I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

What the hell?!

Susanna?!

That bold and flirty class representative from earlier turned out to be Sophia's best friend?!

Gu Ran's scalp went numb.

He had heard about Sophia's best friend, Susanna, in his past life, but back then, he had been too busy grinding through textbooks to ever meet her in person.

And now?

He met her during a physical exam.

This is… kind of awkward.

Gu Ran quickly turned his face to the side, doing his best to avoid being noticed.

Meanwhile, Rust, despite his legs trembling uncontrollably, forced himself to stand up and wobble toward Susanna like he was walking on an electric fence.

"300 frog jumps…"

Gu Ran couldn't help but be impressed.

Even after such insane training, Rust still refused to give up on love.

Wow. Love really is something else…

Around the field, the other players burst into laughter, heckling Rust.

"Rust! Go for it! Don't mess this up—it's your 50th confession!"

"Rust, dude, can you stop walking like Quasimodo?! Susanna's foundation is about to crack from fright!"

"Rust! Give up, man! You already lost to Gu Ran twice today!"

"Rust, I bet 100 bucks you're going to fail again."

"SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!" Rust roared at his so-called friends, his sideways crab-walk continuing toward Susanna. "THIS IS GOD'S PLAN!"

But Susanna?

She wasn't even looking at him.

Her alluring green eyes were scanning the field—clearly searching for someone.

And that someone?

Gu Ran.

Despite turning away, Gu Ran's natural charisma was impossible to ignore.

Before Rust could even make it to her, Susanna's eyes lit up as soon as she spotted Gu Ran.

Her lips curled into a smirk, and her eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Dear Lord!" Rust gasped, his voice shaking. "My beloved Susanna! This is a divine sign—"

"Move."

Before Rust could finish his dramatic declaration, Susanna brushed past him like he wasn't even there.

"I'm here for Gu Ran."

She didn't even hesitate.

Rust froze on the spot—completely petrified.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!

Wasn't this supposed to be God's plan?!

Why did my goddess just get stolen… again?!

Wait. AGAIN?!

Rust let out a heartbroken wail before face-planting onto the grass.

Susanna?

She didn't even look back.

The other players rushed over to help Rust.

"Rust! Rust!"

"Hang in there, bro!"

"Rust, stay with us!"

Watergate held Rust in his arms, trying to console him. "Think of it this way—you've failed 50 times already. What's one more?"

Sissy, in his delicate voice, added, "And technically, this doesn't count as a rejection since you didn't even confess this time!"

Meanwhile, Drummer mumbled to himself in pure admiration.

"Gu Ran is a goddess hunter… When will I ever be as smooth as him?"

"…???"

Every single player turned to glare at Drummer.

Drummer quickly raised his hands. "My bad! I'll shut up now."

Watergate frowned. "Something isn't right."

"Yeah! Gu Ran already has Sophia!"

"We all saw him flirting with Sophia the other day when Rust got rejected!"

"So what's going on now?! Why is Susanna chasing after him?!"

"Do they have a secret relationship?! Damn, this is getting wild!"

Hearing this, Rust—who had just regained consciousness—fainted again.

His friends frantically tried to wake him up.

Meanwhile, Gu Ran himself was just as confused.

Susanna is looking for me?

But… we barely interacted!

It was just one glance during the medical exam!

She should know I'm dating Sophia, right?

"Hey, Gu~"

Before Gu Ran could think further, Susanna appeared in front of him, bringing a faint fragrance with her.

Before he could even say anything, she stretched out her delicate white hand and smiled seductively.

"…Give it to me."

Her voice was so soft and teasing that even Gu Ran—with all his past life experiences—felt a chill down his spine.

What the hell?!

What is she trying to pull?!

I'm a respectable man!

Gu Ran cleared his throat seriously. "Sorry, but… I have no idea what you're talking about."

Susanna giggled, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Gu, you're so adorable when you pretend to be clueless~! No wonder Sophia, who's never been into guys, fell for you."

She pouted playfully. "Don't be mean~ You know what I mean! Maria's handkerchief. You took it from the exam room earlier, didn't you?"

"Oh!"

Gu Ran finally understood.

She was here on behalf of Maria.

Not for… whatever crazy thing he thought she was implying.

Phew.

For a second, he thought she was hitting on him.

Gu Ran chuckled, apologetically searching through his bag.

"I was actually planning to wash it and return it later…"

Susanna tilted her head and smiled sweetly.

"How could I let someone as handsome as you do something like washing a handkerchief?"

She sighed dramatically. "Has Sophia never done these little things for you? If it were me, I'd gladly wash it every day."

…Okay, this woman is definitely dangerous.

Gu Ran ignored the bait and quickly handed over the pink handkerchief.

"Here you go."

As Susanna reached for it, she intentionally brushed his hand with hers.

Gu Ran calmly withdrew his hand, noting her surprising grip strength.

Susanna giggled.

"Oops! Accidentally touched you~ Sorry about that."

Gu Ran was speechless. "It's fine."

Susanna pouted.

"How could you say it's fine? If Sophia finds out, she might get jealous! I'd feel so guilty if I ended up causing a fight between you two… I should explain everything to her—just to clear up any misunderstandings."

…The hell?!

Susanna, did you major in Green Tea Behavior?!

If Gu Ran didn't have twelve extra years of life experience, he might have actually believed her act.

Trying to play these little mind games with me?

Cute.

He flashed a calm smile.

"Don't worry. Even if Sophia gets mad, I can handle it. No need for you to stress yourself out. You should probably go return that handkerchief before Maria gets worried."

Susanna blinked, clearly not expecting him to dodge her trap so effortlessly.

But she quickly recovered, letting out a soft laugh.

"Well… alright then~ See you around, Gu~"

With a wink, she turned and walked away.

Meanwhile, Rust—still lying on the ground—suddenly sat up and shouted after her.

"SUSANNA! If we're not meant to be, do you have any other best friends?!"

Without even glancing back, Susanna disappeared.

Watergate patted Rust's shoulder.

"It's fine, bro. There are plenty of fish in the sea."

Drummer added, "Except… Rust has already confessed to every girl in school."

Blind Man sighed. "At this rate, every girl in Southampton will belong to the Chinese kid."

Glider, looking worried, muttered, "I won't accept this."

Rust clenched his fists. "Gu Ran…"

Watergate quickly stopped him. "Chill! He's our teammate now!"

Rust growled, "You don't understand! This time, don't hold me back—"

"COACH IS BACK!"

And just like that, Carter strode onto the field, his brow furrowed.

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