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t h r e e

K e n a n s - p o v ::

I wake up to the familiar hum of the city, sunlight streaming through the curtains of my apartment. Today is just like any other day, but I can't shake the anticipation bubbling inside me. My thoughts drift to Mine, the girl at the café who always manages to brighten my day with her smile and easy conversation. There's something about her that feels different, genuine in a way that I rarely encounter.

I head out for my morning run, the brisk air waking me up fully. As I weave through the streets, my mind keeps replaying our conversations. I can still see the way her eyes lit up when I asked her to come to the match. She said yes. A small smile tugs at my lips as I push myself harder, the rhythm of my footsteps matching the beat of my racing heart.

Training is intense, as always. The upcoming match has everyone on edge, but I'm used to the pressure. I thrive on it. Coach runs us through drills, his voice sharp and commanding. I focus, channeling my energy into every move, but thoughts of Mine keep creeping in. I wonder if she knows how much her presence at the match will mean to me.

-Little Flashback-

After practice, I head to the café. It's become a routine, a small comfort in the chaos of my life. The place is bustling as usual, and I spot Mine behind the counter, her hair falling in loose waves around her face. She looks up, and our eyes meet. That familiar flutter of excitement fills my chest.

"The usual lemonade today?" she asks, teasingly.

I grin, shaking my head. "Actually, I was thinking of trying something new again. Any recommendations?"

She pretends to think it over, tapping her chin in that adorable way. "Well, if you're feeling adventurous, our iced caramel macchiato is pretty popular."

"Adventurous, huh? Alright, I'll give it a shot."

I watch her as she prepares the drink, her movements quick and efficient. There's something calming about her presence, a stark contrast to the high-stakes world of football. When she hands me the iced macchiato, I take a sip, nodding appreciatively.

"Not bad. You've got good taste."

She laughs, a sound that always manages to lift my spirits. "I try. So, how's training going?"

I shrug, leaning against the counter. "Intense, as usual. But it's worth it. We have a big match coming up next week."

"I'll bet. Everyone's talking about it. No pressure, right?"

I chuckle. "None at all."

Her boss walks in, and I see her straighten up, her smile fading slightly. "I should get back to work. But enjoy your drink, Kenan."

I nod, heading to my usual table but keeping an eye on her. There's a part of me that wishes I could spend more time with her, talk to her without the constraints of our surroundings. The café starts to empty out, and I wave her over, taking a deep breath as she approaches.

"What's up?" she asks, trying to sound casual.

I lean forward, lowering my voice. "I was wondering if you'd like to come to the match next week. I can get you a ticket."

Her eyes widen in surprise. "You mean, like, to watch you play?"

I nod, my heart pounding. "Yeah. I'd like you to be there."

For a moment, she seems at a loss for words, and I hold my breath. Then she smiles, a warm, genuine smile that makes my chest tighten. "Okay. I'd love to."

I reach into my pocket, pulling out a small envelope. "Great. Here's the ticket. I really appreciate it, Mine."

She takes the envelope, her fingers brushing mine. "I'll be there."

As I leave the café, a sense of excitement and nervousness washes over me. The days leading up to the match fly by in a blur of practice and preparation. I keep thinking about Mira, wondering what she'll think when she sees me play. I want to impress her, to show her a side of me that she hasn't seen before.

On the day of the match, I wake up early, my nerves jangling. The stadium is already buzzing with energy when I arrive, the stands filling up with fans. I scan the crowd, my eyes searching for her. Finally, I spot her, dressed in a simple but elegant outfit, her face a mix of excitement and anticipation.

I take a deep breath, focusing on the game. The roar of the crowd fades away as I step onto the field, replaced by the familiar rush of adrenaline. I move with purpose, every muscle in my body tuned to the rhythm of the game. But in the back of my mind, I know she's watching, and it pushes me to give it my all.

The match is intense, every second a battle. I can feel the pressure, the weight of expectations pressing down on me. But I push through, driven by a desire to make her proud. When the final whistle blows, we've won, and the stadium erupts in cheers. I search the stands again, my eyes locking with Mines. Her smile is radiant, and in that moment, I know that everything was worth it.

As I leave the field, my heart is full. This is just the beginning, but I can already see a future where the line between Kenan the footballer and Kenan the man blurs, all because of a humble waitress who saw beyond the fame and found the person within.