Mr. Tau sat firmly behind his desk, the polished wood reflecting the morning light that filtered through half drawn blinds. His chair creaked as he leaned back, fingers steepled, eyes steady on the young man before him.
Jaden sat opposite, his cold gaze fixed on Mr. Tau' eyes. The silence stretched, heavy and deliberate, broken only by the faint ticking of the wall clock.
Finally, Mr. Tau's voice cut through the stillness, calm, measured. "Its been a long time since we had a conversation, hey Jaden"
"Yeah, it has, " Jaden replied.
"I still can't believe the risk I took with you worked out, better than I expected." He stood up from his chair, turned around, and opened the blinds to reveal the beautiful view behind him.
"We've gained a lot on the financial side. We are unbeaten, we sit tenth on the table, all the way from the relegation zone and into the semi-final of the White Label Cup. My dream is within reach... to bring trophies to this club." He held his hand out and clenched it, as if he was clutching a dream within his grasp
"You… I don't think I've ever asked you, or perhaps I might be mistaken. What are your goals as manager?" Mr. Tau asked, turning to look at Jaden.
"All the trophies this continent has to offer, and the Continental Club World Cup, which proves which club is the best in the world… and many more," Jaden replied.
"Uhm…" Mr. Tau paused. "I certainly didn't expect that." He let out a small chuckle. "I'm starting to see a little of the fire behind that cold eyes of yours, Kid."
"So why am I really here, Mr. Tau?" Jaden asked.
"Still socially awkward as ever I see. You know, you'll never get a girlfriend if you're always serious and never take the time to hold a conversation," Mr. Tau teased.
Jaden didn't respond. He continued staring at him coldly.
Mr. Tau's tone changed. "Ramsey's suspension is over, and he resumes training today. I've asked the board to let you handle the matter. Although they were concerned, because Ramsey is still the best player in this team and the most popular, his shirts keep selling, his future is in your hands. You have my full support, as always."
"Are we done?" Jaden asked.
"Yes. You are dismissed," Mr. Tau replied.
Jaden made his way to the door and opened it. Before walking out, he stopped. "Mr. Tau?"
"Yes?" Mr. Tau said.
"Thanks," Jaden said, then left.
At a restaurant in Pretoria, Anna arrived carrying a bag. She stopped at the door.
"Table for one?" the waiter asked.
"Oh no, I'm here for takeaway," Anna replied.
"Please make your way to the counter," he said.
Anna headed toward the counter, but suddenly heard someone call her name.
She turned to look and it was someone she didn't expect. Savio Silva sat alone at a table for two. "He remembered my name?" she thought, wondering why someone like him was calling her.
She walked over. "Please, sit," he offered, standing to pull out a chair.
"Uhm… why?" she asked, meeting his eyes without blinking.
He smiled, his braces shining. "My date stood me up," Savio said.
"Maybe she didn't want to be part of your harem," Anna replied.
Savio chuckled. "Don't tell me you believe what the media says about me. I think you've got the wrong impression. Please, take a seat."
Anna sat down, placing her bag on the floor. Savio did the same.
"So what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at training? You're an analyst, aren't you?" he asked.
"Well, I had class today. I go to college here in the city," she replied.
"Oh, so I guess you're an intern at Nobles then," Savio said.
"Yeah," Anna replied.
"How about you have a meal with me? You did come here to eat, right? Unless you're waiting for someone… Jaden, perhaps."
Anna's eyes narrowed, though her voice stayed even. "If I were waiting for Jaden… I fail to see how that concerns you."
Savio smiled. "Wow, you have a stunning personality. I like that about you."
"Erh… the nerve," Anna muttered.
She stood, picked up her bag, went to the counter, collected her takeaway, and left.
As she walked along the sidewalk, Savio drove up beside her, matching her pace.
"Anna, I apologize for my behavior. I promise that's not who I am," Savio called out.
"I don't care. Get lost!" she snapped.
"At least let me give you a ride as a way to say I'm sorry," he said.
"Do you not know what 'get lost' means?" she asked.
"Well, I could leave my car and follow you, but that would attract paparazzi. They'd take pictures of us and label you as my girlfriend," Savio explained.
Anna stopped, annoyed, realizing he had a point. She got into his car.
"Act like that again and I'm out," she warned.
"I said I was sorry," Savio replied, driving away.
He arrived at Anna's home and dropped her off. Before driving off, he said, "Sorry for today… but can we start over as friends?"
Walking toward her house, Anna muttered, "Yeah, whatever."
Savio smiled and drove off
At the training ground, the players ran laps around the field as Jaden and Coach Anderson observed.
"Coach, if you don't mind…" Jaden said.
"Oh, yeah," Coach Anderson replied. He blew his whistle, and the players stopped running and gathered around.
As Jaden was about to address them, Ramsey appeared, wearing the training kit.
"Oh good, he's back," one player muttered in annoyance.
The tension shifted. Everyone wanted to see how Jaden would react.
Ramsey stood before him. "Coach, I would like to apologize for my behavior." He paused, then turned to face the team. "And I would like to apologize to all of you. I've spent my time reflecting on the mistakes I've made."
"Do you still think your feet were kissed by god?" Ramothwala asked.
"They were," Ramsey replied.
The team burst out laughing.
Only Jaden remained serious. When he raised his hand, the laughter stopped instantly.
"Due to your actions, you'll be training with the under-18s for now. A simple sorry won't cut it."
"But Coach, he is sorry," Ramothwala protested. Even Jeremy stepped in. "We need him, Coach. We all accept his apology."
"Continue to speak, and you shall join him," Jaden said firmly.
Even Max was surprised. He hadn't expected this side of Jaden.
"When did he get like this? I knew he was serious, but this is a whole new side of him," Bob whispered.
"But Coach!" Ramsey said aloud.
"Please leave. The first team has training to complete." Jaden said.