Optional soccer training

Seven of you show up for the optional training—Daphne, the twins, Jason, Javier, Charlie, and you. The lot of you crowd around Daphne’s tablet, where she’s sketched out some attacking formations.

“Thanks for coming out today,” Daphne says, giving you all an appreciative nod. “We’re going to be running through some counterattacking tactics today. Most of you remember how Smashmouth played last year—”

“They all think they’re Ronaldo or some shit,” Javier chuckles.

“They play aggressively,” Daphne agrees. “But it’s not smart aggression. They’re hooligans. Half of them are always on the brink of going offside, thinking they’re going to be the ones to score. They’re fast, they shoot the ball hard, and we’re not careful, they’ll trounce us. But we are not a team to buckle under pressure. If they want to play a cocky 1-3-6, we’re going to counterattack like lightning and scorch them while they’re caught with their pants down. So here are the tactics that I’ve prepared...”

You return to the locker room exhausted, legs worn out from all the running during training.

“Tough practice today,” Javier says.

“But good,” you say, stripping off your sweaty shirt. “Daphne’s a great coach. And Katie and Khloe always keep me on my toes.”

“I caught you ogling them earlier,” Charlie laughs. “You like ‘em?”

“They’re hot,” you admit. “What I’d give to have a go at them…”

“Guy’s got good taste,” Javier says, clapping your back. “Pity that fucker Jack’s gonna bag them.”

“He’s got such a stupid act,” Jason agrees, changing out of his kit. “We’ve got to take him down a notch before his head gets any bigger.”

“You thinking of what I’m thinking?” Charlie asks.

The two other upperclassmen meet his eye and nod, sharing a sly smile.

“Oh yeah,” Javier says, just as Jason says: “You bet.”

You, feeling left out of the loop, look between the three of them and ask: “So… what were you thinking?”

“Just a little plan that we’ve been brewing,” Charlie says.

“Jack hates you, doesn’t he?” Jason asks you.

“As much as I hate him, meaning, a fuck ton,” you reply.

“Shit’s gonna get good,” Javier says, rubbing his hands together. “You’ll see what we’ve got in store tomorrow.”

Charlie +10
Jason +10
Javier +10
Daphne +5