"This is Kim Taehyung, the boy I was talking about," the Coach introduced Tae to the group.
"Hi, Taehyung. I'm-"
"I know you, Mr. Namjoon," Tae interrupted, his eyes shining with admiration. "I'm a big fan... I've watched all your matches repeatedly. You're my idol. I..." Tae's words stumbled over each other in his excitement, but Namjoon simply smiled and pulled him into a hug.
"That's enough, child," Namjoon said warmly, releasing him. "Just sit here, Tae." He motioned to the seat next to him, his smile never wavering. Moving his crutches aside, Namjoon settled down opposite them. Taehyung couldn't help but glance at Joon's leg, and Jin, who sat beside Namjoon, noticed.
"The accident took his leg, not his mind," Jin said gently. "That's why he's leading the national team to new heights."
"I know..." Tae murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Jin nodded, then added, "He's also a victim of that accident, Namjoon. Tae lost his father. You might remember him-Taemin, the youngest player at the time. Do you remember him?"
"Yes... Taemin," Namjoon replied, a nostalgic smile crossing his face. He looked at Tae again. "I was the captain of the national team back then. Your father was a rookie, always talking about his pregnant wife. We were on our way to the airport when the accident happened... I lost eight players, seven staff members, and my right foot." He smiled awkwardly, the weight of the memories heavy in his words.
Tae stared at the man before him, his heart heavy with the realization. "I never knew my father was selected for the national team."
"He was," the Coach confirmed. "But you, Tae, you're more talented than he ever was."
Jin handed a form to Tae. "Fill this out, Taehyung. For the selection. You may be the son of a great player, but you still have to earn your place."
"I will, sir. I will," Tae said confidently, looking at the Coach with determination.
"Best of luck, child," Namjoon said, his voice full of encouragement.
"Thank you so much," Tae replied, taking the form and walking out with a wide smile on his face.
**********
"Are they married?" Taehyung asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Yes, they are," the Coach replied. "Jin comes from a noble family that owns football clubs both in our country and abroad. Joon was one of the best players at one of their clubs. They met, fell in love, and the rest is history. Joon was selected for the national team at a very young age and quickly became the captain. But then, that accident took everything from him... except Jin. Jin stood by him, as did his family. Now, under his management, our team is reaching the World Cup fields. I've known Jin since childhood; we were neighbors and close friends."
"So... the rich and good-hearted, huh?" Tae remarked.
"Why do you always bring everything with rich and poor , Tae?" the Coach asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I wasn't talking about Jungkook," Tae quickly defended. "I was just... Mr. Seokjin married a man who had nothing... That Jungkook hates everything except his family. I never thought about that Jeon boy with his crooked teeth... Bloody fool, Jungkook. You know, Jungkook is-"
"Tae... Tae," the Coach interrupted, shaking his head. "I never mentioned Jungkook, but you've already said his name four times."
"I..."
"Let it go," the Coach advised. "First, focus on your goals. Concentrate on your career. The day after tomorrow is going to be your big day. Okay?"
"Yes, Coach!" Taehyung responded with a playful salute.
"And you know what... your dad would have wanted this."
"Hmm..." Tae took a deep breath, his thoughts momentarily drifting.
*************
"He looks so cute," Jin remarked to Joon, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Hmm... just like his father," Joon replied, though his expression darkened slightly. "But he seems very poor."
"What are you talking about?" Jin asked, surprised. "The club paid a substantial amount to everyone involved, including Taemin's family."
"Hmm..." Namjoon hummed noncommittally. Then, shifting the topic, he asked, "Did you call home? What's our little devil up to?"
"I forgot. Let me call now," Jin said, heading to the other room. As Jin walked away, Joon repeated the name softly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth , "Taehyung ."
************
"I'm 3 kg over the required weight..." Taehyung admitted, glancing nervously at everyone around him. The café owner, Bogum and his wife, the coach, and some of Tae's teammates exchanged worried looks.
"How?" the coach shouted, his voice filled with frustration. "I've always told you to maintain your weight!"
"He was resting for two weeks," Bogum explained. "During that time, he gained some weight."
"I'm going to kill that Jungkook boy!" Taehyung burst out, frustrated.
"It's your fault, Tae," the coach retorted, glaring at him. "You should've taken care of yourself."
"We've got a full day and a half left," the café owner said encouragingly. "Work hard, Tae. You can do this."
"Yes, Tae, you've got this," the others chimed in.
"Okay..." Tae nodded, determination setting in. "I'll do it."
*********
"This is my last chance, Jungkook... I have to do it, or I'll quit," Jimin said, sitting beside Jungkook. "I've been rejected three times, but this time, I know I'll be selected."
"Of course you will, hyung," Jungkook replied with a reassuring smile.
"I need to practice more," Jimin said, determination in his voice as he got up and walked toward the ground.
"You will, hyung... I know you will," Jungkook whispered to himself, still smiling.
