Scrimmage Showdown

Jinwoo woke up with a strange sensation in his legs—a lightness, almost like they were waiting to explode with energy. The attribute boost from the system the day before wasn't just numbers on a screen. He could feel it.

After a quick breakfast, he slipped into his training kit and jogged to the football field. Morning practice was scheduled, and Coach Park had called for another full-team scrimmage. Another chance to prove himself.

As he stepped onto the field, a few players gave him dismissive looks. The memory of his last performance—missing an easy chance—still lingered.

"Hope you don't trip over the ball again," one of the midfielders, Taesung, muttered as he passed by.

Jinwoo didn't respond. He didn't need to. Not today.

Coach Park blew his whistle. "Alright! We're going full scrimmage again. Two sides. Ten minutes a half. Let's see who's improving… and who's wasting our time."

Jinwoo was placed on the second-string squad again—understandable, considering he hadn't earned trust yet. But this time, he felt different. The moment the ball was in play, Jinwoo moved with sharper instincts. His acceleration was noticeably better. Every short sprint, every reaction to a pass or movement, felt quicker.

The game was fast-paced. The first-string players showed no mercy, moving the ball with precision and speed, but Jinwoo was no longer the weak link. He intercepted a pass intended for one of the wingers, his reaction time far faster than before. He felt the muscles in his legs propel him with more power than he was used to.

In the 8th minute, his moment came. A pass from midfield was deflected, bouncing awkwardly between two defenders. Jinwoo surged forward. Where previously he might've hesitated, now his body responded immediately. He darted between them and used his strengthened core to shield the ball.

He took a quick touch to set it, then fired a low shot with his left foot.

The net rippled.

Silence.

Then Coach Park's whistle blew. "Goal. Good read, good finish."

Jinwoo exhaled. The team was staring. Some with surprise, others with confusion. But no one laughed.

The game resumed. Jinwoo didn't dominate, but he was consistent. His movement was sharper. His strength helped him hold up play better. And he didn't disappear like last time. By the end of the match, he'd made an impression. He wasn't just the lucky guy anymore; he was a real threat.

Coach Park observed the players for a few minutes before calling the match to a close. The second-string team had held their ground well, and Jinwoo's goal was the highlight.

After the scrimmage, Coach Park called everyone in.

"Some of you are improving. Jinwoo," he said, turning toward him, "that's how you take your chances. Keep it up."

A few players clapped. Most stayed silent, but Jinwoo didn't care. He had Coach's attention now. That was the first step.

As the players filtered out, Minji stood on the sidelines, watching. He hadn't even noticed her arrive.

"You looked good out there," she said, walking up.

Jinwoo grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "Must be the brutal gym training."

"Or maybe you're just starting to believe in yourself."

He nodded, feeling a warmth in his chest. She reached into her bag and handed him a bottle of juice.

"For recovery," she said. "And if you keep scoring like that, maybe I'll let you take me out on a real date."

Jinwoo blinked. Did he hear that right?

The system chimed.

[Lust Point Opportunity: Invitation for deeper relationship.]

[+2 Lust Points Earned]

He laughed, taking the juice. "Then I better score every game."

As she walked off, he stared at the new point total flashing in front of him. He was getting stronger, slowly but surely.

And this was only the beginning.

[Current Lust Points: 2]

[Next Upgrade: 3 Points Needed]