OFFSIDE

64

❝ So I lied and I cried and I watched a part of myself die. ❞
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Pedri's POV
As we hit the training grounds, the early morning sun casts a warm glow over the field. The air is filled with the familiar sounds of teammates bantering, cleats hitting the turf, and coaches barking instructions. Pablo jogs up beside me, a wide grin on his face.

"Hey, man, thanks for bringing Elena home last night," he says, clapping me on the shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do without a friend like you."

The weight of his words hits me like a ton of bricks. I force a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. "No problem, Pablo. You know I've got your back."

We continue our warm-up, stretching and running laps. But my mind is elsewhere, replaying the events of last night. Me fucking Elena in the restrooms and our talking after. The moment the told me she has feelings for me.

"She's been under a lot of stress lately," Pablo continues, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "I'm just glad she has someone like you to look out for her."

I nod, swallowing hard. "Yeah, she worked hard for the exhibition."

Pablo glances at me, a concerned look on his face. "You okay, Pedri? You seem a bit off today."

"I'm fine," I lie, avoiding his gaze. "Just didn't get much sleep."

We move into passing drills, and I try to focus on the ball, on the rhythm of the game. But it's impossible to shake the guilt that's gnawing at my insides. Each time I catch Pablo's eye, the weight of my betrayal feels heavier.

"You know, I'm really lucky," Pablo says during a brief break. "I've got a great girlfriend and an amazing best friend. Not everyone has that."

I manage a weak smile. "Yeah, you're lucky."

Pablo's words are like daggers, each one twisting the knife deeper. Here he is, my best friend, expressing his gratitude for my loyalty, while I've been lying to him, sneaking behind his back. The irony is painful.

As we start a scrimmage, I channel my frustration and guilt into the game, pushing myself harder, faster. But no matter how hard I run, how many goals I score, I can't outrun the guilt.

During the last water break, Pablo pats me on the back. "Seriously, man, you're the best. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I force another smile, my throat tight. "Thanks, Pablo. That means a lot."

But inside, I feel like I'm falling apart. Each word of gratitude, each friendly gesture, only reminds me of how deeply I've betrayed him. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up.

As practice winds down, I find myself avoiding Pablo's gaze, unable to bear the weight of my guilt. I know I need to end this affair, to come clean and face the consequences. But the thought of losing Elena and destroying my friendship with Pablo is almost too much to bear.

As we head to the locker room, Pablo slings an arm around my shoulders. "Let's grab a bite after this, yeah? My treat."

"I would love to, but unfortunately I have plans. Maybe tomorrow?" Pablo nods and give me a smile.

The truth will come out eventually, and when it does, I know I'll have to face the fallout. But for now, all I can do is try to keep it together, one day at a time.

As Pablo chats animatedly about plans for the weekend, I force myself to smile and nod, all the while feeling like a fraud. The guilt is eating me alive, and I don't know how much longer I can keep up this charade.