Han Yusung instantly shrunk. But that's all. It seemed that he was not able to squeeze out even the usual "I'm looking forward to" or "I'll do my best." At that moment, the people at the next table stood up, clearing their seats.

"It looks like it's free now," Jihon said.

Lost in thought, Kim Gi-seok turned absentmindedly. "Oh yes... Then we'll change seats. Sorry for the inconvenience. As if in prostration, he muttered an apology and, without waiting for an answer, hurriedly went to the vacant table.

Han Yoosong followed suit with an impenetrable look, only nodding a short farewell.

And as soon as they were seated, Jihon asked:

– You didn't seriously decide to participate in both competitions, did you?

"Seriously," Jaekyung replied calmly, leaving Jihon speechless.

— Really?..

"Why should I pretend?" The guy snorted mockingly, taking another cake from his plate.

After a short pause while he chewed, Jihong continued, "Is it because of Yusung, or what?"

"Don't pretend you're close to him," Jaekyung growled, indignant at the way Jihong called him by name.

Jihon wanted to object, but realizing that the altercation was a pointless waste of time, he quickly changed the subject.

"All right, all right. Are you because of Han Yoosung? He will not make it to the final of the Olympic Games anyway.

"If he's not at a high enough level, then he shouldn't participate at all," Jaekyung spat out, shaking the crumbs off his fingers. "If this upstart is aimed at complex swimming, then he must pass the standard. Then he has nothing to worry about in the qualifying round. Regardless of whether I participate or not.

"What if Han Yusung can't?"

– Well, then he won't get to the Olympics. It's simple. Jaekyung said in a tone as if it was a matter of course.

To which Jihong involuntarily grinned, because in fact, Jaekyung was right. The rules of the national selection for swimming stated that only two people would be able to enter the Olympic team in each discipline. Based on the results of the qualifying stages, an overall rating is formed. However, this does not guarantee participation: to get to the Olympics, you must meet the Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT) established by the International Olympic Committee.

If the athlete with the best result meets the OQT, and the runner-up does not, then only the first will go to the Olympic Games. However, if both fail, then the ticket to the Games will be received by the one who showed the best time among all the contenders and at the same time passed the threshold of the Olympic qualifying standard (OCT - Olympic Consideration Time).

"Judging by the faces of the sectarian and his guru, they will not be able to cope with the qualification standard," Jihong added confidently. — The most they are capable of is barely passing the OCT standard.

At first, Han Yuseong's self-confidence made him doubt his guesses, but their genuine reaction spoke for itself: there would be no miracle. It seems that the plan was to win first place in the national selection and complete the OCT.

That is why the news of Jaekyung's participation in the 400-meter swim caused such horror in them. After all, this guy, even with his eyes closed, can easily pass the qualification standard and take the championship. Consequently, Han Yoosung has no chance of getting to the Olympics, even if he successfully passes the OCT.

"Okay, let's say everything is clear with Han Yusung," Jihong lowered his voice and continued, "And you?" Are you really going to take part in the 400m swim?

"Of course," Jaekyung replied without hesitation. "Can't you?"

Jihon was already confused.

"No, no, of course you can!" If you are allowed in, it will be just wonderful! He exclaimed, not hiding his joy.

"What's so wonderful about it?" The grumbler muttered, pouting.

"Well... I have always thought that you should try your hand at this distance. Like, it would be great to perform at least once in the 400 meters before the end of my career. And so you said that you would participate! And even at the Olympics! Jihon chattered enthusiastically, smiling.

"Hey, what's up?" Why are you so happy? Jaekyung was surprised, noticing how he covered his face with his hands, trying to calm down.

To which Jihon waved it off, as if to hint: "Don't pay attention," and when he calmed down a little, he asked again:

— Do you plan to reduce the number of disciplines? What will you refuse? Backstroke or butterfly?

"And I will decide this after the first qualifying round. I don't think there's going to be anything to clean up, though," Jaekyung said, slicing the brownie with his fork. And then, putting a piece in his mouth and chewing it, he added: "I will participate in all competitions, as before. Well, there will also be a complex swim in the 400-meter race: One more, one less - it doesn't matter.

Jihong stared at him silently.

"What is it?" Jaekyung frowned, not understanding why he was looking at him like that.

"Nothing," Jihon muttered hurriedly, lowering his eyes.

"Come on, what's there?" Jaekyung couldn't stop and drummed his fingers on the table impatiently, as if he was going to make a scandal in front of everyone present if he didn't hear an explanation.

In the end, Jihon gave up and, flushing with embarrassment, muttered, "It's just... You've been so cool just now. And...

Stammering with embarrassment, he somehow came to his senses and quickly blurted out: "My heart even beat faster.

Caught off guard, Jaekyung was virtually speechless. He stared at the table for a while, blushing deeply. Apparently realizing that he had betrayed himself with his guts, he angrily said, "Hyun, don't tease me, seriously."

"Th-That's not what you thought," Jihon babbled embarrassedly. "That's not what I meant. Well, please calm down.

—...

"Here, drink," he poured water into a glass. "You need to cool down."

Jaekyung dutifully drank the water in one gulp and, sighing heavily, ran his hand through his hair. And Jihong, wanting to defuse the situation, hurriedly changed the subject: "Well, in any case, we need to revise the training plan and adjust the schedule.

Jaekyung should resume training as soon as possible to regain his shape, as after one month of rest, the muscle fibers begin to thin.

"Even if you don't swim, strength training should be included in your daily routine," Jihon concluded.

— Well, yes.

"Principal Kahn mentioned that he has one coach in mind for you. He has already worked with our guys. Everyone speaks very well of him. He also has a certificate as a sports doctor and has taken courses in working with medicine ball [1].

"Yes, yes," the grumpy guy agreed indifferently.

Not noticing the discontent hanging in the air, Jihong continued, taking out his phone: "If you are free this week, we can arrange a meeting. In general, I wanted to introduce you a little later, since we planned to start training somewhere in the middle of November... But if everything suits you, then we will immediately conduct endurance tests and...

Suddenly, Jihong felt a fixed, motionless gaze on him and was embarrassed.

"What is it?" he asked. "Do you have another candidate?"

"No, I don't care who I work with," Jaekyung said suspiciously restrainedly, pouring water into an empty glass. "Hyung, aren't you overjoyed?" It's like you can't wait for me to start training.

"Is it all because I've been causing you so much trouble?" He muttered offended.

Ji-hong was discouraged by the undisguised disappointment in Jaekyung's voice. A few days ago, he could not find a place for himself, dreaming of getting him into the pool as soon as possible and thereby saving his own skin. But now, when a real chance presented itself, all these thoughts magically evaporated. Jihong was too excited about the news of his participation in the 400-meter individual medley, and everything else didn't matter to him.

However, he was well aware that if he confessed now, then Jaekyung would immediately think of himself who knows what. And he will definitely say something like: "You see, hyung, you like all this too, and you want more, right?"

In such a situation, it was impossible to succumb to emotions. Therefore, Jihong, deliberately lowering the timbre, said: "Jaekyung, let's live according to our conscience, okay?

It seems that the bulldozer still has her pitiful crumbs left. After all, he refrained from prickly comments, although with all his appearance he almost shouted that he had nothing to do with it at all. And just focused on eliminating the desserts, avoiding eye contact with Jihon.

In swimming, the OQT (Olympic Qualifying Time) is the set minimum time that swimmers must show in qualifying competitions to guarantee their participation in the Olympic Games.

OCT (Olympic Consideration Time) in swimming is the time close to the minimum qualification standard that swimmers can show in order to be considered for the Olympic Games. Although meeting the Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT) guarantees automatic participation in the Games, OCT gives swimmers the opportunity to be "considered" for selection if they have not reached the OQT.

[1] A medicine ball (or medicine ball) is a ball-shaped sports equipment that is used for training and rehabilitation. Usually, medicine balls have different weights (from 1 to 10 kg or more) and help develop strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility.