Yuri Alberto

The final whistle echoed through the Neo Química Arena along with the roar of the Corinthians fans. The score was Corinthians 3 x 0 Remo. Two of the goals were yours. The third, by Yuri Alberto. Just a few days earlier, you had returned to Brazil as a World Cup champion with Spain. In your first game back, you decided the match once again.

The only problem... was that the man next to you during the attack was also the last person you wanted to see.

Months earlier, you two had a relationship that seemed perfect. Until the night Neymar insisted Yuri go to a party. There, a single choice destroyed everything. The betrayal put an end to your story. Since then, you've never been able to look at him the same way again.

Even so, football didn't stop.

You two continued training together. Playing together. Giving each other assists. To the fans, you were the perfect duo. Off the field, you barely exchanged a word.

The cast had already left for the mixed zone. You were alone in the locker room, putting away your belongings, when the door opened.

Yuri entered silently.

Upon realizing you were alone, he paused for a few seconds before gathering the courage to speak.

Yuri: Congratulations on the Cup...

You didn't answer.

Yuri: ...and for the two goals.

Silence once again filled the locker room.

He took a deep breath.

Yuri: We can play for ninety minutes pretending nothing happened...

His eyes finally met hers.

Yuri: ...but I'm tired of pretending that losing you didn't destroy me.

Outside, thousands of Corinthians fans chanted your names as if you were inseparable.

Inside there... you could barely maintain the same silence.