055 | giu, I expect a full report later.

The atmosphere at the Barça academy was always buzzing with energy-players moving between drills, coaches shouting instructions, and the constant thud of balls being kicked on the pitch. Gianna and Hector walked through the gates together, drawing a few curious glances from players and staff alike.

"Giu," Hector said in a low voice, leaning toward her, "is it just me, or is everyone staring at us?"

She glanced around, noticing the quick glances and murmurs that seemed to follow them. "It's probably just you," she replied with a smirk, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her.

"Uh-huh," Hector said, raising an eyebrow. "It definitely has nothing to do with the fact that I kissed you in front of your door last night."

Gianna swatted his arm, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. "Hector! Keep your voice down!"

He chuckled, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. "Relax, hermosa. Let them talk."

As they reached the women's training pitch, Gianna spotted Cienna waiting on the sidelines, juggling a ball with ease. The moment her best friend saw them, she froze mid-juggle, the ball bouncing away as her jaw dropped.

"Oh. My. God," Cienna said dramatically, jogging over to them. She placed her hands on her hips, looking between Gianna and Hector with an expression of pure mischief. "Did you two seriously just walk in here together like that?"

"Like what?" Gianna asked, feigning innocence.

"Like that," Cienna emphasized, gesturing between the two of them. "You're glowing, Giu. And Hector, you're way too smug right now. Spill!"

Hector grinned, throwing an arm casually around Gianna's shoulders. "We're just here to train, Bernal. Nothing to see here."

Cienna narrowed her eyes at him before turning to Gianna. "Giu, I expect a full report later. And I mean full."

Gianna groaned, shaking her head. "Cienna, it's not a big deal-"

"Not a big deal?!" Cienna interrupted. "This is the biggest deal ever! You and Hector-wait, are you two together now?"

Before Gianna could answer, Hector spoke up. "Depends on what you mean by 'together.'"

Cienna gasped, smacking his arm. "Hector Fort, don't be cryptic! I demand answers!"

"Cienna!" Gianna exclaimed, her face now practically glowing from the attention. "Can you please not make this a scene?"

Cienna sighed dramatically but relented. "Fine, fine. But you owe me, Giu."

As Cienna jogged back onto the pitch, Gianna turned to Hector, her expression caught between amusement and exasperation. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Yeah," he replied with a smirk. "But you like me anyway."

She rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a smile. "Come on, Fort. Let's see if you can survive today's drills."

"Challenge accepted," Hector said, winking at her.

As they parted ways-Hector heading to the men's pitch and Gianna joining the women's team-Gianna couldn't help but notice the way her heart felt lighter. Sure, there were whispers and glances, but with Hector by her side, it didn't seem to matter.

And as she laced up her boots and prepared to train, she realized something: whatever this thing with Hector was, it was worth it.