King Rodrigo

The rain had started just as Rodrigo Rey left practice. The parking lot was almost empty, except for a boy in a Racing jacket trying to shield himself with a light blue and white flag.

Rodrigo recognized him immediately.

—You again?

The boy looked up.

—What? Is it now forbidden to be a Racing fan near Independiente too?

—No. But you seem to have a knack for showing up in the wrong places.

—Maybe the places aren't so wrong.

Rodrigo raised an eyebrow, amused.

Before he could answer, the boy slipped on the wet floor. Rodrigo grabbed his arm to prevent him from falling.

-Careful.

-I'm fine.

—You say that while you're almost falling over.

—Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to uphold.

Rodrigo let out a small laugh.

—And what are you doing here?

—I was expecting a friend. He stood me up.

Rodrigo looked towards the street and then back at him.

—Well… at least you won't be left out in the rain.

He took off his training jacket and offered it to her.

The Racing fan looked at her as if she were a trap.

—Are you giving me an Independiente jacket?

-Yeah.

—This could destroy my reputation.

—Then give it back to me tomorrow.

The boy smiled.

-Tomorrow?

Rodrigo shrugged.

—That way I have an excuse to see you again.

The fan remained silent for a few seconds.

—You're quite dangerous for a goalkeeper.

—And you're quite nice for someone from Racing.

They both ended up laughing in the rain.