The right center-back picks up the ball at the halfway line and charges forward, weaving past the striker's tackle before slicing through both the defensive mid and Che, who dives in for a sliding challenge. Che's attempt barely clips the defender's ankle—too soft to have an impact. The ref signals for an advantage, letting the white team continue their attack.
Still on the move, the RCB forces Matthias out of position, baiting him into a challenge. Just before Matthias gets close, he threads a perfectly weighted through ball to his right-winger, wide open down the flank. Without hesitation, the winger swings in a low cross.
The striker beats both Nikolai and Johannes to the ball, tapping it in past the keeper with ease.
The ref blows the whistle—full-time.
Score: White (6-2) Red.
Exhausted, the trial players drop to their knees, catching their breath after the intense match. The RCB approaches Leon and helps him up.
"Gotta say, you're playing way too well to still be in the U-19s," he says.
Leon smirks as he gets to his feet. "Yeah, maybe... but I've already had my shot in the first team. They just asked me to play in this match."
The guy squints slightly. "You don't sound like you're from around here—your accent."
"Nah, I'm Hungarian."
"Oh, shit! Now I know you! I've seen you on TV."
Leon chuckles. "Yeah, I guess."
"Hey, listen..." The defender shifts slightly, looking him in the eye. "I just wanted to say—I admire how you play. Keep at it, and you might reach the top."
Leon nods, genuinely appreciative. "Thanks, man. Hopefully, someday we get to play for the same team."
"That'd be dope. I'd look forward to that."
They shake hands before pulling each other into a quick hug.
Che appears behind Leon just as the guy walks off. "I see you're already making friends."
Leon grins. "Game recognizes game."
"You're not game."
Leon scoffs. "Alright, Che. Never pegged you as a hater."
"Whatever, man. How do you think we did today?"
Leon sighs. "Lowkey? Defense was ass."
Che nods in agreement. "Yeah."
They both laugh, heading toward the team talk. The coach gathers the group, congratulating them for their performance and hard work. Afterward, he calls the trial players in for evaluation meetings. One by one, they step into the room for assessments, until only Leon and Che remain.
Leon goes in first.
Five minutes later, he walks out wearing a frown—until a smile starts creeping up. Che catches on immediately, grinning back. Without a word, the two start nodding like maniacs, fully understanding each other. They break into excited laughter and pull into a quick hug.
The assistant coach interrupts. "Mr. Louw, could you please join us?"
Che steps into the room where four coaches sit behind a table. A single chair is placed in front of them.
"Please, take a seat."
He does.
One of the coaches leans forward. "Che Louw. First, let's say—we appreciate you joining us today. You were excellent out there. But let's get straight to the point. We want you at Stuttgart. On one condition."
Che straightens up.
"Due to your physical development and age, we want you to start with the U-17s."
A silence hangs in the room. Che frowns slightly, disappointment clear in his expression.
"We understand that this might not be what you wanted, and honestly, we admire your drive to compete at a higher level," the coach continues. "But we believe this will benefit your growth as a player. Everything has its time. It might not be now, but when you're ready, that moment will come."
Che exhales slowly. "Yeah, I understand."
Though he says the words, his face tells a different story.
The coaches go on, explaining procedures, expectations, and the club's vision for him. As they talk, Che absorbs the information, and gradually, the frustration fades. He starts settling into the reality of his situation—still disappointed, but more comfortable with what's ahead.
When he steps out, Leon is leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone. He glances up, smirking.
"You too?" Leon points at him.
Che sighs. "Yeah."
Leon shrugs. "I mean, we still got accepted. So that's good."
Che mutters under his breath, "Not good enough."
They walk toward reception, where they receive their acceptance letters. Once the process is complete, they leave the facility and head to the bus stop, walking in silence. When the bus arrives, they step on.
Leon slouches into his seat. "Damn, bro. I'm tired as hell."
"Yeah, me too," Che replies, exhaling.
Leon glances over. "What you doing when you get home?"
"Shower, probably. Then homework. Asked Amelie to send me some."
Leon raises a brow. "Aye… relationship goals, I see."
Che rolls his eyes. "Chill. Why are you always focused on what's going on with my relationship? What about yours?"
Leon grins slyly. "So you're admitting you're in a relationship with her."
Che shakes his head. "Whatever, man. What about you?"
Leon leans back. "I'm around and about."
Che chuckles. "Yeah, right."
Leon pulls out his phone, setting up a selfie.
"Hey, get in on this."
Che leans in, and Leon snaps the photo.