008 | café shenanigans

The café near the training grounds was bustling with activity, filled with the hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of dishes. Gianna and Cienna sat in a corner booth, sipping on iced coffees while they waited for the boys to finish their session. It had become somewhat of a ritual-the two of them killing time together while Marc, Hector, and the others wrapped up training.

Cienna leaned back in her chair, flicking a piece of popcorn between her fingers. "You think Hector's going to take longer than usual today? He looked half-dead after the match."

Gianna smirked, swirling the ice in her cup. "Knowing him, he's probably pushing himself too hard. You know how he gets-'no days off' and all that."

Cienna rolled her eyes. "Overachiever. Meanwhile, we're out here hydrating with iced coffee."

Gianna laughed, her gaze drifting to the clock on the wall. "They should be done soon. Marc said they'd finish by-"

Her words were cut off as a piece of popcorn bounced off her cheek. She blinked, turning to see Cienna grinning mischievously.

"Really?" Gianna said, raising an eyebrow.

"What? I missed," Cienna said innocently, tossing another piece into the air and catching it in her mouth.

Gianna shook her head, leaning back in her chair. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously accurate," Cienna corrected, flicking another piece of popcorn toward Gianna. This time, Gianna caught it mid-air and popped it into her mouth, earning an impressed whistle from Cienna.

"Alright, fine. Your turn," Cienna said, scooping up a handful of popcorn and leaning back. "Let's see if you've got the aim."

Gianna grabbed a piece, squinting as if lining up a shot. "You ready?"

"Always."

The first piece sailed through the air and landed squarely in Cienna's lap.

"Wow," Cienna deadpanned, picking up the fallen piece. "That was tragic."

"Give me a second chance!" Gianna said, laughing.

The next throw was more precise, and Cienna leaned forward to catch it in her mouth. She chewed triumphantly, pointing at Gianna. "See? Teamwork. I'm like the popcorn version of a striker."

Gianna chuckled. "I think you've officially lost it."

They continued the game, giggling like children as they took turns tossing popcorn back and forth. A few pieces missed and ended up on the floor, and one particularly wild throw hit the man at the next table, who turned to glare at them before softening at their sheepish grins.

As the bowl of popcorn dwindled, Cienna leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Okay, final round. One last throw for the win. No pressure."

Gianna picked up a piece, narrowing her eyes as if the fate of the world rested on this moment. "If I make this, you owe me dessert next time we're out."

"And if you miss?"

"I'll buy you dessert," Gianna said, smirking.

"Deal."

Gianna lined up her shot, flicking the piece of popcorn with exaggerated precision. It arced through the air...and landed perfectly in Cienna's mouth.

Cienna threw her hands up in mock defeat. "Fine, fine. Dessert's on me. But next time, we're switching to something easier-like M&Ms."

Before Gianna could reply, her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Marc.

Marc: Done. Meet us by the gate in 5.

"They're finished," Gianna said, grabbing her bag.

Cienna sighed dramatically, standing and stretching. "Good. I was starting to think they'd never leave the pitch."

As they walked out of the café, Gianna glanced over at her best friend, a smile tugging at her lips. Moments like this-filled with silliness and laughter-were what she cherished most.

"You know," she said, nudging Cienna, "you're really bad at throwing popcorn."

"And yet, I still managed to hit you in the face," Cienna shot back, grinning.

Gianna rolled her eyes as they made their way toward the training ground gates, where the boys were waiting, sweat-soaked and grinning.

"You two look suspiciously happy," Hector said as they approached. "What were you up to?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," Cienna said breezily, though the smirk on her face gave her away.

Marc raised an eyebrow. "Do I even want to know?"

Gianna just laughed, linking her arm with Cienna's. "Let's just say you missed a masterclass in precision."

As the group walked off together, the banter flowed easily, the bond between them as strong as ever.