Depths Of The Heart [WinTeam]

Chapter 7: Shadows in the Water

The night after the retreat was a sleepless one for Win. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, memories of the quiet moment he’d shared with Team by the lake replaying over and over. The feel of Team’s hand in his, the warmth of his quiet smile under the stars—Win felt himself teetering on the edge of something that both excited and terrified him.

But the next morning, any trace of warmth quickly faded as the team gathered for another intense practice session. Coach Taan’s eyes were sharper than ever, and there was a steely determination in his voice as he pushed them harder than before, demanding excellence with an intensity that bordered on ruthless.

Win couldn’t help but notice the toll it took on Team. He was slower in the water than usual, his strokes lacking the precision and grace that had once come so effortlessly. Every lap seemed to weigh on him, each kick like an invisible anchor dragging him down. Win’s heart clenched as he watched his teammate struggle, knowing how much was at stake, yet unable to do anything but watch.

After practice, as the rest of the team began to disperse, Win approached Coach Taan, hoping to glean some insight into the heightened pressure.

“Coach,” he started cautiously, glancing around to make sure no one was listening, “is this about the investigation? Is that why you’re pushing us so hard?”

Coach Taan’s face softened, a flicker of weariness breaking through his otherwise stoic demeanor. “The truth is, Win, we’re under a microscope right now. The board wants results, and if we don’t perform at nationals, they might pull our funding. I’m pushing you all because I know you’re capable of it. And because… I can’t let this team fall apart.”

Win nodded, understanding the weight that Coach carried on his shoulders. But even so, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the pressure was breaking some of them more than it was helping.

“Thanks, Coach. I just… I wanted to know,” Win replied, hoping his words conveyed some semblance of support.

As he left, he caught sight of Team lingering by the pool, lost in his own thoughts. Win hesitated, then took a deep breath and walked over, determined to do something, anything, to ease the strain he saw in those dark eyes.

“Team,” he called softly, drawing his attention. “Are you alright?”

Team looked up, startled, as if he hadn’t realized anyone was still there. He forced a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… a lot on my mind.”

Win frowned, knowing that was only half the truth. But he didn’t push, sensing that what Team needed right now was a friend, not an interrogator. He reached out, squeezing Team’s shoulder gently.

“Listen,” Win said, his voice soft but steady, “you don’t have to carry everything alone. You have the team. And… you have me.”

For a moment, something in Team’s gaze softened, a vulnerability that he rarely allowed himself to show. But just as quickly, he pulled away, his expression closing off once more.

“Thanks, Win,” he murmured. “I… I’ll keep that in mind.”

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Over the next few days, the pressure only seemed to increase. Coach Taan’s drills became more rigorous, the laps longer, the routines more punishing. Win threw himself into the training with everything he had, determined to rise to the challenge. But every time he caught a glimpse of Team in the water, struggling under the weight of his own fears, a pang of worry gnawed at his heart.

Finally, one evening after a particularly grueling session, Win found himself pacing the empty locker room, unable to shake the tension coiled in his chest. He had never been one to worry so much about another person, but Team… Team was different. And he couldn’t ignore the pull he felt toward him, the instinct to protect him, even from himself.