# Chapter 104
Unlike the bright sunshine of the afternoon, after four o’clock, light gray clouds began billowing up. The weather app on my phone indicated that dark clouds would gather thickly, but it wouldn’t rain. Instead, a chilly wind was blowing. Thanks to this, the students occupying the field were in good condition, running here and there.
The central stands overlooking the field were filled with countless students. All of them wore excited expressions as they sent admiration and cheers to Moon Seoheon, who was running in the middle of the field.
I had deliberately come out to the school grounds late and was secretly surprised that there wasn’t a proper place to sit. While looking for a suitable empty seat, I happened to run into Ko Kyungsu, who offered the spot next to him. By the time I sat down blankly beside him, the game had already started.
I hadn’t expected there to be no spectators at all, but I showed a slightly nauseated expression at the larger-than-expected number of people. Thanks to Ko Kyungsu’s explanation, I realized that there were so many people because famous students were playing for each class in the match.
As expected, Moon Seoheon showcased exceptional footwork, keeping possession of the soccer ball for quite a long time. However, contrary to my expectation that points would be scored quickly, neither class had given up any points yet.
Having watched Moon Seoheon’s team win effortlessly during every PE class, I had anticipated that the game would be rather boring, but it was proceeding quite excitingly. Byeon Seungha’s ability to move nimbly, as if he had no intention of going easy on Moon Seoheon, played a large part in this.
My eyebrows occasionally furrowed at the noisy screams coming from both sides. But I didn’t feel particularly bad since I was experiencing the same slight excitement. Before I knew it, my previously blank expression when I first sat down had been replaced with one full of energy.
Suddenly, a high voice calling Byeon Seungha’s name brushed past my ears. When I unconsciously turned my head toward the sound, I saw female students holding a placard that read “Class 4 Fighting!” They must be from the same class. Seeing Byeon Seungha’s name written on it as well, it seemed he was quite popular.
Having only seen students avoiding Byeon Seungha, I had thought he might be popular, but seeing this display right before my eyes felt different.
Without realizing it, a small laugh escaped me. Since there was no particular meaning behind it, I looked back at the field to concentrate on the match. Just then, Moon Seoheon started running after breaking through his pressuring opponents.
At that moment, Byeon Seungha slid across the artificial turf at an incredible speed to tackle him. However, as if it was futile, Moon Seoheon jumped high into the air. It was a breathtaking scene that could have resulted in a collision accident.
“Block him!”
Byeon Seungha shouted toward Moon Seoheon, who was running past him. I thought he would chase after him right away, but instead, he got up and flapped his school uniform shirt several times as if it was uncomfortable. Whether he didn’t have gym clothes or deliberately chose not to change, it was puzzling that he wouldn’t take it off despite the obvious discomfort. Perhaps he wasn’t wearing anything underneath.
Meanwhile, the PE teacher acting as referee blew the whistle. Looking to see what had happened, it seemed a student from Class 4 who was playing defense had committed a foul. Moon Seoheon, who had moved away from the center as if everything was easy once he got past Byeon Seungha, was now standing in front of the goal.
The Class 4 student who received jeers hung his head low, seemingly embarrassed. During this time, I noticed him glancing furtively at Byeon Seungha as if checking his reaction.
Byeon Seungha briefly looked at the student who had committed the foul and then left his position. Our class had been given a penalty kick opportunity, so he was temporarily leaving the field.
His face was expressionless, but his gesture of running his hand through his hair betrayed his clear irritation. It was natural for Byeon Seungha to try hard as a class representative, but honestly, I had expected him to be half-hearted since Moon Seoheon was on the opposing team. It was surprising to see him so dedicated.
As I was about to shift my gaze away from Byeon Seungha, a sudden cold wind made me shrink back. While hugging my arms and looking ahead, my eyes met with Byeon Seungha, who was approaching where I was sitting.
I thought he would quickly look away, but he continued staring at me. My initially indifferent mood was gradually becoming perplexed when I felt glances from both sides.
Even Ko Kyungsu, who had been quietly watching the game, looked back and forth between Byeon Seungha and me with a confused expression. Feeling unnecessarily embarrassed, I looked elsewhere.
My gaze turned toward our classmates. Moon Seoheon was the player chosen to take the free kick. Although I had faith that he would do well with such an easy opportunity, I was still a bit nervous as the tension wasn’t completely absent.
I noticed Moon Seoheon’s chest rising and falling prominently as he took a deep breath while standing in front of the defensive wall set up by Class 4 students. At that moment, he turned his head to the side and looked straight at me.
In Byeon Seungha’s case, I could feel that he was looking at me because he wasn’t far away, but I couldn’t say the same for Moon Seoheon, who was quite distant. No matter how much he turned his head in my direction, how could I confirm that he was looking at me? Yet, when our eyes met, his back straightened.
Again, sensing gazes from around me, I bit my lip. Thinking he should just kick the ball already instead of whatever he was doing, I tried to cover my eyes by pretending to touch my forehead. But then I remembered Moon Seoheon’s last words before leaving the classroom, asking for my support, so I lowered my hand.
My eyes met again with Moon Seoheon, who was still looking this way. Honestly, due to the considerable distance between us, I wasn’t sure if we were actually making eye contact. Still, I opened my lips as if to show him.
‘Fighting.’
As I mouthed each syllable clearly with my mouth wide open, Moon Seoheon’s eyes narrowed. Unsure whether he had seen me, I clenched my fist, raised my hand, and waved it slightly. Whether he understood that I was cheering for him as he asked, the corner of his mouth lifted.
Soon the teacher blew the whistle, signaling the start. Without the slightest hesitation, the ball hit the right side of the goal post and went in perfectly.
“Wooaaah!”
Cheers erupted from the gathered students. I happily smiled while agreeing with Ko Kyungsu, who said it was a relief.
At that moment, screams came from among the female students who were cheering for Byeon Seungha. The loud voices were still ear-splitting, but the excitement coming from here and there was subtly different from before.
Blinking my eyes, I looked toward where the students’ gazes were directed and my mouth fell open involuntarily. Byeon Seungha had thrown off his school uniform shirt, revealing his tanned skin completely. His unusually thick and sturdy upper body for a high school student had evenly developed muscles that didn’t look excessive.
Now I understood why screams had come from the students. Perhaps because I had already seen his body at the swimming pool, it didn’t particularly move me, but I understood those reactions.
At the pool, the main characters were all together, so no one person stood out, but seeing him like this in a different situation made me feel strange.
Despite the commotion in the stands, Byeon Seungha paid no attention and simply ran his hand through his red hair, which had darkened further with sweat. His chest muscles rippled prominently, causing shallow screams from all around. It was a situation that made me want to laugh, but for some reason, Byeon Seungha looked upset.
I didn’t particularly want to know what was bothering him, but since it was visible, I couldn’t help but notice it.
With the sound of the whistle, the match resumed and Byeon Seungha ran onto the field. Shrill shouts echoed from all directions at the sight of him running with his upper body exposed. Apparently unbothered by his completely exposed torso, Byeon Seungha frowned and ran with all his might.
Clearly more comfortable without the school shirt, Byeon Seungha displayed even nimbler movements. He succeeded in stealing the ball that a student from our class was passing to Moon Seoheon. He sprinted toward the goal with all his might and scored, earning a point.
Naturally impressed, I clapped briefly. Even though he was on the opposing team, I found myself following along as those around me applauded enthusiastically, amazed by his impressive display.
During a brief period of reorganization, Moon Seoheon approached Byeon Seungha, who was receiving cheers from his teammates. Their faces were impassive, not quite like they were exchanging congratulations, but the atmosphere seemed fine. Then they both turned their bodies as if looking around at the audience. Their scanning gazes stopped midway and turned toward me.
Since we weren’t complete strangers, I could understand why our eyes kept meeting. But when it happened repeatedly, and not just with one person but with both simultaneously, it was more embarrassing than confusing.
Afraid that suddenly looking away would make things even more awkward, I remained still, and they were the first to quickly turn their heads away. Only then did the awkwardness subside a bit.
With each side having scored one point, the game had a short time remaining. Perhaps because of this, the atmosphere among the students became more heated, and all their expressions turned harsh. Meanwhile, only Byeon Seungha and Moon Seoheon maintained calm, expressionless faces.
Just as I was feeling uncertain about how it would end, I stood up briefly because my backside was getting sore from the hard surface. As I was turning my body to stretch, I noticed familiar faces heading behind the building.
It was Ye Abin and Son Gyucheon, and seeing them carrying large garbage bags, it seemed they were going to clean. In a way, this situation had been caused because of me, but there was no need to worry about it, so I was about to straighten my body.
If only Lee Seongcheol hadn’t suddenly appeared. My eyebrows furrowed when I saw his face, more injured than before, as if he had been beaten up again somewhere.
