The sky was clear, and the sun was bright.
Jin Haru stood on the edge of the school field, hands in his pockets. His black hoodie was tied around his waist, and his white shirt fluttered slightly in the breeze. Around him, students were gathering for PE class.
"Today is soccer practice," the teacher said, clapping his hands. "Group up and start warming up!"
Haru moved slowly. He wasn't good with groups. He stood near the side, stretching quietly. Other boys whispered and glanced at him.
"That's the new guy."
"He's super tall…"
"Did you see his face? Like a model."
Some girls giggled from the bench. One even took out her phone to secretly snap a photo.
Haru sighed. Too much attention again…
From the other side of the field, Baek Jinho was tying his shoelaces. His eyes glanced over to Haru. His face had a frown.
Why does that guy look so familiar…?
He shook the thought away and stood up.
"All right, split into two teams!" the teacher shouted.
A tall boy waved. "Jinho, you're with us!"
"Sure."
Another boy looked at Haru. "Hey, new guy! Want to join?"
Before Haru could answer, the teacher nodded. "Yes, Jin Haru, go join Team B."
"…Okay."
He joined the group quietly. The others looked at him curiously, but no one spoke to him.
The game began.
The ball moved quickly. Jinho dribbled past two boys and kicked the ball into the net.
"Nice one, Jinho!"
Their team cheered.
On the other side, Haru watched carefully. His body felt light, faster than normal people. He could see everything—how people moved, where they would go next. It was like time slowed down a little.
But he didn't want to stand out.
So he stayed back.
"Pass! Pass!"
A ball rolled toward Haru. He kicked it softly, passing it away.
"Come on, don't be so scared," someone said with a laugh.
Another minute passed.
Then Jinho got the ball again. He looked at Haru. For a moment, his expression changed. There was something strange in his eyes—curious, almost annoyed.
Then he smirked.
Jinho didn't pass the ball. He aimed—and kicked it hard—straight at Haru.
He's testing me… Haru realized.
The ball came fast.
Everyone turned to look.
Haru moved.
In one smooth motion, he jumped high into the air, spun his body, and did a backflip. His foot hit the ball mid-spin.
THUMP!
The ball flew backward—fast—and slammed into the goal net.
"Whoa!!"
"Did you see that!?"
"No way! That was like a ninja!"
Gasps and cheers echoed through the field.
Haru landed lightly, both feet on the ground. He blinked. Did I overdo it…?
Girls screamed from the side.
"Oh my god, he did a backflip!"
"That was so cool!!"
Even the teacher looked surprised. "Uh… good goal."
Haru scratched his neck. "Sorry. Reflex."
Jinho stared at him, silent.
That move… I've seen it before. In that video… back then… Could it be him?
Later, while everyone walked back to the locker room, the whispers continued.
"That guy's amazing."
"Is he secretly a pro athlete?"
"Backflip Prince! Haha!"
Haru felt embarrassed. He had only wanted to stay quiet.
So much for a peaceful school life…
REI's voice rang in his head.
"Physical performance level: 23% above average. Impressive reflex. Caution: You're attracting attention, Creator."
He muttered under his breath, "Yeah… I noticed."