The celebrations on the field gradually subsided as the players returned to their positions, and the match resumed.

The pattern of play remained the same, with Alex's team holding a resolute defensive line while their opponents relentlessly pressed forward, desperate to find an equalizer.

Despite the continuous pressure, Alex's team defended with determination, their strategy focused on maintaining their slim lead.

Every player, including Alex, played their part in holding back the tide of attacks that kept coming.

As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium grew.

The opposing team pushed harder, sending wave after wave of attacks, but they were met with a stubborn defense and a goalkeeper in exceptional form.

He made save after save, diving, stretching, and commanding his area with authority.

His performance was particularly crucial after Alex's team scored, as he kept their lead intact with a series of crucial stops.

The fans in the stands could hardly contain their excitement, cheering loudly with every save he made.

Despite the pressure, the match ended with the same scoreline, 1-0 in favor of Alex's team.

The opposing team had been unable to break through the solid defense to find an equalizer.

As the final whistle blew, the players from Alex's team celebrated their hard-fought victory, while their opponents walked off the field, disappointed but respectful of the battle they had just lost.

The goalkeeper of Alex's team was given the title of the man of the match, in Kay's opinion, he deserves it, he played the game of his life.

As the players began making their way off the pitch toward the dressing rooms, Kay, who had been sitting in the stands with his parents, stood up and called out to Alex.

His voice was nearly drowned out by the noise of the cheering fans, but after calling Alex's name several times, he finally caught his friend's attention.

Alex, who had been heading toward the tunnel with his teammates, turned around and spotted Kay.

A wide smile spread across his face when he saw his old friend in the crowd, along with Kay's parents.

He waved enthusiastically, clearly happy to see them after such an intense match.

However, with the fans' cheers still echoing around the stadium, it was impossible for them to hear each other from such a distance.

Kay gestured to Alex, signaling that he would wait for him outside the stadium.

Alex nodded in agreement, understanding the message, before giving a thumbs-up to confirm.

After the post-match formalities, Alex headed to the dressing room with his teammates.

He quickly took a shower and changed into his casual clothes, his mind already on meeting Kay.

The adrenaline from the match was still coursing through him, but he was eager to catch up with his friend.

As he prepared to leave, he approached his manager and politely excused himself, explaining that he had something urgent to attend to.

After hearing that he had something urgent, the manager permitted him to leave early without hesitation.

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With that, Alex grabbed his belongings and made his way out of the dressing room.

Alex stepped out of the stadium, carefully pulling up the hood of his hoodie to avoid drawing attention from lingering fans.

His eyes scanned the rows of cars, searching for something familiar. Moments later, his gaze landed on a car that looked just like Kay's family vehicle.

With a feeling of anticipation, he walked toward it, hoping he had found the right one.

As he approached, he saw Kay and his parents sitting inside, waiting for him. A smile spread across his face as he reached the car and gently knocked on the window.

Kay looked up, instantly recognizing his friend. Without hesitation, Kay opened the door and stepped out to greet Alex. The two shared a warm and friendly hug.

After their embrace, Alex turned to greet Kay's parents, offering them a polite and heartfelt hello.

They responded warmly, expressing how good it was to see him again. Alex then took a moment to congratulate Kay on his recent assignment with the under-16 team, Starlight FC.

He admitted that he had been meaning to visit Kay, but the demanding schedule of the season had kept him busy.

"This period of the season is always so charged," Alex explained, a hint of apology in his voice.

The conversation naturally shifted to the match they had just witnessed. Kay, still impressed by Alex's performance, didn't hold back in praising his friend.

He pointed out how Alex had been instrumental in creating the game's only goal, crediting him as one of the best players on the pitch that day.

Alex, modest as ever, nodded appreciatively but didn't dwell too much on the compliment.

Instead, he turned the conversation back to Kay, asking him how things were going with his new team.

The conversation continued and as Alex began to talk about his team, Kay's mind wandered briefly.

He couldn't help but admire players like Alex, those who fought tirelessly on the field, who never gave up, no matter the odds.

Kay had always respected Alex's work ethic and determination, qualities that made him a valuable asset to any team.

As they talked, Kay found himself thinking about a scenario where he, as the manager of a big team, would for sure recruit Alex.

He knew that with Alex's relentless spirit and skill, he could be a good addition to any team.

Alex, after all, was still young; just twenty years old, the same age as Kay.

In the years that Kay needed to become that manager, Alex would still be in the prime of his playing career.

Kay couldn't keep his thoughts to himself any longer. The idea of managing a team with Alex as one of his key players had taken root in his mind, and before he knew it, the words were out of his mouth.

"Alex," he asked suddenly, breaking the flow of their conversation, "would you play for my team when I become a manager in the future?"

Alex was taken aback by the question. It wasn't something he had expected to hear, especially not now, as they stood in the parking lot after a match.

He paused, his expression thoughtful as he considered the proposition.

After a moment, a grin spread across his face, and he responded with a mix of humor and seriousness, "I'll agree only if you're managing a team in the same division as my team then or higher."

The answer was half-joking, half-challenging. Alex knew the competitive nature of football, and he wasn't going to make it easy for Kay just because they were friends.

He added with a teasing tone, "So, if you want me on your team, you'd better progress quickly, or you might find me retiring before you get there."

Kay couldn't help but laugh, appreciating the friendly joke. But there was a determination in his eyes as he replied, "I promise you, I'll become a big manager as soon as possible."

He spoke with conviction, a fire in his voice that showed he meant every word.

This wasn't just a casual promise to a friend; it was a vow to himself, a goal he was setting firmly in his mind.

When Alex heard that, he replied, "If you mean that, so you shouldn't be looking to players on my level, but you should look higher"

Kay understanding what Alex meant, continued, "I'm not saying this just because you're my friend, Alex. I genuinely admire the way you play. You've got the kind of mentality I want on my team; the kind that never gives up, that fights until the last whistle." Kay's tone was earnest, his words reflecting the deep respect he had for Alex as both a player and a person.

Alex appreciated the sentiment, nodding as he listened. He knew Kay wasn't one for empty compliments, and hearing such praise meant a lot.

After a few more minutes of catching up and talking, Kay and Alex decided it was time to part ways.

Alex expressed his gratitude to Kay and his parents for the surprise visit.

"Thanks for coming," he added, turning to Kay's parents. "It really means a lot to me." Kay's parents nodded, pleased to have seen Alex play and proud of the bond the two young men shared.

The visit left Kay feeling renewed. Seeing Alex's determination and passion on the field reminded him of why he loved football.

On Sunday evening, Kay was sitting in his room when he received a message from Coach Daniels. The text read: "Our next opponent has been announced".

See you in the next chapter ...

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