I barged into the Woollim headmaster’s office, not giving a care about the situation. My team and Jiyong stood watching me, probably thinking that I’ve turned absolutely ruined in the head. Without a note, I pounded my hand on the headmaster’s table, staring right through his eyes. A dramatic entrance by yours truly. The headmaster twitched, holding his chest. In utter surprise.

“Ssem, my team would like to represent Woollim Boarding School for the Underground Match. The street soccer match meant for the national division. If you’re doubting me - I was a student here in Woollim,” I hissed, one hand clenched by the fist. This was my plan – though it may or may not, strip that last piece of hope – away from us. I made up my mind to take this chance. Jiyong stepped forward, determined to convince the headmaster. I pushed him away, handling the matter on my own.

“Park In-Na-” the headmaster eyed the other figures in his room. He stood up, issuing a stern look. He mentioned my name, keeping his opinions suppressed. My team looked unconvinced, firing glances among one another. I was willing to beg – just to get the opportunity.

“Please, Ssem,” I said. My heart was beating right out of my chest. “All that is required for my team to compete is for us to be represented by a school. That's all we're asking for. What is there to lose, having us winning that title trophy for you?”

“Because this is an all-boys boarding school. I can’t just let a group of girls compete under our name,” he replied, casting a firm comment. He was absolutely, undeniably right about this. I played it cool, pulling myself from spilling anger-pricking opinions. The tension built. My lips set into a firm line of concentration. I was determined.

The headmaster inhaled deeply, tilting his head back. I wasn’t going to take ‘no’ as the final answer. My eyes were fixed on the headmaster. Hardly a word was uttered after his firm respond. The room filled with silence. Our dreams crushed as minutes passed.

“You accepted me,” I said, searching for a chance- somewhere. “You accepted me as Park Niel. As a student in Woollim Boarding School, we talked about dreams – making it big and beautiful. You talked about how all of your students are capable of achieving and living up to their dreams. Park Niel didn’t get the chance.”

“Give Park Niel a chance,” Ye Rim said.

“He was your student,” Lee Ah added, catching on. “Just this once.”

“He was a good student, wasn’t he?” Jiyong added, sounding sharper than intended. His eyes layered with confidence. “Great academics, impressive school review and he did turn over a new leaf. Park Niel was a good transferred student. He didn’t disappoint, right ssem?“

“Just this once. Please.”

"It doesn't hurt to give chances!"

My street soccer team echoed, negotiating with the headmaster. My hands wrapped to my chest, listening to each word. Listening to every sentence.

My lips shaped into a smirk, seeing how the headmaster has a look of disbelief strung to his face. He stopped, hesitated, witnessing our pleading cries.

“You’ve a way with words, Park In-Na,” the headmaster shook his head, clearing his throat. “Your team will represent my school but in one condition-”

“ yes!” I growled, fist-pumping. Jiyong and my team broke into overzealous reactions. Profanities spewed as their hearts jumped out in pure happiness.

“In one condition!” The headmaster emphasized, stringing in between giving in to our persistent ways or simply, throwing us out of the room. “Park Niel hasn’t fulfilled his promise.”

I knew what promise he was referring to. My smile crooked, determination pronounced itself as a small answer escaped from my lips. “I do remember. I’ll keep my promise, Ssem.”

“Beat the crap out of the other girls’ division,” the headmaster said, smiling in content. “In Woollim Boarding School, dreams know no boundaries. Get to your dreams and make me proud, Park In-Na.” He lightly winked, giving a thumb up.

I walked along the hallway, remembering the first day in Woollim Boarding School. I couldn’t help but smile at the memories. The hallway. The boys’ lockers. The cafeteria. Attending classes in an all-boys boarding school. The place reached out to me. I have grown as a person. The friendships created during my time spent here, made me grow. I fell – countless times. I clung tightly – desperately because there were times things didn’t go as planned. I