There are some rules about offside and corners, which I’m still getting the hang of, thanks to the wonderful couple I sit beside, who explained everything whenever I asked.
I head to Sebastian’s team’s merchandise shop.
I want to buy his jersey and surprise him when we meet up later. The price tag makes me gawk, but I decide that this is the least I can do when Sebastian is basically paying for my whole stay.
Hopefully, he will appreciate it.
I bring the jersey over to the counter to pay, and the guy behind the stand gives me a nod of approval.
“Good choice, choosing Bennet,” he says.
“Yeah, is he any good?” I ask, wanting to hear from someone who probably knows a lot more about this team and sport than I do.
“One of the best.”
Hearing others praising him for his game makes me proud.
Sebastian plays midfield, which I’ve learned from the excellent football expert couple, and watching him run and handle the ball is majestic.
The skill, precision, and speed with which he moves are impressive. The coordination between the players and the passes works like a smooth machine, with Sebastian in the centre of it all.
I pay for the jersey and find a restroom to change into it before making my way back to my seat in time for the second period.
I’m delighted to see the couple from earlier back in their seats as well. It’s nice having someone to talk to.
“Got yourself a jersey?” Craig asks me, gesturing to my new attire.
“Yes, wanted to buy myself a souvenir,” I say, not quite knowing how much to reveal about my relation to the player’s jersey I’m rocking.
To me, Sebastian has always just been Sebastian.
Not a celebrity.
Not a famous footballer.
All of that came after I got to know him.
The same goes for my brother. The famous Formula 1 driver chasing his first championship title.
All the fame and the celebrity status came later.
Even though I’m not the one in the public eye, I’ve seen how challenging it can be.
Some people change when they learn of their fame.
Which is why I keep it to myself that I know Sebastian.
Craig and Monique seem like great people, but they don’t really need to know about my relationship with Sebastian.
“Bennet is great. You chose a good one!” Monique says, and we talk some more about the upcoming games.
They tell me they have a yearly membership, and both are huge football fans. Therefore, they attend most of the home games.
Sebastian’s team scores one more goal before the final whistle is called. I say goodbye to Craig and Monique before heading to my new office.
Sebastian told me to go ahead and take a taxi home after the game since he’ll be stuck with the media, a team recap, and a shower.
I told him I wanted to wait; this is my project after all.
