Chapter 8 : Confession??

As they walked deeper into the aquarium, they stopped in front of a massive tank filled with all kinds of exotic fish. Vibrant yellow tangs, majestic angelfish, and a slow-moving sea turtle glided past them. The water cast rippling reflections over their faces, making the moment feel almost surreal.

Aitana pointed at a particularly large fish with a strange, almost grumpy expression. "Look at that one. It looks like it had a bad day."

Nico crossed his arms and nodded solemnly. "I relate to him. That's probably how I look when the coach tells me to stay on the bench."

Aitana burst out laughing. "So dramatic. I bet even the fish would roll their eyes if they could."

They kept walking until they reached a cylindrical tank filled with mesmerizing jellyfish, their translucent bodies glowing under the soft blue lights. Aitana pressed her hands against the glass, watching them drift.

"They're so pretty," she whispered.

Nico stood beside her, watching her fascination. "Yeah… but did you know some jellyfish are immortal?"

She turned to him, eyes wide. "Wait, really?"

He nodded. "There's a species called Turritopsis dohrnii. It can revert to its younger form after reaching adulthood. Basically, it never dies of old age."

Aitana blinked. "That's insane. Imagine if humans could do that."

Nico smirked. "I'd probably just use it to keep playing football forever."

She chuckled. "Of course you would."

They continued walking, eventually stopping at a touch tank where people were gathered around. Aitana eagerly reached out to touch a passing stingray, but Nico hesitated.

"What, are you scared?" she teased.

"No," he scoffed. "I just respect their personal space."

She rolled her eyes and grabbed his wrist, guiding his hand into the water. His fingers brushed against the stingray's smooth, rubbery skin, and his eyes widened slightly.

"Weird… but kinda cool," he admitted.

Aitana smirked. "See? Told you."

They moved on, walking through the famous tunnel where sharks and rays swam overhead. The massive creatures glided effortlessly above them, their dark silhouettes casting shadows on the tunnel walls. Aitana reached for Nico's sleeve without thinking, holding onto it slightly.

"That one's huge," she muttered, pointing at a massive sand tiger shark.

Nico glanced at her hand holding his sleeve, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he just smiled. "Yeah. But don't worry, it's not like it can break through the glass and eat you."

She looked up at him with a deadpan expression. "Wow, thanks for the reassurance."

He laughed. "Anytime."

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By the time they finished touring the aquarium, the sun had begun its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the city. It was 5:00 PM, and after hours of walking and admiring the mesmerizing marine life, they decided to grab something to eat at a nearby café.

The café had a cozy atmosphere—wooden tables, warm lighting, and the soft hum of background chatter blending with the mellow tunes playing through the speakers. The aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, making it an inviting spot to relax after their long day.

As they settled into their seats, Nico stuck to his disciplined diet, ordering a salad and a bottle of water, while Aitana went for a chicken sandwich.

As soon as her food arrived, she took a big, satisfied bite, but her eyes drifted toward Nico's plate. She stared at his meal—a perfectly portioned, nutritionist-approved salad—before raising an eyebrow.

"You really live like this, huh?" she teased, pointing at the plate.

Nico chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I'm used to it. Gotta stay disciplined."

Aitana shook her head, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "I feel bad for you."

"Don't. My taste buds might be suffering, but my body thanks me for it," he replied with a smirk.

She took another bite of her sandwich before sighing. "You should let loose sometimes. Maybe eat something that actually tastes good."

"I'll leave that to you," he shot back. "One of us has to stay in top shape."

Aitana rolled her eyes but smiled.

After a few minutes of eating, she wiped her hands on a napkin and leaned forward. "So, what kind of music do you listen to?"

Nico thought for a second before answering. "A bit of everything, really. But mostly old-school hip-hop, some rock, and a little classical."

Aitana raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Classical? Really?"

He shrugged. "Yeah. My grandpa used to play it sometimes when I was younger. I guess it stuck with me. It helps me focus, especially before matches."

She nodded in understanding. "That actually makes sense. Music can really set the mood. I listen to a lot of pop, but I love Spanish indie and some R&B too."

Nico smiled. "You gotta send me some recommendations then. Expand my playlist a little."

Aitana grinned. "Only if you send me some of your classical picks. I wanna see what kind of music the 'Prince of La Masia' studies to."

Nico smirked. "Deal."

They continued chatting about their favorite artists, albums, and debating over who had the best voice in the industry. Their conversation flowed naturally, laughter breaking out every few minutes. It felt easy, comfortable—just like always.

____________

As they finished eating, the warm glow of the evening sun bathed the city in hues of orange and pink. The streets of Barcelona were alive with the soft hum of conversation, distant music, and the occasional laughter of passersby. It was around 7 PM, and instead of heading home, they decided to stroll through the city, taking in the sights and the cool breeze that carried the scent of the sea.

Nico felt the weight of the small box in his pocket, his fingers brushing against it as they walked. His heart pounded slightly—not out of nervousness, but anticipation. He glanced at Aitana, who was admiring the streetlights flickering on, illuminating the sidewalks.

"Hey," he said, stopping in his tracks. "I have something for you."

Aitana turned to face him, eyes curious. "You got me a gift?"

Nico nodded and pulled out the small box, handing it to her. "Of course. It's your birthday, isn't it?"

Aitana's eyes widened slightly, a smile forming on her lips. "That's funny," she said, reaching into her bag. "Because I got you something too."

Nico raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Let's open them at the same time?" she suggested, holding up the small box she had brought for him.

"Alright," Nico agreed with a grin.

They both carefully unwrapped their gifts, the streetlights casting a soft glow on their faces. The moment they opened the boxes, their eyes widened in surprise.

Inside Nico's box lay a thin silver necklace with a small FC Barcelona logo as the pendant—a sleek, elegant design that subtly represented the club that meant so much to both of them.

And in Aitana's box, she found the exact same thing.

For a second, neither of them spoke, both staring at the matching gifts in disbelief. Then, Aitana let out a small, amused laugh.

"You're kidding," she said, looking between the necklace and Nico.

Nico shook his head, chuckling. "I guess we really do think alike."

Aitana picked up the necklace, running her fingers over the pendant. "I love it," she said softly, her voice warm.

"Me too," Nico admitted, fastening his around his neck. He glanced at her. "Put it on?"

She nodded, turning slightly. "Help me?"

Nico stepped forward, carefully fastening the clasp behind her neck. As he did, his fingers lightly brushed against her skin, sending a small shiver down Aitana's spine—not that she'd ever admit it.

Once it was on, she touched the pendant, smiling. "Thank you, Nico. It's perfect."

He smirked. "I should be thanking you. Guess we both have good taste."

Aitana laughed. "Yeah… or we just know each other way too well."

They continued walking, now with identical necklaces resting against their chests.

__________

As they continued their walk, the lively streets of Barcelona stretched before them, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. They laughed, talked, and enjoyed each other's company, the city feeling like their own little world.

But as they climbed a set of stairs near a small plaza, Aitana suddenly winced. Her foot twisted awkwardly, and she lost her balance—a small gasp escaping her lips as she started to fall.

Before she could hit the ground, Nico caught her.

His arms instinctively wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. "I got you," he said, his voice calm but laced with concern.

Aitana clenched her jaw, her hand gripping his shoulder as she tried to steady herself. "Ugh… my ankle…"

Nico glanced down at her foot and noticed the way she was holding it up slightly. Without hesitation, he helped her to a nearby bench and sat her down gently.

He knelt in front of her, his eyes scanning her ankle. "Let me see."

Aitana hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Nico carefully removed her heels, his touch gentle but firm. As he pulled it off, he could already see it—her ankle was slightly swollen.

He frowned. "You must have twisted it pretty badly."

Aitana sighed, exhaling through her nose. "I knew wearing heels was a bad idea."

Nico smirked, shaking his head. "Didn't I tell you earlier? You should've worn something comfortable."

Aitana shot him a playful glare. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. You were right."

Nico chuckled softly but soon turned serious again. "Can you move it?"

Aitana tried, but she immediately winced. "Ow… Not much."

Nico sighed. "Alright, we're not walking anymore tonight." He stood up. "I'll call a taxi. You need to ice it as soon as you get home."

Aitana looked up at him, her eyes soft. "Thanks, Nico."

He waved her off. "What kind of friend would I be if I let you faceplant in the middle of Barcelona?"

Aitana smiled despite the pain. "A terrible one."

He smirked. "Exactly."

__________

Nico sat beside her, pulling out his phone to book a taxi. His brows furrowed as he checked the app—no taxis available.

He glanced at Aitana. She was trying to stay strong, but he could see it—the way her jaw was clenched, the slight tension in her brows. She was in pain.

"No taxis right now," he said, exhaling.

Aitana parted her lips to respond, but before she could say anything, Nico cut in smoothly. "Just sit here for a few minutes, alright?"

Again, before she could question him, he stood up and walked away.

Aitana watched him disappear into the bustling streets, confusion flashing across her face.

Nico moved quickly. He knew she needed something to ease the pain immediately.

First stop—the pharmacy. He bought a compression bandage and pain relief spray.

Next—the nearby store. He grabbed a sweater-like jacket, something warm and soft. He remembered how easily she got cold, and the night air was only getting chillier.

By the time he returned, his eyes instantly locked onto her.

She was sitting on the bench, her arms wrapped around herself. She was shivering.

Nico didn't hesitate.

He placed the pharmacy bag on the bench and, without a word, gently draped the sweater over her shoulders.

Aitana blinked, looking up at him, her expression unreadable.

"…You went to get this for me?"

Nico shrugged, acting nonchalant. "Obviously. Can't have you freezing to death on your birthday."

Her fingers clutched the edges of the sweater, pulling it tighter around herself. Her voice was softer now. "…Thank you."

________________

Nico knelt down in front of her, his movements careful and precise.

"This might sting a little," he murmured, taking her ankle in his hands with utmost gentleness.

He shook the can of pain relief spray and pressed the nozzle. Aitana flinched slightly at the cool sensation, but the relief was almost instant.

"Better?" he asked, glancing up at her.

She nodded, biting her lip. "Yeah… a little."

He gave a small nod before setting the spray aside and reaching for the compression bandage.

With quiet focus, he wrapped it around her ankle, applying just enough pressure. His fingers worked smoothly, securing it in place.

Once done, he pressed his thumbs gently against her skin, massaging around the swollen area with slow, soothing movements.

Aitana watched him in silence. The way his hands moved—so strong yet careful—it made her heart feel oddly light.

"You've done this before?" she asked softly.

Nico chuckled. "Yeah. Part of being a footballer. Injuries happen."

She exhaled, a small smile playing on her lips. "Lucky me, then."

He looked up at her and smirked. "Yeah. You are."

__________

Nico finished massaging her ankle, his hands lingering for a moment to make sure the swelling wasn't getting worse. He looked up at her, his emerald-green eyes steady.

"Alright, get on my back."

Aitana blinked. "What?"

"I'll carry you home."

She furrowed her brows. "You don't have to. I can walk—"

Nico raised an eyebrow, cutting her off. "I can help you walk, sure. But at this rate, you'll get home by midnight. It's already 7:30."

She hesitated. Her heart was racing.

Nico tilted his head. "Come on, it's fine. You don't weigh anything anyway."

She sighed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Fine… but if your back breaks, that's on you."

Nico chuckled. "I'll take my chances."

Aitana carefully placed her hands on his shoulders and lifted herself onto his back. The warmth of his body, the steady strength in his grip—it made her feel safe in a way she couldn't explain.

As he stood up, adjusting his hold under her thighs, she felt her heartbeat quicken.

Nico turned his head slightly, his voice teasing. "Comfy?"

Aitana rolled her eyes. "Just walk."

___________

As Nico carried her through the quiet streets of Barcelona, the city lights flickering around them, he spoke softly.

"You know, I might only be able to train with you for a few more months."

Aitana lifted her head slightly from his shoulder, frowning. "Why?"

"Remember I told you I'd be going out on loan in the January window?"

She went quiet for a moment. "...Yeah."

"Well, it's happening. I just don't know which club yet."

Aitana bit her lip, resting her chin back on his shoulder. "I see..."

There was a pause, just the sound of Nico's steady footsteps and the distant hum of the city.

Then, he spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "You know... I'll miss you."

Aitana's grip around his shoulders tightened slightly.

"...Yeah. Me too."

_________

As Nico carried Aitana through the dimly lit streets of Barcelona, a comfortable silence settled between them. The city lights reflected off the pavement, casting long shadows as they walked. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant hum of traffic were the only sounds accompanying them.

Then, out of nowhere, Aitana spoke.

"Do you have a girl you like?"

Nico's breath hitched slightly, his steps slowing for just a moment before he forced himself to keep walking. He hadn't expected her to ask that. His grip on her legs tightened slightly, his mind racing. Should he tell her the truth? Or brush it off?

After a moment, he exhaled. There was no point in lying.

"Yeah… I do."

He could feel her shift slightly on his back, her chin now resting more comfortably on his shoulder. There was a brief pause before she asked, her voice a little quieter, "Who is she?"

Nico hesitated. He could feel his heartbeat in his ears. He thought about dodging the question, making a joke, or even pretending not to hear her. But in the end, he chose honesty.

"She's someone who's smart, funny, and kind. She's also stubborn, but in a way that makes her admirable. She's hardworking—so hardworking that sometimes I wonder if she ever takes a break. She's got an incredible left foot, takes amazing free kicks, and…" he smiled slightly, "she just got promoted to the U-19s."

Silence.

For a moment, Aitana didn't say anything. He could feel her breathing, steady but slightly uneven, as if she was processing his words. Then, barely above a whisper, she asked,

"Do you like me?"

For Nico, those four words stretched time itself. His mind blanked, his entire body tensing slightly.

But after a few seconds that felt like an eternity, he spoke.

"Yeah… I do."

Another moment of silence. The world around them faded, the bustling city reduced to a distant blur.

Then, suddenly, Aitana tightened her arms around his neck, hugging him from behind. He felt her warmth, the way she clung to him, and his heart swelled.

And then, in a soft, emotion-filled voice, she whispered, "I like you too."

Nico smiled—an unguarded, genuine smile. He adjusted his grip on her legs, carrying her just a little more carefully, a little more protectively.

"Good."

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