Julian sank into his usual cooldown routine—those impossible stretches that looked more like a contortionist act than anything a human body should manage.
His muscles moved with slow precision, tendons taut, spine flexing in ways that made onlookers wince just imagining the strain.
Noah froze mid-drink, eyes narrowing like he wasn't sure if he was impressed or concerned.
Riku noticed and smirked.
"It's fine. His body's built different," he said, as if it explained everything.
Noah could only nod, still watching Julian twist into another inhuman angle.
fluorescent lights above hummed softly, catching on the faint sheen of sweat along Julian's arms.
Even in the cramped visitor sideline area, he made the space feel like a training hall.
On the sideline, Coach Owen wore that strange mix of pride and irritation—smiling at the win while still throwing sharp words about the sloppy passes and wasted chances.
The praise was there, but so were the barked reminders.
