The school hallway is unusually noisy.

Jae-hyun walks to class, and heads turn. Whispers follow him — curious, excited, and even skeptical.

> Student A: “He’s the one who scored against Hwarang, right?”

Student B: “That pass? That goal? Dude’s a different person this semester.”

A couple of junior students ask for a photo. Jae-hyun gives them a quick smile and keeps walking.

Jae-hyun (thoughts):

In the past, I could walk through this school like a ghost. Now… eyes are finally on me. Feels weird.

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Scene 2: Unspoken Tension

At practice, Jae-hyun laces up his boots early, stretching before anyone else arrives. He watches the team come in — and he can feel it.

The mood’s shifted.

Some teammates smile and greet him. Others keep their distance.

Team Captain (Hyun-woo):

"Alright, listen up. Just ‘cause one of us had a good game doesn’t mean we’re pros now. Stay sharp."

The message is clear. It’s not just encouragement — it’s control.

Jae-hyun (thoughts):

He feels threatened. Can’t blame him. The old me never challenged him.

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Scene 3: Quiet Moments

After training, Jae-hyun stays behind to work on his weak foot. Alone. Focused.

Soo-kyung appears, two bottles of water in hand. She tosses him one.

Soo-kyung:

"You’re working too hard. Again."

Jae-hyun:

"I'm still not good enough. One goal doesn’t change that."

Soo-kyung (teasing):

"You sure about that? You’ve got half the school staring at you like you’re some webtoon MC."

They share a laugh — light, but genuine.

Then her gaze lingers a little longer than usual.

Soo-kyung (softly):

"Just don’t burn out, okay?"

Jae-hyun (pauses):

"Thanks. For staying the same."

---

Scene 4: The Coach's Office

Coach Park sits with a man in a suit — a youth scout from a semi-pro club. On his desk: a photo of Jae-hyun mid-strike from the Hwarang match.

Scout:

"He's raw, but he's got vision. Decision-making beyond his age."

Coach Park:

"He was invisible last year. This change is... strange. But yeah, I see it too."

The scout leaves a card.

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Scene 5: Heat Behind the Eyes

At lunch, Jae-hyun passes the locker room. He hears whispers behind the door.

> Teammate 1: “Coach is all over him now.”

Teammate 2: “What, just ‘cause of one good game?”

Teammate 1: “He’s not even that skilled. Just lucky.”

Jae-hyun doesn’t react. He just walks away, putting in his earbuds.

Jae-hyun (thoughts):

Jealousy. It means I’m climbing. And if they’re talking… they’re watching.

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Scene 6: A Challenge Emerges

That evening, Coach Park announces the next match — against Seonhwa High, another strong team. And this time, it's not just a friendly — it's part of a national qualifier tournament.

Coach Park:

"If we win this, we enter the Seoul Regional Cup. You want scouts? You want attention? Show me you're more than just hype."

The locker room buzzes. Everyone turns toward Jae-hyun without saying a word.

He just grabs his jersey, calm and ready.

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Final Scene: Alone in the Dark

Jae-hyun trains late into the night, alone on the field, practicing off-the-ball runs and volleys. The lights are dim, but his focus is laser-sharp.

Jae-hyun (thoughts):

It’s starting. The pressure. The pushback. The climb.

But he breathes in — deep, steady.

Jae-hyun:

"I’ll take it all. I’ll rise, no matter what."

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End of Chapter 4 – “A Name in the Wind”

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