Us

It started with a low hum at the back of Nini’s skull, like a radio station struggling to find a signal. She had been sitting in the VIP lounge at the Allianz Arena, waiting for the post-match chaos to die down, when the frequency finally snapped into focus.

I should have taken that shot in the eighty-fourth minute. Müller is going to grill me about it in the locker room. My left calf feels tight. I wonder if Nini liked the goal.

Nini froze, her fingers tightening around her paper cup of lukewarm coffee. She looked around the room. Jamal was standing twenty feet away, surrounded by a gaggle of sponsors and club officials. His lips weren’t moving. He was nodding politely at a man in an expensive suit, his expression a mask of professional boredom.

She looks pretty in that sweater. Is it new? I hope she isn’t bored. I want to go home and play FIFA, but only if she plays with me.

Nini blinked, her heart hammering against her ribs. She was a petite woman, often overlooked in a crowd of towering athletes, but her mind felt suddenly, terrifyingly huge. She wasn't just hearing Jamal Musiala; she was hearing the raw, unfiltered stream of his consciousness. It was soft, humble, and surprisingly focused on her.

Over the next week, the "glitch," as she called it, didn't go away. It only activated when she was within a ten-meter radius of him. It was a superpower she hadn't asked for, and one that felt like a massive invasion of privacy—until she realized it was the perfect tool for a girl who had been hopelessly in love with her best friend for three years.

"You're very quiet today," Jamal said, nudging her shoulder as they walked through the English Garden. The autumn air was crisp, tossing Nini’s brown curls into a chaotic halo around her face.

"Just thinking," she replied, casting a sideways glance at him.

I want to hold her hand, Jamal’s voice echoed in her head, clear as a bell. Her hand looks so small compared to mine. Would she pull away? She’d probably think it’s weird. We’re friends. Just friends. Don’t ruin it, Jamal.

Nini felt a thrill of electricity shoot down her spine. He wanted to hold her hand? The confident, world-class dribbler who could weave through the best defenses in the world was scared of a little rejection?

A mischievous spark lit up in her chest. If he wasn't going to make a move, and if he was going to keep his thoughts hidden behind that shy smile, she would just have to force his hand. Or rather, force his heart.

"Actually, I was thinking about Leon," Nini said, her voice airy and casual.

Jamal stumbled slightly on a stray root. "Leon? Goretzka?"

"Yeah," Nini said, tucking a curl behind her ear. "He invited me to that new gallery opening on Friday. He’s really charming, isn't he? And so tall. I never realized how tall he was until he stood right next to me yesterday."

She waited.

Leon? The thought hit her like a physical wave of distress. Leon is huge. He’s ripped. He has that cool beard. Why would she want to go with him? Is she going as a date? No, no, no. Leon is a teammate. He wouldn’t do that. Would he? Everyone likes Nini. Of course he would.

"He's alright," Jamal said aloud, his voice sounding tight. "A bit intense about his protein shakes, though."

Nini suppressed a grin. "I think it’s cute. He’s dedicated."

Dedicated? He’s a gym rat! I can be dedicated too. I’ll go to the gym twice tomorrow. I’ll do extra leg presses. Why is she smiling like that? She never smiles like that when I talk about my training.

"So, are you going?" Jamal asked, trying and failing to sound nonchalant.

"I haven't decided yet," Nini lied. Leon hadn't actually asked her out; he had invited a group of them to a charity event, but Jamal didn't need to know the specifics. "I might need a new dress. Something... short? What do you think?"

Short? No. Absolutely not. Too many people will look at her. I don't want Leon looking at her legs. I don't want anyone looking at her but me.

"It’s going to be cold on Friday," Jamal said, his brow furrowing. "You should probably wear something warm. A coat. A very long coat."

Nini laughed, the sound bright and melodic. "You're such a worrywart, Jamal."

For the next few days, Nini turned the pressure up. Every time they were together, she made sure to mention a different man. A barista who gave her a free muffin. A trainer at the club who helped her with her form. Even a fictional character from a show they were watching.

The mental feedback was delicious. Jamal was a whirlwind of jealousy, insecurity, and longing.

Why is she talking about the barista? It was just a muffin. I can buy her a hundred muffins. I’ll buy her a bakery.

By Thursday, the tension was palpable. They were at Jamal’s apartment, ordered pizza sitting forgotten on the coffee table while a movie played silently on the TV. Jamal was sitting on the opposite end of the sofa, his leg bouncing nervously.

"Nini?" he said suddenly.

"Yeah?" She didn't look up from her phone, where she was pretending to text someone.

Put the phone down. Please. Look at me. Stop talking to whoever that is. Is it Leon? I bet it’s Leon.

"Are you... are you looking for something specific?" Jamal asked, his voice cracking slightly. "In a guy, I mean?"

Nini finally looked at him, her brown eyes wide and innocent. "I don't know. Someone who makes me feel seen, I guess. Someone who isn't afraid to tell me how he feels."

She saw his throat bob as he swallowed hard.

I’m right here! I’m literally right here! I see you more than anyone. I see the way you bite your lip when you’re nervous and how you hate the crust on your toast. I want to tell you. I’m just a coward.

"That makes sense," Jamal said, his shoulders slumping. "I hope you find that. With Leon. Or whoever."

Nini felt a pang of guilt. She had pushed him far enough. The "glitch" had given her the confirmation she needed, but watching him suffer in silence was starting to hurt her too.

"Jamal," she said softly, sliding across the cushions until her hip pressed against his.

He froze. Wait. Why is she moving closer? My heart is going to explode. She can probably hear it. Is it too loud?

"I don't actually like Leon like that," she whispered.

Jamal turned his head, his dark eyes searching hers. "You don't?"

"No. And the barista was eighty years old. He gave me the muffin because I reminded him of his granddaughter."

Jamal blinked, the confusion in his head swirling like a storm. Then why? Why all the talk about other guys? Was she... was she trying to make me jealous?

Nini smiled, leaning in until their foreheads touched. "I was waiting for you to say something, you idiot."

Jamal’s thoughts went completely silent for a second. It was the first time since the glitch started that she heard absolutely nothing from him. The void was startling.

Then, a single, booming thought echoed through her mind, louder than anything before: KISS HER.

He didn't hesitate. Jamal reached out, his large hands cupping her face with a tenderness that made her breath hitch. He pulled her in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that tasted like desperation and relief. It wasn't the shy, hesitant kiss of a friend; it was the kiss of someone who had been holding back a flood for years.

Nini melted into him, her fingers tangling in his short hair. As they pulled apart, Jamal kept his forehead pressed against hers, his eyes closed.

I love her. I love her so much. I’m never letting her go to a gallery with Leon. Never.

Nini chuckled, the sound vibrating between them.

"What's funny?" Jamal asked, his voice husky.

"Nothing," Nini said, tracing the line of his jaw. "I just think you're very transparent, Jamal Musiala."

"I am?" He looked genuinely worried. "Can you tell what I'm thinking right now?"

Nini smirked, leaning in to peck his nose. "I have a pretty good idea."

I want to marry this girl, Jamal thought with a sudden, fierce clarity.

Nini’s heart skipped a beat. Maybe she would keep the superpower a secret for just a little while longer. It was helpful to know exactly where she stood—and exactly how much he loved her.

"Let’s watch the movie," she suggested, snuggling into his side.

"Forget the movie," Jamal said, wrapping his arm tightly around her shoulders and pulling her into his lap. "Tell me more about why you don't like Leon."

Because I want to hear her say it again. I want to hear her say she only wants me.

Nini smiled against his chest. "I only want you, Jamal. Always."

Jamal stiffened, looking down at her in shock. "I didn't even ask that out loud."

Nini just winked. "I’m just that good."

She’s perfect, he thought, and for once, Nini didn't need a glitch to know he meant it with everything he had.