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The excitement was palpable as Jobe and Imani took their seats in the stadium, the vibrant atmosphere of match day in Germany electrifying the air. The stadium was a sea of red and white, filled with England supporters waving flags and chanting songs. Jobe felt a surge of pride and anticipation, eager to see his brother on the pitch.
"Can you believe we're here?" Jobe asked, turning to Imani. Her face lit up with a smile that took him back to the early days of their relationship, when everything was new and full of promise.
"It feels like a dream," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I always loved coming to matches with you."
Jobe nodded, memories flooding back. They had shared countless match days, each one a blend of tension, joy, and the thrill of being part of something bigger. Today felt like a return to those simpler times, a brief respite from the complexities of their current lives.
As the match kicked off, Jobe and Imani found themselves caught up in the energy of the crowd. They cheered for every goal, groaned at missed opportunities, and celebrated each successful play. At halftime, they were both buzzing with excitement, their shared enthusiasm bridging the gap that had grown between them.
"This reminds me of that match against Spain," Imani said during the break, her eyes twinkling. "Remember how we couldn't stop talking about it for days?"
Jobe laughed, the memory vivid in his mind. "Yeah, and you were convinced we were going to win the World Cup after that."
Imani chuckled, the sound warm and familiar. "I might have been a bit overly optimistic."
They shared a smile, a moment of genuine connection that felt like a balm to Jobe's heart. Just as he was about to say something more, a voice interrupted them.
"Hey, guys!" It was Gio, arriving later than planned due to traffic. He made his way through the crowd, his presence a stark reminder of the current reality. "Did I miss anything exciting?"
Jobe's moment with Imani dissipated like mist, replaced by the awkwardness that Gio's arrival brought. "Just the first half," Jobe replied, forcing a smile. "But you made it in time for the best part."
Gio settled into his seat next to Imani, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. The second half of the match flew by, and despite the initial tension, the trio managed to enjoy the game, especially as England clinched a thrilling victory.
After the final whistle, the fans began to file out of the stadium. Jobe, Imani, and Gio made their way down to the pitch to congratulate their friends. The players were in high spirits, celebrating the win with their loved ones. Jobe was about to join them when Gio gently tugged Imani aside.
"We'll catch up with you in a bit," Gio said to Jobe, his tone pleasant but firm. "I just need a moment with Imani."
Jobe nodded, masking his curiosity and unease. As the crowd thinned and people began to leave the pitch area, Jobe noticed a door slightly ajar leading to a quieter section of the stadium. Impulsively, he slipped through and positioned himself behind the door, drawn by a mix of concern and curiosity.
From his hiding spot, he could hear Gio's voice, initially calm but growing increasingly agitated. "Imani, you need to stop looking at him like that," Gio snapped. "We're together now. Do you understand?"
Imani's voice was calm but tinged with frustration. "Gio, I'm just talking to him. We have a history, and we're trying to be friends."
"Friends?" Gio's voice was laced with sarcasm. "I see the way he looks at you, the way you look at him. I'm not blind, Imani."
There was a tense silence, and Jobe's heart pounded in his chest. He edged closer, peering through the crack in the door.
Suddenly, Gio's voice rose again, this time with anger. "You need to make a choice, Imani. Him or me."
"I've chosen you, Gio," Imani replied, her voice steady. "But you're making it hard for me to stand by that choice."
Gio's response was a sharp crack that echoed through the quiet corridor. Jobe's breath caught in his throat as he saw Gio's hand come down hard across Imani's face, the sound of the slap ringing in his ears. Imani stumbled back, one hand flying to her cheek in shock and pain.
Jobe's blood boiled. Without thinking, he pushed the door open and stepped into the hallway. "What the hell is wrong with you, Gio?" he shouted, his voice trembling with fury.
Gio spun around, his face flushed with anger and surprise. "This is none of your business, Jobe," he snapped. "Stay out of it."
"It became my business the moment you laid a hand on her," Jobe retorted, his fists clenched at his sides. He moved towards Imani, who was still reeling from the blow. "Are you okay mani?" he asked her, his voice softening.
Imani nodded, but her eyes were filled with tears. "I'm fine," she whispered, but Jobe could see the hurt and fear in her eyes.
Gio took a step forward, but Jobe blocked his path. "You need to leave," Jobe said, his voice low and dangerous. "Now."
For a moment, it looked like Gio might try to push past him, but then he seemed to reconsider. "This isn't over," he hissed, glaring at Jobe before turning on his heel and storming away.
Jobe waited until Gio was out of sight before turning back to Imani. "Let's get you out of here," he said gently, guiding her back towards the stadium exit.
They walked in silence, the jubilant sounds of the celebrating crowd a stark contrast to the turmoil they had just experienced. Jobe felt a mix of anger and protectiveness surge through him, but he knew he needed to stay calm for Imani's sake.
Once they were outside, Jobe found a quiet spot where they could sit. "Mani," he said softly, "you don't have to stay with him. You deserve better than that."
Imani looked down, her fingers tracing the swelling on her cheek. "I know," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I didn't think he would ever do something like this."
Jobe reached out and took her hand. "You don't have to go through this alone. We're all here for you. I'm here for you."
Imani squeezed his hand, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Thank you, Jobe. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been there." She paused, then looked at him pleadingly. "Please, don't tell Jadon. He'd be devastated and I can't deal with that right now."
Jobe felt a lump in his throat. "You're stronger than you think, mani. And you don't have to face this alone."
They sat there for a while, the noise of the crowd fading into the background as they found solace in each other's presence. Jobe knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy for Imani, but he was determined to be there for her, just as he always had been.
As the night wore on and the stadium lights began to dim, Jobe and Imani finally stood up. "Let's get you back to the villa," Jobe said, offering her a reassuring smile. "You need some rest."
Imani nodded, and together they made their way back, the bond between them stronger than ever. Jobe knew that their relationship would never be the same, but he also knew that they could find a way forward, one step at a time.
A/N: thought I should give you something to smile about after that horror show from england.
