Mathematical attraction

Chapter 71

Namjoon's P.O.V.
Months passed, classes passed.. Another competition of hers was about to end. Not a solo one this time.
"You've been such a great team for me you guys.. Today it's ending, whether we win or lose. But I feel I've won already with you as my teammates. Take care of the swimming team for us when coach and I will leave." She made her speech to the girls. She hugged them so hard. "I'm proud of what we've become together. Let's enjoy today!"

She sat on the bench seeing her team compete in the first race. She sent me a text. Is that Choi Minho a row under you? I answered back. It is!
I was mostly trying not to say it out loud to keep Eunho from yelling. She smiled at me reading my answer. I gave her a thumbs up and mouthed I believed in her. She clenched her necklace and it was all she needed to blow the competition away. Her team snatched gold in all of their races. It was crazy! They posed for pictures after winning, but I could see how tired she was. Her eyes met mine. She grinned and mouthed she was okay.
I met her out of the changing room. "That was just amazing you know that?"

She laughed. "Thanks.. But you always worry too much you know?"

I raised a brow. "Do I?" I handed her a juice bottle. "Have that until we get lunch."

She seemed so happy. "Thanks! I was so thirsty I was gonna-" She stopped herself and frowned. "I wasn't gonna say faint."

I chuckled. "I know I know."

"Captain!" One of the girls came. "We were going to grab a bite to celebrate. You in?"

She hesitated. I shook my head. "Go, they can't celebrate without you."

She smiled and ran to join the rest of the team.

Minho's P.O.V.
We were walking towards the exit when someone held my shoulder. "I'm very sorry! I'm just a bit lost. I know there is a second pool and I need to head there, but I lost myself." He was tall and older than me. If Eunho was here, she'd scream. "Can you help me?- Oh, you're Joo Minho! That means you know the place!"

I bowed down. "I do! If you follow me, I can lead you to the other pool." The girls kept whispering behind me. I glared at them. "Girls! How can you act like this so shamelessly?"

He laughed. "It's fine. Not everyone meets Choi Minho do they? You could all come watch! I'm swimming for the Idol championships. If you don't mind."

Of course the girls agreed. I rolled my eyes at them. "Please follow me then. I wouldn't want you to be late."

I couldn't believe who I was escorting, but I still had a bit of shame. When we arrived, he smiled. "You can watch it too if you want. I'd really like if you did."

How could I say no? I agreed and watched.

He was really good! When his race was over and everyone was cleaning up. He went to my team. "You liked watching?"

They wouldn't say no. I nodded. "You do have great technique."

He smiled. "I learned watching you to be honest."

Someone interrupted him. "Hyung, we should go now."

He frowned. "Our schedule is empty." He looked back at me. "Would you mind going out for coffee with me?"

The girls squealed. I politely accepted. "If my team doesn't mind breaking my engagements with them, I'd like to." He seemed like a nice guy. It probably was payback for bringing him here anyway.

The girls let me go. I promised next spicy chicken feet would be on me. It felt a bit awkward. He still was a stranger to me.

He paid for my iced tea. "Here you go."

I thanked him. "You didn't have to do that."

He nodded. "I know! I just felt like it. I was wondering if we could be friends."

I laughed. "Just like that?"

He shrugged. "Why not? You seem like a girl with a strong head on her shoulders. You don't care if I'm an Idol or not. I really liked that."

I took a sip of my tea. "Then, can I be frank and ask you something?"

He nodded in a smile. "Sure! What is it?"

I shyed up a bit. "It's a two parter. First, why do you watch me swim since last year and do you think I have a strong head only from what interviews say?"

He laughed. "Just the fact you ask is because you know the answer. Our conversation is proof I don't follow what interviews say. You think someone too straightforward is rude. Also.. I started watching you swim to learn techniques at first, but then I realized you were not just focused on performing. I liked that."

I smiled. "I see, you're a nice guy. If you want, we could talk some other time because-" My phone buzzed. "I'm sorry." I texted where I was to Joonie.

"You have other plans don't you?" He guessed right. "You're still a high school student and it's over soon. You must be busy."

I nodded. "Just a little. I can handle it."

He gave me his hand. "Mind exchanging numbers? I'll be able to text you and you can reply if you aren't busy."

I handed him my phone. "Sure! I'll put mine in yours."

He looked by the door. "Is that your boyfriend outside?"

I choked when I saw Joonie. "Oh- Oh gosh.. No. He's a good friend of mine. We're going to prom together too."

He smiled. "That's nice. You can tell me all about it next time! I'll see you soon."

I bowed down. "Thanks again for the drink. Have a good day!"

I passed the door. Joon frowned. "Was that Minho sunbaenim?"

I laughed. "Yeah, long story."

He tries not to laugh. "You say that and expect me not to want to hear it? I want to hear all about it!"

I concealed my chuckle looking down. "Sure, where do you want to hear it?"

He thought. "Namsan Park, after grabbing some food for the hungry peanut-sized swimmer you are and the giant I am?"

I agreed. "Sounds good!"