Chapter 15: "Bonds Forged Over Dinner"

"That kid went to Argentina?"

Park Woo-geun, the Executive Director of the Korea Football Association, was startled when he heard about Yoo Ji-woo's move to Argentina while handling his duties.

"Yes, he left at the end of October."

"I didn't think Boca Juniors would move this fast to finalize the contract. They must have been in a hurry."

"They must have recognized his talent."

"Haa... On the bright side, it might be a better choice for him."

The secretary handed a tablet to Park Woo-geun.

"And you need to see this."

"What is it?"

"A video sent by a Korean staff member at Boca Juniors."

The Korea Football Association had a partnership with Boca Juniors, exchanging personnel and resources. As part of this, a staff member had been dispatched to Argentina.

Sliding his fingers across the screen, Park Woo-geun played the video.

Mini El Superclásico.

The video captured Yoo Ji-woo's spectacular hat trick performance.

"Truly a talent... I hope Argentina doesn't take an interest in him."

"Sorry? What do you mean by that?"

"Naturalization."

The secretary was shocked by the word that came from Park Woo-geun.

"He might be tempted to align with a country that truly recognizes his talent. We need to act before it's too late."

Yoo Ji-woo.

A very young player.

Evaluating him might still be premature. But as a football legend, Park Woo-geun had an eye for talent.

And his instincts told him that this player was destined for greatness.

"This won't do."

"Sir?"

"Where is the Vice President?"

---

"So, what do you think?"

Park Woo-geun sought out Vice President Cha Sung-in and showed him the video of Yoo Ji-woo.

Even for a non-football person, the sheer talent on display was evident. Yet Cha Sung-in remained indifferent.

"Talented kids often shine early. Kim Woo-soo and Choi In-ho were just as skilled at his age."

The two players he mentioned were now making waves in the Bundesliga, having shown great promise in their youth.

"Why are you being so dismissive? He's still just a young player."

Cha Sung-in was especially harsh when it came to Yoo Ji-woo.

"I can forgive the mistakes of young players."

"…"

"But assaulting a coach is a different matter."

"…"

"That act tarnished the Association's reputation."

Before Park Woo-geun could argue further, Cha Sung-in raised his hand to silence him.

"I understand your point. That's why I plan to include him in the U-17 World Cup squad next year."

"When did you decide that?"

"Just now."

South Korea had never won a trophy on the global stage, with their victories limited to Asian tournaments.

Despite heavy investments, international titles remained elusive.

The U-17 CONCACAF World Cup next year had become the focal point of their efforts.

'Haa.'

Looking at Cha Sung-in, Park Woo-geun sighed deeply.

A man who valued connections over talent.

'The Association had been improving, but it reverted to its old ways when this man arrived.'

---

December 31, 2028.

Spending the year-end in Argentina wasn't much different from how it was in Korea.

Here, too, it was common for people to gather and share meals. By afternoon, preparations for the party at our house were in full swing.

"Marcos! Take this to the table."

"Empanadas? Did your mom make these?"

"Alicia's empanadas are the best. Marcos, go grab more plates from home."

Dad was cooking, Aunt Alicia was assisting, and Uncle Marcio orchestrated the preparations for the party.

"Oppa!"

"Yeah?"

"Try this!"

My role was to look after little Maria.

"Don't wander around. Sit still on the chair."

"Hmph."

"Your pouting won't work."

At first, it felt awkward, but seeing her often made conversations easier. Now, it just felt like having an adorable younger sister.

"Where's the uniform I gave you?"

"I asked Dad to frame it, so it's in a display case!"

"Keep it safe. It'll be worth a fortune someday."

Maria and I chatted as food piled onto the long table that could seat over twenty people.

When she tried sneaking an empanada, I stopped her.

"Not yet."

"…Okay."

Patting the sulking Maria on the head, I said, "If you wait patiently, I'll give you some chocolate later."

"Really?"

Just then, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of guests.

Answering the door, I found Coach Rodolfo Pintí holding a large gift.

"You're here?"

"Wow, your house is neat!"

"Please, come in."

But instead of coming inside, the coach headed straight to my dad, who was bringing out food.

"Finally, I get to meet your father. I'm Rodolfo Pintí, coach of Boca Juniors U-20."

He handed the gift to my dad with a polite bow.

"I'm Hanwoo Yoo, though my Argentine name is Pedro Yoo. Please call me Pedro."

"I heard you're a chef. Where's your restaurant?"

"It's near the Riachuelo River. The name's Joy of Taste. Feel free to visit with your family."

---

"Are you here?"

"Whoa! Your house is incredible, Yu!"

"Seriously, did you rebuild this place?"

"Our house is falling apart!"

"Didn't you mention moving recently?"

"We moved like fugitives because of debt collectors."

"Oh… Sorry."

"I used to be embarrassed, but not anymore. I'll pay it all off myself."

Diego's parents were factory workers, and he was the youngest of five siblings, with four older sisters. The family was heavily in debt, and his sisters had taken up jobs at a young age to help out. It wasn't an affluent household.

Because of that, Diego was determined to become a professional athlete to lift his family out of poverty. His resolve made me feel a certain affection for him.

"Who's this kid? Your sister?"

Diego Rossi crouched to meet Maria's gaze.

"She's the girl from the house next door."

"Hi! You're so pretty."

"You're Diego Rossi, right? The one about to join the second team!"

"Oh, you know me?"

"Of course! I'm a Boca Juniors fan too."

"This is an honor!"

Diego high-fived Maria and played with her, while Guillermo stood at a distance, looking awkward. He seemed uneasy around children.

"Let's greet the adults and grab some food. My dad's cooking is great."

With that, all the guests had arrived.

There were two from my family, twelve from Alicia's family next door, plus Coach Pinty, Guillermo, and Diego—a total of seventeen people gathered in our yard.

The long table was filled with a variety of food and drinks, and the atmosphere felt like a proper New Year's party.

"Before we start eating, let's hear a few words from our host, who prepared all this food for us!"

At Marcio's prompting, my father stood up with a glass of champagne in hand.

"Haha, this is a little embarrassing! I feel like the luckiest man alive to have met such wonderful people here in Argentina. Please take care of me again next year, and I wish you all good health. Lastly, let's cheer for Boca Juniors' victory!"

With that, the party officially began.

Diego took a bite of the shrimp dish my father had made and widened his eyes.

"What is this? The bread and shrimp just melt together in my mouth!"

"This is even better than what my mom makes."

"Wait… Have I been eating shrimp bread instead of real gambas this whole time?"

I thought they were exaggerating, but they weren't. Alicia's family members were equally amazed, looking at my father with newfound respect.

As everyone enjoyed the meal, Diego turned to my father, his mouth still half-full.

"Sir! Can I get some of this to-go? I want my parents to try it too!"

"Of course! I'll pack some up for you before you leave."

"Thank you, sir!"

"And next time, bring your parents here to dine with us. You too!"

My father handed Diego and Guillermo his restaurant's business card.

"For my son's friends, the meal's on the house."

"No way! I can't eat for free!"

At least Diego had a sense of propriety.

"Well, how about this?"

"Pardon?"

"For every assist you give my son when he scores a goal, I'll give you a meal coupon for the restaurant."

"…"

"For your whole family."

Diego thought for a moment, then bumped fists with my father.

"That's a good deal."

"Right?"

"Then I'll earn one first!"

"Huh?"

"I'm not moving to the second team. I'll stay in the U-20s with Yu."

"Argh! Guillermo, that's so unfair! Coach, please move Yu to the second team already!"

Diego shook the coach's arm dramatically, but Coach Pinty just switched the fork to his other hand and continued eating.

"That's not within my authority."

"Ahhh! Why is it only me? Why am I the only one moving up?!"

The cheerful atmosphere was filled with laughter. Yet, amidst all the joy, I couldn't help but feel someone's absence.

"Ji-woo, I have to go back to Korea for about a week because of something urgent. Even if you miss me, hang in there!"

The person who was always nearby was now gone, and the empty space they left felt larger than expected.

Once I was full, I tuned in to the conversations around me. They were strangely interesting.

"So, what happened with Yu in Korea?"

The question came from Coach Pinty, who had drunk a bit of wine.

"I've been curious too," said Alicia.

"So have I," added Marcio.

"All I've read in Korean news was that there was some incident involving a coach."

Even Diego and Guillermo looked interested. Everyone seemed curious about my story.

My father glanced at me.

"Should I tell them?"

These were people I had begun to trust, so I didn't feel the need to hide it.

I nodded.

Seeing that, my father smiled softly.

"I'll go get some fresh air."

"Alright."

There was no need for me to hear it again. It would only dredge up unpleasant memories.

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