Chapter 36 : S-Strike
Almost a month had passed since Manchester City's dominant 3-0 victory over Tottenham, and in that time, their relentless form had continued. The weeks had been packed with matches, each one testing the squad's endurance and quality. Despite the grueling schedule, City remained unbeaten, showcasing their superiority both in the Premier League and the Champions League.
On October 1, City faced Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League group stage, coming away with a commanding 3-1 victory. Nico had been instrumental once again, providing two assists and scoring a goal of his own, further proving his ability to perform on Europe's biggest stage.
Just two days later, on October 3, Guardiola opted to rest Nico for their league match against Newcastle. Without him, City struggled to break down their opponents and had to settle for a 2-2 draw, dropping points for the first time in the league.
After the international break, they returned to action on October 17, dismantling Bournemouth 5-1 in a ruthless attacking display. Nico was at the heart of everything, registering three assists and scoring a goal, continuing his remarkable start to life in the Premier League.
Then, on October 22, City traveled to Spain to take on Sevilla in another crucial Champions League fixture. It was a tough contest, but they emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. Nico contributed with another assist, ensuring City's perfect run in Europe remained intact.
Now, on October 23, the intensity of the past few weeks had finally eased—at least for a day. It was a rest day, a rare moment of peace in an otherwise chaotic schedule. Nico sat comfortably on the couch, his body sinking into the cushions as he let himself unwind.
A movie played on the television, the screen casting a soft glow across the dimly lit room. It wasn't anything special, just something to keep his mind occupied. The past month had been a blur of training sessions, matches, and travel, but at least for today, he could afford to do nothing.
__________
The doorbell rang, pulling Nico's attention away from the movie. He sighed, reluctantly getting up from the couch before walking over to the door. As he opened it, he was met with the familiar face of Jorge, his agent, who greeted him with a grin.
"Mind if I come in?" Jorge asked casually.
Nico stepped aside, allowing him to enter. They both made their way to the couch and sat down. Jorge, looking particularly excited, placed a sleek black box on the table in front of them.
"I've got something special for you," he said, sliding the box toward Nico.
Curious, Nico opened it, and his eyes immediately lit up. Inside were a brand-new pair of football boots—the Phantom S-Strike. His signature boots from Nike.
The design was stunning, a deep emerald green that matched the color of his striking eyes. The sleek detailing and the subtle patterns embedded into the material made them look even more unique. Every aspect of the boots, from the name to the color, had been his choice.
Nico picked them up, feeling the lightness and flexibility of the material in his hands. He couldn't help but smile. These weren't just boots; they were a symbol of his rise in the footballing world.
"What do you think?" Jorge asked, watching his reaction.
Nico smirked. "They're perfect."
Nico turned the boots in his hands, admiring their shape. The design was sleek and elegant, crafted to fit perfectly around his feet while offering the ultimate control and comfort. The emerald green color gave them a distinct presence, a reflection of his own identity on the pitch.
What caught his eye next was a small yet striking detail—the letters "S-Strike" engraved in a brilliant gold color near the heel. It was subtle yet powerful, a signature touch that made the boots truly his.
Jorge watched with satisfaction as Nico ran his fingers over the golden engraving. "Nike really went all out on these," he said. "They wanted them to be special—just like you."
Nico smirked, setting the boots back in the box. "They are special."
Jorge chuckled. "Well, enjoy them. You'll be wearing these when you take over the world."
___________
Jorge leaned back on the couch, arms crossed, watching Nico admire the boots. With a smirk, he said, "By the way, you do realize you're winning the Golden Boy, right?"
Nico raised an eyebrow, setting the boots back in the box. "You sound pretty sure about that."
Jorge scoffed. "Of course I am. Look at what you've done in just a few months. You're playing like a veteran, dominating every match, setting records, and you're only 15. There's not a single young player in the world who comes close to you right now."
Nico chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not official yet."
Jorge grinned. "It will be. The odds are already out, and you're the clear favorite. The media, the analysts—everyone agrees. So just get ready for your Golden Boy moment."
Nico leaned back into the couch, a small smile on his face. He wasn't one to focus on awards, but hearing Jorge say it with such confidence made him think—maybe it really was inevitable.
______________
Jorge leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Nike wants to film a commercial for the Phantom S-Strike tomorrow. It's a simple one—just you on the beach, nothing too complicated."
Nico glanced at him, intrigued. "Tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Jorge nodded. "I already checked with Pep. He's giving the team two days off, so there won't be any scheduling conflicts."
Nico smirked, leaning back against the couch. "A commercial on the beach, huh? Sounds easy enough."
Jorge chuckled. "You say that now, but—"
Nico cut him off with a small grin. "Jorge, I've already done a Saint Laurent shoot. I'm their ambassador, remember? I know how to handle cameras."
Jorge raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, superstar. I forgot you're already a pro at this."
Nico looked down at the emerald-green boots, running a hand over the gold-engraved 'S-Strike.' He wasn't one to care too much about endorsements, but seeing something designed with his input—something that carried his name—felt different.
"Alright," he said, nodding. "Let's do it."
__________
At 4:30 AM, Nico's alarm rang, signaling the start of his day. Without hesitation, he got out of bed, stretched briefly, and moved to his yoga mat. For the next 30 minutes, he focused on his flexibility and breathing, ensuring his body was loose and ready for the day ahead.
Once finished, he put on his running shoes and stepped outside for his usual one-hour jog. The streets were quiet, the cool morning air refreshing as he maintained a steady pace, his mind focused. After completing his run, he returned home and went straight into leg strength training, pushing himself through an intense hour-long session.
With his legs burning slightly, he grabbed his football and headed to the backyard. For the next hour, he worked on his free kicks, placing the ball down and striking it over and over again, aiming for perfection. Every shot had to be precise, controlled, and effective. By the time he was done, sweat dripped down his face, but there was a satisfied look in his eyes.
_________
After finishing his morning routine, Nico took a shower and changed into comfortable clothes before settling onto the couch. As he scrolled through his phone, Maria walked in and sat beside him, her usual confident smirk present.
They started chatting casually, the conversation flowing naturally. There was no awkwardness between them despite their recent confession. They both knew how they felt about each other—Maria had told him she liked him, and he had admitted that he liked her too. But he had also been honest with her, telling her he wasn't ready for a relationship yet.
Maria understood, though she still teased him from time to time.
As they sat on the couch, Maria leaned back, stretching her legs across the cushion. She glanced at Nico, who was scrolling through his phone, and smirked.
"So, I heard you're filming a Nike commercial today," she said, casually twirling a strand of her hair.
Nico nodded, setting his phone aside. "Yeah, it's a simple one. Just me on the beach, showing off the new boots."
Maria raised an eyebrow. "That's it? No dramatic storyline? No explosions?"
Nico chuckled. "No explosions. Just some shots of me playing, maybe some slow-motion dribbling. It's more about showcasing the boots."
Maria hummed in thought. "Still, it's your first commercial with Nike, right? You should enjoy it."
"I will," Nico said, leaning back. "At least it's not new to me. The Saint Laurent photoshoot helped with that."
Maria smirked. "Yeah, Mr. Ambassador. You handled the cameras like a pro back then. Guess you're a natural."
Nico shrugged. "I just do my thing."
She nudged his leg playfully. "Well, don't mess up. I expect to see the coolest commercial ever."
Nico smirked. "I'll try not to disappoint."
__________
Around 2 PM, Nico stepped into the sleek black car sent by Nike, the tinted windows shielding him from the outside world. The ride was smooth, and he gazed out at the passing scenery, mentally preparing for the shoot. Though he was used to cameras from his time as Saint Laurent's ambassador, this was different—it was his first official Nike commercial, and the anticipation thrummed in his chest.
When the car pulled up to the filming location, a beautiful beach bathed in golden sunlight, he stepped out, adjusting his jacket. The salty breeze brushed against his skin as he took in the sight of the bustling crew. Staff members were setting up cameras, adjusting lighting, and testing equipment, their voices mixing with the crashing waves in the background.
Nico didn't waste any time. He walked straight over to the director, a middle-aged man with a sharp eye and a welcoming smile. Extending his hand, Nico greeted him politely.
"Nice to meet you," he said with a small nod.
The director, clearly pleased by Nico's professionalism, shook his hand firmly. "Pleasure's mine, Nico. We've got something special planned today. You ready?"
Nico smirked, his emerald-green eyes shining under the sunlight. "Always."
_______
The director clapped his hands together, a grin forming on his face as he looked at Nico.
"So, we've tweaked the shoot a little bit," he said. "Here's how it's going to go. First, we'll start with you casually juggling the ball as you walk along the beach. Smooth, effortless. Then, while you're focused on your touches, you accidentally bump into someone—your co-actress—and both of you fall down."
Nico, who had been nodding along, raised an eyebrow at the mention of a co-actress. "Wait… there's a co-actress now?"
The director chuckled. "Yeah. She actually just arrived a few minutes ago. Told me she wanted to introduce herself to you first."
Nico sighed but smirked slightly. "Alright, fair enough."
The director continued, "So after the fall, you'll get up and immediately help her up, checking if she's hurt. She'll say she's fine, and then you two will start chatting for a bit. A little playful banter, some chemistry. Then, at some point, you ask for her number."
Nico crossed his arms, amused. "And she just gives it to me?"
The director shook his head, grinning. "Nope. She challenges you instead. She points out three buckets we've placed further down the beach—one at 60 meters, one at 50 meters, and one at 55 meters. Then she makes a bet. If you can kick the ball into each of them, she'll give you her number. Simple, right?"
Nico tilted his head, considering it. "So it's a skills challenge mixed with a little bit of acting?"
"Exactly," the director nodded. "It's natural, fun, and it plays into your abilities. We'll get a few different angles—close-ups on your footwork, the ball's flight, reaction shots. It should turn out amazing."
Nico exhaled, nodding. "Alright, sounds good to me. So… where is my co-actress?"
The director smirked. "She's been waiting to meet you. I'll call her over now."
______
As Nico stood there, waiting, the director turned and gestured for someone to come over. A moment later, Kylie Jenner walked up beside him, a warm smile on her face.
"Hey, Nico," she said, stepping in and wrapping him in a hug.
Nico stiffened slightly, caught off guard. He wasn't expecting that. He quickly recovered, hugging her back briefly before pulling away. "Uh, hey," he greeted, a bit flustered.
Kylie chuckled at his reaction before taking a step back and looking him over. "I just wanted to say, I watch your matches. What you're doing for Man City at just 15… it's insane. You're extraordinary."
Nico, still composing himself, managed a small smile. "Thanks. That means a lot."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she grinned. "And I have to say, those emerald green eyes… and that face? It's basically godly."
Nico let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "I appreciate that. But you're not so bad yourself—you look beautiful."
Kylie's grin widened. "Smooth."
Before they could continue, one of the crew members called out, "Alright, let's get them both prepped! Hair and makeup!"
A stylist approached, motioning for them to follow. Kylie playfully nudged Nico's arm. "Let's make this commercial a good one."
Nico smirked. "Let's do that"
With that, they both followed the staff to get ready for the shoot.
__________
As Nico sat in the chair, the stylists worked on his hair, making it look slightly damp to give the effect that he had been playing on the beach for a while. His outfit was simple—just a pair of athletic shorts, leaving his upper body bare. Of course, on his feet were the Phantom S-Strike boots, the centerpiece of the commercial.
When he stepped onto the set for the first scene, a quiet buzz spread among the staff. The murmurs weren't just about his presence as Manchester City's young superstar but about his physique.
"Is he really just 15?" one whispered.
"Look at that definition—eight-pack abs, sculpted muscles… it's unreal," another muttered in disbelief.
"He looks like a Greek statue," someone else remarked, shaking their head.
Even some of the camera crew, who had seen their fair share of top athletes and models, couldn't help but be impressed. His body wasn't just strong; it was built for performance—perfectly balanced, athletic, and powerful.
Kylie Jenner, now 18, stood off to the side, her gaze lingering on Nico as he adjusted his boots. Her eyes traveled over his torso—his chiseled abs, the defined V-line, the sharp cut of his muscles. She swallowed, pressing her lips together slightly, before quickly shifting her eyes elsewhere. But it was too late. The reaction had already slipped through.
Shaking her head slightly, she folded her arms and watched as Nico, completely unfazed, got into position.
The director clapped his hands. "Alright, let's get started! Nico, juggle the ball naturally, have fun with it."
Nico nodded, rolling his shoulders before stepping into position, unaware—or perhaps just unaffected—by the way eyes followed his every move. The cameras began rolling.
_________
The first scene wrapped up smoothly, with multiple shots capturing Nico effortlessly juggling the ball. The way he controlled it with precision—his touches delicate yet firm—made it clear why he was already considered one of football's brightest talents. The director seemed pleased, nodding in approval as the crew reviewed the footage.
"Perfect, Nico," the director called out. "You make it look too easy."
Nico chuckled, casually catching the ball with his foot before kicking it back up into his hands. "Well, I've been doing this since I could walk," he said with a smirk.
The staff prepared for the next scene, setting up the moment where Nico would 'accidentally' bump into Kylie. As they got everything in place, Kylie walked over to him with a teasing smile.
"You really don't miss a beat, huh?" she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Nico shrugged. "It's all muscle memory."
She hummed, her eyes briefly flickering over his physique again before looking back up. "Well, let's see if you can act as well as you play."
Nico smirked. "I guess we'll find out."
The director clapped his hands again. "Alright, places, everyone! Let's move on to the next scene!"
___________
As the cameras started rolling for the second scene, Nico continued juggling the ball effortlessly, his movements smooth and controlled. The sand beneath his feet barely disrupted his balance as he kept the ball bouncing between his thighs, his footwork as mesmerizing as ever.
Then, as planned, he took a step forward and accidentally bumped into someone.
Kylie.
She stumbled slightly, and before she could react, both of them lost their balance, falling onto the soft sand.
The moment felt almost slow-motion. Kylie, dressed in a stunning bikini that accentuated her curves, landed right beside him, her sun-kissed skin glowing under the golden rays. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulder as she looked up at him with wide eyes.
For a split second, there was silence—just the sound of the waves in the background.
Nico, acting on instinct, quickly sat up and extended a hand to her. "Are you okay?" His emerald-green eyes scanned her face for any signs of injury.
Kylie let out a soft laugh, brushing some sand off her arm. "Yeah, I think I'll survive," she teased, slipping her hand into his.
As Nico pulled her up, their faces ended up closer than expected. There was a flicker of something in her gaze—maybe amusement, maybe curiosity.
The director, watching from behind the camera, grinned. "Cut! That was perfect! Let's reset for the next part."
Kylie smirked at Nico, tilting her head. "Not bad. You sure you're not secretly an actor?"
Nico chuckled. "Football's dramatic enough. Guess I picked up a thing or two."
She bit her lip playfully, brushing off more sand. "Well, let's see if you can keep up with the next scene."
The staff moved in to adjust the setup, preparing for the part where Kylie would challenge him with the bet.
_________
[He wont cheat don't worry]