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Team was shaking on the bench where he was sitting, there was so little left until it was his turn to compete and even though he had already done this several times, that feeling of anxiety seemed like it would never leave him.
Even though he had gone to bed early the night before, he couldn't sleep at all. A nightmare had woken him up at three in the morning and he couldn't get back to sleep for fear that the nightmare would come return. Even so, I wanted to see the positive in things, one night (several) of sleeplessness was not going to prevent him from losing concentration.
To try to distract himself he began to look around him, there were his fans who traveled from different parts of the world to support him, some had signs with words of support and Team sometimes did not understand how he was loved by the entire globe, which he did feel more anxious than before, the good thing about it is that he had not forgotten to take a pill to hide his aroma, otherwise it would already be a disaster. His eyes continued to scan the place, until they unconsciously stopped directly at the figure that was on the other side of the pool, he was leaning against the wall with the characteristic relaxed posture of him listening to his partner. He must have felt a gaze on him, because he suddenly looked up from the ground, making his eyes meet.
At that moment the world stopped, he no longer heard the screams of the fans and nor did he hear his teammates chattering about the rival team. A sweet smile appeared on the alpha's face, causing his cheeks to turn pink and his heart to start pounding against his chest, so he had to look away.
Team had met him at a competition, people seemed to gravitate towards him, greeting him with a smile and sometimes high-fiving. The first thing he noticed was his golden hair, with piercings that shined a lot in his ears and tattoos, the guy smiled a lot and also seemed to be an alpha.
Later he found out that his name was Win and that he belonged to the rival team and to his surprise he would also have to compete with him.
That first time Team took the gold medal and Win had gone to congratulate him, telling him that he deserved it, but that small interaction was what sparked a war on Twitter. The fans quickly began to fight, to the point that it became the number one trend, although both alphas tried to make it clear that they would not have problems with the other, that did not calm things down.
And well, as soon as it was published that Win and Team would meet again in a competition, all of Twitter exploded again.
"Win is looking here again" The voice of the newcomer Bang brought Team out of his thoughts. "I don't know what he's planning this time."
"What?" Team now looked directly at the other alpha.
"Yes. Didn't you hear?" Bang took a seat next to him, when he saw that the Team moved his head from one side to the other, he continued "Win won his last race because he bribed the event organizers. It's very easy for him, his family has money"
A bittersweet feeling began to invade the Team's chest. "How are you so sure about that?"
"Please, Team. The alphas on that team do that kind of thing, how do you think he got to where he is?" Bang, unaware that Team was now looking at him with red eyes, placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's better to listen to the coach and stay away, don't you think?"
Team was about to jerk his arm away and yell at Bang that everything he was saying was completely stupid. He had often seen Win stay up very late training so that someone would come and reduce his effort in that way, but his name on the speakers stopped him.
Team was not one to stay silent, many times he had had problems with his teammates for these types of situations but he had promised to stay calm, but he simply couldn't do it for long. He have removed Bang's hand in a sudden movement, and he headed off with the other swimmers with whom they would participate.
After a brief talk, everyone stood behind the platforms, Team felt that his hands were shaking and that he would faint right there. The water no longer felt so safe, he could still see a figure struggling not to sink.
A hand on his shoulder brought him back to the present, Win looked at him with warm and at the same time worried eyes, the screams of the people became further away.
"Don't worry too much, I'll be right by your side" Win whispered so that he could only hear those words, then she showed him a bright smile. "Luck"
"Good luck too, Hia," he was the only thing he managed to say before Win walked away.
When he returned to his position and looked at the water again, the only thing he thought about was golden hair and a tattoo of wings, he wouldn't have to be afraid, maybe his family was watching him on television, even his friends were in the stands, Hia stood by his side as he had said and knew that with him he was protected.
When the whistle was blown, he jumped in without hesitation, feeling how the water transmitted that sensation of freedom to him.
🐱🐷
After the competition the sponsors had organized a party for the swimmers in the same hotel where they would stay. The venue was big enough for the teams to stay far away from each other, although many were discouraged since Team was the one who took the gold medal.
"You were flying underwater!" Manaow screamed excitedly. She was showing him the video she took of the competition, he had beaten Win for nothing, since they were both quite even. "I posted it on my Twitter and people keep saying you're amazing. I have a superstar best friend!"
"I'm not a superstar, I'm just a swimmer." Team turned timidly to look for more Lays from the snack table.
"Just a swimmer? Now I agree with Manaow, you're not just a swimmer." Pharm followed closely, seeming surprised that his friend didn't know how many people were following him. "You are THE star swimmer on your team, you went on to represent Thailand in the Olympic Games. You have achieved many things"
"The Olympic games were luck." Suddenly the screen of a phone was very close to his face, he had to take Manaow's arm to move it away and be able to see better.
It was the global trends section and in the number one spot was his name.
"This is just a little of what you've done. Silly Team, you have to admit how incredible you are."
The truth is that he didn't believe everything he had done, he even felt that at any moment they could throw him out and everything that was happening was more than simple luck or because they hadn't found someone better. Which was wrong and many times his friends repeated it to him, he had to recognize that all the effort he put in during all these years was being rewarded, but he also felt shy about it.
"I just want to be the star swimmer of you two." With a smile he pulled his two omega friends around their shoulders.
"Aww! That's such a romantic thing."
"We should take a photo of this moment, Pharm."
"I will never open my heart to you again"
Team pushed them away pretending to be indignant, Pharm and Manaow immediately approached him again in search of more hugs, which caused Team to laugh. The children continued playing until a tall figure appeared, Dean looked with a sweet smile at Pharm, who rushed to hug his alpha.
"Look at that, there's no doubt that puppies grow." Team wiped a fake tear from his eye, while Manaow blew his nose with a tissue.
"And there is no doubt that we will grow old and remain single"
"Oh silence" Pharm embarrassedly hid his reddish face in his hands, Dean quickly took him into his arms to press him to his chest, causing more jokes from his friends saying how romantic they were.
After they both decided to leave the nervous best friend with his boyfriend, they headed to now look for the Lays that Team's stomach was begging for, well Team would only look because Manaow was too busy chatting with someone. Despite being quite focused on his goal, he couldn't help but look around in search of a golden head of hair. After the medal ceremony, Win couldn't get close to it since he was intercepted by his coach on the way, and he was hopeful see him at the party, but apparently he doesn't show up here either.
Team was honestly quite surprised, because even though everyone told him to stay away from Win and he knew they were telling him the same thing, there was an invisible force that attracted them, somehow they both always came back to each other.
It was as if...
"Team, I'm going to go to bed, I didn't sleep well on the trip." Manaow spoke suddenly, as she let out a yawn.
Without Win, he wouldn't have much to do besides listen to his team talk about how he had defeated Win and that was the last thing he wanted to hear right now.
"I'll leave too." I take some Lays that were at the end of the table. "And Pharm? We can't leave without warning"
"I don't think he's paying attention to us right now." Both boys looked in the corner of the place where Dean and Pharm were chatting comfortably, they could even see floating hearts around them.
They decided to leave quietly, they knew that Dean would take good care of Pharm and besides it seemed like they were having a good time.
Team accompanied Manaow to her room before going to his own, for his good luck the sponsors had given an individual room to the competitors and their family or friends. After turning on the light and taking off his shoes, Team hurriedly left his snacks on the bureau, so he could take a hot shower, he had heard that this helped quite a bit to relax and sleep well.
When he left, he put on his pajamas and dried his hair. He hadn't checked social media since the morning because he felt too anxious to do so, so he decided that now, since he felt calmer about it, he could see what they had posted. He wasn't very active on his main accounts, he only appeared there from time to time to update about his competitions and say thank you if he won any medals, he was more active on his secret account, he was sure that Manaow had silenced him because he posted too much
Maybe it wasn't such a good idea, it looked like a war field. The fans were fighting over who from Team or Win was the best, some even posted the image of Team with their gold medal laughing at each other. He decided to keep scrolling on the trend, although the bad comments were more than the good ones and when he was about to give up and go to sleep, until he found a somewhat curious tweet.
Win luvs Team @winteaaams
You all keep saying that Win and Team are rivals and that you hate each other and blah blah. Just imagine that they don't really hate each other and are dating.
350 comments. 200 retweets. 3.0k likes
Team won the gold medal 🥇 @teamswife
In reply to @winteaaams
Really?? Do you think the two of them would be boyfriends? Stop being so delulu.
50 comments. 100 retweets. 100 likes.
Winning PhaWin @winniesun
In reply to @winteaams and @teamswife
I didn't even think I agreed with any of you, but yeah, plus you're both alphas, it's like? Alphas should not be together, it is unnatural.
260 comments. 25 retweets. 670 likes.
Luciérnaga @winteamprotector
In reply to @winniesun
What nonsense are you talking? What makes you think that alphas couldn't be together? It is the same as an alpha with an omega, omega with beta, alpha with beta, beta with beta or omega with omega.
If Win saw this he would be very disappointed.
500 comments. 1.5k retweets. 14k likes you.
Team immediately exited the app and turned off her phone, his heart was beating very fast. He left his phone on the bureau as if it was burning his hand and covered herself from head to toe with the sheets.
Him and Win boyfriends? Had the fans noticed something that they hadn't? Maybe yes, because they realized many things, what would Win think about it? Would he feel uncomfortable? Would he be angry? Many things were going through his mind at that moment, as he had told him since he was little, alphas could not fall in love with their own hierarchy, it was supposed that that was why omegas and betas existed, because that way they could form their family, His parents had said it, including their grandparents.
Perhaps Win had been told the same thing and he must have been waiting for his destined soul, besides, who didn't tell him that he hadn't already found that special someone?
He was panicking, he had to calm down, a good dream could clear his head and make him feel better. Yes, it would be better for him to forget everything that just happened and get some sleep.
Only he couldn't sleep.
The nightmare was still fresh in his mind when he had woken up crying and shivering, not necessarily from the cold, he could still feel the cold water cutting his skin like knives, trying to rise to the surface, but each time he sank deeper and deeper. Suddenly someone appeared to help him, the golden locks became more visible as he swam towards him, and when it seemed like he was going to take his hand, an invisible force pulled Win towards the bottom and although Team tried to hold him, he tried to swim to protect him. He couldn't make it, no matter how much he screamed, he was drowning and couldn't save Win.
It was useless to go back to sleep, and he didn't feel safe doing so. He got out of bed despite that feeling of drowning, he needed to get some fresh air. He removed the sheets and got out of his bed, before leaving his room he put on his shoes, there was a balcony not far from here so he walked alone, letting himself be guided by his instincts. The place seemed cozy, there were two chairs in front of a small table with an artificial plant on it, the railing was completely made of glass so you could see the landscape perfectly, a beautiful clear sky, without light pollution to prevent you from seeing the stars, the moon delicately illuminated the place. He would be fine here.
He sat down letting the gentle breeze carry away his tears. Even though no one had been hurt, that moment was still recorded in his mind like a damn tape and his dreams were a reflection of fear and not having forgiven himself yet, only now he had played a trick on him by now adding Win. Sometimes he just wanted to get rid of that feeling and be able to be happy, with his family, with swimming, with himself.
He didn't know when he started to cry, much less when a body fell next to him, until he felt someone stop the path of a tear on his cheek. He looked away from the landscape to come face to face with Win, he had a worried expression.
"What happened?" Without waiting for the alpha to speak, Win went ahead to ask.
Team turned around, his back to he, to wipe away his tears. "I'm fine, Hia but what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the party?"
Win smiled warmly as he took the little alpha from his shoulders and turned him around to face him again. His thumb dried another treacherous tear, it was a movement full of tenderness that melted Team's heart.
"I didn't want to be at that party, but the most important thing is you. It doesn't matter if you don't want to tell me what's going on, but I want to know if there's anything I can do to help you."
Win's sincere words made him stay still for a few minutes, he just stayed there, looking at him with eyes shining with tears but Win was willing to wait, he only left small caresses on his shoulders to let him know that he was there. Unable to take any more, Team threw himself into his arms and was immediately welcomed, finally crying over everything he had been keeping from his room until he got there.
"You're okay, I'm here for you, you're safe now." Win whispered close to his ear and moved his hand up and down Team's back, comforting him. "You're doing great, I'm proud of you."
It wasn't the first time they were in that position and it wouldn't be the last, of that they were sure. Team clung to him as Win continued to whisper words of encouragement into his ear, He really needed to hear his voice to stay grounded. Win didn't mind staying there for hours, he was going to accompany him in these moments of vulnerability and would fight to protect him from the world, even from what terrified him.
After a few hours his crying began to calm down, until the tears disappeared, yet they did not separate, he was still in each other's arms.
Win bit his lip, not knowing if it was a good idea to ask, but he decided to take the risk. "It was a nightmare?" He received a nod. "Do you want to sleep in my room?"
"Please"
Win didn't need more, he took Team in his arms to take him to his room, which was not that far from his. In the short time, neither of them spoke, nor did they need to, they felt too comfortable with his company. The alpha opened the door, letting Team in first, who took off his shoes to enter the room. Win imitated his actions and when he turned around when he closed the door, he realized that the little alpha was already lying down in his usual place. bed.
These kinds of domestic moments made Win's heart dance with joy.
It didn't take long to lie down next to him, they both stared at the ceiling for a moment before turning around facing each other. It wasn't the first time they slept together either, in fact, it was a secret that only the two of them and the Moon whose light now came through the window knew.
"Can I ask you something Hia?"
"You're already asking, Ouch!"
They both laughed as Team gave him a light smack on the arm.
"No, not that, I want to ask you, how did you know I was there?" Team was a little confused because according to him, he had been too quiet when leaving.
"I smelled your smell" When he saw Team frown, he decided to continue. "I was about to go to sleep when I smelled a sour smell, there is no other alpha that doesn't smell like wood and mint besides you, I was worried because I didn't know what had happened,"
"Thank you, Hia."
"Why do you thank me?"
"Because you are always there for me when I have nightmares, you invite me to sleep in your room because you know I sleep better, you are always there making sure I feel safe before each competition, you buy me snacks and help me when we have to go abroad because you know that English is not my strong point." Win blinked, his eyes suddenly turning bright. "But you never ask me about my nightmares"
"Because I know that when you are ready you will tell me" Win placed a hand on Teamm's "And I will wait for you with open arms to listen to you, and no matter that I will always be there for you"
"Hia is always there for me and I want to be there for you too. I will also take care of Hia and tell him how much I am proud of him, that he should see how valuable he is and that all his effort is worth it."
It was Team's turn to now wipe away a tear that was sliding down the alpha's cheek. Here they were no longer Teerayu Siriyothin and PhaWin Wanichakarnjonkul, they were no longer the rivals in swimming, here they were only Team and Win, two alphas full of dreams but at the same time full of fears, but who would always be with each other to overcome them.
"Thank you very much, Team"
Win went around him to hug him with all his might, while Team snuggled into his neck. It was there when he realized a very important detail but one that he apparently had been ignoring. As they were both surrounded by his strong, warm scent, Team knew it, felt it, like hot fire running through his veins and staying in every part of his body and mind.
Win was his destined soul.
All those stories that his parents told him really existed, he had finally found him, but he was not an omega.
His destined soul was an alpha.
🐷🐱
Team had taken refuge in his room for the last few weeks since returning to the capital. He had been talking to Win via text message, but knowing that they were destined souls made him a little nervous and he still didn't feel ready to see him again.
How was he supposed to act? He couldn't just go and say: 'Hia, I found out we were destined souls at our last competition, when I was in your room.' I didn't even know if Win would agree to that.
Team fell into his bed exhausted, well he could stay here forever or the bed could swallow him to avoid the future, either option was good. Adding to that is that he really had feelings for Win, he didn't know when but the alpha had entered her life like a hurricane and turned her upside down, with her jokes, with her smiles, her piercings and tattoos. .
Team had never really thought about his future, he knew perfectly well that he wanted to be a swimmer, but he didn't think about having a partner either. He always thought he would be a lonely alpha, with an established routine and would return to an empty house, but when he met Win he realized that even if he had a boring routine, it wouldn't matter if at the end of the day he returned home with Win, he could take refuge in their hugs and kisses.
Oh, Team was so in love and didn't know what to do.
Although he could try something. He climbed out of his bed to run barefoot to his desk and unplug the charger from his phone. He just wanted his friends to be connected or he would go crazy, but to his good luck they both were. With his fingers trembling, he began to write quickly but then regretted it and deleted his message. How should he start? It was assumed that his friends didn't know anything about what was happening with Win, being in love was also difficult.
Finally he sent a message, it was simple but without many detours and not too obvious.
\(* ___ *)/:
I need advice.
I have a friend who found his destined soul and is really very in love with him, but it turns out that they are both alphas and he doesn't know how the alpha he likes will react. I think he's panicking because he doesn't know what he'll do when see each other again, but he can't see his life without him anymore. What do I tell them?
12:30 AM.
Lemon girl 🍋:
By chance, isn't your friend's name Teerayu Siriyothin?
12:30 AM.
\(* ___ *)/:
I'M GOING TO LEAVE THE GROUP!
12:30 AM.
CookingPharm:
Do not go! TT Manaow don't say those things.
If I could give your friend some advice it would be to fight for that love. Yes, perhaps relationships between alphas are not very common, but that does not mean that they are not equal to all relationships. In the end it is love and if destiny made them destined souls it is further proof that you fight for it.
12:31 AM.
Lemon girl 🍋:
Sorry, I was joking a little to lighten the mood 😭 it felt a little tense
12:31 AM.
LemonGirl🍋:
But Pharm is right, I should fight for that love, go after it and catch it. So how will he know that the other person does not reciprocate his feelings? And even if he doesn't, they are still destined souls, something still unites them.
12:31 AM.
\(* ___ *)/:
And how could he confess? You see my friend is somewhat shy in that sense, he has never had a partner before except for a dance they organized at preschool and they put him with this boy to be his dance partner.
12:32 AM.
CookingPharm:
He might start with subtle flirting, just to feel more secure and he'll just find the perfect moment.
12:32 AM.
Lemon girl 🍋:
Flirting can work! It may be an indication that he doesn't want to just be friends with him and test the waters.
12:32 AM.
Team blinked several times looking at the screen, usually Win was the one who did that kind of thing, being someone who was shy in that field Team used to get embarrassed easily, sometimes he thought that the alpha did it to annoy him, so he could use the same tactic.
He sent a message of thanks to his friends for the advice and they later sent good luck to his "friend", although he knew it was stupid to say it like that, he was very happy that his friends didn't ask more., in the future he would pay them for helping him (Except to Manaow, he would take revenge for that little second in which he almost threw his phone out the window).
He could do that, he just had to do it when his teammates and coach didn't see him, but he definitely wouldn't hide anymore. Although this news hit him like a bucket of cold water, he wanted to fight for Win, even if he didn't agree. agreement between relationships between alphas, he still wanted a chance.
Two notifications dropped at the same time, one notifying him that there would be a new competition in Korea and the second was from Win telling him that they would now be teammates for a while.
Life was already testing his bravery again.
🐷🐱
To say things felt a little tense was an understatement, they were about to explode.
Something that characterized the alphas was their leadership and above all their great pride, Team was, not for nothing did he become a leader in the swimming club when he was still at the University and also became the leader of his local team. Although Win also had these traits, he was always a more relaxed and fierce leader when he should be, he also did not see him as someone who was proud, he was the complete opposite of what was said about alphas, kind, warm and always helping others. but at this moment is when that other side was most visible.
The Thai swimming federation had chosen the best swimmers in the country to compete in different international competitions, including some teammates from Team and Win. The last time they were all together was some time ago when they went to represent Thailand in the Olympic Games, and it was just as chaotic as this time.
Things had been going well, they were supposed to train first in Thailand and travel before the competition to also train in Korea. They were choosing the members who would compete in the categories, until the most important one arrived, freestyle. Win had remained quiet in the back next to him, until the subject came up and somehow or another Bang and Win found themselves in a passive-aggressive word fight that only escalated more and more.
"And you're supposed to be one of the best candidates to compete in freestyle?" Bang asked with a hint of venom in his voice.
"And you? You can do it?"
"Last time I won a gold medal and you lost to Team, you tell me"
Team noticed how Win was trying not to lose control, he just crossed his arms and looked away laughing at the other alpha, but the laughter only made Bang's anger increase, so he made way between the team members to stay. in front of the blonde alpha.
"I think I know why you didn't win..."
"Bang, shut up" Team rushed to try to stop this.
"No, he has to listen to this." He looked at Team for a few seconds to now focus all his attention on Win. "Your parents this time decided not to pay for your medal, because that is the key to your entire career, you are not a swimming prodigy, you are an alpha who needs help from his parents to be someone."
"Shut up!"
"It's okay, Team." Win gave him a sympathetic smile, he had a relaxed posture which alerted the other members more. "It's one thing to have the support of your parents and another thing to train hard, things that you don't have and that's not my damn problem. If you won that medal, it was because Off didn't show up at the competition, if not you would have stayed as a replacement."
"Please Win, don't try to fool anyone. You're not talented, you're not a respectable alpha, didn't you tell them? He's been with millions of omegas and alphas! An alpha with another alpha, do you think that's normal? What do you think they all think here? They think you're repulsive, our entire team has told Team not to talk to you, because he could be infected by whatever you have. In the end you'll be alone!"
Everyone in the pool froze as Bang's words echoed off the walls, eyes immediately stopping on Win, waiting for him to scream, to throw a punch or something. Instead, the blonde stood still, looking at Bang with a frown and many things going through his mind.
Immediately the bitter smell of Win reached Team's nostrils he knew it was enough.
Bang, unable to predict his teammate's movements, was abruptly grabbed by the neck. He saw Team with red eyes and a strong scent, an announcement that he had crossed a line and was now dead.
"I'm tired of your bullshit, you're going to shut up now and apologize, then you'll leave and never return to this competition."
"But Team..."
"DID YOU NOT LISTEN TO ME!? I've been putting up with the fact that you are an idiot, that you brag about your supposedly won competitions, that you make others feel less. Do you know what sets Hia apart from you? Hia is a respectable alpha who always fights for his dreams, he is kind to everyone around him. And you? If it weren't for Yun being in love with you, you would never touch the water.” With his other hand he grabbed another's jaw to force him to look at Win, who had his eyes open. “You're going to offer an apology for all the shit that came out of your mouth.
"I won't do it" Bang said with false confidence, but he definitely wouldn't apologize.
"Apologize, NOW!"
The members jumped at Alpha's voice, they had never heard it but it had already reached a point where Team just exploded. The alpha inside Bang lowered his head and himself trembled like a frightened animal.
"Forgive me for saying all those things, Win. I never meant to do it." Then the grip lost strength, Team had let go of him and that was his signal to run out of the pool.
He turned his attention to Win who also seemed surprised, he had only nodded at Bang's apology and did not dare to watch him disappear through the door, it was then that he came back to himself. He was now pale, he had used the alpha voice, he had grabbed a member of the team by the neck when all that was prohibited, he could easily be disqualified from the competition.
"Sorry, Sorry!" He apologized repeatedly before nervousness overcame him and then he ran away to hide in the locker room.
The moment Bang put Win's name in his mouth, all his sanity took a trip to Mexico and he didn't plan to return, his vision had turned red and everything happened like a movie. Win had told him before what they were saying but he had told him to stay calm, since everything he said did not affect him, but when he smelled the aroma like the Sun of Win it became bitter, he couldn't stop himself
Now calm, he didn't feel so sorry for what he did, he defended Win and that was the most important thing, if he had to leave the competition he would assume the consequences, but he didn't know what the others outside would say, even what he would think Win himself about it.
At that moment, someone's footsteps began to be heard approaching, and he saw Win's figure appear through the door.
"Can i sit?"
"Mh."
The alpha approached and sat next to him, Win's eyes met Team's and for a moment, neither spoke.
"Bang came back for his phone; he was scared you were still there," Win spoke, a small smile on his lips. "I don't think he's coming back."
"That wouldn't be good for us right now, Hia," Team sighed. From the corner of his eye, he saw Win closing the distance between them, resting his chin on Team's shoulder.
The alpha's breath caught as their faces were mere inches apart, his heart skipping a beat as he noticed the intense sparkle in Win's eyes, as if all the stars had been placed in them; Win was smiling a lot, just being too cute to notice that the lovestruck alpha was losing his mind over him.
"I actually found it quite sexy seeing you angry and defending me from Bang," Win said bluntly, laughing when he noticed the pink tint on Team's cheeks.
"Hey! I was just there, angry, and you think that's sexy?" He raised an eyebrow.
Win shrugged. "I'm just being honest; I've never heard you use your alpha voice before. I think we should use it more often, but in a different context."
Team noticed the tone in Win's voice, the way he raised his eyebrows. He wasn't really talking about that!
"You idiot! You know what? You will never hear my alpha voice again!" He pushed Win away, eliciting more laughter from the blond alpha.
"I'm just kidding!" Win laughed a little more before his expression turned serious. He placed a hand on Team's head tenderly. "Thank you so much for standing up for me."
This time, Team returned the smile. "I couldn't let him keep saying those things about you, not when you work hard every day and have a warm heart."
Before Win could reply, several heads peeked through the door followed by murmurs. The boys stood still, not knowing if they had interrupted something or not.
"Sorry! Were we interrupting something?"
"It's okay. Did something happen?"
"Yes, the coach just arrived and says we should start warming up," Hwan hurriedly said.
"Wait," Team stopped his teammates, feeling Win's confused gaze on him, but he needed to talk to them. "I want to apologize. I shouldn't have acted like that, but I couldn't help it. I broke a rule and caused a member to leave the team. I'll be okay if you decide to tell the coach."
The children glanced at each other before bursting into laughter. Team turned to look at Win, completely puzzled, but the alpha was just as confused as he was. When they finally caught their breath, one of them looked at Team with amusement.
"Are you kidding? We were all fed up with that idiot Bang; he was like a headache."
"Exactly, he not only talked badly about P'Win but also about the whole team. It was time someone put a stop to him, and it's good that it was you."
"Even if we told the coach, you acted like any of us would have. So don't worry about it," the omega downplayed. "Besides, if I were Bang and had to come back, I wouldn't even think of doing the same thing."
"Ugh, his comment was stupid. Talking about P'Win's relationships? That was so unnecessary," a beta grimaced. "But let's not dwell on this! Let's train; the competition is waiting for us."
The boys became more lively and left the locker room with overflowing energy. Team also felt uplifted and reached out to Win, who was smiling.
"Let's go; we have medals to win."
The alpha took his hand to help him up from the bench where he was sitting. Along the way, Win made some jokes, but Team noticed something strange about him, although he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He thought it was probably just nerves from the competition, but he still felt uneasy himself.
He didn't have time to talk to Win about it that day, as the coach was so fierce that he ended up almost falling asleep in the locker room.
🐱🐷
Something was definitely wrong with Win.
Since that day, things had changed a bit. While Win still helped him with his nightmares, bought him snacks, and teased him whenever he could, something didn't feel normal.
He had decided to take his friends' advice, doing the same things Win did, but he felt that the alpha wasn't noticing his hints because he would just laugh or sometimes stare into space. This wasn't how it was supposed to go! He also noticed a scent of sadness coming from Win, even when they took the flight from Bangkok to Seoul. Win ended up sitting with one of his beta teammates, so he traveled with someone else.
Someone like Win, who was always by Team's side, that was unusual, and he couldn't continue pretending that nothing was happening when something was clearly wrong with the alpha.
They had stayed up late that night at the hotel pool, the conversation flowing easily as it always did between them, but the smell of sadness still lingered around Win, very faint but it was there. This couldn't go on like this; he had to know what was going on and help Win. So, after coming out of the showers, Team decided that was a good moment to ask.
"Hia, is something wrong?"
Win frowned, still refusing to look at him. "I'm fine; nothing's happened."
"I've noticed a different scent from you, and you haven't been yourself. You haven't even looked at me," Team was honest, noticing how Win stopped walking. "All since..."
"I actually smell the same as always; I don't even know why we're having this conversation," Win interrupted, gripping the straps of his backpack tightly until his knuckles turned white.
"Because I care about you, and I want to know if you're okay," he said with a serious expression. Right there, he connected the dots; everything had started from the fight with Bang. "Isn't it because of the fight with Bang?"
"It's too late now, and we need to sleep well," Despite Win trying to escape, a figure slightly shorter than him prevented him from doing so.
Team looked at Win carefully, noticing the tension in his posture and how he avoided his gaze. He knew Win had a tendency to put others' needs above his own, even at the cost of his own happiness.
"Please, Hia," Team said softly, feeling the need for Win to open up to him
Win sighed, squeezing the straps of his backpack tightly. "I'm fine; nothing's happened," he replied, but his voice sounded forced, as if he were trying to convince himself.
Team took a step closer, placing a comforting hand on Win's shoulder. "You know you can talk to me, right? You don't have to carry everything alone."
Win glanced at him briefly, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and sadness. "I know, but sometimes it's easier this way," he murmured before stepping away and continuing to walk towards the exit.
"And it doesn't have to be this way; I told you I'll be there for you, in the good times and the not-so-good ones."
Those words stopped his steps, but even without turning, he spoke. "It's not important, Team."
"Of course, it's important."
"It's not."
"Yes, it is. Bang has no right to make you feel bad with his stupid words."
"No, he actually has a point," Win turned to face him, trembling like a frightened puppy. He saw Team furrow his brow, but in reality, Win couldn't hide it anymore either. "Team, I'm in love with you. All this time, I've been acting distant because I don't want you to think I'm weird for liking another alpha, and I know I shouldn't have worried you, but I didn't want what we have to end because of my feelings for you."
Team was frozen in place, suddenly feeling like he wasn't standing on the ground anymore, but Win decided to continue.
"When Bang said those things, I was terrified. I didn't want you to think I was that kind of alpha. I know you don't like being the center of attention, and for me, your comfort will always be more important than anything else. I also know you grew up with the idea of having an omega and starting a family with your children. I'm not an omega; I can't give you those children, and sometimes I think maybe everything would be easier if I weren't an alpha. And I'm really sorry, but please, let me continue being your friend. I still want to be there for you and help you in any way I can."
He didn't know when they both started crying; Win had been torturing himself in that way all this time, believing that Team would never reciprocate because they were both alphas, and society still believes that's unnatural, while Team had been flirting with him all this time. His heart was happy because he was sure Win reciprocated his feelings, and the other part of him screamed to protect that blond-haired alpha, even in that pit of sadness, he continued to think of Team's comfort and happiness.
He was ready to tell him he was a fool for thinking that but that he loved him, took a deep breath.
"Hia..."
But sometimes luck wasn't on Team's side.
"Guys! What are you doing here? It's too late; we have the competition tomorrow." The coach had appeared out of nowhere, with a relaxed smile, unaware of the important moment he had interrupted.
He noticed how Win wobbled on his feet, too embarrassed to look at him, and when the coach was close enough, Win only said goodnight, not only stumbling over his words but also over his feet as he fled the scene.
"What's wrong...? Well, that doesn't matter! We have to go; tomorrow we're going to win."
"Wait, coach! I need to do something very important." Team tried to follow Win, but he felt himself being pulled back by the back of his jacket.
"That's not happening, Team. You need to rest; follow Win's example. Tomorrow you can do whatever you want, but tonight, you sleep early."
Although Team tried to fight with all his might, he was dragged back to his room and forced to go to sleep. This couldn't be happening to him!
🐷🐱
The competition had arrived, but right now, he wasn't so nervous about the competition itself.
He had tried to talk to Win on the bus, but he decided that a bus wasn't a special moment to tell him that he reciprocated his feelings. Still, he made sure to tell him they would talk later, then he intertwined their pinkies, causing a pink blush to spread across Win's cheeks. The truth was, the alpha looked so cute; now he understood why Win always did everything to make him blush like that.
There were many people in the pool; he saw his best friends and as well as Win's family right next to his family. Again, there were also fans with words of encouragement written on signs. He didn't have time to see more, as they immediately went to get ready.
The night before, he hadn't been able to sleep; this time, it wasn't a nightmare that caused his insomnia, but his mind was occupied by a beautiful blond alpha with shiny piercings and tattoos on his skin. He had been practicing in the mirror he had brought with him how he should confess to Win until it was too late, and he fell asleep. He was so anxious when the members of his team were called for their respective categories, and he listened to everyone's times.
When his turn finally came, his category was before Win's. Before going to the pool, someone touched his shoulder; Win was smiling warmly at him.
"Good luck; I know you'll do well. I'll be right here supporting you."
Those words made his heart race and gave him more energy. He decided to approach his position on the platform; in the water, there was no fear, no need to fear. While water had brought bad moments to his life, it had also made him completely happy; He was free, he found his friends, to his fans who always supported him, thanks to it, he found love, he could find Win among the water, when the start signal sounded, Team wasn't afraid to swim towards love.
In the end, he came in second, just by a small difference, not too much. But still, he didn't feel sad because when he got out of the water and went to the locker rooms, Win hugged him tightly and whispered that he was proud of him.
The moment for the last category arrived; still not letting go of Win, he raised himself a bit on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. "Good luck, Hia. We don't know the result yet, but I'm already very proud of you; I'll be right here."
When they separated, Win was smiling widely, so with more confidence, he also left the locker rooms to his position. Before getting on the platform, Team raised his thumb, which made Win smile even more; everyone was waiting for the starting signal.
It was the most stressful seconds of his life, but when Win touched the water, everything happened so fast. The wings traveled quickly underwater, leaving all his teammates behind; he seemed like a lightning bolt in an electric storm. Then everyone cheered ecstatically when Win emerged, being the first and breaking his personal record.
Although they couldn't claim victory yet, they still needed to know their scores, but Team already felt like a winner.
The wait wasn't long, and indeed, Thailand had been crowned the winner of this international competition. After that, they had the medal ceremony; as the silver medal was placed around his neck, he looked around at the happy faces and applause. Win bent down to have his gold medal placed, and once again, he understood.
People would always have many things to say, whether good or bad. In the end, life remained yours; they wouldn't live it. While he was too shy to be in the spotlight, he was going to be brave; he was tired of pretending. There were nights when he thought of walking with Win hand in hand down the streets, telling them that they were destined souls being both alphas and that didn't have to be a problem, it was just love.
Team also understood that things often didn't need a specific special moment to be done or discovered; special moments are those that aren't planned and arise naturally. Like now, making his way through the sponsors and swimmers in the pool to get to Win, just as he arrived, he hugged him tightly while starting to cry on his shoulder, which alarmed Win.
"It's you, it's always been you, Hia," he spoke through sobs, feeling Win's gentle strokes on his back.
"What are you talking about, Team? Please calm down, sweetheart."
Team then stepped back to place his hands on Win's shoulders. "That I love you, Hia Win. Don't you realize? You're the alpha I'm in love with; you're my soulmate, I don't want anyone else but you. And I wish you could see yourself through my eyes: you're kind, beautiful, chivalrous. No matter what people have to say, I want you to see how special you are and to love yourself, to love yourself the way I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Now it was Win's turn to start crying; the world only narrowed down to them and that touch they shared. There had been sleepless nights, thinking everything could go wrong when Team felt the same way he did.
"I also want to spend the rest of my life with you; I can't imagine anyone else in my future but you. I want us to create a beautiful family, I want you to be my alpha and I'll be yours. I also wish for you to love yourself as I love you because, Team, you are the most precious and kind being in this world. I love you, please be my boyfriend."
Team didn't need more to nod. "Yes, Hia."
In the middle of the pool, with their respective medals, the two best swimmers from Thailand kissed, showing their love to the world. People stood frozen, unable to believe what they were seeing; even Waan's glasses fell from shock and Ton helped him pick them up. Bang had also fainted, but Kawi pretended not to see it.
Needless to say, the name WinTeam became the number one trend on Twitter and stayed there for a long time.
In the end, they are just two alphas who fell deeply in love with each other.