Shooting Trajectory is Visible - Chapter 35
Only Krnovel
“Let me ask you again. So, you’re saying that coach Yoo Jin-ho led you into the world of soccer?”
“Yes. I saw you with our director earlier. Didn’t you say anything?”
When I asked him, pretending not to know, Choi Jae-won remained silent as if he had found the hidden truth.
His eyes were blinking like a goldfish.
And 3 seconds later.
“You didn’t say anything? You just said, “Our Kim Min-woo is really good. He didn’t give up a run.” and moved on. Wow···.”
Haha. So there was a reason you did the ventriloquism to me?
He wanted me to say it myself because it didn’t seem right to say it with his own mouth. Anyway, this person’s making ability is really…
And the two adults watching the society looked surprised and impressed at how well the operation worked.
“Then it was director Yoo Jin-ho who discovered our Min-woo.”
“···Yes. I am grateful to him too. He is my benefactor. Actually, I had no intention of playing soccer at all.”
“Can we hear the story from the beginning, starting with the mercenary?”
sure!
I repaid the favor by telling stories about Yoo Jin-ho’s good deeds.
What happened between me and Yoo Jin-ho. And what happened within the soccer club (of course, I left out all the bad parts).
Among them, the story that touched them the most was…
“My parents were also very against it. They thought soccer was absolutely not allowed! They both thought that way, and they even called the coach directly and told him that I couldn’t do it.”
“however?”
“The coach begged and begged and we met in person. He told me that my talent was real, and that my parents couldn’t let me play soccer anymore because it costs too much money······.”
Director Yoo Jin-ho said, “I’ll pay for it instead!”
As soon as I finished saying these words, the two adults sitting in front of me and even the staff started clapping.
“What a truly amazing director!”
“You guys got it? You got it?”
Choi Jae-won was moved, and the other MC next to him asked the four players.
Of course, everyone shakes their heads because these are anecdotes that no one knows about.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard it.”
“me too.”
“Did something like that happen?”
“He was so blunt in front of us… I knew he was open-minded, but I didn’t know it was this much.”
Thank you, Youngjun.
Yeongjun Shichi is also very accepting of this anecdote.
“Oh, since we’re talking about the director, can I say something too?”
It was Kim Jun-young.
“Oh, oh. Okay, try it.”
“Actually, I was thinking of leaving the soccer club.”
“Huh? Why? You’re really good at it?”
“I had a fight with the director. It was really bad. Here’s how it happened······.”
Kim Jun-young is also diligently telling his story. In the meantime, I glanced around to see where Yoo Jin-ho was, but he was nowhere to be seen.
If this guy knew the story was going like this, he’d be laughing so hard his mouth would burst open.
“So, actually, if it weren’t for Minwoo hyung······.”
When Junyoung started talking about director Yoo Jinho, my story that was intertwined with him also came out. After all, the story between the two of them wouldn’t have been possible without me.
When Kim Jun-young, who had been telling his story fluently, finished speaking, Choi Jae-won started to shed tears as if he had just watched a touching movie.
“There are still romantic places like this these days. It really reminds me of when I played soccer with my brother. Man, I shouldn’t be like this at my age.”
It was a great storytelling experience.
Yoo Jin-ho, who happened to see me playing against him, Kim Jun-young, who got in big trouble afterwards, Kim Jun-young, who swore at me and left, and Kim Jun-young, who ended up being trusted again and came up here.
It was a story that would make men cry.
In particular, aren’t Yoo Jin-ho and Choi Jae-won of similar age?
If you look at it from Yoo Jin-ho’s perspective, Choi Jae-won will also be touched by many things.
“Did you guys get this?”
The words of the man next to Choi Jae-won.
The other three players nod with stern expressions.
“Yes. We were there at that time too···.”
“Now that I think about it, Junyoung was amazing. I don’t think I could have endured it.”
“After Minwoo came, there was an atmosphere where Junyoung wasn’t recognized among us. I was sorry about that, Junyoung.”
It’s absurd. It’s an abbreviation for suddenly feeling moved.
And it took quite a while for this warm atmosphere to pass.
Perhaps if this is uploaded to YouTube and spread widely, many people will sympathize with this atmosphere.
Even the goalkeeper was discovered by Yoo Jin-ho, and Kim Jun-young was also trusted by Yoo Jin-ho. If you just look at the stories that came out of this, he was an all-round coach who had both intelligence, virtue, and physical strength.
‘And Director Yoo Jin-ho is not a great person who will end up as a high school director because he has a desire to rise higher. He will definitely try to somehow find a foothold and secure a spot…’
A story that we used to laugh off comes to mind.
Being the head coach of the national team by age group may not be just a dream, that’s what I’m talking about.
Of course, even in the current situation, that story is too lofty a dream for Director Yoo Jin-ho, but since that gentleman is definitely not an ordinary person, no one knows what the situation will be like in a few years.
“Ahem, ah. Then shall we move on to the next story?”
Choi Jae-won spoke awkwardly, and we nodded. The next topic was the idols each of us held.
“Who is Seungwoo’s role model?”
“What about Youngjun?”
“What about Seungmin?”
“What about Junyoung?”
Since we were all seated and speaking in order, I was always the last one. I had time to think, but I don’t have a favorite player, so I don’t know who to pick.
Each player they chose as their idol was different. Seungwoo Han played as an attacker, and Youngjun Ko played as a defender.
Lim Seung-min and Kim Jun-young also each chose different legendary players.
“Then, what about Minwoo?”
“I am···.”
Just say Son Heung-min? Or Park Ji-sung? Both players are soccer legends representing our country.
I scratched my head and just blurted out what came to mind. The greatest legendary player of this era.
“Lionel Messi.”
“Pfft!”
Kim Jun-young, who was sitting next to him, quickly covered his mouth. The other players around him also burst into laughter.
“Minwoo is a goalkeeper, but is Messi his role model?”
“Uh······ He’s a player who scores goals in so many different ways, so he’s a good learning data player.”
“Oh? Really?”
That’s bullshit. I couldn’t think of a goalkeeper, so I made it up.
After that, Choi Jae-won asked more questions about this and that.
He has successfully won two crowns, but will he be able to win three crowns in this King of Kings tournament? Will he be able to continue his clean sheet record in this King of Kings tournament? And finally, what are his goals and aspirations for the future?
Everyone, including Kim Jun-young, gave average answers.
“I really want to do well and debut as a pro!”
“Where’s the team?”
“Seoul Furics!”
“I also dream of becoming a pro, but first I want to get into college.”
Even Kim Jun-young said that joining the domestic K-League was his dream, so I clicked my tongue inwardly.
‘Everyone’s dreams are so small.’
Why are you guys so small-minded?
Since you’re already here, you should dream big!
“What about Minwoo?”
“I······would like to receive the Golden Glove Award.”
“Huh? Golden Glove Award?”
“Yes. In the World Cup. Just wait and see. I will lead South Korea to the World Cup finals with my own hands and definitely win the Golden Glove Award!”
“Hey! This is it!”
The staff’s “Wow” reaction to this bold ambition, Choi Jae-won’s bright smile, and the surrounding players’ reactions of “This kid is really crazy.”
I finished that day’s interview with a big laugh.
Well, it’s the aftermath. My future self will take care of it.
*
The video taken with Choi Jae-won will probably take quite some time to upload.
So I thought I could just prepare for the King of Kings tournament with the remaining time, but that wasn’t the case.
“I got a request for a job.”
“···What do you mean?”
Director’s Office. Yoo Jin-ho said as if nothing had happened.
“Hey, what’s that? Another soccer YouTuber contacted me to ask if I could recruit a goalkeeper. You have to leave.”
I made a face without realizing it. Why do you keep doing this when we’re about to reach an important point?
“Why? You don’t want to go out?”
“The King of Kings tournament is just around the corner. Do I really have to go?”
“It would be an honor for you, wouldn’t it?”
“Why? Is Messi visiting Korea?”
When I asked in a sarcastic tone, Yoo Jin-ho snickered and searched through his pockets. He found a pack of cigarettes inside, but it was empty.
“Hey, tsk. Do you know Lee Kang-im?”
“···Lee Kang-im? The one who went to PSG this time?”
“Yeah, Mom. Hey, who’s that guy over there? He’s making some kind of bet with that guy who played in the World Cup? He’s donating it to charity, and he needs a goalie who can block shots. I got the feeling he wanted you specifically.”
“Me? Why?”
“Why, you little brat. Look at your grades. Even if I were you, I’d pick you. You’ve never conceded a run. And you’ve got more rumors than I thought.”
“ah···.”
Wow. This is a different story. Wait a minute, Lee Kang-im is a YouTuber who appears on YouTube? How big is he?
“Is the channel name Shoot in Piece by any chance?”
“Oh. I guess that place is kind of big? If you know it well enough?”
“Why? I’m a soccer player now.”
“You’re a total idiot.”
No. The director uses this new word?
“A chance to block a PSG midfielder’s shot, isn’t that rare? Of course, you won’t do it sincerely, but you try to block it really well. Even if it’s a little bit, you’ll do it sincerely. Go and feel your limits once.”
“···oh.”
Can I stop a midfielder’s shot that Neymar and Mbappe share? Me?
Isn’t it such an honor?
“Do you feel like doing it now?”
“Yes, yes. I will. I have to! Oh, but isn’t the league opening soon? Why are you still in Korea?”
“Oh. This is the last schedule. We’re leaving the country right after it’s over.”
“iced coffee···.”
It doesn’t matter what it is.
This is practically a chance to block the shot of the next captain of the Republic of Korea.
You can’t get this kind of opportunity even if you pay money.
*
“Well then, let me introduce you to today’s goalkeeper!”
I ran in with a thud as the MC shouted.
“Could you please introduce yourself?”
“Oh, yes. My name is Kim Min-woo, a second-year student at Suyang High School.”
“Huh? What? A high school student? Not a college student?”
The World Cup-experienced player who will compete against Lee Kang-im in the donation competition is Lee Cheon-seo. Like Choi Jae-won, he was a former national team player and is currently a YouTuber, making him a legendary player in South Korea.
“Oh, this guy. He’s a high school student, but he’s definitely not an easy player!”
The MC gives me a look. OK, I get it.
“I am Kim Min-woo, a second-year student at Suyang High School who has never conceded a goal in the Geumgang Banseok Competition or the President’s Cup Competition!”
“Oh? Really?”
“Wow!”
When the female MC next to her clapped, the rest followed suit.
“You said you’ve never conceded a goal, but are you confident that you won’t concede a goal to Lee Kang-im and Lee Cheon-seo?”
“I will try my best to stop it!”
“Hey, hey. Don’t block it. You have to put it in for it to be donated…”
“Phehehe.”
Lee Kang-im laughs. Wow, how does a person’s body seem to shine? Is this an aura? Is this… PSG?
“Okay, then let’s get started right away!”
The donation match was a free kick duel.
A typical free kick setup with a human free kick wall and players kicking from behind it.
“Okay! Is the free kick wall ready?”
“Yep!”
“Goalkeeper, are you ready?”
“yes!”
“Are you ready, Lee Kang-im?”
“yes!”
It’s a little shaky. Lee Kang-im’s free kick from PSG, which is considered one of the top 5 leagues in Europe and is the strongest league among them.
It’s a truly glorious match for a mere idiot to stop.
‘So I’ll do my best.’
Donations? Sorry, I can’t give you even a single penny.
···Isn’t this a bit too much?
anyway.
A red trajectory is created.
A shot that hits the right post by my standards. The zero point is right from the first attempt. Is this really PSG?
Lee Kang-im ran, the free kick wall shook, and I followed suit.
It was blocked so easily that it seemed light.
“Woooo!?”
“It didn’t go in! It really blocks it well?”
A talk between Lee Cheon-seo and the MC.
Lee Kang-im looks slightly disappointed, but then the second attempt is made right away.
A red trail is created this time in the left corner.
‘receipt!’
I dived toward Lee Kang-im’s movement. The ball came over the free kick wall. It was fast, but not so fast that I couldn’t stop it.
With a popping sound, Lee Kang-im’s shot was in my arms.
“Okay! Nice save!”
“Wow!”
If they can’t put it in, they can’t donate, so why are those people so happy?
Now that I think about it, it seems like the donation goes up in the name of the person who puts in more.
‘I’ll block all of Lee Cheon-seo’s shots, so be happy in advance.’
Phew, I sighed in relief and returned to my seat.
And the third attempt.
Lee Kang-im tilted his head slightly, then raised his left hand and shouted.
“This time, we’re going to do it right!”
What? You’re saying it wasn’t properly cold until now?
Before I could even think about it, another trajectory was created.
A shot that flies in with a popping sound.
I moved my body right away, but······.
Swaying-!
The shot, which came in half a beat faster, evaded my hands exquisitely and went into the goal.
‘Wow. This is my first time eating it.’
I got up and laughed, feeling dumbfounded. Is this it? The feeling of being kicked? It’s awkward.
It wasn’t an official match so I didn’t really feel any change, but honestly I was a little surprised.
I definitely reacted properly, but the ball was much faster than I expected.
I looked at Lee Kang-Im who was happy and thought to myself.
‘The future of Korean soccer is very bright?’
End
ⓒ Doctor Am
=======================================================