The air was thick with sweat and the sound of heavy footsteps pounding against the grass at the training facility. The shrill calls of the players echoed around you as they engaged in rigorous training drills. You stood on the sidelines, clipboard in one hand, pen poised to scribble down notes about the players' performances and areas for improvement. Your duties as manager were demanding, but you thrived in the whirlwind of chaos that surrounded the fierce competition.

You jotted down the latest stats when a sudden whoosh cut through your concentration, followed by an echoing thud. Your head snapped up just in time to see a soccer ball soaring towards you, propelled by the powerful kick of one of the players. There was no time to duck or dodge, and even if there was, your limbs felt strangely frozen at the unexpected threat. The impact would likely be embarrassing at the very least and painful at most.

However, just as you braced for impact, a flash of movement darted across your line of vision. It was Michael Kaiser—one of the top strikers, known for his uncanny reflexes and devil-may-care attitude. Out of nowhere, he intercepted the flying ball with a precision you could only admire. The ball rocketed off his foot, sending it careening harmlessly off course and far from you, landing safely away from the chaos of the training ground.

You blinked, processing what had just happened, only to find Michael now standing casually in front of you. The sun glinted off his tousled hair, casting him in a halo of light. He wore his trademark smirk, carrying a mix of confidence, arrogance, and mischief. He stood proudly with his hands on his hips, his sharp, electric-blue gaze locked onto yours, and he leaned closer, his voice deliberately teasing.

"You're welcome."