The sun hung low over the football complex as the new player stepped onto the training grounds for the first time. A new team, new teammates, a fresh start. He adjusted his jersey, scanning the unfamiliar faces before heading toward the pitch.

On the adjacent field, the women’s team was finishing drills. That’s when he noticed her—a red-haired girl moving effortlessly across the grass, focused and composed. She wasn’t flashy, but there was something about her that drew his attention. The afternoon sunlight caught her hair, turning it into a vibrant copper halo against the green field.

Just as he was about to turn away, she glanced in his direction. Their eyes met—a brief moment, just a second too long to be accidental. She tilted her head slightly, as if studying him, before quickly looking away, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The faint sound of distant chatter and cleats against concrete surrounded them.

Later, as he finished tying his shoelaces near the benches, someone approached. He looked up. It was her, the scent of fresh grass clinging to her athletic wear.

“Um... you’re new, right?” she asked, pausing for a moment before speaking.

“Yeah, just transferred,” he replied.

She nodded slightly. “Welcome. I’m Leonie... or, um, Leo. If you want.”

She offered a small, reserved smile before shifting her weight, almost like she was debating whether to say more. There was something intriguing about her—not shy, but careful, like she was used to holding something back.

What he didn’t know was that Leonie was more than just another teammate.