Time on the Run 2

The cold air of Igualada's evening wrapped around Daniel as he sat across from Sofia at the café. His heart pounded—not from exhaustion after the match, but from the fact that he was here, sitting with her, sharing a quiet moment outside of football and school.

Sofia stirred her coffee, looking at him with a smirk. "You look nervous."

Daniel chuckled. "Not nervous. Just… not used to this."

She raised an eyebrow. "Used to what? Being alone with a girl?"

He scratched the back of his head. "Maybe."

Sofia laughed softly. "Relax, Carter. It's just coffee."

But to him, it wasn't just coffee. It was an opportunity—one he didn't want to mess up.

"So," he said, leaning forward. "Why football?"

Sofia's eyes lit up. "Why not? My dad played when he was younger. I grew up watching matches with him. But, honestly, I think I love winning more than I love football."

Daniel grinned. "That makes sense. You don't seem like the type who likes losing."

Sofia smirked. "Neither do you."

They talked about everything—football, school, their goals. Daniel learned that she wanted to play professionally, maybe even get a shot at a top women's club. She learned that he wasn't just obsessed with football but also had dreams beyond it—though he left out the part about his powers and the people chasing him.

Some things were too dangerous to share.

The next morning, Daniel was back at CF Igualada's training ground, but something was different.

He was more focused. More determined.

Miguel noticed it first. "Someone's motivated today," he teased as Daniel sprinted past him during drills.

Luis smirked. "Sofia effect?"

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

But deep down, he knew they weren't wrong. Something about being with her made him want to be better—not just on the pitch, but in everything.

A Friendly Challenge

After training, Sofia was waiting near the entrance.

"You're getting better," she said, crossing her arms. "But can you beat me one-on-one?"

Daniel laughed. "You're serious?"

She tossed a ball between her feet. "Afraid?"

He shook his head, stepping forward. "You're on."

What followed was an intense duel. Sofia was fast, technically brilliant, and fearless. Daniel had his strength and vision, but she made him work for every touch of the ball.

By the time they finished, both were exhausted, breathless, and laughing.

Sofia flicked her hair back. "Not bad, Carter. But next time, I'll win."

Daniel smirked. "We'll see."

As they walked away from the field, Sofia glanced at him. "Hey… I had fun last night. Maybe we should do it again sometime?"

Daniel felt his heart skip a beat. "Yeah. I'd like that."

And just like that, he knew—winning matches was one thing. But winning Sofia's heart? That was a whole different game.