Wonder over Worries [K. Havertz]

47: Back to the start

*Last heartbreak chapter I promise :)*

=*°To find a way, way back to the olden days
Before it started falling apart; If I could go, go to where it all began; Yes, I would take it back to the start@/°

Chapter 47: Back to the start

The fact that Aria wasn't there anymore, left a spot in everyone's life. But of course it didn't hit anyone as hard as Kai.

The footballer was merely a shadow of the person he used to be. He was unfocused, inconsequent and his foul game went though the roof.

"Havertz!" Löws Voice echoed over the pitch of the training center after Kai kicked the ball against Timos head, causing the footballer to have to take a break because his head was spinning.

Head hung low Kai marched over to his trainer.

"If you don't get your head in the game I'll have to bench you for the following games! We cannot afford any yellow or red cards."

"Yes coach." Kai mumbled.

Jogis face softened. "I don't know what happened between Aria and you Kai, but what you guys had was special. After the Euros are over, you'll have plenty of time to talk it over with her."

Kai looked up. "She doesn't even talk to me Jogi! She's god knows where and ignoring me!" His voice was desperate.

"I know Kai. She's hurting as much as you are."

"You're talking to her?"

"We keep in touch."

"Is she okay?" Kai asked. Jogi shrugged. "Like I said. She's hurting just as much as you are but I don't know how she copes with it."

The footballer nodded. "Thanks coach." He jogged back to his team mates.

The day went by slowly and Kai tried his best to keep his temper down. He had never been a very quick tempered person but he was struggling to stay calm the past days.

Jogi let him off with several more warnings because he didn't want to loose Kai in the starting eleven but there was only so much the trainer could do.

And so it happened that Kai missed a training penalty. And not because Manuel held it. No, he shot over the goal several dozen centimeters.

Frustrated he kicked the ball. It jumped back from the railing and hit him square in the face, knocking him off his feet.

The German national team learned about fifty new English swear words that day.

Löw blew his whistle. "That's it Kai! You're benched for the next games."

Kai didn't even protest. He knew Jogi was right and he deserved it. He was in no condition to play, especially not against Denmark.

Jogi ended training soon after, saying that they were supposed to be in good shape for the game in two days.

The team drove back to the hotel. Kai had put his earphones in, blocking out his team mates, sending him pitiful glances or mumbling words of encouragement.

Without another word Kai left for his room as soon as they stepped through the doors.

He ignored Julian's voice, calling after him.

Aria watched the whole scene unfold in front of her, over the edge of her sunglasses.

She'd been sitting in the lobby, absentmindedly reading a fashion magazine, waiting for the team to come back.