You woke up the following morning to a text from Chaeyoung. It read 'Hey! I heard you got hurt at practice yesterday :(, I hope you feel better and good luck today!' You smiled to yourself looking at the message before quickly responding and hoping out of bed to make your way to the stadium. Luckily it was a home game so you didn't need to worry about traveling and could focus on your check up.
You arrived about 30 minutes before the rest of the team, walking into the medical area you were greeted by Dr. Kim again. He was sat alone at the desk reviewing some papers as you approached.
"It's nice to see you again Dr. Kim." You smiled as you approached.
"I'm not exactly sure that's what you should be saying (Y/N)." Dr. Kim smiled. "How's your leg?"
"I still feel it, I think it's bruising." You mentioned.
"Well take a seat and we'll have a look at it." Dr. Kim pointed towards the seats.
While Dr. Kim started inspecting the injury you decided to check how the fans were getting ready for the game. The line ups wouldn't come out for another few hours so you were confident that you could find your way onto the bench. As you browsed Twitter you noticed that there was an article about you, the title read '(Y/N) seen limping off the training grounds after a collision, doubtful to play against Suwon Bluewings.'
Intrigued by the title you decide to read through the article only to find out it was mostly clickbait, although it did have a brief section detailing the incident it was mostly just pictures of you being helped off the field as everyone else was huddled in a circle. Scrolling down more you end up at the comments section, and what better thing to do than to read social media commentary about yourself?
'Hope he is okay, he was immense for us last time and I would hate to see him injured.' One comment wrote.
'Imagine giving some kid from England the title of the article, doesn't even deserve to play for us, overrated' Read another.
'We should rest him for the next match, Suwon are barely a challenge anyways.' This reply in particular had quite the feisty thread of replies.
'Why does that girl remind me of someone... weird' This comment stuck out to you .
Quickly zooming into the photo you noticed that it was actually Mina in the picture. Luckily enough she wasn't facing the camera so there's no real way for her to be identified but still, for someone to vaguely recognize her this picture... it send a shiver down your spine. Trying to get your mind off it, you looked back to Dr. Kim who was touching around you leg still.
"How's it looking Doc?" You asked.
"There doesn't seem to be anything bad, it looks like just some bad bruising. You should be all cleared for today's game but I'll let the boss know to limit you at most 45 minutes on the pitch." Dr. Kim said as he wrote everything down on the notepad.
"Only 45 minutes? Why? I thought I was all clear." You asked in confusion as you rolled your shorts back down.
"Listen, I understand that you're ambitious and you leave everything on the pitch, but I'm not about to let you go out there and get injured further. Just play it same for today and next week you should be back in action." Dr. Kim said as he reached into his pocket for his phone. "I'm calling the manager now so you can head out to the locker room."
"Fine, fine." You said as you got up from your seat. "I'll see you later Dr. Kim."
"Good luck today!" You heard the doctor shout as you exited the medical room, walking down the empty halls of the facility let you empty your brain before the game.
You made it into the locker room and changed into the prematch outfit and sat down waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. About ten minutes later you heard some chatter from outside as one by one your teammates started to file in followed by the coaching staff. Immediately your coach walks up to you, taking a seat on your left.
"Dr. Kim let me know what happened and I'm glad you aren't more hurt." He started off. "That being said you've made the team sheet."
"Really?" You perked up, honestly you were expecting to left out of the team entirely.
"We'll see if you'll actually play though." He said before getting up, leaving you without giving you any explanation.
You just silently watched for the remainder of the prematch warmups, although you participated with them you weren't really expecting to get any game time today since it sounded like they wouldn't risk anything. Soon enough it was time to make your way to the stadium, as you boarded the team bus and quietly made your way to the back, putting on your headphones you kept to yourself as you you saw the city pass by.
Before long you found yourself on the sidelines of the pitch as you watched the two teams, the 22 players lined up as the 3 match officials made their way onto the field as well, presenting the match ball and speaking with both team captains. The coin was flipped and the ball was subsequently placed in the center circle awaiting the referees to sound the whistle, you sat in anticipation as the ref placed the whistle in his mouth before loudly blowing into it.
---------------------------------------------------------KICK OFF----------------------------------------------------------
0'
As the whistle sounded the opposing number 9 passed the ball back towards the midfielders immediately rushing towards your goal, during the meeting coached discussed how the Bluewings were a physical counter attacking side so expect a lot of long balls and a lot of fouls.
After a few passes around the midfield the ball was given to one of their centerbacks before it was promptly drilled up towards the striker who was making a run down the left flank, having set up in a 4-3-1-2 it left a lot of the wide flanks to be covered by either their strikers of fullbacks. Easily brushing off your RB the number 9 sent a low cross into the heart of your box finding the other striker who shoots it wide of the post.
You could hear the crowd shouting at your defenders for the terrible play as the keeper went to collect the extra ball from the sidelines. Not even two minutes into the game and you were already conceding chances like that... Great.
37'
The entire first half was dominated by the opposition team, nearly 60% of the possession was theirs, you just had to watch as your team was absolutely out classed. You were surprised that it wasn't already 0-1 based on how the game had been going.
Almost as if it was on que you saw one of the opposition strikers find their way into the box, riding the shoulder of your RB, a bouncy through ball was played into the striker who took it beautifully with a first time strike right past the defender and your keeper straight into the back of the net.
FC Seoul (0-1) Suwon Bluewings
You could only hang your head in disappointment as you were watching your teammates get completely outclassed, the away fans were roaring as they celebrated with they players. Your manager was equally as disappointed as you saw him shouting directions at your players, hoping to turn the game around.
45+2'
The game was winding to the half as now it was a more even contest, the possession was much more even and your team even had a few chances with nothing coming from them. You watched on the edge of your seat as your team was holding possession on the edge of the box, working the ball back and forth trying to find an opening.
A lapse of concentration from the defenders allowed for the striker to slip through with a balled played through towards goal, being left 1 on 1 with the keeper he went with full power blasting the ball as hard as he could straight into the opposition keeper who easily deflected it out for a corner.
"Come on!" You shouted. "Just aim!"
The best chance of the game was quickly squandered because of that poor decision...
Lucky enough the ball went out for a corner with nearly everyone from your side coming up for the corner, the ball was whipped into the middle of penalty area as you watched one of the centerbacks come barreling towards it. Taking a leap and connecting cleanly with it and catching the keeper on unbalanced footing, the ball made its way into the back of the net.
FC Seoul (1-1) Suwon Bluewings
The entire stadium was up on it's feet as the scoring player ran around the field celebrating the goal. Even you were jumping around in celebration at the goal, completely forgetting the fury that you had just experienced. As soon as everyone settled back to kick off again it wasn't long before the whistle was blown signaling halftime.
Halftime'
You were one of the first ones into the dressing room, taking a seat in the corner as you watched your manager bombard the starting 11 for their dreadful performance. He was giving directions left and right, digging into all the mistakes that he had to experience. As you watched the animated expressions of your manager you watched him turn to face you, staring right into your soul.
"Get your boots on kid, you're coming in at half time." He said
"Me? Are you sure?" You asked, pointing to yourself.
"I need you to go out there and prove to everyone what you're made of." He said to you before leaving to grill the rest of the team.
Knowing what was about to happen you changed into the matchday kit, starting to stretch to help warm yourself up. You were slightly surprised that you were being brought on so early but the manager probably wanted to secure the game before we concede any more goals. After a few more minutes of instructions the team was sent out onto the field, a few minutes before they were supposed to start the second half, leaving them to prepare amongst themselves.
You took the time to start getting more comfortable with the ball, you could hear the away fans snickering towards you, trying to get into your head before the second half. Obviously you did your best not to respond to them but you couldn't help turn towards them and giving them a wink and blowing a kiss towards the cameras.
45'
Both teams had made it back onto the pitch before the ref signaled the start of the second half, now with your team starting with the ball it wasn't long before it ended up at your feet, you noticed an opposition player closing you down so you took the chance to tap the ball straight through their legs.
55'
The second half was much better from your team, with you in the side it was much easier to hold possession, you had started to dictate the tempo of the game much to the annoyance of the opposing players. There was a feeling in the air that your team would score again and it was only a matter of time.
Currently you were holding the ball on the edge of the box, you were passing it between the wingers and the midfielder with a striker waiting inside the box of an opportunity to strike it in. You passed it to your midfield partner before making a darting run into the box, where you realized you weren't going to get the ball back you slowly made your way back outside the box.
You noticed that most of the teams were sitting off of you, giving you way more space than you could ever ask you shifted the ball onto your right foot before winding your foot back and hitting the ball with as much fury as you could. As you watched the ball leave your foot it continued to sail through the air with a tiny bit of wobble, it went smoothly into the back of the net.
As soon as you saw the ball leave your foot you were already off on your way to celebrate, you ran towards the home fans before leaping into the air and throwing your fist as you did. The stadium was roaring with both admiration for you and the goal, your momentum carried you into the celebrating crowd as you all cheered the goal.
FC Seoul (2-1) Suwon Bluewings
72'
With the game comfortably back in your control you could sense that everyone was much more comfortable on the ball, you could see your teammates getting much more expressive and pulling out some skills you've seen them practice in training. This was good and bad since you could also see that the Bluewing players were getting more and more aggravated and aggressive with each passing minute.
This would turn out for the worst when you got the ball in the middle of your half, after your team had defended an opposition corner, immediately turning an opposition player you started sprinting down the pitch starting counter attack. You felt that there was another player hot on your heel, you looked up to see another teammate breaking down the left side of the pitch, as you brought your foot up to pass the ball you felt a pair of cleats come down onto your standing leg.
Almost immediately you went down in agonizing pain, clutching your left leg as you did. You weren't too sure what happened over the next few minutes, all you could focus on was the pain radiating up your left leg. You heard the fans screaming, the referee blowing the whistle, and some powerful words being exchanged between players.
"(Y/N)! Are you alright?" You looked to see one of the club's physios kneeling down next to you.
Wide eyed, you could only shake your head as you had never felt this feeling in your leg before. You didn't want to admit it but you had some fear in you that this could affect your career, lucky for you though it was your left leg rather than your dominant right, if you would call that lucky.
"Don't worry (Y/N), we'll bring the stretcher and get you checked out, you'll be okay." He smiled as he signaled for the stretcher to come bring you off the field.
You just continued to lay on the ground as you had some teammates come console you and even some of the opposition came to see if you were alright, after some brief conversations the medical team comes sprinting onto the field to help you onto the stretcher. You saw the crowds applauding you as you were carried off the field, you couldn't help but to clap back and bow your head in respect to them. As you were passing the field your manager stopped you and leaned closer to you.
"You did great out there kid, leave the rest to us." He gave you a pat on the chest as you continued on your way to the hospital.
The next thing you knew you were in the ambulance on your way to the hospital, lying down on the gurney you were explaining to the medic how your injury felt. Although the initial pain had subdued there was still a feeling that your couldn't move your leg in fear that it would return.
By the time you had arrived at the hospital the anesthetics had kicked in and you were passed out like a rock. Immediately wheeling you into the examination room the doctors were able to quickly asses whatever injury you may have sustained. Now all that was left was for you to wake up from your slumber and they could proceed with the treatments.
It wasn't until about 7pm that you woke up, about 3 hours after the game had concluded, to find Dr. Kim in the room speaking with some other doctors. You looked around to see the busy streets of Seoul below you and the sound of the heartbeat monitor beeping at the rhythmic pace of your heart.
"Did the baby come out okay?" You jokingly asked, watching all of them turn to face you, you couldn't help but creak a smile at their smiling faces.
"Yes, a very healthy baby boy, congratulations (Y/N)." Dr. Kim played along as he approached you. "How do you feel?"
"Tired." You groaned.
"I bet, but what about your leg?" The other doctor asked.
"Oh I can't really feel it too much, did you have to amputate?" You continued to joke.
"Haha very funny Mr. (Y/N), but no it looks like you've had a mild ACL strain." Dr. Sato said, you had to read him nametag since he never introduced himself.
Hearing the words ACL while being in a hospital was truly one of the last things any athlete would want to hear, so naturally you blocked out everything else from the sentence. You leaned back into your bed while you ran both your hands hands across your face.
"Oh god I can't believe this is happening." You muttered to yourself.
"I'm sorry to say (Y/N), the recovery should be smooth and you should be back in action on four weeks." The doctor continued.
"Huh? Four weeks? Don't ACL tears take months to return from?" You asked, baffled by the recovery timeline.
"Tear? Did you not listen to Dr. Sato? He said an ACL sprain, you very very fortunate that it wasn't something more serious." Dr. Kim smacked your head.
"Ah sorry sorry, I kinda panicked at the mention of an ACL." You apologized. "Is there any surgery involved?"
"No surgery, should be two weeks of rest and another two weeks of PT and you'll be all set from there." Dr. Sato explained. "Now, we'll leave you to get some rest I'll explain everything to Dr. Kim here so please rest well."
It didn't take too long for you to start browsing on your phone once you were alone, most of the the notifications were from fans commenting on your previous posts telling you to get better and hoping the injury wasn't too bad. You could only assume the news hasn't broke in England since you were yet to hear from anyone at Arsenal, it was probably in the middle of the night, you'd surely get a call from them at some point. Besides that, it doesn't seem like any of the girls have reached out to you either, they must be busy with idol stuff.
'Good for them.' You thought, that last thing you needed was them worrying, although it was only a matter of time before they discovered the news.
"Well you certainly look like shit." A voice brought you out of your thoughts, snapping your head to the door you were greeted by the silhouette of two rather short figures.
"Don't be so mean!" You heard the other voice call out, followed by the sound of a slap.
"Ow! You didn't have to hit so hard..." Chaeyoung stepped out of the shadow to reveal that she was holding a vase of flowers, putting it on your bedside table. "So how are you feeling?"
"Could be better." You joked. "But at least we won."
"Uh (Y/N) I hate to break it to you but..." Chaeyoung stopped before finishing her sentence.
"But?"
"But you didn't win, you drew." Momo said as she approached your bed.
"What?! Ugh you gotta be kidding me." You threw yourself back onto the bed.
"Yeah, it was an 89th minute equalizer too..." Momo continued. "It wasn't pretty."
"Hey but at least you don't have to go into training tomorrow." Chaeyoung cheered, hopping onto your bed next to your legs.
"Yeah but I'm also out for the next 4 weeks." You groaned.
"Oh if you're bored you could always hang out with us, right Momo?" Chaeyoung asked.
"Oh uh... I guess if he wants to?" Momo looked towards you to see your reaction.
"We'll have to see." You smiled.
"I guess we will." She smiled back as Chaeyoung cheered on the end of the bed.
The three of you just casually hung out in the room for the next hour or two, none of you had anywhere to be since you weren't going anywhere and the girls had just finished their recordings so they were free for the night, although that couldn't be said for the rest of the girls. As the night was winding down the two of them started to bid their farewells.
"Bye (Y/N), I hope you feel better soon." Chaeyoung said as she brought you into a hug.
"I already feel better from just seeing you." You smiled as you hugged back.
"It was nice to see you (Y/N), the rest of the girls wish you well." Momo said as it was her turn to bring you into a hug.
"And it was nice to see you too, let them know I'm thankful to them as well." You said as you returned her hug.
"Bye (Y/N)!" "Rest well." The two of them said as they walked out the door.
"It's always fun to see (Y/N)." Chaeyoung hummed as she skipped down the hall. "It's too bad he got hurt though."
"Yeah, it must suck knowing you did your best for a team only for them to tie after you get hurt." Momo added as she slid her shoes across the floor.
"Do you think we should've told him we were planning one going to the beach?" Momo added, her brain clearly realizing how this could be an issue.
"Huh? Why? Do you think he doesn't like the beach?" Chaeyoung stopped in her tracks, bending over backwards to make eye contact with Momo.
"Y'know what? Nevermind." Momo said as she walked past Chaeyouyng.
Once the pair walked through the door of their dorm they were greeted with 7 other girls awaiting their return, some had fallen asleep but other were very adamantly waiting for them.
"Took you long enough to get home." Jihyo started.
"Is (Y/N) okay?" Mina was quick to ask the question on all of their minds.
"We were just chatting with him, nothing else." Momo said as she took off her coat.
"He's a-okay though." Chaeyoung added, plopping down on the couch next to Tzuyu.
"Are you sure though? It looked pretty bad." Jeongyeon asked, taking a sip from her tea.
"Yeah, he was saying something about an ACL strain? I didn't get too much of it, it was confusing." Chaeyoung said, leaning her head onto Tzuyu's shoulder.
"Doesn't that sound so scary?" Mina shuttered in her seat.
"Yeah, isn't an ACL injury like really bad?" Dahyun said, fairly nervous at the prospect of you getting injured.
"It didn't seem too bad, he said he'd only be out for 4 weeks." Momo said as she walked towards the kitchen to presumably get something to eat. "If you're so worried why not visit him tomorrow? We could probably find the time."
The members looked at each other, that wasn't a bad idea was it? They could probably find the time in their day to pop a visit to (Y/N) right? You wouldn't mind them visiting would you, you saw Momo and Chaeyoung today so why shouldn't the rest come and see you.
Everyone looked to Jihyo to see what her answer would be, even if they could go on their own they always liked to get Jihyo's opinion on everything, it just made them feel more secure.
"Yeah I don't see why that would be an issue." Jihyo answered their prayers.
"Yay!" "Woohoo!" "I knew you would say that!" They all cheered, jolting awake the few members that were peacefully sleeping.
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Welcome back, a bit of a short update with this one since I was also working on the first few chapters of my new story. That's right I started a new book that'll run along side this one although the stories will be different. I hope you all give that story as much love as you gave this one. https://www.wattpad.com/1046602714-everything-at-the-end-of-time-twice-x-male-reader
In other news Arsenal lost to Liverpool yesterday so I'm really thriving on that front but I will probably get my covid vaccine sometime soon so that'll be exciting. I hope you're staying safe out there, see you next time. Thank you for reading.