Albert Wåhlander

TWO YEAR LATER

The seniors graduated a year back; Haruki; Takahara; Asahi; Masayoshi and Nagamori. The swim club was left to the remaining team, training continued as usual, new members were recruited, their past seniors paid them visits regularly, and with their guidance and supervision, they were able to pull through competitions.

Things were beginning to get stressful for Hinata. Despite his young age, he had been promoted to the fourth year. They had him skip the third year. Of course some of his new classmates didn't have any problem with it. Most of them sneered and gossiped as how he was able to jump classes as his mom was the owner and all. Hinata couldn't care less, whatever they said was their problem. It was still a hassle tho.

" So how was school today?" Asahi asked. He had just gone to pick up Hinata from school. It had been their daily routine ever since he graduated.

" Boring as usual," Hinata replied. He lying down, his head in Asahi's lap. Asahi chuckled at his response and continued playing with his hair. They were having strands of white that Hinata was oblivious to.

" I know baby,"

" No you don't, I....I just don't want to do anything,"

" You can't just do nothing lazy boy," he replied and Hinata flushed at this.

" Baby..." Asahi called, looking serious and Hinata couldn't help but wonder why.

" There's this swimmer I need to warn you of. You need to avoid him if possible. His name's Albert...."

" Why are you talking about another guy when you're with me huh?" Hinata said cutting him off. " I don't wanna hear about him. I don't care who he is and what he can do, okay?" He said making himself clear.

" But..." Asahi tried to continue but stop when Hinata glared at him.

" Okay, okay, got it... Are you prepared for your competition at JPN tomorrow?" He asked and Hinata hummed in reply.

He didn't need to prepare tho, he was always ready.

They spent the rest of the evening in eachother's arms cuddling all night.

THE NEXT DAY.

" Jeez, Hinata should look happier!" Riku said as he and the rest of the teammates watched Hinata on the television. Hinata was recruited to swim freestyle, only him. It was part of the stressful things the board was arranging.

Kōji chuckled at Riku's remark, " He's the same as he always is," he said.

Hinata climbed on the standing podium. The view I saw in my dreams that day.... It's finally time...the beginning.

They all took position waiting for the referee's whistle to blow.

My... freestyle!

Just then, the moment he had been waiting for. The whistle blew and he drove into the water like bird, gliding through the water effortlessly.

" Wow.. Seriously?! Hinata's improved again! He's so cool! He's like a fish in water. What's with that swimming? That's Hinata for you! It's beautiful" these where words that were filling the podium. Hinata increased his speed, the only thing present to him was the water. He just wanted to end it. He moved faster and faster and finally he touched the wall with one burst of energy. He came out of the water and removed the swimming googles and cap, he looked like an ethearal being that should exist only on the water. The crowd cheered loudly at the fabulous scene the were showed.

" That's not a bad time," Asahi said, looking proud.

" How the heck is Hinata so energetic?" Masayoshi asked.

" I wonder....." Haruki replied grinning with pride.

" Looks like you can swim pretty well, you bastard," someone said, he was part of the people swimming in the qualifiers. " Don't be satisfied with the qualifiers," he added.

" I haven't swum enough yet." Hinata replied and walked out.

But while this was going on, a particular pair of purple eyes fixed his gaze on Hinata. He had been there all along, a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows of the bleachers. He was known as the best swimmer in the world. He was also competing today.

And next up finally...

" He's here Asahi... The champion." Takahara said, and Asahi gritted his teeths.

" Albert Wåhlander" Masayoshi said. It was clear they had a past with this Albert of a guy and Haruki was beginning to feel restless.

Hinata watched as the champion made his way to the standing podium. He wanted to see how fast the world's champion is.

Albert had always been known as formidable in the swimming world. As he stood on the edge of the pool, preparing to dive in for the final race of the season, there was only one thing in his mind, to prove he's faster, stronger.

The starting gun rang out, and Albert dove into the water with a fierce determination. The water parted around him like a knife through butter, and he sliced through the pool with the grace and power of a sea god. His arms and legs moved in perfect synchrony, propelling him forward at an incredible speed.

As he reached the halfway mark, Albert could see his opponents struggling to keep up. They were far behind, their strokes clumsy and uncoordinated compared to his smooth, efficient movements. The crowd erupted in cheers as Albert surged ahead, leaving his competitors in his wake.

The crazy power he possessed was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. It was as if he had tapped into some hidden reserve of energy, fueling him with an otherworldly strength and speed. The water seemed to bow to his will, carrying him forward with an almost supernatural force.

With a final burst of speed, Albert crossed the finish line, leaving the other swimmers in disbelief at his incredible feat. He had finished the race in record time, shattering the previous records with ease. The crowd went wild, cheering and clapping for the young swimmer who had defied all expectations.