Gun-woo woke up early in the morning and went straight to the kitchen to cook breakfast for his younger sister, Ji-eun. She was shy and didn't talk much, but Gun-woo knew she appreciated his efforts. He cooked a traditional Korean breakfast, complete with rice, kimchi, and eggs.

As they ate, Gun-woo brought up the topic of playing soccer again with Min-joon and Baek. "I think we should start practicing for the Gangseo soccer team tryouts," he said, taking a sip of his coffee.

Ji-eun looked up from her breakfast and smiled at Gun-woo. "That sounds like a great idea, oppa," she said quietly.

Gun-woo felt a sense of pride at Ji-eun's encouragement. He knew she didn't talk much, so her words meant a lot to him.

After breakfast, Gun-woo headed out to buy some soccer gear with the money he had earned from taking down the Red Cobras' drug market. He went to a sports store and asked the staff for advice on what to buy.

"I need some cleats, shorts, and maybe some shin guards," Gun-woo said.

The staff member led him to the soccer section of the store and helped him pick out some gear. Gun-woo decided on a pair of red cleats to match his ruby red eyes, and a pair of black shorts.

As he was paying, he heard someone call out his name. He turned around and saw Baek, his friend from the elementary school soccer club. Gun-woo was surprised at how big Baek had become. He had long brown hair tied up in a bun and an intimidating presence.

"Hey, Gun-woo," Baek said, grinning at him. "I heard you were buying some soccer gear. Mind if I join you?"

Gun-woo smiled back. "Of course not. Let's go get some snacks too."

They got on Gun-woo's Harley and rode to a nearby convenience store, picking up some kimbap and a popular Korean snack called "ddeokbokki."

As they sat outside the store, eating and talking, the topic of the Gangseo soccer team tryouts came up again.

"We need one more person to handle the defense," Gun-woo said, taking a bite of his kimbap. "But I'm not sure who to ask."

Baek thought for a moment before suggesting, "What about Jin-seok?"

Gun-woo's face fell at the mention of Jin-seok's name. They had fought before, and Gun-woo had been kicked off the team as a result.

Baek noticed his friend's hesitation and quickly explained. "Jin-seok went overseas to play in a youth club in Germany when he was in his 1st year of middle school. He was in Borussia Dortmund, but he came back in his 2nd year of middle school and hasn't played soccer since."

Gun-woo was surprised to hear about Jin-seok's soccer experience. He had no idea that his former teammate had played at such a high level.

"Wow, I had no idea," Gun-woo said, impressed. "Do you think he would be willing to join us?"

Baek nodded. "I can talk to him and see if he's interested."

As Gun-woo and Baek finished up their snacks, Gun-woo couldn't help but bring up Jin-seok's skills again. "Jin-seok was always better than me," he said, a hint of jealousy in his voice. "Even though they called me a prodigy, he was a genius on the field."

Baek nodded understandingly. "Yeah, I remember his dad, Dal Han. He was the coach of our elementary club and always pushed Jin-seok to be the best. He's a coach for the FC Seoul youth club now. Maybe he taught Jin-seok a thing or two."

Gun-woo felt a pang of nostalgia as he thought about his old coach and teammate. They had been through so much together, both on and off the field. He wondered what Jin-seok was doing now and if he had any interest in playing soccer again.

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As they finished their snacks, Gun-woo called Min-joon to meet up at a nearby soccer field. When they arrived, Baek got ready to be the goalkeeper as they practiced their shooting.

Baek pointed out that Gun-woo was relying too much on his instincts and needed to work on his technique. Gun-woo was determined to impress the coach at the tryouts, and he knew that meant practicing every day until then.

As they practiced, the topic of Jin-seok came up again. They knew that he went to Gangseo Middle School like them, but they never really saw him around.

"Do you think he would even consider playing with us?" Min-joon asked, taking a water break.

Gun-woo shrugged. "I don't know. He quit soccer once before, so would he really come back to play with us?"

Baek chimed in, "I think it's worth a shot. I'll talk to him and see if he's interested. He could be the missing piece to our defense."

Gun-woo nodded, feeling hopeful. He knew that Jin-seok was a great player, and having him on the team would increase their chances of winning.

Baek took out his phone and dialed Jin-seok's number. After a few rings, Jin-seok picked up.

"Hey, it's Baek. Long time no see, man. How have you been?"

Jin-seok sounded surprised. "Baek? Wow, it's been ages. I'm doing okay, just busy with school and stuff. What's up?"

Baek explained that he was calling because he and his friends were putting together a soccer team and wanted Jin-seok to join. He gave Jin-seok the address to the Black Viper hideout, where they were currently waiting.

Jin-seok hesitated for a moment. "I don't know, guys. I'm not really playing soccer anymore."

Baek insisted, "Come on, man. We need you on the team. You were always the best player out of all of us."

After a moment of thought, Jin-seok agreed to come to the hideout and talk with them.

Gun-woo revved up his Harley, with Baek sitting on the back, and Min-joon following close behind on his Yamaha. They arrived at the hideout and waited for Jin-seok to arrive.

When he did, Gun-woo couldn't help but feel surprised. Jin-seok had grown even more handsome since the last time he saw him. His jet black hair and eyes stood out even more against his pale skin.

They exchanged pleasantries and caught up for a few minutes before the conversation turned serious.

Gun-woo took a deep breath and said, "Look, I know we didn't end things well between us in elementary school. I'm sorry for how I acted back then."

Jin-seok smiled slightly. "It's alright. I'm sorry too. We were just kids."

Baek jumped in, "So, what do you say? Will you join our soccer team?"

Jin-seok hesitated, "I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I want to play soccer again."

Gun-woo was disappointed but he didn't want to give up just yet. "Why not? You were always so talented. You could help us win."

Jin-seok looked down at his feet. "I played soccer when I lived in Germany, but it didn't turn out how I thought it would. Despite my talent, I was treated like an outcast. It made me depressed, and I don't want to go through that again."

Baek, Min-joon, and Gun-woo interrupted him. "This isn't Germany, Jin-seok. We're your friends, and we'll never treat you like an outcast. You're a great player, and we need you on our team."

Gun-woo looked Jin-seok in the eyes and said confidently, "And next time you go overseas, I'm coming with you. We'll show them what Korean soccer players are made of."

Jin-seok smiled at Gun-woo's confidence. "Alright, I'll join your team. But on one condition - we're doing this for fun, okay?"

The three of them nodded in agreement, and Gun-woo couldn't help but feel grateful that he had his old friend back.

Baek and Min-joon gave Jin-seok and Gun-woo some space, walking over to the other side of the room to chat amongst themselves. Jin-seok took a seat on the couch, and Gun-woo sat down next to him.

"So," Jin-seok started, "you're a gang leader now?"

Gun-woo chuckled. "Yeah, I know, it's pretty crazy. But it's not like I wanted to be. It's just how things turned out."

Jin-seok looked at Gun-woo's tattoo. "And you got that in middle school? That's even crazier."

Gun-woo nodded. "Yeah, my life has been pretty wild. My dad's been in jail for as long as I can remember, and my mom was always out of the country pretending to be home. I had to make money for me and Ji-eun somehow, and nobody would hire a kid, so I turned to the streets."

Jin-seok put a comforting hand on Gun-woo's shoulder. "I'm sorry, man. I had no idea things were that tough for you."

Gun-woo shrugged. "It's alright. I'm used to it by now. But that's why soccer means so much to me. It's my way out, you know? My ticket to a better life."

Jin-seok smiled. "I know exactly what you mean. Soccer was my escape too, when I was younger. It's why I went to Germany in the first place."

Gun-woo leaned forward. "Speaking of soccer, what are your goals now? I know you said you don't want to play professionally anymore, but you're still an amazing player."

Jin-seok sighed. "I don't know, Gun-woo. After what happened in Germany, I just lost my passion for it, you know? But seeing you guys all fired up about this team...it's making me feel like maybe I could fall in love with soccer again."

Gun-woo grinned. "That's what I like to hear. And as for my goals...I want to go pro as soon as possible. I've got it all planned out - we win nationals, I get scouted by a good high school team, and then I go pro by my second year. Either in the K League or overseas."

Jin-seok's eyes widened. "Wow, that's ambitious. But knowing you, I believe you can do it."

Gun-woo smiled. "Thanks, man. I'm going to work hard for it."

They chatted a bit more about soccer, about their old games together, about the strategies they used to use. Jin-seok even shared some tips he learned in Germany, and Gun-woo soaked up every word.

When it was time to leave, Gun-woo stood up and stretched. "Thanks for talking with me, Jin-seok. And for agreeing to be on our team. I'm really looking forward to playing with you again."

Jin-seok stood up as well. "Me too, Gun-woo. Let's show everyone what we're made of."

As they left the hideout, Gun-woo couldn't help but feel excited for the future. With Jin-seok back they could have an iron tight defense, no matter how bad the rest of the team is.