I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

Two hours later.

The train slowed with a soft hiss of steam brakes before coming to a full stop at the station.

Sophie, her cheeks still flushed, leaned weakly against Gu Ran as he helped her off the train.

"Gu… you're so bad."

Gu Ran suddenly realized—despite her words, Sophie wasn't actually mad.

There wasn't a single white emotion bubble near her.

That meant, at this very moment, she was truly, completely happy.

He cupped her face gently. "Sophie, I promise I'll treat you well."

—At least, for today.

Since she was leaving tomorrow, it wasn't hard to make sure she had a perfect last day.

Sophie nestled deeper into his embrace. "I don't ask for much, just that you visit me when you can and bring me something delicious… like that spicy, chewy thing you made me eat last night. Oh, right, what was that called?"

"That thing was called…" Gu Ran cleared his throat. "I'll tell you next time I buy it for you."

"Ugh, you're teasing me again!" Sophie pouted and playfully hit his chest.

Stepping outside the station, Gu Ran flagged down a cab. "To Southampton University, please."

Sophie blinked in surprise. "Why are we going to school? Shouldn't we go home?"

Gu Ran shrugged. "Oh, it's still early. I thought you could come with me to see my teammates."

—And more importantly, he still had nine collection attempts left today. No way he was wasting them.

Sophie blushed. "Hmph, you just want to show me off as your trophy girlfriend, don't you?"

"No, I really—okay, fine. If you insist, then yes, maybe a little."

Sophie didn't seem upset. Instead, she leaned against him and whispered, "I don't mind being your trophy. I don't mind being shown off. For you… I'd do anything."

Gu Ran's heartbeat quickened. This was really like a first love.

Unable to resist, he lowered his head and kissed her. "Sophie, you're amazing."

"No, you are."

"No, you are."

They ended up passionately making out in the backseat.

The poor taxi driver dropped white "driving focus" bubbles all the way to their destination.

Arriving at the training field, Gu Ran walked in with Sophie wrapped in his arms.

His teammates were drenched in sweat, practicing hard for their upcoming match. The moment they saw him, they stopped everything and rushed over.

"Hey, Gu! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be resting?"

"Oh, I was just with Sophie at her audition. Thought I'd stop by to see you guys."

"Audition?"

"Sophie's going to be a big star?"

Everyone perked up.

Gu Ran cleared his throat dramatically. "You all know HBO, right? Well, their next big fantasy drama is starting production. And Sophie has landed a major role."

Sophie, blushing, whispered, "Ah, darling, stop exaggerating. I haven't become a star yet."

Gu Ran grinned. "It's only a matter of time—because my girlfriend is a future star!"

"WOW!"

"FAAAAACK, GU, YOU LUCKY BASTARD!"

"I'M SO JEALOUS!"

"Is this what happens when you're good at football?!"

"Sophie, can I get your autograph now before you get too famous?"

His teammates were stunned.

Southampton wasn't exactly Hollywood. They had never seen someone from their school make it into the entertainment industry. It was like a hen suddenly laying a golden egg.

Some of them had dated girls before. Others had been rejected 50 times.

But who could say they were dating an actual future star?

Only Gu Ran.

Gu Ran, the ultimate winner in life.

Handsome. Talented. A rising football star.

And now, a celebrity girlfriend who adored him.

Did he even leave room for anyone else to win?

Ding ding ding—

Bubbles popped up beneath his teammates' feet.

Far more than just nine.

And at Rusty's feet…

A glowing blue bubble.

Holy—

Last time he collected from Rusty, he got the Assisted Collision Tackle skill.

Could this be his third football ability?

Gu Ran focused on it—

[Skill: Confess At Every Opportunity]

[Reminder: Upon obtaining this skill, the host will automatically confess their love at any available moment. Success rate is not influenced by skill level—only by external factors. Higher skill levels increase confession frequency, but not success rates.]

What the actual—

Rusty… you…

Your confession skill must be at +9 by now, right?!

No wonder you get rejected all the time!

Good thing I can see skill descriptions now.

If I had just blindly taken this, I'd be blurting out "I love you" to every girl I saw.

I wouldn't even have time for football!

Gu Ran scanned the bubbles quickly and collected nine of the best ones—focusing on stamina training and strength training.

A surge of energy rushed through him.

He could feel his body improving again.

That, plus the one unused talent point from earlier…

If he picked up just one more football training bubble tomorrow, he'd have enough for another talent point.

But after today, he needed to start saving them.

Because tomorrow…

Sophie was leaving.

Damn.

He actually felt a little reluctant.

Holding her tighter, he turned to his teammates. "Alright, we're heading home. You guys keep up the good work."

"FAAAACK!"

"YOU'RE JUST LEAVING US HERE?!"

"HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO FOCUS AFTER THIS?!"

"GU, SHOWING OFF SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!"

"TEACH ME, MASTER! I BEG YOU!"

"I SWEAR, I WANT HIS LIFE SO BAD…"

Half an hour later, Gu Ran and Sophie finally arrived home.