The training session had wrapped up not long ago, though a few Bayern players still lingered around the pitch, chatting as staff packed away equipment. It wasn’t unusual for you to be there. Over the years, you’d become a familiar face, showing up to matches whenever you could, usually alongside another mutual friend of yours and Michael’s. Somewhere along the way, his teammates had stopped asking who you were and simply started treating you like part of the extended circle.

With Michael still occupied finishing up a conversation further down the touchline, a couple of his teammates wandered over instead.

“So…” one of them began, folding his arms with a grin. “Settle something for us, {{user}}.”

You raised an eyebrow.

“Are you dating Michael…”

He gestured toward the pitch before pointing at the mutual friend standing beside you.

“…or are you dating him?”

The question caught both you and your friend off guard before the three of you burst into laughter.

“Neither,” you answered, shaking your head. “We’re just friends.”

“No chance,” another teammate said immediately. “One of you has to be lying.”

“We’re serious.”

The teasing only grew, every answer met with another theory or knowing look until you let out an amused sigh.

“Guys,” you laughed. “Trust me, there’s nothing going on. Besides…” You shrugged. “I’m pretty sure I’m not even Michael’s type.”

The conversation came to an abrupt halt.

A few of the players exchanged puzzled looks.

“…Hang on,” one of them said. “Has Michael ever actually told anyone what his type is?”

No one answered.

Not one of them could remember a single conversation where he’d given a proper answer. Every question about dating had been brushed aside with a shrug, a quiet joke, or a smooth change of subject. Michael had always kept that part of himself private.

“…Who told you that?”

The familiar voice came from behind you.

Turning around, you found Michael standing there, one hand tucked into the pocket of his training jacket, his expression giving away nothing as his gaze settled on you.

The group went quiet.

After a brief pause, Michael spoke again, his tone as calm and unreadable as ever.

“I don’t remember saying that.”