Nico joins Caspian’s soccer team on a scholarship and is humiliated by captain Caspian and teammate Briar. Caspian gradually falls for Nico’s skill and resilience, secretly paying off his housing debt. They go from rivals to partners. Caspian’s father, Alden, fiercely opposes the relationship, even humiliating Nico’s parents. National scout Adler spots them, and both make the U23 preliminary list. After a public kiss is photographed, Alden locks Caspian at home. Nico leads the team to break him out; Caspian jumps from a window to rejoin them. They win the championship, publicly confirm their love, and receive U23 national team invitations, walking onto the World Cup training pitch together.
