Chapter 20: Feelings in the Air

  The sun gently illuminated the club pool as the team prepared to begin another day of training. However, something in the environment felt different... and they would soon find out why.

  ?

  Bruno's romantic interest

  During practice, Bruno couldn't stop looking at a girl who was training in the adjacent lane. She had short hair, light brown, and a determined expression while swimming.

  Azrat, who had noticed Bruno's constant gaze, approached stealthily.

  "Who is she, champion?" he whispered in a mocking tone.

  "Her name is Valeria..." Bruno murmured, without looking away.

  "And why don't you talk to him?"

  "Are you crazy?" She's incredibly good at swimming and I... well... it's me!

  Azrat put a hand on Bruno's shoulder.

  "Look, brother... you're opening up to us little by little." Why don't you try to do the same with her?

  Bruno sighed.

  "Maybe... but first I want to show that I'm someone who is worth it.

  Azrat's face went from mocking to serious.

  "Bruno?" Listen to me well... you're already worth it. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. Just be yourself.

  The words penetrated deep into Bruno, who nodded with a slight smile.

  ?

  Azrat's infatuation

  A few hours later, during a break, the team stopped at a cafeteria near the club. While they were having their drinks, Azrat suddenly froze.

  "What's wrong?" Talion asked, seeing how Azrat seemed petrified.

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  "She..." Azrat whispered, pointing discreetly at a woman who was passing by the street. She was tall, with straight black hair and intense gaze, dressed in a leather jacket and long boots.

  "Are you okay?" It looks like you saw a ghost... -Luz joked.

  "No... I saw an angel..." Azrat murmured, with a lost look.

  The woman went on her way and disappeared behind a corner.

  "And you're not going after her?" Talión insisted.

  "And tell him what?" "Hello, I'm Azrat and I fell in love with you in 0.3 seconds"... no thanks.

  From that moment, the group did not stop bothering him.

  "How are you doing with your mysterious woman in black?" Aurora asked him the next day.

  "Already leave me alone..." Azrat growled, trying to hide his embarrassment.

  ?

  Aurora's story

  During training, Aurora decided to sit for a while with the group to tell them something she had kept for a long time.

  "I guess it's time for them to know a little more about me..." he said, resting his arms on his knees.

  The team was silent, attentive.

  "When I was a child, my parents divorced... and each one decided that "the other" should take care of me. I grew up feeling like I didn't belong anywhere... neither with my dad nor with my mom.

  Luz and Jocelyn looked at her with surprise.

  "Swimming... was the only thing that was always constant in my life. When I was in the water... I didn't think about anything else. There was only me and the water.

  Aurora smiled slightly.

  "That's why I'm so strict... because swimming taught me that no matter how difficult life is... you can always find your rhythm and move on.

  "That explains many things..." Talión murmured, admiring her even more.

  Aurora sighed, but her expression now reflected calm.

  "Thank you for telling me this..." Jocelyn said, approaching to hug her.

  ?

  Jocelyn's moment

  Later, while Jocelyn was training alone in the pool, Talión approached to accompany her.

  "Are you feeling well?" he asked.

  Jocelyn dried her face with a towel and sighed.

  "Yes... but I wanted to talk to you about something."

  "Of what?"

  Jocelyn crossed her arms and looked him straight in the eyes.

  "I know you're with Luz... and believe me, I don't care." I like you, Talión, but I respect Luz a lot... and I know he's a great guy.

  Talion smiled when he heard her.

  "Thank you, Jocelyn... that means a lot."

  "But... if you ever be too smart and make him cry..." Jocelyn pointed directly at his chest. It doesn't matter that you're the best swimmer... I'll sink you into the pool myself.

  Talión let out a laugh.

  —Deall done.

  ?

  The day comes to an end...

  That night, the team dined together at Azrat's house. The atmosphere was relaxed, with laughter, jokes and delicious food.

  Bruno, for the first time, dared to tell a joke, which although it was terrible, made everyone burst into laughter at the unexpected.

  Aurora looked at her team and smiled proudly. Finally, I felt that they were more than ready for what was coming.

  Meanwhile, Talión and Luz stayed a little behind the group, holding hands.

  "Do you know...?" Talion murmured. For the first time I feel that this team can reach the Olympics... not because of talent... but because we are a family.

  Luz reloaded on him, smiling.

  "And as a family... no one will be able to with us."

  The two looked at the rest of the group laughing and enjoying dinner, aware that the best was yet to come.

  ?

  End of chapter 20