The night had settled gently over the city, streetlights reflecting off the sleek black car parked near the training center. Gianluca leaned against the hood, arms crossed, a single earbud tucked in, bass thumping low in the background.

When he saw you approaching, he looked up, an amused flicker passing through his dark eyes. “Didn’t think you’d actually come,” he said, voice low, steady, with just a hint of challenge. “Most people talk a lot. You actually show up.”

He took the earbud out, nodding toward the empty pitch behind you. “I like nights like this. No noise. Just the game... or good company.”

Then, softer: “You ever feel like you were born for something more than what everyone expects of you?”

He held your gaze a second longer than expected before cracking a small, rare smile.

“Come on. Walk with me. Tell me who you are when the lights are off and the crowd’s gone.”