After the final whistle, Khali stood in the tunnel still buzzing from his debut. Cameras flashed, reporters shouted his name, teammates slapped his back. But his eyes searched for only one person.
And then he saw her.
Amira.Her hijab the soft color of sky blue — matching City's badge — her smile brighter than the stadium lights. She stood shyly behind the security barrier, clutching a small gift bag.
Khali's heart raced faster than during the match.
He slipped away from the crowd and walked straight to her.
"You were… incredible," Amira said, eyes sparkling with pride.
"I kept thinking of you," Khali confessed. "Every step, every pass. I wanted you to see that I'm worthy of all of this… of you."
Her blush answered before her voice did."I always knew you were."
Before he could say more, they were interrupted.
Jealous Eyes Watching
Elena — the influencer who had taken interest in Khali — approached with the confidence of a queen. Cameras followed her like bees chasing honey.
"Khali, darling! Amazing assist! Let's take a picture for my story?" she said, sliding closer.
Khali stepped back, gently but firmly.
"Thanks, Elena. But I'm here with someone."
Elena's eyes narrowed when she looked at Amira — simple clothes, quiet beauty, no fame.She forced a smile. "Ah. Your… friend."
"My girlfriend," Khali corrected, taking Amira's hand.
Elena's smile cracked. "Well. Congratulations… to both of you."Then she turned sharply and walked away, heels clicking angrily.
Amira looked down, shy again."You didn't have to say that."
"Yes," Khali replied, lifting her chin. "I did."
A Promise Under the Stars
He guided her to a quiet corner of the stadium, where they could see the moon hanging over the Etihad roof like a silver trophy.
Khali took her hand again — not for cameras, not for show — but for truth.
"Amira… I don't know where football will take me next. I don't know what challenges will come. But one thing is sure — I want you beside me. Always."
Her eyes softened, full of emotion.
"I'll stay," she whispered. "Wherever your dreams take you."
Their foreheads touched — a promise, pure and powerful.
Rivals Even in Love
Meanwhile, across the stadium, Bello watched from a distance.He wasn't alone.
Beside him stood Zara — stylish, bold, and ambitious — the girl who once admired Khali… and now supported Bello.
"So that's who he chose," Bello muttered, fists tightening.
Zara smirked.
"Let him enjoy it. When the world starts talking about the rivalry between Manchester blue and Manchester red…"she leaned closer, eyes glittering,
"…we'll make sure you're the one they fall in love with."
Bello nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on Khali — and the girl who had captured his heart.
Khali had won his debut.He had chosen his love.But his battles were just beginning — on the pitch and beyond.