Chapter 13: Advice, rest and a pending decision

  The sound of water running in the pool resounded softly in the backyard of the house. The group had decided to take the day easy, and for the first time in weeks, there was no pressure or training. Just a well-deserved break.

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  Confession and advice

  Luz was sitting on a bench in the courtyard, staring at the pool with her mind tangled. I couldn't stop thinking about the night before... in Talión... about what happened and how I had woken up alone that morning.

  Azrat appeared behind him, with a couple of beers in his hand.

  "Why do you have that funeral face, champion?" he joked, sitting next to him and giving him a bottle.

  Luz sighed and took a drink before answering.

  "Last night... something happened...

  Azrat raised an eyebrow.

  "Something"? It sounds like it was important.

  Luz squeezed the bottle between her hands.

  "Talion... last night he came to my room... and..." he paused, avoiding Azrat's gaze. Things got intense.

  Silence took over the courtyard for a few seconds.

  "And is that bad or good?" Azrat finally asked.

  "I don't know..." Luz replied. Today he left without saying anything. He didn't even look at me at breakfast. I feel that he regrets.

  Azrat leaned against the bench, thinking.

  "Look..." he finally said. Talión is a weird guy... he always seems to have everything under control, but deep down he's as lost as anyone else. I don't think he regrets... I just think he doesn't know what to do with what he feels.

  Luz looked down.

  "So what do I do?"

  Azrat took a long drink and looked at his friend with a slight smile.

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  "If you really care, don't give up." He gave him a friendly elbow. You're too stubborn to give up now.

  Luz laughed softly.

  "Thank you..."

  "You're welcome... but if at any time you want me to break his face, just let me know."

  They both laughed, and although Luz still felt a knot in her chest, something in Azrat's words gave her hope.

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  A day off... that wasn't so quiet

  Aurora had been the one who insisted on taking the day to rest. I knew that the team was exhausted, and a relaxed mind was also key to victory.

  The day passed between card games, movies and silly fights for the last slice of pizza.

  Luz, for her part, decided to dress in a... provocative way. Tiny shorts and a T-shirt that barely reached his navel. It was no coincidence; he was trying his luck to see if he could get Talión's attention.

  "Don't you get cold?" Talion asked, without looking at him directly.

  "Cold?" Nah... I'm comfortable like this. -Luz casually leaned on the table, letting her ass be in the perfect position for Talión to notice.

  "Are you sure you don't want longer pants?" Talión insisted, clearly nervous.

  Azrat, who was watching the scene from the couch, almost choked with laughter.

  "This is the best reality show I've ever seen in my life..." he murmured to himself.

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  The unexpected twist

  The afternoon was advancing, and the relaxed atmosphere made everyone feel at home. But when the sun began to hide, Talión decided to go for a walk alone on the beach.

  His mind was still trapped the night before. His feelings for Luz had him completely confused. Part of him wanted to talk to him again... but another part was afraid to do so.

  Suddenly, Aurora's voice took him out of his thoughts.

  "Are you going to be alone for a long time or are you going to stop running away from your problems?"

  Talión turned, finding her standing with her arms crossed.

  "What problems?" he tried to pretend indifference.

  "The one in your head since you woke up today... and that coincidentally has the name of Luz.

  Talion sighed and let himself fall into the sand.

  "I don't know what to do..." he admitted. Last night something happened... something intense... and now I feel like I soated it.

  Aurora sat next to him.

  "Why do you think you watered it?"

  "Because... I don't know if it's what I want... or if it's what he wants... or if it was just a mistake.

  Aurora smiled slightly.

  "Listen to me, Talión... Swimming is not just about swimming fast... it's also about trusting your instincts. Sometimes... instead of thinking about it so much, you just have to jump into the water.

  Talión was silent for a moment, letting his words sink into his head.

  "What if I droke?"

  "Then the team will be there to get you afloat."

  For the first time all day, Talion smiled.

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  The unexpected ending

  Back at home, the group decided to end the day with a small bonfire on the beach. While the flames danced in front of them, Talión looked at Luz, who laughed carefree next to Azrat.

  "Maybe... all is not lost..." he thought.

  Suddenly, the coach's phone vibrated. She checked it and stood up suddenly.

  "What happened?" Azrat asked, noticing his serious expression.

  The coach turned to the group.

  "They just advanced the Coral Cup... it's not in two days.

  Talion stood up.

  "So when is it?"

  The coach took a breath.

  "Tomorrow."

  The group was silent. The calm of the day was over... and now, the real challenge was just hours away.

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  End of Chapter 13