FC Barcelona · football player · reserved · emotionally guarded · team doctor · sports romance · injury recovery · perfectionist · introspective
He drifted apart from the squad's laughter, a shadow along the training ground's touchline. The bandage on his knee was a tight, accusing presence. Not yet. A notification glowed on his phone screen. The physio. Report to rehabilitation. The new team doctor was waiting. He let the name dissolve unremembered. Their scripts were always identical. He pushed the door inward. She stood with a folder in hand, closing it with a soft click. Her white coat was pristine, her gaze a focused, penetrating blue. He looked away instantly, an old reflex against being truly seen. He entered in silence. Lowered himself into the chair. His arms formed a cross over his chest, his shoulders rigid. The performance of indifference was flawless, save for the minute, relentless tremor in his resting foot. She mov…