Broken Without You

Chapter 2

The next morning, seeing as it is a Saturday, and classes do not begin until Monday, you decide to begin exploring the new campus. Feeling quite hungry, you get dressed, leave Jenny a note, and head down the staircase. Once you are at the lunch area, you head towards what you think looks like a coffee shop. "Bienvenida!" Greets the bartender, as soon as you step inside. You smile at him and survey the menu, instantly deciding on a muffin with hot chocolate. As you sit down, you can't help but feel as if you are being watched and you quickly look up. A boy with brown, kind eyes and plump pink lips with the softest looking hair is quick to avert his gaze elsewhere. Feeling a little flattered, you open up your book, "East of Eden" and begin to read. Unable to shake the feeling of someone watching you, you get up to grab some napkins, which are conveniently close to mr. Stalker. Eyeing his back you see that he is eating a muffin as well, and is wearing a jersey of your favorite team. Walking back to your seat, you hear a shy "Hello" stopping you in your tracks. You turn, facing the friendly face with the Messi jersey. "Hi, my name is Rafinha" he says extending his arm. You take it in yours, smiling, "I'm (y/n)". "What a beautiful name," Rafinha says, repeating it, and hearing the name roll of his tongue seems almost familiar. "I'm sorry for staring, I just thought I recognized you from somewhere" he says apologetically. "I was this close to reporting you" you say seriously. His eyes widen and you laugh, "Only joking" you grin. He relaxes and shakes his head, chuckling. "Are you new here?" Rafinha asks, taking a sip from his coffee. "Yes, I'm actually studying abroad for the semester" you respond, taking a seat. "From California" you continue. "Wow that's really cool!" He exclaims. After chatting for awhile you both realize that not only are you in the same year, but you have a couple of the same athletic training classes together. "So, Messi huh? " you say gesturing to his shirt. "Yeah, definitely, that guy is my idol. Do you watch football..?" "You're actually wearing the same jersey i am hiding in my suitcase at the moment" you laugh. He eyes you for a long moment, and at that moment you realize that it is almost time
for orientation and you should be getting home. "I'll walk you out" Rafinha says suddenly. "That's okay" you start to say. But he already has your hot chocolate in one hand and your coat in the other. "Alright" you say pretending to be chill. The walk to your dorm is full of laughs, with Rafi's cheesy jokes and Real Madrid hate. You know I really want to play for Barcelona" he admits swinging his arms at his sides. "Although I haven't seen you play yet, I bet you could Rafinha" you respond. "I don't know, he sighs, a scout came to watch us and he was only impressed by the show off that is my best friend. "He completely ignored the rest of us!" He says, kicking a pebble. "Sucks" you say, unsure of how to react. "Maybe you could nutmeg your friend next time" you say thoughtfully. "I wish! nah, Neymar is too fast, too skilled." He finishes. "Well, I think that playing for the school means you are talented, and with a little extra sparkle, a scout will be sure to notice" you say nudging his arm. "Thanks (y/n)" Rafinha grins. "We have a home game this week and it would mean a lot to me if you came to watch" he says shyly.