CHASING THE SUNSET

CHASE's POV

The cool spray of water hit my skin, washing away the lingering exhaustion from practice. I had just finished my swim routine, and with my competition only three months away, every single day mattered. There was no room for anything less than complete focus. I couldn't lose this time.

Two years had passed since my shoulder surgery, and each practice brought new strength, new hope. I could feel it—this time, I was ready. I was capable of winning.

After rinsing off, I grabbed a towel and ran it over my damp hair before wrapping it around my waist. I made my way out of the shower, got dressed, and quickly gathered my gear. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I headed toward the exit, mentally preparing for my afternoon class.

But just as I reached the exit of the pool area, I heard it—a faint sound, like a soft, broken sob coming from somewhere nearby. I stopped, the sound caught me off guard. My eyes scanned the empty poolside, but no one was there. I frowned, about to dismiss it, when the sound came again, louder this time, followed by a sudden, desperate scream.

"Why!?"

The entire pool area echoed with his words. It was a male.

He cried out once more, "Why can't it be me!?"

I can't help but think that he is going through heartbreak after hearing his rants. Does he get dumped by his girlfriend?

Taking a deep breath, I followed the sound, my steps cautious as I scanned the shadows, until I came upon him. Perched on the bench was him. His head is bent, shedding tears like a child. But I didn't show myself to him. I crept up on him, hiding in the wall next to the bench.

"What does he have that I don't have? Dammit! Why is this? I'm the one who's always with you. I'm the one who's always here for you, but why? Why didn't you like me?"

I don't know why, but listening to him makes me smile. He sounds cute. I then discovered that I was filming a video of him.

"I've liked you for such a long time, Ash. I really do like you. And it really hurts!"

"Hey, what are you doing?" I was startled that I ended up recording a video of the guy when someone spoke behind me. Turning around, I saw Matt.

"What? Nothing," I refused.

"Do you know him? Why are you—" Before he could finish his sentence, I covered his mouth.

"Sshh. Lower your voice. He might hear us," I whispered in a whisper before removing my hand.

He whispered, "Why are you filming a video of him?" He had curiosity on his face.

"What are you talking about? I wasn't recording. Let's go. We still have a class." I grabbed him and walked away before he could even ask me more questions.

"Come on, mate! I saw it! You were recording a video of that guy. Why?" Matt kept on asking me while we were walking down the hallway, heading to our next class.

I persisted in saying, "I wasn't." Matt really is a nuisance. Until you answer him, he won't stop. I won't respond to him, though. A truth.

I didn't say anything and just laughed a little, speeding up my walk and leaving him behind. "Hurry! We're going to be late!"

"Hey, wait up!" I overheard him yell from behind.

-

AUSTIN'S POV

"Ash," I called her and she turned around. She gave me a big smile upon seeing me. I walked in her direction.

We are currently on the rooftop. She said she had something to tell me, so she called me here. I'm not sure why, but when she told me she had something to say to me, I felt excited.

We have known each other since we were in middle school. And now we are in college, we are still together and our bond gets stronger. We are so close that most of the people around us mistook us to be dating. Because we do really look good together. And I have been in love with her ever since, but I just couldn't find a way to tell her how I feel about her.

I couldn't find any courage. I fear that our friendship will come to an end. However, Ash seems to be hinting that she likes me too based on her acts. Maybe we're just holding back on confessing our affections for one another.

Is this the chance? Will she now confess her feelings for me?

"Uhm, Austin. I have something to tell you." She spoke. I could see that she was nervous, and that made me nervous too, but excited.

I've been desperate to find the ideal moment to confess my feelings for her.

"Yeah. What is it?"

She bit her lower lip, and it seemed like she was thinking twice about whether to say what she wanted to say to me.

"What is it, Ash? Tell me."

She hesitated a little before saying, "Uh, well, you know. We have been friends for a long time, and uhm, I am thinking if... you could help me?"

I was confused and asked, "Help you with what?"

Was I mistaken in my thinking? Wasn't she going to confess to me?

"With Liam. I like him. For a long time. And I was thinking about confessing my feelings for him. Can you help me, Austin?"

I seemed to be deaf to what she was saying, so I was unable to answer right away. I was in too much shock to talk. I am at a loss for words. Right now, all I know is that I was hurt. This was not what I expected. I got rejected without even asking.

Liam is one of our friends. The three of us have been together for a long time, but even so, I don't notice anything unusual in Ash's actions when Liam is around.

Perhaps she's good at pretending? I can't believe this. I really didn't expect that Liam would be the one she liked.

"Austin? Are you okay?" I snapped back to reality.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah. I'm okay." I cleared my throat.

"So, can you help me?"

I'm not sure. How am I supposed to help the girl I like to confess to the guy she likes? That's torture for me. I know I can't say no, though.

"Sure. Of course." I made myself grin. And her face lit up. She was so happy, and it broke my heart even more.

"Really!? Thank you, Austin!" she exclaimed as she gave me a joyful embrace. "Thank you so much!" She added, moving her body away from hugging me. "You're the best!"

"No problem, Ash. Anyway, I have to go. I have a class in five minutes. See you later?" I lied. I just want to get away from her sight since I can no longer control how I feel.

"Oh sure! Uh, wait. I am actually planning to confess to Liam today. In fact, I have made a reservation for the two of us. I'll text you the address!" She beamed. Her broad smile remained on her face.

"Sure." I once again forced myself to smile. However, as soon as I left the rooftop, I was running blindly and had no idea where to go. I just want to go to a place where there are no people.

Until I arrived at the swimming area. I took a seat on the bench and started crying. Damn it! I've never experienced heartbreak before. I had no idea that this fucking love could be so painful.

"Why!? What does he have that I don't have? Damn! Why is this? I'm the one who's always with you. I'm the one who's always here for you, but why? Why didn't you like me? I have liked you for so long, Ash. I really like you. And it fucking hurts!" glanced at my wrists. I saw the bracelet she gave me through a hazy vision.

She gave it not only to me but also to Liam as a symbol of our friendships. However, I was in such excruciating pain that I lost control of my emotions and flung the bracelet into the swimming pool after removing it from my wrist. I am no longer in need of it! I'm done wanting it!

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