The school field is alive with energy.

Banners wave lazily in the breeze. Students gather at the sidelines, excited for the practice match between Daehan High and a local powerhouse school — Hwarang Academy.

It’s supposed to be a friendly, but both schools take it seriously. Scouts are often present at these games. For many players, this is the first chance to get noticed.

Jae-hyun (thoughts):

In my past life, I sat on the bench for this game. I didn’t even get to play. But this time…

Coach Park (loud):

"Starting lineup, gather! Jae-hyun, you’re starting striker."

Murmurs ripple through the team. Some players raise eyebrows — he wasn’t even a starter before.

Teammate (quietly):

"He got lucky last week. Let’s see if he can do that against a real team."

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Scene 2: Eyes on the Field

As the team warms up, Jae-hyun notices someone across the pitch.

A tall forward from Hwarang with sharp features and commanding presence — Ryu Min-jae, known as a prodigy striker with explosive pace.

Jae-hyun (thoughts):

Min-jae… In the old timeline, he went on to play pro. Everyone compared me to him... and I always came up short.

Min-jae glances across the field, their eyes lock for a brief second. He doesn’t recognize Jae-hyun — why would he? In the last life, Jae-hyun wasn’t even worth noticing.

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Scene 3: The Match Begins

Whistle blows. The game begins.

Hwarang dominates early, pressing aggressively. Min-jae charges like a beast, slicing through Daehan’s defense. The crowd gasps as he scores in the 6th minute.

Commentator (student announcer):

"Ryu Min-jae with a brilliant solo goal! That’s why he’s considered one of the top high school strikers in the country!"

But Jae-hyun stays calm.

Jae-hyun (thoughts):

He’s fast. Strong. But he’s too used to winning with talent alone. I’ll break him down with coordination.

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Scene 4: Tactical Genius

Instead of rushing forward like a traditional striker, Jae-hyun begins dropping deep, dragging defenders with him. His movements open space for wingers to cut inside. He gives precise through passes, forcing Hwarang’s defense to stretch.

Soo-kyung (from midfield):

"You’re seeing everything, huh...?"

In the 23rd minute, he fakes a run inside the box, confusing the center-back, then delivers a backheel assist to the winger — goal!

1–1.

The crowd goes wild.

Even Coach Park smiles a little.

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Scene 5: Clash with the Prodigy

Second half. 1–1. Intensity builds.

Min-jae, annoyed, charges again — but this time, Jae-hyun predicts the pass and intercepts near midfield. He immediately launches a counterattack, sprints into open space, receives the return pass, and shoots.

2–1. Goal. Jae-hyun.

Min-jae finally looks up at him — not with confusion, but interest.

Min-jae (quietly):

"You’re not bad. Who are you?"

Jae-hyun (with a grin):

"Just someone who’s not wasting their second shot."

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Scene 6: After the Match

Daehan wins 2–1. It’s a major upset.

Students cheer. Coach Park is speechless. Scouts murmur quietly. Jae-hyun walks off the field, exhausted but alive.

Soo-kyung jogs up beside him.

Soo-kyung:

"You were insane out there. What happened to the guy who used to panic on the ball?"

Jae-hyun (smiling):

"He’s still here… just upgraded."

As they walk, Min-jae watches from the other side. His eyes narrow — intrigued.

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Final Scene: Rivalry Ignites

Later that night, Min-jae stares at the team list on his phone.

He taps on Jae-hyun’s name.

Min-jae (thoughts):

You’re not just a nobody anymore. I’ll remember your name — Kim Jae-hyun.

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End of Chapter 3 – “The Spark of Rivalry”

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