Hello Hurricane {English Translation}

8. Daniel - Oberstdorf - Day of competition

Had he betrayed himself? Did Domen know that he was in love with him? Daniel realized with astonishment that nothing was more indifferent to him at the moment. He was stunned. Sadly, he stared into the darkening night sky. The sun was nearing seting and the first stars appeared in the sky. Deliberately, he sucked the clear mountain air into his lungs and was grateful for the moment of silence. Today was such a day that he would have liked to yield. The desperation that had threatened to drag him since noon became stronger and stronger.

Daniel simply couldn't decide which was better: the certainty that his feelings would remain unanswered, or this constant uncertainty that occasionally planted a new weak germ of hope again and again. At least it was finally buried under a heavy concrete surface now.

Domens reaction to the gay couple had hurt him. The expression of Domens horrified eyes were burned painfully deep into his mind. He was only sure in one thing now: he would like to crawl into his bed, pull the blanket over his head and let his emotions run free.

Instead, the first competition would officially open the tournament in less than half an hour.

Daniel dropped his upper body to stretch his back. Weighed himself back and forth. How gladly he would have let loose his feelings for Domen. Actually, it were nice feelings. So loving and full of warmth. Only with him they weren't in good hands. For him, they turned into agonizing burden, which threatened to stifle him. But he was sure, if he could only hand them over, in more promising hands, they would make the person the happiest in the world. Just not him.

"Yes, but don't let that make you nervous. You know you make it. "-

"The same is true for you. Your jumps are such close to a podium finish. "

Cozy, Andreas Wellinger and Markus Eisenbichler jogged past him. They didn't notice Daniel, because he was absorbed in darkness. So far, his little secret, as far as he could tell, hadn't made the round. But of course, if Domen already reacted that way, just because he saw a gay couple, then he surely wouldn't want to be associated with him in any case. Domen's aversion was probably the reason, why Daniel would be able to keep his little secret. It was just so damn unfair!

Longingly, he stared after the two young Germans. Why couldn't be the tournament his biggest concern?!

Sadly, he stepped out of the undergrowth back onto the forest path. It was time to return to the jumpers accommodation, if he didn't want his teammates became even more suspicious. Already on the drive to the hill he had felt the questioning looks of Anders. It felt like his mask loosen more and more from his face. He was exhausted. It was exhausting to maintain his little charade day by day. But he wouldn't be able to escape from the team any longer without really good excuses.

Sighing, he stroked his hair out of his face and ran back. Now wasn't the time to think about his sad emotional world. Certainly, he had plenty of time tonight. Now he had to focus on the competition. Functioning, turning off his thoughts. Daniel felt infinitely easier, even though he felt strangely empty.

"Master Tande honors us with his presence once again," Andreas shouted through the half of the jumpers accomodation and came running up to him with the soccer ball under his arms. He had obviously just played with the others.

"Andreas! You're losing again? ", Daniel asked with a wistful smile, which clearly had recognized the relief on the face of his teammate. Andreas had many talents, but football didn't necessarily belong to his strengths. And it looked like he was losing big-time against Anders and Tom. Once again.

"I really don't know how you come up with this idea," Andreas argued and the other two began to laugh loudly behind his back.

"Are you kidding me? The Titanic is already buried under sea mud at the bottom of the ocean, if you know what I mean, "Tom described the score in the most dazzling images.