บท 344: Autograph

The coach's voice stopped me in my tracks just as I was about to escape to the locker room. I turned around, trying to suppress my groan and summon a polite smile. Chloe paused beside me, looking equally curious and amused.

"Vargas, wait a second," Coach said, jogging over, her clipboard tucked under one arm.

"Yes, Coach?" I asked, bracing myself for another lecture about aggression or some unexpected punishment for my lackluster soccer skills.

But instead of the stern expression I expected, her face softened into something almost... sheepish?

"I, uh, need to ask you for a favor," she said, glancing around as if to make sure no one else was within earshot.

"A favor?" I repeated, my curiosity piqued.