002 | training day

The rhythmic thud of boots on the turf echoed across the training pitch as Gianna Guiu and Cienna Bernal worked through their drills. The Barcelona women's team training sessions always had a certain intensity to them, even on days like this when the exercises were simple. Passing, first-touch drills, and quick sprints—nothing overly complex, but it was all about the precision.

Gianna's ponytail bounced with every sharp movement she made, her focus unwavering as she passed the ball back and forth with Cienna.

"Quicker, Gianna!" Cienna teased, a sly grin spreading across her face as she fired the ball harder than necessary.

Gianna narrowed her eyes, controlling the pass easily before sending it right back with equal force. "You want quicker? Try keeping up!"

The two girls shared a laugh, their competitive spirits bringing out the best in each other. It had always been like this with Cienna—she was more than a teammate; she was family, the twin sister Gianna never had.

The sun was high in the sky, and the hum of activity surrounded them as their teammates worked through drills of their own. The camaraderie among the players was palpable, but Gianna couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing—or rather, someone.

"Gianna, your turn for shooting drills!" the coach called out.

She nodded, jogging toward the goalpost and lining up her shot. As she stepped back, ready to strike, a familiar figure emerged from the sidelines.

Hector Fort.

Gianna froze mid-step, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. He was dressed in casual gear, his signature messy hair and lopsided grin making him look every bit the boy she'd grown up with.

"Hector?" she blurted out, her voice louder than intended.

Hector waved casually, his grin widening as he walked onto the pitch, completely unbothered by the fact that he was interrupting a professional training session.

Cienna noticed Gianna's reaction and raised an eyebrow, smirking knowingly. "Go on, then," she said under her breath, nudging Gianna.

Gianna didn't need any more encouragement. Without thinking, she abandoned the drill and sprinted across the pitch, her cleats pounding against the turf.

"Hector!" she called out again, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and disbelief.

Before he could say anything, she launched herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug. Hector stumbled back slightly, laughing as he caught her.

"Hey, Gigi," he said softly, using the nickname he'd given her years ago. "Miss me or something?"

Gianna pulled back just enough to look at him, her face lighting up with a smile that was equal parts joy and relief. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at your own training?"

Hector shrugged, still holding onto her. "We finished early. Thought I'd come see if you were actually working hard or just slacking off as usual."

Gianna rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "You're so full of yourself."

"True," he said with a wink, finally setting her back on the ground. "But admit it—you're glad to see me."

Before she could respond, Cienna jogged over, her smirk as sharp as ever. "Hector Fort, interrupting training sessions as usual. Shouldn't you be preparing for your big debut with the senior team or something?"

Hector shrugged again, his grin never faltering. "What can I say? I prioritize the important things in life." He gave Gianna a pointed look, and she felt her cheeks flush slightly.

The coach cleared his throat loudly from across the pitch, clearly unimpressed with the interruption. "Gianna! Back to drills! And tell your friend this isn't a social hour."

Gianna winced, turning back to Hector. "I'll talk to you later, okay? If I don't get back now, I'll be running laps until sunset."

"Deal," Hector said, stepping back. "But don't forget—I'm sticking around, so don't leave without saying goodbye."

With one last smile, Gianna jogged back to the drill, her heart still racing. As she lined up her shot, she could feel Hector's eyes on her, and for a moment, everything felt just a little brighter.

Cienna leaned in as they resumed their passing drills. "You two are ridiculous, you know that?"

Gianna tried to brush it off, but the warmth in her chest betrayed her. "Shut up and pass me the ball, Cienna."

But even as the training session continued, she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Hector was here, and somehow, that made everything feel just a little bit better.