The week after the championship was a mixture of interviews, appearances, and celebrations.
Sebastian's face was everywhere. On magazine covers, on sports highlights, on social media. People wanted to know about the game-winning goal, about the team, about the future plan.
But no one asked about Louie.
Louie had become invisible. He showed up to team events, stood in the back, and left early. He did not complain. He did not push, he just waited.
Sebastian noticed.
He noticed the way Louie hung back during the parade. The way he slipped out of parties without saying goodbye. The way he looked at Sebastian with eyes full of hope and shame.
Julian noticed too.
"You need to talk to him," Julian said one night.
"I know."
"He is not going to push you. He is waiting for you to come to hi
