Prologue / Chapter 1

After all we are just human, everyone makes mistakes but in the end of the day, I am a nobody.

A nobody with a dream, a dream to succeed. But in the world we live in, the society we live in where people judge the way you look or act, there is nothing you can do, but one thing is to never give up.

After all that is how life is...

Growing up, to what I am now, I have changed, changed to a better person.

A person who can leave the past and look forward to the future that is waiting for me.

A future which is now the present.

We grow old, but we still are us, I am still me!

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Chapter 1

"Thank you for accepting this interview, Mrs. Siwoo and Mr. Seokjin!"

"We would like to ask you some questions, as you two have been receiving a lot of attention on the media due to Seokjin's sudden proposal at the Olympics just after receiving gold! Congratulations on your Engagement!"

"Thank you, Sure" The couple replied in perfect unison.

Wrapping their fingers and gazing at each other for a quick second, the couple instantly had reminisced the memories that they had together, since they were just 11 years old.

16 years ago

Siwoo's POV

"The Gold winner of final swim of the season, goes to Lane 3, Kim Seokjin, with a time of 2 minute and 23 seconds. In silver, it goes to Jee Siwoo, with a time of 2 minute and 30 seconds." The announcer cheered as a woman dressed in a blue, green peculiar tracksuit had hung the ribbon around my neck.

Watching the woman move to her left the boy in front of her, Seokjin bowed down at her as she hung the gold medal on his neck, and handing him a flower bouquet.

Looking down I examined the light grey coloured medal thats around my neck and polishing it with my towel; that's when reality and disappointment had fully hit me. Scanning around me, I had no sight of my parents, but instead Seokjin and his family, laughing and cheering for his win.

I knew my parents would not come, so why did I high hopes. My parents rather go on business meetings than waste there precious time to watch me swim. But I guess it's pointless for them to come if I know that I can't make them proud.

My parents may have a huge company brands to manage and have a reputation to hold, but they were never there for me. Both are too focused on their job that they never had a weeks rest in the last 3 years.

I love them from the bottom of my heart but I just want some attention, its as if I am not the favourite child but the forgotten one... even though I am their one only child, it just feels like it.

1 year later

Seokjin won gold and I got silver again... but what can I expect, we have been competing each other in more than 35 meets. His family also seems more happier than the previous time. He's lucky to have a family like them, a happy and very excited mom, funny dad, and great older sister.

Honestly, I envy him, what can I say he has the talent, the brains, the looks... wait what am I thinking?! But he has all the things I want... which is love from my parents. I may have more money than him but that's it.

My parents have been going on more international business trips since for the last year, Mom's and Dad's fashion brands has spread globally. With my Mom as main head designer and dad who is the CEO, co-founder alongside Mom.

I'm proud of their success, and all I ask for is them is to be proud of me.

6 years later

"Are you sure about this?" Mrs. Choi, my swim coach questions me, resting her both of her hand on my shoulder.

Thinking to myself, I made up my mind.

"Yes!" I voiced, creating Mrs. Choi face to be full of emotions, mostly vividly showing sadness.

Taking her hands off my shoulder, I took the chance and hugged her tightly as I whispered in her ear a faint but sincere 'thank you'.

Just then, I could feel wet splashes of drops fall down on my hoodie, as I tend to be an emotional person, my tears got the best of me. I was a full on water fountain at this point. But I can't be anymore grateful to Mrs. Choi, she has been by side since the day I was introduced to her about 8 years ago. Without her, I wouldn't have gotten through my depression. Without her, I wouldn't be alive.

Before I had time to stop crying, I could hear my name being called outside of the girls change room. So quickly wiped my tears away, then hugging Mrs. Choi just one more time, I came to see who was calling my name. By the door, Seokjin was standing rather innocently.

"Seokjin? Why are you calling for me?" I asked, rubbing my palms together, in hope that he won't notice my red eyes.

There was a long pause before he able to answer me back, " I just wanted say that race in 10 minutes! Also good luck!" he walked away awkwardly after his response.

"Thanks!" I mumbled, as I went back inside the changing room, I took Mrs. Choi's hand and dragged her out.

I lead Mrs. Choi and myself out to the swimmers area, taking my hoodie off revealing my swims as I sat down on a grey foldable chair.

Hoping to receive some techniques just like always, Mrs. Choi just said, " Its your last, so just enjoy it!"

As my name had been called from the announcer, I stood up from my seat, and since Mrs. Choi was busy looking at her papers I took the chance to hug her again.

"Mrs. Choi, I want to make you proud. Even though this is the last time." I smiled before heading myself away and go to the group of racers. Seokjin and I shared eye contact as I seemingly walked towards him, he looked sweaty, worried and looked rather guilty. Causing me to think that something was wrong. By the time we were 2 meters apart, his lips came apart as if he was going to say something, "Siwoo, I didn't mean to overhear you while you were with Mrs. Choi in the changing rooms but I am sorry. But I don't know why I have had a cr-"

Suddenly just as Seokjin was about to finish his sentence, the announcer said for the swimmers to head to ther places. Walking beside Seokjin to the lanes, I whisper, "Don't worry about it, if you want we can talk later"

Seokjin's face had lit up from excitement, and I just stood there staring at him. Thinking about what Seokjin had to say a few seconds ago, I thought of what were his last words over and over, 'But I don't know why I have a cr-'

Then out of a sudden, I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders, making me snap out from my thinking. I looked to see behind me, it was Seokjin, "Siwoo, snap out of it... And get into position! Don't think about what I had said earlier!" He exclaims softly.

Heading myself to my lane, I stood on the block in a ready position, clearing all of the distractions from my mind, from the loud cheers to the small mumble some of the swimmers said to encourage themselves.

Looking forward down to the water, I try the new strategy I have been practicing to help me improve. I look at the how the water moves, and how it would feel as soon as parts of my body reach contact with the water, then I was ready.

"On your marks... get set... go!" The Announcer said followed by a loud bang.

Diving into the water, my body speeds through the water, combining my arms and legs motions I moved faster than I have ever been before. I felt as if I was just gliding through the water. Then Mrs. Choi words, came to me, 'It's your last, so just enjoy it!"

Her words gave me a boost of confidence, and I came to realize that I only have 2 meters left to swim. Taking my hand out to touch the board, I lifted my head out to see on the screen to see my time. I got a time of 1 minute and 4 seconds, making me in Gold, with Seokjin with a time of 1 min 13 seconds in Silver. My face was filled with joy, getting out of the water, I saw Mrs. Choi sprint to me. Running to her, she hugged me tightly, forgetting that I was wet, I let my happiness out.

"Are you still going to retire? Because you just set a record, for the fastest female swimmer of this swimming season globally for your age group!" Mrs. Choi happily cried.

Then out of no where I could see my parents walking hand in hand towards me. They had a proud smile on their faces, so I walked up to them and they both hugged me. I could hear my mom cry, "Siwoo, please forgive your Eomma and Appa! I know we never come to your meets but we do watch them live on a screen, we always try to come but your Appa and I have a big schedules. Every time you place in top three, I get so happy and proud of you, but I never get a chance to say that I am proud of you. Your Appa and I felt guilty for not showing you any attention for so many years! Siwoo, I am sorry!"

Mom's words struck me, but the pain still hurts, I don't think I can just easily forgive them.

"Siwoo, we love you and we a proud of you!" Appa smiled as he looked tearful.

Camera's came flashing at us, but I didn't care, my parents didn't as well. "**** that reputation!" Dad whispered. With dad's response, mom pinched dad in the elbow, making dad whine, and causing me to laugh.

Both hugging them back, "I love you both! From the bottom of my heart!"

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