𝐀 𝐁𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐬︱Pablo Gavi

110: Barcelona's Triumph

The next day started early, and the energy in the air was palpable. I was excited as I woke up and got ready to spend the day exploring with some of the team. Lamine, Ansu, Balde, Pablo, Mikky, Frenkie, and I were all set for a relaxed day before the intense focus needed for the upcoming match against Las Palmas. We had a few hours to spare before we had to head to the hotel, so we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day.

We wandered through the shops, laughing and chatting. The boys, ever the food enthusiasts, were already thinking about their pre-match meal. As we strolled through the quaint streets, the mix of excitement and nerves was evident. Mikky and I had decided to stick together, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city while keeping an eye on the time.

We eventually found a cozy café where we could sit down and have our pre-match meal. Grilled chicken and roasted veggies were on the menu, a perfect combination for fueling up before the big game. The boys joked around, and the conversation flowed easily as we enjoyed our meal.

After finishing, we continued our walk, exploring a few more shops and taking in the local culture. The streets were buzzing with Barcelona fans, and several of them approached us for photos. I smiled for the camera, grateful for the support and enthusiasm from the fans.

As the clock ticked closer to 6 PM, we knew it was time to head back to the hotel. Mikky and Valentina were set to take a taxi while the rest of us would make our way to the training center. They would be watching the match from the VIP section. The excitement was mounting as we made our way back, each of us feeling the weight of anticipation.

Once we arrived at the hotel, the lined up heading to the bus.

The bus ride to the stadium was filled with a quiet sense of anticipation. The team was focused, and the usual banter was subdued as we neared the venue. 

Once we arrived, we had a brief warm-up session, stretching and getting loose before the game. Xavi had a brief talk to the boys. His usual calm demeanor was laced with a sense of focused determination. He reviewed our game plan and emphasized the importance of staying sharp and disciplined. I took the opportunity to check in on the players one last time, ensuring that everyone was in peak condition and ready for the game. The atmosphere in the locker room was a mix of seriousness and excitement. The boys changed into their jerseys, put on their cleats, and adjusted their shin pads. Each player had their own pre-match routine, and I could see the concentration on their faces as they prepared for the match.

With the final checks completed, it was time to head to the pitch. 

 The energy in the stadium was electric, and the roar of the fans set the stage for an exhilarating match.

Kickoff approached, and the tension was palpable. The game began with both teams giving their all. Frenkie, in a moment of brilliance, scored the first goal with a perfectly timed assist from Balde. The crowd erupted in cheers, and I could see the joy and relief on Frenkie's face.

As the match progressed, the intensity increased. Las Palmas put up a strong fight, but Barcelona's determination was unwavering. In the final moments of the game, with the clock ticking down, Pablo made a decisive move and scored a last-minute goal. It was a spectacular moment, and Pablo dedicated the goal to me, a gesture that filled my heart with pride and affection.

When the final whistle blew, the boys were ecstatic. Back in the locker room, the celebration was in full swing. The camaraderie and joy were evident as the team celebrated their hard-fought victory. The atmosphere was filled with cheers, high-fives, and laughter.

As the celebrations continued, I took a moment to reflect on the day. The support from the fans, the dedication of the team, and the sheer joy of the victory made it all worth it. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and contentment, knowing that moments like these were the culmination of hard work, passion, and a shared love for the game.

The bus ride back to the hotel was filled with a celebratory buzz. The team had just secured a thrilling win against Las Palmas, and the energy on the bus was electric. Lamine, Ansu, Balde, Pablo, Mikky, and Frenkie were in high spirits, joking and recounting their favorite moments from the game. I sat quietly, soaking in the camaraderie around me, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

We arrived at the hotel and headed straight to the dining area for a team dinner. The room was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone enjoyed the post-match meal together. Plates were piled high with delicious food, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted meats and fresh vegetables. It felt good to be surrounded by my friends and colleagues, celebrating a hard-earned victory.

After dinner, the team started to drift off to their rooms, still buzzing from the win. I retreated to my room, ready to unwind after a long day. I had just finished changing into my pajamas and was about to settle into bed when I heard a gentle knock on the door. My heart skipped a beat.

Opening the door, I found Pablo standing there, looking slightly anxious but determined. His eyes softened as they met mine. "I couldn't wait until morning to see you," he said softly, stepping inside before I could respond.

Without a word, he pulled me into a tender embrace. The warmth of his body against mine was comforting, and I could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat. Our lips met in a passionate kiss, the kind that seemed to erase the world outside. It was as if all the stress and excitement of the day melted away in that single moment of connection.

We slowly pulled away, and Pablo's gaze lingered on me with a look of pure affection. "I wanted to be with you tonight," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin. We moved to the bed, our conversation fading into a comfortable silence as we settled in together.

The night was filled with soft whispers and shared warmth. As we drifted off to sleep, the sense of intimacy and closeness was palpable. It was a precious moment of serenity amidst the whirlwind of football and travel.

The next morning, I woke to find Pablo already up and getting dressed quietly. He didn't want to be caught sneaking out, I realized. He looked over at me with a gentle smile. "I need to head back to my room before anyone notices," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But before I go..."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small note. He placed it on the bedside table and leaned down to kiss me once more, his lips lingering softly against mine. "I'll see you later," he said, his voice full of promise.

With that, Pablo slipped out of the room, leaving me alone with the note. I reached for it, feeling a flutter of anticipation. Unfolding the paper, I read his words written in his familiar handwriting:

I couldn't let the night end without seeing you. Last night was incredible, and I'm so grateful for moments like these.

Thank you for being you, for understanding me, and for being the light in my life. I'll see you soon.

Love,
Pablo

I smiled as I finished reading, feeling a rush of affection for him. The note was a sweet reminder of how special our connection was. I tucked it away in a safe place, knowing it would be a cherished keepsake.

As I prepared for the day ahead, the note and our shared moments from the night before filled me with warmth. I knew that despite the challenges and busy schedule, we had something truly special.