It's always you. - Hector Fort

1. "Ugh, Him Again"

I was heading to the locker room to wait for Pedri. The match had just ended, and I wanted to congratulate him in person. As I walked through the stadium corridors, I heard a laugh echoing down the hallway. That laugh. I knew exactly who it was.

Hector Fort.

Ugh, I hate him.

I stopped in my tracks, rolling my eyes as I turned to face him.

"What do you want, Fort?" I asked, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

"Absolutely nothing," he replied, voice dripping with sarcasm, a smirk playing on his lips.

I sighed, trying to brush him off. "Yeah, I don't want to play your games." I turned to leave, but he stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

He always had this infuriating way of getting under my skin.

"What are you trying to prove with this?" My mood shifted instantly. He had that effect on me—one second, I was fine, the next, I was irritated beyond reason.

He stood tall, grinning down at me. "Well, it's pretty simple. It's fun when you're annoyed and angry, so I'm just doing what works." He shrugged like it was the most casual thing in the world.

"Yeah, well, you don't even look funny. You just look like an idiot," I snapped, pushing past him and heading toward the exit. I decided I'd wait for Pedri outside. I wasn't in the mood to deal with Hector any longer than necessary.

I sent Pedri a quick text, letting him know where I was waiting. Not long after, he came out, his face lighting up when he saw me.

"Heyyy, congrats on the win, Pedri!" I smiled, giving him a quick hug.

"Thanks, sis," he laughed. We weren't really siblings, but we'd always treated each other like we were.

"Listen, I'm heading home. I don't have much going on tonight, so I might as well just relax and lay in bed," I said, glancing at my phone to check the time.

"Oh no, Soph. You're not going home just yet." He grinned mischievously. "I mean, you are, but only to change and get ready for the party of your life."

"Party of my life, huh?" I raised an eyebrow. "Well, if you say that, then I'm in!" I laughed, but then quickly added, "But you better tell me where it is."

Pedri winked. "Don't worry, I texted Valentina. She's coming too. Me and Hector will pick you up at 7. Just be ready."

My smile dropped. "Anyone but Hector, please." My mood soured again. Why him?

Pedri just shrugged with a smirk. "Yeah, yeah. See you later," he called over his shoulder as he walked away, leaving me to head home and get ready.

Valentina, huh? Wait—she wasn't even in town... or so I thought.

---

#### 6:56 PM

I was finishing up my look, slipping on my jewelry when my mom knocked on my door.

"Mom, don't worry, it's just Pedri and his friends from Barça," I reassured her, grabbing the most comfortable heels I could find. My mom smiled and handed them to me—her favorite pair that she always said were "party-proof."

"Be careful, honey. You know what those guys can be like," she warned, giving me a quick hug.

"Like I said, don't worry," I said, flashing her a smile before heading out the door. As soon as I stepped outside, there they were—Pedri, Valentina, and... of course, Hector.

"Val?! Oh my god!" I squealed, running to hug her. "I thought Pedri was joking when he said you were coming!"

Valentina gave Pedri a playful glare. "Pedri, you told her?"

"It was an accident! I thought she'd forget about it by now." He chuckled as we piled into the car, heading to the party.

---

When we arrived, the place was incredible. Lights lit up the night, and the music was loud, setting the perfect vibe for a wild night. There were so many people—more than I had expected. It felt like the entire city had shown up.

Valentina and I stuck together for a while, chatting and laughing, but eventually, one of Pedri's friends whisked her away to the dance floor, leaving me alone. I sat by myself, watching everyone else dance, talk, and drink. For a party of my life, it didn't feel all that exciting.

"You bored?" The voice sent a chill down my spine. I didn't even need to turn to know who it was. Hector.

I sighed heavily. "No, I'm just sitting here, watching everyone else have fun. So yeah, of course, I'm bored," I replied, not even bothering to look at him.

He dropped into the seat next to me, far too close for comfort. "If you liked me, maybe I could take you somewhere more fun," he teased.

I shot him a look. "You want me to go somewhere with you? No. Freaking. Way."

Hector smirked, not backing down. "So, you're just gonna sit here and be bored for the rest of the night?"

"Yep. That's exactly what I'm going to do."

"No, you're not." He stood up, extending his hand toward me.

I hesitated for a moment, glaring at him. But the truth was, I was bored. And as much as I hated to admit it, he was right. I couldn't sit there all night. Begrudgingly, I grabbed his hand and let him lead me out of the party.

---

We ended up at the beach, the moonlight reflecting off the waves as they lapped at the shore. The view was stunning, and for a moment, I forgot I was with Hector. The beach had always been my favorite place—peaceful, beautiful, and calming.

"So, we're not gonna be bored here?" I asked, stopping to take in the scenery.

Hector grinned mischievously. "Oh, I have a plan. And you already agreed to it."

I frowned, confused. "Wait, when did I agree to—"

Before I could finish, I felt myself being lifted off the ground. In the next moment, I was plunging into the cold water, fully clothed. When I resurfaced, Hector was beside me, laughing.

"Are you crazy!?" I shouted, pushing my wet hair out of my face.

"It's just some fun, come on!" He splashed me with water, grinning like a child.

Despite myself, I couldn't help but laugh. Maybe this night wasn't turning out so bad after all.