Unexpected Lines.

When Enough is Enough.

She pushed the thought down, slipping into her hoodie and sunglasses, taking a deep breath before stepping out into the world. Spain awaited, and with it, answers she wasn’t sure she was ready to face.

_______

The hum of the plane engines faded as Kaia unbuckled her seatbelt, pulling her hoodie low over her face. Sunglasses masked her eyes, but the weight of nerves pressed down on her anyway. She kept her head down, moving with purpose through the airport, trying not to notice the curious glances from other passengers.

By the time she collected her bag, Alba was waiting near the arrivals gate, leaning casually against the barrier. The moment Kaia spotted her, relief and guilt collided. Alba’s face softened into a warm, bright smile despite the faint traces of worry etched around her eyes.

“Kai!” Alba stepped forward, enveloping her in a tight, reassuring hug. Kaia stiffened for a heartbeat before melting into it, letting herself be held.

“Hey,” Kaia murmured, her voice low.

“You okay?” Alba asked, pulling back just enough to look at her. “No need to answer now, but—hey. I’m here.”

Kaia gave a small nod, grateful for the simplicity of it. “Yeah… I think so.”

They moved toward the exit, Alba chatting lightly about small things—the flight, the weather, a few teammate updates—but Kaia only half-listened, lost in her own thoughts.

Finally, they reached Alba’s car. She opened the door for Kaia, who hesitated only for a second before sliding inside. Alba tossed Kaia’s bag into the backseat and buckled in, glancing at her with a soft, encouraging smile.

“Ready?” Alba asked, starting the engine.

Kaia nodded again, drawing a steadying breath as the car pulled away from the airport. The streets of Barcelona blurred past, alive and vibrant, but Kaia’s mind was elsewhere. She kept her hoodie up, her sunglasses shielding her eyes, letting herself relax just a little in Alba’s presence.

The drive was quiet, but comforting. Kaia felt the familiar rhythm of being driven, the hum of the engine, Alba’s occasional quiet remarks—just enough to anchor her without demanding anything. For now, this was enough.

The car slowed as they pulled up outside Alexia’s place. Alba’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel as she glanced at Kaia. Something about the scene ahead made her hesitate.

Alexia’s terrace and open-plan living area were bustling with people—her teammates were all over the place, laughing, chatting, checking phones. Alba’s heart sank a little at the thought of Kaia walking into this.

“Vale…” Alba murmured, starting to open the car door.

Kaia didn’t move. Her eyes were fixed on the figures unloading a suitcase—Barça players, Jana among them. Her stomach dropped. Mouth parted, she whispered, almost to herself, “I shouldn’t have come here… I’m sorry. I’m going.”

Alba reached for her hand. “Kai, wait—”

But Kaia shook her head, genuinely conflicted. “I don’t know what to say… to her. To Jana. Like, oh hey, didn’t know Jill was… and then she declared… I don’t—” Her words tumbled out in a rush, desperate and incoherent.

Alba exhaled, trying to stay calm. “Okay, okay… I’ll take you to Mami’s. We’ll talk there.”

Before Kaia could protest further, a voice called out—Jana’s, clear and firm. “Why doesn’t she stay?”

Kaia froze, caught between guilt and fear. She didn’t know what to say, and Alba’s protective hand on her shoulder was all that anchored her.

Around them, the Barça girls flicked between phones and Kaia, curious glances darting over as she stood frozen near the car. Her chest tightened, and she felt small, out of place, intimidated.