At the age of twenty five, Sae discovers what it felt to experience a rift in a relationship.

For years, his focus was solely on football, perfecting his skills and climbing to the top of the world stage. His blunt demeanor and relentless drive had always been his armor, shielding him from emotional vulnerabilities and interpersonal conflicts.

But now, for the first time, his world is thrown into disarray not by an inadequate pass or a lost match, but by the fragile fabric of his love life.

How long has he pretended to be blind—to put his concerns behind him and prioritize his football career in Spain above anything else? The missed calls on his phone, the unread messages and unheard voicemails from you, it’s as if he couldn’t afford any distraction. Was it that worth it, reaching the peak of his football career as a midfielder, at the cost of driving a wedge in his relationship?

“I know.” He acknowledges the truth, of course he’s not that blind to his lacking — specifically in providing emotional support. But God, he was doing a shit job at being a boyfriend for you. “I’m not planning on saying a half-assed excuse to you. I’m a shitty boyfriend. I’m sorry. Is that good enough for you?”

He wonders. Is it too late to hold on to what truly matters?