Both boys pushed off the wall at the same time, cutting through the water with powerful strokes. Max was fast, but Azzy… he was something else. He was smooth, efficient, almost effortless.
However, unknown to everyone, Azzy held back. He matched Max's pace for most of the race, letting him stay just a little ahead.
As they reached the final stretch, Azzy finally picked up speed. He surged forward, nearly catching up, but stopped just short of overtaking him.
Max slapped the wall first.
He won—barely.
Panting, he turned to see Azzy emerging beside him, barely looking winded.
There was a moment of silence before the reactions began.
"Expected," Nash shrugged.
"Still, that was so close!" Wendy remarked.
"Rael almost had it in the end!" Rina added.
Leiza narrowed her eyes, sensing something was off. Azzy didn't even look like he had exerted himself.
