[2 Days Later]
Morning light poured through the glass walls of the hotel lobby, washing over a sea of travel bags, passports, and quiet chatter.
Players leaned on their suitcases, phones in hand, faces still wearing the half-sleep of an early flight day.
Izan stood among them, hands in his pockets, the only one without a single piece of luggage beside him.
His tracksuit looked just as pressed as it did when he got it two days ago, his mood calm despite the busy atmosphere around him.
Arteta spotted him from across the lobby, weaving his way through the players and staff.
He stopped in front of Izan, placing a hand on his shoulder with a faint smile.
"You've worked hard, kid," he said, his eyes darkened, a tell-tale sign of a manager who had worked hard to provide all the tactical solutions his team could work with.
Izan gave a small laugh.
"You're making it sound like I'm leaving the club or something."
Arteta's lips curled into a grin.
