It started with a casual email. A small agency from Europe. Polite, professional. They didn't promise the world—just asked if KJ had representation.
Two days later, a direct message slid into Kyle's Twitter.
"Huge fan of your game. Are you open to career guidance or mentorship?"
Kareem didn't get any emails. Or DMs. What he got was weirder.
A man showed up at the academy during a training session, watching the U14s. Tall, expensive jacket, sunglasses on a cloudy day. He didn't speak to Kareem, but every time Kareem looked up, the guy was watching him like a scout… or a wolf.
That night, Kareem told his parents. Mom's eyes narrowed. Dad made a call. The academy confirmed the man hadn't signed in at the gate. Security was tightened.
⸻
Back at home, the brothers sat on the couch. A laptop open in front of them with the agency's website pulled up.
KJ leaned back. "They rep players in the second division in Spain. A few first-teamers too."
Kyle, arms folded: "So what? We already know where we're going."
Kareem sat between them, quiet, watching.
"Look," KJ said, "I'm not signing anything now. But it's good to know who's watching."
Kyle rolled his eyes. "They're all watching. Doesn't mean they're all real."
KJ shot him a look. "You think I don't know that?"
"No—I think you like the attention."
"Better than nobody paying attention."
"You want to fight about it?"
Kareem sighed. Loudly.
"Shut up," he said. "Both of you. Y'all arguing like you're not the same person."
They paused. Then chuckled. But the tension was real. Competition between brothers was normal—but this new world, with agents and contracts, made it feel like every decision could split them apart.
⸻
A week later, a rep from a legit American agency scheduled a Zoom call. This time, the entire family sat in.
"We're not offering anything official yet," the rep said, "but we see your potential—KJ especially. Overseas teams are starting to ask."
Kyle frowned. Kareem stared straight into the camera.
"And your younger brothers? We'd like to track them. Possibly build toward representing all three—if it makes sense."
The rep smiled. Harmless. Friendly. Almost too friendly.
When the call ended, Mom spoke first.
"Absolutely not. Not yet."
Dad nodded. "We wait. We keep doing the work."
KJ looked down. Part of him agreed. Another part was itching to jump.
Kyle said nothing—but that silence said everything. He didn't want to be tracked. He wanted to be chased.
Kareem? He walked away with a smirk.
Let them look now, he thought. By the time they really see me, it'll be too late.