One Style Final!

" It's been a long time since we've been in this atmosphere," Masayoshi said, if recalling their younger days. " Brings back memories." He added.

The preparation for the competition stared. Everywhere was busy with people buzzing around like restless flies. They sighted Hosukei High a few meters away and Hinata could still feel the rage in him.

" Here's the program for the first day," Asahi began. " They're starting with free in the morning. Hinata is in the fourth heat..... Wait, Hinata and Aoyama are in neighbouring lanes." He said.

" The heats were drawn based on qualifying times, right?" Masayoshi asked.

" Yeah,"

" That means they're even."

" The eight fastest times from each event advance to the final and qualify for regionals."

" It'll be fine."

" No need to get nervous. Just swim the way you usually do." Haruki said. " The most important thing is to never give up. I trust the four of you tho," he added and gave Takahara a peck on his lips.

" Well, guys. Do the best you can in each event. Let's make sure we can leave with no regrets!" Takahara said.

They studied their various opponents and Masayoshi explained in details.

" That's Oga South High School, or Oga South for short. Th t have a swimmer who's known as the Whitebait of the Sea of Japan."

" And over there is Saijouin High School. They have a swimmer who's known as Joe the Flying Fish."

IT WAS FINALLY TIME!!

" Hinata is up next," Haruki said excitedly. Asahi's full attention was on Hinata.

The eight contestants walked over to the stands and when they got there, they each took their positions on the stand.

" Set," the referee stated

" Go!"

As the crowd hushed in anticipation, all eyes were on a particular swimmer preparing to dive into the glistening pool for the championship tournament. He stood at the edge, his frame poised with an air of confidence and grace that captivated everyone in the audience.

With a swift motion, he dove into the water, his body slicing through the surface like a sleek torpedo. The onlookers gasped in awe as he moved effortlessly through the water, each stroke propelling him forward with power and precision.

His movements were a symphony of elegance and speed, a sight to behold for all who watched. The other competitors struggled to keep up with his fluid grace, their splashes and thrashes paling in comparison to his effortless glide.

As he approached the finish line, the crowd erupted into cheers, the sound echoing through the arena. With one final burst of energy, he touched the wall, claiming victory in a blaze of glory.

But amidst the celebration, a mysterious aura seemed to surround the champion swimmer.

Some believed he was a prodigy, born with a natural talent for the water that set him apart from the rest. Others whispered of possibility of a dark past, of trials and tribulations that had shaped him into the champion he was today. How there minds made that conclusion, remains unknown.

Regardless of the truth, one thing was certain - the swimmer's journey to victory was a testament to his unwavering determination and indomitable spirit. And as he emerged from the water his face expressionless . Most winners would have a triumphant smile on their face after the big win, but this certainly not this champ. The mystery of his past only added to the legend of his incredible triumph.

Haruki was proud of his brother. They were all proud. Something seemed different tho. The aura Hinata exuded evidently made the opponents back down. Aoyama could tell that Hinata was definitely stronger and not just an ordinary swimmer. There's no way a normal person can progress that much in just a couple of months. He was way stronger than their last match.

After that, Masayoshi Takahara and Asahi had their competition respectively. The backstroke and and breastroke were tied but still HHCS went home with the trophy.

The ride home was well cheerful. The rest of the team couldn't stop talking about Hinata's freestyle. They praised and adored him but Hinata was not feeling well. He had his chest on Asahi's chest as the latter played with his hair.

Hinata could feel that he was not himself during the competition. He felt like he was one with the water and there was this missing something he's not aware of. That fact alone made him scared. Made him question his real abilities. Made him question who he was and made his feel insecure.

They were all going to spend the night in a hotel. By the time they finished their food, it was to late to go back to their various houses so they decided to settle down in a nearest hotel.

As usual, Takahara and Haruki in a room, Asahi and Hinata, something seems shy between Masayoshi and Riku so they shared a room too, the rooms were distributed to the remaining seven.

Asahi carried the sleeping Hinata to their room, after Haruki placed a kiss on his forehead.

He paid Hinata down and caressed his face while drinking in the gorgeous sight at his front.

A slight frown was hitched on Hinata's face and Asahi kissed whatever nightmare was disturbing his baby's sleep away.