word on the street; s.ramos

03

Mina loaded the FIFA 18 disc into the Xbox One and logged on to Xbox Live. While the game loaded, she pulled her phone out and FaceTimed Lexio for another one of their FIFA marathons.

Mina had been friends with Alexio Ramos for about three years. They became friends after sharing a few classes in their senior year of university but lost touch after graduation. They didn't become best friends until a year after, where they had side-by-side seats at a Real Madrid game. What are the odds? They caught up during half-time, exchanged numbers, and became quickly each other's confidants.

"Hey Lexio! How was your day?" Mina chirped once the buffering symbol disappeared and the call finally connected.

"Oh I see. You're acting all nice and civil hoping that I will go easy on you, huh?" Alexio teased, causing Mina to roll her eyes at his overconfidence.

"Maybe I'm just buttering you up like a lobster before dumping you in the boiling pot." Mina countered, seeing him wince through her phone.

"What the heck. Not a nice visual."

+

They played six games and the results were not in Mina's favor; however, she was rather happy that she at least won one game out of the six. It's not that Mina was bad, it's just that Alexio is hugely, significantly better than her after playing PES and FIFA for nearly a decade now.

"I don't know why you insist on playing me when you always inevitably lose," Alexio chuckles, "You're a crazy girl, Mina." He was right. This was the first time that Mina had ever won a match against him and they have been playing FIFA for almost a year; yet, Mina continues to challenge him. She is a very determined woman and when Mina is after something, she does not stop until she makes it happen.

"I totally ripped you a new one in the last match!" Mina declared proudly. She had made the most beautiful goal from the corner kick! James kicked the ball and curved it just so and landed in the top right corner of the net.

"Uhh, I wouldn't say that a 3-2 win is something to be that proud of."

"Whatever..." Mina trailed off as a notification showed up at the top of her screen pulled her attention.

snapchat (7:45pm): sergio ramos added you!

snapchat (7:45pm): from sergio ramos

No. Fucking. Way.

Mina's heart leapt and bound in her chest, her palms perspired, and her lips parted into a huge grin. All of her dreams are coming true. Okay not really, but small steps.

"Ay, are you even listening to me?" Alexio inquired, effectively snapping her out of her little daze. He was squinting at Mina through the camera, knowing that something was up with her.

"Uh sorry... you were saying?"

"I was just saying that just said that the ring Dani's mother and I customized is going to take a month to be made, so the party is going to have to be a little later than planned. But forget about that for now, what I want to know is why you look like you just won the lottery." He laughed.

"Sergio just added me on Snapchat." Mina conceded sheepishly. Alexio's eyes widened before dropping his phone in a huge laughing fit. "Hey, shut up! It might not be a big deal to you but it is to me! You've known him your whole life! For me, a celebrity football player adding me on Snapchat is a huge deal!" Mina defended herself.

Alexio picked up the phone and gave her a knowing look, " I'm not buying it. No way in hell you're happy just because a celebrity added you. There's more to it. You're crushing aren't you?" He smirked, already knowing that he has nailed it. After two years, he could read Mina like a book.

"Yes? I mean, I don't know. He's sweet. He's funny. And not to mention, handsome. I don't know what to say." Mina grimaced, defeated. She had no idea how she felt. All she knew is that every time her phone pinged, Mina's stomach erupted in butterflies hoping that it was a text from the captain.

"Have you guys been texting a lot?" Alexio asks. He dropped his 'caught you' demeanor and felt genuinely felt concerned for his best friend. She seemed distraught and wanted to help.

"We started texting the day after you gave me his number. Since then, we have texted quite constantly about all kinds of stuff throughout the days. Sometimes he's a little flirty but I can't tell if it's jokingly or not." Mina admitted.

It's been exactly one week and two days since Sergio and mina began texting. Those nine days consisted of almost nonstop messages from both parties. At first, Mina had been a little worried she was being too clingy with the frequent responses but Sergio was just as quick to reply back to her. Mina sneaked her phone out during work and Sergio sneaked his during water breaks. She couldn't help but smile to herself whenever she thought about it.

"Alright, you're definitely into him, despite the fact that you've never even met in person! It definitely seems like he's interested in you, whether it be for friendship or something more intimate." Alexio stopped and thought for a minute. He continued, picking his words carefully. "Sergio is my blood, but I have to warn you to be careful with him. I can definitely attest that he is a flirty personality; however, if you can play it slow and see that his feelings are genuine, then I definitely think that you should give it a shot with him."

"Thank you for the warning and advice, Lex." mina smiled warmly. They switched subjects to the engagement party and with the help of Alexio, Mina compiled a list of ideas. Planning came to an abrupt end when they heard keys jingling outside the door signaling Daniela was home, but by that time it was getting late anyway. They quickly said their goodbyes and Alexio ended the FaceTime.

Now, what did Sergio want?