The Line Between Us - Alejandro Balde Love Story

Chapter 16: Breaking the Rivalry

The argument started innocently enough—just a playful exchange of words that quickly spiralled into something neither of us saw coming. Alejandro and I had been going back and forth about the match, our teams, and the constant tug-of-war of loyalty that hung between us.

"Why are you so upset?" Alejandro asked, his voice laced with frustration as he paced the room. "It's just a game, Isa."

"It's not just a game!" I shot back, feeling the sting of every word. "It's everything. Last time, Barça beat my brothers' team. I can't just forget that."

Alejandro stopped, turning to face me, his eyes narrowing. "So, what? You're mad at me for doing my job?"

"No, it's not about that," I replied, though even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice. "It's just...complicated. You wouldn't get it."

He stepped closer, his frustration giving way to something softer, more vulnerable. "Try me."

I met his gaze, the distance between us suddenly feeling like a chasm I couldn't cross. "It's hard, Alejandro. I'm stuck between supporting you and my family. It's like no matter what I do, I'm letting someone down."

Alejandro's eyes softened, and he took a hesitant step forward, closing the space between us. "I get it more than you think, Isa. It's not just about football or teams—it's about what they represent. But you shouldn't have to choose sides when it comes to your heart."

The tension between us shifted, turning from anger to something far more intimate. His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and I could feel my defences crumbling.

"I don't want to fight," I admitted quietly, my voice barely more than a whisper. "But it feels like that's all we do."

Alejandro reached out, his hand brushing against mine, and the simple touch sent a shiver through me. "Maybe we're fighting the wrong battles."

For a moment, the world around us faded away. It was just the two of us, standing in the middle of a war we didn't ask for but couldn't escape. Slowly, Alejandro leaned in, his breath warm against my skin, his lips just inches from mine. The unspoken pull between us was undeniable, drawing us closer, inch by inch.

But just as we were about to cross that line, a loud thud echoed through the room. We jumped apart, startled, as Lamine strolled in, completely oblivious to what he'd just interrupted.

"Hey, guys! Sorry, didn't mean to barge in," Lamine said casually, tossing a football between his hands. "Coach wants to go over some plays."

Alejandro let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair as he stepped back, the moment shattered. "Yeah, right. I'll be there in a minute."

Lamine nodded, flashing a quick smile before disappearing, leaving us alone once again. But the atmosphere had changed—what we'd almost had, what we'd almost said, was gone.

I turned to Alejandro, trying to read the expression on his face. "We should get back to work," I mumbled, my voice tinged with disappointment.

Alejandro nodded, though his eyes lingered on mine for a beat too long. "Yeah. We should."

But even as we returned to our respective corners, the unresolved tension lingered, a reminder of how close we'd come—and how easily it could slip away.