Soobin POV
Saturday came in the blink of an eye. I was satisfied with my practice but the nerves were increasing every second. I had to win this meet, no matter what.
My teammates and I, along with our coach, reached the sports gym an hour earlier. Our coach led us to the area assigned to us. There were various schools present, which just increased my anxiety. There were roughly 60 swimmers present for various events and looking at them made my breath hitch. My stomach didn't feel good and I wanted to throw up. Before I could lose my balance, I clutched Beomgyu's arm who was standing beside me, checking our event timings.
"Soob, you okay?"
"Yeah, just a bit nervous" I managed to say.
"Hey, take deep breaths, okay? You will be fine" Beomgyu knows about my nerves getting the best of me before any competition, and patted my back in an effort to calm me down. it helped. Somewhat.
My anxiety issues right before any championship started seven years ago. I still remember passing out after reaching the venue of my first ever meet. Despite my coach telling me again and again that I was an amazing swimmer, I couldn't help but think negatively. What if I fail to get a medal? Heck, what if I come last? These thoughts made me feel pathetic and weak. I dragged myself away from the rest of the team and sat on a stool at the back. I was up after 40 minutes. Hopefully, by then I would feel better.
.
Twenty minutes left before my first event and I was still shaking. The sound of whistles and water splashing was making me feel dizzy. I just wanted to go back home. The loud crowd of people cheering for their favorite swimmer was irritating my ears. I closed my eyes hoping to block out the noise. I couldn't breathe. I felt as if the air was leaving my body slowly. I was scared. Scared to face the water.
(a/n: this is exactly how I feel right before any championship. If you are an athlete, you will relate)
A moment later I felt a hand on my shoulder. My eyes fluttered open and landed on the person I wanted to see the most. His presence in itself was calming enough and I slowly melted in his touch.
"Hi, Soobin. I hope I am not late"
"No, you are not. I still have 20 minutes left"
"Oh okay. Good luck, I'll be cheering for you" he said and turned to leave but before he could, I held his hand and stopped him from going anywhere. I needed him.
"Stay. Please" I whispered, as quietly as possible.
"Okay I will but are you sure am allowed here?" I just nodded in agreement and he took a seat beside me.
Yeonjun hyung didn't speak anything nor did I. I had my eyes shut and concentrated on my breathing. It helped. His presence helped. My heartbeat calmed down and I no longer had trouble focusing.
.
"Soobin you are up for 50m freestyle sprint. I want you ready in three minutes." My coach came in and announced. Thankfully I was feeling much better.
"I'll wait for you here," Yeonjun hyung said.
"Thanks"
I picked up my swimming cap and goggles and got ready. I was ready to win this.
"Good luck. Do your best"
I turned to look at him and smiled before walking out. Yeah, I will win definitely.
(a/n: I was literally shaking while writing this part. I felt as if it was me, facing my first ever sprint race)
First whistle
I stepped up on the one-meter high diving platform
Second whistle
I wore my goggles and tightened my cap
Third whistle
I crouched down and held the edge of the diving platform. Any second now
"TAKE YOUR MARK, GO" the fourth and the final whistle blew
I dived, adrenaline rushing through my entire body. As soon as my fingertips got in contact with the water surface, everything became a blur. I could no longer hear the cheering of the crowd. Everything went silent. All I could hear was my racing heart and the splashing of water caused by my limbs. I felt one with the water and the feeling was amazing. With no thoughts in my mind, I let the adrenaline take over me. in a few seconds, I reached the 25-meter mark, meaning one lap was over. Just one more to go. I did a 360◦ somersault and changed my direction. I pushed my body forward and sliced through the water with ease. Almost done. I swam at full speed with barely any breaths in between and a few seconds later, I had touched the wall, indicating the completion of my laps.
The scoreboard immediately started displaying the results, starting with the person who placed last.
6. Lee Junhyuk; 1:00:20
5. Han Jisung; 1:00:12
4. Na Jaemin; 1:00:03
3. Choi Jongho; 00:56:38
2. Son Youngjae; 00:53:19
1. Choi Soobin; 00:49:55
(Flex#3- all the time durations are my various meet records)
And I won.
.
After three hours, we were done with all our events. Our team had performed extremely well today and my coach was the happiest person. All of us won at least one medal and our coach won't stop praising us. Today was fruitful.
I had asked Yeonjun hyung to meet me outside the pool after I was done changing. I was amazed that he never left my side even for a second today.
I saw him waiting outside with his friends and Beomgyu who was showing off his medals. He smiled when our eyes met and my pace quickened. Before I could say anything to him, Heuning Kai jumped in front of me, screaming in my face.
"OH MY GOD HYUNG! YOU WERE SO IMPRESSIVE TODAY."
"Thanks, Kai"
"I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU WON FOUR GOLDS!"
"Yes, Soobin hyung. You did well" Taehyun said
"What about me?" Beomgyu pouted.
"You did amazing as well. 2 golds and 1 silver is awesome" Taehyun giggled, wrapping his arms around Beomgyu's waist who blushed deeply.
"Guys I am really sorry but I can't hang around to talk. My sister is picking me up. I gotta go. Bye," Kai waved at us and ran towards a red Hyundai that had just stopped in front of us.
"If it's okay with you guys, can we leave as well? We need to go somewhere" Beomgyu said, pointing at the boy standing beside him. Yeah, I am already aware of his plans. (Taegyu date?)
"We have to? Where?" Taehyun asked, confused
"Just somewhere. Come on now, I'll tell you on the way" Beomgyu winked at me and dragged Taehyun towards the bus stop. Now the only ones left were me and Yeonjun hyung. It was so awkward.
"Hey"
"Hi" I replied, trying to get rid of the thick atmosphere.
"You did well. I was watching you and you are very fast. The fastest I must say" he smiled at me.
"Thanks, Yeonjun. Thanks for staying"
"It wasn't a big deal" he looked away, blushing.
"Now that I am done with the competition, are you ready to go?"
"Ready to go where?" he cocked his head to one side and smiled slyly. Oh, so we are pretending not to know?
"It's okay if you forgot. Bye," I smirked and started walking to the bus stand. A second later I heard Yeonjun hyung's footsteps behind me.
"I was kidding. Now slow down"
"So now you remember huh?" I laughed
"You seriously thought I forgot, did you?"
"Nope. Shall we go now?" I asked, stretching my hand for him to hold which he did. Another achievement of the day.
"Yes. Where to?"
"It's a secret" I winked and started walking, feeling extremely happy to be able to go on a date with the person I loved the most. Wait, can I call this a date? Anyway, I'll make sure it's the best, whatever this is.
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Thanks for reading :)
Lots of love ❤