Echoes of Glory: FC Barcelona Imagine

๋࣭ ⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ ⋅ Before We Fall (Alejandro Balde.)

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Alejandro’s POV:

It was one of those lazy afternoons in Barcelona when the sun painted everything in golden hues. I sat on the steps of our training facility, wiping the sweat from my brow after an intense practice.

My mind drifted to the upcoming match. The pressure was on, and every minute counted. But that wasn’t the only thing occupying my thoughts.

You were there, sitting a few steps above me, your laughter echoing in the stillness. We had known each other for years, yet somehow, our friendship had taken on a new dimension lately.

I couldn’t pinpoint the moment it shifted, but I felt it—a spark, a current that lingered between us like an unspoken promise.

“Hey, Alejandro!”

You called, your voice light and teasing.

“You look exhausted. Need me to fan you with my shirt?”

I chuckled, shaking my head.

“I’m fine, but thanks for the offer.”

You leaned back, propping yourself on your elbows, and I caught a glimpse of your playful smile. My heart raced at the sight; it was infuriating how easily you could disarm me.

As the days rolled on, I noticed the little things—how your eyes sparkled when you talked about your dreams, how you cheered the loudest during our matches, and how every shared moment seemed to linger a bit longer than necessary. The laughter we shared felt more intimate, and every brush of our arms sent shivers down my spine.

But I wrestled with my feelings.

Was I just imagining things? I valued our friendship too much to risk ruining it. Yet, every time you were near, I found it harder to ignore the truth whispering in my heart.

One evening, we found ourselves alone after a particularly grueling training session. The sun was setting, casting long shadows on the ground as we walked toward the nearby beach. The waves crashed rhythmically, creating a soothing backdrop to our conversation.

“Do you think we’re going to win the championship this year?” you asked, your gaze fixed on the horizon.

“I think we can if we keep pushing ourselves,” I replied, trying to focus on the game, not on you.

“But it won’t be easy.”

You turned to me, your expression serious.

“What about you, Alejandro? What do you want?”

Your question caught me off guard. I had spent so long analyzing the team, the game, and my own growth that I hadn’t considered my own desires.

As the sunset reflected in your eyes, I felt an urge to be honest.

“I want to be the best, but…” I hesitated, searching for the right words.

“I also want to share it with someone who understands.”

Your expression softened, and I felt the tension in the air shift.

“Maybe you already have that person in your life.”

My heart raced.

Did you really mean that? Could it be you?
I had to know, but fear gripped me.

“What if that changes everything?”

“Sometimes change is good,” you replied, a hint of vulnerability in your voice.

“It can lead to something better.”

The weight of your words hung between us, and I took a step closer, feeling the pull of something undeniable. I wanted to reach out, to close the distance that felt both thrilling and terrifying.

Before I could think it through, I blurted out,
“What if we… what if we tried?”

Your eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and hope flickering across your face.

“Are you serious?”

I nodded, swallowing hard.

“I think I’ve been falling for you for a while now, but I was scared. I didn’t want to ruin what we have.”

A smile broke across your face, lighting up the fading day.

“You’re not ruining anything, Alejandro.
You’re giving us a chance.”

In that moment, the world faded away. All the fears and doubts melted under the weight of your acceptance. I reached for your hand, and as our fingers intertwined, I felt an electric connection—one that promised to be the start of something beautiful.

As we stood there, with the ocean breeze wrapping around us and the sky painted in shades of pink and purple, I realized that falling in love was not just about the destination; it was about the journey we would share.

With you by my side, I was ready to embrace whatever came next.

How long before we fell in love?

I smiled, knowing the answer: we were already falling.