In the facility, one is welcomed by the grand foyer with high ceilings and exquisite marble flooring. The reception area showcases the club’s crest and honors its rich history with displays of trophies and memorabilia. The interior design reflects a harmonious blend of modern and luxurious elements, creating a sophisticated ambiance throughout.
It boasts multiple floors, each dedicated to specific functions. The ground floor houses spacious and well-equipped changing rooms for both the home and visiting teams. These changing rooms exude opulence, with plush seating areas, individual lockers, and stylish vanity areas.
Ascending to the upper floors, you’ll discover an array of cutting-edge training facilities. One floor features a state-of-the-art gymnasium, equipped with the latest fitness equipment and technology to support the players’ physical conditioning and strength training. Personal trainers and sports scientists are on hand to provide tailored programs and monitor performance.
Another floor houses a series of specialized training areas. There are separate spaces for tactical training, technical drills, and video analysis. These rooms are equipped with advanced audiovisual systems and interactive displays, allowing coaches to analyze matches and communicate strategies effectively.
One of the most striking features of this facility is the indoor training pitch. With its glass walls, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape while allowing players to train in any weather condition. The pitch boasts a meticulously maintained playing surface, mirroring the quality of the club’s stadium.
The exterior of the facility is equally impressive. The training grounds are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a serene and tranquil environment. The facility includes outdoor training pitches of various sizes, allowing players to practice different aspects of their game.
However, none of these piqued any interest in Aahil as he followed the woman he’d known for years, since he joined the club years prior actually to the office of the man that would decide his fate.
Under normal occasions, they would’ve interacted, upon knowing Aahil’s outgoing personality and her love for that precisely. His silence though was unsettling, and when she couldn’t handle it any longer, she chirped in.
“It’s unlike you to be this quiet.” She stated softly, glancing at him from the corner of her eyes, she could tell though his gaze wasn’t on her, he heard her well enough. “You look unwell. Tell me, you didn’t murder anyone did you? The last thing we need is a footballer becoming a murderer.” She joked.
Despite the turmoil brewing in him, he still found his lips slanting upwards into a small smile. “If so was the case, you would’ve been my accomplice, Mia.”
It’s no news in the club that the two are close, but they had no romantic relationship though a lot don’t believe it.
Aahil is a successful. For simply being a twenty nine year old single footballer, a famous one from a respective club for that matter made him the ultimate heartthrob for a lot of women. Not to mention the Adonis look and the charming personality, he was the type of outgoing person one couldn’t help but adore.
Mia Kimura on the other hand embodies a captivating combination of physical grace, magnetic charm, and inner radiance. With a height accentuates her elegant stature, almond-shaped eyes, adorned with long and lush lashes, and glossy hair cascades down her shoulders in silky strands, she definitely is a sight for one to behold.
It didn’t help that she’s known for carrying herself in grace, unwilling to get mingled with the team players, upon knowing their rendezvous history, it came as a shock that she gets well with Aahil. That was enough to leave suspicions.
Some were already shipping them, despite the religious differences. It’s not the first time a Muslim guy is seen married to a non Muslim, it’s nothing new to them.
Still though, there was no progress in their relationship beyond that of friendship.
“Well of course. I can’t let you go to jail alone now, can I?” Her lips curled upwards into a wide grin, as she turned around to look at him. “You’re too soft. I’m afraid you wouldn’t be able to handle it.” Despite being Asian, her British accent was impeccable truly.
Aahil offered her a glare in return, though a small smile still graced his lips. He didn’t reply, not being in the mood for jokes but didn’t fully dismiss it, knowing the effort she’s putting in to lift his mood.
She suddenly sighed, noticing the gloomy aura following them around. She then set her gaze ahead, noticing they’re nearing their destination. “It’ll be alright, whatever happens. You know I have your back, right? We all do.” She came to a halt in front of the Chairman’s office. “You can handle this.”
“I know.”
“Good. You can go inside, he’s already waiting for you.”
“Thank you.” His answer was a low whisper, before he took in a deep breath, and took a step into the room alone, knowing that was where she comes to a halt.
Taking in a deep breath, his hand reached out to take the door handle before he pushed it open without a second thought. His feet carried him into the office, the doors closing behind him.
The football club chairman’s office is adorned with glass walls, allowing natural light to permeate the space and offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Within the room, a miniature golf pitch commands attention, its lush green surface contrasting against the pristine white décor. A subtle tinge of blue accents the furnishings, evoking the club’s colors. Prominently displayed on the wall are framed achievements, a testament to the club’s glorious history and triumphs on the football field.
His gaze fell on that of the older man whom stood in the corner, playing what seems to be miniature golf. He’s fond of that in his leisure time. His back was facing Aahil, making it impossible to see his face or make out what expression is painted across it.
Nonetheless, Aahil pushed himself to traipse further, only coming to a stop once he was a few feet away from the man, his expression not giving anything away.
“You came faster than I expected,” came a low, gruff voice that the younger man could recognize anywhere. “thought you’d pull one of your many disappearing acts again. You seem awfully fond of that.”
“You wanted to see me?” Aahil inquired instead, ignoring that statement that wants to brew nothing but trouble.
It was as if the old man wanted him to respond, wanting him to lose his calm not that he’s wrong.
Aahil would’ve ignored the request. He would’ve decided not to show up unless he wants to. And he would’ve pulled a disappearing act such that they wouldn’t be able to find him, if he wanted to that is.
But, he wasn’t in the mood for that. He had one too many problems to deal with that he didn’t have the strength in him to deal with the aftermath of such actions. It’ll be too burdensome.
The Chairman, without turning around to spare the footballer a glance, instead focused on swinging the golf club, lightly striking the ball and sending it rolling down the pitch into the hole, symbolizing a victory. “You went to the hospital again?”
Aahil briefly closed his eyes, attempting to prevent his thoughts from racing ahead. He was curious as to how the man had acquired that knowledge, considering he had taken great pains to keep it discreet, not desiring anyone to involve themselves in his affairs.
But then again, we are talking about the Chairman. Can anyone successfully conceal anything from him?
“Could you refrain from meddling in my affairs?” Aahil finally inquired, opening his eyes and fixing his cold gaze upon the man. “It’s referred to as an invasion of privacy.”
“Invasion of privacy?” The Chairman scoffed lightly, seemingly engrossed in his pursuit of another impeccable shot. “It’s not when my star player’s career is spiraling downward, and he fails to inform me in advance. What? Did you think fleeing to Nigeria would bury the incident that led to your departure? Come on, Aahil, we both know—”
“What exactly do you want?” Aahil interrupted before he could continue. Despite having exchanged only a few words, he was already irritated. It had always been this way. “What’s your point?”
Once again, the Chairman swung the golf club before striking the ball. “Take a genuine break from the game.”
“What? No! You’re benching me?” The tenuous thread of composure he had been clinging to slipped away at that moment.
“The appropriate term is that I’m granting you the respite you deserve. Stay away from the spotlight for a while. You can return when you’ve fully recovered.” He delivered the news so casually, as if he weren’t abruptly ending someone’s career in an instant.
Aahil wasn’t naïve. He had been in the business long enough to discern the implications of being benched in such a manner. It was synonymous with being cast aside. Before one realized, the next step would be the termination of his contract.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have been concerned since there were other clubs eager to acquire his talents. However, it wasn’t that simple. Firstly, his contract had a little over a year remaining, and knowing the Chairman, he wouldn’t allow him to depart knowing he would swiftly be snatched up by other clubs that would treat him more fairly.
He would be trapped in this predicament regardless of his actions.
Not to mention his leg injury. Even if he managed to escape and sign with another club, he couldn’t guarantee that he would perform as splendidly as before.
If he couldn’t play anymore, AT04 would cease to exist. He was nothing without that identity of his. Moreover, it meant much more to him than just an identity; it was his lifeline.
“The World Cup is approaching,” Aahil found himself voicing, having overcome the initial shock. “You can’t do this to me now. Not now of all times—”
“News of your injury is spreading across the internet as we speak, in case you haven’t noticed,” the Chairman interrupted, finally turning around to fix his steely gaze upon him. “I’m doing you a favor by suspending you before things escalate further and you lose everything completely. After all, isn’t it your own fault that you find yourself in this situation?”
Aahil could only stare at the man in disbelief. For a moment, he was rendered speechless, too astounded to respond. However, shortly thereafter, he nodded to himself, his expression becoming vacant.
“Very well. I accept the suspension,” he declared with determination, his face revealing no emotions. “I wasn’t entirely sure if I should do this, but…” His hand delved into the pocket of his pants, retrieving a document before placing it on the nearest coffee table. “…I will have my lawyers discuss the details of terminating our contract.”
The Chairman’s gaze shifted to the resignation letter left behind by his most crucial player, eliciting a sarcastic chuckle. “You’re resigning?”
Aahil held his gaze, refraining from uttering a response.
The older man nodded slowly, a smile devoid of warmth curving his lips. “Essentially, this is retirement, if you comprehend the consequences. Can you handle the financial obligations that come with breaking a contract? What about your career? Are you simply discarding it so effortlessly?”
“Let the lawyers handle the specifics. I will take care of my part, and you handle yours,” Aahil replied calmly, despite having just resigned. He no longer resembled the man from five minutes ago, consumed by the fear of losing his life’s work.
“You’re not considering the ramifications of your decision,” the Chairman dismissed. “I will pretend this never transpired. Take some time to cool off, then we can discuss it further.”
Aahil’s lips curved into a smile devoid of amusement. “One might think you’re the one frightened, Chairman. You’re not the one resigning, are you?” With that, he released a soft breath, his smile fading. “If you have nothing else to say, I shall take my leave now.” He turned around and made his way towards the exit.
However, as soon as his hand grasped the doorknob, the Chairman’s voice resounded.
“You will come to regret this, you know.”
“I will regret staying even more.” With those parting words, he pushed the door open and stepped out.
Almost immediately, he was greeted by the sight of Mia’s furrowed brows. For a brief moment, Aahil believed she would attempt to convince him to stay. Therefore, he was taken aback when she lifted her hand and presented him with something.
With a furrowed brow of his own, he accepted it from her, his eyes skimming over the words inscribed there.
“The flight departs tonight at ten. It will give you ample time to prepare. It could be the escape you need.” She elucidated, her voice gentle. She then offered him a faint smile. “Take care, A. You know where to find us if the need arises.”
His gaze met hers once again, and like countless times before, he found himself uttering the one statement he had said to her more times than he could recall.
"Thank you." The words were heartfelt, originating from the depths of his being. "For everything."
Her smile broadened, conveying a silent understanding that surpassed verbal communication—a gratitude born from a profound friendship, inexplicable to outsiders. And so, it remained unspoken.
In that moment, he sensed a pivotal shift in his life, a turning point awaiting him.
Simultaneously, another individual bound by a similar destiny received news that would intertwine their paths.
Thus, the threads of fate became even more entangled.
***
I know it may seem a little boring now, but trust me, it gets better.
Comments for another update tonight? 🥺
I'm currently watching Hidden Love cdrama and let's just say, IT'S SO WORTH IT!!!!! 😩 Trust me, if not that I've already made this book kdrama inspired, I would've changed it to cdrama themed because broooo, I want my own Duan Jianxu😩💗
Do you watch cdramas? If not, and you watch kdrama, give this one a chance. I promise, YOU WILL LOVE IT!!! Come back afterwards let's falk about it.
You see all that your Alkamar soyyyaya hype aka Alchemy of souls, I'll never understand it, don't even try to convince me otherwise, it's helpless. But this, THIS!!! e takes the crown😭
And the OST!!!!! Yall know I'm a sucker for OSTs, right? That one must be part of this book's official Playlist. It's a must kawai, I can't be convinced otherwise🤭
Yall I'm no longer on the oppa train, I've hopped onto geh geh train and chu chuuuuuuu I'm outta here🤭 doesn't make sense to you right? Don't worry, it's for us, cdrama people😂
Anyways, have a good night. If I see comments I promise to drop another chapter. I have enough drafts for daily updates anyways.
See yall soon.
Love,
Jannah Mia ❤️