Step Back

After a flight that lasted just under two hour, the plane touched down on the smooth tarmac of Milano Malpensa Airport. The soft bump of the landing jolted Aleksandar.

What followed was a blur of airport chaos: the slow shuffle through passport control, the impatient wait at baggage claim, and the awkward tango of dodging other travelers with rolling suitcases. All in all, it took them a good half hour to get through everything.

And then… finally… the sliding doors parted.

And just like that, Milan greeted them.

A breeze, just slightly perfumed with roasted espresso and street fashion, brushed against Aleksandar's cheeks. The city wasn't loud, but it wasn't quiet either. It breathed stylishly.

The streets outside the terminal opened like a painting in motion. Sleek trams glided over shining rails. Small cars zipped past like they had places to be. The buildings were tall but elegant, painted in soft creams and peach tones, their balconies decorated with ivy and faded flowers clinging stubbornly to summer.

Every corner looked like a movie scene. Narrow alleyways twisted into charming courtyards, while wide boulevards stretched toward grand cathedrals in the distance. Café tables spilled onto the sidewalks, dotted with people sipping tiny coffees and wearing sunglasses that probably cost more than Aleksandar's entire wardrobe.

He blinked in awe.

"...I feel like I just stepped into a cologne commercial."

Vinnie stretched his arms with a satisfied sigh.

"Yup. Welcome to Milan."

Somewhere nearby, a street musician strummed a jazzy tune on an old guitar. The scent of baked focaccia wafted through the air like a warm invitation.

Aleksandar turned to Vinnie.

"So… where now?"

Vinnie pulled out his phone and typed something in.

"We've got a ride coming. Apartment's in Navigli. You'll love it. Canals, nightlife, and overpriced pizza that tastes like heaven." He paused, then gave Aleksandar a sly look. "Also, no pressure, but your training starts today."

"What?! We just landed!" Aleksandar's voice cracked.

Vinnie grinned, slipping his shades on as the sun peeked through the clouds.

"The grind never stops, Small Fry. But don't worry we'll grab a gelato first. You've earned it."

As they waited for their ride, the city of Milan sprawled before them grand and alive.

After a short wait and a slightly chaotic ride through the Milanese traffic, the Uber finally rolled to a gentle stop in front of a sleek, older building just a few blocks from the heart of Navigli.

Aleksandar stepped out, suitcase in one hand, his eyes scanning the building with a mix of curiosity and cautious skepticism. It wasn't flashy.

Vinnie yawned and adjusted his duffel bag over his shoulder.

"Alright, Small Fry. Let's head in."

They entered through a heavy wooden door that creaked just slightly almost like the building was surprised to have visitors again.

Inside the stairwell, it was quiet… eerily so. Their footsteps echoed faintly as they made their way up the narrow staircase to the third floor. When Vinnie finally unlocked the door to the apartment, a wave of stale air greeted them.

The lights didn't turn on.

"...Was this place abandoned or are we part of some horror?" Aleksandar raised an eyebrow, half joking, half serious.

"Nah," Vinnie replied, as chill as ever, "I just haven't been here in almost a year."

He moved through the shadows casually, as if muscle memory guided his steps. Then, with one strong tug, he yanked open the thick grey curtains.

Sunlight flooded in.

And with it life returned.

The apartment revealed itself slowly in the golden glow. Clean lines. Cool tones. Everything designed with a minimalist elegance that screamed European bachelor pad. White and soft grey dominated the palette, accented by subtle black fixtures and smooth wood floors that gleamed under the light.

The space was neatly divided into four rooms: A sleek, modern kitchen with shiny black counters and a tiny espresso machine. A living room that opened wide, with a soft three seater sofa in cool grey, positioned in front of a low, clear glass coffee table. To the left, massive floor to ceiling windows displayed a stunning panoramic view of the city, tiled rooftops, and the occasional speck of a bird flying by. In the far left corner of the room, a tall mirror leaned against the wall beside a minimalist hanger rack, filled with neatly arranged clothes. A small bathroom. And finally, the bedroom, with its single queen sized bed, stiff white sheets, and zero decoration beyond a single plant that looked... suspiciously fake.

Aleksandar set his bag down slowly, still taking it all in.

"Okay... I'm officially jealous."

"You should be," Vinnie said with a smirk, flopping down onto the couch and kicking his shoes off in one fluid motion.

"This place may not look like much now, but once we clean up, get food in the fridge it's gonna be home."

Aleksandar walked over to the window, resting his palm on the cool glass.

The city stretched out before him alive and electric.

Vinnie stretched his arms above his head, letting out a small yawn before grabbing a towel and walking toward the bathroom. Halfway there, he turned his head back toward Aleksandar with that usual mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I'm gonna shower, then head out to grab some groceries. In the meantime, you rest up, do whatever. Or, you know… clean up the apartment a bit. And after that, get ready. We're training."

Aleksandar, half sprawled across the couch, looked at him like he'd just been asked to run a marathon in ski boots.

"Do we really have to start today? The flight drained everything out of me…"

Vinnie simply smirked as he opened the bathroom door.

"If you don't carry the boats, then who will? The grind doesn't stop, Small Fry."

With that final cryptic line, he disappeared into the bathroom. A few seconds later, the sound of running water and soft steam filled the quiet apartment, wrapping everything in a strange but calming warmth.

Aleksandar sighed deeply and stared up at the ceiling. The soft hum of the city outside, the faint patter of the shower… it all made the apartment feel a little more alive.

"Just five minutes…" he mumbled to himself.

But as he closed his eyes, the weight of the day, the flight, and the endless surprises finally caught up to him. His breathing slowed, and sleep found him faster than expected.

Before drifting off completely, he murmured under his breath:

"I just hope… this training isn't that intense."

The sunlight continued to pour gently through the curtains, dancing across the floor as the quiet apartment settled for a brief moment of peace.