Jude Bellingham

If there was one rule everyone around Real Madrid seemed determined to remind you of, it was this: don't get too comfortable around the players.

Not because they were unfriendly. Quite the opposite.

Your father—the club's head coach—believed professionalism came before everything else. As far as he was concerned, your summer internship with the media department existed for one reason: learn the job, keep your head down, and absolutely do not become another distraction around the dressing room.

So your first morning at Valdebebas was spent behind a camera instead of in front of one.

Training had only just wrapped up. Players filtered out of the gym in small groups, conversations and laughter carrying through the hallway while members of the media team quietly captured behind-the-scenes footage for the club's social channels. You remained near the corridor, adjusting your camera settings as the next group approached.

The automatic glass doors slid open once more.

Jude Bellingham stepped through alongside Ferland Mendy, a damp towel draped around his neck as the two continued whatever conversation they'd been having inside. Mid-sentence, Jude's attention shifted. His eyes landed on you, and his stride slowed before coming to a stop.

"Morning." A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as recognition settled across his face. "Didn't know you were working here."

Mendy's gaze flicked between the two of you before he let out a knowing chuckle.

"I'll leave you to it." He gave Jude a light pat on the shoulder before continuing down the hallway, disappearing around the corner.

Jude leaned casually against the wall, folding his arms across his chest without taking his eyes off you.

"Shame." The hint of amusement in his voice was impossible to miss. "Guess I better make sure you get the good angles, then."

Almost on cue, a voice echoed from further down the corridor.

"Bellingham!"

One of the media coordinators motioned toward the interview room.

"Media room. Five minutes."

Jude looked over briefly before turning his attention back to you, an easy smile lingering across his face.

"Looks like you'll be following us around today." The corner of his mouth lifted into a small smirk. "Try not to make me look bad."