It would all be over once they crossed the line. However, Jaekyung made it clear that he had no intention of backing down.

"I haven't forgotten. But no kisses," Jihon retorted confidently.

"Why?" This does not go beyond the legal, moral and financial framework.

- The request has a sexual connotation.

- But this is not indicated in the memorandum.

— This is included in the moral aspect, of course.

Jihong remained persistent, and after thinking for a while, Jaekyung quickly changed his stance, "Okay. I know what you mean, but why? A kiss is a way to say hello in Australia."

"Really? Then go and kiss Noah as a greeting in front of me. And then I'll do the same."

«……»

Jaekyung was speechless for a moment. Seeing his confused state, Jihong laughed, "You can't, right? You are still far from victory."

For a couple of seconds, he was even proud of himself, but suddenly Jaekyung turned everything in his favor.

"Hmm... So if I kiss Noah deeply, you'll do the same to me?"

"What...?"

— Can I just film it and show it later? I don't want to do that in front of you.

It seems that Kwon Jaekyung was not joking. Obviously, his right hemisphere has lost the ability to recognize irony. Neither deposit nor withdrawal was possible.

"Then... if I use the language...

"No, stop! Don't!" exclaimed Jihon in horror. He was afraid that the guy, without wasting a second, would run to create a mess, and then someone would definitely take them off. Noah is one of those who easily agree to all kinds of fun. Therefore, it was clear that he would willingly put his lips together.

"Hey, seriously, don't even think about it! I won't do that with Noah either, so forget it.

"What?" You said the opposite.

Jaekyung frowned. The annoyed expression on his face indicated that he was really going to go crazy. Jihong felt a cold sweat break out on his back. For a moment, he believed that he had outwitted the stubborn man, but he had never been so wrong.

"I won't. Now hurry up and get some sleep," Jihon repeated, covering him with a blanket.

"I can't sleep...," Jaekyung said, immediately pulling him off.

"Still, do your best. I'll stay with you until you fall asleep.

"Hyung, are you a fool?" I definitely won't sleep while you're around.

"Yes? Then I'll go," with that, Jihong quickly got up from the massage chair.

"No, stay. I'll sleep, so stay here.

"Then close your eyes quickly," Jihon smiled as he sat back down.

Jaekyung glanced at him briefly, and then turned away and mumbled, "I want... but it doesn't work."

"Why?" Are you nervous?

"No, I'm not nervous.

"Excited?" Are you thinking about the upcoming swim?

"I don't know. I just feel weird. Is this really the end...

"Well, your worries are quite natural.

Jihong fully understood him. He, too, could not sleep until dawn the night before his last day at the swimming center. It was probably much more difficult for Jaekyung. After all, he has reached incredible heights in comparison with him. And consequently, even more regrets have accumulated inside. Jaekyung knew that his skills had not reached their limits. But despite all the questions and mixed feelings, Jihong didn't want to discuss the Olympics. Now this incredible swimmer needs to concentrate on the upcoming final competition.

– Try to imagine how everything will turn out after the competition.

— Да, ты прав.

Jaekyung, answering curtly as usual, used his folded hands as a pillow and closed his eyes, but soon opened them again. His mind seemed to be in turmoil. In this situation, the best solution would be to narrow the focus of attention on something specific. To put aside all distant worries and throw a new task so that one single goal flashes in front of him. If possible, it should be something fun and motivating.

What will please Jaekyung? What story should I tell him so that he would be distracted and take the final championship with a happy heart?

Jihong pondered for a while before Lee Yujeong's recent remark flew through his mind: "Mr. Jeong, you're too soft with him. Only with you he behaves like a child... Yes, you have special feelings for each other, but you need to be able to build clear boundaries."

And he was a little embarrassed. Was it a momentary weakness or did he really feel differently about Kwon Jaekyung. Until recently, their relationship, based on a ridiculous receipt, was crystal clear: a stubborn bulldozer was forcibly pulling Jihon along. That's why there was a standard explanation that sounded like an excuse: "It's part of my job, there's nothing I can do."

However, the situation took a different turn, especially when Jaekyung confessed to him.

«... Wait, have I really gone too far? Was the problem really with me and not with Jaekyung?"

The first time he heard Lee Yujeong's words, he immediately threw all the blame on Jaekyung. But... Now he really needs to think things through carefully: "If it was another athlete and not Jaekyung, would I have reacted the same way? For example, Yeonho? If he got too excited before the competition, would I empathize with him as much? Will I offer my help?"

Comparing these two guys, Jihong immediately found the answer: obviously not. After all, it is too troublesome and in general, he does not have to harness himself for someone. Whichever way you look at it, all of Jihon's actions are outside the scope of his job duties.

Suddenly, a nervous laugh burst out of Jihon. He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed softly. Jaekyung wasn't the only one who crossed the line.

"Well, isn't it inevitable? I have known him for a long time, even before he came to our company. Because of me, he started training in the same pool. He really liked my style, although there was nothing special about it. He accomplished an incredible feat at a Grand Slam tournament thanks to a few passing words I once tossed, and because of me, he even signed with our humble agency on ridiculous terms. This alone is enough to treat him completely differently," Jihong continued to convince himself. "But now he's complicated things by saying he likes me. Whether it was a reaction to pheromones or something else, he ended up having inappropriate feelings. I can't reciprocate, but I still want to do as much as possible for him. And this is quite logical, since I am not so irresponsible. In this case, it would not hurt to dot all the i's. I must give a clear refusal. And intrigues: they will lead to nothing. Everything will only get worse after the breakup. And it's better to get along like brothers than to throw yourself into the whirlpool with your head."

After thinking for some more time, Jihong decided to take the first step, without making excuses. Jaekyung will definitely understand him: "Jaekyung-ah."

Jaekyung immediately turned to him.

– Do you plan to go home immediately after the championship? Or will you have to stay in the camp until the closing ceremony? Did the coach say anything?

"I just need to show up at the final event.

"Really?" Then let's have a drink as it all ends. It's my treat.

Jaekyung's eyes widened as if he was asking, "Are you kidding?"

For a while, he stared at Jihon, not answering, apparently trying to understand what was happening. Jaekyung reacted as if he couldn't believe it and, showing his determination not to jump to conclusions, clarified, "Will other Spoin employees go too?"

"What makes you think so? Well, if you want, I can arrange it," Jihong playfully suggested.

«......»

Initially, he believed that the guy would immediately reject the idea, muttering, "No, why should I?" Instead, Jaekyung frowned slightly, "Hyung, sometimes you give yourself up. Your rich experience in relationships is immediately visible. And it's so frustrating that it's maddening."

Jihong couldn't help laughing, "Hey, why would you think that?"

"How from what? Because of your words, everything becomes clear at once."

Jihon laughed again. After all, Jaekyung, in fact, revealed himself. Every sentence he uttered made his heart flutter, then sink into disappointment, and then tremble again. Looking at things like this, it was clear that Jaekyung had never met anyone. He did not know how to play any tricks and did not know how to play the game of push-pull. When Jaekyung hid his feelings, Jihong thought that this guy was acting strategically, forcing him to write a memorandum and such. But as soon as he opened his heart, he threw away all his tricks and just rushed forward. It was as if he had exhausted his last patience while keeping everything a secret. He said what he wanted and acted as he felt. It was like swimming: he confidently threw himself into the water and swam without knowing the techniques. This fearless stubborn man seemed to want to do the same with love. Whenever Jihong saw this clumsy but insanely cute side of Jaekyung, he felt something bubbling inside.

It would be better if Jaekyung met someone more normal. After all, he will face unnecessary difficulties, because someone like Jihon will definitely deceive him. But perhaps this is exactly what Jaekyung wanted.

But, unfortunately, there is no choice. Therefore, Jihon needs to sort things out without causing additional pain.

As he pondered this, his pounding heart gradually calmed down. Yes, a second before the desperate act, he managed to pull himself together.

Smiling, Jihong spoke as if he had sighed.

"Hah, it doesn't matter. Go to sleep quickly.