Kiss the Ground

As Misha pressed deep inside him, Chahyun’s hair became disheveled. Being so closely embraced, it was difficult to twist or move. His feet, hovering in the air, clenched tensely in response to the sensation of penetration. As a jolt of pleasure electrified his body, Chahyun wrapped his arms tightly around Misha’s neck.And then he thought, biting down on the thought,You’re mine.Misha, everything about you belongs to me. The brown hair, the pretty face, the beautiful movements, and the shining talent—all of it is mine alone.Those who sully something pure and innocent must bear the responsibility. Only the person who has awakened sinful desires in another can possess them. Yoon Chahyun is the only one who can have him. From the past, when they hadn’t met, to the future with no clear end, it’s all for him.Only Yoon Chahyun can be with him.“Hah… Yuan.”A rough breath fell over Chahyun’s nape as Misha clung tightly to him. He couldn’t hold back anymore. The sensation inside Chahyun’s body, coupled with Misha’s escalating desire, was overwhelming. The intense heat surged as Misha moved in and out, pounding Chahyun’s insides with fervor.“Ugh!”Repeated impacts struck him with dizzying force. Misha had a habit of leaving his mark, as if to claim ownership through the pleasure he gave. He’d grip Chahyun’s trembling body so it couldn’t move, pressing in as if to leave an imprint inside. Chahyun couldn’t even voice his feelings; he could only think of the person he held in his arms.Misha Asplund had a fundamental gap within him. No matter how much Chahyun embraced and kissed him, there was a dark space that couldn’t be filled.Chahyun, who was the closest to Misha, couldn’t help but notice that faint sound, like the lonely whistle of the wind. He had heard it in Misha’s sharp voice when he talked about quitting piano and when he watched him look at Chahyun’s family photos.And every time Chahyun sensed that melody, he thought about how he needed to fill that gap.To fully possess Misha, to love him completely, to adore and cherish him most efficiently, Chahyun had to pull him out of that lonely chasm.“Ah, Misha….”His body was soaked with sweat. Misha’s soft hair tickled Chahyun’s cheek. Chahyun pulled his head down forcefully and kissed him on the wet lips. As their lips locked together, their essence mingled, sending a burst of explosive heat from Chahyun’s chest.As Chahyun submerged himself in infinite affection and pleasure, he faintly, yet clearly, thought of their new purpose together.He thought of the future they were to walk towards.“I want to run away.”“If you try to run now, they’ll just film you running.”“Damn it….”Jude and Winston whispered quietly as they glanced at the reporters scattered across the airport. They were masters of ventriloquism, speaking without moving their lips at all. The players of Winchester United, dressed in sleek black suits from shirts to shoes, walking through the lobby, looked every bit like professionals preparing for their final battle. At least on the outside.Entering Germany felt different from the start. It was only natural, considering the significance and weight of the match. At this moment before the last game, even the arrival of the two teams in the same country and their journey to the stadium was an event in itself.After a noisy arrival, the players passed through another crowd and a barrage of cameras, finally boarding a limousine for a long drive. People, people… there were people everywhere they went. Only after waving their arms until they were sore did they finally arrive at the press conference prepared for interviews.What followed was a brief Q&A session. Only the manager, senior coaching staff, and notable players like the captain or current stars had to answer questions from the reporters. The other players, seated in a row, simply sat stiffly with tense shoulders, expressions frozen.“Open your eyes wide. You’ll look silly in the photos.”“My eyes are stinging….”Leroy, standing behind Chahyun, complained while blinking. The flash from the cameras facing them was on a different level from club interviews. What wattage are these even…? The lights flashing from all sides were truly blinding. Even Chahyun, used to being photographed, found himself unintentionally winking as if he’d bitten into a lemon.When a reporter asked a question, Cahill took the microphone. As the captain answered calmly, Jude, rubbing his stinging eyes, poked Chahyun in the waist and said,“Look at Misha.”Chahyun turned his head in the direction Jude pointed. Misha, sitting next to Cahill, had his eyes fixed forward, not blinking even in the blinding flash of lights. The flashes highlighted the white contours on his statue-like nose and cheeks. Sitting quietly with his long legs crossed, he looked as graceful as a swan.“They must have put him in the front row for a reason. This club… they’re just all about looks.”“Hmm.”Chahyun let Jude’s indignation slide. Misha might be incredibly good-looking, but there was more to him than just his appearance. However, Jude poked Chahyun’s side once more.“Hmm… look at you. You’re grinning like an idiot.”“What?”“You’re smiling so creepily right now. It’s giving me chills.”“Am I?”Startled by the sudden rebuke, Chahyun touched his face. He’d been having such rational thoughts…. Why was he smiling? Suddenly aware of the countless lenses pointed at him, Chahyun quickly fixed his expression, gripping the microphone tightly with both hands. He met the eyes of dozens, maybe hundreds, of cameras.He couldn’t let them see any weakness. He had to stay sharp, as usual. No vulnerabilities.“Uh, hello.”On the opposite side of the press room, a Korean journalist held the microphone. A press badge with a familiar broadcasting station’s logo hung around their neck. Behind their black glasses were dark eyes similar to Chahyun’s. The intelligence and passion characteristic of them were felt in their neatly tied-back hair.With a strange sense of déjà vu, Chahyun slightly pulled back his foot. The journalist, who started with a Korean greeting, paused briefly before asking the question in a calm and clear voice.“We understand this is a sensitive question… You’ve been through several events recently, and with the attention you’ve received, we imagine you’ve had your share of hardships. Could you express your feelings as you approach the final match?”As soon as the question ended, the entire large conference room fell silent, as if on cue. In the suddenly quiet space, the only sound was a faint hum from some unknown device. Chahyun lowered the microphone slightly and turned his head to feel the atmosphere in the room.The coach, staff, numerous journalists, and officials—all were holding their breath, looking at Chahyun holding the microphone.Chahyun understood the meaning of these gazes. These people knew everything. The many things and pains Chahyun had gone through, the crimes… and the miraculous situation of having reached this point despite everything. The mixed concern and anticipation were solely focused on the next words Chahyun would speak.And among these gazes, the one that stood out the most was the one most familiar to Chahyun.Misha’s gray eyes looked at him softly. In the brief moment their eyes met, Chahyun decided on his answer. All the usual phrases like “I’ll do my best,” “I won’t give up,” and “I’ll try my hardest” flew away, leaving only one.Chahyun relaxed his grip on the microphone and simply smiled cheerfully.“I’m excited.”After the interview, the team went on to check the stadium and the grounds. Even as they checked the interior and ran on the field, the outside of the stadium was abuzz with excitement. Though more than 30 hours remained before the game, nearly ten thousand excited fans had already gathered outside. While such crowds often gathered before a game, the people in the streets seemed less like specific club supporters and more like football fans from around the world.Whenever they caught even a glimpse of the players’ heads beyond the large fences, the fans reached out and cheered. Everyone had joyful expressions. It didn’t seem to matter whether the player was from Winchester or the opposing team. This final match felt less like a competition and more like a festival.The day before the game was long and drawn out. It was only after dusk that the players returned to their hotel. After one last seminar, they were finally able to head to their respective rooms.After showering, Chahyun went straight to Misha’s room. It had become a routine, almost a necessity, the night before a match.“Finally, some freedom…. The day before the match is harder than the actual game day.”“Today was really tough. There were so many people.”“I guess it’s because it’s the final; the energy is definitely different.”As Chahyun entered Misha’s room, he stretched. Despite bursting into the room and striding straight to the living room, Misha quietly followed Chahyun. Earlier, he looked like a swan; now, alone with Chahyun, he seemed like a baby duck.The room was filled with a cool night breeze. Misha had opened the curtains and windows, perhaps to ventilate the room. The breathtaking view of Berlin’s sparkling nightscape stretched out under the dark sky. As if entranced, Chahyun crossed the room and stood at the pretty balcony.“This feels like a tourist hotel. The location of your room is amazing.”“That’s why I called you to my room. It feels like we’re on a trip together.”“Right, just the two of us….”Chahyun was about to make an analogy but stopped himself. Misha tilted his head, puzzled by the sudden silence. Embarrassed, Chahyun felt his face heat up. He hurriedly changed the subject.“…It still doesn’t feel real that it’s the final.”“Really? It didn’t seem that way earlier.”“Earlier? When?”Misha stood right next to Chahyun. The gentle breeze ruffled Misha’s hair, which was scented with the same shampoo Chahyun used, adding a shared scent to the air. It was a shared connection that made Chahyun’s heart race.“During the last interview. You weren’t like your usual self. Yuan, you’re usually a bit scarier during interviews.”“Was I? Maybe… I’m not sure.”“I know. I was watching you the whole time.”As he spoke, Misha folded his arms on the balcony railing and rested his cheek on them, looking at Chahyun with a sidelong glance.“You were really cool.”Chahyun took a deep breath, trying not to be swayed by Misha’s gentle teasing. He looked up at the sky, tracing the character for “patience” in his mind. His lips hesitated before parting slightly.“The reason I… according to you, might have been scary.”“Yeah?”“It might have been because I was scared.”Misha didn’t ask, “Scared of what?” He knew better than anyone that Yoon Chahyun’s weakness was his fear of being vulnerable. So he just quietly looked at Chahyun’s profile, gently caressing it with his gaze.Chahyun straightened up and looked back at Misha.“But I don’t think that’s the case anymore.”“Why?”“Because you’re always watching me. And you will keep watching. So there’s no time to be afraid.”Though Chahyun tried to sound gruff, Misha saw through his shyness and let out a soft laugh. The way Misha moved closer, with a tender expression, was endearing. The warm night air was comforting, almost as if they could feel each other’s body heat without touching. It felt like an eternal calm before the storm, just before the decisive moment.Standing on the high hotel balcony, Chahyun thought about tomorrow. After this night, the journey that had lasted so long would finally come to an end. The moment would come when they had to turn over one of the cards, whether it was victory or defeat.Will we really be holding the Big Ear (European Champion Clubs’ Cup) then?It was impossible to know. Whether they’d be smiling for photos and sneaking kisses among teammates or comforting each other through tears of defeat, this story would inevitably move towards a definitive end.However, at some point, something more important than victory or defeat had begun to emerge in Yoon Chahyun’s heart. More than the grand value of winning or losing, what filled his heart to the point of bursting was a small and trivial emotion, so insignificant that it could be called pathetic. Chahyun parted his lips and let the words slip out.“I don’t want it to end.”“…”“After tomorrow, we’ll have to be apart for months.”“Yuan.”Misha blinked, as if he hadn’t expected Chahyun to say something like that. Watching his long eyelashes flutter, Chahyun clenched his fist slightly.After the final, when the league ends, the pre-season will come. It’s a long break that lasts for several months, as long as the extended tournament. The club’s players return to their respective countries to rest, handle schedules, and fulfill their duties as national representatives.Friendly matches, World Cup qualifiers, countless events involving kicking the ball await, beyond the league. Before belonging to their clubs, the players belong to their country’s name.To their countries… the countries they have to go back to.As the night breeze brushed his cheek, Chahyun continued with a quiet question.“Misha, will you go to Sweden? To your… family.”There was a brief silence. The whistling sound of the wind passed between them. Misha looked at Chahyun for a moment, then slowly reached out to put his arm around Chahyun’s shoulder.“I have to.”“…”“It’s okay. Don’t worry.”Misha’s voice seemed to understand what Yoon Chahyun was thinking. Chahyun felt a little embarrassed by his childishness, which was contrasted with Misha’s maturity. It had always been Chahyun’s role to embrace and comfort Misha when he acted like a child, but now it seemed Misha could do the same.“As long as I have you, that’s enough. And…”Misha, holding Chahyun close, drew the curtains with one hand, ensuring no one could peek in. Then he whispered softly into Chahyun’s ear.“We still have something to do together, Yuan.”With a soothing, teasing whisper, Chahyun couldn’t help but laugh. That’s right. It’s still a bit too early to think about the end. Misha left a gentle kiss on Chahyun’s cheek, then gently pulled him towards his bed.***On the day of the final, at 8:10 PM.Yoon Chahyun put on his ankle guards and shin guards, pulled his stockings up to below his knees, and adjusted the fit of his soccer boots. He checked the position of his protective gear and finally inspected the condition of the studs. Right foot, left foot. After finishing preparations for both, he slowly lowered his legs.Everything felt good. The sensation of body, foot, and shoe being in sync, as if they had become one weapon. Sitting down, Chahyun shook his feet slightly and flexed and extended his legs a few times to check his muscles and bones.The preparation was perfect. Everything was fine.“Yuan, are you all set? We need to head out soon.”Jude, who had approached from behind, spoke while pulling down Chahyun’s rolled-up jersey. When the coaches had advised them to prepare in advance, they had taken their time stretching and warming up, but now they were in a hurry to change clothes.Chahyun nodded and stood up from the bench. He took one last moment to check the feeling of his weight settling down, then looked around the spacious indoor area.The Winchester United team locker room, 30 minutes before the start of the match, was more tense than any moment before. Players were changing from training clothes into uniforms, checking and adjusting their shoes, and even fixing their hairstyles for some reason. The air was thick with a palpable tension, like tightening screws. Gone were the usual jokes and banter used to ease the nerves; the gravity of the upcoming big match was evident.Berlin Stadium in Germany was one of the five-star stadiums selected for the Champions League final, known for its particularly large capacity. Over 100,000 fans from around the world filled every inch of the massive ground like a giant cruise ship. The crowd outside the stadium was even larger.Probably about half of the massive crowd gathered in this city were Winchester United fans. Precious supporters who had never imagined making it this far and had suddenly found themselves invited to the final. Among them were also fellow countrymen who had come all the way to cheer on Yoon Chahyun.Though he had only ever believed in himself, this was a good time to pray. There might just be a god of football. Chahyun closed his eyes and clasped his hands together at his lips.At that moment, a loud announcement and cheers erupted from outside the hallway. Jude had said there were about 30 minutes left until the 8:45 PM kickoff. It was a sign that the match was imminent.“Wow… the noise is insane. I hope the stadium doesn’t collapse from the vibrations. I really want to play the final…”Someone among the players joked, reacting to the sound that seemed to shake the whole world. The tension in his voice was palpable, making it clear the joke hadn’t landed well. Chahyun also had a faint smile on his lips.That’s when something else burst into the locker room.“Everyone!”It was Coach Blue. He looked like Santa Claus with low blood sugar. His face was pale, hands slightly trembling, and he was wiping sweat off his chin.“Blue… you’ll be okay.”“Don’t collapse here; go to the medical room.”Listening to the worried reassurances from various corners, Blue managed to muster something resembling a smile. From his lips, which seemed ready to utter something strange, came an unexpected encouragement.“Everything will be fine, so don’t be too nervous. Just think about what we trained for… calmness is the most important thing. Let’s do our best.”Coming from someone who didn’t look calm at all, those words actually helped to settle the players’ nerves. Blue left a few more groans of encouragement before disappearing down the hallway, supported by the assistant coach. He seemed ready to take something to calm his nerves before the game. If such a thing existed in this country, that is.It seemed the rehearsal had started on the ground. As the majestic music played, the teammates exchanged their last bits of chatter.“Who’s performing at the final? A singer or an opera singer like last time?”“Ah, I heard it’s some famous orchestra this time. They even tour around Europe… and they’re going to perform the theme live.”“Oh… No wonder the sound is different. I actually know a bit about classical music…”Chahyun listened intently to the conversation drifting his way. The Champions League final traditionally began with the performance of a theme song by musicians. Sometimes a national singer from the host country would take that spot, or it could be a master of contemporary music or the hottest rock band among teenagers at the time. Whatever it was, it was always an exciting and spectacular sight.Hearing about the Champions League theme song performance brought to mind a particular moment for Chahyun. Someone had taught him that the song was most beautiful when played on the piano.Could anyone play that song as well as Misha? Probably no one here would know that a player on the field could perform such a beautiful piece.Except for Yoon Chahyun himself.He chuckled at his childish pride. He thought about sharing this story before the match. Chahyun looked around for Misha. But then, a peculiar feeling came over him.He hadn’t seen Misha since just a little while ago.They’d been together from night to morning, arrived at the stadium together… and he was still nearby when they entered the locker room after warming up. The last time he saw him was only about ten minutes ago. Chahyun tapped the arm of the teammate standing next to him.“Winston, do you know where Misha is?”“Misha? He was here just a moment ago. Where could he go at such a busy time?”That wasn’t any different from what Chahyun knew. At that moment, he saw the coaches bustling into the locker room, preparing for the lineup. Their hurried demeanor made Yoon Chahyun feel anxious as well.Where could he have gone at such a critical time? Surely they wouldn’t be sent into the game without even seeing him first. Chahyun scanned the busy room. Two league officials and club staff stood at the locker room door, shouting loudly.“We’re getting ready to head out now.”The sharp whistle sound tightened his heart. The players, fully prepared, gathered in the center of the room as if waiting for this moment. Chahyun looked around the now less crowded edges, and as Jude entered the locker room, he quickly approached him.“Jude! Have you seen Misha…?”“Oh, Yuan. I was looking for you.”Jude, in turn, stared at Chahyun with wide eyes. Looking for me? The unexpected words made Chahyun pause, unable to say what he had intended. Jude spoke with a casual tone, as if it were no big deal.“Why didn’t you tell me Misha has a sister?”“What?”Chahyun’s legs stiffened. The words felt like a direct hit to his brain, and he couldn’t make a sound. The person Jude mentioned wasn’t supposed to appear at this moment. Jude looked puzzled at Chahyun’s blank expression and asked, somewhat confused.“What, you didn’t know either?”“…”“Remember the person we saw at the cafe street that time? Turns out she’s Misha’s sister? I thought she was someone Misha was dating… but thinking about it now, she wasn’t.”That guy did explain it a bit weirdly, though. Jude lowered his voice as if sharing a secret. Chahyun clenched his fist. He knew his voice wouldn’t come out smoothly, but he had to ask.“How do you know that?”“How do I know… I just met her and heard it directly. Honestly, I could tell even without an explanation. Up close, they look exactly alike…”“Is she here?”An odd feeling flashed through his mind. Something about a famous orchestra, touring around Europe… He definitely remembered her saying something like that. The face that introduced herself to him months ago came to mind vividly, as if it was just yesterday. He couldn’t forget it.And Misha’s absence now. Chahyun urgently asked Jude again.“Where is she now?”“Oh, in the hallway… she’s a player’s family member, so I let her in for a bit…”Before Jude could finish his sentence, Chahyun dashed out of the locker room. Jude tried to grab Chahyun’s arm, shouting something, but his grasp slipped futilely. He could guess it was something like asking where he was going just before the match started.Chahyun rushed down the hallway, scanning the area. The Winchester staff looked at him in surprise, seeing a forward suddenly burst into the corridor. Others seemed shocked by his sudden dash. Ignoring the voices calling him back, Chahyun sped deeper into the hallway.As he went further in, the crowd thinned out. He somehow knew the person he was looking for would be in this direction. With a strange certainty, he turned the corner and suddenly saw two figures.“Ah.”Lima Asplund, whom he hadn’t seen in months, was holding her brother tightly in her arms. The perfectly timed embrace caught Chahyun’s eye as he locked gazes with her.Everything was the same as their first meeting. Her eyes narrowed in a smile as she saw Chahyun, releasing Misha from her embrace with a bright grin.“Lima.”“Yoon Chahyun!”Their voices rang out simultaneously. Misha turned his head to look at Yoon Chahyun, his dark eyes meeting his gaze. Chahyun quickly assessed his expression and took a few steps toward them. The other person spoke first.“I didn’t expect to meet you here! It’s so nice to see you again.”I thought I’d never see you again. Lima extended her right hand toward Chahyun, saying it was such a surprising coincidence. She had the same expectant posture, urging him to respond quickly to her greeting.Again, Chahyun extended his hand and shook hers. He noticed Misha beside him flinch slightly. Chahyun asked quietly.“What brings you here?”“Oh, the orchestra I’m part of is performing here. Isn’t it an incredible coincidence? To meet here… I had this schedule set a while ago, but I couldn’t tell Misha in advance…”***“I never imagined we’d come this far,” Lima added with a useless nuance, smiling as always. Chahyun released his hand and immediately reached out to wrap his arm around Misha’s waist, pulling him towards him.“Misha. Come here.”“Yuan.”Misha’s voice calling Chahyun’s name was a bit strange—sounding strained, exhausted, and somewhat tired. It was a tone even Yoon Chahyun, who prided himself on being the closest to him, had never heard before. He saw the pupils of Misha’s eyes scatter with an inexplicable vibration.But Chahyun knew that Misha wasn’t the type to be affected by the mere appearance of his sister. The memory of them bickering in front of the hotel was still fresh. Though their relationship wasn’t exactly friendly, Misha wasn’t someone who would be scared or anxious just by facing his sister.So what on earth did you do? Chahyun tilted his chin up and looked at the person opposite him. It was obvious that the person standing in front of him was the one who made Misha like this.Lima, sensing the atmosphere, glanced around before softly responding to Chahyun’s scrutiny.“Oh, he must be a bit nervous. Right, Misha?”“Nervous?”At Chahyun’s question, Lima lowered his voice as if delivering surprising news.“Actually, both our parents are here at the stadium today. Since both siblings are in one place, they thought it was a good opportunity to see him.”They seemed so proud. They missed Misha so much. I thought it was a good chance, so I got the tickets… Lima started to ramble on without being asked. It was a peculiar habit of his. Chahyun could feel Misha’s waist, which he was holding, tensing up.A cold aura lingered at his feet. He finally understood what was making Misha unlike himself. And knowing the reason, there was no need to hesitate any longer.Chahyun, still holding Misha, turned his body towards the corner.“We have to go now, Misha.”Who knows how much time they’ve wasted on an unwanted meeting. But just then, a hand reached out from behind and grabbed Misha’s arm.“Wait….”However, Chahyun quickly hid Misha behind him and turned his body as if to block the way. Lima looked surprised, his eyes widening at the sudden stop. In the silent corridor, as their eyes met, Chahyun spoke through clenched teeth.“Lima, you asked me a question when we first met.”“What?”“I think I can answer it now.”In that moment, Chahyun felt a strange exhilaration. A chilling thrill he had never felt before. The realization that he was about to do something completely crazy. Without further thought, Chahyun blurted it out.“I’m sleeping with your brother.”Lima stood still, not even breathing, with his smiling face frozen. His lips parted slightly. Watching him, Chahyun continued in one breath.“We slept together yesterday, and if we win today, we’ll probably sleep together tonight too.”“…….”“We’re in a hurry, so we’ll be going now. Please leave. Watch the game with our parents from the stands.”With that, Chahyun grabbed Misha’s arm and quickly exited the corridor. This time, nothing blocked their path.Chahyun practically dragged Misha down the hallway. As they retraced their steps, familiar materials and people began to appear. Various figures blurred past the edges of his vision as he walked in a daze.“Ha… Haha.”As they ran down the corridor, Chahyun realized he was laughing strangely. His mouth kept opening and a strange joy filled his throat. Laughing hysterically while dragging his bewildered companion along—how must this look to others?“Yuan!”A high-pitched protest erupted from behind. Even though Misha had been too stunned to speak when Chahyun pulled him away, it seemed his senses had finally returned.“What on earth… what were you thinking? Saying that to him….”Chahyun, still holding Misha’s wrist, didn’t look back. Anxious words followed. The voice, filled with confusion and shock, was unlike Misha. Chahyun sharply retorted.“What?”“He might hurt you. Saying such things so recklessly, he might….”Laughing again at the unusually normal response, Chahyun wondered when Misha had started worrying about him. Usually, he was the one dropping bombshells without a care. Chahyun shouted back, still looking ahead.“Why? Can’t I say crazy things once in a while?”There was no reply from behind. He could almost see Misha’s stunned face. There was no rule that said only others could be crazy while Yoon Chahyun had to stay sane. Following the middle path, seeking the right things, trying to walk the correct way, and acting normal—those were no longer Yoon Chahyun’s moral guidelines.Feeling this way, Chahyun strangely felt like he was flying. All the things that had choked him and bound his ankles no longer mattered.It was this realization that made him blurt out a long-hidden confession.“Misha. I was actually jealous. Of your family.”“What?”Misha’s voice cracked, a response unlike him.“Back then, when that guy touched your face, I thought you had some other kind of relationship.”“That time, that was….”“Yeah. When we weren’t anything to each other.”In retrospect, it was truly absurd. What right did he have to feel such ridiculous jealousy towards Misha? And how much had he agonized over it alone? Foolish and unfamiliar emotions, long-standing conflicts and worries, and the endless time it took to accept and acknowledge them.