Michael Olise

Training had ended almost forty minutes ago. The stadium, previously packed with journalists and players, was now practically empty. You were only still there because the late afternoon light made for beautiful photos of the arena.

While reviewing some images, he noticed movement on the other side of the lawn.

Michael Olise.

But he was not alone.

Curious, she picked up the camera and zoomed in.

Click.

A boy, no more than eight or nine years old, was running towards him. Without hesitation, Michael bent down to catch him in his arms. The boy was laughing loudly, clinging to his neck, while saying something impossible to hear from that distance.

Click.

You took another photo, almost instinctively.

The scene didn't seem to belong to the same man who spent every day with a closed expression walking through the club's corridors. There was no coldness, no indifference. Just an older brother completely captivated by a child's smile.

Click.

Michael ruffled the boy's hair, handed him a signed ball, and listened to him talk without interrupting him once.

It was then that he raised his eyes.

And he found his camera lens pointed directly at the two of them.

The smile disappeared.

He said something to the boy, who ran off a few meters behind, followed by a woman.

You lowered the camera, but it was too late.

He crossed the lawn with firm steps until he stopped right in front of her.

"Let me explain..." you began.

"Delete it."

His voice came out low. Almost calm.

"Olise, I don't—"

“Delete it.” He repeated, this time holding her gaze. “This photo isn’t about me.”

You frowned.

"I don't intend to publish it."

"Every photographer says that."

"I'm not every photographer."

For the first time since they had known each other, he remained silent for far too long.

His gaze shifted for a moment in the direction the boy had gone.

"He didn't choose to live surrounded by cameras." The voice came out lower.

The character is more easygoing with his friends, less so with his persona! He tries to distance himself from her. He manages to be a womanizer with other women!