~TEN💙~

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ILHAM'S POV

Mornings were never my thing. After Fajr, I always went back to bed.

I preferred slow starts, staying in bed until the last possible second before dragging myself up. But today was different. Today, I was up early, dressed, and ready for practice.

Mostly because Kamil had been rushing me since dawn.

I sighed as I walked out of the house, adjusting my duffel on my shoulder. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting an orange glow over the neighborhood. Kamil was already by the gate waiting, looking at something on his phone.

"Took you long enough, I already ordered the Uber, he's almost here." he muttered as I got to him.

I rolled my eyes. "Relax. It's not even 7:30 yet."

He scoffed, opening the gate . "You know, some of us actually like getting to practice on time."

"Some of us also like sleep," I shot back.

"Na you sabi, let's go he's here"

The drive to school was mostly quiet, except for the faint sound of the radio playing an old Wizkid song. I zoned out, watching the scenery blur past. The city was already alive—cars honking, street vendors setting up, people rushing to work.

"So," I said after a moment, glancing at Kamil. "Why are you even coming for practice? Don't you usually just leave Chetachi to do all the work?"

Kamil side-eyed me. "I want to be a changed person"

I shrugged. "It's always something new with you sha."

He chuckled. "Well the new juniors have their first training today, I need them to know being on the team with me as captain is going to be no joke."

"Right." I yawned. "Makes sense, I guess."

When we got to school, I spotted Riri waiting for me near the entrance of the sports complex. She had her arms crossed, eyebrows raised.

"Finally," she said as I approached. "I was starting to think you weren't coming."

I grinned. "Blame Kamil."

Kamil held up his hands. "Why am I always the scapegoat?"

"Because it's fun," I said sweetly.

Before he could respond, Coach Bello's voice rang out. "Swimmers inside! Now!"

Riri and I hurried into the meeting room in the natatorium.

Coach Bello was in his usual tracksuit, arms crossed, looking as serious as ever. "Alright, listen up. In one month, we have a competition at Oakridge Academy. It's a big one, and we need our best swimmers."

Excited murmurs spread through the group.

"To decide who's going, we'll have a friendly competition among ourselves. Only four of you will make the cut—two boys, two girls."

I straightened in my seat, exchanging a look with Riri.

"This means extra practice after school," Coach continued. "If you're serious about making the team, be prepared to put in the work, so if you're interested write your name and class on the sign-up sheet on the notice board."

We all nodded, and just like that, the meeting was over.

As we left the room, Riri nudged me. "You have to make it."

I smirked. "Obviously. You too."

"I don't know..." She sighed. "Have you seen the way Soraya swims? She's basically a mermaid."

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