SH Chapter 2.5

While pondering the pros and cons of Aaron’s transfer objectively, Lehmann conveniently brought up his name again, this time with an even more pitiful tone.

“Even if I work harder, will I even get a chance to prove myself? Now that Aaron Reyes is joining our team…”

To himself, Jerim believed Aaron, with his experience, would perform better than Lehmann, who was still young and inexperienced. Feeling guilty, he averted his gaze.

Lehmann sighed heavily, rubbing his face repeatedly. Realizing complaining about losing his starting position sounded pathetic, he quickly changed the subject.

“Anyway, I wanted to properly apologize. I boasted about winning the Big Ears before coming to Korea. I’m sorry.”

Meeting Lehmann’s apologetic gaze, Jerim tilted his chin slightly upward. The striker, the same age as Jerim’s youngest brother and just 22 years old, held Jerim’s affection. Perhaps seeing him more often than his distant siblings contributed.

Having lived abroad alone since childhood, except for weekends spent with his mother, Jerim often felt closer to his teammates than his family.

During his time in Tabarona, the person he cherished most was… none other than Aaron. Back then, blinded by love, he neglected his mother, visiting her only on weekends. He deserved to be called an unfilial son.

But no matter how precious Aaron had been in the past, he was now merely an annoying ex. A thankful yet irritating presence. No matter how grateful he was, an annoying person remains annoying, so currently, Jerim cherished Lehmann more than Aaron. Putting on a stern face, he consoled Lehmann.

“Lehmann. I don’t know exactly why you’re apologizing, but consider it accepted. Apologize one more time, and I’ll get mad. And—”

Before continuing, Jerim glanced sideways at the bathroom where Aaron was locked. Whether Aaron heard or not didn’t matter, but mentioning his name directly made him uneasy. Confirming the door was firmly closed, he spoke,

“Aaron Reyes isn’t that special. Don’t lose confidence. For now, you’ll likely be benched, but think of it as gaining experience. You’re only 22. Your career doesn’t end here, so why look so gloomy?”

Aaron Reyes may not be special, but Lehmann had potential too. If he could overcome his timid personality and fragile mentality, especially in clutch situations, he’d already be a decent player. After all, transferring to a top-tier club like Sefton at 21 and immediately becoming a starter proved his talent.

Looking straight into Lehmann’s eyes, Jerim conveyed his genuine thoughts without reservation.

“And objectively speaking, how many players your age start as first-team regulars in the Premier League, let alone a big club? You’re talented enough.”

“But Jerry, you also transferred to Sefton at the same age.”

“Yeah, because I was overflowing with talent.”

Like Lehmann, Jerim had transferred to Newham FC in England after leaving Tabarona’s youth academy, then moved to Sefton at 21.

In other words, Jerim’s words were a form of self-praise. When Lehmann playfully pointed this out, Jerim responded with an even more joking remark and giggled. Lehmann stopped laughing and suddenly looked sullen again.

“I want to be like you… You don’t seem nervous at all when stepping up as the 5th penalty kick taker.”

“It’s not that I’m not nervous, but that my experience has accumulated to the point where I don’t show it. If you show your nervousness, it becomes easier for the goalkeeper to read your direction.”

Jerim continued speaking seriously, providing a penalty kick foolproof guide.

“There’s nothing more useless than worrying about lack of experience. Experience naturally accumulates with time. What is there to worry about? If you’re really worried, instead of digging tunnels, you should consider whether to go on loan¹.”

“…I don’t want to go on loan. I like it here.”

Lehmann hesitated for a moment, then lightly embraced Jerim’s back and acted childishly. Since this level of physical contact was something they did every time they scored a goal, Jerim casually hugged Lehmann back. As he was softly running his fingers through Lehmann’s blonde hair while holding the back of his head, he noticed the open door over Lehmann’s shoulder.

The bathroom door that he had personally pushed Aaron into was somehow slightly open. And through that gap…

‘Has he really done too many headers?’

Eyes that sparkled like a beast glowed brightly in the darkness. The belated realization that he had pushed someone into an unlit bathroom came simultaneously. He had no idea how long that someone had been watching.

Jerim, startled, barely suppressed a scream and waved his hand. Apart from not wanting Lehmann to know he was with Aaron, he couldn’t reveal Aaron’s presence in this situation. Already troubled by Aaron, he couldn’t suddenly announce that the very person causing his distress was actually hiding in the bathroom.

Despite his desperate gestures, the gap in the door widened further. It seemed about to open completely. Jerim had no choice but to bury his face in Lehmann’s shoulder and quickly continue the conversation. His plan was to wrap up the dialogue and send Lehmann away.

“Well, staying and competing with Reyes isn’t bad. I could learn from him.”

“Yeah, his ability to score goals is pretty good, and he has a fantastic sense. If only I could learn–”

“You should talk about that with me. If you’d mentioned it first, I would have gladly taught you.”

Just as Lehmann was about to say something in Jerim’s embrace, the door finally burst open. Aaron approached with long strides, babbling something in English while simultaneously pulling both Lehmann and Jerim into an embrace.

Jerim was squished between the larger men like a hamburger patty. Unable to escape because Aaron was pressing down on his back with such strong force. Lehmann had also stiffened the moment Aaron hugged him, making the situation even more uncomfortable.

The conversation, interrupted by Aaron’s sudden intrusion, resumed only after Jerim managed to twist himself out from between the two muscular bodies. His escape made it look as if Lehmann and Aaron were affectionately embracing.

Lehmann, who was originally shy, looked pitifully embarrassed in Aaron’s arms.

“R-Reyes? Why are you in Jerry’s room…?”

“I was here first. Like you, I had something to tell Jerim.”

“But why in the bathroom…”

“We were having a private conversation, and when you came, our considerate captain locked me in that lightless, water-dripping, damp bathroom. It was scary.”

Aaron released Lehmann and pointed his finger towards the darkened bathroom. A guy with a mafia boss-like atmosphere claiming to be scared of a mere dark bathroom was incredibly ridiculous.

The guy whose birthday was on Halloween claiming to be scared of ghosts? For a moment, Jerim forgot Lehmann was even there and sarcastically retorted.

“Go erase the tattoos on your arms and stop being dramatic. Even ghosts would run away seeing your arms.”

“They’re not only on my arms, you know? Maybe I should strip completely. I was really scared.”

Aaron slightly lifted his shirt to indicate his back. Though he was seemingly trying to show he had tattoos on his back, he didn’t actually turn around, revealing only his distinctly sculpted abs.

What a fucking nuisance… Jerim’s mood was completely soured, seeing it as just showing off his body.

“But didn’t you say you couldn’t speak English well…?”

Lehmann questioned how someone who claimed to be bad at English was now conversing and speaking fluently. Aaron shook his head and chuckled, appearing utterly shameless.

“It was a joke. Everyone believed it too easily. It made the flight less boring.”

“…”

“This was also a joke. It’s true that I lack confidence in English. I can understand it, but I’m conscious about my pronunciation.”

“You seem to be doing well…”

Whether it was kindness or lack of observation. Lehmann complimented Aaron’s English skills even in this situation. Already arrogant, Aaron’s pride soared even more as he turned to look at Jerim with fishy eyes.

“Thanks for the compliment. What do you think? How’s my English?”

“…Fucking great, you bastard. Your lack of confidence seems like a complete lie.”

“I actually have more confidence in English than in lying.”

“…”

Is this really the same shy boy who just blinked nervously during his first kiss? Jerim was now doubting his own memories. No, wait, he was cute and shy only at the beginning, and immediately after, he’d aggressively kiss me…

Recalling how he would kiss anywhere without caring about prying eyes, Jerim’s expression soured even more. Why do I remember this bastard as cute when I dated him? Looking at each of his actions, he has always been shameless, both then and now.

It must be a bias out of his nostalgia. Jerim glared at Aaron, who was confidently spinning lies with his not-at-all cute large body and face. Despite reading Jerim’s unfriendly gaze, Aaron’s lips didn’t stop moving.

“If you have any concerns in the future, consult me. As someone in the same position, it would be more useful, wouldn’t it?”

“Ah…? Oh, uhm, yeah, thanks…”

“Don’t mention it.”

Since Aaron’s fluency in English was revealed, Lehmann had been consistently bewildered. However, he couldn’t refuse someone offering help and awkwardly smiled, shaking hands.

After suddenly transferring and taking his position, Aaron was boldly offering advice. For Jerim, even imagining this was infuriating enough to consider requesting a loan to the manager and then train desperately to reclaim his spot when he returns.

This was Jerim’s competitive mindset, but Lehmann seemed entirely different. Well, since he himself doesn’t want a loan, there’s nothing to be done. As the captain, interfering too much would be excessive, so Jerim just clicked his tongue watching them shake hands.

“Oh, it’s already time for dinner. How about eating together?”

Aaron, who had already become friendly with Lehmann, put his arm around Jerim’s shoulder as well. Watch this bastard acting so embarrassing, for fucking god’s sake…

Lehmann looked as bewildered as Jerim but seemed to lack the courage to refuse, merely nodding. In this situation, Jerim couldn’t just reject Aaron either. He had no choice but to follow the longer-legged men’s pace to the dining hall.

***

Dinner was eaten in a suffocating atmosphere. Because Aaron had dragged Jerim and Lehmann to eat early, no other team members were present. The dining hall with several round tables was as silent as a funeral parlor.

Jerim normally preferred lively meals, but at this moment, he was quite pleased with the empty seats and lack of prying eyes. Exhausted from being forcibly attached to Aaron all day and receiving countless glances, he first grabbed his tray and headed towards a corner seat, deliberately ignoring Aaron.

“J-Jerry! Where are you going…?”

Just as he was about to take another step, Lehmann looked at Jerim with eyes about to burst into tears. His calling voice was equally plaintive. Aaron, still holding Lehmann by his side, muttered as if to himself,

“Seems like Sefton’s team spirit isn’t very harmonious. Well, with a captain having such an uncooperative personality, it’s understandable.”

“Who?”

Bang! Jerim roughly placed his tray on the table where Aaron was sitting, glaring. This was his chance to teach this arrogant guy what a captain’s authority really meant.

However, he couldn’t ultimately execute his ambitious plan. Immediately after doing that, the mushroom soup splashed onto his face. “Ouch!” he exclaimed. Aaron even took tissues and wiped the soup from Jerim’s face.

“Can’t you wipe your own mouth? Or is it an old habit that remains?”

The whispered words made his face burn, rendering him unable to speak further. He knew the comment about his old habits wasn’t accidental. The captain’s authority he had wanted to display had fallen to the ground like the tray he had thrown down.

Throughout the meal, only the sound of tableware clinking could be heard. Thanks to his combative spoonfuls, the meal ended faster than usual. After finishing dinner, Jerim returned to his room a step ahead of Aaron and threw Aaron’s luggage into the hallway.

“Will you take responsibility if something gets stolen?”

“Not my problem.”

After casually responding to Aaron’s bewildered muttering about his luggage being thrown out, Jerim dramatically slammed the door – a revenge for the bathroom door incident. Finally alone, Jerim took a refreshing shower and sat on the sofa. He wanted to lie down immediately but knew he shouldn’t until digestion was complete.

Staring at the ceiling and savoring his solitude, the surroundings felt too quiet, bringing wandering thoughts. Mostly memories of his past with Aaron. To stop these, he turned on the TV. Loud noises filled the room, disrupting his contemplation. The fact that whatever channel he turned to was in Korean somehow soothed his frustration.

Jerim blankly watched a variety show for a while and fell asleep right where he sat on the sofa.

“You weren’t even on the plane, so why did you sleep so early?”

William’s question hit him as soon as he entered the hall early in the morning. Jerim awkwardly touched his lips. He was sure he had fallen asleep before 9 PM, so he was surprised to find the sun shining brightly when he woke up. Feeling guilty about not properly digesting his food, he had gone for a jog immediately after waking up.

‘All because of that damn bastard…’

Watching Aaron sipping coffee with his smooth face, Jerim gritted his teeth. Falling asleep like a child at this age was likely due to being mentally exhausted from the continuous psychological warfare.

Even so, he couldn’t entirely blame his undigested sleep on Aaron. Currently, Jerry’s eyes had a filter similar to William’s earpiece – every misfortune appeared to be Aaron Reyes’ fault. He was increasingly trusting the prediction that past bad karma would haunt him.

Eating and sleeping immediately was terrible for the body. He had maintained a habit of doing cardio exercise after dinner before sleeping for over a decade, so yesterday’s deviation was particularly painful. He blamed Aaron for disrupting his thorough lifestyle and dissected his omelet with a knife. Even the Western-style breakfast menu seemed like misfortune brought by Aaron.

“Koreans run on the energy the rice gives…”

He wished there was some kind of sungnyung², but English chefs could hardly make such a thing. Incidentally, they were filling their stomachs with a healthy diet prepared by team chefs who had followed them to Korea, given their need for strict dietary management.

As Jerim mumbled to himself, his teammates started throwing comments,

“What are you mumbling in Korean?”

“Just because. You guys wouldn’t understand.”

“Hasn’t he been acting a bit strange since yesterday?”

“Really, are you feeling okay? Want to go clubbing after the evening open training? I’m kind of curious about Korean clubs.”

Edson, the winger who even owned a large portable speaker, asked with an excited face. Jerim threw his knife and got angry,

“If you go, I’ll kill you. Stay locked in the hotel until the end of our Korea visit!”

“How uptight.”

Looking at Edson pouting his lips, Jerim suppressed his anger. They were so focused on not being caught without the big ear when entering the country, and now they were talking about going to clubs after just one day. This made Jerim’s blood boil.

William, throwing cold water on the situation, asked, “Jerry, you have a YouTube talk show filming at lunch today, right?”

“Yeah. You?”

“I’m doing a fan service event with Liam and Craig.”

“Sounds tough.”

While training would normally happen in the morning, Korea’s midsummer weather wasn’t cooperating. All open training and match schedules were pushed to the evening, so everyone was scattered doing youth training, fan services, or shooting entertainment content for the club.

Jerim chuckled thinking about his colleagues standing like mannequins in crowded venues on this hot day. Compared to them, he would just be chatting on a talk show with Lehmann and a YouTuber they were familiar with – an easy job. But William looked sympathetically at Jerim and consoled him,

“You’re not the only one suffering.”

“Why would I suffer?”

“…Oh, you didn’t hear because you slept early.”

With a pat on the back came a thunderbolt of a statement.

“Lehmann is bedridden with indigestion… so your partner has changed. To Reyes.”

…Dear God. Jerim buried his face in his palm. At this point, it was more appropriate to blame God rather than Aaron. Before a massive misfortune, his brain had finally made a rational judgment.