The Girl Who Loved

Mixed

The whistle blared, signalling for the first set of swimmers to get in the pool.
"Okay, looks like we have an upcoming competition ahead of us," the coach announced causing some silent and internal groans from everyone. "And, as usual, land and water training for everyone."

A woman stared at the liquid path right in front of her after the coach's announcement. She placed her goggles over her chocolate brown eyes and took a deep breath.
The whistle blared and she did a freestyle towards the end of her lane and back to her starting point.
She was about to do another lap when she heard his voice talking to the coach.
"Sorry I was late," he apologized. "Can I still join the practice?"
She rolled her eyes and focused once more on swimming another lap. As she did so, she felt the water ripple from the lane next to hers.
"Sup May," he greeted as he put on his goggles. "Miss me?"
"Yeah, right."

Usually, water training lasted for three to four hours. After that, they'd proceed to land training.
"May-yo!"
She turned to look at him waving at her.
"What do you want Max?" She asked as she took a sip from her water bottle.
"Oh nothing," he responded while placing an arm around her shoulders. "Just wanted to chat with a friend of mine."
She rolled her eyes.
"Fine," she said as she placed her water bottle on a nearby chair. "What do you want to talk abo--."
She was suddenly stopped by a spray of water splashing on her face.
"You. Just. Got. Pranked."
"So that's how you wanna talk," she spoke rather deeply. "Fine, let's talk."

With a handful of wit and sass in May's head and a spray bottle on Max's hand, they chased each other around until the spray bottle ran out of water and the other option was rough housing.
"Okay, okay," he forfeited. "You win."
She grinned and softened her grip. Once she did, he freed himself and was able to grab her wrists.
Though she was strong, it was as if she was weak in his grip.
"Haha," he smirked. "Shouldn't have let your guard down."
Something's not quite right.

"Hey May," he said, suddenly sounding concerned. "You seem... red. Are you okay? You need medication or something?"
Her eyes widened and she pulled herself away from him.
"I-- It's probably sunburn," she replied while walking away. "Just-- you know what? I'm just gonna go ahead and leave you here."

As soon as she proceeded with land training (after a scolding from the coach), countless of thoughts ran into her head.
Clearly, the redness on her face wasn't sunburn. Clearly, it's not normal for her heart to beat that fast when he's close.
Clearly, it's not normal for her to think he's more than just a friend.