700 feet deep

Relay

Over the next few weeks, Mila and Levi settled into a steady rhythm, both in the pool and out. The team practiced every morning and afternoon, the rigorous schedule pushing everyone to their limits. Mila found herself looking forward to practice more than ever, her competitive drive fueled by Levi's presence.

They often found themselves side by side in the lanes, their strokes synchronizing as they pushed each other to swim faster and harder. Levi's natural talent and Mila's disciplined work ethic made them a formidable pair, and it wasn't long before their teammates began to notice the sparks flying between them.

One afternoon, as they rested between sets, Coach Thompson called them over. "You two make a great team," he said, his eyes twinkling with a knowing look. "How about we pair you up for the upcoming relay meets? I think you could really make some waves."

Mila and Levi exchanged a glance, both feeling a surge of excitement. "We're in," Mila replied, and Levi nodded in agreement.

The first meet of the season arrived quickly. It was a crisp Saturday morning, the kind that made the water in the indoor pool feel even warmer by contrast. The bleachers were packed with cheering spectators, and the air buzzed with anticipation.

Mila felt the familiar pre-race jitters as she adjusted her goggles and took her place on the starting block. She glanced over at Levi, who gave her an encouraging nod. "We've got this," he mouthed, and she felt a surge of confidence.

The starting gun fired, and Mila launched herself into the water, her body slicing through the surface with practiced precision. She focused on her strokes, the rhythm of her breathing, and the feel of the water against her skin. She could sense Levi swimming strong in his leg of the relay, their team quickly pulling ahead.

When it was her turn again, Mila put everything she had into her final stretch. She reached the wall with a powerful kick, and the crowd erupted in cheers as she touched first. She turned to see Levi grinning at her from the poolside, his eyes shining with pride.

They climbed out of the pool, breathless and exhilarated, and joined their teammates in a jubilant celebration. The meet continued, with Mila and Levi cheering each other on through individual events, their connection growing stronger with each race.

After the meet, as they packed up their gear, Levi approached Mila. "You were amazing out there," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "I couldn't ask for a better teammate."

Mila felt a rush of warmth at his words. "You too, Levi. We make a pretty great team."

As they walked out to the parking lot, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and pink, Levi turned to her. "Hey, do you want to grab a bite to eat? I know a great place nearby."

Mila hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, I'd love that."

They drove to a cozy diner on the edge of town, the kind of place with vinyl booths and checkered floors. Over burgers and milkshakes, they talked about everything from their favorite movies to their childhood memories. Mila found herself opening up to Levi in a way she hadn't with anyone else, and she realized just how much she enjoyed his company.

Levi listened intently, his dark eyes reflecting the dim glow of the diner's lights. He shared stories of his life in California, his love for surfing, and his dreams of swimming at a top college. Mila found herself captivated by his passion and determination, so similar to her own.

As the evening wore on, they moved from casual conversation to deeper topics, discussing their fears, hopes, and the pressure they felt to succeed. Mila felt a sense of understanding and connection with Levi that went beyond their shared love of swimming.

By the time they left the diner, it was late, and the parking lot was nearly empty. They stood by Levi's car, the night air cool against their skin.

"Thanks for tonight," Mila said softly. "I had a great time."

"Me too," Levi replied, his voice just as gentle. He reached out and took her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I'm really glad we met, Mila."

Mila squeezed his hand, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Me too, Levi."

Just then, both of their phones buzzed simultaneously. They pulled them out to see a text from Coach Thompson.

**Coach Thompson:** "Congratulations, team! Just got the results—our relay team won the competition! So proud of all of you, especially Mila and Levi for leading the way. Celebrate tonight, you've earned it!"

Mila's eyes widened with excitement. "We won!" she exclaimed, showing Levi her phone.

Levi's face lit up. "That's amazing! I knew we had a good chance, but this is incredible."

As they celebrated their victory, Mila couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and joy. But as they drove back to their homes, a nagging thought crept into her mind. What would happen if they started focusing more on each other and less on their training? Would their budding romance interfere with their goals?

That night, as she lay in bed, Mila replayed the events of the evening in her mind. The chemistry between her and Levi was undeniable, but she couldn't shake the feeling that it might complicate things. She had worked so hard to get to this point, and she couldn't afford any distractions.

The next day at practice, the atmosphere was charged with excitement from their win. Mila and Levi were greeted with cheers and high-fives from their teammates. As they began their warm-ups, Mila found herself stealing glances at Levi, her heart fluttering each time their eyes met.

Midway through practice, Coach Thompson called for a break. As the team gathered around, he said, "Alright, everyone, fantastic job yesterday. But remember, this is just the beginning. We've got more meets ahead, and we need to stay focused."

Mila felt a pang of guilt at Coach's words. She knew he was right. She couldn't let her feelings for Levi distract her from what she had worked so hard to achieve.

After practice, as the team was dispersing, Levi caught up with her. "Hey, Mila, want to grab a smoothie or something? We should celebrate our win properly."

Mila hesitated, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. "Levi, I... I think we need to talk."

Levi's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "What's wrong?"

"I just... I don't want us to lose sight of our goals," Mila said, struggling to find the right words. "I really like you, Levi, but I'm worried that if we get too caught up in... whatever this is, it might affect our performance."

Levi's eyes softened. "I get it, Mila. I really do. But I think we can find a balance. We can be there for each other without losing focus."

Mila wanted to believe him. She wanted to trust that they could navigate this new territory without jeopardizing their dreams. "Maybe we can take it slow," she suggested. "See how things go without putting too much pressure on ourselves."

Levi nodded, a small smile returning to his face. "I can do that. Let's just take it one day at a time."

As they walked out of the natatorium together, Mila felt a sense of relief mixed with lingering uncertainty. The road ahead was unclear, but with Levi by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges came their way.