Time on the Run 2

Back on the Pitch

The next afternoon, Daniel arrived at CF Igualada's training ground, still replaying last night in his head. Sofia's kiss on the cheek, the way she laughed before walking away—he couldn't shake it off.

But as soon as he stepped onto the field, reality hit. Training wasn't going to be easy today.

Coach Morales paced in front of them, his expression serious. "Listen up, chicos. The league is just starting, and I want everyone at their best. We've had a solid start, but we need to stay sharp."

Daniel glanced at Miguel and Luis, who both looked focused. Even Sofia, now part of their squad, stood with her arms crossed, looking determined.

Coach Morales continued, "We're facing Sant Andreu this weekend, and they're a strong side. I want quick passing, high pressure, and sharp finishing. Understood?"

"¡Sí, entrenador!" the team responded.

Miguel turned to Daniel. "Man, you look half-asleep. Late night?"

Daniel smirked. "Something like that."

Luis elbowed him. "You're thinking about Sofia, aren't you?"

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Focus, guys."

They laughed, but as soon as training started, all jokes faded.

Pushing Limits

The session was intense. The team practiced quick one-touch passing drills, pressing high up the field, and finishing exercises.

Daniel found himself paired with Miguel in a small-sided game. The ball came to him, and time slowed—just for a second. He saw Miguel making a run before anyone else reacted. Without hesitation, he sent a perfectly weighted pass into space.

Miguel sprinted onto it and fired a shot past the keeper.

Coach Morales clapped. "¡Bien, Daniel! That's the vision I want to see!"

Daniel exhaled. He was getting better at controlling his time-perception powers, using them in the flow of the game rather than letting them overwhelm him.

But then, disaster struck.

An Unlucky Blow

During a full-pitch scrimmage, Daniel chased down an opponent, pressing aggressively. The opposing player turned sharply, and as Daniel went to block him, their legs tangled.

A sharp pain shot through his ankle as he hit the ground.

"Daniel!" Sofia's voice cut through the noise.

Miguel and Luis rushed over. "You okay, bro?"

Daniel gritted his teeth. His ankle throbbed, but he could already feel his body working to heal it. Still, he couldn't let anyone see how fast he recovered.

Coach Morales jogged over. "Can you stand?"

Daniel nodded, slowly getting up. The pain was fading fast. Too fast. He forced himself to limp slightly, playing it off.

"I'll be fine," he said. "Just a small knock."

Coach narrowed his eyes but didn't push further. "Alright. Ice it after training. Don't push too hard."

Daniel nodded, but he knew the truth—by the time he got home, his ankle would be completely fine.

A Private Moment

After training, Sofia caught up with him in the parking lot.

"You sure you're okay?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.

Daniel smiled. "Yeah. I heal fast."

She studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "You're a mystery, Carter."

He shrugged. "Maybe."

She sighed, then smiled. "Well, see you tomorrow. Don't get injured again, okay?"

Daniel smirked. "No promises."

As she walked away, he felt something shift inside him. Football, his powers, the mystery of his past—they were all important.

But right now, the only thing he wanted to figure out… was her.