FROM FRIENDS TO MORE || Gavi x Pedri

Chapter 48 :: You okay?

The locker room buzzed with the usual post-training chatter, a cacophony of laughter, banter, and the clinking of water bottles. But for Gavi, the noise was a deafening roar, a constant reminder of the silence that hung heavy between him and Pedri. He sat on the bench, his head in his hands, trying to shut out the world, trying to escape the suffocating weight of his own thoughts.

He had tried to reach out to Pedri again, a simple "Hey, are you okay?" a tentative attempt to break the ice, but his message went unanswered. He felt like a ghost, invisible, unheard, his presence ignored. The sting of rejection, the crushing weight of unrequited feelings, pressed down on him with a force he couldn't bear.

He knew he couldn't keep hiding, keep isolating himself. He had to talk to someone, to let his feelings out, to find some solace in the midst of this storm. But who could he turn to? His family was far away, his friends were busy with their own lives, and his teammates, while supportive, seemed oblivious to the turmoil within him.

He watched as the other players gathered around, their laughter echoing in the room, their camaraderie a stark contrast to the loneliness he felt. He saw Pedri in the distance, his back to him, his shoulders slumped, a shadow of the vibrant, energetic player he knew. A wave of despair washed over him, a feeling of helplessness that threatened to consume him.

Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder, a gentle touch that broke through his self-imposed isolation. He looked up to see Ansu Fati, his face etched with concern.

"You alright, Gav?" Ansu asked, his voice soft, his eyes filled with empathy.

Gavi shook his head, unable to speak, the words caught in his throat. He had always admired Ansu, his quiet strength, his unwavering focus, his resilience in the face of adversity. Ansu had faced his own challenges, his own injuries, his own moments of doubt, and he had always come out stronger, more determined. He had seen a similar fire in Gavi, a burning desire to succeed, and he couldn't help but feel a connection with the younger player.

"It's Pedri, isn't it?" Ansu asked, his voice a whisper, a knowing tone that pierced through Gavi's defenses.

Gavi nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. He couldn't hold it in anymore. The dam had broken, and the emotions he had been suppressing for days came pouring out. He told Ansu everything, the argument, the hurt, the silence, the agonizing fear of losing Pedri. He spoke of the way Pedri had been avoiding him, the way his messages went unanswered, the way his heart ached with every missed glance, every unspoken word.

Ansu listened patiently, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. He didn't offer platitudes or empty words of comfort. He simply listened, his presence a silent reassurance, a source of strength in Gavi's moment of vulnerability. He had been through similar situations himself, the pain of unrequited feelings, the fear of losing a friend, the struggle to navigate the complexities of relationships.

"It's tough, man," Ansu said finally, his voice laced with a hint of sadness. "I know exactly how you feel."

He told Gavi about a similar experience he had gone through, a falling out with a close friend, a period of silence and estrangement, the fear of losing someone he cared about. He spoke of the pain, the frustration, the uncertainty, and the eventual healing, the realization that sometimes, even the strongest bonds need time to mend. He spoke of the importance of communication, of expressing his feelings, of giving his friend the space he needed, and of the eventual realization that their friendship was worth fighting for.

"You gotta give him space," Ansu said, his voice firm but gentle. "But you also gotta let him know you're there, that you care. Don't force it, just be patient. It'll take time, but things will get better."

Gavi listened, his heart finding a sliver of hope in Ansu's words. He felt a sense of relief, a weight lifted from his shoulders. He had found a kindred spirit, someone who understood his pain, someone who offered a different perspective, a glimmer of hope in the midst of his despair.

He realized that Ansu was right. He had been so focused on his own hurt, his own anxieties, that he had forgotten about Pedri's perspective. Maybe Pedri needed time, maybe he needed space, maybe he was hurting too. Maybe he just needed a little time to process everything, to sort out his own emotions.

Ansu's words were a balm to his wounded soul, a reminder that he wasn't alone, that there was still a chance to heal, to rebuild, to find his way back to Pedri. He still felt lost, still uncertain, but Ansu's support, his understanding, gave him the strength to keep going, to keep fighting for their friendship, to keep hoping for a future where the silence would be replaced by laughter, by shared dreams, by the unwavering bond that had once defined their relationship.

He knew it wouldn't be easy. It would take time, patience, and understanding. But he was willing to do whatever it took to mend their broken bond. He would give Pedri the space he needed, but he would also make sure he knew that he was there for him, that he cared about him, that their friendship was worth fighting for.