Manchester Airport was crowded with reporters when City returned from Spain. Khali had barely stepped off the team bus when microphones and cameras surrounded him.
"Khali! Goal of the season! How does it feel?""Are Real Madrid already asking for you?""Who was the girl cheering for you — a girlfriend or a fan?""Rumors say a famous influencer has eyes on you. Comments?"
Khali frowned. The only question that mattered was lost in all the noise.
Then he spotted Amira waiting quietly behind the swarm, holding a small congratulatory banner she made herself. Relief washed over him and he hurried toward her.
But before he reached her—Click! Snap! Flash!Elena appeared out of nowhere, throwing an arm around his shoulder.
"Smile for the fans!" she said brightly.
The cameras went wild.
Amira froze.Her smile disappeared.
Khali quickly stepped away."Elena, stop. I told you—"
But the damage was already done.
Headlines would twist it.Rumors would spread.Amira's heart would crack… just a little.
Blue vs Red — Destiny Written
Later that evening, Pep called a team meeting.
The Champions League semifinal bracket appeared on the screen:
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Gasps filled the room.
Haaland clapped Khali's back."Your friend in red… it's time."
Khali nodded, a storm brewing behind his eyes.Bello wasn't his friend anymore.Not on this battlefield.
A Call from Home
Khali's phone buzzed. It was his mother — but her voice trembled.
"Khali… your uncle… he's been kidnapped."
Khali's heart stopped.Northern Nigeria wasn't always safe — he knew this — but he never imagined the violence would strike someone he loved.
"Is he alive? Do they want money?" Khali asked, voice shaking.
"We don't know," she sobbed. "Just pray, my son."
Tears burned his eyes as the line cut.
This was reality — far from stadiums and trophies.The world didn't care about his trending goal right now.His family was in danger.
The One Who Saw His Pain
He walked outside alone, emotions overwhelming him — fame, fear, pressure crushing his chest.
"Khali?"
Amira's soft voice stopped his tears from falling.
Without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the frantic beat of his heart.
"I'm scared," he whispered."It's okay," she replied. "You're not alone."
He held her tighter.
Not a single camera in sight.No fans cheering.Just love — real, steady, and saving.
The Rival's Warning
Later that night, a message arrived on his phone:
📱 Bello:"Next week, it's Manchester vs Manchester.If you think that goal made you a star…wait until I bury you on your own pitch."
Khali stared at the screen — jaw firm, tears dried.
He replied:
📱 Khali:"We'll see whose name the world chants."
He placed his phone down and looked up at the ceiling.
For his family.For Amira.For himself.
He would fight.
The greatest battles of his life were coming:
✅ Love vs Temptation✅ City vs United✅ Faith vs Fear
And Khali was ready.