scent of sweat the players including Maya and Leo were used to. She stood near a marble pillar, the borrowed evening gown clinging like armor. Every fla

s like moths to flame. Leo, in his tailored tux, moved like the room belonged to him every step deliberate, every smile calibrated. His golden

r the spotlight. It followed him. She had to ear

onestly, May, these foods are the only good thing abou

n our physio gear," Maya muttered, s

his is all for show. Oh gre

s and sharper instincts, glided toward them like a Vogue missil

t be shy. Sir Alistair wants a quick shot of the

ng expertly shepherded in their

and brief. United we stand.

ya Davies," he said, offering a hand. "

n their hands touched, Maya felt an unexpected

ing posters," she replied, her voice even, with

s expression faltered. It w

"Well, I try to do my

eras. Budgets. Opportunities that don't requ

le more. His jaw tightened. "I w

e men's team," sh

owstring. A silent battle waged

. "Alright! Let's get that photo, shall we

hing was amiss. A snapshot of forced unity. To Maya and Leo

ice syrupy and loud. "And now, for a bit of fun! A friendly sk

er competitive instinct flare

e designated athletic gear, he

e ballroom, Leo was already there, adjusting his laces like he belo

t for char

was

Crossbar

ball smacked the bar with precision. A smooth

ot sliced through the air, striking the bar w

rike. The crowd murmured.

: Dribbli

et, fancy cuts, a blur of

efficient strides. She finished faster. A be

dimmed. Ju

Shootout. One shot ea

up. Boom! top corner, uns

n M

rs twitched. Her thoughts flicked back to a missed penal

trike.

ust out of reach, kissin

. Then an explosion

lebrate. She

il of respect and curiosity

d, gave the fain

but not together. The tension between

e had s

f them was pl