Chapter 38 : Prince and Princess

Back at home, Nico lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His body ached from the war he had just fought at Camp Nou, but his mind was still replaying every second of the match.

With a sigh, he grabbed his phone and called Aitana.

She picked up almost instantly. "Hat-trick at Camp Nou… You really don't do anything halfway, huh?"

Nico let out a small chuckle. "Wouldn't be me if I did."

There was a pause before she spoke again, softer this time. "How do you feel?"

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I don't even know. I should be happy, right? I just had one of the best performances of my life. But… it's Barcelona."

"I know," she whispered. "I saw your face after the last goal."

He closed his eyes. "I couldn't celebrate, Aitana. No matter how much I tried."

She didn't say anything for a moment, then, "That's because it's still your home. And it always will be."

Nico swallowed hard. "Yeah."

They stayed in comfortable silence for a while, neither rushing to end the call.

Then Aitana spoke again, voice warm. "I'm proud of you, you know?"

A small smile tugged at his lips. "That means more than you think."

"I mean it," she insisted. "You played like a king today."

His smile grew. "Then I guess that makes you my queen."

She laughed softly. "Goodnight, príncipe."

"Wait," he said before she could hang up. "Do you want to go out tomorrow?"

Aitana was silent for a moment, then he could hear the smile in her voice. "Are you asking me on a date, Nico?"

He chuckled. "Maybe."

She hummed playfully. "Depends. Where are you taking me?"

"Anywhere you want."

"Hmm… surprise me."

He smirked. "Done."

"Alright then, I'll be waiting. Goodnight, príncipe."

"Goodnight, mi reina."

This time, when he hung up, there was no ache—just the anticipation of seeing her tomorrow.

____________

The next day, he woke up and went through his usual routine. After freshening up, he picked up the breakfast prepared by his nutritionist and sat at the dining table with his grandparents.

Danny smiled as she poured him a glass of fresh orange juice. "You seem extra cheerful today," she noted.

Johan chuckled. "Let me guess—he has plans."

Nico smirked between bites. "Maybe."

Danny raised an eyebrow. "With Aitana?"

He simply nodded, earning a knowing look from both of them.

Johan grinned. "Good. A footballer needs balance—just don't let her outrun you."

Nico laughed. "She already does."

__________

Around 10, Nico washed up again and got dressed. He wore a fitted black cashmere t-shirt, layering it with a brown leather jacket. Around his neck, a small necklace with the Barcelona logo as the pendant rested against his skin. With a final glance in the mirror, he ran a hand through his silky black hair and stepped out. 

The morning air was crisp as he walked through the familiar streets, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. Soon, he arrived at Aitana's house and rang the doorbell. 

A few seconds later, the door opened, and there she was—dressed casually but effortlessly beautiful, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.

She quickly reached for his hand, her fingers lacing with his as she stepped outside. With a soft smile, she closed the door behind her, glancing up at him.

"Where are we going?" she asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Nico smirked. "You'll see."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't question further, simply squeezing his hand as they started walking."

_______________

He led her through the streets of Barcelona, their hands still intertwined. The morning sun bathed the city in a golden glow as they walked, the crisp air carrying the hum of everyday life.

When they finally arrived at the Sagrada Familia, Aitana's eyes widened in surprise. She turned to him, a soft smile forming on her lips.

"You brought me here?" she asked, glancing up at the towering basilica.

Nico nodded. "Figured it's been a while since we actually stopped to appreciate the city we grew up in."

She exhaled, taking in the breathtaking sight of Gaudí's masterpiece. "I've seen it so many times, but every time, it still feels… unreal."

Nico watched her, his emerald green eyes reflecting the wonder in hers. "Kind of like you," he murmured.

She looked at him, warmth spreading across her face. "That was smooth."

"I try." He grinned before gently tugging her forward. "Come on, let's go inside."

_______________

They strolled through the grand basilica, the stained-glass windows casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the marble floor. Sunlight filtered through, painting their faces in hues of red, blue, and gold. 

Aitana took out her phone, angling it for a selfie. "Come here," she said, pulling Nico closer. He leaned in, their faces side by side as she snapped the picture. 

"Let me see," Nico said, peeking at the screen. 

She turned the phone toward him. The photo was perfect—Aitana smiling brightly, Nico looking effortlessly cool with his sharp features and striking green eyes. The backdrop of the towering columns and intricate carvings made it look like something out of a dream. 

"Not bad," he said with a smirk. "Might even be YSL campaign material." 

She rolled her eyes, laughing. "You and your YSL." 

They continued exploring, taking more pictures—some serious, some silly. Nico snapped a candid of Aitana staring up in awe at the ceiling. She got revenge by capturing him mid-yawn. 

"This one is going up," she teased, showing him the picture. 

"No way," he objected. "Delete that." 

"Hmm… no," she said, grinning as she saved it. 

They kept walking, their steps slow, unhurried. No cameras, no fans, no pressure—just them, enjoying a rare, peaceful moment together.

____________

As they continued walking, a group of boys around 11 or 12 hesitantly approached them. One of them, eyes wide with excitement, spoke up. 

"Are you… Nico Cryuff?" 

Nico, surprised, glanced at Aitana before looking back at the kids. "How did you even recognize me? We're wearing masks." 

One of the boys grinned. "Your eyes. They're a giveaway." 

Aitana laughed softly, nudging Nico. "Told you your emerald eyes are too unique." 

Nico shook his head, amused. "Man, I really can't hide anywhere, huh?" 

The boys hesitated for a second before one of them finally asked, "Can we get a photo with both of you?" 

Nico nodded. "Of course, come here." 

He and Aitana crouched slightly to fit into the frame with them. They snapped a few photos, the boys grinning excitedly. 

"Thanks, Nico! You're the best!" one of them exclaimed. 

Another turned to Aitana. "And you too, Aitana! You guys are our favorites!" 

Aitana smiled warmly. "That means a lot. Keep working hard, and maybe one day we'll be watching you play at Camp Nou." 

The boys lit up, waving as they ran off. 

Nico watched them go, shaking his head. "Eleven years old and already exposing me in public." 

Aitana giggled. "Face it, Mr. Cryuff. You're just too famous to blend in." 

He sighed dramatically. "The burden of greatness." 

She rolled her eyes, linking her arm with his. "Come on, superstar. Let's keep walking."

___________

As they wandered through the streets of Barcelona, the cool breeze brushing past them, Aitana suddenly turned to Nico with a teasing glint in her eyes. 

"If I wasn't your girlfriend," she asked, "who would've been your girlfriend?" 

Nico smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "No one." 

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come on." 

He shrugged. "I'm serious. I wouldn't have had time for a relationship. Football takes up everything. And let's be real, no one else would have survived me." 

Aitana laughed. "Survived you? What are you, a storm?" 

"A hurricane, maybe," he said, grinning. "But in all honesty, I never even thought about anyone else. You were the only one I ever looked at that way." 

Aitana bit her lip, clearly trying not to smile too much. "You're lucky I like you." 

"I'd say I'm more than lucky." He looked at her, eyes warm. "I'd say I'm blessed." 

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Smooth talker." 

Nico chuckled. "Only for you, princesa." 

They continued walking, the city alive around them, but for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of them.

___________

They spent the afternoon wandering through the streets of Barcelona, the city bathed in golden sunlight. Aitana had her phone out, snapping pictures of everything—Nico leaning against a railing with the Sagrada Familia in the background, the two of them sharing an ice cream cone, a playful selfie with the Mediterranean sea behind them.

"You're terrible at smiling for photos," she teased, scrolling through the pictures.

"I don't need to smile. My presence is enough," he replied smugly.

She rolled her eyes but laughed anyway, tugging him along as they made their way to the amusement park.

The hours flew by in a blur of excitement. They raced each other on go-karts, screamed their lungs out on roller coasters, and shared cotton candy under the neon lights. At one point, Aitana dared Nico to win her a plush toy at a shooting game, and after his first attempt missed—completely on purpose, he insisted—he nailed the rest of his shots with ease.

"Show-off," she muttered, hugging the oversized teddy bear he handed her.

By the time they stepped out of the amusement park, the sky had darkened, and the city lights twinkled around them.

Aitana checked her phone. "It's already seven. Time really flies."

_______________

As the evening sky turned a deep shade of blue, the city lights flickering on one by one, they started making their way back home. Aitana let out an exaggerated sigh, dragging her steps slightly.

"My legs hurt," she whined. "Carry me?"

Nico shot her a knowing look. "You do this every single time we go out."

She grinned, unbothered. "And yet, you still carry me every single time."

He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "One day, I'm just going to leave you there."

Aitana gasped, playfully clutching her chest. "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

She pouted, crossing her arms. "Fine, I'll just sit here on the sidewalk and wait for someone else to carry me."

Nico rolled his eyes. "Dios mío." Before she could protest further, he crouched down in front of her. "Get on."

She wasted no time, hopping onto his back, her arms wrapping around his shoulders.

"See? You love me too much to leave me behind," she teased, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, adjusting his grip on her legs. "You're just lucky I like carrying you."

She giggled. "Lucky me, then."

He carried her effortlessly through the streets, the warmth of her presence against his back feeling oddly comforting. And though he'd never admit it, he wouldn't mind carrying her forever.

___________

They reached her home, and Nico carefully let her down from his back. Aitana stretched her arms with a soft sigh, then looked up at him with a warm smile before stepping forward to wrap her arms around him in a tight hug. 

Just as she was about to pull back, Nico's hands gently held her waist, stopping her. Before she could say anything, he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together. His emerald-green eyes locked onto hers for a brief moment before he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. 

Aitana melted into him, her hands sliding up to cup his face. The world around them blurred—nothing else existed in that moment but the quiet hum of the city, the distant sound of passing cars, and the warmth they shared. 

When they finally pulled apart, her breath was slightly uneven, her cheeks tinged pink. 

Nico smirked. "You always say your legs hurt, but somehow you have enough energy for this." 

She laughed softly, resting her forehead against his. "Shut up." 

He grinned before giving her one last peck. "Goodnight, princesa." 

"Goodnight, mi amor." 

With one last glance, he turned and walked away, leaving Aitana smiling as she watched him disappear into the night.

___________

Author's note : Vote if you like what you're reading . Do comment about things you dont like , so i can fix it in the upcoming chapters