The place Ho-young was headed to was the reception room located in the underground level of the stadium.
It was his first time going there.
Typically, the room was used when Schuster wanted to have a private meeting with an opposing team's player after a match. Otherwise, it was reserved for VIPs visiting the club.
People like corporate representatives involved in sponsorships or journalists bringing significant news.
Creak.
As Ho-young entered the prepared reception room, the first thing that caught his eye was a table set with red wine and fruit juice.
Sitting across from it was a middle-aged man in a sharp suit.
He stood up and extended his hand.
"I'm Alberto, from Tuttosport. I served as the head of the judging panel for this year's Golden Boy Award."
"I'm Ho-young. Nice to meet you."
"Please, have a seat."
The man in the sharp suit was a journalist who had flown in from Italy.
Ho-young sensed it instantly.
'This is it.'
As expected, the news he brought was the one Ho-young had been eagerly waiting for.
"Congratulations. I'm sure you expected it, but you've officially been selected as the winner of the 2008 Golden Boy Award."
At that, Ho-young let out a small sigh of relief.
Although he had anticipated winning unless something catastrophic happened, a small part of him still feared an upset.
But everything had gone according to expectations.
"The vote wasn't even close. Early in the season, Anderson from Manchester United was seen as your biggest competitor, but from September onward, your performances were overwhelming. There's no room for debate. On behalf of Tuttosport, I sincerely congratulate you on your win."
"Thank you very much."
Winning the Golden Boy Award.
This meant that the most credible sports media outlets in the world now recognized Ho-young as the best young talent.
"So, did you come all the way here just for the award ceremony?"
"Usually, we sneak the trophy into the stadium and surprise the player after the match, or hold an impromptu ceremony on the photo line. But this year turned out a bit differently. As the award's prestige grows, I expect it'll eventually have its own formal ceremony."
Previous winners included Rafael van der Vaart, Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fàbregas, and Sergio Agüero.
Thanks to their outstanding performances, the credibility of the Golden Boy Award had continued to rise.
Now, Ho-young had become its sixth recipient.
"Which is why I hope you continue to grow. Honestly, I'm tired of flying all over the place like this."
"So you traveled all the way to Madrid just for me?"
"Hahaha, just joking."
Alberto's light humor brought a cheerful tone to the room.
"So is that everything, then?"
"All that's left is for you to head to the photo line and officially receive the trophy."
"Then let's go."
"Ah, Ho-young?"
Just as he stood up, Alberto reached out.
"Could I have a moment of your time?"
Though the main announcement was done, the conversation wasn't over.
Alberto cautiously began to share what was really on his mind.
"There's going to be an official interview at the photo line, but if it's alright, could I have a short personal interview here first?"
"Is this formal?"
"No, it's purely personal and unrelated to the award. If you're uncomfortable, you don't have to answer."
"No problem."
Ho-young readily agreed.
He couldn't just brush off someone who had come all this way to give him an award.
Seizing the opportunity, Alberto's face lit up as he started the interview.
"Recently, transfer rumors have been swirling from all over the world. Especially in the Premier League, clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are said to be making offers. Do you have any particular interest in any of these clubs?"
"Well, thanks to my time at Real Madrid, I've been honored with the Golden Boy Award. And recently, I delivered a performance in El Clásico that made the fans happy. It still feels like a dream."
"So, you're saying you're happy in Madrid?"
"The fans here have always supported me. I made a promise to myself. That I'd lift a trophy for them. I want to be a part of Real Madrid's La Liga three-peat."
"A wonderful ambition. Then, is there any player you'd like to play with someday?"
"Whether it's as a teammate or an opponent, every footballer dreams of playing alongside the world's top players."
"Would Kaká from AC Milan be one of them?"
'AC Milan?'
Ho-young raised an eyebrow at the sudden mention of the club.
It was an unusual question.
So he asked back.
"Why the sudden mention?"
"It's not so sudden, actually."
But the interview was interrupted there.
Because there was one more visitor who had come to see Ho-young besides the chairman of the judging panel.
Creak—
The person who entered at just the right moment was none other than Ricardo Kaká, Ho-young's longtime mentor and friend.
He gently pulled Ho-young into a hug and said,
"My little brother, it's been a while."
On December 18, AC Milan had entered a three-week break lasting until January 11, giving their players time off.
Though Kaká was the type to keep training even during breaks, this year he had come to Madrid, accompanying Vice President Adriano Galliani.
Before attending the 53rd Ballon d'Or ceremony in France two days later, they had some business to take care of in Madrid.
Since it had been a while since their last meeting, there was plenty for Kaká and Ho-young to talk about.
And when the judging panel chair stepped out, the two began a proper conversation.
"So, you were watching the match in the president's office with AC Milan's vice president and Pérez?"
"How could I not stop by when I knew you were here? I watched the match too. I think you're better than me now."
"Not a chance."
In the four years since they last met, Kaká had grown impressively.
Not quite at Messi's level, but still filled with enviable talent.
He had clearly made remarkable progress at AC Milan.
Kaká smiled as he looked at Ho-young and said,
"You've grown so well. Makes me proud for no reason."
"Of course. If I hadn't met you, I wouldn't have come this far."
"Haha."
Kaká smiled warmly, the kind of smile that calmed hearts just by seeing it.
"So, how's life in Madrid treating you?"
"Everything's great."
"Not thinking of trying somewhere else?"
"Not yet. But what did you and President Pérez talk about?"
"He said there's a white shirt that would suit me perfectly."
"I see."
Ho-young already knew Kaká's future.
That terrible future where he would flop after joining Real Madrid.
But that didn't mean it had to happen in this life too.
Just because he stayed at AC Milan didn't mean he'd continue to thrive. And joining Madrid again didn't necessarily mean he'd fail.
Everything was uncertain.
But there was one thing Kaká was certain of.
"Wherever we are, I'd love to play alongside you. Whether it's at the Bernabéu or San Siro."
"I'd love that too."
Afterward, the official award ceremony was held at the photo line on the first basement level, where Ho-young was presented with the golden football-shaped trophy.
And at that moment.
[Potential (SS+)]
Special condition fulfilled.
He had gained Messi's potential by winning the Golden Boy Award.
The potential he previously gained from Xavi during El Clásico (SS-) had already been used on "Artistic Ball Control (SS+)".
But this new potential, he decided not to use right away.
'I'll wait until December 28.'
He had a good reason.
Something told him something special would happen.
The fourth week of December.
Christmas week had arrived in Spain.
No matter the region, the country was filled with festive cheer. Especially in Madrid, the streets were more vibrant and full of character than anywhere else.
Stands selling grapes for the New Year filled markets, while Puerta del Sol was buzzing with festivals and parties.
It was the only time of year when the Spanish forgot about football for a moment.
The Real Madrid players joined in the festivities too.
The club's traditional Christmas luncheon was held at the Hotel Noheda, with every player in attendance enjoying themselves.
At the table where Pérez was seated, the players were dressed to the nines in sharp suits.
Veterans like Raúl, Guti, and Casillas were present, and among them sat Ho-young as well.
It could have been awkward and overwhelming, but it wasn't.
They simply chatted about ordinary things, discussing their plans going forward.
The only slightly uncomfortable part was that he was seated right next to Pérez.
"Got any plans for Christmas Eve?"
"I'm meeting up with an old friend."
"Enjoy. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Escaping from paparazzi is probably asking too much, huh?"
"That's out of my hands. But if you want to have a date at the Bernabéu, it might be possible. It's easy to keep the staff quiet. If you want, I could rent out the entire stadium for an hour."
"Haha. I'd love to try that at least once."
The atmosphere at the luncheon was bright and cheerful.
But Ho-young's heart began to pound after lunch ended and a very special guest took a seat at the table.
'I get nervous every time I see him.'
A legend of football.
It was Real Madrid's honorary president, Alfredo Di Stéfano.
Though his hair was graying, he was still sharp and mingled well with the players.
Ho-young's gaze remained fixed on him.
Because he possessed an L-grade talent.
Even someone who claimed to have no desires would be tempted by it.
And more than anything.
'This is exactly what I need most.'
Even among L-grade talents, it was a class above the Thunder Thighs of Cha Boom.
The condition to obtain it was winning La Liga, which spoke to its difficulty.
After all, Di Stéfano was a legend on the level of Pelé and Maradona.
'No need to rush. I just need to take it one step at a time.'
There was a lot to accomplish, but he had the time and the chances.
He just had to keep moving forward steadily, as he always had.
'Still, I should rest up during Christmas.'
From January onward, there would be no more breaks.
With a long stretch of matches ahead, rest now was essential.
So he planned to take a proper break the next day.
The very next day.
Ho-young left the house with his face covered.
Normally, he would've gone out casually, but today was different.
He didn't want to be disturbed by anyone.
And when he finally met her after a long time, she shyly waved with her face buried deep in a red scarf.
Just seeing her brought a natural smile to his face.
"She really went all out to look this pretty today."
The once cute and innocent girl was slowly growing into a woman.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)