HEMP ROPE, BETWEEN US (ENG)

Chapter 16

K university had welcomed many students from other colleges today, the day of the swimming match. The cheer leaders and cheered loudly at the pool, and the stands were full of students encouraging their friends. It was hot, and the locker room was full of excitement.

"You can go out and warm up now." Pruek, the 4th year senior of their club told the members. He hurried out those who were finishing changing. But when he reached Team he saw that he appeared to be meditating. He let him be and walked back toward the door, where the Vice president was walking in. He patted Win on the shoulder and gestures his head toward Team.

"Check on your nong."
"I'll handle it." Win answered.

Team didn't know when the chaos had quieted, he was near his locker with his eyes closed. He took deep breaths to stay calm but the memories of the past were playing in his mind.

Splash
Gasp
Brother!

He could still hear the screams, even after all the years that had passed, he never forgot and it played in his head all the time, especially when he had to compete in the water. He clenched his fists, feeling cold from head to toe.

Cold like when he sank to the bottom of the pool, exhausted, throat burning, struggling, eyes blurry...

"I'm ok.." Team mumbled trying to remind himself.

"Team,"
"..."
"Team,"

A light touch on his shoulder startled him from his trance, he looked up at the blonde senior with a stressed expression.
He was scared. He was afraid he would be disqualified if his body wasn't cooperating.

"Hia...I"

Win didn't ask any questions, he sighed and looked him over with a smile. Team closed his eyes for a second and rubbed his hands,

"I'm ready, just nervous." Team said, Win smiles again seeing Team's worried face.

"Ok then come here I'll cast a spell on you to get rid of your nerves"

*note* (it's like give him a blessing, cast a spell, give him good luck, that kind of thing)*

Team didn't know what kind of spell he meant, but a strong embraced wrapped him up, Win hugged his body to his chest. The warmth and sound of Win's heartbeat made Team feel relaxed.

"Don't worry....
I'm waiting here for you...
Good luck."

As he said the last words he kissed Team's forehead lightly. Win walked away without saying anything else, leaving Team stunned.

"Damn it!...."
Team looked around him and rubbed his forehead. He felt too shy in public like this..but..he would feel just as shy in private anyway.

He quickly arranged his thoughts as if somehow paranoid someone could read them.

He grabbed his towel to put over his shoulder and closed his locker. Luckily no one had seen or it would be big news.

"Hm?" Team looked down at his hands that had stopped shaking.

His restless heart had calmed down. His symptoms had blown away like a breeze. Team shook his head, not wanting to believe a hug and kiss from him had been effective on his mind.

He should pay him some money.

A smile formed on his face

'I'm waiting here for you'

Having Hia waiting for him, he wasn't afraid.

Team fought the grin spreading on his face and lightly slapped his own cheek to get a grip.