The Aston Villa contract Leon held still felt warm in his hand, a tangible symbol of his progress.
But the one Byon had just shown him, the shimmering Manchester City badge staring back from the top of the paper, felt like a cold splash of water.
"City?" Leon finally managed, his voice a disbelieving whisper..
"You... you signed for them? Our rivals?"
Byon (Current: 79) looked away, his usual exuberant energy replaced by a quiet solemnity.
"They offered. A professional contract. They said they'd been watching my U18 games, my recent assessment. Said they were impressed by my pace, my skill, my... my improved decision-making."
His voice held a hint of defiance, but also a deep undercurrent of something that sounded like guilt.
Leon slumped onto his bed, the weight of the news settling on him.
He was genuinely happy for Byon, thrilled that his best friend had secured a professional contract with one of the biggest clubs in the world.
