SH Chapter 2.2

“Player Ban Jerim! You’ll be playing against K-League players during this visit to Korea. With which mindset are you facing this…?”

“Did you happen to hear anything in advance about Reyes’ transfer?”

“Hyung! Hyyuuung! I bought a jersey with your name on it! I love you, hyung! Aaaaaaah!”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

What a chaotic scene. Jerim mechanically waved his hand as he pushed through the crowd. Surrounded by a dozen or so burly bodyguards, it was relatively easy to clear a path.

Still, every now and then, he stopped to sign autographs for those who managed to break through the wall of bodyguards, shoving jerseys and pens in his face. It felt wrong to ignore a 150,000-won jersey with “BAN” on it—especially since they were always sold out and hard to come by.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Thank you. I’ll work hard this season too, so please keep supporting me. We’ll get to the reporter’s questions later.”

The individual interviews had already been finished right after arriving at the airport. All that remained was the group interview scheduled to take place briefly in the hotel lobby after the rest of the players arrived.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

For the individual interviews, only a small number of reporters were invited, and all the questions were pre-approved, so there weren’t any awkward moments. However, this meant that during the upcoming group interview, he might very well face some uncomfortable questions—like the one about Aaron Reyes’ transfer earlier.

The only hope Jerim had was that all the attention would be focused on Aaron, leaving fewer questions for him. Please, how could I have known whether that guy was going to transfer or not? I even unfollowed him on social media and haven’t seen any updates from him in ten years.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As if answering his desperate prayers, the gate opened just then, and familiar faces began to enter.

“Jerry! How’ve you been?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Boss!”

Leading the group was Coach Verdi. The distinguished Italian, always impeccably dressed in a suit for important matches or events, grinned widely and pulled Jerim into a hug. The overpowering scent of cologne was an added bonus.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

One by one, more familiar faces followed. Most of the starting lineup seemed to be here, except for a few. Their skin glowed, likely well-rested from their vacations, but their expressions were far from cheerful. Perhaps they were still hung up on their Champions League runner-up finish before coming to Korea.

Ever since the trip to Korea was confirmed, the team members had boasted about stepping foot on Korean soil with the Big Ears trophy in hand. Moreover, some of his European teammates, who were either eliminated early or missed the Euros last month due to injuries, were probably feeling conflicted about being here now instead of representing their national teams.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Especially Lehmann—he looked like he’d just returned from attending someone’s funeral. Unlike the others, it seemed he hadn’t been able to relax during the break, and his skin looked dry and rough for a 22 year old. It made sense, though; with Aaron’s transfer, he’d likely be benched this season, which must have weighed heavily on his mind.

Without saying a word, Jerim patted Lehmann on the head.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As soon as his closest teammate approached, he pulled him close and whispered softly,

“Will, smile for the cameras.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

If they all walked in looking gloomy, it could easily spark unnecessary controversy. Although his tone unintentionally sounded more like a thug demanding something, William obediently complied with the request.

After successfully taking photos of them shaking hands and smiling—despite William’s scruffy beard making his smile difficult to see—the clicking of camera shutters suddenly erupted into rapid-fire bursts.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Still holding William’s hand, Jerim turned his head awkwardly toward the direction the cameras were pointed. There stood a strikingly handsome man, 6’4″, casually slinging a duffel bag over his shoulder with an air of nonchalance.

Of course, the atmosphere around him was completely different from ten years ago. There was no trace of youthful innocence left in Jerim’s faint memories. Instead, his exposed arms had black tattoos peeking out from under a short-sleeved shirt emblazoned with Sefton’s golden crown logo.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“That guy already looks dangerous enough, and now he’s got tattoos like that…”

Just as Jerim furrowed his brow, a pair of amber eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity locked onto him. The sharp gaze widened momentarily before returning to its usual stoic expression—but the intensity didn’t waver. The brightness of his irises only amplified the piercing nature of his stare.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

So that’s why his nickname is ‘Wolf.’ Lucky you, when others have nicknames like ‘Rat’…

With pointless envy, he felt a surge of irritation wondering ‘is that shameless bastard already trying to start a staring contest with me, the team captain, right after transferring?’ His pride flared up, and he glared fiercely back at the childish provocation, unknowingly squeezing William’s hand tighter.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

At that, William, who had suffered collateral damage, whispered,

“Let go. I need to go.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Don’t go…”

“What are you saying?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You’re like a teddy bear – holding your hand comforts me.”

“A teddy bear? Are you calling me fat, you rude bastard?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

William retorted with an angry voice and coldly brushed away Jerim’s hand. At the moment when the abandoned hand was wandering aimlessly through the air, Aaron, who had approached at some point, grabbed Jerim’s rejected hand. This time, the grip conveyed a force that seemed to say he wouldn’t let go.

“Jerim, long time no see. How have you been?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The one gripping the hand with a force that could crush it smiled and asked in Spanish. The words ‘long time’ had a very heavy accent. Jerim raised his head and stared directly at Aaron’s face.

Ah, I really didn’t want to fight. But avoiding a fight that comes to you first also hurts one’s pride. But why does he start irking me as soon as he sees me? I have plenty of reasons to hate Aaron, but he doesn’t seem to have any particular reason…

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘No, that’s not right.’

Back when Jerim ended his stay at Tabarona when he was young, he’d had a huge falling-out with Aaron. Neither of them left with fond memories. So naturally, Aaron must have immediately unfollowed Jerim on social media after Jerim did the same following his World Cup elimination.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

And just a month or two ago, when they met for the first time in 10 years, he even cursed and rejected the hand Aaron extended. So it was natural that Aaron didn’t have good feelings towards him.

But did he have to act like this, especially toward the captain of the team he’d just joined? Disrespectful punk. Jerim, who had been competing with male peers since childhood, knew that in such situations, he needed to clearly establish hierarchy. For a moment, he considered ignoring Aaron’s words, but soon changed his mind.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He had promised himself not to act childishly. Besides, if he showed any signs of disrespect or rejected Aaron’s handshake again, who knew what kind of headlines would follow? Just look at the loud shutter sounds and white flashes that burst out as soon as Aaron grabbed his hand.

“Yeah, I’ve been doing well. How about you?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Instead, he gripped Aaron’s hand as if to crush it and smiled brightly. He deliberately answered in English. If you’ve transferred to an English club, speak English, you punk. He knew Aaron could speak English well, so he wasn’t worried about not being understood.

As expected, Aaron immediately understood and whispered lowly, covering his mouth with his free hand.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Me? Always the same. Winning the league every time, lifting the Big Ears, sometimes even winning the Ballon d’Or.”

“You’re full of shit. Why don’t you go on and on about how Spain won the last World Cup too?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“That might be a bit… insensitive to bring up in front of you. Sorry for mentioning the World Cup.”

“Wow, you actually grew a conscience. Oh, congratulations… I mean, condolences on being eliminated in the Euro quarterfinals.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Just bad luck. I’m also sorry that Korea didn’t win the Asian Cup last year.”

Your way of speaking has gotten really damn annoying.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

To be honest, Jerim was slightly taken aback. Recalling the old Aaron, he realized that both his manner of speech and atmosphere had completely changed. After confirming this new version of the man in front of him, he shook off the old memories. If rivers and mountains can change in ten years,¹ why shouldn’t people? In fact, it would be stranger if Aaron hadn’t changed at all.

‘But what has this bastard done to be so confidently smug…’

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But having such thoughts was inevitable. After all, Aaron had achieved such remarkable success.

He was about to respond with a string of curses but held back, thinking of the gazes surrounding them. To the reporters, this reunion after ten years probably just looked like two old friends laughing and chatting warmly. He didn’t feel like shattering that illusion.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

That seemed to be mutual, as Aaron, who didn’t even blink at the pouring flashes, suddenly pulled Jerim into a hug.

“Let’s try to get along again, Jerim.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“…Yeah. Welcome to Sefton. And to Korea.”

He deliberately slapped Aaron’s back hard and shouted loud enough for the entire airport to hear. He raised their clasped hands high, waving them ostentatiously before quickly walking away. This was an attempt to put an end to the renewed rumors of discord that had flared up alongside Aaron’s transfer news.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Only when he boarded the bus with heavily tinted windows could he escape from thousands of eyes. When he found an empty seat and sat down, Aaron naturally sat next to him. Jerim, too tired for further mind games, immediately put on an eye mask.

From preparing to go to the airport in the morning, being chased by reporters, to having a confrontation with Aaron – he was finally given a brief moment of freedom after a day of harassment. As he closed his eyes in the dark cloth, an indescribable peace washed over him. It was a sense of calm that made him instantly forget who was sitting next to him.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Even this eye mask looks like it’s designed to piss someone off…”

Fortunately, Aaron didn’t disturb him while he was (pretending to be) sleeping. He merely muttered something under his breath to himself and radiated an extremely displeased mood. Jerim considered explaining that this puffy frog-eye-shaped mask was a gift from a fan but decided against engaging in conversation.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

But that freedom didn’t last long. When the bus stopped at the hotel, the reporters’ cars also lined up behind the bus. The group of reporters already waiting at the hotel was just as numerous. As soon as they sat in the prepared stage in the lobby, flashes began to burst continuously.

Unlike the airport, where they were somewhat distanced from reporters due to security, here the flashes were flickering almost right in front of them. Jerim, who had experienced countless times how one wrong blink could immortalize him in an incredibly ugly pose, kept his eyes wide open.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Hey, I didn’t blink, right? If you took a bad photo, please delete it. I’m getting married soon, you know.”

When he picked up the microphone and threw out this joke, laughter erupted from everywhere.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Do you have plans to get married soon?”

“My heart’s always ready, overflowing with love.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

A familiar reporter tossed out a teasing question. Compared to the ones he’d anticipated, this was child’s play, so Jerim responded playfully. Even the coach and teammates, hearing the translation, burst into boisterous laughter. All except one person.

With his originally degenerate² looking face, muscular body, full arm tattoo, and added expressionless look, the area where Aaron was standing looked more like a back alley in Harlem than a hotel lobby. It seemed more like he was about to bust a drug dealer than give an interview.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Why has he been acting like that ever since we arrived?

There was no need to transfer early and come to Korea only to act so obviously displeased. That would only damage the captain’s reputation. Jerim glanced at Aaron’s sharply defined side profile, which made him look even more striking, and quickly fixed his gaze forward when he heard a question directed at Coach Verdi.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

It started with the typical question about how he viewed the player Jaerim.

“Jerry is an excellent player. He’s also a core member who forms the foundation of our team. Visiting his hometown together has made this trip especially meaningful for us.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Jerim nodded at the standard response and added a few lighthearted jokes. The reporters burst into laughter and enthusiastically responded whenever Jerim spoke. A few teammates particularly close to Jerim even greeted in Korean. Naturally, the audience’s reaction was explosive.

From the start of the group interview, the atmosphere was very good. Jerim internally felt relieved, thinking that maybe they would avoid asking any awkward questions on their own. Sports journalists often ask provocative questions, so he always becomes sensitive in these situations.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Especially since Aaron’s transfer was a hot topic worldwide, he didn’t want to be unnecessarily dragged into gossip. Though, of course, they were already somewhat being discussed on the internet.

‘At least let this first visit to Korea go smoothly, please.’

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Knowing that his mother with a weak heart, along with his father and siblings, would be watching the reactions in real-time, his heart felt even more heavy. Just as he was starting to relax with some mild questions and answers, a reporter that looked strict raised his hand and pointed at Aaron.

“Mr. Reyes, I’m Kim Hyeongju from MBB. May I ask a question?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

After the translation was conveyed seconds later, Aaron nodded. Without hesitation, the reporter fired off the awkward question Jerim had been dreading.

“You said there wasn’t any particular reason for your sudden transfer. But I’m curious—did your friendship with Jerim have even the slightest influence on your decision?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

What the hell does it matter if I’m involved in his transfer or not? Every single reporter seems to want me to have something to do with it, as if soybean powder would fall from the sky.³ Jerim, who had barely managed his expression, had no time to look at the reporter before Aaron opened his mouth.

“I don’t quite understand the meaning of your question.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Ah, what I mean is…”

“We haven’t really had much of a relationship until now. The conversation we had at the airport earlier was our first in ten years. During the last Champions League final… we didn’t even have a proper conversation, as you know.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”

Pak! Aaron hit Jerim’s left hand with his right hand. At first glance, it looked like applause, but everyone present knew. This was a playful imitation of Jerim brushing off his hand during the final.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

His response reignited the rumors of discord, causing even the translator to pause and look around nervously. The reporter who asked the question seemed unprepared for such an answer, his lips moving in bewilderment. Meanwhile, Aaron chuckled to himself, clearly satisfied with his clever remark.

“Now that we’re teammates again, we should get close again. Again. Right, Captain?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

In the midst of spitting out short answers, Aaron repeatedly changed the expression for ‘again’ in Spanish.

As expected from the guy who once patiently taught him pronunciation step by step, he kept babbling in perfect Spanish the whole time. But when he said ‘Captain,’ he deliberately dragged out the corners of his eyes in a sly manner and pronounced it in English—just to perfectly get on Jerim’s nerves.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com