Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

13. Mixed and Matched

The morning sun peeked through Agnes' curtains, casting a warm glow across her room. She woke up early, a buzz of excitement keeping her wide awake.

Today was the junior tryouts, a day she had looked forward to ever since the announcement. Clutching her newly given jacket with her surname emblazoned on the back, she felt a surge of pride.

As Agnes made her way down to the pool, she couldn't help but reminisce about her own first tryouts. She had been just like the nervous kids about to step onto the pool deck, hopeful and eager, dreaming of a day when she would be part of the team.

Now, wearing the jacket with her name, she was on the other side of the process, tasked with overseeing the newcomers.

The pool area was bustling with activity as she arrived, the sound of excited chatter and splashing water filling the air. Agnes' heart swelled with nostalgia, her colleagues were already setting up, and the energy of the gym was electric.

She greeted them with a smile, ready to dive into the day's activities. It was a new chapter, not just for the aspiring swimmers, but for her as well.

As Agnes waited for the tryouts to begin, her mind drifted to her and Maiko's plan for the day. They had agreed to use the bustling atmosphere of the junior tryouts as a cover to sneak into Colleen's office.

Agnes had already mentally prepared for the chaos of managing the tryouts, but now she had to keep an eye out for Maiko.

She scanned the growing crowd of hopeful swimmers and their families, searching for Maiko among the hustle and bustle.

With everyone focused on the tryouts, it would be the perfect time for them to slip away unnoticed.

Keeping a sharp eye out for Maiko amidst the throngs of eager swimmers and their families, Agnes knew her rival would be somewhere in the crowd, likely mixing in with the other overseers.

Her heart raced with a blend of awe as she spotted Maiko at last, interacting with the kids trying out for the swim team. Maiko was kneeling down to chat with a group of young swimmers, taking selfies with them and sharing laughs.

The sight made Agnes pause, impressed by how Maiko's typically show-off demeanor softened around the kids.

Just as she was caught up in watching Maiko, their eyes met. Maiko's smile was warm, causing Agnes to blush as she realized she had been staring.

Hastily, Agnes waved Maiko over, and the latter moved through the crowd with a friendly, easygoing stride. As she approached, Maiko's gaze landed on Agnes' new jacket, which proudly displayed her surname on the back.

"Nice jacket," Maiko teased, eyeing Agnes' jacket with a smirk. "We're practically matching."

Agnes rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Yeah, if by matching you mean your team lacks originality. Gaya gaya so much!"

Maiko laughed, shaking her head. "Well, we are under the same management, just not the same team."

Agnes was about to respond when the loudspeaker announced, "Attention, everyone! Please have the junior swimmers take their places. The tryouts are about to begin."

Agnes and Maiko exchanged a knowing glance, at last, they slipped through the crowd, careful not to draw attention, and made their way toward the hallway leading to Colleen's office.

Agnes led the way, but as they reached the door, their excitement was replaced by confusion.

A pin lock secured the doorknob, leaving them momentarily at a stop. Agnes and Maiko exchanged worried glances, their plan now facing an unexpected hurdle.