With the finish line in sight, Elias surged ahead, his body moving like a machine. He overtook the young man with ease, crossing the finish line first. The young man, just a beat too slow, slapped the water in frustration, cursing under his breath.
The crowd, which had gathered to watch, slowly began to disperse, their excitement fading with the race. But Elias remained in the water, struggling to catch his breath. A man jumped in to help him, pulling him to the shore where he collapsed, utterly exhausted.
Mira, standing at a distance, took slow, deliberate steps toward the scene. She stopped behind a large tree, watching as Vera knelt beside Elias.
"Elias, are you stupid? Is it worth it?" Vera’s voice trembled as she scolded him, tears streaming down her face. She quickly took off her coat and draped it over him.
“Be good, don’t catch a cold, I’m fine.” Elias, barely able to lift his head, smiled weakly, still breathless. He reached out, despite his exhaustion, to help Vera adjust her coat over his shoulders. "I won, right?"
Vera nodded, her face filled with gratitude and relief. “Yeah.”
Elias' smile deepened. “I’m still your groom, right?”