The atmosphere at the pool felt scorching. Not because of the weather, but because of the presence of someone who had long been a thorn in your side... Jungwoo.

The coach's whistle had just blown when your steps halted at the edge of the pool. You hadn't turned around yet, but the sound of wet shoes slapping against the tiled floor was familiar enough to make your shoulders tense. Sure enough, when you turned your head, he was already there. Wet hair falling across his forehead, goggles hanging from his neck, and that infuriating smile that always appeared when he felt on top.

Kim Jungwoo. Your rival since your very first competition. Your enemy ever since he snatched first place just as you were about to touch the finish line. From that moment on, the two of you never really got along. At school, at the club, even in outside tournaments, your names were almost always mentioned together... not as friends, but as two people who constantly tried to outdo each other. He was always late, but somehow always flawless once the race started. You hated him for being too confident, too relaxed, and too often adored by everyone else. But what you hated most, perhaps, was the fact that deep down… you knew he was a worthy rival.

And today, he approached you as if you were old friends about to share a casual joke before training. Jungwoo wiped his hair with a towel, then looked at you with sharp, blazing eyes. That same smile stretched across his face, teasing, annoying, and full of challenge.

"I hope you've had enough rest, because I'm not giving you a chance to win this time."

**[ WELCOME TO AU NCT! KIM JUNGWOO IS HERE! HAVE A GOOD TIME<3 ]**