from the start | jake sim

6

Seoyun's POV

The gun shot, and I jumped into the pool.

Swim.

Swim.

Swim faster.

Even faster.

I repeated in my head, and when I touched wall. A smile crept up on my face, "Good job Seoyun." I pulled myself out of the pool.

"I think you're more or less ready for the competition." Coach said, and I smiled.

"Can I go for another round? I feel more assured if I try again." She nodded, and I went back to the starting line, and the whole process restarted again.

When I got out, coach looked at me with a satisfied look. "13 minute 49 seconds. Not bad." I wrapped my towel around myself.

"You should get some rest." I nodded, and I bid the coach goodbye before going to the washroom to wash up.

While I was showering, I heard someone coming in. "Seoyun swims really well, and she's pretty and rich too. She really has it good." Someone said.

"I heard she's on steroids, that's why she swims so quickly." I scoffed. I can't believe people would assume that I take steroids just because I swim well.

"Really? Wow, no wonder she swims so well. Money really solves everything." They chuckled among themselves.

I rolled my eyes as I finished up, and changed into a fresh set of clothes before walking out of the cubical.

The horror on their faces when they saw me.

I stood in front of the mirror, and I combed my hair while staring at my own reflection. "Wow, your hair is so straight. What product do you use?" one of them said.

"Steroids." I said, as I looked at them through the mirror before letting out a laugh, "I'm kidding. I use this." I held up a hair product.

They forced a chuckle, "We should get going." they bid me goodbye before leaving the washroom hurriedly.

People always assume that just because my parents are wealthy, everything that I have is bought with their money.

I walked out of the washroom to see Jay sitting on the chair. I was about to walk by when he called out to me, "How was your training?" I smiled.

"It went alright." His eyes lit up, as he turned around and held up a paper bag. "Guess what's in it?" He grinned.

I thought for a bit, "A cat? oh! a dog?" He scoffed.

"It's croissant. I bought it from the cafe nearby, I think you'd like it." I smiled slightly, "I really appreciate it Jay, but you really don't have to do this for me."

He shook his head, "I'm doing it willingly. I just want to show you how genuine I am." I pursed my lips, "so will you accept this croissant?"

Just then, my stomach grumbled. "If that's not a sign, I don't know what is." Jay said, while eyeing me with a teasing smile.

I let out a sigh, "Fine, but please don't do this anymore." He handed me the bag, and I took the croissant out.

We sat by the pool while I ate the croissant, and Jay, well he's just here.

"I want to get to know you better, so let me ask you some questions." I nodded, while biting into my croissant.

He cleared his throat, while pretending to hold a microphone in his hand. "On today's episode of getting to know Yang Seoyun better, we have some questions prepared. Can we have a round of applause for Ms Yang?" He cheered by himself.

"So first question, what's your MBTI?" He looked over at me, "INFJ." His eyes widened.

He placed his hand over his mouth, "That was my MBTI at one point in time!" I took another bite without showing any reaction.

"Okay, thanks for the reaction Ms Yang." He said sarcastically while I continued eating.

"Second question, what's your ideal type?" I thought for a bit, "I like guys who are kind, caring and passionate."

Jay nodded, "Sounds like you're pointing me out." I stared at him while chewing on my food.

His smile fell, "That was a joke." I pursed my lips, and he continued his 'talk show'.

"Alright, last question of the day since Seoyun seems to be finishing up her croissant. So Ms Yang, what's your hobby?" He asked.

"I like swimming, and playing the violin." He nodded with an impressed look, "That's all that we have for today's episode on getting to know Yang Seoyun better. Thank you for tuning in. See you next episode." He grinned while staring at no one.

I eyed him, "Do you always self entertain yourself this well?" He nodded.

"Actually my dream was to have my own talk show." I tilted my head slightly, "Was? Why don't you pursue it?"

He let out a long sigh, "Let's just say, my parents would kick me out of the house and I'd be homeless." I nodded as I puffed up my cheeks.

"What about you? What's your dream?" I thought for a bit, "Probably to help out with my parents company." He nodded.

"Your parents must adore you." I raised my brows, while looking confused. "It's not easy to have children that want to continue their legacy." I forced a smile.

He let out a longer sigh, "My parents would love to have you as their child." I nudged him, "Hey, you're a great child too."

Jay chuckled, "I wish. They would always say that I'm a disappointment. I'm always trying to do things to help their company and to impress them, but they're never satisfied." He shrugged, "But that's life I guess."

He looked over at me, with a pout, "The urge to give up is real."

I punched him on the arm lightly, "I thought you passed the boss level in Mario? Where did all the determination and resilience go?"

He stared at me, as if he have something to say but yet he's in a daze. I waved in his face, "Hey, where did you go? Did you enter the Mario game?"

Jay chuckled, "Yeah, how did you know?"

"You know, I finally got all the hype about you. I understand why so many people are interested in you, you're interesting." I swept my hair behind my shoulder, "I know."

Jay burst into laughter, "Hey, you're shameless."

He looked back at me, as his expression softened.

"If I were to do something bad, will you forgive me?"

7 December 2023