Breakthrough

That afternoon, sun was warm and pleasant. The PYJ High School's soccer field shone of a bright green under the rays.

The boys were preparing themselves for an important match, but for some of them, thiswould havee been the last one before entering college. Felix was aiming everything on his performance.

He almost sped around, as fast as a splinter in the perimeter. He was giving his all.

The coach did not stop spurring him, and this pumped him a lot. Everyone knew, including himself, that he would have a brilliant career.

But there was a big "but". Cumbersome and annoying. The player came across Monopoly's incident box, and had to pay. At a high price.

While Felix took possession of the ball, he stumbled on his teammate, falling ruinously on the grass. He tried to get up, but his ankle was in a grip of such pain that he could not continue playing. So the training was postponed and the victim ended up straight in the infirmary.

- Three weeks ofabsolute rest.- The nurse decreed.

- What?! But that's too much! Isn't there a lotion, something that can make me healfaster?- The boy protested.

- Sorry, the mosteffective medicine right now is rest. And this ointment. Twice aday, morning and evening will be enough. But no miracle.

And that was just the tip of the iceberg of all Felix's misadventures.

In fact, the next morning, he was called to the principal's office where his coach was waiting for him with his arms folded.

- Good morning.- He greeted with a touch of uncertainty.

- Good morning, Felix. - The principal greeted back with abroad smile.

- How is your ankle?- He asked. The coach was unmoving.

- Still a little sore, but thanks to the ointment that thenurse gave me I'm feeling better. Thank you.- He paused before saying the last sentence.

- May I ask why I was summoned here?

- I'm very glad you're feeling better. If you continue like this you will be able to return to the field before you can say"championship".- He laughed.

The embarrassment was palpable.

- Yes, thank you...

- Anyway, you were summoned here - The headmaster paused alittle before continuing, shifting his gaze to the coach in searchof support, which punctually did not arrive.

He sighed loudly.

- Here, Felix, you see...Your grades are not enough to get intocollege. But do not despair! Your coach, Mr. Kim Myung-Hee and I,have discussed at length about the available solutions and we bothagree... - And here coach Kim Myung-Hee let slip a resounding verseof disappointment.

- We both agree, - He raised his voice - that you should takean extra course to increase your credits. Nothing complicated...like the Art Course!- He finally exclaimed triumphantly. In fact, he was just happy to have completed the speech despite his colleague's glares.

- The Art Course...? - Felix replied questioning.

- Yes, the Art Course.- He got in response.

- Excuse me principal Park, but I think this solution is notsuitable for me... I mean, you could increase my P.E hours, orwhatever! Maybe a French or Japanese language course... Or Chinese,but please, not Art!

- That is the quickest way. In addition, your physical condition is not suitable for increasing extra hours of training.You will be joined by someone. The club president would be willing to help you. They need a hand for the preparation of the end-of-yearshow, and also you could bring an essay on an artist of your liking,even an author, since the Literature Club is connected to the Art Club.

- It's only three weeks of rest... not the rest of the year...-Felix tried to protest.

- Yes, but frankly: your grades suck. Ankle or not, your performance is not enough. Come on! Don't put off until tomorrowwhat you can do today!

And in the blink of an eye, Felix found himself at the top of the triangle between a revved up headmaster who recited all the proverbs about the time and a coach who only saw in it a waste of so much vaunted time.

When the three of them arrived at the "temple" of art, they found themselves in the presence of Queen Hyunjin himself. Or at least that's what seemed to Felix's eyes, since when he accepted the assignment, it seemed nothing more than a poorly staged opera of charity.

Which means a joke.

He was annoyed by how Hyunjin managed to manipulate like a mythological Medusa, both Mr. Park and the coach who now even begged him to help his pupil.

Pathetic. Ridiculous. That's what he thought.

And he hated him more than before.

"But why does he have to be so petulant? Why does he have to be a dead cat all the time? Does he have a mole under his eye? And since when? I think he draws it. New nickname unlocked: Mr. Marie Antoinette."

He rolled his eyes more than once. But despite his mental monologues, he knew that the queen's help was needed. Checkmate, Felix. Checkmate.

This time, the sovereign won.

- You will certainly have to discuss the modality of yourmeetings.- The headmaster began.

- Let's do it at my place.- Felix announced resolutely, since he felt safer in a familiar environment.

"Why does he have to look at me like that? It looks like a tiger that wants to bite its prey. He's so clueless. Why does this have to happen to me? Isn't it enough for them to know that I'm the best football player?"

- That's fine by me.- Hyunjin simply answered with no interest at all, looking at his well-groomed and manicured nails.

- Then it's settled! Thank you Hyunjin, the whole football team is grateful to you for your noble contribution! Now let's go. Let's leave our artist to his work!- And with these last words, the principal left hand in hand with coach Kim Myung-Hee, while Felix wondered what exactly Hyunjin's job was.