Legendary Football Superstar

Jeff squinted at the scribble on the scarf, trying to figure it out. It wasn't even in English. Feeling a bit awkward, he finally blurted out, "Bambi, what's your real name?"

He knew Bambi was just a nickname. The UCLA Bruins players were chanting it after last night's game, so it stuck in his head. But Bambi's real name? Total mystery.

"Luke Howard."

"Luke?" Jeff echoed, confused. Luke didn't look like a "Luke" to him.

"Yeah, same pronunciation, but in Avalis's language, it's a whole different name," Luke said with a grin. "Honestly, Bambi's cool too. It started as a joke, but now I'm used to it."

Names are just tags, right? Luke didn't dig the nickname at first, but over time, he started using it himself, kinda like a joke. It actually helped him make friends and fit in better after moving here.

Now, everyone-friends, neighbors, even random folks-called him Bambi.

"Luke. I think I can handle that," Jeff laughed. Then he got serious, clenching his fist. "If there's a bowl game, I mean, if, then bring the Rose Bowl back for us, okay?"

The season's last game was just yesterday, and the Rose Bowl was invite-only. The top four teams were still up in the air. UCLA Bruins were fourth this season, and getting an invite was still a big "maybe." Plus, their potential opponents were tough.

Even though Jeff said "if," you could feel his urgency and sincerity.

UCLA hadn't seen the Rose Bowl in ages. The once-great football team had been down for too long. Last time they made it was '99, and the last win was '86. Most students weren't even born then.

Meanwhile, USC had snagged five Rose Bowls since 2000, including a four-year streak. They were on fire!

Every year, UCLA had to watch their rivals celebrate in their own stadium, the Rose Bowl. It was like watching enemies party in your backyard. Pure torture. That's why last night's win was so sweet; UCLA not only beat the Trojans but also climbed into the top four.

The celebration had just kicked off.

Luke got where Jeff was coming from. He'd felt the same pain for the past three years. So, he smiled and said, "If."

"I believe in you!" Jeff pumped his fist. "Guys, we should bounce. Luke needs to train, rest, and prep. We're in his way."

"Actually, it's your fault, dude," Nate's complaint made everyone laugh, including Luke. As they left, they kept shouting, "You're the man! Yes, you are the man!" They cheered, jumped, and sprinted, making the training ground buzz that morning.

After the fans left, Luke saw his training buddies, John, Logan, and Marcus, all there.

Luke was a bit surprised. He was running today because of a system task, but what about them? "Why are you guys here?"

"Out of habit," Logan grumbled. "I woke up at 7:15 and couldn't go back to sleep. Bambi, this damn body clock, I just wanna sleep!" Logan scratched his head, making Luke laugh, while John and Marcus nodded.

Luke laughed harder. "I'm setting you guys up to be superstars. When you hit it big and get those bonuses, don't forget to share with me." Everyone cracked up. John stepped up, "So, we starting today's training?"

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"Let's warm up. Bambi's already warmed up, and if we don't, we won't keep up," Marcus joked.

Logan shook his head, "It's probably just you who can't keep up. I'm good."

No way. When used to describe a man, this phrase can have many meanings. Logan's tone was clearly suggestive, which immediately made Marcus shout in frustration, "Hey! I've never said I can't! If you don't believe me, let's race!"

Logan and Marcus just took off, sprinting towards the field without a word. Luke looked at John and said, "You gonna join? If you're a second late, you won't catch up." John shook his head, staring at the field with a heavy heart. "You realize yesterday was our last college game, right? If there's no Rose Bowl, our four-year college football career is done. And for me, probably my pro career too."

Luke hadn't really thought about it until John mentioned it. The last game of the 2011 NCAA regular season was over. No Rose Bowl meant the seniors had played their final NCAA game. They ended on a high note with a win, but it was bittersweet-college was basically over.

John, Logan, Marcus, and Luke were all in the same boat.

For most students, this was the end of the line. The pro league was a whole different beast, and not everyone could make the cut. Even if they did, it was a new challenge. Many top college players, even Heisman winners, faded into the background once they hit the pros.

The UCLA Bruins had been struggling for a while. This year's seniors were still not up to the Trojans' level. Next year's draft would likely see very few of them making it to the league. Even for Luke, with his current skills, making it to the league was a big question mark.

"What do you mean?" Luke, with his journalism background, picked up on the regret and resignation in John's voice.

John smiled, "Yeah, I've decided not to enter the draft." This meant his football career would end after graduation.

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Seeing Luke's surprised look, John continued, "I know, the past six months have been amazing. I never thought I'd be back on the field as an official player. But I know my limits. This is it; this is my peak. Even if I made it to the pros, I'd get cut within a year or two. So, I'd rather go out on a high note."noveldrama

"At least, the final touchdown that turned the game around against the Trojans was mine. That's my career highlight, and everyone will remember that moment." John blinked, a hint of pride and excitement in his eyes. "After the game, my dad called me. He was really emotional."

What John didn't say was that he could hear his dad wiping away tears on the other end, even though his dad wouldn't admit it.

"So I think this is the perfect ending." John exhaled deeply. He'd made his decision, but saying it out loud brought a sense of loss.

He once dreamed of being a pro player, spending his life on the field, but reality was harsh. He'd accepted it long ago, right? The past six months felt like borrowed time, and he should be grateful.

"We don't know which two teams will make it to the Rose Bowl this year, but I plan to come here and practice every day until the NCAA announces the invited teams. You know, before saying goodbye forever, I should remember how much I hated this place and wanted to escape." John laughed, and so did Luke. "So, will you join me? Keep practicing with me?"

Originally, John and the others were just keeping Luke company, but now the roles were reversed.

Luke didn't correct John, just smiled and nodded, "Of course, no problem. My pleasure! Why don't we start right now?"

With that, Luke started running, calling John to join him. They ran towards Logan and Marcus.

"Hey, Bambi, did you see today's school paper? Front page is all your photos! I heard it sold out!" Logan shouted. "When we came to the field, there were screams and cheers from girls all the way. We haven't had this kind of attention in years!" "Winning the Los Angeles Derby makes us gods! At least for the next week!" Marcus cheered. "Front page of the school paper, next step is the 'Los Angeles Times,' then scouts, then the league?"

"Marcus, you should worry about finals in two weeks first." Luke's words made the other three groan, "Hey, Bambi, I was just trying to forget about that! You're a devil, a devil!"