Sophia Flick, daughter of renowned football coach Hansi Flick, navigates the whirlwind of a new life in Barcelona, balancing her socialite upbringing with the pressures of living in the public eye. When an unexpected connection with young football s...
The four of us are at dinner at the beachside restaurant "Agua," an expensive and beautifully elegant place. The sommelier serves the white wine, and I thank him with a small smile. The boys and Olivia hold up their glasses for a toast.
Emil grins, raising his glass high. "To Sophia, for being the best host in Barcelona! Honestly, you've made our stay here unforgettable. And by unforgettable, I mean I'll never forget the hangovers and the endless supply of Aspirin."
Ben wipes fake tears from his eyes, and Olivia and I giggle at the sight.
"Cheers to Sophia!" Ben adds dramatically, still pretending to cry.
Emil then pulls out Sophia's digi cam. "We need to capture this memory forever. Everyone scoot in!"
Olivia and I scoot over to Ben, and we all smile into the camera as the flash goes off. "Perfect," Emil declares.
After a while of joking and talking, the food is served. In traditional Spanish style, we order multiple dishes to share. Emil immediately makes his way to the lobster, while I grab the octopus. Olivia and Ben start playfully fighting over the patatas bravas.
"You know it's my favorite dish. It has always been!" Olivia says, clutching the plate.
Ben shoots back, "Yeah, that's the problem. You won't leave anything for me!"
Olivia smirks, "You shouldn't eat potatoes anyway. Keep yourself a little fitter, you know, Ben?"
Emil and I exchange grins as we swap plates. I take a piece of lobster and then opt for the Pipirrana salad, calamari, and pá amb tomáquet. Ben and Olivia finally settle their argument, and we all enjoy the food. After dinner, I drive the group back home. As we get out of the car, I bring up the idea of a night swim at the nearby beach.
"How about a night swim? It's only half past nine, and the sun is beginning to set," I suggest.
"Sounds awesome," Olivia agrees. "Let's do it."
Emil nods. "I'm in."
Ben smiles. "Me too."
We go to our rooms to get some loungewear and swimwear. After changing, we hop back into the car and drive to the beach. The place is completely empty, and it is almost dark. Olivia takes off her sweatpants and hoodie, running toward the ocean.
"Last one in is a fatty!" she screams.
The rest of us quickly follow, taking off our clothes. Emil tries to take off his shoes but trips and falls face-first. Ben bursts into laughter, while I sprint after Olivia, laughing.
We all join Olivia in the water, laughing so hard that we can barely swim. Ben jogs in, and Emil walks over, flipping us off with a grin.
"You guys are the worst," Emil says, chuckling.
We swim into the sunset while the music box blasts "Moscow Mule" by Bad Bunny from the sand.
"This is literal heaven," Olivia says, floating on her back.
"For real! I'm going to miss you guys so much," I reply, feeling a twinge of sadness.
After a while, Ben wants to leave the water, and I join him since I am getting cold. We take two towels and wrap up, standing in silence and watching Olivia and Emil floating on their backs.
"Soph?" Ben starts.
"Hm?" I hum, a peaceful smile on my face.
"Have you ever noticed the way I act differently around you?"
Instantly, my smile falls, and my heart drops. "Uh, what?" I reply, dumbfounded.
Ben sighs. "You're an incredibly intelligent woman, Sophia. I've always admired your ability to understand things and people deeply. You're a gorgeous human being inside and out. I've been in love with you for years but never had the courage to speak up."
"Oh wow. And how come you decided to speak up now?" My heart starts racing out of panic, and my mind joins in. Of course, I kind of noticed Ben's demeanor change over the last year, especially how he always jokes with Olivia in a more mean manner while being more careful and respectful with his jokes towards me. I also see how sometimes he's more protective over me than our other male friends, but I never truly wanted to admit this suspicion to myself. I merely see him as a good, or even best, friend. I never connected with him outside the group of four like I do with Olivia, and it's safe to say I never saw him in a romantic manner. Ben breathes out, about to speak.
"With this new lifestyle of yours and all the new people coming into your life over here, I got scared of losing my chance," he explains, clearly meaning Gavi. "I mean, I know it's just this summer and only a few months before we're back in Munich, but with Emil leaving for Madrid too, I'm scared of our group falling apart."
I breathe out heavily, giving an understanding nod. "I do truly understand your worries. But while I do, I think it's safe to say it's a way to challenge our horizons and especially this friendship. If we can keep our bond, we can get through anything."
Ben nods and I continue. "Whereas I do also really appreciate you as a person and the bond we have formed alongside all the cherishing memories we made. I do truly think FOR ME it is better to remain in a platonic relationship as of right now. I just don't think it's right to put this pressure on both of us instead of letting things develop naturally. By that I mean, that you obviously cannot control your feelings, but by knowing my feelings on this matter, you shouldn't wait for me. I am not opposed to the idea of us being able to be together and develop our relationship but as for right now I don't think it's going to work out. I am truly sorry, Ben"
"It's okay. You just worded this perfectly, exactly one of the reasons I adore you so much," Ben says with a defeated smile. "Can I hug you?"
"Of course," I say, putting my head on his chest and wrapping my arms around his torso. He gently wraps his arms around my shoulders.
"I hope you understand I never want to hurt you and that this won't affect our friendship," I mumble.
"I know. I'll try. Just give me a little time," Ben replies.
I nod and step back. At that moment, Olivia rushes towards us, engulfing us in a group hug, with Emil joining right behind.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
tagged: @oliviamayer @ben_shf liked by ben_shf, oliviamayer, pedri and others sophiaflick: fav's ... oliviamayer: love you sooooo much soph emil_hirsch: best lobster ever marcguiu9: where was my invitation? —> sophiaflick: literally had to have our last dinner a day earlier because of you so sincerely: shut up —> marcguiu9: don't be mean. —> pedri: @oliviamayer statement? —> oliviamayer: @pedri i mean she's not wrong... —> marcguiu9: I'm canceling @oliviamayer —> pedri: @oliviamayer cancelled chain: —> paucubarsi: cancelled!!! —> pablogavi: cancelled for real —> lamineyamal: boooo cancelled
