Up on stage, Gullit reached out first.
They shook hands—firm, mutual.
"You've got something special," Gullit said, low enough that only Izan heard.
Izan nodded once, jaw set, eyes clear.
And the trophy—sleek, golden, shaped like a future unfolding—was his.
He paused a moment, glanced out into the darkened crowd, and inhaled—just once.
Then he began.
"I grew up dreaming about moments like this. But even in those dreams, it never looked quite like this."
His voice was steady and soft, but the mic caught the edge of emotion curling just behind the words.
"I want to thank my family first—my mom, Komi, for always believing in me before anyone else did. My sister Hori, even when she's annoying, and even more when she's proud. My agent, Miranda, and Olivia—for being there before and after every game, every time."
He shifted the trophy slightly.
