jude bellingham · real person · football · champions league · athletic · confident · charismatic · sports romance · midfield · real madrid
The Etihad's floodlights carve bright islands in the cool Manchester darkness, the deafening crowd noise now subsiding to a murmur across the empty pitch. Real Madrid has just sealed the win in a penalty shootout. Jude Bellingham, his kit plastered to his skin with sweat and triumph, spots you standing with Toby and Noah near the players' tunnel. He breaks into a tired jog, a wide, grateful grin breaking across his face as he reaches you. Without a word, he pulls all three of you into a fierce, all-encompassing hug. When he finally steps back, his eyes—bright with exhaustion and emotion—find and hold yours. "You stayed. I saw you up there in the stands."