Hinata lost?

" What crazy power" Haruki said..." So that's how good the best swimmer in the world is?" Haruki asked no one in particular.

He was worried, worried about Hinata, Hinata hated losing, but Albert is clearly faster than him.

" Isn't Hinata in the same heat as him in tomorrow's semifinals?" Masayoshi asked and Haruki's face fell.

They went to the hotel after the competition, after eating they all sat down there saying nothing.

" What's with this moody atmosphere?" Nagamori asked, trying to break the silence.

" If it about this Albert....."

" I don't wanna hear that name." Hinata said. " I'm off to bed," he added.

" We just need to have faith in him. Hell be able to pull it off." Nagamori said. Of course he'll say that, he had no idea what kind of monster Albert is.

THE NEXT DAY.

" You finally get to swim, Albert." The yellow haired that confronted Hinata after the competition yesterday said.

" Show me your best swimming," he added.

Hinata was present but he just minded his business. They could kill themselves for all he cared.

Albert ignored the blabbermouth and started walking away and the yellow haired shouted after him.

Albert made his way to Hinata . I'm not swimming for fun today." I'm just going out there to do my job.". He said as he walked pass Hinata.

Hinata wondered what he meant by that and shrugged it off.

It was finally time for the competition.

" Based on the qualifiers, it looks like Albert won't hold back, huh?" Takahara asked

" Yeah, with this lineup, you could basically see this as the finals." Asahi replied. "Baby..." He muttered.

" Haruki relax." Takahara said. " Everyone feels the same way,"

" Hmm, I know...." He replied his voice barely audible.

Hinata inhaled and exhaled. This looks like a tough one. He wasn't ready to lose tho.

"On you marks, go!" And with that the gun was shot.

The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd had their eyes fixed on the competitors preparing to race. Albert, the reigning world champion, exuded confidence as he stood tall and focused, his muscles rippling with anticipation. Opposite him, a young and determined Hinata stood with fire in his eyes, eager to prove himself against the best. He hated losing.

As the sound of the starting gun echoed through the arena, the competitors dove into the water with expert precision. Albert surged ahead with lightning speed, his powerful strokes propelling him effortlessly through the water. Hinata, with a fierce determination in his heart, matched his pace for a brief moment before slowly falling behind.

The young champion felt the weight of defeat press down on him as Albert continued to widen the gap between them. Desperation clawed at his insides as he struggled to keep pace, his breath ragged and his limbs heavy with exhaustion. Just when all hope seemed lost, a majestic bird swooped down from the sky, its wings outstretched as if guiding him forward.

With a surge of renewed determination, Hinata pushed himself to the limit, his strokes becoming more powerful with each passing moment. But the intimidating grew. Like it was mocking him. Telling him all he was doing is useless. That he will be defeated.

In a final burst of energy, Hinata propelled himself forward with all his might, his body slicing through the water like a knife. The crowd held its breath as the race was nearing the end. Albert left a wide gap behind.

In a heartbeat, it was over. The champion emerged victorious, his arms raised in triumph as he basked in the adulation of the crowd. Hinata, though defeated, held his head high, he wasn't showing his disappointment, at least not here.

" Hinata....lost?" Haruki asked

" Well, Albert had a huge lead, but Haruki is going to the finals with Kinjo, the yellow haired." Asahi replied.

Albert left, he wasn't expecting any changes, it was just the same old thing.

Hinata left before the others. He was making his way down the stairs, he skipped a stair and stumbled forward, he was about to fall, but Asahi caught him. He had been looking for him and sighted as he stumbled.

" Baby, are you okay?" He asked.

" Sorry.." Hinata simply replied and ran off.

He barged into the coach's room, went over and held held his cloth

" What do I have to do to swim faster?" He asked.

The coach, shocked by the sudden outburst shoved Hinata away. " Calm down!" He yelled. " Come back when you've calmed down." He said and Hinata left.

Haruki was shocked at what his brother did. Well, it was the first time he faced defeat. But it wasn't like Hinata to make a sudden outburst. Something was definitely wrong and he didn't know or - didn't want to acknowledge- that he knew.

IN THE HOTEL ROOM

" Baby, what's wrong?" Asahi asked, concern laced in his voice.

" I-I don't know. Something's wrong with me and I DON'T KNOW WHAT. Everything, EVERYTHING is frustrating. I feel, I feel restless, like something big will happen soon. Something that WILL change my life. Something I'M not ready for," he said snapping. He finally let it out. He let his emotions out. Let them take over him.

Asahi couldn't help but feel sad, guilty and fear. He hugged Hinata as he was about to hit the ground. He looked at his baby, but he had already fallen asleep, stress hitting in real fast.

" Everything will be alright baby, were all here for you." He said. ' Will it?' he couldn't help but wonder.