Soccer System: All the Skills, One Player!

While most of the players and staff were taking time off to visit their families or rest, Lucas Tanaka was at Brighton's training center every morning, alone, usually with a ball at his feet.

He was practicing fouls with a false barrier. His mind was focused, but also restless.

Ever since the incident at the skating park with Ethan and Lucy, Lucas hadn't been able to stop thinking about the last few weeks. He knew his feelings were changing, but he still wasn't sure what to do about it.

While practicing, a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Training even on Christmas Eve? Now that's dedication."

Lucas looked up and saw Coach Jimenez approaching, wearing a thick coat and a wool cap to protect himself from the cold.

"Good morning, coach," Lucas greeted with a smile. "I couldn't sit still today. I need to keep up the pace."

Jimenez nodded, crossing his arms as he watched Lucas' movements.

"You've made substantial progress, Lucas. I'm proud of your commitment. But tell me, why didn't you take the time off to visit your family?" Lucas sighed.

Lucas sighed. "My family is in Japan, sir. Going home would be complicated."

Jimenez made an understanding gesture. "I understand. The life of a young athlete can be lonely, especially during the holidays."

"And what about you? Shouldn't you be with your family in Spain?"

Jimenez shook his head slowly. "My mother passed away a few years ago. My father is still alive, but we're not very close. I stayed here this year."

"I'm sorry about that, Coach," Lucas said sincerely.

Jimenez gave a small smile. "You don't have to worry. I have a girlfriend here in town, so I won't be completely alone."

Lucas raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Girlfriend? I never would have guessed."

Jimenez laughed. "What? Do you think I only live for soccer? Everyone has a personal life, Lucas. Even the coaches. By the way, where are your friends, Felix and Lucas?"

"They went to visit their families. Raphael's from Brighton, but his grandparents aren't... A lot of the guys have gone away or have other plans."

Jimenez sighed, looking a little disappointed. "It's a shame for you, and this will be the first year we don't have a Christmas party at the training center. With so few people here, it makes little sense to organize something."

Lucas was shocked. The Christmas party at the training center was a hope that he wouldn't be alone that night.

"I see," said Lucas, trying to mask his disappointment. "I expect this Christmas to be quieter than usual."

The rest of the morning was dedicated to more and more training. When Lucas got tired, he thought he'd go to his apartment and just sleep and let Christmas pass unceremoniously. However, even for him, who had lived a lonely adult life in the past, it was a little difficult to accept this. He could always visit his family on dates like this.

Finally, back in the apartment, Lucas looked around, and his bed called to him. But, even in his past life, he had always made a point of watching a movie with his family, and it couldn't be any different now.

After a few minutes trying to decide on a movie, he thought it would be better to buy the snacks first and then think about the end. So he grabbed a jacket and left the apartment.

The campus was deserted, with a few Christmas lights scattered here and there.

Lucas walked towards one of the vending machines near the center of campus. He intended to buy some drinks and snacks.

Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire

As he approached the machine, he paused when he saw a familiar figure standing there, looking at the items on display. Kate Dyer, the strict member of the disciplinary board, was dressed in a gray wool coat and a black cap that covered part of her long black hair. She looked focused, but not with the same stern look she used to have.

"Don't worry, Lucas. I'm not on committee duty today," she said with a slight laugh as she looked at him from the corner of her eye.

Lucas relaxed a little, although he was still surprised to find her there. "Good afternoon, Kate. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Nor did I expect to find you. I was just looking for something to eat. The campus restaurant is closed today, so the vending machine is my last option." She crossed her arms and looked at Lucas. "What about you? Why aren't you with your friends?"

Lucas shrugged. "They've all traveled to visit their families. I stayed because going home would be complicated."

Kate nodded, understanding. "I see. I couldn't go home this year either. My parents are traveling, and I stayed here."

"What about Lucy?" Lucas asked, knowing that they were close friends.

"She called me to celebrate with her family, but I don't like a person who's going to be there."

"Ethan?"

Kate looked at Lucas in surprise that he had got the name exactly right. "Oh~! Do you know him?"

"Yes. Lucy called me yesterday to go skating, and he was with her. He was a guy with an... ambiguous personality."

"Exactly! He bothers me precisely because I can't tell what's going on in his head. Besides, Lucy asked me to go skating too, and I didn't go because unfortunately I'm terrible at it."

"Me too." Lucas said, stopping next to Kate to look into the drinks machine.

The silence that followed was unexpectedly comfortable. Lucas thought about how different Kate looked. She had always been so formal in her duties, but now, without the pressure of her responsibilities, she seemed lighter and more approachable.

"Do you have an appointment today? A party at Brighton or something?" Kate asked.

"Not really. They're not doing anything this year. What about you? Have you organized a party here at the institute?"

"A member of the disciplinary committee organizing a party? Definitely not. There are too many teenagers here and not enough staff at this time, so they don't allow parties because they know things can happen."

"So, if you want, we can buy some things and watch a movie in my apartment. It's not a Christmas party, but it's better than being alone."

Kate looked surprised by the invitation, but her face softened into a smile. "Why not? A movie and some snacks sound good. Although it's forbidden for girls to go to boys' dormitories and vice versa..."

"Come on! You said yourself that you're not working for the committee today."

"Yeah... You're right. Let's do it."