章 18: The Hourglass spun. Time is ticking

Time passed.

Days turned into weeks.

Weeks turned into months.

Kai tried to listen to his parents. He restrained himself. He disciplined himself to focus on his own career and future. He even had a grand ambition to find true love and settle down in life. Perhaps he would find himself to be a successful businessman down the line. Maybe he could enjoy a beautiful life living in luxury condos that he could only dream about.

But.

Kai couldn't help but feel drawn back to football. He still had a burning passion for the sport, but his self-esteem had taken a hit. He didn't want to embarrass himself again by playing in front of others. For the first few weeks after the decisive football match, Kai decided to give up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

The system? He ignored it.

But even though he stopped playing, he couldn't stop thinking about football. Every night before he went to bed, he would clean his boots and lay them out neatly, almost like a ritual. He would spend hours watching online streams of football matches, studying the movements and techniques of the players on the field.

Even though he had weaknesses in his game, he still had a natural talent for reading the field and anticipating the actions of his opponents. He also began to see that there were other paths to success in football beyond just playing professionally.

One day, while watching a match online, Kai stumbled upon a video of a street football competition. The players were incredibly skilled, using fancy footwork and clever tactics to outmanoeuvre their opponents. Kai was fascinated and inspired by what he saw.

It was a new world.

He began to research more about street football and found that there were many tournaments and leagues held around the world. He decided to enter one himself, even though he was nervous about playing in front of others again. But this time, he wasn't playing to impress anyone. He was playing for the sheer love of the game.

Kai worked hard to develop his touch and finishing, and he also found that his tactical understanding gave him an advantage over his opponents. He participated in numerous local tournament, and although he didn't win, he felt a sense of accomplishment that he hadn't felt in a long time.

From that day on, Kai continued to play street football and even formed a small team that consisted of only players from his university. He discovered that there was a whole community of players who shared his love for the game, and he found a sense of belonging and purpose that he hadn't felt before. He may not have become a professional footballer, but he had found a new way to pursue his passion and live his dream.

~~~

As the sun set over the city, a group of kids gathered in an abandoned lot for their weekly street football match. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation as they laced up their boots and kicked around the ball, warming up for the game to come.

The lot was surrounded by tall buildings, casting long shadows across the concrete surface. Graffiti covered the walls, adding a colorful backdrop to the scene. The only light came from a flickering street lamp, but the players didn't seem to mind. They were focused on the game, on the thrill of competition and the joy of playing.

As more and more kids arrived, the atmosphere grew electric. Laughter and shouts filled the air, as players called out to each other and traded jokes and insults. Some of the younger kids watched from the sidelines, awestruck by the skill and athleticism on display. It wasn't just verbal insults though, the main event wasn't here so the crowd and some of the players took the liberty to be entertainment.

The 'entertainers' knew it was their time to shine. The crowds erupted into cheers and applause. The players basked in the attention, reveling in the chance to show off their skills and entertain the crowd.

The entertainers gathered together, their eyes locked on the ball at their feet. They were preparing for a skill showdown, a chance to showcase their individual talents and see who was truly the best.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. The tricksters, who had spent hours practicing their moves, were eager to show off their skills to one another. They formed a circle around the ball, each one waiting for their turn to take center stage.

One trickster stepped forward, his eyes focused and his body tense. He started to dribble the ball, weaving in and out of cones and executing quick turns and fancy footwork moves. The other players watched, transfixed, as he moved effortlessly across the field.

A Rabona Shot, another Cruyff Turn, a Ronaldo Chop.

Skill moves came fluidly like a seam of water. Dazzling technique and mesmerising footwork.

As the first player finished his routine, another player stepped forward. He started to juggle the ball, flicking it back and forth between his feet and knees. The crowd gasped as he executed an audacious trick move, sending the ball flying high into the air before trapping it back onto his foot.

As the players continued their showdown, the audience grew increasingly amazed and impressed. They cheered and clapped with each new move, urging the players on and urging them to push themselves even further.

Yet, everyone here was slowly and patiently waiting for the "main event". As the agreed time inched closer and closer, the entertainers bid their audience farewell. The tricksters were gloried in their chance to present themselves to others. The crowd applauded, some whistled, and others even yelled at their departure.

9:56pm

Four players entered the confines of the abandoned lot. The crowd parted ways as they entered the playing field. There were admirable gazes as the crowd inspected each members of this elite group.

A kid among the crowd was curious. The scene was full of sounds laughter, football punks threw insults against one another, others constantly tried to nutmeg strangers. This was all gone all of a sudden. Why did everyone suddenly go quiet?

"Psst. First time here, kiddo?"

The kid was surprised, but he still mustered a simple nod.

"Those men call themselves the Pavement Panthers. They're the top dog here."

The kid scratched his head.

"Unbeaten for 25 games. They haven't lost since last month."

The man looked around, eyeing the audience that have menacing gazes.

"Everyone here has one purpose... To uncrown the Pavement Panthers!"

The Pavement Panthers gathered in the centre circle as the crowd was in silence. Who would be their opponent tonight? The 4 men eyed around, but no one took the chance. Everyone was silence. The crowd want to witness the moment the top dog loses. Yet they have no desire to do it themselves.

Suddenly, one arm was raised among the street punks. "We'll do it."

*Hiss*

The crowd gasped at the challengers. Losing a game of street football was akin to losing reputation. Who would be so idiotically fight a losing battle?

The captain of the Footpath Flyers stepped forward, a tall, muscular man with a stern expression. "Alright, listen up," he barked. "We came here to play some ball, so let's get to it. We'll beat you this time"

A member of the Pavement Panthers stepped forward, a lean, agile man with a cocky grin. "We'll take the ball first," Raven said. "And we'll show you how it's done."

Footpath Flyers captain laughed. "We'll see about that," he said. "Just remember, when the game is over, we'll be the ones celebrating this time."

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch. I got some moves that'll leave you seeing stars."

The air was charged with an electric tension as the two street teams took their positions on the field. The abandoned lot was packed to the brim with fans, all eagerly awaiting the start of the match. The players, with focused looks on their faces, warmed up on the pitch, passing the ball back and forth, stretching their muscles and shaking off the nerves.

The Pavement Panthers discussed last-minute instructions and tactics, while the Footpath Flyers gathered their players together, rallying themselves with motivational speeches. Some players paced nervously back and forth, while others stood with their eyes closed, visualizing their moves and plays.

The sounds of the fans filled the air, creating a deafening roar. Electronic music fill in the backdrop as the self appointed DJ lightened the mood. The cheers and chants for the underdog mixed with the jeers and taunts to the Panthers. The lot was alive with energy and anticipation, as everyone knew that this match could be a game-changer.

The officials, strode onto the field, signaling that the start of the match was imminent. The players lined up for the kickoff, their hearts pounding with excitement and anxiety. The tension in the air was palpable, as everyone held their breath, waiting for the first whistle.

At that moment, everything else faded away, and all that mattered was the game. The players were focused and ready to give it their all, as the referee blew his whistle and the match began. The tension remained, but it was now channeled into every movement on the pitch, as the players battled it out for victory.