HEMP ROPE, BETWEEN US (ENG)

Chapter 19 (part 1)

"You're letting me try for the Thai swimming championships?"

The swim coach nodded.

"Yes, going off your past races you fit the criteria, they said you can apply for a try out."

He handed the boy some documents and patted his shoulder.
"You can do it." (*Su su)*

Team looked at the papers with sparkling eyes. He had wanted to do this ever since he was a kid, and now that he was in university he had his chance to apply.

"Thank you! I'll do my best!"
He rushed to his friends and jumped into a hug. There were a few representatives chosen and he was one of them, he was one step closer to his dream.

"You're competing in the Thai championships!?" His friends Pharm and Manow shouted.

Today they had made plans for lunch together to eat at a popular barbecue place in the mall. At first they were surprised that Team seemed more energetic than usual, until he announced he had good news.

"Yes but I'm just applying." Team said closing his eyes while taking a bite of his favorite food.

"That's still great." Pharm said with a nod. He arranged the meat on the grill and put some on his friends plate, "a reward."

"If you strike out in the qualifying round I'll treat you to a meal." Manow said passing out some of the grilled meat. "To congratulate you."

"If you get to the finals and win a medal just tell me what you want to eat." Dale made a 'fighting' gesture then imitated the other two by also passing him a piece of meat from the grill.

Team looked at the food on his plate, even though his friends were acting like they weren't invested he didn't complain. The more they cheered him on the happier he was, his smile was so big he could barely see.

"Recently you look brighter, things in the club going well, you're on your phone often," Manow said with a sly smile. She pursed her lips and looked at him with narrowed eyes. Moving closer she asked,

"Is there something you haven't told your friends?"

Team nearly choked on his food and turned his face away, pretending to ignore her.

"It's true," Pharm said "you are always on LINE , smiling to yourself." He took the chance to tease Team.

"Or is that ..." Dale joined in, her lovely eyes looking at her friends. If anyone else had green-grey eyes like hers he would be love struck, but Team saw the scary P'Dean's eyes whenever he saw them.

The pressure from his friends overwhelmed him and he set down his bowl with a sigh. He paused and decided it was time to tell them.

"Yes."
"What?" Pharm raised an eyebrow.
"Is that an answer or just a grunt?" Manow asked with an intimidating face.

Team rolled his eyes, frustrated.

"No, I mean yes there is something I haven't told you."

They all forgot their food immediately.

"Oooooooh" Dale exclaimed, turning to clap with Manow who was holding back a scream.

"The person it's about..."
The young man paused to think about how to say it.

"Someone you like?" Pharm asked with a mischievous look.

Team could only scold his best friend in the back of his mind.

"That's right." He stopped to see their reaction. He saw that Manow was acting like her chest was about to explode he laughed and accepted he would be bullied.