Page 131 of You Had Me At Annyeong!
Everybody is curious to hear what he will ask. There are whispers across the room—does he have new dirt on Rodrigo—but he surprises everyone by asking, ‘Your injuries seem to be healing really well. Some of us caught a peek at you at training … must say you are looking in top form!’
‘You seem surprised! What’s so surprising about a guy my age being fit? Look at Cristiano, Sergio, Rob … all still in their prime! But thanks for the compliment. Come meet me on the pitch. I’ll show you who’s geriatric and who isn’t!’
Everybody breaks into laughter.
‘No, but really. There’s still a couple of months until the league kicks off. It’s been an unusually long pre-season for you. Are you confident of holding on to this level of fitness until then’, another reporter chimes in.
‘None of us can predict the future, can we? All I can promise is to do my best. I have come here because I want to up my game. I’m hungry for more- more games, more goals, more wins, more trophies!’
There’s some hooting and a round of applause.
‘Your timing of coming here was rather odd, to say the least. It was just before the ISL and towards the end of the K league. In effect, you missed an entire season! And, you ended up having to pay a huge penalty to the club. You could have played in India until winter and moved here during the transfer window in January. Why did you rush here? All of us were flummoxed. Why did you choose to do that because, honestly, it made no sense?’
Rodrigo takes a deep breath and smiles serenely.
‘Thanks for reminding an old man the importance of time. What can I say, I’m just a dumb jock!’
Rodrigo laughs and the audience joins him in appreciation of his self-deprecating humour.
I followed my heart here, he wants to say but doesn’t.
And the conversation continues to focus on his football exploits. There’s a brief mention of his daughter who is said to be visiting him for the holidays. He says he’s excited to show her around and plans to take her to Japan to see where he grew up.
Event over, they’re now at the launch party. Rodrigo balances two glasses of champers and walks towards the poolside.
‘Care for a glass?’ He offers one to Mina, who has been sitting by the pool, her slinky silver dress bathed in soft moonlight, making her look lovely in an ethereal but melancholic way. She had accompanied Rodrigo to the event as his minder and as Seoul Stealers FC’s representative. But had stayed in the shadows for most of the evening.
Mina accepts gladly and smiles.
‘Why, may I ask, are you here by yourself? Instead of mingling. I’m sure there are many who must be waiting to speak with you!’
‘Just enjoying the silence. I suppose I’ve earned it after a rather noisy few months.’
‘Well, let me know when you grow tired of it. Always happy to make some noise!’ Rod laughs.
‘Thanks, but I’ll pass. Think I’ve had enough to last me a while.’
‘If you say so, miss. But I’d rather you didn’t look so lovely if it’s your intention to keep things quiet.’
‘Are you flirting with me?’
‘Is that what it sounded like?’
‘Sure did.’
‘Well, then, I guess I am!’
Mina, flattered and giddy as she is, speaks with a straight face.
No, I can’t let him know how I feel about him. Nope.
‘I’m guessing this works with the ladies, since you sound pretty confident.’
‘You’re still here talking to me. The drink is still in the glass and not on my face. I’d wager this is working quite well.’
Mina lets out a dramatic sigh of exasperation.
‘I can’t believe this worked with Timira.’
