Soccer System: All the Skills, One Player!

"Oh, hi, Kader. Sorry, I... I got mixed up here. I called by mistake," said Lucas.

"Really? Well, since that's the case, I'd better hang up."

"Actually, maybe it's a sign of fate. I'm here doing nothing and I thought maybe... you wanted to go to the movies today? Nothing too elaborate, of course. Just for a movie."

On the other end of the line, Kader was silent for a few seconds, which seemed like an eternity to Lucas. Finally, she answered with a slight laugh.

"Movie? Just to clarify, Tanaka, this isn't a romantic invitation, is it?" Lucas almost choked.

Lucas almost choked. "What? No, of course not! Look, it's just that I'm curious about how Eddie is coping with this new phase as a coach, and you're probably the person who knows the most about him. I thought we could talk. And, well, I'm bored too."

Kader laughed again. "Oh, I see. So you want to use my company as an excuse to spy on my father. I'm feeling so valued right now."

"It's not that! I swear! I just thought it would be fun to get out for a while."

She sighed. "Okay, Tanaka. I'll accept, but only because I have nothing better to do either. Where are we meeting?"

Lucas smiled, relieved. "How about the mall downtown? We can choose a movie there and have something to eat afterwards."

"Okay. See you in an hour," said Kader, before hanging up.

---

An hour later, Lucas was standing in front of the movie theater in the city mall. He had chosen a casual shirt and a pair of jeans, something that wouldn't draw too much attention and that was more casual than the outfit he wore to the contract renewal meeting.

While he waited, he looked around, noticing the movement of people coming and going with bags, couples discussing which movies to see, and children running around a fountain.

Kader arrived shortly after, wearing a simple dress and a light jacket. Her short pink hair was loose, and she carried a small bag on her shoulder.

"I hope you didn't wait too long. The traffic was awful," she said unceremoniously.

"No big deal. I'm glad you came."

They walked to the box office together, looking at the movie posters. After some indecision, they opted for a light comedy.

"Something to relax," commented Kader. "I don't think any of us are in the mood for heavy dramas today."

"I agree. We need a few laughs," said Lucas, as he bought the tickets. They also grabbed some popcorn and soft drinks before entering the theater.

During the movie, they both laughed and made low comments about the funniest scenes. Kader had a sharper sense of humor than Lucas had expected. When the credits finally rolled, they both left with smiles on their faces.

"Okay, I admit, that was fun," said Kader, as he finished the last piece of popcorn. "But now it's your turn. What exactly do you want to know about my father?"

They sat down in one of the mall's squares, near a small coffee shop. Lucas ordered two cappuccinos before answering.

"How is he? Eddie was a demanding coach, but we liked that. We knew he'd stick to his guns because he believes that physicality is very important in soccer. Taking him off to put Jimenez on with only one game lost, and a draw was... unfair."

"They needed a scapegoat to put Jimenez back in charge. Of course, they could have done it from the start when Team-B replaced Team-A. However, there could have been controversy that Team-B was only playing well because of my father's tactics. I think they wanted to avoid that. Anyway, my dad's fine. Of course, he enjoyed being the coach, and he's still very upset about the board's decision. But what can he do apart from carrying on doing his job?"

"It's really complicated..." said Lucas, stirring his cup of cappuccino. "But if there's one thing I've learned from playing under Eddie, it's that he doesn't give up easily. He'll get over it."

Kader smiled slightly, but there was a touch of melancholy in his eyes. "You're right. He's resilient. He trusts you, you know? More than he lets on."

Lucas blinked, surprised. "Really? I never imagined that. He always seems so... distant."

Kader laughed, this time more lightly. "It's his way. He's not one to show much, but he believes in players who show dedication. And you're one of them."

The compliment put Lucas off a little, but it also motivated him. He decided he would do anything to justify Eddie's trust in him. After a few minutes of silence, he changed the subject.

"But what about you, Kader? You seem to have taken on even more responsibility in the team."

She shrugged. "It's... hard work, but I like it. I want to be useful, even if my contribution seems small. Besides, being close to the team gives me a sense of purpose. I enjoy seeing all of you fighting for something bigger."

Lucas smiled, admiring her dedication. "You do so much more than you realize, Kader. Have you seen how much everyone depends on you? From helping with uniforms to giving that moral support, you're essential to the team."

She blushed slightly and looked away, but couldn't hide a small smile. "Thank you, Lucas. That's good to hear."

They continued chatting about various topics, they just didn't realize that while they were talking in that food court, not far away, there were two girls sitting at a table and whispering about them.

Lucy Griffin, the promising swimmer who had become friends with Lucas and a Brighton fan to the extent of going to all their home games, was hiding her face between her arms, clearly uncomfortable. Next to her, Kate Dyer, a member of the disciplinary board and Lucy's friend, was looking at her with exasperation.

"Lucy, for God's sake, get your head up. They'll think you're ill if they see you," said Kate.

"I'm having a bad time," came Lucy's muffled reply. Her voice sounded anguished, as if each word took an enormous emotional effort. "Look at them, Kate! She's laughing, he's laughing... and he bought her coffee! What else could it mean?"

Kate sighed, leaning back in her chair. "It means they're talking, Lucy. Talking isn't a crime, you know. She's an assistant on the team he plays for. It's natural."

Lucy lifted her head slightly, just enough to glare at Kate. Her blonde hair was messy, and her blue eyes had an accusing glint. "Natural? NATURAL?! Since when does a guy call a coworker to go to the movies and then have coffee with her at the mall? That's not natural, Kate. That's... it's a conspiracy!"

Kate couldn't contain her laughter. "A conspiracy, really? And who's conspiring, the universe? God? Fate?"
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Lucy buried her face in her arms again. "You don't understand... Kader has every opportunity. She's there, every day, by his side. They train together, travel together... she's practically his shadow. How can I compete with that?"

Kate shook her head, putting her milkshake aside. "Lucy, you're exaggerating. Lucas is just... Lucas. He hasn't even realized that you like him. And, to be honest, Kader seems professional. She's there to help the team. It would be a problem if she had a relationship with one boy. She certainly didn't steal him from you."

"She doesn't have to," muttered Lucy, her head still hidden. "She's already got his heart. Look at the way he's smiling at her! I've never seen him smile at me like that."

Kate leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "Okay, let's be realistic here. First: Lucas smiles at everyone, because he's a sociable person. Second: you've never given him the chance to smile at you like that, because every time he gets close, you freak out."

"I don't freak out!" protested Lucy, suddenly raising her head. Her cheeks were flushed, and she looked offended.

Kate arched an eyebrow. "Oh no? What do you think about seeing him in the corridors of the institute and pretending to be busy on your cell phone or running to the bathroom?"

"That's... tactical. I just don't want to seem desperate."

Kate rolled her eyes. "Lucy, you look anything but desperate. Do you know what you look like? Confused. And maybe a little childish."

"Childish?!" Lucy seemed about to protest again, but the word seemed to hit her like a bucket of cold water. She sighed, defeated. "Okay, maybe I am childish. But it's not fair, Kate. I've liked him since his first days here, and now I seem to lose any chance."

Kate softened her tone, realizing that her friend was really upset. "Look, Lucy, I understand how you feel. But standing here beating yourself up will not help. If you like him, be direct. Talk to him, show interest. Who knows, maybe he's expecting exactly that?"

"What if he's not expecting it? What if I end up making a fool of myself?"

Kate shrugged. "At least you'll know the truth. And that's better than staying here, hiding behind tables and spying like an amateur spy."

Lucy laughed softly, finally relaxing a little. "Okay, you have a point. But what if he's already into Kader?"

Kate slapped the table lightly, smiling. "Then you find out and move on. Lucy, you're amazing. Any guy would be lucky to have you by his side. Don't put your life on hold for someone who might not even realize how much you like him."

Lucy was silent for a moment, reflecting on her friend's words. Finally, she sighed. "Okay, you win. I'll try to talk to him... sometime."