By seven, Julian and the HSV II squad had gathered in the meal room.
Steam curled off trays lined with pasta, rice, and roasted vegetables — a mountain of carbs for the war ahead. The hum of chatter filled the air, low but restless. Everyone knew what tomorrow meant.
Julian took his seat beside Mageed, with Anssi settling across from them. Plates clattered, chairs scraped, and hunger met anticipation.
"Congratulations on the starting lineup," Anssi said, cutting into his chicken.
Julian nodded, tone steady but loud enough to carry. "Yeah. Hopefully I can keep this spot."
A few heads turned at that. Forks paused midair.
He didn't lower his voice. Let them hear it.
Ambition wasn't arrogance. It was a declaration.
Mageed smirked beside him, shaking his head.
Anssi only smiled, the faintest glint of pride in his eyes — like a senior watching a rookie step into the fire.
