Inspired Motivation

My professor’s voice dissolved into the background as the ticking of the clock grew louder.

Today was the day my coach and I were going to check if Jasver was capable enough to join our club.

It’s not that I hate the idea of him joining... it’s that I’m scared. I know damn well he’s capable. Hell, he’ll probably beat me at this.

I’ve known him since I was a kid. I used to look up to him because he was cool. I’d always see him in the news, winning medals for his school and stuff.

His father is the CEO of a big company, which is why he had access to so many hobbies, and excelled in so many sports. His father was open about hiring trainers for him from time to time, teaching him skills he’d later use to win tournaments. Then he’d celebrate those achievements by announcing them to the world.

Looking back, it was weird. It was like he’d make his son learn something just so he could brag about it later. His son was the reason his company was doing so well. He sells sports equipment.

Well… his son is also the reason I got into sports in the first place. I learned multiple sports just to prove to my parents that I was as good as Jasver—the same guy they kept comparing me to.

But instead of resenting it, he still became a huge inspiration to me.

Sports is also the reason I’m far from home. I left my hometown because the university there didn’t offer scholarships, and they didn’t even treat sports as part of their curriculum. They didn’t even have criminology as an option, which is the course I wanted.

It was hard to leave. My father died when I was young, and I didn’t want my mother to live alone.

With all that, I worked hard for where I am now. There’s no way in hell I’m losing my position to that slacker who gets away with paying people in this university. I thought he was a really cool guy back then—until I learned how much of a cheater he actually is. One thing I hate is people who use their status and money to get whatever they want, even if it means cheating the system.

I was knocked out of my thoughts when the professor dismissed us.

Ah, time to meet that guy again. For a moment, I lowkey wished our class lasted longer today. I’d rather get stuck in calculus than see that punk again, honestly.

I packed up my notebooks and tossed my bag over my shoulder.

The professor and some students I barely knew saw me off as I headed out of the lecture hall.

I greeted my girlfriend, Alanna, before heading to the training pool. The hottie red-head from the art department.

I told her I might end up training late today. Coach would probably make me stay and watch Jasver.

He always does that, makes me supervise the new members ever since I became the club president. I didn’t mind it, though. It was actually fun, guiding them.

But since it’s Jasver I’ll be watching today… yeah. That’s a different story.

By the time I reached the pool, Coach and Jasver were already standing by the water. Jasver looked fully prepared. It seemed like they were just waiting for me.

I gave Coach a quick wave before heading to the locker room to change.

I quickly changed into my swimwear and headed back out.

“Sorry, class ended a little late,” I said calmly, eyeing Jasver beside him.

“That’s fine. I was just getting to know Jasver here. Seems like he’s quite the champion already, right, Felix?” Coach laughed, giving him a pat on the shoulder.

Champion my ass. He may be a champion, but not in this university. I’m not letting that happen.

“I can already see a glimpse of the future,” Coach added. “I’m sure the two of you will become great friends.”

Who? Us? Friends? What a joke.

“Alright, let’s start the training. Jasver, go ahead and show us what you’ve got.”

Coach and I stepped to the side as Jasver got ready.

For some reason, my heart was beating fast as I watched him. Maybe I was just scared that this might be the first step toward losing my position.

I couldn’t look away as he positioned himself to dive. The moment he hit the water, he moved—gliding through it effortlessly. It was obvious he was already a professional in this field.

My heart dropped when he reached the other end of the pool in no time. He was faster than me. I heard Coach laugh proudly at the sight of his smooth form.

Instead of feeling anger, I felt small again.

It brought me back to that moment... my father yelling at me in the middle of the baseball field after I lost a match. The fear inside me grew.

Am I about to lose at the only thing I’m good at?

I’m already second in academics because of this guy.

Am I about to be second here too?

Jasver reached the edge of the pool again. Coach immediately walked over. I watched as Jasver pulled off his goggles, Coach kneeling at the edge to shower him with compliments.

He suddenly looked my way, and I made sure I didn’t look like I was about to die of envy at the sight of my coach praising him like he’d just discovered some kind of prodigy.

I frowned when I noticed a smirk forming on his lips. I wanted to punch that pretty face so bad. But even then… what would it change? He’d still be better than me.

I walked over as Coach called me. The whole time, I could feel Jasver smirking at the look on my face. I knew it was obvious.

Fuck my lack of control over my expressions.

“Jasver has great potential, Felix,” Coach said. “I want you to spend the rest of the evening with him. Show him how competitive this club is. I want you to spark that motivation in him. He’s in.”

And there it was. The words I had expected… but still wasn’t ready to hear.

My mouth parted slightly. A part of me still wanted to change his mind. To say something, anything. But nothing came out.

I clenched my jaw and looked down at Jasver, still in the pool, a frown forming on my face.

“Yes, Coach,” I finally said.

I heard him sigh. “I know you’re exhausted, Felix. But I chose you because you’re the best person for this. You motivate the others. You earned their respect.”

If only he knew it wasn’t about exhaustion.

I forced a smile and nodded. He gave my shoulder a pat before leaving.

“You’re really bad at hiding your expressions,” Jasver said, breaking the silence.

I looked down at him again, glaring.

“Look, I am exhausted,” I said. “So I’d appreciate your cooperation for the rest of the evening.”

I slipped into the pool beside him.

I could feel his eyes on me. Honestly, I wasn’t even in the mood to swim anymore. After everything earlier… I didn’t even know what to say to spark motivation in this guy.

I huffed and turned to face him—only to freeze.

He was already looking at me.

“What are you staring at?” I frowned. Creep.

“Is this about yesterday?” he asked.

No. Yes. Both.

“No. I don’t hold grudges,” I lied, rolling my eyes as I smirked.

“Good,” he said. “I’m about to give you reasons to.”

What*?* Is this guy insane?

“Are you crazy?”

“Yeah,” he said, pulling his goggles down. “My father calls me that too.”

What the fuck?

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