Chapter 512


    The morning dawned.


    Park Jio, who had breakfast as usual, headed to the stadium, while Seo-jun and the kids decided to explore Barcelona until 3 p.m.


    “This is the Sagrada Familia Cathedral!”


    Ji Yoon exclaimed with sparkling eyes. Seo-jun, Mina, and Ji Hoo also looked at the cathedral in front of them with interest.


    The Sagrada Familia Cathedral.


    It was a representative Roman Catholic cathedral of Barcelona, designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. The construction of this cathedral began in 1883 and was still ongoing. The sight of the yellow cranes towering next to the old cathedral looked very out of place.


    “It’s amazing that they’re still working on it.”


    The kids nodded their heads as they looked up at Seo-jun’s remark.


    “I wonder when it will be finished?”


    “Let’s come back and see when it’s done.”


    After visiting the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the kids toured Barcelona, focusing on the buildings that Gaudi had built. There were beautiful and bizarre buildings everywhere, decorated with curved surfaces and curves of mosaic tiles.


    As they walked around, it was soon lunchtime. Mina, who was looking at her location and the restaurant map (Barcelona edition) alternately, raised her head and said.


    “Shall we have lunch by the sea?”


    “Sure.”


    There was a blue sea right next to them, so Seo-jun and the kids decided to have lunch while enjoying the view.


    “It was delicious.”


    “Right. And generous too.”


    The kids’ faces were full of satisfaction after eating the delicious food. The other tables were also lively with satisfying meals.


    “It’s not too expensive for a tourist spot, and the ingredients are all fresh. It seems like a good place. Oh, I want to go into the kitchen, but I guess I can’t?”


    Mina, who had switched to chef mode, was looking at the store and the kitchen with interest. Seo-jun, Ji Hoo, and Ji Yoon laughed at her.


    “Dessert juice?”


    “Okay.”


    The kids smiled brightly and headed to the juice shop they had noticed earlier.


    The juice shop, which was attached to the fruit shop next door, had more locals than tourists. But after taking a sip, they understood why. The cool, sweet and sour juice of the fruits refreshed their mouths.


    “Yummy!”


    “Right. It’s really good.”


    Seo-jun, who was drinking orange juice, nodded his head repeatedly. It was a taste that he might remember while he was in Barcelona, or even after he left. Mina seemed to feel the same way, as she added the shop to her restaurant map with a pen, sparkling her eyes.


    Ji Hoo checked the time and said.


    “Shall we get going?”


    “Yeah. Let’s go.”


    Seo-jun and the kids moved on.


    Their destination was Camp Nou.


    It was the home stadium of FC Barcelona and the 11th largest stadium in the world.


    “Jio is playing at the Mini Estadi, but we have to see Camp Nou since we’re in Barcelona.”


    The Mini Estadi, where Jio’s match was to take place, was close enough to walk from Camp Nou, so Seo-jun and the kids decided to visit Camp Nou first before going to the Mini Estadi.


    “There are a lot of people.”


    Even though there was no match today, Camp Nou was full of people who were buying uniforms and souvenirs. It was a sight fitting for a world-famous club’s home stadium.


    Ji Hoo, who was holding a pamphlet, briefly explained the stadium to the amazed kids.


    “It can accommodate about 100,000 spectators.”


    “That’s huge… What about Jio’s team’s home stadium?”


    “Mini Estadi is…”


    At Seo-jun’s question, Ji Hoo looked at the pamphlet.


    ‘Is there no information about the second division stadium?’


    Mini Estadi.


    It was the home stadium of FC Barcelona B, the second division team of FC Barcelona. It was also the stadium where Jio’s match would take place today.


    “It can accommodate about 15,000 people.”


    …Wow.


    100,000 and 15,000.


    The huge gap made not only Seo-jun, but also the other kids widen their eyes.


    “There’s such a big difference between the first and second divisions.”


    “Right. Wow. Then, if Jio becomes a first division player, he’ll play in front of 100,000 people?”


    “Wow…”


    It seemed dizzying just to imagine it. Mina and Ji Yoon, as well as Ji Hoo, looked surprised. Seo-jun also wondered how many 100,000 people would be.


    ‘The Dodgers Stadium, where I did the Cita, had a capacity of about 50,000 people, I think…’


    That was twice as many people.


    He couldn’t help but sigh.


    “Well, that’s only if Jio becomes a first division player.”


    As if he wasn’t surprised at all, Ji Hoo said coldly. Seo-jun and the kids laughed.


    Seo-jun and the kids entered Camp Nou.


    It was dazzling from the entrance, as if welcoming the tourists. There were photos and videos of legendary players who had made history in soccer, and countless trophies of FC Barcelona greeted the people.


    They were amazed by the history of FC Barcelona.


    “Jio will be here someday, right?”


    Seo-jun, Ji Hoo, and Mina imagined Park Jio’s photo on the wall. It seemed vague as if it was a distant future, but somehow it felt like it would happen soon.


    “There’s already the first Korean academy award winner next to him, so it’s not impossible.”


    “Exactly.”


    Ji Hoo and Mina agreed with Seo-jun, who had made a record in history as an actor.


    “Let’s come back and take a picture with Jio. It would be so fun if he becomes a first division player!”


    “Wouldn’t he be on a different team by then?”


    “Maybe.”


    Seo-jun and the kids were chatting and laughing when they heard a voice. It was Korean.


    “Park Jio is hopeless.”


    They unconsciously listened to the voice that mentioned their friend’s name.


    “Why do you think all the talented players go to Europe from a young age? It’s because the Korean soccer style and the European soccer style are different. How can he adapt if he only stayed in Korea?”


    Seo-jun felt a strange deja vu and listened carefully.


    “He’s doomed even if he does well in the third division.”


    Unlike the negative man, his friend seemed to like Park Jio. But he didn’t seem to be able to argue strongly.


    “There’s no guarantee that he can keep playing even if he goes up to the second division after winning the promotion match today. He might reveal his lack of skills while playing with the second division players and go back to the third division, or he might not be able to adapt and return to Korea. Didn’t other people think the same as me?”


    Anyone who read a few articles about Park Jio could see that there were negative and positive comments mixed.


    “And it’s all thanks to Lee Seo-jun that you’re famous now. It’s not because you’re good at anything. How else would you explain that Barcelona signed Park Jio just for Seo-jun’s marketing?”


    Seo-jun smiled bitterly.


    He couldn’t help but think of the ski resort incident.


    ‘But this time, I can’t even step in.’


    That’s why he shouldn’t.


    Park Jio had to prove himself with his own skills and make the people who looked down on him shut their mouths.


    “…So. You’re not watching the promotion match today?”


    His friend, who liked Park Jio, said with a sour face. The other guy seemed to realize his mistake and raised his hand.


    “No. It’s just the internet opinion. I don’t hate Park Jio, I just wish he had chosen to go to Europe sooner. Hey. Hey! Let’s go together!”


    Ji-hoo’s eyes sparkled as he watched the two guys walk away. He had never seen Ji-hoo with such a fierce expression.


    Seo-jun spoke in a light tone, looking at Ji-yoon and Mina who were worried about Ji-hoo. They couldn’t go to watch Jio’s important match with this mood.


    “That’s what it is.”


    “Huh?”


    “If you diss my brother, I’ll diss you back.”


    Mina and Ji-yoon burst into laughter and Ji-hoo also snickered.


    ***


    “Are you here?”


    Seo-jun and the kids, who had arrived at the mini stadium and contacted Jio, blinked their eyes at the sight of Kim Tae-ju who greeted them.


    “Tae-ju hyung. Do agents always take care of their players like this?”


    “Everyone has their own style, but this is mine. I want the players to play as comfortably as possible. And especially since it’s a promotion match, I’m more attentive.”


    He planned to keep an eye on Park Jio until he got used to this place, since it was his first time in Europe. The kids nodded at Kim Tae-ju’s answer.


    “Then do you want to take a look around? I talked to the team and they said you can see up to a certain point. You’ll be able to see Jio for a moment, too.”


    “Yes, please.”


    Seo-jun and the kids nodded their heads repeatedly.


    Seo-jun and the kids, who had temporary passes from the team around their necks, entered the mini stadium with Kim Tae-ju.


    “It’s smaller than Camp Nou, right? But it has everything you need.”


    Kim Tae-ju introduced them to various places. Ji-hoo diligently took pictures wherever he could. He wanted to tell his parents about this place where Park Jio lived.


    “Oh! You’re here!”


    They were looking around when they met Park Jio in a small office-like place. Jio had an excited face with the match ahead of him.


    “Did you see Camp Nou? This place is nice too, but that place is really amazing. I went there once for a match, and the people were so…”


    “Win.”


    “…Huh?”


    “Win today. Park Jio.”


    “Try your best. Jio!”


    “Don’t let them make a peep!”


    Their eyes were burning with eagerness. The friends seemed to still be angry.


    “Play well and come back. It would be better if you win.”


    Of course, Seo-jun felt the same way.


    Park Jio nodded his head with a flustered face at the sight of his friends and brother.


    ***


    As the match time approached, the mini stadium seats began to fill up one by one.


    Seo-jun and the kids sat in the seats prepared by the B team, and Kim Tae-ju sat next to them. The stadium was in full view from the center seat.


    “It’s definitely smaller than Camp Nou, but it feels different when people sit down.”


    “It feels overwhelming, too.”


    Seo-jun and Ji-hoo’s words made Mina and Ji-yoon look around. Compared to 100,000 people, 15,000 people seemed too few, but it was an enormous size when they saw it in person.


    Ji-yoon said with a disgusted face.


    “I feel like fainting when I think of all these people looking at me… How can Jio be so calm?”


    “Jio doesn’t know the word ‘pressure’.”


    Mina’s words made the kids and Kim Tae-ju laugh.


    ***


    Barcelona FC B team locker room.


    Park Jio, who was adjusting his soccer shoes in a place full of players changing clothes, scratched his ticklish ear and said.


    “Who’s talking about me… Oh, is it them?”


    He smiled brightly as he thought of his friends in the stands.


    It was the first time since he came to Europe that his friends or family from Korea came to watch his game.


    It was hard for his friends and family in Korea to come to Barcelona, and Park Jio also wanted to invite them to the second or first league matches if possible.


    “But it’s nice.”


    He felt a pleasant thrill, knowing that his friends were cheering for him.


    He remembered the faces of his friends he had met earlier. He had no intention of losing in the first place, and it was a more important match than any other match, so he was determined to run hard, but when his friends told him to win, he felt more resolved.


    “Let’s win.”


    Park Jio clenched and unclenched his fist with a serious face.


    But unfortunately, it seemed that Park Jio had chosen the wrong place. His fellow players, who were close to Park Jio, were looking at him.


    But unfortunately, it seemed that Park Jio had chosen the wrong place. His close colleagues and friends were looking at him.


    “/Jio, why are you so serious today? You look unusually tense./”


    They wondered if he was nervous because of the promotion match. Hmm. But they had never seen him nervous before. Wasn’t he the one who went out with excitement on his debut?


    “/His friends came to watch the match today./”


    “/Is it their first time?/”


    The faces of his colleagues changed mischievously.


    “/Aha. He’s scared, isn’t he?/”


    “/It’s understandable. The stadium is full and his friends are here too./”


    “/Who’s scared? Who said I’m scared?!/”


    Jio shouted at his colleagues who were teasing him, and they all laughed.


    ***


    A little later.


    The atmosphere of the mini stadium slowly calmed down and yet seemed to be excited. It was time for the match to start.


    Kim Tae-ju carefully took out the earphones and handed them to Seo-jun and his friends. The kids took the earphones with curious faces.


    “They’re broadcasting live in Korea too. There might be some delay, but I think it would be better to listen to the commentary in Korean.”


    Wow.


    That sounded like a good idea.


    They took out their phones as Kim Tae-ju instructed and turned on the broadcast and put on the earphones. They only put one earphone on each ear to hear the sound of the scene.


    [Hello, viewers. I’m the commentator for today’s match…]


    They heard Korean among the noisy foreign languages.


    “The players are coming out.”


    At Kim Tae-ju’s words, Seo-jun and his friends turned their eyes. The players wearing the uniforms of Barcelona FC B team and the opposing team were entering the field.


    And a few seconds later, the broadcast came through the earphones.


    [The players are entering the field. On the right is Barcelona FC B team, yes. Number 11, Park Jio, is appearing.]


    [Park Jio played in Korea until he was 19 years old…]


    The players who appeared side by side scattered on the wide grass, to their positions. Jio, who was moving his body lightly, was also visible.


    Wow!


    The stands were noisy even before the match started, with the cheers of the B team and the opposing team.


    “My heart is pounding too.”


    “Me too.”


    Mina and Ji-yoon spoke with flushed faces, as if they were swept away by the atmosphere. Seo-jun and Ji-hoo felt the same way.


    The atmosphere of the scene vibrated their whole bodies. This noisy atmosphere was probably Jio’s favorite, unlike the calm and quiet atmosphere of the filming set.


    Beep-


    The match started with the sound of a whistle. And a little late, the broadcast came through the earphones.


    [Yes. The match starts with Barcelona FC B’s kickoff.]


    The players who were standing in their positions started to move around following the soccer ball. Among them, the ones who stood out were the attackers of Barcelona B team who had the ball.


    [Barca. They are aggressive from the start.]


    The players went out quickly without a moment’s hesitation. When the opposing team couldn’t respond to their fast speed, a killer pass followed and one player got a chance. Number 11.


    [Yes! Park Jio!]


    They heard the commentator’s voice rising in the earphone on their left ear. And at the same time, they heard a regretful scream from the stands on their right ear. A sigh escaped from the mouths of Seo-jun and his friends, and Kim Tae-ju.


    [Ah, it hit the goalpost. The course was good, but it seems like he put too much power into it.]


    It seemed that number 11, Park Jio, was also regretful, as he looked at the goalpost for a moment and then returned to his position. The match continued.


    [Another chance! Park Jio! Good positioning! Shoot!]


    Ah.


    A regretful sound burst out one step ahead of the broadcast. The ball that hit the post next to the goalpost went to the opposing team.


    Four shooting attempts followed.


    […Park Jio. He has many shooting attempts, but none of them go in. He seems to have a lot of pressure on the last promotion match.]


    [Some viewers might be frustrated, but goals come after these attempts.]


    [Currently 0 to 0, not only Park Jio, but both teams are only making shooting attempts, but the first goal doesn’t seem to come. So far, the ball possession rate is slightly higher for Barcelona FC B team… Park Jio! A chance!]


    Ah.


    The spectators who were holding their breath and bouncing their buttocks let out another sigh.


    [Ah, again, the ball hits the top of the goalpost and goes to the stands. If only it came down a little, just a little… but it doesn’t.]


    [The ball boy hands over a new ball.]


    A brief lull.


    Sweat dripped from their clenched hands. Their shoulders were stiff from the tension. Seo-jun breathed lightly and moved his body slightly. Ji-yoon opened her mouth carefully.


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    “Did we put too much pressure on him when we told him to win?”


    At Ji-yoon’s words, Seo-jun, Mina, and Ji-hoo quietly looked at Jio, who was talking to the captain with a yellow band on his left arm.


    ‘If it was the old Jio, he wouldn’t be, but…’


    Seo-jun thought that he didn’t know what the Park Jio of Barcelona FC B, whom he hadn’t seen for half a year, would be like.