Embracing The Memories | COMPLETED | KOREAN STAND ALONE #1 ✒

제25장: Natatorium

Note before reading: If the scenes feel rushed, that means that the book still needs to be revised after completion. As I said, feedbacks are highly appreciated if there are mistakes or anything that you want to let the author know. Lovelots! 💕

▬▬▬▬ ❤️ ▬▬▬▬

Heejun didn't engage in a conversation with me after the match. All I got was a very long silent treatment. I guess he wasn't expecting me to actually win. But at the same time, I felt really bad. In a fair sense, he won that game. But Jihun decided to change the match and took matters into his own hands.

So, I apologized right after our competition.

But he just nodded and smiled, thanking me before he left in hurry. I guess he was still hurt by it. I could only sigh as Gunyeo and Naehyun congratulated me. Though, I just thanked them but was in deep thought of how I could make it up to Heejun.

As soon as I was about to ask the others, I immediately saw Naehyun sprinting down the hallway before going right to our classroom. I could already tell that he was trying to rush and find something since he already took his bag and ran back out.

My eyebrows raised as curiosity got the best of me. So, instead of going to the other rooms and watch other matches, I followed where Naehyun went. There were a lot of students in the hallway — filling up the space as I could hear the cheers of mixed teams. When I was trying to squeeze my way through, I could already feel my ears ringing at that point.

When I finally reached the natatorium, I immediately saw Heejun stretching on one of the benches. Naehyun, on the other hand, was just getting ready and drinking one of the water bottles in his bag. Jihun and Yoonwoo were there but no Gunyeo. I guess Gunyeo still had a bit of practice with their team before they compete.

Approaching Naehyun, his eyes swiftly caught my gaze as he cheekily smiled and waved. "Hey Eysee, are you here to watch us?"

Heejun's eyebrows raised before it furrowed, giving a confused glance once he saw me there. I then nodded as Jihun sighed next to me, passing Naehyun's towel.

"You better win this, maknae." Naehyun could only laugh at his hyung's remark before he agreed.

"I'll beat Heejun hyung this time," Naehyun commented but I could already tell that Heejun wasn't going to let him off easy. We were surprised, however, when the match was about to start. I could hear everyone's names being called, including the two. So, we wished them luck and decided to back away from the pool so that the contestants were able to go to their positions.

Yoonwoo stood on my left side while Jihun was on my right. They were both looking at the other competitors while I look at the two. Both of them seemed relaxed and just waiting for the whistle to blow.

The first one on the board was Naehyun against a senior. Though, Jihun could only make a 'tsk' sound as he then recognize who Naehyun's competitor was. I guess he knew how competitive the guy would be in terms of this.

Though, I didn't expect Heejun to immediately go to another board. Wait, they're all going to be competitors at this? I really thought that it would be a team one but I guess whoever lasts until the end of the match wins.

Echoes of cheers had rung all inside the natatorium. Most of them being girls as they cheered once they saw the boys getting ready to dunk into the water.

"Heejun would win it, for sure." I could hear Yoonwoo's comment right beside me as my eyes followed his gaze. His voice didn't seem to falter a bit when he said it. I was a bit curious as to why but when I was about to question it, the officials had already made sure to start it — a loud voice suddenly speaking.

"Please give space for our contestants. The match will start in five minutes."

It was just a short course but it would be a tough battle since it's all about the time and how fast you are in performing. The starter, the referees, and the timers were already standing on their spots — ready for the contest as their gazes were focused on their assigned individuals.

A few minutes passed, my heartbeat immediately went faster as I heard the loud whistle and the two had already jumped to the water. We made sure to be much more near in order to cheer but I was shocked to see Jihun with his own blue whistle — which was hanging on his neck. He was using it instead of cheering along with the others.

I thought it was just a prop but when Heejun and Naehyun immediately turned back as they reached the end, I was surprised at both of their speed. The other contestants were already left behind as they try to catch their breath before going back again, swimming as if they were really in the Olympics.

My eyes widened as soon as both of them had reached the starting point again, loud cheers erupting along. Now, at this point, whoever stays up 'til the last round would be declared winners in places. Naehyun and Heejun went back out the water — grabbing the towel near the seats. Jihun had Heejun's towel while Yoonwoo had Naehyun's.

"Congrats to both of you for being the fastest!" I told them as Naehyun posed with a peace sign before chuckling.

"Oh, that? Yeah, I think hyung and I did our best. But, once we get to the last round, I'm not really sure if we'd enjoy it as much," Naehyun replied to me before sighing. When he saw me with a questioning gaze, he then decided to continue.

"Well, if we both reach the end of the competition," he said before looking back at Heejun. Vice wasn't really looking back at him but we could tell that he was listening. When we decided not to speak, Heejun turned around and faced us, his towel still in his hair and the water bottle in his hand.

"Go on, Naehyun. Tell her." Naehyun could only gulp before he looked at me.

"We have to compete against each other."