This story contains matured scenes, read at your own risk. (18+)
"I want you to focus. The competition is getting near. We are aiming for back to back champion, do you understand?"
"Yes, Coach!" the whole swimming team said in unison.
"Oliver and Gael, positioned yourself. I'll see who is faster." Agad na napatingin si Gael kay Oliver nang sabihin iyon ng kanilang coach. Naghuramentado rin sa kaba ang kanyang puso.
"Go bro!" hiyaw ng ilan kay Oliver.
"I bet our little mermaid can swim faster." Gael heard from one of his teammates. Yes, that's what they called Gael. Little Mermaid.
Siya kasi ang pinakamaliit sa kanilang buong team at siya rin ang pinakamabilis lumangoy. Gael tried to workout with the guidance of their coach and his body toned more. But it didn't change his teammates endearment to him.
"Boys!" their coach yelled.
"Sorry po, Coach."
Hindi na lamang pinansin ni Gael ang kanyang mga naririnig at itinuon ang pansin sa kanyang coach. Isa pa, nasanay na siya at iyon na nga halos ang kanyang pagkakalilanlam.
"Wait for my signal," their coach told them.
In Gael's peripheral vision, he saw Oliver glanced at him. Gael won't give in. Every time he's in water, he's untouchable. Water is his home and he'll never let anyone outshine him.
Gael and Oliver positioned themselves already. After a few seconds, they heard the signal and they both dove in the water. Pakiramdam ni Gael ay ang gaan-gaan ng kanyang pakiramdam at iisa sila ng tubig. Swimming makes him happy and this is the reason why he's currently here so he'll give everything. Gael swam like what they called him, a mermaid. He knew he could beat anyone, even Oliver. Maaaring noon ay hindi pero ngayon ay mas alam na niya ang kanyang kapasidad bilang isang swimmer.
"Damn, he swims like a mermaid, so fast!" Gael heard his teammates after he finished the laps. Agad siyang napatingin kay Oliver at hindi niya alam kung sino ang nauna sa kanilang dalawa. He's still catching his breaths and waiting for the results.
"Gael's two point seven seconds faster than you, Oliver," their coach announced. Hindi naman mapigilan ni Gael na mapangiti.
"Nice swim, Little Mermaid!" bati ng ilan niyang teammates at nakipag-apir sa kanya.
"Sorry coach, I'm not in the mood," narinig ni Gael na sabi ni Oliver nang pareho silang makaahon sa tubig.
"It's okay, but make sure you can keep up to Gael next time," their coach replied and averted his attention to Gael.
"Nice job, Gael. Keep doing it and the chances of being the champion this year is not impossible."
"Yes po, Coach," Gael replied timidly.
"Okay, next Franco and Harold! Line up now!"
Hindi mapigilan ni Gael na mapatingin kay Oliver. Pansin niya ngang wala ito sa sarili dahil kanina pa ito tahimik at hindi nakikipag-usap sa iba.
Nilakasan naman ni Gael ang kanyang loob at lumapit kay Oliver na nasa bench at nagpapahinga.
"A—Ayos ka lang ba?" Gael asked. Tiningnan naman siya ni Oliver nang malamig.
