057 | so, my girlfriend

The restaurant Hector had chosen for dinner was warm and intimate, tucked away from the bustling streets of Barcelona. The soft glow of candlelight reflected off the polished wooden tables, and the hum of quiet conversations created the perfect backdrop for their evening.

Gianna sat across from Hector, her hands wrapped around a glass of sparkling water, trying to keep her cool. Hector, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, his confident smirk firmly in place as he leaned back in his chair.

"I'm still impressed you managed to score that goal," Gianna said, breaking the silence.

Hector chuckled, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. "You sound surprised, Giu. Don't you think I'm capable of greatness?"

"Oh, I know you're capable of greatness," she teased. "But that shot? It was insane, even for you."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, hermosa," he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Gianna rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Do you ever turn the charm off, Fort?"

"For you? Never," he said, his tone softening.

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly took a sip of water to hide her reaction. Hector noticed, of course, but chose not to comment, a satisfied grin playing on his lips.

Their meals arrived shortly after, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about everything-Hector's game, Gianna's recovery, the latest gossip at the academy. It felt natural, like they'd done this a hundred times before.

As they finished their desserts, Hector leaned back in his chair, a playful look on his face. "So," he began, "are you now my girlfriend?"

Gianna froze for a moment, caught off guard by the question. "Maybe," she replied coyly, raising an eyebrow at him.

Hector tilted his head, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "Maybe?" he repeated, leaning forward slightly.

She shrugged, trying to keep her tone light. "Depends on how well you behave."

"Oh, I'll behave," he said, his voice dropping to a lower, more serious tone. "But I'm taking that 'maybe' as a definite, hermosa."

Gianna laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And you love it," he shot back, his grin widening.

She didn't deny it, and the soft look in her eyes gave her away.

As they left the restaurant, walking side by side under the glow of the streetlights, Gianna couldn't stop smiling. Hector reached for her hand, his fingers lacing through hers effortlessly.

"So, my girlfriend," he said, glancing at her with a teasing smirk.

"Don't push your luck, Fort," she warned, though the warmth in her voice made it clear she didn't mind.

"Too late," he said, swinging their hands gently between them. "I think I just might be the luckiest guy alive."

Gianna rolled her eyes but squeezed his hand, her heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks.

END OF CHAPTER