episode_0018

In reality, Jin no longer mentioned his dream of becoming a “soccer player” not only because of his physical condition but also due to the severed relationships with others caused by his shattered mind. This was an issue that preceded all of this. In the world, the occupation of a soccer player no longer existed.

The cause was undoubtedly the Red Devil Catastrophe.

The flames that turned this once great city into ashes were one thing, but there were too many sacrifices until it was extinguished by the miraculous downpour. The disaster that unfolded outside while Jin and I were trapped underground in the stadium was beyond words. And someone had to take responsibility for all this tragedy.

Cheering squads that dyed the streets red by killing people and being killed?

They harbored no malice. They simply wanted to survive following their natural instincts, wanting to live a little longer to escape the raging inferno. Even the authorities who ruthlessly suppressed them only wanted to delay the hell unfolding before their eyes. But it was difficult to hold the culprits of this fire accountable.

Ultimately, the remaining target was the “soccer” that brought people together.

People began to treat sports, which were merely about kicking a ball around, as if they were the source of evil. Soccer players were treated like demons spreading this evil, and when they came to their senses, they were literally gone. Naturally, Jin’s humble dream also became something that could never be achieved.

“Phew… Ha!”

“Ouch, that was a sharp shot. Is it my turn to retaliate now?”

“Yes. Right. I’m good at defense too.”

“Okay, then. Since Jin is an all-around midfielder.”

But well… fortunately or unfortunately, Jin didn’t seem to care much.

He wobbled awkwardly on the rooftop while kicking the ball, giving it his all. Even though I easily blocked it, he hurried back to the goalpost to prepare to block. He was entirely different from people in other worlds who faced hardships and gave up as they pleased.

So, it was crucial not to underestimate Jin.

I took a deep breath and stretched my legs. I focused all my nerves on the foot touching the ball and ran towards the goal line drawn in front of the wire mesh. Jin also sprinted to block me directly. As soccer players, we never used our hands. With a loud noise, the ball collided with the goalposts on both sides.

“Ah, oof… Hot!”

“Heave-ho!”

The ball bounced high, unable to overcome the impact.

Both Jin and I gazed at the round object that momentarily obscured the shining sun, almost as if making a silent agreement, and leaped high. The target was, of course, the soccer ball preparing to return to the ground. This time, instead of the bottom of our bodies, we put our energy into the top—

“Ow!?”

“Woah!?”

—resulting in a head-on collision between foreheads.

It was a common occurrence, but it hurt a bit more this time. Isn’t that how it goes? If the choice is between the soccer ball and Jin, naturally attention would be diverted to the latter. Eventually, the ball bounced back to the ground and rolled away on its own. It seemed indifferent.

“Ow ow… Jin, are you okay?”

“…Huh?”

“I was worried you might have hurt yourself when you fell. I just realized you weren’t wearing gloves.”

“I need to take them off.”

“Even if you’re not a goalkeeper, can’t you wear gloves?”

“I’m taking this off.”

“Huh? Wait, why are you taking off your hood…!?”

“I scored.”

“What?”

“I scored, so the game’s over.”

“A goal? That’s… Oh.”

Turning in the direction Jin pointed, a runaway soccer ball rested within my goal line. Rolling around aimlessly, I hadn’t noticed when it had gone there. Meanwhile, Jin crawled over to me and perched on top of me, swiftly seizing control of the field like a midfielder hopeful.

“Get off.”

“But hey, this was just one goal, right? The game isn’t even over yet.”

“Lunchtime is over, so it was added time until the match ends.”

“That’s too logical a reason.”

The party involved often forgets, but Jin is a student.

Denying this would mean affirming Jin’s whims, which I couldn’t allow. It was truly exasperating. Despite the chilly November weather, seeing sweat trickle down Jin’s cheeks made requesting an extension unreasonable. His breath towards me was slightly rough.

“Hurry up and get off.”

“Well, shouldn’t I change my clothes first…?”

“I haven’t lost. I’ve won.”

“You have to wear the school uniform to attend classes.”

“Do I really have to?”

“I actually like the soccer uniform, but I prefer looking at you in your school uniform.”

“Then, shall I take it off?”

“Not here… I might catch a cold.”

I intervened as Jin attempted to remove his clothes without any hesitation.

It couldn’t be helped. Since no one else was watching besides Jin. With slightly trembling hands, I took off the hood I had been wearing. As a result, the hair covering one eye swayed in the wind. It felt quite strange, to say the least.

“Done now?”

“Why aren’t you taking off the rest?”

“Huh…? I did take it off. This, the hood.”

“This isn’t off. You’re still in the coat. Take off the rest.”

“Ugh…”

“Quickly. Come on.”

“Ughhh.”

Due to Jin’s urging while sitting, my body awkwardly twisted.

Struggling was futile against Jin. By the time I regained my senses, he had confiscated the coat that covered me up to my ankles. Under the bright sunlight, my bare skin was fully exposed. It felt seriously unfamiliar.

“Uh, uh…”

“Yeah, this is better. Smooth… Hmm… Haah… Hmm…”

“It’s ticklish…”

“Hmm… Hmm…”

Despite trying to resist, Jin, who had already reached my legs, hugged me firmly.

This was one of the reasons why I insisted on keeping the long coat with the attached hood. Already covered in unsightly burn marks, Jin seemed intent on licking them.

During our confinement, there was no other way to stop the bleeding, so I let it slide… It was embarrassing in many ways. Even now, as he occasionally brushed his lips against my arm, a shiver ran down my spine.

“Jin, is it… all done now?”

“Why won’t the scar disappear?”

“Well, um… Auntie says skin grafts or something like that could work. In other words, there’s no other way… Ugh!?”

“Haah… Hmm… Uh…”

Just as I thought my face was being grabbed too tightly, Jin’s tongue slipped between my lips.

Before feeling anything pleasant, it was a sensation of my brain being completely scrambled. I didn’t even have the strength to struggle. Without even a moment to wipe away the excess saliva, Jin embraced me and kissed me passionately. Sweat or saliva, it was all sticky and indistinguishable.

“Haah… Haah… Ugh…”

“That… was a lie.”

“W-What?”

“You’re a liar. Always lying. We shouldn’t meet again.”

“But then I can’t get my medicine… Who else will understand and take care of us if not Auntie?”

“Doesn’t matter. Don’t talk to me. Don’t listen. Don’t speak. Meeting alone without me, absolutely not allowed.”

“Okay. Without Jin’s permission, I’ll never… do that.”

“Good. That’s how it should be.”

With wide crimson eyes glaring at me, Jin seemed satisfied when I surrendered without resistance, as he began licking his scars again. He did so meticulously, without any intention of stopping.

It’s really strange.

Why does Jin hate Imo so much?

I couldn’t understand why he reacted with such disgust, even when there was no one else around, just by me mentioning her briefly.

It probably wasn’t due to jealousy or possessiveness. If it were, Imo would have been dead at Jin’s hands long ago.

Like the dog we encountered once. Or the strange film we stumbled upon last month. He would have ruthlessly trampled them to death without leaving a trace. But it wasn’t that extreme.

Of course, I know.

This is forced. It’s merely a wish born from my arrogant selfish desire.

Even if Jin were to kill someone at some point, it was an extension of a childish hope that the person wouldn’t be Imo.

Isn’t that right?

For now, Imo is the only family I have left. But before that, she was Jin’s precious friend, with whom he sweated and played soccer together, just like he is doing with me now.

I don’t want to imagine him mercilessly killing such a friend because of me.

Jin has lost a lot and more. Yet, a hint of humanity still lingers in his heart. He didn’t want to let go of that fleeting ■■.

So, there must be another reason.

It was best to think that there was something unknown, a secret between Jin and Imo. If that was the case, there was no need to know. It was better that way. When the time comes─ after resolving whatever it is, I could continue to imagine a tomorrow where things return to how they used to be.

“…Ah, the bell for break time rang.”

“Sigh, sigh….”

“Hey, Jina.”

“Hmm… Yes?”

“Should we start getting ready for class soon… change into our uniforms?”

“But there’s still a lot of time left.”

“Well, about that… let’s finish it later. We have to stop by the hospital after school today. Once that’s done, you can do whatever you want. How does that sound?”

“Umm… School… Hospital… Umm….”

“By the way, the teacher mentioned giving us a new picture book. If Jin listens attentively in class, we can read it together under the blanket. Okay?”

“…And for dinner, Mapo Tofu?”

“Of course, that’s possible. Wow, today there are so many things Jin likes, right? Lucky us. Isn’t that great?”

“…Yes. I really like it. I’m so happy to have you.”

Jin, who had hesitated for a moment, smiled and nodded approvingly at my persuasive efforts.

The wind blew gently, carrying remnants of past warmth. Perhaps it was because we had fun playing and sweating together. The same pain as that day… was no longer felt.