Depths Of The Heart [WinTeam]

Chapter 6: Lines in the Sand

The following days brought a wave of tension and uncertainty as the investigation into the doping scandal continued to cast a shadow over the Chula University Swimming Club. Everyone was on edge, not knowing if they’d be cleared or if their season would be over before it began. The air in the locker room was heavy, and practice sessions felt like walking on eggshells.

Win noticed how the scandal seemed to weigh heavily on Team, perhaps even more than the others. His once sharp gaze had dulled slightly, his strokes lacked their usual precision, and he often seemed lost in his thoughts. Win’s worry grew each day, unable to shake the feeling that Team was hiding something—something that went beyond the current scandal.

One evening, after a particularly grueling practice, Coach Taan gathered everyone by the pool for an announcement.

“The board has decided to continue funding us while they investigate,” Coach said, his voice echoing off the walls. “But they’re imposing stricter regulations. From now on, every member of the team will undergo regular testing to ensure there’s no foul play. They’ll be watching us closely, so I expect all of you to act responsibly. Do I make myself clear?”

A murmur of agreement ran through the group, though Win could sense the unease among his teammates. He glanced at Team, noticing the way his jaw tightened, his fingers clenching into fists at his sides.

After everyone dispersed, Win waited for Team by the lockers. As soon as he saw him approach, he stepped forward, blocking Team’s path.

“Hey,” Win began softly, trying to gauge Team’s reaction. “You okay with all this?”

Team’s expression was unreadable, but he shrugged, his voice flat. “Yeah. It’s not like we have a choice, right?”

Win frowned, sensing that there was more beneath the surface. “Team, if there’s something bothering you… you can talk to me.”

For a brief moment, Team’s gaze softened, as if he were considering opening up. But just as quickly, he seemed to pull back, his defenses snapping into place.

“I appreciate it, Win,” he said quietly. “But I don’t want to drag you into my problems.”

Win felt a pang of frustration, but he didn’t push. Instead, he simply nodded, letting Team slip away into the night, leaving him alone in the echoing silence of the locker room.

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The following day, Coach Taan announced a surprise team-building retreat for the weekend, hoping to boost morale amidst the turbulence. Win felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. He couldn’t deny the strain the scandal had placed on everyone, and part of him hoped that this retreat would offer a chance to clear the air—and perhaps bring him closer to the truth behind Team’s unease.

The team arrived at a small lake resort, tucked away from the bustling city. Surrounded by pine trees and mountains, the lake’s calm, glassy surface provided a welcome escape from the tense atmosphere of their usual poolside practices. The air was filled with the scent of pine and fresh water, and for the first time in weeks, Win felt himself relax.

After settling in, Coach Taan gathered everyone for a set of team exercises on the lakeshore. Win noticed Team standing off to the side, his gaze focused on the lake, a distant look in his eyes. Without thinking, Win walked over and nudged his shoulder.

“Looks like you’ve got a lot on your mind, Freshman,” he said, his tone light.

Team gave him a small, almost wistful smile. “I used to come to a lake like this when I was younger. I guess… it brings back memories.”