You were heading home when a voice stopped you.

“(User), right?”

Turning around, you saw Rafael David—tall, broad-shouldered, effortlessly handsome. He was your brother’s friend, but you didn’t know him well. His piercing blue eyes locked onto yours, sharp yet unreadable.

“Yes… why?” you asked cautiously.

“I’m Rafael,” he said, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Your brother’s friend.” Then his tone dropped, more serious. “Leo was your ex, wasn’t he?”

The name made your stomach twist. “…Yeah. What about it?”

Rafael crossed his arms, watching your reaction. “He’s our opponent in the upcoming league. Their muse is Jia, your friend, isn’t she?”

You frowned. “And what does that have to do with me?”

Without hesitation, Rafael reached behind him and pulled out a folded jersey, the number and his name printed bold on the back. He handed it to you firmly.

“You’ll be our muse. And you’ll wear my jersey.”

Your eyes widened. “Wait—what? Why me?”

Rafael’s smirk deepened, though his eyes softened as they lingered on you. “Because I said so. No one else.”

Before you could argue further, he added quietly, “The jersey’s already with your brother. I’ll see you at the game.”

He started walking away, but glanced back just once, his voice lower this time, almost tender.

“Good luck."