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Chapter 49 - The Competition

Hi dear readers. There will be some changes in the writing style. If it causes any discomfort please let me know ☺️☺️

They all woke up early and ready for the D-day. Raphael also woke up early to get prepared for his grand plan.

Indianapolis Indiana U.S. was booming with noise that was coming from contestants from all over the world.

" Good luck guys. Go bring the win home." Leon said and placed a kiss on each and every one of them.

" Thanks mom." They all said almost simultaneously.

" They'll be fine." Sol said to Leon as he placed his hand on the small of his back.

The contestants among them went ahead to get prepared for the competition and Haruki went to sit with their parents at their designated seat.

Time passed quickly and it was already time for the competition. The freestyle was the first competition to be held.

" Are you ready baby?" Asahi asked as held Hinata by the waist, drawing him closer.

" More than ready." He replied and smiled. Asahi clashed their lips together as he devoured his baby. Hinata gave a throaty moan as he melted into the kiss. Asahi tasted all parts of his mouth and sucked on Hinata's tongue hungrily.

" Ahem.. why am I not surprised?" Albert murmured

" Can I take my baby brother now, it's time." He added and the hungry couples reluctantly separated.

" Bye baby. Good luck." Asahi said glaring at Albert and giving Hinata one last kiss.

" I'm not going easy on you big brother and I'll have my revenge." Hinata stated. And Albert couldn't help but laugh out loud.

" Sure baby bro." And with that they made their way out.

The crowd is electric. Flags wave. Sunlight glints off the rippling surface of the pool.

HINATA lean, focused, stretches by his lane. His eyes locked on the far end of the pool. A storm of determination behind his calm exterior. His otherworldly appearance made the crowd lose their minds but he is least affected.

Beside him, ALBERT — tall, confident, an easy smile — rolls his shoulders like a seasoned pro. The brothers wear identical team swimsuits. They exude something... otherworldly.

HINATA

(grinning, serious)

I'm not going easy on you, big brother. And I'll have my revenge.

ALBERT

(laughs)

Sure, baby bro.

They fist bump. The air between them shimmers just slightly — a pulse of energy no one else seems to notice.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

Freestyle finals. Swimmers, take your marks...

Hinata and Albert step onto their blocks. The world goes quiet. Time slows. Their feet grip the metal. Eyes ahead.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Set...

The buzzer sounds. A SPLASH — they dive like bullets, slicing through water with unnatural grace.

UNDERWATER – SLOW MOTION

Their bodies ripple with iridescent scales, just for a moment — a secret shimmer. Their strokes are in perfect sync, carving through the water like creatures born to it.

The crowd watches, entranced. The other swimmers are strong — but these two are art in motion.

Stroke for stroke. Flip turn. Stroke. Surge.

CLOSE-UP: FINISHING WALL

Both hands slam the wall at the exact same second.

SILENCE. THEN—

CROWD

(erupts)

WHOOOOAAAA!

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

We have a... tie! Ladies and gentlemen — it's a tie!

ABOVE WATER

Albert surfaces with a triumphant gasp. Hinata pops up beside him, face unreadable... then cracks into a smile.

HINATA

It's not over. Next time — I win.

ALBERT

(grinning)

I'll believe it when I see it.

They bump shoulders. Behind them, the scoreboard still flashes:

1st Place – Hinata & Albert – 00:47.11

Spectators cheer, unaware of the deeper current below.

The rest of the competition past in a blur. Japan taking the first place in all competition, taking the golden cup back home. It really showed that their hard work really paid off.

Back in the villa** – EVENING

The house is alive with chatter and laughter. A long dining table is filled with delicious dishes — steaming bowls, platters of grilled fish, rice, and sake cups clinking. The boys, fresh from their baths, are relaxed, their hair still damp. Leon and Sol beam with pride at the head of the table.

"You two were unstoppable today. Like mirror images in the water." Leon said facing Albert and Hinata.

"A tie between champions — I've never seen anything like it." Sol added.

" I know right? My brothers captivated all our hearts and mind." Haruki said, beaming proudly

Albert and Hinata exchange a modest smile, while the others cheer and clap, replaying highlights of the competition in animated chatter. Masayoshi imitates a dramatic swim stroke, making Riku choke on his rice with laughter.

"I thought the judges would argue for hours, but nope. A perfect tie." Masayoshi said as he was placing food in Riku's plate, oblivious to everyone's stares. Riku just chuckled nervously.

Albert chuckles, but his smile fades as he glances around the table. His brow furrows.

"Wait… has anyone seen Raphael?" Albert asked and Nagamori felt his heart drop.

The room grows quieter. Haruki glances toward the doorway. Hinata shakes his head.

" I just hope that boy's not causing any kind of trouble." He muttered.

Albert's concern deepens. He fidgets with his chopsticks.

' Is he that important to you?' Nagamori thought, his mood becoming gloomy.

The group hesitates, but Takahara lifts his cup, trying to keep spirits up.

"Don't worry. Maybe he needed some air. Tonight is for celebration."

The mood recovers slightly as everyone returns to their food — until suddenly, the lights flicker…

CUT TO BLACK.

The room is plunged into darkness. Gasps echo. Someone drops a cup — it shatters on the floor.

"What—?!" Hinata said, shocked.

Riku's voice trembles in the pitch black.

"Guys… this isn't normal." Masayoshi hugged him closer calming him down.

The joyful night has shifted into something ominous.

" Just what the fuck is happening?" Leon asked.

" Let's calm down everyone." Holding Leon.

" I think I know what's happening." Albert said and realization dawned on everyone. Just as they were beginning to process the situation gunshots were being fired at all directions in the house and movements by the invaders were seen.

Being one of the president's house the security was definitely not lax so this meant they were attacked by an insider. The only one that wanted them gone. Raphael.

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