𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 • 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧

two

i know i have good taste

your pov

I continued to stroll through the streets of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. The evening sun hitting down on the ancient stone buildings in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows of the locals that danced in the narrow alleyways. I could hear my footsteps echo softly on the cobblestones as I walked without a fixed destination, My mind unable to stop itself from drifting back to my years at Arsenal.

Each step I took seemed to recall a different memory. I remembered the first day I walked into the Emirates Stadium, wide-eyed and eager, ready to prove myself. The smell of fresh-cut grass, the feel of the cold metal of the treatment tables, the camaraderie of the physio team – it all felt like yesterday. The thrill of match days, the intense training sessions, and the quiet moments of reassurance I had offered to injured friends filled me with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.

My thoughts turned to Leah, the defender who had become more than just a player to me. We had shared countless conversations, laughs, and even a few tears. Leah's determination and leadership had always been a source of inspiration for me.

Lost in my memories, I almost didn't feel the vibration of my phone in my pocket. I should have expected the calls on my first day, it makes sense theyd want to check in every now and then. I quickly grabbed it and saw Leah's name flashing on the screen. This girl must be psychic. A smile spread across my face as I answered.

"Leah! How are you?"

Leah's familiar voice crackled through the line, a comforting sound that dissolved the miles between us. "Y/N, it's so good to hear your voice! How's Barcelona?"

"It's amazing, but I really do miss you guys so much," I admitted, my voice tinged with emotion.

"We miss you too. The team isn't the same without you. Your replacement is great, but she's not you," Leah said warmly. "I was just thinking about that time we won the FA Cup, and how you patched me up after that brutal tackle. You were my hero that day."

I couldn't help but laugh, the memory vivid in my mind. "You were the hero, Leah. I just made sure you could get back on the pitch to be one."

As I walked and talked, I was so absorbed in the conversation that I didn't notice the woman coming from the opposite direction until it was too late. We collided. Hard. So hard that i had stumbled forward. My phone slipped from my hand, closing my eyes to prepare for the impact of me on the floor next but before I could hit the ground, strong hands caught me, steadying my fall.

"Lo siento!" the woman exclaimed, her voice rich and melodic. I looked up slowly to see a woman with dark, intense eyes and a cascade of tattoos winding down her arms, creating a tapestry of stories on her skin.

"It's okay," I managed to finally get out, slowly regaining my balance. "I wasn't paying attention."

The woman bent down quickly, picking up my phone, and placed it softly into my hands. "Are you alright?" she asked, her concern evident.

I nodded almost instantly, taking my phone thankfully. "Thank you. Really, it's fine."

The woman smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Watch where you're going next time," she teased gently before walking away, leaving me feeling both embarrassed and intrigued.

I put the phone back to my ear reluctantly. "Leah, you still there?"

"Yeah, I'm here. What happened? Are you okay?" Leah sounded worried.

"Just a little run-in with a local," I explained, glancing back at the retreating figure of the tattooed woman. "She was... interesting."

Leah chuckled. "Sounds like you're already having quite the new adventure. Just remember, no matter where you are, you're still part of the Arsenal family. We're always here for you."

"Thanks, Leah. That means a lot," I replied honestly, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I'll call you soon, okay?"

"Promise?"

"Promise."

I ended the call and continued my walk, deciding quickly that the new destination was home. I felt a renewed sense of belonging. My life in Barcelona was just beginning, but my heart would always have a place in North London.  I have good taste, and that had led me to this vibrant new chapter of my life.

With a final glance at the bustling streets around me, I took a deep breath and stepped confidently into my apartment building, the echoes of my past providing a steady, reassuring rhythm to my new life.