episode_0017

*

It might be hard to believe if I were to say it now, but Jin had a dream.

To live with me and love me forever—it wasn’t like that. It was a given fact, not a goal to achieve. At least that’s how Jin thinks now. But what about the old Jin?

“When I grow up and become an adult.”

“I will become a great soccer player.”

“So I want to kick the ball far and high on the field with my friends.”

“Even though I’m not very good at it now, I practice hard every day like ■■.”

“I really want to make my dream come true.”

The memories are still vivid.

The person involved may have already forgotten everything, but I remembered every word he confidently spoke during class.

Our meeting in the first place happened during physical education class, where we, the leftovers for various reasons, started playing together. It was like a collaboration of loners. We never quite fit in with the ‘ordinary’ people, then or now.

In reality, Jin had it worse than me.

While I was just starting to stand out due to the aftermath of my aunt’s accidents at school, Jin had no such reason.

He reached out to everyone first. Always wore a bright smile. Didn’t hide what he loved. Never gave up on anything. Despite being ridiculed, ignored, and shunned by everyone, he remained the same till the end, even in front of everyone who mocked him for talking about soccer just to impress girls.

“…Sigh.”

It’s really strange.

What was it about Jin that those guys didn’t like?

Was it weird for a girl to like soccer? Was it embarrassing to see someone trying hard even though they weren’t good at it? I heard all the comments, but I can’t understand either side. Why did Jin’s pure intentions have to bend to such foolish malice? Honestly, I don’t get it at all.

“Done?”

“…Yeah. Just a moment. Let me finish tying this.”

“It’s okay to take your time. We have plenty of time.”

“I’m afraid Jin might get bored waiting.”

“I’m happy just looking at you.”

“Barry-barry thank you.”

Lunch break ended in 20 minutes, but we didn’t mind.

Even the teachers knew about Jin’s situation. If necessary, they could say he was resting due to sudden seizures. Everyone knew. As long as they got through their classes unscathed, that was all that mattered.

Whether it’s elementary or high school, there isn’t much difference.

School is our enclosure, filled with articulate beasts. It’s a slaughterhouse with dilapidated bars, packed from bottom to top with creatures dying from within. You have to endure 12 years there to become an adult. That’s how everyone sees it. But living like that doesn’t change anything.

“…Can I move now? Your hand stopped.”

“Huh? Oh… yeah. Want to walk for a bit? I’ll hold your hand.”

“Um… sure, let’s go.”

“How is it?”

“Not slipping off.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Let’s play soccer now.”

“Hooray.”

“Quickly.”

Fortunately, the new soccer shoes the teacher provided fit Jin’s pretty feet perfectly.

I was worried when they said it was a limited edition World Cup product, but thankfully, they fit well. Jin seemed pleased too. With wide eyes shining brightly, he eagerly urged us to start playing.

Oh, by the way, as always during lunchtime, the outdoor area was filled with rowdy kids. And I, a mere unauthorized intruder, couldn’t boldly run around in a position visible from every classroom. The gymnasium wasn’t much different. It’s reserved from the fifth period onwards.

“Where… oh, here it is.”

“It’s open?”

“It’s open. Watch your step.”

Creaking, the old metal door slowly opened, allowing sunlight to illuminate the stairs.

As expected, there was no one on the rooftop. Though the noise of students running and shouting below could be heard, it didn’t matter if you ignored it. Jin didn’t show any sign of concern.

Just in case, Jin looked around the rooftop, but there was no one else.

It’s not every day, but sometimes there are sneaky ones hiding. It was supposed to be a restricted area, but they seemed fearless. What would happen if they got caught?

“Hmm… Alright, alright.”

“Oh, some lines have been erased. Maybe it’s because of the rain. I’ll redraw them. Jin is practicing.”

“Huh? Hmm… Yeah.”

After briefly tilting his head, Jin nodded and placed the ball on the ground. Despite his unsteady balance, even a simple action caused his body to sway significantly, landing at a point different from the anticipated one. But for Jin, as long as he could hit the ball, that was enough. He was already staring intently at the ball with a very cautious expression.

Meanwhile, next to the bench, he picked up the marker he had placed and continued drawing the lines.

Drawing a circle in the center, sketching lines roughly representing the goal on the fence, meticulously marking offside. Although the ground was cracked and worn in various places, there were no major issues.

According to what he heard from the teacher, these scars were likely the reason for the rooftop being off-limits.

During his school days, there was an incident called ‘that incident’ at the school… Was it the final crime scene of the culprit? Ironically, despite a significant number of deaths, proper names weren’t even left behind, and even the credibility of the person who supposedly killed the culprit at the end was questionable from the teacher’s perspective.

“Jin, I’ve finished─.”

“Shoot… Oh.”

“─Come to think of it, this part seems a bit less drawn….”

Thinking about Jin’s grand blunder, he decided to add a bit more detail.

Normally, it’s common sense to overlook mistakes made by loved ones. From Luna’s perspective on relationships, credibility plummeted to the bottom. But when it came to Jin, it was tolerable.

The Red Devil Fire, or more precisely, since the confinement after that experience, Jin’s body had deteriorated significantly. Not only his distorted mind but also many things had become uncomfortable. His hands trembled so much he couldn’t control them, his legs constantly lost balance, making it difficult for him to walk properly. While his eyesight was fine, reading was challenging. That’s why Jin, who loved stories, only sought picture books.

“Shoot… Oh!”

“Wow, amazing Jin~.”

“Did you see that? It was so cool, right? Yeah?”

“I was so moved that I ran over in one step. Our Jin is amazing~!”

“Hehe….”

With a clang, as Jin kicked the soccer ball without controlling his strength, hitting the fence, he turned around with a sense of accomplishment. With lifeless eyes sparkling, Jin hopped into my arms. He didn’t fall. It was a pole hug.

“That was good. Since the lines are all drawn, and Jin’s body is relaxed now, let’s just continue like this… Oops!?”

“Take this off.”

“…Huh? This? Well, the sunlight is too bright, and I might get sunburned… If the burn marks spread further, it could be troublesome.”

“You applied sunscreen.”

“But if I sweat while running… ”

“The sunlight isn’t hot, it’s warm.”

“Well, that’s news to me.”

“So take it off.”

“My my.”

“If you wear that, I can’t see your handsome face. I can’t see your happy face. I want to see you. So take it off.”

“Well, then how about just taking off the hood?”

“No. Soccer is played wearing the full kit.”

Dr. Jin, the meticulous doctor, knew everything this time as well.

Actually, he used to sing “take it off, take it off” all the time, but Jin’s consistent dislike for his hoodie remained unchanged. By the way, Jin was as red as his pupils in his uniform. In fact, the word ‘Reds!’ was prominently printed in white on his chest. I did wear the same thing once, though….

“Um… How about doing it like this? If Jin wins, I’ll take this off next time.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I never lie to Jin.”

“Yeah, I know. But you see, what if I win?”

“What?”

“What should I take off?”

“Well… there’s no need to go that far.”

“I don’t like that. It’s unfair. I want to take something off too. Where do I want to strip?”

“Additionally here…?”

Option 1: Soccer cleats.

Considering the condition of the rooftop floor, it’s obvious that one would hurt their feet. Therefore, rejected.

Option 2: Socks.

It goes without saying that your feet will get blistered. Therefore, rejected.

Option 3: Uniform top.

Since the genre is not sports but a game for teenagers, it’s disqualified. Therefore, rejected.

Option 4: Uniform bottom.

Omitted for the same reason as above. Therefore, rejected.

Option 5: Bra.

Even now, wearing a sports bra she dislikes, without it, her large chest would sway wildly. While it looks good, it’s detrimental to Jin’s body. Therefore, rejected.

Option 6: Panties.

…In the end, only this one remains.

Panties… panties…

This shouldn’t be a problem, right? I’ll wear shorts on top anyway. There’s nothing really swaying either… Right, people usually take off their panties when they put on swimsuits. Soccer uniforms are similar, right? They’re both sports gear. Probably. Yeah, it should work.

“Have you chosen?”

“How about panties?”

“Panties?”

“That seems to be the best choice… Ahaha, ahaha…”

Feeling utterly embarrassed, I clenched my teeth and placed the order.

Jin wouldn’t make any embarrassing remarks at this point, but ironically, that made me feel even more ashamed. It didn’t help that Jin was sitting on my stomach, causing me to be more conscious of her moving hips. No, it’s not like she’s intentionally doing it; it’s just inevitable…

“Okay. Got it. If I lose, I’ll take off my panties and give them to you.”

“There’s really no need to go that far…”

“…You don’t want to?”

“No, it’s not that. Actually, I’m totally fine with it.”

“Yeah, I’m fine too. I’ll give you my panties.”

“…Just to clarify, if Jin wins? Not taking them off now, but if I lose in soccer. We agreed on that, right?”

I quickly intervened before Jin’s peculiar earnestness could start.

Indeed, Jin rested her head on my chest, making soft sounds of agreement and quietly nodded. Normally, she would have just taken them off without hesitation, so showing this restraint was impressive. Soccer is amazing. Not only did it bring Jin and me together, but it truly is remarkable.

Amidst the faint sound of the bell signaling the start of the fifth period, a somewhat pleasant thought crossed my mind. In reality, even if it wasn’t soccer, I had an unfounded certainty that Jin and I would have met in any world like this… However, right now, that was probably just wishful thinking. Anyway, what mattered was that Jin and I would have time to play soccer together.