Soccer System: All the Skills, One Player!

Lucas had just finished jotting down the last notes in his notebook. As he closed the pages, he could hear the bell resonating through the bustling corridors of the prestigious educational institution. The hallways quickly filled with the excited chatter of students, eager to embark on their well-deserved break.

Raphael, whose locker was right next to Lucas's, grimaced as he slung his backpack over one shoulder.

"Finally. Another minute in that room and I'd have been asleep on my desk."

Lucas laughed, turning the key to open his locker. He took some books out of his backpack, carefully placing them on the shelf, and briefly checked his cell phone before putting it in his pocket. The plan was simple: grab his things and head straight to Brighton's CT, where he had training scheduled for that afternoon. Raphael, however, seemed to have something else in mind.

Suddenly, a deep voice spoke to him and Raphael.

"Are you going to eat here or at the CT?"

The sudden sound made Raphael almost drop the books he was holding. He turned quickly, slamming the cupboard door hard. With Raphael's door closed, they saw that the person who had spoken to them was Hillebrand, the same boy who had been in their room and had a very serious personality.

"Ah, it's you, Hillebrand..." Raphael exhaled with relief, still leaning a little on the cupboard. "I thought you were a teacher or, I don't know, someone after a scolding."

"We're going straight to CT," said Lucas, glancing at the senior, who kept his expression neutral.

"Right. I'll go with you, then." replied Hillebrand, crossing his arms as he waited for the two of them to finish getting ready.

Lucas and Raphael exchanged quick glances. Lucas just shrugged again, picking up his backpack and adjusting it on his back. Raphael, on the other hand, didn't seem to like the idea very much, but disguised it, turning his attention to his own locker.

As they walked together towards the exit of the institute, moments of silence punctuated the conversation between the three of them.

Hillebrand, although he was by their side, wasn't one for words and didn't seem to mind the silence. So Lucas and Raphael, who were walking side by side a little ahead, took advantage of the moment to whisper quietly.

"Impressive. He didn't even talk to us all morning... he was surrounded by girls asking so many questions and I bet he was enjoying himself, but now that he's alone, he's reminded us we exist."

Lucas smiled, not wanting to agree, even though he understood that Raphael's logic made sense. "Are you going to tell me you're resenting him because he's popular? Relax, man. He was just taking his time. There's no need to take it personally."

Raphael let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head.

"Easy for you to say, Lucas. You don't need to look for a girl to sneak into your room because you've already got one."

"What? Who are you talking about?"

"Lucy, of course!"

"Oh, Lucas. Are you and Lucy from our room together?"

Lucas felt a wave of heat rise to his face at the exact moment he heard Hillebrand's voice behind them. He and Raphael turned slowly, noticing that Hillebrand, who had been at least three meters behind them a second ago, was suddenly at his side.

"What an unexpected couple..." Hillebrand continued.

"We're not together. Lucy and I are just friends."

Raphael giggled beside him, but before he could make any comment, Hillebrand resumed speaking, his face frowning as if he were processing the information.

"The new boy... and the most popular girl in the institute." He whispered, as if imagining something. "She's famous, surrounded by all eyes, but she keeps a secret. And he... he's someone who stands out in silence, focused on his soccer dream, oblivious to distractions."

Lucas raised his eyebrows. "Hillebrand... that sounds more like the plot of a romantic movie."

"And isn't that exactly what school life is all about?" Hillebrand retorted, without losing his serious tone and deep voice.

Lucas chuckled and shook his head, but Hillebrand seemed oblivious to their skepticism. In fact, he continued as if pondering aloud, with a disconcerting seriousness.

"Girls... they look at more than just looks. In your case, Lucas, they must see something more."

"... Thanks, I guess." Lucas said, not sure if it was an insult to his looks or a compliment.

Raphael then recovered, letting out an amused laugh and reaching out towards Hillebrand's shoulder in a comradely gesture.

"You really are a character, Hillebrand. I never thought you'd have such a... poetic side," commented Raphael, still laughing.

Hillebrand accepted the comment without offending, and Raphael smiled even more, as if he had just made a significant discovery about his colleague.

"That must be why you talk a little. You stand there, watching and creating stories in your head. I do that too sometimes. I understand you. By the way, I've already said that Lucas must be a bit more aggressive romantically speaking."

Lucas laughed, shaking his head again. "You're both crazy because you watch too much school drama."

Hillebrand looked away from Lucas. "Do you think people are just what they seem, Lucas? With nothing hidden behind them?"

Lucas pondered for a moment. "I think... some are like an open book, while others are more like a safe. I don't see the point in forcing a key to open something that isn't ready to be revealed."

"I still think you're too modest, Lucas." Raphael said.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

With Lucas' reply, Hillebrand fell silent. When the trio finally reached the gates leading to Brighton's CT, they noticed that there were already a few boys waiting to be let in as well.

"Looks like we've got company," muttered Lucas, observing the familiar figures of Felix, the bald boy with whom he'd had a long dispute at the sieve, also Aidan Perry, with his long red hair, and Luiz Fernando, the lively green-haired boy who was waving with a smile on his face.

"Hey! You passed, didn't you? I'm glad we're going to play together now!" Luiz Fernando exclaimed cheerfully.