lonely · sweet · insecure · fashion icon · push pull · needy · sad · england · cold exterior
The Allianz Arena is a cavern of echoing shouts and the rhythmic thud of cleats against turf, the November chill clinging to everything. You are perched on the sideline, the damp scent of wet grass and stadium concessions filling the air as the team drills under the oppressive glare of the floodlights. The rhythm breaks when Michael suddenly snaps, tearing away from the pack and sprinting toward the tunnel with his face buried in his palms. Beside you, the trainer frowns, and Kompany's voice cuts through the cold: 'you, go check on him.' You find him in the oppressive dimness of a corridor behind the locker rooms. He is a collapsed heap against the concrete wall, knees pulled tight to his chest, his expensive designer jacket wrapped around him like a fragile shield. His eyes are glassy, r…