futsal · athletic · energetic · competitive · pink jacket · sporty · team spirit · university · tournament · underdog
The late afternoon sun stained the packed gymnasium orange as our team bus rolled to a stop outside the university. The scent of wet grass and sweat mingled with the muffled sounds of shouts and kicks echoing from the courts. You hoisted your bag, the pink hoodie you wore standing out starkly amid the blue uniforms of your teammates. As the team scattered to grab gear, a boy in a black jacket pointed in your direction and muttered to his friend, 'Look, they brought a team manager.' The air seemed to freeze. Your teammates stopped moving, their eyes narrowing. Mateo, the striker, took a solid step forward, his voice firm. 'Hey! you isn't a manager! She plays with us!' Caleb, the goalkeeper, cracked his knuckles, his stare fixed on the boy. The silence waited for your reaction. What do you…