A Rivalry Begins

The Aftermath of the Match

The streets of Igualada were buzzing after CF Igualada's win. Fans filled the cafés, discussing every moment of the match. Some were already debating whether the team had what it took to top the league this season.

Daniel sat with Miguel and Luis at their usual spot, sipping a soda while Sofia scrolled through her phone.

"People are saying you got lucky with that goal," Miguel smirked.

Daniel scoffed. "Lucky?"

Luis laughed. "They don't know how many times you practice that same shot in training."

Sofia leaned in, showing them her screen. "And some people are talking about that guy who fouled you."

Daniel looked at the post—a short clip of the midfielder shoving him to the ground, followed by a thread of comments.

"Who is this guy?""New signing for U.E. Sant Andreu. Name's Javier Romero.""Dude plays like he's trying to start fights.""Daniel Carter vs. Romero. A new rivalry?"

Daniel clenched his jaw. So that was his name—Javier Romero.

Miguel nudged him. "Looks like you have an enemy."

Luis grinned. "That's good. You play better when you have something to prove."

Sofia frowned. "Or it could be bad. That guy clearly wanted to hurt you."

Daniel shrugged. "Then I'll just have to make sure he doesn't get the chance."

Back to Training

The next day at CF Igualada's training ground, Coach Morales stood in front of the team with his arms crossed.

"We won, but that doesn't mean we stop working. You want to stay in the starting lineup? Then prove it."

The session was intense. Daniel pushed himself harder than ever, determined to stay ahead of his competition. His dribbling was sharper, his passes more precise, and his shots more deadly.

But he wasn't the only one improving.

Miguel was becoming a key playmaker, his vision and passing setting up chances for everyone. Luis was a rock in defense, shutting down attacks effortlessly. Even Sofia, who joined when she was on break, was showing why she had been promoted.

After training, Daniel walked off the pitch, exhausted but satisfied.

Coach Morales called him over.

"You're doing well," the coach said. "But don't get comfortable. There are always players ready to take your spot."

Daniel nodded. He knew that all too well.

A Surprise Encounter

Later that evening, Daniel was heading home when he spotted someone leaning against a wall near a convenience store.

Javier Romero.

The midfielder smirked when he saw Daniel. "You heal fast."

Daniel didn't stop walking. "You play dirty."

Javier chuckled. "Football isn't just about talent. It's about control."

Daniel turned to face him. "Control?"

Javier stepped forward. "You think you're fast, but speed isn't everything. You'll see what I mean next time we play."

Daniel narrowed his eyes. He didn't like this guy. But he wasn't about to back down.

"We'll see," he said before walking away.

A Moment with Sofia

Sofia was waiting for him outside the café they usually went to.

"You look annoyed," she said.

Daniel sighed. "Ran into Romero."

She raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"Nothing. Just words."

Sofia sipped her drink. "I don't like him."

Daniel smirked. "I didn't think you would."

They sat in silence for a moment, the evening air cool around them.

Then Sofia spoke. "Are you free this weekend?"

Daniel hesitated. Between school, training, and matches, his schedule was packed. But something about the way she asked made him pause.

"I can be," he said.

She smiled. "Good. Then let's go somewhere."

Daniel blinked. "Like… a date?"

Sofia laughed. "Yeah, something like that."

Daniel felt his heart race. He had faced dangerous opponents, chased impossible dreams, and carried secrets no one else could understand.

But somehow, this moment felt just as intense.

Author's Note