Chapter 32

#32 <Unknown Player>

The one who shouted was the referee.

“6 meters 27 centimeters.”

The record keeper called out Jin-hyeok’s record again.

Oooooooh-.

The murmurs of the crowd turned into admiration.

“Isn’t this the first time he’s jumped 6 meters?”

“Last year’s record wasn’t even close to 6 meters, right?”

“What a shame. If only this were a national competition…”

As the referee gestured somewhere, someone ran over, holding their hat with one hand.

A man in a white baseball cap checked Jin-hyeok’s landing spot once more before speaking as if making an announcement.

“Reference record confirmed. Men’s long jump, 6 meters 27 centimeters, 620.7 centimeters. Taeyang Elementary School, player number 91. A new Korean record for the junior division. However, according to competition rules, this will only be recognized as a reference record.”

Jin-hyeok’s expression turned blank.

‘What did he just say?’

Even if it’s unofficial, it’s still a new record.

What was the previous record? Before Jin-hyeok could even process it, the crowd surged toward him.

Waaaaah-!

Clap clap clap-!

As soon as the record keeper finished speaking, the people around him cheered and applauded.

“Congratulations-!”

“Congrats-!”

“It looked like you were flying!”

They were people he’d never seen before. People he’d never even exchanged a word with. Yet, many of them patted Jin-hyeok’s shoulders and back. Some even ruffled his hair, while others gave him a friendly pat on the butt. Among those congratulating him was even a player Jin-hyeok had been observing.

‘Ah, I miss my mom.’

So this is what it feels like to be recognized and acknowledged.

The record didn’t matter. Succeeding at the last moment wasn’t important. It was just that strangers were watching him, smiling at him, and applauding him.

‘Thank you.’

Jin-hyeok couldn’t bring himself to speak and just kept bowing his head in gratitude. If he opened his mouth, if he made eye contact, he feared tears would spill out. He was a man who had endured his hellish past life without shedding a tear—he couldn’t cry here.

Then, Jin-hyeok’s body floated up.

“Whoa! Kid! I knew you could do it! Wahahaha!”

Teacher Kim Young-tae lifted Jin-hyeok’s legs high into the air.

For the first time in Taeyang Elementary School’s history, a gold medal in track and field had been won in the long jump. It had been 85 years since the school’s founding. Taeyang Elementary was also Kim Young-tae’s alma mater. His mind was filled with nothing but the joy of having achieved the first glory.

But there was a problem.

Son Jin-hyeok was a student from another school.

***

The 200-meter semifinals took place just before the relay semifinals.

Bang-!

Son Jin-hyeok shot out of the starting blocks like a bullet.

Kim Young-tae clenched his fists. Then he raised his arms and shook them vigorously.

‘How could such a talent have been buried in the countryside?!’

Where on earth had he been hiding? Kim Young-tae wanted to shout, “Wah-!” He had been holding back due to his dignity as an adult, but he couldn’t help it anymore and let out a yell.

“Wooowowowow! Run! Run!”

Starting from lane 2, Son Jin-hyeok took the lead through the curve and charged into the straight. If a wild colt, freed from its reins, were to run in one direction without causing chaos, it would look something like this.

‘Let’s not stand out too much.’

He was a colt overflowing with energy yet calm.

Huff-huff, huff-huff.

The difference from the 100 meters was the presence of a curved track.

He treated the curve like an acceleration zone on a highway, steadily building momentum before flooring the accelerator on the straight. Of course, he was also pressing the gas pedal on the curve.

‘This feels refreshing!’

It was a different kind of joy from running on a paved road.

It was the thrill of truly finding freedom.

He crossed the finish line in first place.

He even had the composure to slow down just before crossing the finish line.

Kim Young-tae recalled a conversation he had with Jin-hyeok after the long jump award ceremony.

– “Teacher, is ranking important in this competition?”

– “Yes. All records are recorded as reference records. Only records set in national competitions are officially recognized.”

Perhaps that’s why Jin-hyeok didn’t seem to care much about the record.

“Did he slow down at the end?”

“You told him to pace himself.”

“Ah, right. Hehehe!”

Kim Young-tae had to rack his brain to calculate the remaining emergency funds.

The 200-meter final is tomorrow.

“Can you run the relay?”

“Yes! I think my body is even more warmed up now, so I’ll run better!”

He’s reliable.

For some reason, Jin-hyeok looked excited. He was talking more than usual. Kim Young-tae, who had coached kids for a long time, couldn’t mistake the expression of a child who was starting to enjoy himself.

‘Kid, you’re having fun, huh?’

Now it was Park Ji-beom’s turn.

Park Ji-beom had unfortunately lost in the 100-meter semifinals.

‘The 200 meters will be even harder.’

He had only done the 100 meters for three years and ended up with nothing to show for it.

Kim Young-tae silently cheered for his student’s final race, understanding Ji-beom’s disappointment.

Bang-!

True to his reputation as Taeyang Elementary’s ace, Park Ji-beom confidently charged through the curve. Even though he was in lane 4, he was ahead of the other lanes, suggesting he was in the lead. But as he entered the straight, the other lane runners caught up.

“Huh? Is Ji-beom hurt?”

“No, it doesn’t seem like he’s running at full speed.”

He wasn’t limping, but he wasn’t picking up speed either.

Why is that?

Park Ji-beom crossed the finish line in last place and returned with a light expression.

“Ji-beom, are you feeling okay?”

“No? I just warmed up for the relay. Going all out in the second half is really tough.”

The relay. It’s in 30 minutes. He saved his energy for his friends. Kim Young-tae scrunched up his nose to hold back the rising emotion. These kids are so admirable.

The sky, which had been blue, began to mix with gray as the sun set.

***

“I’ve been playing and eating all day, so I’m full of energy!”

“Me too.”

In the cheerful atmosphere created by Yeom Byeong-taek and Jo Seol-chan’s easygoing nature, they warmed up. Jin-hyeok also relaxed among the kids, massaging his legs. He used his grip strength to firmly massage his friends’ legs too. Though it was a short time, they had laughed and sweated together while exercising. He hoped they could keep laughing together until the end.

Park Ji-beom’s eyes widened.

“Whoa-, Jin-hyeok’s massage made my tight thighs and calves feel better. It’s like I have more strength in my legs now.”

“Really? Me too!”

Jo Seol-chan, who had been resting all day, chimed in with Ji-beom’s comment.

Kim Young-tae was just glad that Taeyang Elementary’s kids were in the second competition group. Thanks to that, Son Jin-hyeok and Park Ji-beom could rest a bit more.

But something felt off.

Since earlier, some shady-looking men had been lurking around him.

“Keep warming up. I’ll go get my notebook for a moment.”

“Okay.”

Unlike the innocent responses from the kids, Son Jin-hyeok narrowed his eyes and followed Kim Young-tae’s gaze.

‘He’s already holding his notebook.’

Jin-hyeok massaged around his knees while eavesdropping on the conversation between Kim Young-tae and the men.

***

“Ah! What a shame-!”

Jo Seol-chan couldn’t hide his disappointment.

A runner from another school in the first relay group had dropped the baton. It happened in an instant during the baton pass. He quickly picked it up and started running, but the other runners had already gained speed and pulled ahead.

“Wasn’t that the fastest team?”

“Yeah. Daesung Elementary.”

“Ah, what a pity-.”

Even though they were talking as if it were someone else’s business, Jo Seol-chan and Yeom Byeong-taek were clearly nervous. Their shallow breathing and constant knee bouncing were proof.

Among them, Jo Seol-chan seemed the most nervous.

“Ah, damn it. Why do I need to pee so badly?”

“You can’t go now! Just pee while running!”

At Yeom Byeong-taek’s words, the kids laughed and eased their tension.

“Let’s just do what we practiced. As long as we don’t make mistakes, we’ll succeed.”

Clap clap-!

Teacher Kim Young-tae clapped to get the kids’ attention.

“Alright! Let’s give a cheer before we go!”

“What should we cheer for our school?”

Jo Seol-chan, thinking he was being sharp, threw out the question.

“Just go with Taeyang. We’ll meet again in middle school soon.”

“Ah, right. Jin-hyeok is always so smart-.”

One big hand, Jin-hyeok’s medium-sized hand, and three small hands.

Five hands stacked together.

“Taeyang! Taeyang! Fighting!”

Clap clap clap-!

The kids raised their hands, clapped, and headed to the track.

“Whew. I’m shaking.”

Swipe swipe- clap clap-!

Kim Young-tae wiped his face and massaged his cheeks. It’s natural for the coach to be more nervous than the athletes, and the family more nervous than the coach. To Kim Young-tae, the kids were like his own children.

‘Results don’t matter, just don’t get hurt, my kids.’

Whether they knew their teacher’s heart or not, the kids entered the track.

“First runners, grab a baton each-. Hey, lane 7! Why are you empty-handed?”

It was Park Ji-beom.

Even though they had practiced, it was a common mistake for first runners to forget they needed to hold a baton.

The red and yellow batons were already taken, leaving only a blue one oddly available. In relays, there was a superstition-like preference for primary-colored batons because they were more visible. It’s not like you could see the color with your palm anyway.

‘Oh! Lucky!’

Park Ji-beom thought luck was on his side as he picked up the lone blue baton. He didn’t realize that the team that had made a mistake in the previous group had used a blue baton. The other teams, knowing this, had avoided the blue baton.

The relay’s jinx.

A baton dropped once will be dropped again. It’s nonsense, but isn’t it human nature to fear the unseen and nonexistent?

Even though the other lane runners were all looking at him, Park Ji-beom didn’t pay attention. In times like these, ignorance is bliss.

‘As long as I finish without mistakes, it’s fine.’

Considering he had run the 200 meters as a warm-up for the relay, Park Ji-beom was mature and composed for his age. Though he had been struggling to improve his record since 6th grade, he had been Taeyang Elementary’s ace since 4th grade.

“On your marks-.”

Park Ji-beom clenched the baton in his left hand and pressed his fist to the ground.

The suffocating tension made his cheeks puff out.

“Set-.”

He straightened his legs and lifted his hips.

Perhaps it was the tension, but he felt blood rushing to his head.

Bang-!

Clang-! Clatter-.

The first runners were off, leaving only the sound of metal clashing nervously behind.

***

“Mom-, mom-.”

“Yes-, mom’s here.”

“Dad-, dad-.”

“Oh my-, our princess-.”

Son Yoo-jin, not even 36 months old, ran around the house, alternating between hugging her mom and dad. The house was spacious, so even if the baby ran around wildly, there was no problem. Dad Son Kwang-yeon thought building an extension was a great idea, but he felt sorry that they couldn’t do it when Jin-hyeok was a baby due to financial difficulties. That’s why he cared even more for his son.

‘But he already acts like a grown-up…’

After school, he helps his mom with laundry or cleaning, and even takes care of his little sister with great care. Not satisfied with that, he follows his dad to the fields to see if there’s any work to be done, and still finds time to exercise, saying he has energy to spare. Homework and studying go without saying. Kids in Seoul play with Lego blocks or remote-controlled cars, they say.

‘But when will our son come home?’

It felt like they hadn’t let him grow up like a child, hadn’t properly indulged his childishness, and that’s why he matured early. That’s why he felt even more affection for his son. Son Kwang-yeon had also grown up without feeling his father’s love.

“Jin-hyeok’s mom, honey. Did our son call yet?”

They had only received a message last night saying he arrived safely and one this morning saying he woke up fine. The competition was supposed to last only a day, and he said he’d call after it was over, but it’s almost dinner time and there’s no word. The teacher had said the competition would only last today.

Ring ring-.

Thinking his child wasn’t much of a gentleman, Son Kwang-yeon picked up the phone.

“Hello? Oh-, Jin-hyeok! Yeah? Really? Wahaha-! What is this? Oh, oh. Got it. Mom? Mom’s washing her hair. Oh, okay. I’ll tell her. Okay. Have a good dinner. Sleep well, our son-.”

Click-.

As he put the phone down, a gentle and relaxed smile spread across Son Kwang-yeon’s face. But his eyes were still dazed. He hadn’t fully processed what his son had said. Then it suddenly hit him.

‘What? A gold medal?’

Even though it’s a regional competition, it’s still a contest to find the best athletes in the province. Of course, there might be some talented athletes who didn’t participate. But still, a gold medal is no small feat! And what? A Korean record? Unofficial, my foot, it’s our son’s record, who cares if it’s unofficial!

“Let’s see, what should I do? What do you do in situations like this?”

Should I shout hurray?

If I shout hurray, our kid will probably glare at me.

Son Kwang-yeon hugged his wide-eyed daughter and fumbled around.

The loud voice of his dad, who had been laughing on the phone, had already made Yoo-jin’s already big eyes even wider.

“What should I do, what should I do? What should I do?”

What does a dad do when his son wins a gold medal? There’s no dad to ask, so it’s even more confusing. If there were a dad’s group for kids who won gold medals, I’d ask for advice. But in this countryside, there are only dads who know when to apply pesticides and fertilizers.

‘Ah, should I ask Ki-jun?’

I can brag about my son too.

Son Kwang-yeon picked up the phone again.

“Ohhh-, Ki-jun? Wahaha, our son!”

– My ears hurt, man!

Blah blah-.

“He seems worried about becoming famous. He said he hopes it doesn’t get out.”

– You don’t become famous for doing well in a provincial competition, so don’t worry.

“Hahaha! He’s so humble, just like me!”

Even though Hong Ki-jun told him the reality, Son Kwang-yeon had no intention of calming down.

He rambled on for a while, blurring the line between bragging about his son and bragging about himself.

Son Kwang-yeon’s chatter continued until his wife came out of the bathroom.

“Honey, did Jin-hyeok call? What did he say to make your face like that?”

Han Yoo-young, who came out of the bathroom with a towel on her head, opened her eyes wide. Her husband, who always emphasized his Seoul roots and carried himself with dignity, was now red-faced and chattering away as if he might burst.

Thud-.

Seeing the white towel on his wife’s head, Son Kwang-yeon dropped the phone. He jumped up as if he had just remembered something important and shouted.

“Banner!”

“Huh?”

Son Kwang-yeon, holding Yoo-jin, took his wife’s hand and danced around.

What a joy-.

And so.

Hong Ki-jun was defeated once again.

– Hello? Hello-. Hey, man, aaah-!