'Did you already let Diego know you won't be going in?' Pedri asked.
'Yeah, I messaged him.' I smiled.
'I still don't get why you don't try to apply for a job at Camp Nou.' he shook his head.
'Because I love my job.' I said. 'Plus, I don't think Xavi likes me that much.'
'He does.' Pedri chuckled. 'He just doesn't want to show it.'
'Whatever.' I chuckled.
***
'Where's your car?' I asked as soon as we got into the parking lot.
'I thought we can take your car.' he smiled. 'Tinted windows baby.' he said mockingly.
'Fair enough.' I nodded my head.
The drive was filled with us singing our favourite songs.
***
'Oh, Irina.' Xavi said as soon as he saw me stepping on the training field.
'Oh, Mr. Hernandez.' I smiled sarcastically.
'To what do we owe the pleasure?'
'To annoying you.' I smiled. 'It's kinda the highlight of my days.'
'Has anyone told you how insufferable you are?' he chuckled.
'Something tells me you actually think I'm pretty cool.' I winked, walking away from Xavi and taking a seat on the pitch.
I liked Xavi. He was witty and sarcastic and really cared about his boys. We didn't start on the right foot but I guess he got used to my presence. But that doesn't mean I'm planning on making his life any easier. Or him mine.
***
After the boys finished their training, Pedri and Gavi came up to me.
'So who's shirt are you wearing today?' Gavi asked me.
'I'm wearing my shirt.' I smiled.
'You could wear Pedri's shirt.' Gavi said throwing an arm around his bestfriend's shoulders.
Pedri wasn't saying anything, a soft smile on his face, as he was trying not to look at me.
'It would be an honour.' my smile grew big as Pedri's eyes finally met mine.
He didn't say anything, a questioning look on his face. However, the smile was giving away of how fond he was of that idea.
***
After grabbing something to eat and wasting time, the players returned on the pitch. Pedri and Gavi were passing a ball from one another, while me and Raphinha were having a girls talk.
'So how's you and the lover boy?' he wiggled his eyebrows. 'Did you show him how much you missed him?'
My eyes grew in shock. 'Oh my God!' I playfully hit him. 'What's wrong with you?!' I laughed.
'What?!' he laughed. 'I thought we were friends like that.'
'We are friends like that.' I rolled my eyes. 'But the details would be too much for you.' I winked.
Raphinha threw his arm over my shoulders, squeezing me, both of us erupting into laughter. All of a sudden a ball hits Raphinha.
'Get your hands off of her!' Pedri shouted.
'SHE'S MINE NOW!' Raphinha shouted back, squeezing me even more.
'Irina! Irina!' Araujo's voice made me turn around to face the out of breath boy.
'Did you run a marathon or something?' I laughed.
'I think there's someone you'll like to see.' he smiled, trying to catch his breath.
'The only people I'll like to see, are already here.' I smiled.
'Get your hands off of her?!' a voice startled me, making me look past Araujo. 'Who the hell says that?' Luca laughed, making me release myself from Raphinha's arm and run straight to him.
'OH MY GOD!' I said excitedly, wrapping my arms around my bestfriend as soon as I reached him. 'What the hell are you doing here?' I smiled.
'Oh, thanks for the hug Irina.' Kylian said mockingly.
'You too?!' I said in shock, moving to the golden boy and dragging him into a hug. 'Wait...' I said taking a step back, looking at the both of them. 'Why are you not in Paris?'
'Because we have a match with Barça.' Kylian smiled.
Pedri, Raphinha, Araujo and Gavi joined us too, making me turn around and look at them.
'And you guys didn't tell me?' I frowned my eyebrows.
'I had special instructions to let it be a surprise.' Pedri smiled.
I looked at him with soft eyes, taking a deep breath and then glancing at my two Parisian boys. Out of no where, my eyes started getting glossy.
'Don't tell me you're going to cry.' Luca laughed. 'Please don't embarrass me.'
I couldn't say anything, just shook my head with a chuckle, not believing it.
My favourite people in the same place, all at once.
The other PSG players also joined, greeting me and hugging me. The only one that walked past us was Neymar. He didn't stop, or look, or said anything.
'Veo que te gusta aquí.' (I see you like it here.) Messi smiled at me.
'Este lugar tiene sus ventajas.' (This place has its perks.) I smiled.
***
I was seated next to Luca, on the rows just behind the benched players.
'How comes you're not down there working?' I chuckled.
'I told Galtier I want to enjoy the match with you.' he shrugged the shoulders. 'Paris-Saint German v FC Barçelona.' he smirked. 'One hell of a game.'
'More like Neymar Jr v Pedri.' I rolled my eyes.
'You think there's going to be problems?' Luca asked.
'I don't know.' I shrugged my shoulders.
The match was about to start, both teams in their positions waiting for the referee to give them the whistle.
I had to admit it, it was a bit weird. Paris-Saint German was very dear to me, but so was Barça. All the players were very dear to me, so how do I cheer? Who do I pick? Who do I jump up for and who do I trash?
None.
Looks like I'm swinging for both teams.
