Golden

three

Ian was nearly crushed by the body of cheering students around him, and even though it annoyed him immensely, he didn't snap at anyone.

Instead, his gaze was fixed on his best friend's bright red cap dashing through the pool, reaching the edge just milliseconds before the others.

Ian jumped up and joined in on the cheering around him, Tegan next to him doing the same. Once the tournament was officially over, Ian hurried down the spectator stand to join the swim team near the pool. He pulled Finn into a tight hug, not bothering with getting wet.

"You fucking son a bitch," Ian exclaimed happily, barely able to contain his joy. "I knew you'd beat Zack."

"Whatever," Zack grumbled, pulling off his goggles. "I'll kick your ass next time, Finley."

"That was really good," Noah suddenly chimed in as he joined them. Ian's expression darkened as his gaze fell on the few people following him. Among them was Gretchen Brexley, her blonde hair falling onto her shoulders in waves, her blue eyes soft and warm – but they didn't hold any affection for Ian. Instead, her gaze was fixed on Coby Williams, one of the swimmers.

Finn draped an arm around Ian's shoulders as he noticed Gretchen, and Ian dragged his gaze away from her, instead joining in on the guy's conversation.

"I was so close, I was literally almost next to you!" Hasan exclaimed, pointing at Finn. "My fingers touched the edge like, a nanosecond after you."

"It was a bit more than that," Ian contradicted, yet instantly regretted it when Gretchen's head turned in his direction. His hand wandered to his necklace, nervously fidgeting with it while Finn's hold on his shoulders tightened.

Four years, and his chest still painfully tightened whenever she was near.

"Anyways, let's go shower, guys. Zack promised us lunch." Finn stated with a wide grin, and everyone joined in excitedly. They watched the swim team head off to the changing rooms, and Ian slightly stepped away from the pool, his expression lightening up when he noticed Kyle walking towards them.

Kyle Adams wasn't Ian's friend's friend, but Ian liked him, and they got along well. So when he came to a halt in front of the blonde, Ian quickly placed his hand on his shoulder, not willing to let him leave his side and leave him alone with Noah and Gretchen. Ian didn't even care about the two other people with them.

"That tournament was lame," Kyle stated while Noah eyed him with an unreadable expression.

"I quite liked it," Gretchen replied, trying hard not to look at Ian who did the exact same.

"Yeah, it was nice," Ian agreed.

Noah glanced between the two and raised a brow. "So, we're all going out for lunch?"

Ian tensed up, silently praying that Gretchen wouldn't join them. She seemed to be aware that she wasn't exactly close to anyone in the swim team except for Coby, so she shook her head, and Ian didn't even bother trying to hide his relief.

"I don't know about Coby, but I won't join you."

Noah just nodded. "Okay. What about you?" His gaze fell on Kyle.

Kyle knew the swim team didn't like him, so he grinned. "You bet I'm showing up. I heard Zack's paying."

Ian glanced up at him. Kyle was freakishly tall, even towering over Noah who was fairly tall himself. "I doubt Zack will pay for you," Ian stated.

"I'll make him pay, then," Kyle replied, dragging an arm over Ian's shoulder and glancing at the pool. "Wanna take a swim?"

Ian stepped away from him in an instant, his face reddened with embarrassment as his heart hammered against his chest. Gretchen averted her gaze while Noah glared at Kyle. He didn't know the guy very well, but he already started to dislike him. Plus, he didn't have a good reputation around school.