The days following Málaga's remarkable victory over Atlético Madrid were a whirlwind for Adriano. On the pitch, he was the new star of La Liga, the young prodigy who had taken Spanish football by storm. Off the pitch, his relationship with Hailee Steinfeld had deepened into something more meaningful, more intimate, and more real than either of them had expected.
With Hailee's filming schedule in Málaga wrapping up, the couple decided to savor their remaining time together. Hailee moved into Adriano's modest but cozy apartment, and for the next few days, they embraced a quiet, simple life. The apartment was nothing extravagant, but it was warm and inviting, reflecting Adriano's personality—uncomplicated, grounded, and full of small touches that made it feel like home. Hailee quickly made herself comfortable, her presence bringing a new warmth to the space. The apartment seemed to come alive in a way it hadn't before.
They spent their days exploring Málaga, enjoying the city without the constant scrutiny of the press. Hand in hand, they wandered through the Alcazaba, marveled at the narrow, winding streets of the old town, and dined at local restaurants tucked away from the crowds. But it was the quiet moments that they cherished the most—nights spent on the couch, curled up together, sharing stories, dreams, and laughter. There were evenings spent cooking in the small kitchen, trying out new recipes, or simply being together, their connection growing deeper with each passing day.
When the time came for them to make love, it felt like a natural extension of the bond they had been building. Their intimacy was new for both of them, something they had never experienced with anyone else, and it only strengthened their connection.
One evening, they sat together on the balcony, overlooking the sparkling lights of the city. Hailee, her eyes soft and content, turned to Adriano with a gentle smile. "I could get used to this," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
Adriano smiled back, his heart swelling with affection. "Me too. But you'll have to come back regularly."
Hailee's gaze turned serious, and she nodded slowly. "I will. I promise."
In those few moments, they knew they had something special—something worth holding onto.
One of the most meaningful moments of Hailee's time in Málaga came when Adriano decided to introduce her to his parents. Family had always been important to him, and he wanted them to meet the woman who had captured his heart. Sitting on the couch in his apartment, Adriano held his phone in his hands, preparing to initiate a video call. Hailee sat beside him, her arms around him, her head resting on his shoulder as they waited for his parents to answer.
When the call connected, Adriano's parents appeared on the screen. The moment they saw their son, their faces lit up with smiles.
"Mom, Dad," Adriano began, his voice warm and proud, "I want you to meet someone very special. This is Hailee, my girlfriend."
Hailee waved shyly, her smile radiant. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Riveiro. It's so nice to meet you. Adriano has told me all about how grateful he is for your support."
Adriano's mother, Rosa, beamed. "Oh, Hailee, it's wonderful to meet you! Adriano has spoken so highly of you. You're really pretty and sweet."
Her words made Hailee blush slightly.
Adriano's father, Julio, nodded approvingly. "Yes, it's good to finally put a face to the name. I hope he's treated you well?" he asked with a teasing smile.
Hailee smiled widely, her eyes locking with Adriano's. "Of course, Mr. Riveiro. He's been a perfect gentleman. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend."
Adriano leaned over and kissed her cheek, causing her to giggle. The warmth between them was evident, and Adriano's parents could see it. Their son had found someone who made him happy, and it showed.
The conversation flowed easily, with Adriano's parents asking Hailee about her career, her life in Málaga, and her time in Spain. Hailee, in turn, asked about their lives, and the connection between the two families began to form. Hailee could see the kindness and humility that Adriano had inherited from them, and she could understand why he was the way he was—grounded, thoughtful, and caring.
As the call continued, Adriano decided to share something important. He looked at his parents with a sense of purpose and spoke with sincerity. "Mom, Dad, I've sent my signing bonus and first salary to your account. I want you to use it to pay off the debts and make life easier for you."
Rosa's eyes welled up with tears. She shook her head, clearly moved but also concerned. "Adriano, you don't have to do that. We're doing fine. You should save that money for yourself. You don't know what the future will bring."
Julio nodded, a little more firmly. "Yes, son, you've worked hard for this, but you should think about your future. You don't need to worry about us."
Adriano smiled gently, his voice firm but calm. "I want to do it. You've sacrificed so much for me. This is my way of saying thank you. I want to make sure you don't have to struggle anymore."
Hailee watched this exchange quietly, a soft smile playing on her lips. She had always known Adriano was special, but seeing this side of him—his deep love and respect for his parents—only made her feelings for him stronger. She admired his humility and the way he cared for those who had supported him through everything.
The call ended with promises to keep in touch and more laughter, and as the screen faded to black, Adriano sat back, his arm around Hailee.
In that moment, everything felt right. He had his career, his family, and now Hailee—his life was falling into place in ways he had never imagined.
The day Hailee left arrived too quickly, and the farewell felt heavier than either of them expected. Adriano drove her to the airport in silence, both lost in their thoughts, the car filled with a quiet sadness. It wasn't that they hadn't known this moment would come, but it was different when it was finally real. The time they had spent together in Málaga had felt like a dream, and now that dream was coming to an end, at least for now.
Standing together in the terminal, Hailee's eyes were already glistening with unshed tears. She turned to him, her voice barely a whisper, tinged with emotion. "I'm going to miss you so much."
Adriano pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as though he could somehow keep her there with him forever. His heart tightened at the thought of being apart, but he knew they would both be alright. "I'll miss you too," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "But we'll make it work. I promise."
Hailee nodded, burying her face in his chest, her breath shaky. "I'll call you every day," she said, her voice muffled by his shirt. "And I'll come back to visit you as soon as I can."
Adriano gently tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. His gaze was filled with love, the kind of love that came with quiet strength and determination. "I'll be waiting. And if I get time during Winter break, I'll come to visit you."
The distant flashes of cameras from the paparazzi couldn't touch the intimacy of the moment. Without another word, Adriano leaned in and kissed her. It was a kiss full of everything they were feeling—sadness, hope, and the intensity of their connection. Hailee wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss with equal passion, as if trying to pour every ounce of herself into that moment.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them breathless, Hailee smiled at him, her eyes soft and sincere. Without saying another word, she turned toward the gate, her steps slow and reluctant. Adriano stood frozen for a moment, watching her walk away, his heart heavy but filled with a quiet hope. He knew this wasn't the end for them. It was only the beginning, and that thought gave him the strength to face whatever came next.
The next day, life carried on as usual, though it felt a little emptier without Hailee's presence. Adriano was back at the Ciudad de Málaga training complex, focusing on what had always been his priority—football. The team was still buzzing from their historic victory over Atlético Madrid, but Pellegrini wasn't one to let them get comfortable.
During the pre-match briefing, Pellegrini's tone was steady and serious. "We've had a great start to the season, but we can't afford to lose focus," he said, his voice cutting through the air with authority. "Every game is a new challenge, and we need to approach it with the same intensity and determination as we did against Atlético."
Adriano nodded, his mind already shifting to the next match. He had felt the weight of the season's expectations growing heavier with each game, but he welcomed it. He knew that his performances were integral to Málaga's success, and he was determined not to let the momentum slip. The victory over Atlético was only the beginning, and he wouldn't allow complacency to set in.
Málaga's next match was set to be another test of their rising form, and it came against a Real Sociedad side known for their fluid attacking play and technical precision. The atmosphere at La Rosaleda was electric, buzzing with anticipation as fans packed the stands, chanting Adriano's name in a chorus of excitement. It was clear that the team's success had ignited the city, and everyone was eager to see how the young star would perform.
From the moment the referee blew the whistle, Málaga took control. Real Sociedad attempted to settle into their rhythm, but it was clear from the start that Adriano was the key to Málaga's dominance. His vision was unparalleled, always two steps ahead of everyone else on the pitch. His passing was sharp, slicing through the Real Sociedad defense like a scalpel. Every touch he made seemed to have a purpose, creating opportunity after opportunity for his teammates.
In the 18th minute, Adriano's precision was on full display. He picked up the ball near the center circle, scanning the field with practiced ease. Without hesitation, he whipped a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Joaquín, making a well-timed run, met the ball with his head, directing it past the goalkeeper into the back of the net.
The stadium erupted in a wave of jubilation. Fans jumped to their feet, their cheers echoing through the stands. Adriano ran to the sidelines, raising his hand and pointing to the sky. It was a silent tribute to Hailee, who he knew was watching from afar. The moment was intimate, a quiet nod to the bond they shared, even though miles separated them.
Real Sociedad tried to respond, pushing forward with their characteristic flair, but Málaga's defense stood firm. With every attack, they were met by strong challenges and well-organized positioning. Caballero was rarely tested, and when he was, he dealt with everything calmly.
In the 67th minute, Adriano put the game beyond doubt. A foul was awarded 25 yards from goal, and the crowd murmured in anticipation. Adriano stood over the ball, his focus absolute. The moment felt suspended in time. He took a step back, eyes fixed on the target. With a fluid motion, he struck the ball with precision and power. The ball sailed over the wall and curled into the top corner, a perfect shot that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The stadium roared again as the ball hit the net. The score was now 2-0, and the game was effectively sealed. Adriano's free-kick had been a thing of beauty—composed, deadly, and expertly executed.
When the final whistle blew, Málaga's players flooded the pitch in celebration. Another win, another solid performance. Adriano, as usual, had been the difference-maker, his two-goal contribution a testament to his growing influence in La Liga. His teammates surrounded him, slapping him on the back and lifting him up in the air, but it was clear that the spotlight belonged to the young playmaker.
After the match, Adriano joined Pellegrini for the post-match press conference. The room was packed with journalists, their cameras flashing as they jostled for position. The questions came quickly, eager to hear more from the rising star.
"Adriano, another incredible performance," one reporter began. "How do you manage to stay so consistent, especially at such a young age?"
Adriano smiled humbly, his eyes calm and focused. "It's all about hard work and focus," he said, his voice steady. "I have an amazing team around me, and we're all pushing each other to be better every day. The results we're getting are the result of that teamwork."
Pellegrini nodded beside him, his expression one of pride. "Adriano is a special player, but what makes him truly exceptional is his humility and work ethic," the coach added. "He's always looking to improve, always willing to learn. That's why he's having such a great season."
The questions continued, but Adriano handled each one with ease. No longer was he the nervous, uncertain trialist. The shy young man who had first arrived at Málaga had transformed into a confident, composed player—a true superstar in the making. His growth was evident not just on the pitch but in the way he carried himself off it. The world was watching, and Adriano was ready to shine.
As the press conference wrapped up, Adriano walked through the corridor of the stadium, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hall. He could feel the buzz of adrenaline slowly fading, the weight of the match lifting off his shoulders. The next challenge was already beginning to take shape in his mind, but before he could dive into thoughts of tactics and preparation, his mind inevitably wandered to Hailee.
He boarded the team bus and found a quiet seat near the back, settling in. The noise of his teammates slowly faded as he pulled out his phone, his fingers instinctively tapping her name in the contact list. The screen lit up, and he typed out a quick message, his thoughts flowing effortlessly.
Adriano:Another win today. How's your day going, dear? Miss you.
The familiar sound of a message alert broke the quiet, and a smile tugged at Adriano's lips as he saw her reply pop up almost instantly.
Hailee:I'm so proud of you. I just finished recording a song and came home. Can't wait to see you again, babe!
Adriano's chest tightened with warmth as he read her words. In the span of a few short months, Hailee had become his anchor, the one constant he could rely on amid the whirlwind of his new life. They were both carving out their futures, but the connection between them felt effortless. He could see how far they'd come, how much they'd already shared, and it filled him with a sense of peace he hadn't known before.
He leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes for a moment. The satisfaction of the match still lingered, but now it was accompanied by something even deeper—a connection with Hailee that went beyond the surface, something he hadn't expected but now cherished more than anything.
With a sigh, he typed out a reply, his fingers moving faster now, the words coming from the heart.
Adriano:I miss you too, more than you know. It's not the same without you here. But I promise, we'll make it work. I'll see you soon.
He hit send and placed his phone on his lap, gazing out the window as the bus began to pull away from the stadium. The excitement of the game faded into the background, and for a moment, all that mattered was the thought of seeing Hailee again. He had everything he'd ever wanted—a dream career, a rising star status in football, and a love that made everything feel right.
As the city of Málaga passed by, Adriano felt a rare moment of calm. Life was moving fast, but in this quiet moment, he knew that with Hailee by his side, he could face whatever came next.