Chapter 24 : S-Strike

A week passed in a blur of relentless training and intense matches. Every day felt the same—early mornings, exhausting drills, tactical sessions, and game after game. His body ached, but the adrenaline of competition kept him going.

Each Traning demanded everything from him, and he delivered—scoring, assisting, leading. The days melted into one another, a constant rhythm of football, recovery, and preparation for the next battle.

______________

February 8: Espanyol vs. Valencia (La Liga, RCDE Stadium)

A thrilling encounter unfolded at RCDE Stadium, with both teams playing an attacking brand of football. Espanyol and Valencia traded blows throughout the match, each side showcasing their offensive prowess. Nico continued his red-hot form, scoring a goal and providing an assist. Despite the drama, the game ended in a 3-3 draw. Espanyol pushed hard but were unable to claim all three points in a game that left fans on the edge of their seats.

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After the match , Nico lay in bed, exhaustion weighing on his muscles. His phone buzzed—it was Jorge.

"The boots will be ready by next month," Jorge said, his voice laced with excitement. "We've finalized everything."

Nico smirked. "Good. And the name?"

Jorge chuckled. "Just like you wanted—S-Strike."

Nico stretched, staring at the ceiling. "S-Strike… sounds perfect."

Jorge laughed. "Fits you well, kid. Silent on the pitch until you strike. Like a ghost."

Nico grinned. "More like a prince moving in the shadows."

Jorge hummed. "Nike loves it. The branding is already in motion. These boots will be iconic."

Nico smirked. "They better be. I plan on making history in them."

Jorge chuckled. "No doubt. Oh, and they're sending you a prototype soon. You'll be the first to wear them."

Nico's eyes gleamed. "Can't wait. Make sure they shine under the spotlight."

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The next day, February 13, Nico woke up and went through his usual routine—yoga at dawn, a light jog through the quiet streets of Barcelona, and an intense gym session. After pushing through a tough workout, he headed back home, showered, and settled down for breakfast. The aroma of fresh coffee filled the air as he scrolled through his phone, catching up on messages. 

Just as he was about to take a bite of his toast, his phone buzzed on the table. Seeing Aitana's name flash on the screen, he smirked and picked up. 

"Morning," he greeted, his voice still a little groggy from sleep. 

"Morning, superstar," Aitana teased, her tone playful. "Busy tomorrow?" 

Nico leaned back in his chair. "That depends. Are we talking football busy or life busy?" 

Aitana laughed. "Neither. More like 'take a break before we lose our minds' busy." 

Nico chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Sounds interesting. What's the plan?" 

"That's for you to figure out tomorrow," she said, her voice laced with amusement. 

He raised an eyebrow. "So you're inviting me out, but I have to plan the day?" 

"Exactly." 

Nico shook his head, laughing. "You're unbelievable." 

"And yet, you're saying yes." 

He sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. I'll come up with something." 

"Good," Aitana said. "Pick me up at noon." 

Before he could argue, she hung up. Nico stared at his phone, shaking his head with a grin. "She really thinks she's the boss, huh?"

___________

After the call, Nico leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the table. A small smirk tugged at his lips—tomorrow was going to be a good day. But for now, he had an entire day to himself, a rare luxury in the midst of his packed schedule. 

He grabbed his controller and started up FIFA, playing as Barcelona and imagining himself on the pitch. He controlled the midfield effortlessly, setting up goals with pinpoint passes, pretending that one day soon, he'd be the one fans were choosing in Career Mode. "One day," he muttered to himself with a grin, scoring a last-minute winner. 

After a few hours of gaming, he switched to watching movies, curling up on the couch with a blanket and some snacks. He started with an action-packed film, getting lost in the chase scenes and fight sequences. Then, feeling a bit nostalgic, he put on a classic comedy, laughing at the familiar jokes. 

By the time evening rolled around, he felt completely relaxed. A day of doing nothing had been exactly what he needed. Tomorrow, he'd go out, enjoy himself, and for a little while, just be a normal teenager before the grind of football called him back.

____________

The next day, Nico woke up and went through his usual routine—yoga, jogging, and gym. After freshening up, he headed to the dining room, where breakfast was already set. He grabbed the meal prepared by the nutritionist—scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, and a protein smoothie—before sitting down with his grandparents. 

Danny watched him with an amused smile. "So, are you taking Aitana out today?" 

Nico, mid-bite, looked up. "Yeah, she asked me yesterday if I wanted to go out. Why?" 

Johan exchanged a knowing glance with Danny, who smirked. "Oh, so you didn't ask her first?" 

Nico frowned. "I mean… she called me first, so I just said yes. What's the big deal?" 

Danny sighed dramatically. "It's Valentine's Day, dummy." 

Nico froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. "…Wait, what?" 

Johan chuckled. "You've been dating for months, and you forgot your first Valentine's together?" 

Nico groaned, rubbing his temple. "I swear I didn't forget. I just… didn't realize today was the 14th." 

Danny shook her head, laughing. "You better make it special, or she'll never let you live it down." 

Johan smirked. "I'd start planning now if I were you."

_________

After finishing breakfast, Nico went to his room, freshened up again, and carefully picked out his outfit. He wore a crisp white turtleneck layered under a sleek black overcoat, paired with denim jeans. Around his neck, he donned a thin necklace with the Barcelona logo as the pendant—a subtle but meaningful touch.

Before heading to Aitana's house, he stopped by a small boutique, picking out a box of fine chocolates and a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses. He carefully tucked them into his bag, not wanting to give them to her right away.

When he arrived at her house and rang the doorbell, it wasn't long before Aitana stepped out. He blinked. She was wearing a white turtleneck, a black coat, and denim—almost an exact mirror of his outfit.

She smirked, crossing her arms. "So, are we matching on purpose now?"

Nico chuckled. "I guess we're just that in sync."

After locking hands, they began strolling through the heart of Barcelona, the cool February air crisp but pleasant. The city buzzed with life, couples filling the streets, the atmosphere tinged with romance.

As they walked, Aitana excitedly started talking about a new song that had just been released.

"You have to listen to it," she said, her eyes lighting up. "It's been stuck in my head all day."

Nico chuckled. "Oh yeah? What's it called?"

She hummed a few lines before nudging him. "Come on, guess!"

Nico tilted his head, pretending to think. "Hmm… knowing you, it's probably something dramatic and emotional."

Aitana gasped, feigning offense. "Excuse me? I have range!"

He laughed. "Fine, fine. Play it for me later, and I'll judge."

"Deal." She smirked, swinging their hands slightly as they continued walking.

______________

They wandered through the streets, stopping now and then to take photos—sometimes of the city's beauty, sometimes of each other, and sometimes just silly selfies that made them laugh.

At one point, they visited a museum, strolling through halls lined with art and history. Nico would occasionally make up wild backstories for the paintings, earning playful nudges from Aitana, who rolled her eyes but laughed anyway.

By the time they stepped outside, the sky had dimmed into twilight, the streetlights flickering on. It was around 7:00 when they found themselves walking through a quiet park, the cool evening air wrapping around them. The world felt slower here, the sounds of the city fading into the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of conversations.

Nico squeezed Aitana's hand. "Good day so far?"

She leaned into his side slightly. "Yeah… but it's not over yet, is it?"

He smirked. "Not even close."

___________

As they walked along the dimly lit path, Nico suddenly stopped. Aitana turned to him, raising an eyebrow.

Without a word, he unzipped his bag, pulling out the bouquet and the box of chocolates he had been hiding all day.

"For you," he said with a small grin, holding them out.

Aitana blinked, then a slow smile spread across her face. "You had this the whole time?"

He shrugged. "Had to keep up the suspense, right?"

She took them, looking at the flowers, then back at him. "You're lucky you're cute."

"And you're lucky I have great taste,"

Aitana wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug, holding him close for a few moments. As they pulled back, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against his lips—a fleeting touch, barely a second.

Before she could fully retreat, Nico reached out, his hand resting gently on her waist as he pulled her back in. His emerald-green eyes locked onto hers for a split second before he closed the distance, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss.

Aitana melted into it, her fingers tightening slightly around the bouquet in her hands. The world around them faded—the soft rustling of trees, the distant hum of the city—none of it mattered. Just the warmth of the moment, the unspoken words between them.

As they pulled apart, Aitana's breath hitched, her fingers still curled around the bouquet. She looked up at him, her lips parted slightly, her cheeks dusted with the faintest blush.

Nico swallowed, his heart pounding against his ribs. He hadn't planned it—hadn't thought about it, hadn't overanalyzed it. It had just happened. And now, here she was, inches away, looking at him like the world had just shifted beneath their feet.

Aitana blinked, then let out a small, breathless laugh. "Did you just…?"

Nico his voice quieter than usual. "Yeah… I did."

Her fingers tightened slightly on his coat. "And now?"

He exhaled a chuckle, still processing, still lost in the warmth of her so close to him. "Now… I kinda want to do it again."

Aitana didn't say anything—she didn't need to. Instead, she leaned in, just enough for him to close the distance.

This time, he didn't hesitate. His hand found her waist, pulling her flush against him as their lips met once more. It was different now—slower, deeper, as if they were savoring the moment, committing every sensation to memory.

Aitana's hand slid up to his jaw, her touch light but sure. The world around them blurred—the city lights, the rustling leaves, the distant hum of passing cars. None of it mattered.

When they finally pulled away, Nico rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper. "That was…"

Aitana smiled, her thumb grazing his cheek. "Yeah…"

He chuckled softly. "About time, huh?"

She nodded, laughing under her breath. "You were taking forever."

Nico grinned. "Worth the wait?"

Aitana pretended to think, tapping her chin. "Hmm… I guess I could get used to it."

He smirked. "Good. Because I don't plan on stopping anytime soon."

Aitana rolled her eyes, but the way she tugged him back into another kiss told him all he needed to know.

________

Aitana tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Nico," she murmured, tugging at his sleeve.

"Hmm?" He looked down at her, still feeling the warmth of their first kiss lingering between them.

She bit her lip, suppressing a grin. "Can you carry me back home?"

Nico blinked. "What?"

She pouted. "My legs are tired. We walked all over Barcelona today."

He raised a brow. "So?"

She sighed dramatically. "So… give me a piggyback ride."

Nico scoffed, shaking his head. "You just want to be carried like a queen, don't you?"

Aitana smirked. "Obviously."

Rolling his eyes, he crouched down. "Come on, hop on."

With a triumphant grin, she climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he hooked his hands under her thighs.

"Happy now, princesa?" he teased, adjusting his grip.

Aitana rested her chin on his shoulder, grinning. "Very."

He sighed but couldn't hide his own smile. "You're lucky I like you."

She chuckled, squeezing him slightly. "I know."

_________

As Nico carried her through the quiet streets, Aitana rested her chin on his shoulder, her warm breath brushing against his skin.

"You know," she murmured, "this isn't the first time you've carried me like this."

Nico smirked, adjusting his grip on her legs. "Yeah, but at least this time, you didn't fake an injury to make me do it."

Aitana gasped, lightly smacking his shoulder. "Excuse me? I actually twisted my ankle that day!"

He chuckled. "Uh-huh, sure. And conveniently, that's when you decided to tell me you liked me."

She playfully tugged at his ear. "Because I did like you, tonto. And I still do."

His smirk softened into something more tender. "Good. Because I plan on carrying you around for a long time."

Aitana squeezed him slightly, her voice quieter now. "I wouldn't mind that."

Nico's heart did a little flip, but he just kept walking, the weight on his back feeling lighter than ever.

_____________

After reaching her doorstep, Nico gently let Aitana down, his hands lingering at her waist for a second longer than necessary. She looked up at him, her eyes gleaming under the soft glow of the porch light.

"Thanks for tonight," she whispered.

Nico gave her a small, lopsided grin. "Anytime."

As he turned to leave, he paused for a brief moment, then glanced back at her. "Love you."

Aitana blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise before a soft, radiant smile spread across her face.

"Love you too," she murmured.

Nico didn't say anything else. He just nodded, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets and walking off into the night, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the cold Barcelona air.

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Author's note : Vote if you like what you're reading , he will play with barcelona in the upcoming chapters . It'll be crazy , Do comment about things you dont like , so i can fix it in the upcoming chapters