NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: CH 9
The soft patter of rain against the windows echoed through the locker room, mingling with the faint hum of fluorescent lights. The air smelled faintly of sweat, leather, and the sharp tang of disinfectant, grounding Dante in the familiar world of football. But tonight, something in the air felt different—like the calm before a storm.
"You ready for tomorrow?" Ethan asked as he laced up his cleats beside Dante, his voice cutting through the low murmur of the other players' conversations.
"Yeah," Dante replied, though the knot of anticipation in his chest said otherwise. Tomorrow's match against Leeds United was more than just another game—it was another chance to prove that he belonged among the best.
"You've been on fire lately," Ethan continued. "If you keep this up, the first team won't be able to ignore you."
"I hope so," Dante said, his gaze distant as he adjusted the tape around his wrist. The faint scent of rain drifted in through the half-open window, grounding him in the moment.
"You good, man?" Ethan asked, studying him with a hint of concern.
"Yeah… just a lot on my mind," Dante replied, offering a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Outside the Stadium
The rain had eased to a soft drizzle by the time Dante stepped outside, the cool air biting against his skin as he adjusted the strap of his bag. The faint hum of traffic mixed with the distant sound of footsteps on wet pavement, creating a backdrop of city life that felt oddly distant.
As he started toward the street, a familiar voice called out from nearby.
"Walking home in the rain again?"
Dante turned, his pulse jumping slightly as he spotted Sophie leaning against a nearby lamppost, her hands tucked into the pockets of her coat. The soft glow of the streetlights caught the auburn strands of her hair, and her green eyes seemed to catch the light in a way that made his chest tighten unexpectedly.
"Seems to be a habit," Dante replied with a faint smile, his breath visible in the cool air.
"You should learn to check the weather forecast," Sophie teased, pushing off the lamppost and stepping closer. Her smile was soft but teasing, like she found amusement in his predictable routines.
"Where's the fun in that?" Dante shot back, surprising himself with the ease of his response.
Sophie chuckled, the sound light and warm against the cool night air. For a moment, they stood there in the quiet, the faint sounds of the city fading into the background as the air between them seemed to hum with unspoken words.
"How's training going?" Sophie asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Good. Tough, but good. Coach says I'm getting closer to the first team trials," Dante replied, the pride in his voice mixing with a hint of nervous anticipation.
"I'm not surprised," Sophie said, her gaze steady. "You've been pushing yourself harder than anyone else out there."
Dante's chest tightened slightly at the quiet certainty in her voice. It was a simple statement, but something about the way she said it made the pressure in his chest feel a little less heavy.
"Thanks," he said, his voice quieter than he'd intended.
Sophie nodded, her smile softening into something more thoughtful. "Well… I should get going before my dad starts wondering where I've disappeared to. Good luck tomorrow, Walker. I'll be watching."
Dante's pulse jumped at her words, but before he could think of a response, Sophie turned and walked toward the parking lot, her footsteps fading into the night.
For a moment, Dante just stood there, the faint echo of her words lingering in his mind. Then, with a shake of his head, he turned and started down the street, the rain tapping softly against his jacket as the city lights flickered in the distance.
Match Day: Westford Athletic U18 vs. Leeds United U18
The air buzzed with anticipation as Dante stepped onto the pitch, the faint scent of freshly cut grass sharp in the cool air. The distant hum of the crowd and the occasional crackle of the stadium's loudspeakers echoed through the space, blending with the steady rhythm of cleats striking the turf.
Dante bounced lightly on his toes, rolling his shoulders as he focused on the field ahead. His pulse pounded with adrenaline, but beneath the excitement was a steady, burning determination.
"Walker! Focus!" Coach Brooks called from the sideline, his voice sharp against the backdrop of noise.
"Let's do this," Ethan said beside him, clapping him on the shoulder.
The whistle blew, and the game exploded into motion. Cleats thudded against grass, the faint slap of the ball against leather echoing with each pass and tackle. Dante's pulse quickened as he sprinted down the right wing, the wind biting against his face as he chased the ball.
"Walker—inside!" Ethan shouted, threading a pass between two defenders.
Dante surged forward, the world narrowing to the ball and the goal beyond. His heart hammered against his ribs as he angled his foot and tapped the ball ahead, this time with just enough control to keep it within reach.
A defender lunged to intercept, but Dante anticipated the move, cutting left and sprinting past the sliding tackle. The goal loomed ahead, the keeper shifting to cover the angle.
No hesitation.
Dante drew back his foot, adrenaline flooding his veins as he struck the ball with a sharp, controlled kick that sent it rocketing past the keeper's outstretched hands and into the back of the net.
The roar of the crowd washed over him like a wave as he raised his fists in triumph, the air thick with the electric energy of victory. His teammates swarmed around him, their shouts of celebration echoing through the stadium.
From the sidelines, Dante spotted Sophie in the stands, her smile bright with pride as she clapped her hands above her head. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and something warm and steady settled in Dante's chest.
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