something in the water - winrina

23: your best

Minjeong's surprised when many people recognize her.

She's lost count of the amount of swimmers and coaches who have come up to her, excited to finally meet her. Her average approaches produce results of her fingers pushing her glasses up her nose at the amount of times she's had to bow.

It's been hours since the first half of the event took place, the second half beginning the next day. Her school wasn't going to start their events until the next day, so they were free to explore the area.

"Kim Minjeong? Who would've known?" The brunette winces at the voice that calls for her. She turns around, meeting familiar faces.

The same girls from the locker room. What a jolly.

Minjeong simply smiles at the girls, stuffing her hands into her pocket. "Hey girls, enjoying your time so far?" Her mouth feels sore from faking the motion.

The first girl scoffs, seeming annoyed by Minjeong uptight approach. She cocks her head to the side. "While I enjoy your flattery, I think its best for you to know that this is not what we're here for." The girl faces Minjeong, a smirk occupying her lips.

The second girl nods along, crossing her arms. "Our school is going to win and we'll make sure you feel every emotion possible when you lose to us." The girl laughs, whipping her hair.

Suddenly, a hand wraps around the brunette's arm, a familiar perfume scent engulfing her sense already.

"Like Minjeong would ever lose to people like you." Jimin chuckles with her signature, the one Minjeong used to be at the receiving end of. It was one that easily riled people up.

Another girl steps up to approach the raven, but Minjeong steps in front of Jimin, towering over the other girl. The girl backs up, mumbling something under her breath.

The raven tugs gently on her team jacket, a silent message telling her that it was time to go. "See you tomorrow." Minjeong smiles cheekily before turning around to walk away with Jimin.

When they're faraway, swarmed in the mess of swimmers, staffs and coaches, Minjeong squeezes the raven's hand.

"Thanks. Had you not been there, I would've gotten disqualified in the blink of an eye." The brunette nudges the raven's side with their knuckles.

Jimin rolls her eyes. "I can't believe they're still mad about the last time we met when they were the ones who started it." She replies, eyes glimmering at an old friend who passes by.

The brunette follows the raven wherever she takes them. They appear in the natatorium, loud with cheers from the people filling the area. Jimin pulls her up the stairs, walking toward the rest of their team.

They sit down, turning their attention to the huge pool. Minjeong's heart speeds with excitement, in disbelief that they qualified far enough to participate in such an event.

Yuna points toward the pool. "Guys, look!"

Their eyes follow Yuna's fingers and Minjeong sees a mix of red and blue jackets standing not too far from the pool, clipboards in their hands.

It takes a bit more squinting before Minjeong figures out that they're staff from the national team.

"Coach Choi might be here."

"Shit, they're scouting people for the new roster of the national team. I heard they're making a second team because there's so many talented swimmers." Ryujin explains to them.

Yves sits up straight. "If we win, do you think they'll take a look at our records?" She faces Jimin and Minjeong.

The raven tilts her head slightly. "Maybe. But I think it's better if they take a look at everyone individually. Once they see that there's a pattern of good swimmers coming from our university, and we win, there's a good chance they'd consider some of us."