His First Betrayal || Jude Bellingham x Erling Haaland

Chapter 1

The stadium roared as England scored their final goal ending the match with 2-1 against Norway.

The worst part of it all? Jude was hurting for Erling. Not only did Haaland's own teammates fail to properly work as a team, they let their envy and ego dominate the pitch the entire game. What even happened to that solid team work from previous matches? Jude thought it was utterly ridiculous how they behaved this way in the quarter-final. Immature and selfish was all he could think of. They all forgot who was the one person who brought them all this way in the WC.

Jude witnessed all this happening to Haaland, and as much as he felt happy that he brought his country victory. His heart couldn't fully rejoice knowing how Haaland must be feeling right now.

Disappointed.

Defeated.

Tired.

Most of all, betrayed.

Not one hug from his own team either. Norway's goalkeeper was crying, the atmosphere within their own team was sombre. Everyone just looked exhausted as they all fought hard on the pitch, ironically giving England an advantage.

Haaland's scent was fraught with sadness and anguish - an aching so deep it felt hard to even breathe. A stabbing pain straight to the heart. Is this how Haaland must be feeling? Jude knew his bestie was deeply affected by this and was probably holding back his tears. He knew the cold exterior and expression was just a facade to look strong in front of Norway's fans and everyone else.

Bellingham made his way to Haaland. Looking at the giant's back from behind screamed like a sad puppy to him. He gave Haaland the tightest hug he could and told him a few soothing words.

"You did well today mate. It was a solid performance" Jude said as he patted Haaland's back in a slow gentle motion.

"You did amazing too Jude. It was great playing on the pitch together after so long"

Haaland replied back in a low voice.

"Listen, I'll text you. How about we catch up later?"

"Sure, sounds good"

"See you soon, then," Jude called out, his attention pulled away by his teammates.

The post-match ritual of handshakes and hugs was finally winding down, and as the rest of the players began to file towards their respective tunnels, he knew it was time to leave. With a final wave, they parted ways.

As their paths diverged, Jude found himself looking back. He couldn't stop worrying. The sight of Haaland wandering alone down the stadium corridor felt haunting; he watched as his best friend's figure grew smaller, eventually dissolving into the deepening gloom.

***

Haaland replayed today's match while he sat on the bus with his eyes closed. He tried not to let it get to him but his mind had other plans. That one goal that could've been easily scored if Sorloth had passed the ball. That precise moment that could've overturned the game into their favor and brought the morale up for everyone.

Sigh.

He then thought about his favorite idol, Ronaldo. Is this how he felt too? What a horrible feeling. Yet, he had to endure this every match. Haaland's respect for him climbed even more. He couldn't fathom how Ronaldo could've stayed focused every game while his teammates turned against him on the pitch.

Forget it. What's done is done. There's no point in ruminating things over and over when the results are clear.

What brought him a bit of comfort however was how Bellingham looked out for him during the game. Haaland smiled just at the thought of his cute bestie. His small gesture and actions lifted his spirits up when he was really feeling frustrated on the pitch.