

A day later, I went to Korea with my mom. The season was over, but there was still some work left to do.

‘First of all, there is the third round of the World Cup qualifiers in June.’

Go to Korea in advance and rest comfortably, then get called up on the day of the call-up and train, and after the third preliminary round is over… … .

‘If things were normal, I would return to Germany and prepare for next season.’

I also finished talking to Philip Harris.

After finishing her schedule in Korea, only my mother will return to Germany.

I wait in Korea and then… …fly to either England or Spain.

‘Today is my last day in Germany.’

Now that I think about leaving this place that really feels like home, I feel a mixture of regret, relief, and bittersweet.

First of all, above all else.

‘I have a lot of money, but I wish I could move to a bigger house than this one… .’

I’m not a materialistic person, but the house Hanover provided wasn’t that big, so there were some uncomfortable parts. I just put up with it because I was used to it.

Beep!

The doorbell rang. My mother was out because she had something to take care of, so I opened the door. The stranger who came to our house was Sophie.

“Huh? Sophie?”

“Hello, Kim Min-woo!”

Sophie’s face filled with joy.

And there were many things in her arms.

“What’s going on?”

“I feel like the moment of separation has come… … This is a collection of memories of Minwoo while he was in Hanover!”

What he handed me was a bag of bread. When I checked inside the bag, there were some stationery and a photo album.

“Uh… … What is this?”

I took a quick look through my photo album, and there was a timeline-like picture of me when I first enlisted, pictures of me training, pictures of me playing in a game, etc.

“How is it? Is it okay? I made it myself! And the letters are each written by the players to Minwoo. By the way, do you know how much I begged you to do this?”

Usually, when you actually do something like that, it often leads to a dark history.

“Uh uh… no, all of this.”

My transfer that everyone knows about but everyone pretends not to know.

“The director and the coaching staff said that one line wouldn’t do and wrote a long letter. That’s typical of people from the old days, isn’t it?”

“But what are you going to do if I don’t transfer?”

At those words, Sophie stares intently at my face.

“Are you planning to stay?”

“Are your shoelaces loose…?”

“Kyahahahaha!”

Sophie likes it when she taps my shoulder.

“What are those shoelaces? You’re not even wearing your shoes right now.”

“Well, that’s true. Haha… .”

By the way, it’s touching. You even prepared something like this for me. I never thought I would feel Korean affection in a faraway land.

“Thank you so much. This is the most touching thing I’ve felt since my elementary school graduation.”

“What happened at your elementary school graduation?”

“No. That’s how it was back then.”

It’s a feeling of slight sadness to leave the school that I’ve been attached to for 6 years. And when 015B sings “Goodbye” with Hwa-ryong-jeom-jeong, the auditorium becomes a sea of ​​tears.

“This is really the last time. Kim, when you go to Korea this time, will you return to Germany?”

“Huh? Uh… … .”

This is something Philip Harris told me not to tell anyone. When I hesitated, Sophie smiled. Today, for some reason, Sophie was smiling.

“You already answered.”

“Huh? I didn’t say anything.”

“Player Minwoo. Would you like to take a short walk? This is really the last time.”

“… …Uh. Okay.”

I just happened to want to go for a walk.

I quickly put Sophie’s gift inside the house, got dressed, and went out.

And we walked down the street.

The streets were quiet, as if the previous victory ceremony had been a lie. There were few people on the streets and hardly any cars passing by.

‘Did everyone expend too much energy during the event?’

At first, Sophie talked a lot, as if she was going to talk about trivial things, but now she has become quite quiet. And then.

“Well, actually.”

“yes?”

Sophie hesitates and then laughs.

“Actually, I was Minwoo’s German teacher.”

“Ah. Yes. That’s right.”

“At that time, I could have finished it sooner, but I deliberately dragged it out.”

Is it more comfortable to be a teacher than your original job? Yeah, yeah. That’s natural for a working person. I would have been the same.

“I am very scared.”

“Huh? Oh, I’m scared too.”

I still remember when I was at Suyang High School, two goalkeepers tried to dunk me, so I ran away, saying, “Help me!” Sometimes, I remember that time, and whenever that happens, I would kick the blanket hard.

“Jan told me that if you have the courage to be ashamed for just 20 seconds, amazing things can happen.”

Usually, doing something like that actually leads to a dark history.

Sophie laughs bashfully as she speaks, as if she is at a loss for words.

“I told you that exactly a year ago.”

“A year ago?”

“Yes. When Minwoo went to the Olympics and played against France.”

It was a long time ago… .

I thought for a moment about why Sophie was saying this. Nothing came to mind. It was a very incoherent story. Since I thought it was the last time, I wondered if she was going to say anything like before.

“Now, really. This is the last time. Now, Kim Min-woo will not be returning to Germany. So, can I. ask Kim Min-woo something?”

“… … Yes. Please do.”

“I feel like I’m a little bit stupid. The timing, the situation, everything.”

Sophie’s ears turned red. Soon her entire face turned red as if it was burning. I waited quietly for Sophie to speak next. Sophie looked at me and swallowed once, and then―

“If Kim Min-woo leaves Hannover and everything goes well in Korea,”

Sophie tried to meet my gaze.

“Can I contact you?”

The empty road suddenly becomes more and more desolate.

“……ha ha ha.”

I’m not so naive as to not know what Sophie meant. Right now, Sophie was confessing to me.

In fact, when I was meeting Sophie regularly, I thought, “Does Sophie really like me?” But after that, I just thought it was my imagination.

‘No, it wasn’t.’

I can hear Sophie’s breathing nearby. I think I can hear her heartbeat too. Above all, Sophie’s face is about to burst and she’s about to die.

“You have said such things on so many occasions, why on earth do you say such things at a time like this?”

“I, I, I, I mean… … I’m not used to this kind of situation.”

“This is okay, but isn’t it a bit dramatic?”

I said, holding back my laughter.

What should I say? I suddenly became curious and asked.

“But Sophie, I’m going to be going away for a long time. What are you going to do? Are you satisfied with just talking on the phone?”

“Huh? Oh, I, I…”

Suddenly, I had a thought. This person is much more innocent than he looks.

“Yes. Call me anytime. Sometimes, I’ll come to Hanover. Sophie, come visit me too.”

Perhaps, originally I would have refused.

So, if you had told me this story before the season ended, I would have declined after much thought.

I found it both absurd and cute that he said this when everything was over.

Sophie blinked her eyes repeatedly, as if she was momentarily dumbfounded after hearing my answer.

“Are you accepting it?”

“Yes. It took 20 seconds of courage.”

But isn’t this usually something a man confesses to a woman? It feels like the tables have turned in Europe.

Sophie shut her mouth tightly and buried her face in my chest. And then she said.

“Is this okay?”

“… Okay, then.”