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In the morning, Tadeus is awakened by the sound of his phone. When he manages to focus his eyes, he sees it's a call from Alexander. — Hello? — he answers, still sleepy.
— Where are you? — Alexander asks — I wanted to ask you for some advice, as a friend.
— Yes — Tadeus replies, his voice still hoarse.
— Can I come pick you up? — Alexander asks, looking out the window of his car. Tadeus gets up quickly and starts putting on his shirt. He leaves the phone on the bed and leans over to talk while taking off his pajama pants.
— I... I can come, wherever you are.
— What are you doing?
— Send me your location — he says, hanging up when he sees Gustaph wake up. A couple of hours later, Tadeus arrives at the meeting place.
— How are you? — Alexander asks, getting up from the bench when he sees him.
— A little exhausted, to be honest. I didn't sleep well last night — Tadeus says with a sigh. There's no response from the businessman, so he says — What was that useless advice you needed?
— This person is coming on dates with me, but they're seeing someone else — Alexander says — I feel like I'm at a disadvantage — he adds with a hint of disdain.
— You should tell her you want an exclusive relationship. That could avoid misunderstandings.
— I'm not sure she'll say yes.
— Give it a try — Tadeus advises.
Alexander remains silent for a few seconds. They both begin walking around the park until they cross the street to enter the sports center, intending to enjoy the underground pools.
— Are you a good swimmer? — Alexander asks as they walk toward the men's locker room.
— Yes, but I wasn't expecting to come swimming — Tadeus replies. He watches him open a locker that appears to be full; at first glance, he can see towels, a pair of sandals, and some hangers with clothes hanging from the top. — Do you like swimming a lot? — he asks, approaching him.
— I can lend you a pair of swim trunks — Alexander says. Tadeus turns to take the garment and begins to get ready to swim.
— It's a relaxing activity — Alexander comments and continues taking off his underwear, at which point Tadeus turns around — As a child, I participated in swimming competitions for my school, but now it's just a hobby.
— You don't forget those things — Tadeus comments, still with his back turned.
— Did you ever win any medals? — Tadeus asks. He sits on a bench with his back to Alexander to take off his underwear and put on his shorts. Once he's pulled them up completely, he stands up and turns his torso toward Alexander, who still hasn't answered — I played basketball, but we never won any medals.
— Once, for the regional competitions — Alexander replies. He reaches out to take Tadeus' clothes and put them in his locker.
— I want to see that — Tadeus says as they walk out of the locker room. — Do you still remember your personal record?
Alexander smiles at the question and dives into the pool. He swims to the wide edge to get ready.
— Ready? — Tadeus asks. Alexander lowers his goggles and gives a thumbs-up. He begins the butterfly stroke, swimming to the other side and back after Tadeus whistles the starting signal. — Wow! — Tadeo shouts — One hundred meters in a minute, damn, you're fast! — he cheers.
— I've never been able to go under fifty seconds — Alexander says breathlessly — The record is forty-two.
— You're still impressive — Tadeus comments as he sits down on the edge. Alexander remembers the last time he noticed that fearful look and decides to place his hands on Tadeus' calves, gently moving them down to his waist and gently pushing him into the water. Tadeus surfaces and desperately swims to shore.
— Why did you agree to come if you don't know how to swim? — Alexander asks mockingly.
— Yes, I know how to swim, but not in such deep water — Tadeus replies, trying to control his breathing.
— Let me teach you — Alexander says, but Tadeus shakes his head — It's important that you learn to stay afloat.
— I'm fine here — he answers.
— Just relax, don't tense your muscles — Alexander says, running his hands from Tadeus' lower back up to his shoulders. He leans close enough to place his hands on Tadeus' abdomen and speaks in a softer tone to soothe him.
— Take a deep breath — he says — Inhale and exhale, that's good... Fill your lungs with air and lean towards me — Tadeus pushes himself away from the edge and slowly lowers his body back until his ears are submerged. He notices that Alexander seems quite enthusiastic, and this gives him a little confidence.
— Am I doing it? — Tadeus asks.
— I'm going to let go — Alexander says. At that moment, Tadeus turns to grab hold of him, ending up submerged in the water. — Relax, take it easy — Alexander says, holding his arms to keep him afloat — When you move around so much, it's hard to hold you.
Tadeus grabs his arms to pull himself towards him and hugs him tightly. — Don't let go — he begs.
Alexander lets out a laugh as he reaches for the shore — Okay, I promise I won't — His smile vanishes in seconds as his eyes meet Tadeus'. Despite the photograph, that look makes it hard to believe this man could have lied — You have to accept that a large part of your body will be submerged.
— I understand — Tadeus says, catching his breath.
— Do you want to try again? — Alexander asks.
— No! — Tadeus replies immediately. He pulls away from Alexander and pushes himself out of the pool. After showering and changing, they leave the sports center to grab a couple of sandwiches at a street stall in the park.
— How have your dates been? — Tadeus asks, breaking the silence.
— Everything's going really well, I guess — Alexander answers — I think I'm going to confess my feelings — he says, looking him straight in the eyes. A look that stirs the journalist's heart.
— Don't forget to tell me how it goes — Tadeus says, nodding to ignore the sudden heat in his face.
Alexander sighs with a grin — I have a feeling she likes me too. I'm almost certain of it — he says.
— Good luck — Tadeus replies with a slight smile.
— I'd like to invite you to my birthday — Alexander says after a short silence — I suppose after clearing things up a bit, this could be a good step towards our friendship.
— Count me in — Tadeus responds.