Chapter 9: The Battle for Control

The halftime break was tense.

Jason sat on the bench, wiping sweat from his forehead as he listened to Coach Moreno's instructions. The first half had been a battle—not just against the opposing team but against Lucas.

Jason had managed to score, but Lucas had made it as difficult as possible.

And Moreno had noticed.

The coach paced in front of them. "I don't care if it's a friendly. We play like it's a real match. That means working together, creating chances, and being clinical."

His gaze flicked toward Jason and Lucas.

"I need my forwards to link up."

Jason met Lucas's glare.

The message was clear.

Either they worked together, or one of them wouldn't last.

Moreno clapped his hands. "Second half. Fix the problems, and let's finish this strong."

The players got up. Jason took a deep breath.

He wasn't here to lose.

Second Half Begins

As soon as the whistle blew, Jason noticed a shift.

Lucas was playing differently.

Instead of hogging the ball, he was making runs, calling for passes, trying to play like an actual teammate.

It wasn't out of kindness.

Lucas had realized something—Jason wasn't going to disappear. If he kept playing selfishly, he'd be the one getting benched.

But just because he was passing didn't mean he was happy about it.

At the 50th minute, Rodrigo sent a cross into the box. Jason sprinted forward, eyes locked on the ball.

But as he leaped—

Lucas collided into him mid-air.

Both of them crashed to the ground.

The ball sailed out of play.

Jason pushed himself up, glaring. "What the hell was that?"

Lucas dusted himself off. "Stay out of my way."

Jason clenched his fists.

Moreno shouted from the sideline, frustration clear in his voice. "Enough of that! Play like a damn team!"

Jason exhaled sharply. He couldn't afford to lose his head.

If Lucas wanted to fight for dominance, fine.

Jason would beat him the only way that mattered.

By winning.

Making an Impact

Jason changed his approach.

If Lucas wanted to play aggressive, Jason would use it against him.

Instead of fighting for every ball, Jason let Lucas overcommit—then punished him for it.

At the 65th minute, Rodrigo played a short pass to Jason near the penalty area.

Lucas rushed in, expecting Jason to turn toward goal.

Instead, Jason flicked the ball backward with his heel—straight into Rodrigo's path.

Rodrigo took one step and smashed it into the top corner.

Goal.

The moment the ball hit the net, Jason turned to Lucas.

"See how easy it is when you stop forcing everything?"

Lucas's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond.

For the first time, he looked uncertain.

Finishing the Game

Jason could feel it.

The momentum was his.

Lucas had spent the whole game trying to outshine him.

Now?

Lucas was playing catch-up.

At the 80th minute, Jason made his final move.

A defender tried to clear the ball, but Jason intercepted it mid-air with his chest.

A perfect touch, bringing the ball to his feet.

One defender. One goalkeeper.

Jason didn't hesitate.

A quick feint left. The defender bit.

Jason cut right and blasted the ball into the bottom corner.

Goal.

His second of the match.

As he turned, he locked eyes with Lucas.

Lucas looked away.

Jason smirked.

Game over.

Coach's Verdict

The final whistle blew.

Jason had scored twice. Created a goal for Rodrigo. Controlled the second half.

Lucas had… fought himself.

As they walked off the pitch, Moreno pulled Jason aside.

"Good game," he said simply.

Jason nodded. "Thanks, Coach."

Moreno's eyes flicked to Lucas. "Some people take longer to learn."

Jason didn't say anything. He didn't need to.

Lucas had talent. That much was clear.

But talent alone wasn't enough.

And today, Jason had proven who the real striker was.