More Than a Game

Chapter 73 - Game Mode, Chaos Mode, and Nika Being Nika

Locking in for the Champions League

The next few days were all about preparing for the biggest game of the season so far—Arsenal's Champions League semifinal.

The vibes in the training ground were serious, but let's be honest—not too serious.

"Oi, Skye," Katie called out as they warmed up. "You gonna actually focus today, or is your girlfriend still living rent-free in your head?"

Skye smirked. "Oh, I'm always focused. Focused on cooking these defenders tonight."

The whole team groaned.

Trinity shook her head. "You really think you're HIM, huh?"

"I don't think. I know," Skye replied, chest puffed out dramatically.

Rene, their coach, walked past at the worst possible moment.

"You 'know' what, Buckers?"

The whole squad burst out laughing.

Skye, caught in 4K, tried to save herself. "Uh... that I—uh—love football?"

Rene shook her head, muttering, "Lord help me."

⸻

Champions League Nights: Skye and Trinity Take Over

Game day. Lights on. Crowd roaring.

Skye thrived in this environment. And when the ref blew the whistle, she was on fire.

Within 15 minutes, she had already sent one defender back to the Stone Age with her footwork.

"OH MY GOD, SKYE BUCKERS JUST HUMILIATED HER!" The commentator screamed as Skye nutmegged her opponent and sent a worldie of an assist to Trinity.

Trinity buried it.

1-0 Arsenal.

Skye ran straight to her best friend.

"We're too good," she grinned, pointing at herself and then Trinity.

Trinity smirked. "Nah, I'M too good. You just exist."

Skye shoved her playfully. "Keep talking. I'll stop passing to you."

"Like you could resist."

Touché.

⸻

A Win and a Call from Nika

Final score? 3-1 Arsenal.
Skye? Goal and assist.
Trinity? Two goals.
The team? Into the Champions League FINAL.

After all the celebrations in the locker room (which included Katie trying to shower people with a bottle of beer before getting tackled by Leah), Skye finally checked her phone.

[Missed FaceTime Call – Nika ❤️]

Skye smirked. She called back immediately.

Nika picked up instantly. "Took you long enough."

"Sorry, babe, I was busy, y'know... winning."

Nika rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I saw."

Skye leaned back, staring at her girlfriend through the screen. "You jealous?"

Nika smirked. "Of what?"

Skye crossed her arms. "Me and Trin. Our connection. Our magic. Our elite duo energy."

Nika fake gagged. "You're so annoying."

Skye grinned. "And yet, you love me."

Nika sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately."

Skye laughed. "Hey! Take that back."

Nika smirked. "Make me."

Oh. Oh, she was playing with fire.

Skye leaned closer to the screen, her voice dropping. "Say that again. I dare you."

Nika's eyes widened slightly, but she kept her cool. "Make. Me."

Skye felt her stomach flip.

"Oh, babe," she whispered. "Just wait until I see you again."

Nika's cheeks turned red. "Goodnight, Skye."

And with that, she ended the call.

Skye stared at her phone.

Yeah. She was so in love it was ridiculous.

⸻

Instagram Chaos Ensues

Of course, Skye couldn't resist.

She posted a picture from the game—one of her and Trinity celebrating. The caption?

"You thought this was my most important duo? Think again. 😉"

The comments were pure chaos.
    •    Trinity: "????? EXCUSE ME???"
    •    Leah Williamson: "I feel like I just witnessed a crime."
    •    Katie McCabe: "@trinity don't let her talk to you like that."
    •    Paige Bueckers: "I know exactly who she's talking about lmaooo."
    •    Nika Mühl: "Oh, really? Interesting. 🙃"
    •    Random Fan: "NIKA IS IN THE COMMENTS OMG."
    •    Another Fan: "DROP THE NAME WE ALREADY KNOW."
    •    A Third Fan: "THE INTERNET IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE."

Skye laughed so hard she almost dropped her phone.

Yeah. Life was good.

⸻

End of Chapter 73
    •    Arsenal? In the Champions League final.
    •    Skye? Still chaotic.
    •    Nika? Jealous again.
    •    **Instagram? A battlefield.
    •    Trinity? Ready to fight.