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

Yesterday, he had just joined the school team.

Tomorrow, he was expected to play in the National Tournament?

That shouldn't be possible.

First of all, Coach Carter was an extremely experienced and cautious coach.

Second, the fact that Gu Ran was allowed to join the team as an exception was already shocking to everyone.

Besides, the reason he performed well today was because his playing time was short, so his weaknesses weren't exposed.

Giving his absolute best for 10 minutes was one thing.

Playing a full 80 or 90 minutes would be a completely different challenge—

If he had to play an entire match, the left flank would inevitably collapse.

Carter probably already saw this flaw.

So, the chances of playing in the National Tournament tomorrow were low…

At the very least, starting was impossible.

Gu Ran analyzed the situation calmly before smiling lightly.

"...It's nothing."

Rust took a deep breath and said admiringly, "Gu, you really know how to keep your cool! I respect that! By the way… uh… actually, never mind."

Rust, despite his rough and bold personality, suddenly seemed embarrassed.

Gu Ran frowned. "What? Just say it."

Though they weren't close brothers, any previous tension between them was already gone.

Rust scratched his head awkwardly. "Haha… um, you still have that little note, right?"

"…What note? Oh!" Gu Ran finally remembered. "You mean that hook-up letter— uh, I mean, love letter?"

"Yes, yes!" Rust's eyes lit up. "You still have it, right? You do, don't you?"

Gu Ran nodded. "Yeah, why? You want it? Just say so, man."

Rust immediately denied it. "No! Why would I?! Haha! Gu, you're so funny! That was meant for you! Why would I want it? I was just saying… well, with the tournament coming up, and you being Sophie's boyfriend, you really shouldn't be messing around with that kind of stuff."

Gu Ran smirked. "Relax, I know what I'm doing."

Rust hesitated again before stammering, "Uh… actually, how about you give me the note? I'll dispose of it for you."

Damn.

So after all that, you do want it, huh?

Gu Ran patted Rust's broad shoulder and spoke seriously,

"Rust… It's not that I don't want to give it to you.

I just don't think you can handle it."

Rust's face turned bright red.

"I—I'm not! I can! I feel like… I—I can totally handle it!"

Gu Ran shook his head. "You should focus on playing football. Once you make a name for yourself, you'll have everything you want—trust me. This kind of guy-girl stuff? Not worth your time right now."

Rust lowered his head in shame.

"Gu, you're right… Let's just pretend this conversation never happened. Come on, let's go celebrate!"

Rust grabbed Gu Ran's arm, trying to drag him into the team's pile-up celebration.

Gu Ran quickly refused.

"No thanks, you guys celebrate. I'm good."

Rust grinned. "You're missing out! Here, let me show you how it's done—"

With a full-speed sprint, Rust charged like a rugby player, leaping straight into the pile!

"AHHHH!"

"F*CK!!!"

"WHO SHOVED A SAUSAGE UP MY NOSE—?!"

The main squad players scattered, rolling across the field while cursing.

The scene was a complete mess.

Gu Ran facepalmed and hurried away, pretending not to know them.

Watergate struggled up from the grass, brushing off dirt from his shirt.

Of course, he wouldn't waste this golden opportunity to taunt the miserable-looking reserve squad.

"Hey, hey, what's with the sad faces, boys?"

"Oh? Ohhh, I see! You almost made the starting lineup… and then we wiped the floor with you."

"Damn, sorry about that! Really, I didn't mean to."

"But hey—what can I say? When you're as good as me, you just score whenever you want."

This guy was an absolute menace.

Even the main squad felt like punching him.

Blind Man muttered, "Honestly… we really won thanks to Gu Ran. Those two passes of his were insanely good."

Bread nodded in agreement. "Gu Ran really has some skill. Especially his two one-two plays with Watergate—their chemistry was incredible! I swear, Watergate, you've secretly been training with him, haven't you?"

Watergate swore on his life,

"If I've EVER practiced with that guy before, I'll be your grandson!"

Rust grinned.

"CALL ME GRANDPA!"

"F*ck off!"

Watergate clicked his tongue. "That guy… Gu Ran just got lucky.

Wait and see—Carter is definitely gonna rip him apart.

He completely ignored the defensive structure Carter wanted, didn't listen to Bread's instructions, and kept cutting inside like a reckless idiot—leaving dangerous gaps behind him.

Mark my words—Carter's gonna give him a brand-new nickname after this."

Everyone turned their eyes toward Coach Carter.

Even though the main squad won, Carter didn't look happy.

His wrinkled face didn't relax at all—but his eyes weren't as terrifying as before.

Despite the horrible team performance,

Gu Ran's individual performance stood out.

Carter had only assigned him to defend the left flank—yet Gu Ran not only defended but also launched three deadly attacks, leading to two goals.

10 minutes.

6 touches 2 interceptions 2 short passes 1 crucial save 1 long pass from the flank 2 inside-cut long passes 3 sprints over 20 meters

For a first-time training match, his numbers were insane.

Carter called him over.

"Gu, come here."

Gu Ran calmly walked forward.

"Yes, coach."

Carter stared straight into his eyes and asked in a deep voice,

"Your first team training match—tell me your thoughts."

Gu Ran answered without hesitation.

"Coach, my first thought is—this is amazing."

"Football is incredible, and helping my team gain an advantage feels even better."

"I love playing. I want to keep playing. I want to step onto bigger and grander stages."

Then, he changed his tone.

"But I also noticed my weaknesses in those ten minutes."

Carter squinted slightly, interested. "Like what?"

Damn.

So you just love hearing self-criticism, huh, coach?

Fine then.

Gu Ran paused before answering,

"First, my stamina is lacking."

Other people might not see it, but Carter definitely did.

So Gu Ran didn't bother hiding it.

Carter nodded slightly, seemingly pleased with the honesty.

But he wasn't done yet.

"Anything else?"

Gu Ran braced himself.

"The team's tempo is fast, and the physicality is intense. I'm still adjusting to it."

"My chemistry with the team isn't there yet, but don't worry, coach. I'll work on it."

Carter finally smiled.

"You can recognize your own flaws—that means you're smart."

"Smarter than those useless idiots over there."

Gu Ran put on his best student-like expression.

"Thank you, coach."

The surrounding players watched in shock.

"Wait… Carter isn't cursing him?"

"Where's the usual insults? Why does this feel… respectful?"

"Has Carter ever personally demonstrated anything for us before?"

"The last guy who got this treatment was… Olympus."

"I thought Carter had given up on caring this much after Olympus left…"

"Turns out… we were just never good enough."

"I'm jealous of Gu Ran…"

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