SH Chapter 2.3

Jerim snatched the microphone Aaron was holding, almost like stealing it, and forced an awkward laugh.

“Haha, that’s right! It seems we’ve spent so many years playing in different leagues that we haven’t had much chance to interact! But now it’s time to become close teammates again! It’s really so nice to see you…”

All his words were a betrayal of his true feelings, so how could things go well? In the end, he trailed off with a sigh, biting his lip.

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Not long after the interview ended, articles with titles like <Pale Hands, the Tense Handshake Between Ban Jerim and Reyes>, <A Decade of Discord: Will It Continue or End? Red Light on Sefton> began to sprout up everywhere, which was somewhat expected.

While grabbing his throbbing forehead while looking at the internet articles, messages from Changshik also poured in rapidly. Jerim felt utterly wronged. It was that guy who dropped the bomb during the interview, so why am I being dragged into this…?

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However, looking at the photos, it was true that he was literally crushing Aaron’s hand like squashing tofu, so he couldn’t say he wasn’t guilty at all. With his mixed Latin and Nordic heritage, his skin was slightly darker than the average Caucasian, making the paleness of Jerim’s hand even more noticeable.

In contrast, Jerim’s hand, with his unusually pale skin for an athlete, had blue veins bulging out. Both had gripped each other’s hands as if wringing a rag, yet only one side looked so painful. This was also frustrating, but he knew the answer he would get from Changshik if he explained everything in detail, so he stopped.

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Instead, he sent a heartfelt reply to comfort him, who must be bending over backward to handle the articles by now.

“Jerry! I told you to catch the key.”

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William threw a small rectangular envelope with a voice mixed with annoyance. It seemed he had been trying to talk to Jerim earlier, but Jerim hadn’t heard. Jerim easily caught the envelope flying towards his forehead and tickled his fuzzy beard with the envelope’s corner.

“How can you get irritated so cutely? But why on earth did you grow such a beard? Seriously, you look just like a teddy bear…”

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“Don’t even dare say that teddy bear shit! The fat will disappear as soon as the season starts!”

“When did I say you were fat? Do you have some weird filter on your ears?”

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Jerim genuinely felt wronged and jumped up. He wondered why today was filled with so many unlucky and frustrating things. Was he cursed? He was about to argue that hearing it as a fat comment meant he was already self-conscious about his weight.

“Captain, I’d appreciate it if you could spare me some time after unpacking.”

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Something heavy landed on his shoulder simultaneously with a creepily low and languid voice. Jerim checked the arm draped over his shoulder down to the tattoo dangling on his chest and swallowed hard. Forcibly ignoring the sticky voice clinging to his ear, he looked around.

The only person within earshot was William. William would know how uncomfortable Jerim was with Aaron and could even ask him as vice captain to take care of him.

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Just as Jerim was about to shift the responsibility, thinking ‘If you have something to discuss, talk to the Vice Captain…’, Coach Verdi suddenly appeared, laughing heartily and patting both their backs.

“You two look so close! Good, good.”

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Jerim genuinely wanted to ask what part of this looked close, especially when the coach must have heard the interview from earlier. Coach Verdi quietly pulled Jerim closer and whispered.

“Take care of him as an old teammate and captain. He seems to be very shy.”

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“Excuse me? Who?”

“He didn’t say a word on the plane. When I asked, he said he’s not good at English.”

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“What? Are you talking about that fuck… I mean, Aaron?”

Who’s shy and who can’t speak English?? The absurdity made his voice rise sharply.

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In the past, when Jerim had just gotten to know Aaron, their conversations were a mix of two languages. Aaron in awkward English, Jerim in awkward Spanish. They had made efforts to become bilingual, trying to have longer and deeper conversations.

By the time Jerim had developed to a level of fluently speaking Spanish, Aaron had also significantly improved his English conversation skills. The saying was truly apt.

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If you want to learn a language quickly, find a partner from that nationality…

Of course, English wasn’t Jerim’s native language, he was just saying that figuratively. He had been fluent in English since childhood due to his mother, as she had been completely sold on the coach’s excited talk that he would definitely play in the Premier League and made him learn English as rigorously as football.

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The immature romance that started like a spark in their youth left them with the prize of mastering second and third foreign languages before burning out ten years ago. It ended messily, with a strong smell of gunpowder and scattered embers. A long time had passed since then, enough for even the ashes to have been blown away by the wind.

Jerim slightly furrowed his brow, recalling his first love, buried deep. There wasn’t even a speck of emotion like lingering attachment or wanting to get back together. He simply felt a bit embarrassed remembering how childish their relationship had been.

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Seeing Jerim’s expression, Coach Verdi kindly repeated what he had said earlier, clarifying who he was referring to.

“Yes, I’m talking about Aaron. He told me that he’s not confident in English, and that it’s his first time in England too, so he feels lost. But he’s relieved to have a former youth teammate who can speak Spanish. Seems like he really relies on you.”

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“…Did he actually say that? That he’s shy and feeling lost?”

“Yeah.”

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The coach readily affirmed and encouragingly patted Aaron’s shoulder, who was sticking close to Jerim. Aaron tilted his head with raised eyebrows, pretending to appreciate the encouragement, though he didn’t understand what the two were talking about.

Seeing that calm performance, his neck stiffened and he couldn’t even speak. Aaron’s acting itself was ridiculous, but what was even more absurd was the coach’s entire description of Aaron. Everything he had said about Aaron was a complete lie.

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‘Even if he has no conscience, there should still be limits.’

Shy? Not a chance. Jerim, who had spent his teenage years continuously with Aaron, knew well how unsuitable those words were for Aaron Reyes.

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Though some time had passed and his personality might have changed slightly, his innate nature would remain the same. Someone truly shy wouldn’t be casually yawning while having his arm around the shoulder of an ex he hadn’t seen in 10 years, nor would he conduct an interview in such a carefree manner.

Moreover, someone who had been called a genius since childhood for doing anything, wouldn’t be so lost and overwhelmed just by moving to a neighboring country’s league.

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Aaron had a self-confidence bordering on arrogance about his football skills. And he actually had the talent and skill to back it up. This was something Jerim, who had known him since childhood, knew better than anyone.

“You…”

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Just as he was about to tell him to stop deceiving the team’s coach, Coach Verdi burst into hearty laughter before Jerim’s sharp eye corners could fully form. The complaints about to burst out were buried under that cheerful laugh.

“The interview earlier was just a kind of playful teasing between friends.”

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“Coach, about that interview…”

He tried to subtly appeal that it wasn’t a joke but was genuinely targeting him. However, Coach Verdi quickly cut off Jerim’s words and spoke rapidly in English mixed with Italian pronunciation. The language characteristics made his tone sound somewhat excited.

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“There might have been some misunderstandings, but ultimately, he wants to become close again, doesn’t he? And as you said, you two should become close. You and Aaron’s pair will be the core of our team’s attack going forward… Even if your relationship has been a bit awkward, make up. It’s unacceptable for a striker and midfielder’s chemistry to be off.”

“…”

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Though a kind smile was plastered all over his face, everyone could see this was clearly a demand—no arguments allowed.

In a team, the coach is an absolute authority. While Coach Verdi was usually easygoing and friendly with players, in moments like these, he was strict and cold.

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Jerim stood with his arms politely folded. His lips, which were about to mumble something, were also sealed. The coach seemed to like Jerim’s quick attitude adjustment, and his previously sharp tone softened.

“I’ll remind you again—take good care of the newcomer. I may not know much else, but I’ve always trusted you, Jerim.”

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“…Yes.”

That was the only answer Jerim could give to a coach who showed such unwavering trust. He trudged into his assigned room with a massive luggage burden on his shoulder.

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After being told to unpack and rest, Aaron followed him into the room without invitation, prompting Jerim to let out a deep sigh. He’d been told to take care of Aaron, but that didn’t mean he had to babysit him 24/7. He removed the arm wrapped around his shoulder without hesitation.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to talk after unpacking? Get out.”

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Why had Aaron lied about not speaking English? What was going through his mind during that interview? Given their lack of goodwill toward each other, why had Aaron even transferred here? There were many questions Jerim wanted to ask—but also didn’t. Specifically, he didn’t want to show any interest in Aaron.

Thinking that he would have to coexist with his ex for the next few years, memories naturally began to surface. How it had ended last time, and how much psychological damage he had suffered then. These were memories he’d rather not recall.

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Besides, asking too many questions would only prolong the conversation, and in the process, his feelings would likely get hurt… Jerim was already exhausted and worn out, he wasn’t able to handle all of that.

‘I’m tired to death.’

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From morning, he had been pushed through a schedule without a moment’s rest, and his energy was completely drained from dealing with journalists. Despite his efforts to prevent strange articles from being published, due to this damn targeting, the situation he had been worried about had ultimately occurred.

He could clearly imagine his mother soon contacting him in panic after reading the article. Despite taking extra care given her heart surgery recovery, such stress was unavoidable. Just thinking about what to say to reassure her made his head throb.

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And well, what would be the point of interrogating that guy? It’s not like it would undo what’s already happened. In the end, it would be a waste of time. Sure, he certainly had some petty desire for revenge against the guy who had consistently ignored him until the very end, but the main reason Jerim gave up on asking questions was because of the former reason: it was simply a waste of time.

It would soon be time for dinner, and after eating, there’d only be a little while before it was time to sleep again. And tomorrow’s schedule would be waiting too. If he wanted to get some proper rest, at least until tonight, he needed to kick Aaron out right away. Exhausted, Jerim waved his hand dismissively again at the man who stood firmly rooted as if he hadn’t heard the implied request to leave.

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“I said, leave. If you have something to say, do it later.”

“Getting married?”

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The completely unexpected question came flying in and hit him like a dart. Reflexively, Jerim turned around, making no effort to hide the sheer absurdity written all over his face.

“What?”

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“I’m asking if you’re getting married. You said you’re about to get married soon. With whom exactly?”

Had he seen some strange rumor somewhere? It was the kind of thing that happened often in his life, just being friendly with a woman in public could spawn articles like <Ban Jerim, Marriage Imminent. His Girlfriend is a Beautiful Ordinary Citizen>, he wondered if it was something like that.

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But soon recalling the joke he made in the previous interview, he slightly narrowed his eyes.

‘I’m about to get married soon.’

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‘My heart is overflowing with love.’

These words seemed to have changed tone through interpretation, sounding like he was eager to get married soon. It was an utterly absurd misunderstanding. It was purely a joke to create atmosphere, and Jerim wasn’t even thinking about marriage in his dreams.

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In fact, every time he had tried dating out of loneliness, he ended up realizing that relationships just didn’t fit him, like an ill-fitting suit, and eventually called it quits each time. Marriage? Forget it. Maybe after retirement, when he could finally divert his attention from football, he might consider dating or marriage, but not now.

During his teenage years, when he had been foolish enough to fall into love games with this very man standing before him now, Jerim came to realize one thing: there was no activity more harmful to one’s mental state than dating. And since Jerim’s performance in his line of work heavily depended on his mental condition, managing his mentality became essential, naturally pushing him away from the idea of dating.

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And to this man before his eyes who provided that life’s near-truth, Jerim felt no urge to correct the misunderstanding. Believe whatever you want. Turning back toward the bed, Jerim lazily waved a hand, still spouting off reminders as befitting his role as team captain.

“You’re better off unpacking and resting instead of wasting time with nonsense. Don’t sleep yet. Dinner starts at six….”

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“Same-sex marriage isn’t legal in Korea, is it?”

Just as Jerim was about to take another step, a lazy murmur flowed from behind him. It sounded genuinely curious. At the statement that seemed to believe he would naturally marry a man, Jerim abruptly stopped walking.

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‘Is this guy implying that he made me gay or something?’

Jerim, who had always considered himself a staunch heterosexual, had indeed started his first-ever relationship with a man—Aaron, no less—who was 10 centimeters taller, of a different nationality, and race. But that was an extremely special case.

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The reasons their relationship had even been possible were as follows: First, they were both only 16 years old; second, they lived closely together in a dormitory teeming with boys; and third, it was that age when the term ‘springtime of youth’ wasn’t just a saying for nothing. At that age, brimming with curiosity and hormones, when a handsome and cute friend made a move on him, his body and mind reacted almost involuntarily.

Moreover, both Jerim and Aron were in the highest age group among several youth teams, which made it impossible for them not to become close. Eating, sleeping, studying, training. How could they not develop affection for each other when they spent their entire daily life together from the moment they woke up until they fell asleep?

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The conclusion? Being misunderstood as someone preparing for same-sex marriage felt deeply unfair because, in reality, Jerim had only dated women after breaking up with Aaron, so it was somewhat excessive to even call himself bisexual. He’d never felt any sexual attraction to any other man besides Aaron, which made Aaron a very unique case.

And what business is it of this bastard to know whether same-sex marriage is legalized in someone else’s country? The hell… While grumbling internally, the words he spoke remained simple and blunt, calculating that there was no need to give this guy, who had been itching for a fight since the airport, any more fuel.

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“Yeah, it isn’t legal. I’m marrying a woman, so mind your own business.”

“How? You clearly like cocks.”

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With a ‘pfft’ laugh mixed with mockery, Jerim finally turned around.

No feeding the trolls, no feeding the trolls. Reason was desperately calling out, but his body, with anger rising to its peak, moved instinctively. Like when the opposing team provokes, enduring until avoiding the referee’s eyes, then somehow secretly getting revenge – this time too, his stubborn nature kicked in once again.

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Jerim leaned against the wall with one leg propped up. A mocking smile seemed to be drawn on his face.

“Are you introducing yourself? You’re the one who goes totally crazy.”

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“Yeah, we both are. That’s why we dated, right?”

Aaron’s teasing tone only sharpened Jerim’s glare. His refusal to back down, even throwing in extra jabs, felt both unfamiliar and irritating.

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He seemed to be angry about something towards Jerim, but the reason was completely incomprehensible. If it was lingering resentment from their breakup 10 years ago, Aaron’s joking and seemingly friendly tone made that hard to believe.

Then, was it because Jerim had brushed off his hand during the last match? That made even less sense. If he felt humiliated by his goodwill being ignored, he wouldn’t have transferred to Sefton in the first place. He obviously knew it was the same club where his ex was the captain.

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It was too trivial of an incident to talk about feeling humiliated. Of course, he could feel upset, but it wasn’t something to act like a rabid dog over, biting at everyone after a little mind game at the airport.

‘…What the hell is going on?’

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What is this guy so angry about that he has been practicing how to talk like shit for the past 10 years instead of football? While briefly contemplating, Jerim suddenly felt skeptical and discarded the thought.

I’m not a kindergarten teacher, do I really need to know why this guy is angry? He probably just doesn’t like me. Thinking that way makes everything easier, yet he was awkwardly holding onto it and groaning.

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Jerim messed up his neatly set hair and took a deep breath. The bangs blown by his breath rose and then fell back down. Pushing back those bangs to clear his vision, Jerim looked at Aron and sneered.

“Ever since we broke up, I haven’t dated any men. You fucking slut, stop lumping me in with your kind.”

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Ah, I really didn’t want to fight. Even as he casually spat out the derogatory term ‘slut’, he sighed inwardly. Unfortunately, Jerim too possessed the uncanny ability to turn vulgar when provoked, and so their conversation inevitably spiraled toward disaster.