João started smiling beside him as Lukas waved to the boy and the crowd and turned back around to face the group.
"They love you already."
"Relax," Joanna muttered. "They haven't even seen him play yet."
"They've seen YouTube compilations," João replied seriously. "That's enough."
Viana gestured toward the entrance.
"Come on," he said lightly. "Before they adopt you permanently."
As they entered the main academy building, the atmosphere shifted from chaotic excitement into something more controlled.
Professional.
Focused.
But still warm.
Staff members greeted Lukas almost immediately.
Receptionists smiled.
Employees walking through the hallways stopped briefly to shake his hand or welcome him to the club.
"Welcome to City."
"Glad to have you here."
"Congratulations on the Nations League."
Even some younger academy players passing through the corridor visibly tried not to stare too hard at him.
The inside of the academy reflected the same feeling as outside.
Elite.
