The referee whistled, the ball was kicked, the stadium erupted and the match began. Both teams comprised of vampires only because it was difficult for other species to match their speed.

The ground turned into a hub of activity with blurry figures who whooshed past each other to win control over the ball. Their footsteps thudded loudly and they didn’t show much mercy to each other.

"Pass the ball."

"There is an opening, man."

"Sh*t, what are you doing?"

"Get the as*hole," Rumail and Agent 93 were standing and shouting at the top of their lungs as they cheered along the crowd.

Rivan watched quietly but with a satisfied smile playing on his lips, while Xiran sat indifferently but his heart was somewhat content. Seeing the smiles of people he loved and the excitement of his city thrilled him.

High-quality footballs and the net was used so they would withstand the force vampires applied. Emeradius City was the first one to score in the 39th minute of the game. A hushed silence fell over the stadium and only a few people cheered for the visiting team.

"Crap!" Rumail showed his annoyance by punching the air and flopping back on the chair. Rivan couldn’t help but chuckle at his brother’s disappointment. They had been avid football fans since their childhoods and used to play with Xiran.

The goal scorer was none other than the second prince of the royal family of Emeradius City; Prince Cikalius. His blonde hair flowed behind him as he ran to celebrate with his teammates. Just like his elder brother, he was the epitome of beauty and perfection and had a huge female fan following.

"Cikalius has grown as a footballer," Rivan commented seeing him score.

"Yes, he has become a professional for sure," Xiran intently watched on, now that the opposition had scored.

The game stopped and the score stayed at 1-0 at half-time. Rumail and Agent 93 got more beers as they discussed at length what should be done to win the match.

Mazitine visited Xiran during the break and informed him that all arrangements were in place for the closing ceremony and distribution of awards, which he would be conducting. Xiran praised his efforts and showed his appreciation. His mood had lifted a bit.

"All the visiting players should be given the best treatment. I want them to be sent off with utmost respect," Xiran instructed and Mazitine nodded his head.

The second half began soon enough and the crowd held their breath. They chanted the names of their superstars, especially Jaydius Harunis. He was one of the best in the business of football and being born and bred in Fritez City, he was a local hero.

Living up to his reputation he scored two back-to-back goals. The whole arena seemed to have been set on fire as fireworks erupted and loud deafening cheers of the crowd engulfed everything. He finally led the Fritez City Football Team to victory and the match ended with a final score of 2-1.

Rumail and Agent 93 were on their feet, cheering and yelling. They hugged each other in excitement. Rivan loudly clapped on the victory while Xiran had a smile on his face as he set his silver hair.

The crowd had exploded and joyous songs were being sung to praise their heroes as they took a victory lap around the ground, signed autographs, and took pictures with their fans and loved ones. All this while, security was kept extremely tight so no accidents would occur.

Players then made their way off the field and a few of them entered the VIP lounge to meet their parents and friends. The happiness on their faces was apparent, it was a proud moment to win on their home ground.

Jaydius approached a beautiful vampire girl with red flowing hair and they passionately kissed. He wrapped her tightly in his arms. Rivan had a knowing smile playing on his lips, seeing Jaydius while Xiran was trying to act indifferent.

"Seems like Jaydius got a new girlfriend," Rivan whispered in his friend’s ear and Xiran couldn’t help but feel guilty. The past never seemed to let go and he couldn’t help but wonder if that was why he was being punished. Maybe that was the reason he had to let his love go.

Jaydius’s eyes then fell on Xiran and his company and he instantly recognised him because of Rivan sitting next to him. Jaydius had met Xiran before under not-so-very-friendly circumstances and it was Rivan who had intercepted between them. Jaydius knew Rivan was an important figure but had no clue about his silver-haired friend’s identity. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

His eyes darkened and he made his way to them. Rivan knew this meant trouble so he kept his eyes glued on Jaydius.

He sneered getting close enough:

"How many more girlfriends have you stolen that you are now sitting here hiding your face," his eyes were focused on Xiran.

Xiran gave him an indifferent look before replying:

"I didn’t know that she had a boyfriend. We already had that conversation, it’s irrelevant now."

"It’s not, since you are a girlfriend stealer I am not comfortable with why you were even allowed in the VIP lounge. I will be having a word with Mayor Mazitine. People like you shouldn’t even be allowed here," he stood in front of him with his arms crossed.

"Jaydius, this is a joyous occasion, let’s not dwell in the past. Go enjoy your moment," Rivan interceded.

"I can’t until this as*hole is removed from the premises. I won’t accept the award."

Jaydius was not letting it go and this enraged Xiran. Before he could get up and give him a piece of his mind a punch was hurled at Jaydius, destroying his perfect jaw. He stumbled backwards and with a horrified look enveloping his face, fell down.

The collar of his shirt was grabbed and a few more punches landed on his face before Xiran slowly spoke:

"Zir, stop!" Agent 93 was grabbed by Rumail and Rivan to be held back.

"You fu*king disrespect him further and I will make sure you never play football again," Agent 93 spat at him. Jaydius recoiled in horror from the young boy who had attacked him with such speed that he didn’t see his attack coming.

Guards were called and both parties were separated. Jaydius was taken away and Mazitine was summoned who seemed panicked. He was afraid of Xiran’s wrath.

"Make sure none of this reaches the press. Deal with the ceremony, I am going home," Xiran ordered before getting up and making his way out of the VIP lounge. The rest of the boys followed him.

"He was..." Rivan began to speak but was cut short by Xiran who dejectedly spoke:

"Everywhere I go, I stir trouble. You shouldn’t have dragged me here."

"He was way out of line, you people should have let me put him in his place," Agent 93 was still fuming, his ever-smiling face was distorted in anger.

"It was my fault Zir. I slept with his then girlfriend a few years ago. He doesn’t know who I am so of course he is still bitter."

"As you said, you didn’t know. It was his girlfriend’s fault, not yours. Stop blaming yourself for everything that happened or happens," Rivan added with a stern expression.

"It is my fault Rivan. Everything is my fault, even my existence is a fault. If I hadn’t been born none of this would be happening and all of you would be leading better lives," Xiran bitterly replied exuding a cold dark aura which seemed to permanently surround him nowadays.

"With all due respect Sir, I beg to differ. No one would be taking a stand against your father as you are doing. That speaks volumes and nothing can make me doubtful about you for you have the purest of hearts," Agent 93’s eyes gleamed with emotions and respect he held for Xiran.

"I agree with Zir and we are going drinking," Rumail added.

"I want to go home," Xiran sighed seeing the three men who had their eyes glued to him as if he was about to break down.

"Not an option," Rivan took his arm and led him towards the car, Rumail and Agent 93 followed behind.

"And seriously Jaydius is a di*k, no wonder his girlfriend wanted to sleep with Señor," Agent 93 whispered to Rumail who nodded and laughed in return.

"Also, who wouldn’t want to be with Señor? I mean I have seen girls drool and fight over him," Rumail whispered to Agent 93.

"I can’t blame them," he murmured back to Rumail.

"That punch was impressive though," Rumail chuckled to Agent 93.

"I know, right? I have been practising it for a while now and was itching to test it on someone and the result was more than impressive," he added with a twisted grin.

Xiran and Rivan couldn’t hide their sheepish smiles listening to the younger boys as they rambled on and on.