Three-one.
I don’t celebratethis time. I just turn back toward Tore, who is standing still, hands on his knees, breathing harder now.
“Should’ve stayed quiet,” I say as I jog past.
He looks up at me, eyes sharp despite the scoreline. “This isn’t over.”
“It is for you,” I reply.
The final minutes drag. They know they’re done, but pride keeps them pushing. Actually and more specifically, Tore keeps them pushing. Tore keeps talking, even when there’s nothing left to say.
And I keep answering, even when I shouldn’t.
The whistle finally goes.
I don’t look at the scoreboard again. I already know what it says.
Tore walks past me once more on the way off, sweat-soaked, jaw clenched, pride bruised but intact.
“Next time, Titan,” he says.
I glance at him. “Earn it.”
Then I walk off the pitch, clean socks still clean, lungs steady, head clear, knowing the scouts saw everything and knowing Frankie did too. Cameras follow me, reporters shout my name, and I know the scouts are writing everything down.
I shake Amin’s hand first. “Good captaincy.”
He smirks. “You were a real problem today.”
“I always am.”
Sol slaps me on the shoulder hard out of nowhere. “You see Tore’s face when you nutmegged him? I thought he was gonna cry.”
“Good,” I say, putting him in a playful headlock. “But who do you think you are scoring my final shot?”
“Hey! You passed it to me!”
Amin laughs before breaking it up. “Alright, alright, knock it off. Enough. Time for interviews.”
Ugh. Pigeons.
A producer waves us toward the broadcast boards before we can get any further. Headsets, lights, microphones shoved into our space, the full post-match circus.
A woman with a sharp bob and sharper eyes smiles straight at the camera.
“We’re here with the standout trio of the night—Amin Hassan, team captain. Solace Moore, and Jabari McKingsley. Incredible match from all three of you.”
Amin nods politely, Sol grins like he’s enjoying every second and I just fold my arms and wait.
She turns to Amin first. “Captain, Italy is a big stage. What does a win like this mean for the squad?”
Amin answers smoothly. “We came here knowing eyes were on us, knowing the pressure, and we delivered. Everyone did their job and that’s all that matters. It is for charity after all.”
“Yes, yes, for the kids or something,” She pivots to Sol. “Light, you were everywhere tonight. Assist, constant pressure, incredible chemistry with Titan. What clicked?”
Sol shrugs. “We trust each other. Simple as that. When you’ve got players who know where you’re gonna be before you get there, it’s easy to trust their decision-making.”
“That is true, I think you three have amazing chemistry and that is what was missing from Novis.”
