Time on the Run 2

A Walk Through Igualada

After finishing their coffee, Daniel and Sofia stepped outside into the cool evening air. The streets of Igualada were buzzing with life—small shops still open, people chatting on sidewalks, and the distant sounds of a street musician playing the guitar.

"Want to walk for a bit?" Sofia asked.

Daniel nodded. "Yeah, why not?"

They strolled down the narrow streets, passing old buildings and modern cafes. The streetlights cast a warm glow, and for the first time in a long while, Daniel felt at ease. No football stress. No mysterious enemies lurking in the shadows. Just him and Sofia.

"So, Madrid beat Man City 6-3 last night," Sofia said, breaking the silence.

Daniel groaned. "Don't remind me. I was rooting for City."

Sofia smirked. "Of course, you were. Your idol's there."

"Hey, Haaland is a beast. What's wrong with supporting him?"

She laughed. "Nothing. Just don't cry when they lose again."

Daniel shook his head, grinning. "You're evil."

She gave him a playful nudge. "You like it."

He hesitated for half a second before replying, "Maybe."

A Moment of Truth

As they reached a small park, Sofia stopped and leaned against a bench. "Daniel, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, of course."

She hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully. "I meant what I said earlier. You always seem… distant. Even now."

Daniel looked away, staring at the flickering lights in the park. He wanted to tell her. A part of him needed to. But how could he explain time slowing down around him? The people chasing him? The nightmares?

"I have my reasons," he finally said.

Sofia crossed her arms. "That's not an answer."

Daniel exhaled. "I know. But I promise… one day, I'll tell you everything."

She searched his eyes for a moment before nodding. "Okay. I'll wait."

A weight lifted off his chest. She didn't press further. She trusted him.

"Want to sit for a bit?" Daniel asked.

Sofia smiled. "Sure."

They sat on the bench, watching the world go by. The noise of the city faded, leaving only the quiet between them.

Something More

Daniel wasn't sure how much time passed, but he knew one thing—he didn't want this moment to end.

He glanced at Sofia. The way the streetlights reflected in her eyes, the slight curl of her lips, the way she made him feel…

He had been running from so much. Maybe it was time to stop. At least for a little while.

"Sofia," he said softly.

She turned to him. "Yeah?"

"I—"

His phone buzzed. A message from Miguel.

Miguel: Bro, big news! Training tomorrow—don't be late. Coach wants us sharp.

Daniel sighed. Reality was calling.

Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Football?"

"Yeah." He slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Duty calls."

She smirked. "You better not be late."

Daniel grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it."

They stood up, walking back toward the main road. As they reached the spot where they had to part ways, Sofia hesitated. Then, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

"See you tomorrow, Carter."

Daniel blinked, his brain short-circuiting. "Uh—yeah. See you."

Sofia laughed and walked away, leaving Daniel standing there, stunned.

Maybe, just maybe, he was winning her heart after all.