The week flew by and Saturday approached. Like last time , Adrian and I met at the city park.
I wore a white T-shirt paired with blue jeans and cute white sneakers, tying my hair into a high bun. Adrian looked casual in a Sacramento green hoodie, joggers, and black-and-white trainers. His medium ash-blonde hair framed his face in curtain bangs, giving him that effortless charm.
He handed me a small box. Inside were delicate crystal drop earrings.
"They'll complement your grey eyes and platinum hair," he said, flashing a mischievous grin.
"I'll take your word for it," I smiled, amused.
"I want to make today fun for you," he added. "And guess the sport I chose?"
"You mean football?" I deadpanned. "How typical." ಠ_ಠ
Regardless of the fact that i knew nothing to little about the sport myself, he was patient enough to teach me step by step. Starting with simple basics.
Standing on the football pitch , he placed both fists on his waist, his right leg on the ball. A cocky smile plastered on his face.
I was a few feet away from him.
"First, you need to learn how to kick properly," he said.
I raised a brow, arms crossed. How insulting!
"Okay, okay," he laughed. "Kicking a ball might seem simple, but it's all about strategy and analysis. What do i mean? Well, Your leg placement, your follow-through-it all matters.
The ball goes where you aim, and you can pass, shoot, or curve it better. A lot of beginners make the mistake of kicking with their toes and not the side of their foot. Bad idea. Kicking with your toes is generally less accurate and riskier-it's harder to control the direction, more chance of hurting yourself."
" Okay. How interesting."
" In football or soccer, there are different types of kickes. Let's start with the easiest. Inside kicks."
He demonstrated, walking me through the motions.
" Body positioning matters. Your non-kicking foot should be beside the ball, your hips aligned, and your follow-through smooth. This is what makes a kick strategic, not just forceful."
He waited for me patiently on the other side.
I followed his instructions awkwardly at first, then took my shot. It wasn't powerful, but it reached him.
"That kick was... so cute," he giggled, catching the ball effortlessly.
I rolled my eyes and pretended to be offended. My actions caused him to laugh harder. He wiped his fake tears and tried controlling his breathing from his outburt. Between giggles, he said, "Okay, okay. Let's try again-but more force this time, okay?"
I nodded and tried one more time. My second attempt was stronger, and he gave me a triumphant thumbs-up, grinning ear to ear. I danced triumphantly with a sense of accomplishment engulfing my mind.
********
The beautiful morning slipped away with playful giggles, messy laughter and sweat from running. By then I realized that Adrian and I become the best of friends ever since that day.
Every Saturday we would meet just there ; at the city park. We would go for picnics, play board games, and on other days we would just talk about ourselves and our interests and favourite things to do. Every single time we met he would bring me more gifts. Like necklaces, rings, caps, teddy bears and snacks. I sometimes reciprocate his actions and give him gifts too but he always says "I don't need gifts to be happy. Your company and laughter are enough-they're a wonderful gift"
And the more I spent time with Adrian,the more happier I became. Our friendship was pure and goofy at the same time.