Twisted Love's

Episode 8

"Hmmm..."

I didn't think there were so many research papers about reviving endangered species...

Too bad most of them talk about using artificial insemination...

I hope to find something that references climate and the natural environment.

I sort through the pile of reference materials lying on my desk.

Yeah, I'm still doing my research even on weekends.

"Huh? What'sthis?"

Damnit damnit! This one should have been returned to the library!

I wish I could keep reading it, but I better get this back.

I was getting ready to go out and leave my room to return the papers to the library.

As I passed by the lounge, I saw Nolan and Josh arguing at the cafe counter.

"He's not a kid. I think he can last a day without it."

"But Nolan, he has to maintain a strict diet according to his trainer."

“He who forgot about it. If it's important, he'll come back. Don't worry about this."

"But, still..." Josh was confused.

"Nolan? Josh's? What the hell is going on?" I approached them.

"Oh, Julia... Miguel seemed to have forgotten his lunch. I wanted to give it to him, but Nathaniel has given me some work to do." Sahut Josh's.

"It's joking enough that a grown man like him still makes lunch for him every day." Nolan grumbling.

"You know he has special requirements, Nolan. After all, he is an athlete. I'm sure you're more aware of it than anyone else." Said Josh.

"So where did Miguel go?" My toot.

"She went to the Kaleido Community Center to teach the kids about how to swim." Answer Nolan.

Community Center? Isn't the library I'm going to visit there?

"Josh, I'll bring it for you. I'm going to the library anyway." I said.

"really? I'd be very grateful if you'd like to..." Josh looked relieved.

"of course! I don't mind, it's next to each other anyway." I smiled at Josh as I picked up my lunch bag from the table.

Josh's worried gaze followed me away, as I left Lilac Court.

"That guy can really be a bitch... He's troubling everyone." Nolan is upset about Miguel's carelessness.

* * *

When I reached the Community Center, I headed straight for the pool area.

Fortunately, I arrived before lunch. He may not realize that he has forgotten this provision.

Where the hell is this Miguel?

I started a search around the pool, but had trouble finding Miguel.

"Nothing will change, no matter how many times you ask." I heard a familiar voice coming from the waiting room near the pool.

Isn't this Miguel's voice?

I went closer to the open door and saw Miguel wearing a swimsuit with an old man talking.

"I know what you're saying, Coach, but I've told you a million times. I always push past my limits, so I know what's best for myself. It's too early for me to return." Miguel looked insistent.

"It's not that simple. I can't just go and compete whenever people want me!" Shouted Miguel.

"Maiguel ... I know everything you've experienced to get this far. And I'm not saying you're wrong either." The coach tried to calm him down.

"Why then?!" Miguel looked angry.

"If you're just an ordinary athlete, you can do whatever you want. But you didn't. You are a gold medalist. The whole country is counting on you. They need you." Reveal coach.

Miguel fell silent.

"Not just them, but your team, coach, nutritionist, and coach as well. We all think about what's best for you, every day and every night. I can understand how you feel, but remember that you are not the only one affected by your decision." Coach Miguel tried to persuade him.

"You know .. I would really be grateful if you could just let me stay away from swimming for a while. I'm not ready to go back." Miguel leaves his coach.

He's coming here!

I jumped to the side of the door, hoping not to be seen.

Miguel pounded the door, pushing it to the side in frustration.

"... Goddamnit!" His fist punched the rows of metal lockers, shaking them hard to the end of the wall.

The loud voice surprised me, making my body shiver in fear.

Miguel left without noticing me hiding behind the shadow of the door.

I've never seen Miguel so angry before ...

Maybe he became like that because swimming was his lifelong passion.

Not wanting to chase after her, I hugged her forgotten lunch bag near my chest.

* * *

Nights...

When I took out the new documents I borrowed from the library, there was a knock at my door.

Who comes at this hour?

"Yes...?" I opened the door to see who it was.

"Miguel..."

"I'm sorry I stopped by a little late at night." On his face was his usual and calm smile.

"Are you going to sleep?"

"No. Doesn't matter. I was just looking at some documents... Do you want to come in, Miguel?"

"No need. It's just a minute." He said, hanging his hands on my door.

"I heard you brought lunch to the reception desk where I work."

"Oh.. Yeah..."

Did he know I heard the conversation too?

“They said a young woman took him. I wondered who it was until Josh sent me a message."

"thank you. If I miss that meal, my nutrition will be completely messed up." Miguel sincerely thanked.

"No problem. I'd like to stop by the library anyway."

Right now, he's behaving like he always does around me.

Maybe I should ask her why she acted so differently before ...

I even feel guilty for eavesdropping on the conversation*.

"Migueling... I'm sorry..."

"Hmm?" Miguel looked confused.

"Actually, when I went to bring you lunch, I overheard your conversation. When you and your coach talk." I'm down.

"What...?!"

"Sorry! I want to say something, but I'm afraid you'll get angry..."

"So ... So you heard all that? Sorry you had to hear it." Surprisingly, he seemed to be more embarrassed than angry at me.

"I'm sorry I scared you. I'm tired of swimming."

"I just had a little chat with my coach. That's something I wish I could fix later."

Miguel...

My heart was saddened by the memory when he slammed his fist against the previous locker.

"I'm sure you can only do that because you're serious about swimming."

"Julio ..."

"Everybody has a dream. The bigger it is, the harder it is to achieve. The more you throw yourself into it, the more frustrated you become with yourself and others around you. Your dreams and mine may be completely different, but even sometimes I feel that way ..." I stopped myself before anything wrong happened. I close my mouth with both hands.

I was talking to an Olympian about a dream? Who am I?!

"M-Sorry! I didn't mean to..." I'm looking down embarrassed.

"It's okay. I'm glad to hear it."

"Huh?" I was surprised because Miguel was not angry.

"It's nice to know that there's someone out there who sees the other side of me and isn't disgusted."

"Thank you." Suddenly Miguel approached and touched my cheek.

"Good night, Julia." Even before I was shocked, her fingers caressed my cheeks and she pulled away.

"Good night, Miguel..."

The door closed and again, I was alone in my room.

Miguel thanked me...

I'm not sure what I did to deserve it?

But at least I might have helped her a little ...

I stood at the door in silence, touching the skin of my cheek where Miguel's hand had been.