USWNT: A New Era

Chapter 21: Crossed Currents

The day after the grandeur of the opening ceremony, I still felt the electric energy of it all. Being on that boat, leading the procession with Serena, was an unforgettable moment. The Seine shimmered under the lights of Paris as we sailed through, the noise of cheering fans reaching the banks. It was surreal. On one hand, there was the familiar pride of representing the USA, yet a part of me couldn't help but admire Team GB, my home country, as their boat floated beside ours. Two flags I've worn on my chest, two nations I've loved.

The next morning, the day wasn't starting with intense training but with an unexpected brunch invitation. Katoto's text pinged my phone just as I stepped out of my room.

"Hey, Diani and I are going to brunch later. We need to talk to you about something. It's serious."

I frowned, curiosity piqued. What could this be about?

Sakina's POV

I sat in the hotel room with Katoto and Diani, my chest tightening as I replayed last night's call with her over and over in my mind. She had broken it off, said we couldn't keep seeing each other. The Olympics had to be the priority, and in her typical fashion, she was right, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

"I don't understand," I said, running a hand through my hair. "We were fine, then all of a sudden, she ends it just because of the Olympics. She loves me, but we can't be together right now? What am I supposed to do with that?" My voice cracked a little, my frustration spilling over.

Katoto and Diani exchanged a look. "I mean... she has a point," Katoto began, her voice measured. "The stakes are high, especially for her. But I get that it hurts. You two were so close—are so close."

Diani sighed, leaning forward. "Do you want us to talk to her for you? Feel her out a little, maybe help her see how this is affecting you? We can gauge her feelings, see if there's a chance to work things out once this is all over."

"I don't know... I just feel like she shut me out so quickly." Sakina paused, biting her lip. "But maybe it's for the best—for now. Still, if you could talk to her, just... I don't know, see where her head's at."

Katoto nodded. "We'll take care of it."

Sakina slumped back in her chair, the weight of everything pressing down on her. The break-up, the games, the pressure from everyone around them. It was all so much. But maybe, just maybe, if Katoto and Diani could help, there was still hope.

Y/N POV:

The brunch invitation seemed simple enough, but now I couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with Sakina. I had made the decision to focus on my team, on winning gold, but I couldn't shake the thought of her. Maybe this conversation with Katoto and Diani would provide some clarity—or complicate things even more. Either way, I knew I had to face it head-on, just like I did everything else.

We're seated at a cozy, sun-drenched café, the kind of place that breathes Parisian charm with its wicker chairs and art nouveau décor. The smell of fresh bread and rich coffee hangs in the air, but Katoto and Diani seem far more interested in me than the menu in front of them. I sip my cognac, trying to stay ahead of whatever they're plotting.

The brunch begins innocently enough—small talk about the Olympics, the games ahead, but I can see their minds working. They're dancing around something, looking for the right way to steer the conversation, and I know exactly what it is.

I set down my glass and give them a pointed look. "Alright, cut the BS. I know what you're trying to ask."

Katoto raises an eyebrow, her playful expression faltering just slightly. Diani glances away, as if caught off guard. "We weren't—" Diani starts, but I cut her off.