033 | the heat of the moment

The sun beat down on the training ground, relentless in its intensity. The air shimmered with heat, making the players' sweat drip in rivulets down their faces and necks. Gianna could feel the burn in her muscles as she sprinted across the pitch, pushing herself harder than she should have in the heat. Her knee had been doing well, but today, something felt off. She ignored it, her competitive spirit refusing to let her slow down.

She weaved through the cones, her legs heavy but determined. The others were beginning to slow, but she wasn't about to be the one to give up first.

From the sidelines, Hector watched her with growing concern. He could see the strain in her movements-her steps more labored than usual, her breathing ragged.

"Gianna, slow down!" Hector shouted, but she didn't hear him. Or maybe she just didn't want to. She was pushing herself too hard. He could see it in the way she stumbled, her steps faltering as her body began to buckle under the heat.

Marc Guiu was standing beside him, frowning as he watched his sister push herself beyond her limits.

"She's going to die if she keeps working in this heat," Marc muttered under his breath, his voice full of concern.

Hector's stomach twisted at the thought. "She's not going to listen unless we stop her," he said, his voice tight with frustration.

Marc's eyes followed Gianna as she staggered forward, her movements slowing down even further. "I'll take care of it."

But before Hector could stop him, Marc was already making his way onto the pitch, shouting her name. "Gianna, come on! You're pushing it too far!"

Gianna barely registered the sound of her brother's voice. She felt dizzy, the world around her spinning. She tried to keep moving, but her legs felt like they were made of lead.

Hector couldn't wait any longer. Without thinking, he bolted onto the field and rushed toward her, grabbing her just as she was about to collapse. His hands were firm but gentle as he caught her by the waist, steadying her.

"That's it," he growled, his tone filled with urgency. "You're done."

Gianna blinked up at him, her vision blurry as her breath came in sharp gasps. "I... I'm fine," she mumbled, shaking her head as if to convince herself.

Hector's eyes darkened with worry, his heart pounding. He could see how pale she was, the sweat on her face now mixing with the exhaustion in her eyes. She wasn't fine.

"No, you're not," he snapped, lifting her effortlessly off her feet.

Gianna didn't have the strength to fight him. She just let out a small gasp of surprise as Hector threw her onto his shoulders with ease, holding her securely.

"Don't you dare argue with me," he muttered, already moving toward the sidelines.

"Put me down!" Gianna protested weakly, her arms flopping limply at her sides. But there was no fire in her words. She was too exhausted to even try and break free.

"You're not going back on that pitch until you cool down," Hector said firmly, ignoring her protests.

Marc Guiu, now standing on the sideline, watched the scene unfold with a look of exasperation mixed with relief. "I swear, you two are impossible," he said with a half-smile, but there was concern in his eyes as well.

As Hector made his way to the bench, Gianna's body sagged against his back. Her breath came in uneven bursts, and she could barely keep her eyes open.

He lowered her onto the bench, his hands still gentle as he helped her sit up. "Stay here. I'm getting you water," Hector said quickly, not giving her a chance to argue.

Gianna rested her head against the back of the bench, her eyes closed. She could feel the coolness of the wind against her damp skin, but it didn't do much to shake the heat that still clung to her body.

Marc came over with a bottle of water, handing it to her. "You really need to take care of yourself, Gianna," he said gently.

She took the water gratefully, sipping slowly as she tried to regain her bearings. "I'm fine," she repeated softly, though it didn't have the same conviction as before.

"You're fine now," Hector said, crouching down in front of her with a stern look on his face. "But you're pushing yourself too hard. Your body's not a machine, Gigi."

Gianna met his gaze, her expression softening. "I know," she whispered, her voice filled with exhaustion. "I just... I just want to be back to my best."

Hector's eyes softened, and for a moment, there was nothing but the quiet between them. He placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "You will be. But you have to pace yourself."

"I know," she said again, her voice quieter this time.

Marc shook his head but smiled at his sister, his worry still clear. "You really do need to start listening to us more."

Gianna let out a breath of frustration but nodded, feeling the weight of their concern. "I know, Marc."

As Hector helped her to her feet, he gave her a teasing grin. "You've got to trust me, Gianna. If I say you're done for the day, you're done for the day."

Gianna rolled her eyes but allowed herself to lean on him as they walked off the pitch together, Marc following behind them.

"I'll be back tomorrow," she said, though there was no denying the quiet relief in her voice.

"Take it easy," Hector replied softly, still keeping a watchful eye on her as they made their way to the locker room.

Gianna couldn't help but smile, her heart warming as she glanced at Hector. He was always there when she needed him, and even though she hated being coddled, she couldn't deny the comfort that came with having him by her side.