They walked down La Rambla, the bustling heart of Barcelona, side by side, the rhythmic hum of the city filling the air. The street was alive with vibrant flower stalls, the soft chatter of tourists, and the distant sounds of street performers.
Aitana nudged Nico playfully. "So, what's your current music obsession? Still listening to that old-school jazz?"
Nico smiled, adjusting his jacket slightly. "Yeah, a little. But I've been getting into something more… experimental lately. I found this new artist—sounds like a mix of electronic and classical. You'd hate it." He grinned, his eyes dancing with mischief.
"I'd probably love it if you said I'd hate it," she teased, poking him in the ribs. "I'll listen to anything you suggest, you know that."
Nico chuckled. "Alright, I'll send you a link later. You might not be able to sleep after listening to it, though."
"Good," she laughed. "Maybe I'll start a new obsession."
They wandered a little farther, past the street performers and the cafés spilling out onto the sidewalk. Nico spotted a gelato stand and grinned, the temptation of ice cream always strong.
"You want some?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Aitana rolled her eyes, but the smile she gave him was warm. "You know I do. But only if you're getting one too. I'm not letting you steal all the good flavors."
They stood in line, and Nico let Aitana pick first. She chose a scoop of pistachio and something fruity—mango, maybe. Nico went for the classic chocolate, but with a slight twist: a touch of hazelnut.
With their cones in hand, they resumed their walk. The conversation flowed effortlessly, like always. They talked about everything and nothing—the best tapas in the city, the best beach spots for sunset, the shows they'd love to see.
Nico paused to snap a picture of Aitana as she took a big bite of her gelato, her eyes sparkling with that signature mischievous glint. She caught him and immediately pulled a face, pretending to scowl.
"Please, don't keep that one," she said with mock horror.
Nico laughed. "Too late. It's already a keeper."
Aitana rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "You're impossible."
They strolled the rest of the way down La Rambla, the city feeling like it had paused just for them. Nico continued to take a few more photos, capturing moments of Aitana laughing, the sunlight casting soft shadows on her face. Her happiness was contagious, and in that simple act of walking together, Nico realized there was nowhere else he'd rather be.
As they neared the end of the street, Nico took her hand once more, their fingers intertwining naturally. "This has been a good day, huh?"
"The best," she agreed, squeezing his hand.
They walked on, the world around them fading into the background as the two of them moved in their own little bubble of joy.
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As the sun began to dip lower, casting a golden hue over the streets, Nico and Aitana continued to wander, chatting effortlessly. They took more photos—Aitana in candid moments, laughing at something Nico said, or striking goofy poses that always seemed to make him smile.
The day had been perfect, their laughter blending with the sounds of the city, the kind of carefree day that felt timeless. It wasn't until the clock ticked closer to 7:00 that Nico realized how much time had passed.
Aitana glanced up at him with a playful grin. "So... you know what comes next, right?"
Nico raised an eyebrow, pretending to be clueless. "Hmm, not sure. What's that?"
"You know exactly what I mean," she said, her smile widening as she held her arms out slightly. "You're gonna carry me, right?"
He groaned playfully, rolling his eyes. "Every single time, Aitana. You do this every time we walk anywhere."
But before she could respond, Nico had already crouched down, offering his back with an exaggerated sigh. "Come on then, Princess, hop on. Let's get this over with."
Aitana grinned, clearly satisfied with his response, and hopped onto his back. He straightened up, her arms draped loosely around his neck, and they started walking again, Nico carrying her effortlessly.
"Seriously, you're lucky you're cute," Nico muttered, though his smile was evident.
"I know I am," Aitana replied with a teasing tone, resting her chin on his shoulder. "And you're lucky I'm letting you carry me."
The familiar comfort of her on his back made him feel oddly at peace, as if nothing in the world mattered except this moment. As they walked down the familiar streets of Barcelona, Nico couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment. No matter what came next, no matter where life took them, these simple, perfect days with Aitana would always stay with him.
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As Nico carried Aitana on his back, their laughter echoed in the quiet evening air. The familiar sound of her giggles, the warmth of her body against his, made everything feel normal, like the world hadn't changed at all. But there was something inside him, a weight he couldn't shake off. He knew he had to tell her, and this felt like the right moment.
He took a deep breath, his voice low and gentle as he spoke. "Aitana, I've got something to tell you."
Aitana shifted slightly, sensing the change in his tone. She rested her head against his shoulder, her voice soft. "What is it?"
Nico slowed his steps, trying to find the right words. He couldn't keep it inside any longer. "I'm moving to Roma on loan," he said quietly. "The deal is final. I'll be there next season."
For a moment, Aitana stayed quiet, her fingers tightening around him, as though trying to steady herself. She could feel his nervousness, and the words hung heavy in the air between them.
"Roma?" she repeated softly, her voice almost a whisper. She didn't pull away, but her tone changed. There was a sadness in it now, something unspoken but felt.
Nico's heart sank, but he knew this was the right thing. He needed to go. "Yeah. I don't want to stay at Barcelona just waiting, not when I know I can play and improve somewhere else. I need to take this step."
Aitana's breath caught, and she buried her face in his neck for a second. The weight of the moment made her heart ache. She didn't want him to go, didn't want to think about the distance that would come between them. But she understood, maybe even more than he realized.
"You'll do great, Nico," she said softly, her voice trembling just a little. "I know you will."
Nico could feel the tremble in her words, the uncertainty that followed. He stopped walking, letting the world around them settle for a moment. He turned his head slightly, looking at her with soft eyes. "Aitana…" he began, his voice quieter now. "I'll miss you. I'll miss this… us."
Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling herself closer. Her lips pressed gently to his ear, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm going to miss you too," she said, her words breaking with emotion. "It's just… I don't know how we'll be apart."
Nico's grip tightened around her, holding her closer as he softly kissed the top of her head. "We'll be fine. We'll make it work. You're always with me, Aitana. No matter where I go."
She closed her eyes, trying to hold back the tears, feeling a deep ache in her chest. "I just wish you didn't have to leave," she whispered.
Nico let out a breath, standing still for a few moments, feeling the sadness between them. But he knew this was something they had to face. "I know," he murmured. "But it's only temporary. I'll be back. I promise."
Aitana pulled back slightly to look at him, her eyes glistening but strong. "I'll be here waiting for you."
Nico smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm counting on you to be here," he said, his voice full of affection. "I love you, Aitana."
"I love you too, Nico," she whispered back, her voice steady but full of emotion.
They stayed like that for a moment, just holding each other, the weight of their feelings heavy in the air but the bond between them undeniable.
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As they reached her home, Nico carefully set Aitana down, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment longer than usual. The evening had been filled with easy conversation and laughter, but now, the silence between them felt heavy.
He looked at her, taking in the soft expression on her face, her eyes full of unspoken words. He gave her a small smile, trying to mask the heaviness in his chest.
"I guess this is it," he said, his voice low.
Aitana nodded, her eyes searching his face. There was a slight tremble in her voice when she spoke, but she forced a smile. "I guess so," she whispered.
The air between them was thick, filled with all the things they didn't want to say out loud. Aitana stepped closer, her hands gently resting on his chest as she looked up at him. "Take care of yourself, Nico," she said softly, her fingers tracing small patterns on his jacket.
Nico's hands found her shoulders, his touch gentle as he pulled her into a tight hug. "I will. You too," he murmured, closing his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of her in his arms.
When they pulled away, their faces were close, and there was a softness in Aitana's eyes. She leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a slow, lingering kiss. It was simple, but it said everything they both needed to hear.
As they pulled apart, Nico rested his forehead against hers. "Love you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"I love you too," Aitana replied, her smile tender and a little sad.
And with that, they stood there, quietly, letting the moment last a little longer before she gave him one final, soft kiss on the cheek. "Bye, Nico."
"Bye, Aitana," he said, his voice steady, though his heart was full. And with that, he turned and walked away, the weight of the future heavy, but the memory of their time together more precious than anything.
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The next day, Nico was in his room, packing his bags with the help of his grandmother, Danny Coster.
She carefully folded his clothes, placing them neatly in the suitcase while he sorted through his belongings. "You always pack like you're just throwing things in," she teased, shaking her head.
Nico chuckled. "That's why you're here, Grandma. To make sure I don't end up in Rome with a mess of wrinkled shirts."
Danny smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It's going to be strange not having you around, even if it's just for a season."
Nico paused for a moment, looking at her. "I know... but it's just a loan. I'll be back before you know it."
She sighed, zipping up one of the suitcases. "I know, but that doesn't mean I won't miss you."
Nico gave her a soft smile before wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I'll miss you too, Grandma."
Danny patted his hand. "Just promise me one thing?"
"Anything."
"Take care of yourself. And don't forget to call."
Nico laughed. "You and Grandpa are going to hear from me so much, you'll get tired of me."
Danny shook her head fondly. "Impossible."
They continued packing in comfortable silence, the reality of his departure settling in with every item placed in the suitcase.
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After packing, Nico sat down on his bed and opened Instagram. As he scrolled through his feed, he saw Barcelona's official account had just posted his loan announcement.
"Official: Nico Cryuff will spend the 2015/16 season on loan at AS Roma. Wishing you the best in Italy, Nico! 🔴🔵"
He clicked on the comments. The Barcelona fans were fuming.
@BarcaForLife:"What is the board thinking?! La Masia's crown jewel and we're sending him away again?"
@ViscaBarca:"This better not be another Thiago situation. We can't lose him."
@MessiEra:"Nico should be playing here, not being loaned out. He's already better than half our midfield."
@BlaugranaSoul:"Lucho, explain yourself!!!"
Nico sighed. He knew the fans loved him, but seeing their frustration made it all feel more real. This is what happens when a club like Barcelona sends one of their brightest prospects away.
He clicked over to Roma's announcement post. The reaction was completely different.
@ASRomaOfficial:"Welcome to Rome, Nico! Can't wait to see you in Giallorossi! 🇮🇹🔥"
@ForzaRoma:"Nico Cryuff in our midfield? Serie A isn't ready."
@DeRossiFan:"We got a generational talent, let's goooo!"
A small smirk tugged at his lips. The Barcelona fans were upset, but the Roma fans? They were hyped. He locked his phone and leaned back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
This was really happening.
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Later that night, Nico stood by the door, his suitcase beside him. His grandmother, Danny, looked at him with misty eyes, her lips pressed into a thin line as she tried to hold back her emotions.
"You're really going…" she whispered, brushing a hand through his silky black hair. "Rome feels so far away."
Nico gave her a small smile and pulled her into a hug. "I'll call every day, Oma. I promise."
She held him tightly, not wanting to let go. Johan stood nearby, arms crossed, watching them with a soft expression. He understood. He had been in the world of football long enough to know this was the right move for Nico.
"You'll be back," Johan said firmly, patting Nico's shoulder. "Go, make them regret ever letting you go on loan."
Danny finally let him go, wiping her eyes. "Stay warm, eat well, and don't forget—"
"—to call every day," Nico finished with a chuckle.
She gave him one last squeeze before stepping back. He picked up his suitcase, took a deep breath, and stepped out the door.
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Nico got into the taxi, leaning his head against the window as the city lights blurred past him. The ride was quiet, just the faint hum of the engine and the occasional honk in the distance. When they reached Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, he paid the driver, grabbed his suitcase, and stepped out.
Walking into the airport, he pulled out his ticket, scanning it to check which terminal he needed to enter. Just as he found it, he felt a sudden warmth wrap around him from behind. Arms locked around his waist tightly, and before he could even turn around, he already knew who it was.
"Aitana…" he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.
She buried her face against his back, holding onto him as if letting go would make him disappear. "You thought you'd leave without seeing me?" Her voice was soft, but he could hear the sadness laced within it.
Nico turned around, looking down at her. She wore a hoodie, her hair slightly messy, like she had rushed out without a second thought. Her eyes, those deep brown eyes, searched his face for something—maybe reassurance, maybe just a moment to hold onto.
"You didn't have to come all the way here," he said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I wanted to," she whispered.
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