Depths Of The Heart [WinTeam]

Chapter 1: Waters of Rivalry

The morning light filtered through the glass ceiling of Chula University’s aquatics center, casting reflections across the pool’s surface. Win stood at the edge, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the pool deck. It was the beginning of a new semester, and as the captain of the Chula University Swimming Club, it was his duty to oversee tryouts.

Win had been captain for two years, and he took the position seriously. He’d worked his way up through sheer determination and discipline, gaining the respect of his teammates and Coach Taan. For him, there was no room for weakness or complacency—only strength, speed, and relentless drive.

Today, the pool was bustling with hopeful new recruits. Among the crowd of fresh faces, one newcomer caught his attention. A tall figure with sleek black hair, who looked completely at ease despite the tension in the air. Win didn’t recognize him, but something about the guy’s confidence annoyed him.

“Hey, Win,” Dean said, sidling up beside him. Win glanced over at his best friend, who was wrapping his goggles around his hand. “Looks like you’ve got some competition this year.”

Win scoffed. “We’ll see.”

As the tryouts began, Win ran through the drills with his usual precision, demonstrating each movement with ease. He kept an eye on the new recruit—who he’d learned was named Team. Team moved through the water like he belonged there, every stroke sharp and calculated, every dive precise. His times were already impressive, even by Chula’s high standards.

But Win didn’t like his attitude. Team barely acknowledged the other members, focused solely on his own performance. Win could see it in his eyes—a fierce, unwavering determination. It was the same drive Win saw in himself, and it unnerved him.

After the initial drills, Coach Taan called out, “Win and Team! Let’s see a race. A hundred-meter freestyle.”

The two locked eyes from opposite ends of the pool. Win’s mouth set into a determined line as he stepped up to the starting block. Team, on the other side, gave a slight nod, acknowledging the challenge. The tension between them was palpable.

Dean shot Win a grin from the sidelines. “Give him hell, Captain.”

Win took a deep breath, crouched, and then the whistle blew. They launched into the water, muscles taut and ready. Win powered through his strokes, arms slicing through the water with practiced strength. He wasn’t just fast—he was efficient, every movement precise, every kick calculated. He had years of experience backing him.

But Team wasn’t giving an inch. Win felt him just behind, every kick and pull synchronized as though he were a shadow trailing Win’s every move. And slowly, agonizingly, that shadow started creeping closer.

With the final turn, Team surged forward, nearly matching Win’s pace. They were neck and neck, a blur of speed as they closed in on the finish. Win pushed himself harder, his muscles burning with the effort, his lungs screaming for air. But he wouldn’t give in—not to a freshman, not to this cocky newcomer.

They reached the wall, both of them slamming their hands against it at nearly the same moment. Win gasped for breath, heart pounding, as he looked to the clock. He’d won—by less than a tenth of a second. But the victory was hollow.

Team, still panting, looked over at him with a smirk. “Close race, Captain.”

Win gritted his teeth. “You still lost.”

Team just shrugged, completely unfazed. “There’s always next time.”

Win’s jaw clenched as he climbed out of the pool, his muscles tense with frustration. He didn’t like Team’s attitude, didn’t like the way he seemed so nonchalant about a race that had pushed Win to his limits. Dean joined him, patting him on the back.

“Not bad,” Dean said, trying to lighten the mood. “He’s fast, though. Gotta give him that.”

Win scowled, watching as Team walked away with a confident stride. “Yeah, but speed isn’t everything.”

Yet, deep down, he couldn’t deny the truth. Team wasn’t just fast—he was good. And for the first time in years, Win felt a flicker of doubt. He shook it off, refusing to let it fester. He was the captain, and no freshman was going to take that away from him.

Later that day, as the team gathered for their first official practice, Coach Taan introduced Team to the rest of the squad. The other members welcomed him warmly, but Win could see the curiosity in their eyes. They knew he was a challenge to Win’s authority.

“All right, everyone,” Coach Taan said, clapping his hands to get their attention. “Let’s run some laps to close out practice.”

The team groaned, but Win merely nodded. He was already plotting how he’d outshine Team in the days to come, how he’d show this freshman that he couldn’t just walk in and take over.

As they pushed through the laps, Win found himself unconsciously keeping pace with Team, their strokes mirroring each other in an unspoken battle. Neither slowed, neither faltered, and the competitive energy between them grew with each lap. By the time practice ended, the tension had reached a boiling point.

In the locker room, Win noticed Team lingering by his locker, stretching his shoulder as he watched Win out of the corner of his eye. Win felt his pulse quicken, though he refused to admit why. It wasn’t just anger. Something else was there—something he didn’t want to name.

“What?” Win snapped, feeling defensive under Team’s gaze.

Team didn’t flinch. Instead, he gave Win an appraising look, his lips curving into that same infuriating smirk. “Just wondering if you’re planning to keep up with me all season.”

Win crossed his arms, meeting Team’s gaze with a defiant glare. “You’re here to learn, not to challenge me.”

Team’s smirk only widened. “I think I already challenged you.”

Win felt a surge of irritation, but he forced himself to stay calm. He wasn’t going to let Team get under his skin. Not this early in the season.

“Listen,” Win said, his voice low and steely. “I’m the captain. I’ve worked hard to get here, and I don’t need some freshman trying to undermine that. You might be good, but you’re not me.”

Team’s gaze didn’t waver. “Maybe I don’t want to be you. I just want to win.”

The simplicity of Team’s answer threw Win off balance, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. Team didn’t want to replace him—he just wanted to succeed. But somehow, that only made Win feel more threatened.

Without another word, Win turned and walked away, his mind racing. Team was more than just a talented swimmer. He was confident, unapologetic, and he wasn’t going to back down. And for the first time in a long time, Win felt that his place at the top was no longer secure.

As he left the locker room, he tried to shake off the unease that had settled in his chest. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get Team out of his head.