As the heavy door shut behind them with a dull thud, silence filled the room like fog on a winter morning. Aleksandar instinctively straightened his back. The atmosphere was different here sharper, heavier.
His eyes drifted to the desk at the end of the room, where a man sat in a high backed chair, posture perfectly upright, his suit impeccably tailored. The way he held himself exuded the calm, focused confidence of someone who had no need to raise his voice to command a room.
He didn't have to introduce himself.
His presence spoke volumes.
But then, in a voice that was low, smooth, and absolutely unshakable, the man spoke.
"Good afternoon. And welcome, Aleksandar."
The words carried the weight of something more than just politeness. They were measured, clear, and rang through the space with quiet finality.
"I am Luciano Correa, the head coach of Monjitas del Cielo."
He gestured lightly to the man standing beside him a tall figure with calm eyes and the build of a battle worn warrior.
"This is Diego Páez. He is our team captain."
Diego gave a subtle nod, his expression unreadable, though something in his eyes suggested a quiet fire that never truly died down.
Luciano leaned forward slightly, resting his clasped hands on the desk. His eyes, a shade too sharp to ever seem casual, locked with Aleksandar's.
"We're very pleased you've decided to sign with our club."
"Vinnie has spoken highly of you. And I trust his judgment. That being said…"
His voice didn't waver, but it grew colder like steel left in the shade.
"Expectations have been placed on your shoulders. And I hope you're ready to carry them."
Aleksandar nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. Every word the coach spoke felt like it came with a shadow of a challenge.
"As I understand," Correa continued, his tone relaxing just slightly, "today you'll be taking your official club photos and receiving a tour of our facilities. Enjoy it. Training begins next week."
Then his voice deepened again, reminding Aleksandar of the gravity behind his every syllable.
"Until then, we will be holding open tryouts. Every member of this team is expected to attend. That includes you."
"I hope to see you there. I expect nothing less."
A moment of silence passed before he glanced toward Vinnie and Hao, standing quietly to the side.
Without raising his voice, he said firmly:
"Gentlemen. If you don't mind, I'd like to speak with Aleksandar alone."
Vinnie and Hao exchanged a quick look, nodded, and stepped out without a word leaving Aleksandar standing alone beneath the full weight of Luciano Correa's gaze.
The door clicked shut behind them.
Silence.
Only Aleksandar and Coach Luciano Correa remained inside the wide, immaculately organized office. The coach sat like a statue behind the desk, his posture disciplined, eyes unflinching. The atmosphere was so heavy it felt like gravity itself had intensified.
Then, Coach Correa spoke his voice calm but lined with cold authority.
"Let me ask you something, Aleksandar."
"What is your goal? Why do you play this game? What kind of player do you want to become?"
His gaze didn't waver. It felt like it pierced straight through Aleksandar's composure.
"My entire staff and I we don't waste time on half hearted players. So I expect nothing but your honest answer."
The air thickened.
Aleksandar froze for a moment, his heart pacing in his chest. He took a breath. He couldn't afford to stumble here. This wasn't just about impressing a coach. This was about standing tall beneath the weight of real expectations.
So he spoke slowly at first, but with fire behind his words.
"I play because I wanted to escape the trenches."
I grew up on a mountain where electricity came and went. Life wasn't easy. And because of that money is important for me. But even that… fades in comparison to what I truly want."
He straightened his shoulders, locking eyes with the coach.
"I want to become one of the best players in this league. That's why I was grateful when I found out Hao had scouted me. When I learned I actually got a contract…"
He gave a small smile, brief but sincere.
"And I owe a lot to Vinnie. He helped me with training, meal plans everything I needed to prepare for this stage."
A long silence followed.
Then Coach Correa leaned forward, folding his hands.
His stare sharpened, cold as steel.
"The path to becoming the best is never easy. Especially in this sport."
His voice deepened not louder, but heavier with truth.
"If money is your motivation, it won't last. Because money turns into comfort. And comfort…"
He narrowed his eyes,
"…kills hunger."
The words sank deep into Aleksandar's chest.
"So yes maybe up until now, your hunger to escape hardship drove you to become better. But what happens when there's no more struggle? When you have to wake up every day and fight your own mind, your own doubts alone?"
Coach Correa leaned back, exhaling quietly.
"When you can answer that… when you understand what truly drives you.
That's when you'll begin to become the player you dream of."
He stood up, his presence towering and composed.
"Until then keep training. Learn from the veterans. Work with our staff. You'll grow. I can see it in you."
He gave a subtle nod toward the door.
"You're dismissed. I'll see you soon."
Aleksandar stood up slowly, his body still, but his mind racing. The coach's words echoed inside his head like a bell struck in a canyon.
Even as he reached the door, he glanced back not out of fear, but out of respect and gave a short bow of his head.
"Thank you, Coach."
As Aleksandar stepped out of the office, the air outside felt lighter yet his mind was anything but.
Coach Correa's words still echoed within him, weighing heavy on his chest like invisible armor.
"What drives me… when the hunger is gone?"
That question lingered.
But waiting just outside, leaning casually against the wall, were two familiar faces Vinnie and Hao. The contrast in their energy was immediate. Vinnie, with his usual confident grin, stepped forward the moment he saw Aleksandar emerge.
"There you are, small fry," Vinnie said, arms crossed. "Let's go. Time to show you around."
Aleksandar gave a faint smile still quiet, still deep in thought but he nodded.
"Yeah. Let's do it."
And with that, the three of them disappeared down the long hallway, toward the elevator, and into the next stage of Aleksandar's journey.