The Architect

[Early Evening, On the Way to the Practice Field after physical training]

The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the grassy field. The air was cool, heavy with anticipation. Kyren and Elijah walked side by side, cleats crunching lightly against the path.

Elijah walked a little slower, watching Kyren out of the corner of his eye. "Why do they call you 'The Architect'?"

Kyren gave a small laugh.

"Because I read defenses like blueprints. I build the offense in my head before the play even starts. It's not just throwing the ball it's designing the win."

Elijah's eyes lit up with curiosity. "So… does that mean I'll get a cool nickname too someday?"

Kyren shrugged playfully. "Maybe. You gotta earn it first."

They shared a short laugh before Elijah turned more serious.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, shoot."

Elijah slowed again, thinking.

"Why do you play football? I mean… you're one of the top QBs in the country, right? But you're not getting paid for this."

Kyren's smile faded slightly as he looked toward the horizon.

"Not yet."

"See, players like us we gotta show we're worth something before brands and sponsors even notice us. We prove we're strong, profitable, marketable… then the money comes."

He exhaled slowly."But truthfully? I play because it's the only thing I've ever been good at. And it reminds me of my dad. He taught me the game before I could even walk."

Elijah looked down at his hands. "Zidane told me he saw something in me… something about my jumping. But I don't think it's anything special."

Kyren looked at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Every weapon starts off dull. But with enough training… you sharpen it into something dangerous."

"What are your weapons?" asked Elijah

"That would be my throwing arm" said Kyren

As they stepped onto the field, the rest of the team was already gathered: Cloe, Matthew, Fugo each stretching or tossing a ball to warm up.

Kyren clapped his hands.

"Our match starts tomorrow. We need to run plays and break down footage from both sides. No excuses."

"We need to know our strengths," Cloe added, tossing the ball to Kyren, "and how to cover for our weaknesses."

Elijah stepped into the huddle, feeling the grass beneath his cleats, the distant echoes of tomorrow's game ringing in his ears.

"Let's get to work," said Fugo, cracking his neck.

The five players lined up. The sky above them dimmed into a deep orange as the lights buzzed to life over the field.

Practice had begun. And this time, they weren't just trying to win.

They were learning how not to lose.

The field lights buzzed overhead, casting a pale glow across the grass. Team D stood in formation. Kyren held the ball, Elijah stood beside him, and the rest Matthew, Fugo, and Cloe waited, silent and tense.

"We're running Trips Right. Elijah, you're in the slot. Watch for the blitz, and don't hesitate just move."

Kyren's voice was calm, but his eyes burned with focus.

"Got it,"Elijah nodded, though his nerves twisted in his chest.

"Ready!"

"Set… Hike!"

The play unfolded.

Elijah sprinted off the line. Kyren scanned quickly, faked a pass to Fugo, then tossed it to Elijah on a short curl route. The ball hit his chest but bounced off.

Thud.

The ball hit the turf.

"Damn it!" Elijah cursed, grabbing the ball.

"Again," Kyren said, no hesitation.

"You've got the speed. Now get the hands right."

"We've been at it for hours," Fugo muttered, stretching his legs.

"If we don't rest"

"Then we'll lose again," Cloe snapped.

"You want that?"

Silence.

"Line up," Kyren commanded.

[Later 9:47 PM]

Sweat drenched their shirts. Grass stains covered their knees. Cloe ran Elijah through catching drills. Over and over.

Kyren sat on the sideline for a moment, watching. He could see it now Elijah's raw talent was real. He just needed refinement.

Elijah jumped, catching a pass from Matthew with one hand, then stumbling, but holding on this time.

"Better," Kyren called out. "Reset! Again!"

[Even Later 10:32 PM]

Exhausted but sharper. Elijah's hands were steadier. Fugo's cuts were quicker. Matthew's timing was cleaner. And Kyrenhis throws were laser-precise, even as his arms burned.

Zidane appeared at the edge of the field, arms folded, watching quietly.

"They've got fire,"he murmured to himself. "Now they just need to set the field ablaze."

[Final Drill – Midnight]

One last play.

Kyren in shotgun.

"Ready!"

Cloe snapped. The defense blitzed Matthew faked left. Fugo dragged the safety. Elijah broke right into open space.

Kyren threw it perfect spiral.

Elijah leapt caught it clean. Touchdown.

They stood in silence for a moment. No cheers, no clapping.

Just heavy breathing.

"That's what we need," Kyren finally said. "Execution."

Elijah dropped to the ground, lying on his back and breathing hard. "I think… I might throw up."

They all laughed tired, sweaty, beat down but somehow stronger than they were hours ago.

As they left the field…Cloe walked beside Elijah."You caught that last one like it meant something."

Elijah smirked. "Maybe… I just started to believe I belong here."

Kyren looked back at them, the stars above gleaming faintly. "We still have a lot to prove."

"Then let's prove it,"Elijah said, voice calm, confident.