IShowSpeed:Never Stop Dreaming!

The faint hum of the stadium lights buzzed in the evening air, casting a soft glow over the training pitch. The faint scent of freshly cut grass mixed with the distant aroma of rain that clung to the breeze, hinting at an approaching storm.

Dante wiped sweat from his brow as he slowed to a jog, his breath still ragged from the final sprint drill. The muscles in his legs burned from the strain, but beneath the exhaustion was a steady pulse of satisfaction. Each day, he could feel himself getting stronger, faster, and more in control.

"Good work today, Walker." Coach Brooks' voice carried across the field, rough but approving. "Keep this up, and you'll be ready for the first team trials soon."

Dante's chest swelled with pride as he nodded, his pulse still racing with adrenaline. But before he could fully process the praise, Jack's voice cut through the air.

"Don't let it go to your head, rookie. Trials are a whole different level."

Dante clenched his jaw but forced himself to stay calm. Let it go. Focus on your game.

After Training

The locker room was quieter than usual, the faint hum of fluorescent lights mingling with the distant patter of rain against the windows. The air smelled faintly of sweat, leather, and the faint trace of disinfectant, grounding Dante in the familiar post-practice routine.

As he packed his gear, Ethan clapped him on the shoulder with a grin.

"You killed it out there today, man. Coach is finally noticing what you can do."

"Yeah… it's about time," Dante replied, though his thoughts were already drifting toward the future. The first team trials were approaching, and with them came the chance to prove that he belonged among the best.

"You heading out?" Ethan asked as he slung his bag over his shoulder.

"Yeah, just need a minute," Dante replied, his gaze flicking toward the window where rain streaked against the glass.

"Cool. Catch you tomorrow," Ethan called over his shoulder as he headed for the exit.

The door swung shut behind him, leaving Dante alone with the faint hum of the lights and the distant rumble of thunder outside.

Soon… Just a little longer.

Outside the Stadium

The rain had eased to a soft drizzle by the time Dante stepped outside, the air cool against his skin as the faint scent of wet asphalt and grass lingered in the air. The faint hum of traffic drifted from the nearby streets, blending with the occasional splash of water as passing cars hit puddles.

As he adjusted the strap of his bag, a familiar voice called out from nearby.

"Looks like the rain finally let up."

Dante turned, his pulse jumping slightly as he spotted Sophie standing near the entrance. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a loose braid, with a few strands escaping to frame her face. The soft glow of the streetlights caught in her green eyes, making them seem even brighter against the dim evening light.

"Yeah… just in time too," Dante replied, his voice sounding more awkward than he'd intended.

Sophie tilted her head slightly, her smile faint but genuine. "How was training?"

"Good. Coach says I'm getting closer to the first team trials," Dante replied, unable to keep the hint of pride from his voice.

"I'm not surprised," Sophie said, her gaze steady. "You've been pushing yourself harder than anyone out there."

The warmth in her words settled deep in Dante's chest, a quiet affirmation that meant more than he cared to admit.

"Thanks," he said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as the air between them seemed to hum with unspoken words.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the distant sounds of the city filling the silence as rain dripped from the edge of the stadium's roof.

"So… do you always wait around after practice, or was this a coincidence?" Dante asked, his tone light but curious.

Sophie's smile widened slightly, though her gaze remained calm. "Coincidence. I had to drop something off for my dad. But… I saw you and thought I'd say hi."

"Well… hi," Dante replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth despite the awkward heat rising in his chest.

Sophie chuckled softly, the sound light and easy against the cool night air.

"You heading home?" she asked.

"Yeah. It's not too far—I usually walk," Dante replied.

"Well… see you around then," Sophie said with a small wave before turning toward the parking lot.

Dante watched her go, his pulse still slightly uneven as the faint echo of her laughter lingered in his mind.

What are you doing, Walker? Focus on football…

But as he started down the street, the memory of her smile stayed with him, warm and steady beneath the steady rhythm of the rain.

A Week Later: At the Café

The warm scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries filled the air as Dante stepped into the café near the stadium, shaking the drizzle from his jacket as the faint hum of conversation washed over him. The soft glow of hanging lights cast a cozy atmosphere over the wooden tables and worn leather chairs, offering a brief refuge from the gray sky outside.

"Walker! Over here!" Ethan's voice carried from a corner table, where he sat nursing a steaming mug of coffee.

Dante made his way over, sliding into the seat opposite his friend.

"Thought you could use a break from all that brooding," Ethan said with a grin.

"I don't brood," Dante muttered, though the corners of his mouth tugged upward despite himself.

"Right… sure you don't." Ethan took a sip of his coffee before adding, "So… you seen Sophie lately?"

Dante nearly choked on his drink. "What? Why—why would I—"

"Relax, man. I'm just messing with you," Ethan said, laughing at Dante's reaction. "But seriously… you two seem to be running into each other a lot lately."

"It's just coincidence," Dante replied quickly. Too quickly.

Ethan raised an eyebrow but didn't press the subject. "If you say so. Anyway, you ready for Saturday's match? Leeds United's no joke."

"I'm ready," Dante said, the fire of determination reigniting in his chest. "This time, I'm not holding back."

As they talked, Dante's gaze drifted toward the window, where raindrops traced slow paths down the glass. In the faint reflection, he caught a glimpse of auburn hair outside on the street, and his pulse jumped before he could stop himself.

Focus, Walker. Football comes first.

But even as he told himself that, the image of Sophie's smile refused to fade.

Later That Night: Reflections

The faint hum of the city drifted through the half-open window of Dante's room, mixing with the distant patter of rain against the pavement. The air smelled faintly of rain and autumn leaves, grounding him in the quiet stillness of the night.

Seated at the edge of his bed, Dante rolled a soccer ball beneath his foot, the familiar motion grounding his restless thoughts as his gaze drifted toward the ceiling.

Focus on football. Nothing else matters right now.

And yet… the memory of Sophie's smile lingered at the edges of his mind, a warmth he couldn't quite push away.

Sighing, he leaned back against the wall, the faint hum of the city outside echoing the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Small steps… one day at a time.

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