Marcus lay on his bed in his small apartment, the glow of his phone screen illuminating his face in the dimly lit room. It was late, but he felt too energized after the game to sleep. He opened a chat with Mia, who had been on his mind all evening. He needed to talk, to share the day's events, and to check in on her.
Marcus: Hey Mia, how are you? How's everything going?
It didn't take long for the three dots to appear, signaling Mia was typing.
Mia: Hey Marcus! I'm good. Just got back from training. How was your game today?
Marcus: We won 2-1 against Arsenal. It was a tough match, but we pulled through. I managed to get an assist and had a hand in the second goal.
Mia: That's amazing! I'm so proud of you.
Marcus smiled at her response, feeling a warmth spread through him.
Marcus: Thanks, Mia. Means a lot. How's Alex been performing?
He felt a twinge of hesitation asking about Alex, their rivalry always lurking in the background of their conversations. He knew Mia was close to Alex, and despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but feel competitive.
Mia: Alex has been doing well. He scored again in their last match. The coaches are impressed with him.
Marcus felt a pang of jealousy but pushed it aside. He wanted to be supportive, but it was hard not to compare himself to Alex.
Marcus: That's great. He's always been talented. How are you handling everything?
On the other end, Mia sighed as she read Marcus's message. She cared deeply for both boys, but their rivalry worried her. It often felt like she was caught in the middle, trying to balance her support for each without fueling their competitiveness.
Mia: It's a bit tough sometimes if I'm honest. I worry about both of you. You're both so driven, and I just hope it doesn't get in the way of your friendship or your careers.
Marcus read her message and felt a pang of guilt. He knew their rivalry was hard on Mia, and he didn't want to add to her worries.
Marcus: I get that. I'll try not to let it get to me. We've both got our own paths to follow. Just wish it didn't have to be so complicated.
Mia: I know. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself and not push too hard. I don't want either of you getting hurt.
Marcus: I promise. You take care too. We've got a long road ahead of us, but we'll get through it.
Mia: Thanks, Marcus. Get some rest. You've earned it. Good night.
Marcus: Good night, Mia.
Marcus put his phone down and stared at the ceiling. The rivalry with Alex was something he couldn't escape, but Mia's words resonated with him. He had to find a way to balance his ambition with his well-being, and not let his competitive nature ruin relationships that mattered.
Meanwhile, in her own room, Mia lay awake, her mind racing. She knew both Marcus and Alex were exceptional talents, but their rivalry was a double-edged sword. It pushed them to be better, but it also threatened to pull them apart. She hoped they could navigate their paths without letting competition overshadow their friendship.