As Nico lay on his bed, the match's adrenaline slowly fading, he picked up his phone and dialed Aitana. He didn't even need to look at the screen to know it was her number.
"Hey, you," he said, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
"Hey, superstar," Aitana teased, but her tone was lighter, a little softer than usual. "Two goals today, huh? Trying to make me look bad?"
Nico laughed. "Not at all. I think you've been doing just fine on your own."
Aitana chuckled, but then there was a pause, as if something was on her mind. "You know, I miss you," she admitted quietly.
Nico's heart softened. Even though they were both in Barcelona, it felt like the days had been so packed with training, matches, and everything else, that they barely had time to see each other.
"I miss you too," Nico replied, his voice gentle. "It feels like we hardly get to catch up with all this craziness. Just match after match, training after training."
"Exactly," she agreed, a small laugh escaping her. "It's like we're just ships passing in the night sometimes."
Nico smiled, nodding even though she couldn't see him. "I know what you mean. It's like we're both living in football, but... not really together, you know?"
"Yeah," Aitana said softly. "But I know we're doing our best. We'll find time, Nico. Even if it's just like this, a few minutes after the games."
"I'm always down for that," he said, his smile widening. "Just a few minutes with you, whenever I can get them."
They fell into a comfortable silence, just sharing the moment. Nico could hear Aitana breathing softly, and it made him feel closer to her, despite everything.
"Promise me something?" Aitana asked after a beat.
"Anything," he answered.
"No matter how crazy the schedules get... we make time for each other, even if it's just these calls."
"I promise," Nico said, his voice steady, filled with sincerity. "We'll make it work, even if it's just in little moments like this."
"Good," Aitana whispered, her voice calm and content. "Now, go get some rest. You've earned it. But don't forget... I'll be watching your next match."
"I'll be thinking of you when I'm out there," Nico replied.
As Nico lay back on his pillow, a warm, comforting feeling spread through him, and he let out a small sigh. Then, he said, his voice quiet but steady, "You know, it's just for another three or four months. I'll be back in Barcelona after my loan. We'll have more time then."
Aitana's voice softened, a hint of hope in her words. "I know. I'll be waiting for you."
Nico smiled, feeling a weight lift off his chest. "I can't wait," he murmured, closing his eyes for a moment. "I'll be there sooner than you think."
The distance between them didn't feel as heavy with those words hanging in the air, and for the first time in a while, Nico felt a sense of calm, knowing that no matter how far apart they were, it wasn't forever.
____________
February 5th arrived, and Nico's routine was as usual: yoga, jogging, and hitting the gym. The day was shaping up to be just like any other, filled with sweat, effort, and discipline. As he finished his set of bench presses, his phone buzzed on the bench beside him.
It was Neymar.
Nico wiped his hands on his gym shorts and answered with a grin. "What's up, Neymar?"
"Yo! It's my birthday today, and I'm throwing a party tonight. You in?" Neymar's voice was unmistakably cheerful, as if the idea of a party was the only thing on his mind.
Nico raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised but also amused. "Your birthday, huh? You don't look a day over 25," he teased, wiping off his sweat and sitting down on the bench.
"Ha! You're hilarious," Neymar laughed. "I'm getting old, man. I need you there. It's gonna be fun—relaxing before all the madness kicks in again. What do you say?"
Nico paused for a second, thinking about his strict routine and the match schedule coming up. But then, a break sounded too tempting. "Alright, I'll swing by. But don't expect me to stay up till sunrise. Got training tomorrow."
"Deal!" Neymar said, his voice almost smug. "I'll see you later, then. Don't be late!"
With a chuckle, Nico hung up, already picturing what the night would be like. He'd been working non-stop, and a night out with friends sounded like the perfect way to recharge. It was the perfect break before heading back to the grind.
_________
Around 6 PM, Nico finished up his training and got ready for the night. He washed up quickly, feeling the rush of excitement that came with stepping out of the daily grind. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was about to enjoy a break.
He pulled on a denim shirt, the fabric slightly faded, and paired it with dark denim pants. He finished the look with a thin necklace that held a small Barcelona pendant, a piece of home that kept him grounded despite the whirlwind around him. With a final glance in the mirror, he grabbed his keys and headed out.
Neymar's house was just a short walk from his, nestled in one of the quieter, more exclusive neighborhoods. Nico's steps were quick but relaxed, the familiar hum of the city streets a nice contrast to the intensity of the football pitch. By the time he reached the front gate, he could hear the faint sound of music in the distance, the party already in full swing.
He rang the bell, and the familiar chime echoed through the quiet street. A few seconds later, the door swung open, and Neymar stood there, grinning ear to ear.
"Look who's here! The man of the hour," Neymar greeted, pulling Nico into a friendly hug.
Nico laughed. "You look like you're ready to party till the morning. I'm just here for a little fun, though," he said with a wink, stepping inside.
____________
Nico stepped inside Neymar's house, immediately greeted by the sound of laughter and upbeat music. The vibe was laid-back, with the mix of old friends and new faces all gathered in a cozy, yet spacious living room. Neymar waved him in, but Nico took a moment to scan the crowd, his gaze landing on a few familiar faces.
First, he made his way over to the Barcelona contingent—his old teammates, all of them looking a little more relaxed than usual, without the pressure of the pitch hanging over them. He shook hands with some, fist-bumped others, and exchanged jokes with a few. The warmth of the gathering felt like a mini reunion, a reminder of the team he'd once been part of.
He spotted Sergi Roberto near the bar, holding a drink and chatting with a few others. "Nico!" he called out, waving him over. Nico grinned and walked over, offering him a playful nod.
"You guys are killing it, huh?" Nico teased, referring to Barcelona's form in La Liga.
"Just keeping it steady. How's life on loan, prince?" Sergi shot back with a grin, referencing Nico's signature celebration.
Nico shrugged with a laugh. "Same old, same old. Just trying to break records every week."
Next, he spotted Marc-André ter Stegen near the pool table, talking to Gerard Piqué. Nico waved at them, and they quickly waved him over.
"Ah, the man of the hour!" Piqué said as Nico approached, offering a handshake and a playful punch on the arm.
Marc smiled. "Not bad for a 14-year-old. You've been on fire recently."
"Keeping it going. Gotta stay humble, though," Nico replied with a wink.
Nico's playful wink was met with laughter from Marc and Piqué, but just as the conversation flowed, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Thought I'd find you here," Lionel Messi said, walking over with a grin on his face. He clapped Nico on the back, his presence radiating that quiet confidence that only a legend like Messi could carry.
Nico turned, smiling broadly. "Always a pleasure, Leo,"
Messi chuckled, shaking his head. "I figured you'd be around. You've been making quite the name for yourself recently."
Nico's smile grew wider. "The crown jewel of La Masia has to do at least this much, right?"
Messi chuckled, shaking his head. "I figured you'd say something like that. You've got the talent, kid. Just keep your head straight."
Nico's grin didn't fade as he looked up at Messi. "I'll do my best to carry the weight, Leo. You set the bar pretty high."
Messi's eyes twinkled with amusement. "It's not about the bar, it's about enjoying the journey. But yeah, it's a good bar to reach for."
Before Nico could respond, Messi's attention shifted as Antonella approached them. "Nico, I'd like you to meet someone," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "This is Antonella."
Nico turned and smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Antonella," he said, offering a hand. She took it with a warm smile.
"The pleasure's mine," Antonella replied, her voice kind. "I've heard a lot about you from Leo."
"Hopefully all good things," Nico joked.
"Only good things," Messi chimed in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Or else I'd have to set him straight."
__________
As Messi, Antonella, and Nico continued their light-hearted conversation, suddenly, Piqué approached, his usual grin on his face but with a hint of mischief in his eyes. Without warning, he locked Nico in a playful headlock.
"Alright, kid," Piqué said, his voice full of mock seriousness. "Why the loan deal, huh? Why'd you have to go and do that?"
Nico, caught off guard but always quick on his feet, squirmed and broke free, laughing as he brushed his hair back. "Not my fault," he said with a shrug. "Enrique told me he wouldn't be able to give me minutes. So, here I am."
Piqué raised an eyebrow, shaking his head as he took a step back. "I don't know what Enrique was thinking. Imagine this: MSN up front and you right behind them, in the attacking midfield. That's something else."
The room fell silent for a few seconds, everyone processing the idea. Nico smirked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Next season, hopefully," he said with a wink.
Piqué didn't miss a beat, his eyes narrowing with playful intensity. "If Enrique doesn't give you a starting spot when you come back from your loan, I'll definitely punch him." He grinned widely, making it clear it was all in jest—but there was a certain loyalty in his words.
Nico chuckled, appreciating Piqué's sentiment. "I'll hold you to that," he replied, leaning back casually. "But let's be real. I think I'll make sure Enrique has no choice."
_________
Neymar leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, Nico, truth or dare?" he asked, the grin on his face widening as he locked eyes with the younger player.
Nico raised an eyebrow, already feeling a sense of dread but also amusement. "Why me again?" he groaned, playfully rolling his eyes.
"I like bullying fourteen-year-olds," Neymar laughed, making the rest of the group chuckle. "Come on, truth or dare?"
"Fine, truth," Nico said, giving in with a resigned smile. He was already used to Neymar's antics.
Neymar's grin grew even more devilish. "Alright then," he said, leaning back slightly as he locked eyes with Nico. "Do you have a girlfriend? And, of course, you gotta give her name."
The room fell into an amused silence as everyone looked at Nico, waiting for his response. Nico hesitated just for a second, then decided to just own it.
"Yeah," Nico said, a grin appearing on his face, a bit of bashfulness still visible. "Her name's Aitana. Aitana Bonmatí. She plays for the Barcelona women's team."
A few members of the group exchanged surprised looks, but Neymar was the first to react.
"A footballer? Nice, I like it!" Neymar chuckled, clearly impressed. "Gotta be a match made in football heaven."
Messi gave Nico a playful look. "I knew you were gonna be trouble for us someday."
Piqué, who had been listening in, added with a smirk, "Guess we'll be seeing a lot of that Cryuff-Bonmatí partnership in the future. Look out, world!"
Nico laughed, shrugging off the teasing. "Maybe. We'll see," he said nonchalantly, feeling a sense of pride in the fact that Aitana was someone he could mention without hesitation.
The whole room burst into a few more laughs, and the game continued, but Nico couldn't help but feel a little lighter. Even Neymar's relentless teasing felt good in this moment, like he was part of something bigger.
___________
Author's note : Vote if you like what you're reading , he will play with barcelona in the upcoming chapters . It'll be crazy , Do comment about things you dont like , so i can fix it in the upcoming chapters