Then, it was time for sports class.
"Yay, it's time to play football!" The students headed to the sports field.
The boys played either basketball or football. Meanwhile, some of the girls were cheerleaders, and others played badminton.
Art joined the Green Dragon team, which was formed by his classmates and close friends.
This time, they were preparing to face the White Bear team.
The match was held at their school and took place every recess, afternoon, and after tutoring. The champion team would win a special scholarship for outstanding students.
This was Art's opportunity to hone his skills in sports.
Before the match started, the cheerleaders entered the field to support their teams, performing an exciting cheerleading dance.
Among them was Julia, the head cheerleader. She was very beautiful and smart, but she also secretly had feelings for Art.
She gave him her full support, even writing on her shirt, "This is for my Prince Art."
His friends pointed toward Julia, "Woaahhh, look Art! Julia's supporting you!"
"Hehehe," his friends laughed in admiration.
The stadium was already crowded with spectators.
The referee had entered the football field.
The Green Dragon group—Art, Tommy, and Avicii—soon entered the field.
After that came the White Bear team, consisting of Gustav, Jeky, Joni, and others.
This was a prize match, and the winning team would get a free scholarship. The best player would also be selected to train with Manchester United, the biggest club in England.
This was a golden opportunity for the youth of Venice City.
Art and his friends started organizing their formation.
Art was the captain and also the striker because he was very agile at dribbling, attacking, and especially scoring goals.
During training, Art was always trusted by their coach, Sir Joker.
His teammates followed Art's techniques and football strategies, which were also guided by their best coach, Sir Joker—who was known for his discipline and "cold hands" in training his team. Many of his students had made it into major European teams.
---
Both teams entered the field.
The referee gave instructions and rules for the game.
Then the match began! The whistle blew for the first half. "Prrrrrriiitttt!"
The game started, and it was the White Bear team who first held possession, passing the ball right and left.
But it was intercepted by Tommy, Art's teammate, and passed to Avicii. The Green Dragon team now had control of the ball and passed it to Art, their striker and captain.
Art dribbled swiftly and broke through the White Bear team's defense.
The cheers of the supporters roared throughout the arena.
"Go, go, go Aaaarrttt!" shouted the fans.
A powerful shot was launched, and—"GOOOOOAALLL!!"
"Yeeaaahhh!" shouted Art, Gilbert, Tommy, and the rest of the team. The score was now 1-0.
Shortly afterward, the first half ended, and it was time for a break.
Their coach, Sir Joker, gave them some advice and strategy for winning the match.
Sir Joker said to them: "Come on kids, keep it up!"
"Art, stay up front!"
"Avicii and Gilbert, block them!"
"Tommy, mark the opponents, don't let them get the ball!"
The second half began…
Now it was Avicii who dribbled the ball, passing it back to Art. Art weaved through the opponents skillfully.
Suddenly, he was harshly blocked by White Bear striker Gustav. He tackled Art violently and kicked his leg.
Art fell to the ground, holding in the pain.
The coach ran towards him. His teammates gathered around, and the crowd shouted—
"Get up, Art! Come on!"
Unfortunately, Art couldn't continue…
It seemed he had suffered a serious leg injury.
The referee blew the whistle and called the medics to carry Art off the field and treat his injury.
His teammates were panicked and protested against the foul, resulting in the opposing player receiving a yellow card. The Green Dragons were awarded a free kick.
Art grimaced in pain. His heart and blood flow felt blocked. His hopes faded in that moment…
It was a brutal collision, especially for Art's smaller body compared to Gustav's large and athletic build.
Apparently, this had been planned to help the White Bears win.
The match was paused.
All eyes were on Art. Many fans were upset and booed the White Bear player with jersey number 6.
"BooOOOOOooo…"
Gustav walked to the sideline without any sign of remorse.
"Oh no, my Prince Art! They're so cruel to him! I'm going over there!" said Julia to her fellow cheerleaders.
She ran to where Art was surrounded by medics and teammates.
"Owwww, owwww," cried Art in pain…
He clutched his chest. He seemed to be experiencing shortness of breath.
The medic said, "Hang on… we'll give you a sedative shot first!"
They examined him in the medical room, and due to his serious leg injury, he was taken to the nearest hospital—Hospital of Venishia.
Meanwhile, the game continued. The Green Dragon team won the match thanks to a free kick by Tommy. The final score was 2-0.
After the match, Art's teammates agreed to visit him at the hospital…
"Ooohh Art, my dear," cried Julia.
The friends were also deeply concerned. "Aww, poor Art…" They watched him lying there with an IV drip attached by the medical team.
Tommy, Art's closest friend, gently touched his head as Art lay weak and helpless.
The doctor then told them to let Art rest because he needed proper recovery.
"How is his condition now, doctor?" asked Tommy.
"He hasn't regained consciousness and can't speak, because besides his leg injury, his heart is weak due to the impact," the doctor explained.
"Oh no… poor Art," his friends responded.
They brought him gifts, and Julia brought him chocolate.
"Friends, wait here. Avicii and I will go to Art's house to inform his parents. They might not know about this yet," said Tommy.
"Okay, sure," replied Julia and Gilbert.
Tommy and Avicii got on a motorcycle and rushed to Art's home.
When they arrived…
Knock knock knock "Excuse us?"
Guru opened the door.
"Oh, you're Art's friends. What brings you here?" Guru asked curiously.
"We came to inform you, sir… Art is in the hospital!"
"He suffered an injury and heart weakness during today's football match," said Tommy.
"What!?" Guru was shocked.
Suddenly, Art's mother came from the kitchen to the living room.
"What's going on, dear?"
Tommy explained again, "Art is in the hospital!"
Upon hearing that, Art's mother fainted.
Tommy, Avicii, and Guru were even more shocked.
They quickly carried her.
"What happened now? Why did she suddenly faint?" asked Guru.
"Maybe she's in shock from the news. Sorry, sir, we didn't mean for this to happen," said Tommy.
"We had to inform his closest family. The doctor also suggested it. Maybe your presence could help Art recover," added Avicii.
"It's okay. Let's take her to her room—she probably needs rest," said Guru.
"You're right—let's go," they agreed.
After laying Art's mom down and asking a neighbor to keep an eye on her, Guru, Tommy, and Avicii went to the hospital.
When they arrived, Guru entered the room.
"My dear son, Art…" he said while crying and wiping away his tears. Guru's heart ached at seeing his beloved son weak and helpless.
"Don't worry, sir," said the doctor.
"We'll do everything we can to help him recover."
"Yes, I want my Prince Art to be well again!" added Julia.
Avicii felt awkward seeing Julia's behavior.
"Shhh Julia," whispered her friend.
"What? I love Art, is that so wrong?" Julia replied.
"But this is a serious moment," Avicii reminded her.
The doctor suggested they take turns watching over Art so he could rest peacefully. Julia and Avicii went out to get drinks.
Two days passed, and Art's condition was improving.
Julia smiled happily.
"Ahaaa, my prince is getting better," she said as she held Art's hand.
Art glanced at her and said, "Thank you, Julia. You and the others have been very kind."
"Hehehe, you're welcome," said his friends.
"You were sick for two days. I was so sad," Julia said.
"Oh wait, I almost forgot—what happened in the match?" Art asked softly.
"Our team won, so don't worry," said Tommy.
"Hehehehe," Art laughed with joy, forgetting his pain for a moment.
Then the doctor came in to give him medicine.
"You'll be able to go home soon. But once you're home, don't play football for a while! Let your body fully recover," the doctor reminded him firmly.
"Okay, doc…" said Art with a slightly disappointed tone, knowing he couldn't play in the next match.
His friends were also saddened by the doctor's words.
Then, they all helped Art prepare to go home. Guru and his mother were relieved and happy.
They went to the doctor to settle the bill.
"I'm sorry, sir and ma'am. The cost is around… 7000 dollars," said the doctor.
"Whaaat!?" Guru and Art's mother were shocked by the high cost.
Guru pulled his wife aside to discuss the matter in private.
He had to borrow money from friends and relatives to cover the hospital bill.
After that, Art and his friends returned home and said their goodbyes.
"Alright, Art, sir, ma'am—we'll head home now," said Art's friends. They left the house.
Guru and his mother were touched.
"Thank you so much for your help," they said.
"You're welcome," replied the friends in unison.
Then Julia softly kissed Art on the lips.
"Get well soon, Art!"
Suddenly, Julia expressed the feelings she had long kept hidden.
"Oh… sorry, I acted on impulse," she said.
"It's okay," Art replied.
The friends who were just about to leave were stunned by their romantic moment.
"Bye, my prince," Julia said sweetly.
"Bye… and thank you," Art replied.
Everyone went home.
Art went to his room and rested.
Even as he slept, Art kept thinking about Julia's face.
Even though she was just his classmate, she had shown him so much care and love.
In his heart, Art made a promise to repay the kindness of his friends…