Chapter 14: Dating (-_-) (Edited)

September 17, 2019

Almost two weeks have passed since Alex took office as head coach in Sunderland. Two weeks can be seen as short or long depending on the occasion, but Alex was glad he didn't take office just a day before the game but had many days to adapt.

During these past few days, he has completely adapted to the change and made all the necessary preparations he can for this season. He has played in the simulation with many formations and all players on the team and has a 90% understanding of each of his players' characteristics.

After five simulation games against Wycombe Wanderers, all of which they won, he started simulating games with the rest of the League One teams, and the results were ideal.

In fact, Sunderland has never been a weak team. You have to know that the Sunderland players' overall rating in the system is better than Wycombe Wanderers. However, as of the 14th game of the season, Wycombe Wanderers rank 2nd with 27 points, while Sunderland rank 13th with 20 points.

The biggest problem for Sunderland has never been the players' strength but more about the management and lack of a good coach and clear direction for the team.

"Hey Alex, I'm ready."

While Alex was recalling the past few days, he was interrupted by Maia. Her dark, wavy hair cascaded down her back, freshly styled into loose waves that framed her face beautifully. She wore a fitted black dress that accentuated her petite frame and highlighted her 1.63-meter height, striking the perfect balance between elegance and edginess.

"Wow, you look absolutely stunning tonight. That dress really brings out the color of your eyes."

Although it may seem routine, as always, Maia was happy being complimented. Today, they are going to the O2 Arena for Khalid's concert.

This was Alex's idea. He knows that the pandemic is coming, so he is trying to enjoy the last few days before confinement. Today, the team doesn't have training since they have a game in two days, so why not relax? Plus, the schedule for the next few days is full as they will have three games in one week.

Maia then said, "Okay, let's go. To be honest, I have never been to the O2 Arena where Michael Jackson left his legend. I'm curious about how the concert will be."

Alex chuckled, then replied, "Maybe one day you will come here as a singer and not a fan."

Maia just smiled but didn't reply, thinking that Alex was teasing her.

As they arrived in London after Alex's training, the hostel they booked wasn't far from the O2 Arena, which is why they walked directly instead of driving.

Although Alex was disguised, but not that much, he occasionally encountered some fans who recognized him. He is a big celebrity in the whole of England after all.

When they arrived at the O2 Arena, the atmosphere was electric with fans eagerly awaiting the concert. Alex and Maia navigated through the crowd while Maia was excited.

After waiting for a while, thousands of fans packed every seat and tier, creating a mosaic of eager faces under the dome's expansive roof.

With Khalid's entry, the stage was bathed in a kaleidoscope of lights, casting vibrant hues across the sea of faces that filled the arena. The air buzzed with anticipation as Khalid's latest hit "Silence," featuring Marshmello, echoed through the venue, drawing cheers that mingled with the pulsating rhythm. Maia stood mesmerized near the front, caught in the spell of the music and the electric atmosphere.

For Alex, he wasn't really a special fan of Khalid; he just liked listening to music as long as it was to his taste. And since there was a concert here, he profited from the occasion because the true reason for his coming to London was for a meeting.

It's better to say that he is here for an interview. Alex's plan is to make Sunderland a giant club, and the best way is to recruit superstars, but they clearly couldn't afford their salary. And even if they could, the stars might not be willing to come.

Since he can't recruit star players, he set his sights on stars who have retired and have a good relationship to make them members of his coaching staff. Although it can't attract much attention now, once in the Premier League, it will be another story.

After the concert, Maia still couldn't extricate herself; she really likes this feeling of singing with the crowd. It's just so awesome. She couldn't help but say to Alex seriously, "Someday, I will definitely have a concert here. You have to come, okay?"

This seemed more like an order than a question to Alex, but he knew that what she was saying was because she was caught up in the rush of adrenaline. He chuckled and replied, "Of course, big star. But for now, you have to hurry. I have a meeting, don't forget."

The Khalid show had started at 6:30 PM, and it was now just 9:00 PM; his meeting was planned in 30 minutes.

Maia was a little dissatisfied that Alex didn't take her seriously and just pouted before continuing to walk.

Alex had already guessed what was on the girl's mind and said with a smile, "Okay, I wasn't underestimating you or anything. I just thought you were caught up in the rush of adrenaline. If you still feel the same way after calming down, I will do my best to support you."

Maia felt satisfied, then a little guilty. She really hated this toxic trait of hers—being too sensitive and reading into people's emotions like she was doing with Alex. She felt that Alex didn't take her seriously, although her feelings were true. Being sensitive was such a pain.

One of the things she admired most about Alex was his emotional control and intelligence. He could almost read people's minds and make them feel comfortable.

"Okay, Alex. Sorry, you know, I'm a little sensitive and sometimes take things too seriously."

Alex just smiled. Wasn't it because she took things seriously that he liked her, compared to young people who took everything as a joke?