Backstreet No. 7

Three years had passed since that pivotal conversation between Lucas and his mother, Sin-Joo. It had been a night of stern words and silent resolutions, one where the weight of her expectations collided with the frustration of a boy who felt the world pressing down on his shoulders.

At the time, his grades had been a sore spot, a source of endless lectures and comparisons. But now, as he stood on the crisp green of an astro turf pitch, the memory felt distant.

His academic performance had indeed improved—far from flawless, but steady. Though perfection remained elusive, he had managed to achieve the pass mark in every subject. To his mother, it was a relief; to Lucas, it was enough.

For now, more than ever, his passion for the beautiful game burned brighter, guiding him toward the path he now walked.

The events that led him here had unfolded like a whirlwind. Seoncheok Strikers, his team, had risen through the ranks of the district league in those three years from a mid-table league to a regular title contender.

Victory after victory brought them closer to the coveted title, and when the final whistle blew in the championship match against the elite Golden Lions FC of Guro-Gu they stood as Seoul Inter-District champions for the first time.

Lucas himself had been instrumental, his name echoing through the league as he claimed the award for most goals scored that season.

"You've got talent Jin-Hoo, and now people are starting to notice." Those were the words of the Seoncheok Strikers coach, Kang-Dae Won. He had watched him grow and improve from a young age and was no doubt proud of his exceptional development.

It was this achievement that caught the attention of elite academy scouts across Korea. Whispers of his potential spread, and invitations soon followed.

Among them was one from FC Seoul Academy, a prestigious training ground for the nation's finest talents.

Two weeks earlier..

Song Dong-Yul, FC Seoul's Head Scout leaned back in his chair, tossing a folder onto the desk in front of his Junior Scout Seung Min-Jae while brushing his hand through his hair. "Lucas Jin-Hoo Kim. Winger. Seoncheok Strikers," he said briskly.

Min-Jae, a balding middle aged man, flipped open the folder, scanning the stats and photos. "Top scorer in the Seoul Inter-district league," Dong-Yul continued. "He's left-footed and Brazilian, I want him in for a tryout."

Min-Jae nodded, already making mental notes. "When do you want me there?"

"Tomorrow," Dong-Yul said firmly. "Talk to his coach, his family if necessary. But get him to FC Seoul."

Min-Jae stood, tucking the folder under his arm. "Consider it done."

Dong-Yul's dull eyes gleamed for the first time. "Good. Let's see if this kid can handle the big stage."

The day arrived, and Lucas now stood at the crossroads of his young life. The invitation to FC Seoul Academy wasn't just a chance it was a challenge, an opportunity to prove to himself and others that he belonged on a greater stage.

He accepted the tryout without hesitation, his heart racing with excitement and determination. This was what he had dreamed of during those countless hours in the Seoncheok backstreets, long after his schoolbooks were closed for the night. This was the first step in becoming the professional soccer player he had dreamed of.

His mother, Sin-Joo, watched from the doorway as he prepared to leave. Though her worries about his academic prospects lingered, she had made a decision of her own. She would support him, unconditionally this time.

"Try your best, Jin-Hoo," she said softly, her voice steady despite the mix of pride and fear in her heart.

Lucas turned to her, his bag slung over his shoulder. "I will, Mom. I promise."

Her smile was small but sincere. As he stepped out of the house, she whispered a silent prayer, hoping that this leap of faith would lead him to something greater.