Dayo, who was oblivious to the changes online, had just finished another race, coming out first again. People were already starting to stare at him, and some even whispered that he looked familiar, though they couldn't remember where they had seen him.

Dayo noticed all of this and felt strange. It had been long since he showed his face like this. Most times, he wore a mask to cover up and prevent people from recognizing him. This was how he disappeared from people's eyes, and now it was time to come back.

Dayo arrived at his room and laid on his bed, about to sleep, when he heard a knock on the door.

"Who is there?" Dayo asked as he wore his top while getting down from the bed.

"Boss, it's me. There's something you have to see," Sharon replied, her voice sounding urgent.

Dayo opened the door with a calm face. "I hope this news is worth you cutting my sleep, Sharon."

"Yes, boss. Come take a look at this," she said as she walked in, pulling out a tablet and showing it to Dayo.

"I came across this when I reached my room," Sharon said, handing Dayo the tablet.

Dayo smiled as he looked at the content and muttered, "So he really did fall for the trick?"

"Hmm? Boss, did you know about this?" Sharon asked, confused.

"Haha, not really. I just pushed him and never knew he would take a leap." Dayo smiled, amused by what he was seeing.

"Ah, boss, speak in a language I understand," Sharon said as she faked a frustrated voice.

"Alright, hold your horse, Sharon. I have seen interviews of Alex and made a profiling of him as someone who doesn't like being belittled. So he would act out. And I knew Martin would check my name and probably tell Alex, who would see it as an opportunity for fame.

"Funny thing," Dayo continued after drinking water, "I even saw when he was taking this picture, and I posed well so I would look good. Don't you think I looked good in the picture?"

Sharon looked at Dayo and shook her head. She had been working for Dayo for about four years, and each time he came up with something more amazing than the last. She had gotten used to seeing Dayo do things normal people would consider abnormal.

"Hmm, when I think I know everything about you… you bring a new thing."

Dayo laughed and said, "We learn every day, eh?"

"Yes, I do." She smiled. "Alright, let me allow you to rest. Tomorrow is your big final, and from the looks of things, we should be expecting a reunion."

"Haha, alright. Tomorrow then." He walked her to the door.

"Yeah, tomorrow, boss." She waved as she walked out.

***

The Next Day

The next day came fast. It was the big final. Dayo was excited and nervous. He slept quite late but woke up early as usual, did his routine exercise, but was still jobless since the final was in the evening. He decided to take a stroll, but the moment he stepped out of the hotel, he saw a crowd and was flabbergasted.

Most of them wore his merchandise — albums, hoodies, shirts. The moment they spotted him, he made a U-turn immediately and walked back instantly in a stealthy manner to avoid gaining attention.

Arriving back in his hotel room, Dayo shut the door quickly and leaned against it, exhaling slowly. His heart was still beating fast from the near fan encounter.

He immediately grabbed his phone and called Sharon.

She picked up on the second ring.

"Hello, bo—"

"Sharon," Dayo cut in, voice low and irritated, "what's happening outside the hotel?"

Sharon cleared her throat. "Ah… boss, sorry. You were sleeping when I called earlier. I wanted to inform—"

"No, no, no," Dayo interrupted again. "Something is wrong. I saw the missed call and wanted to call back when I went out for a stroll. Then I went outside. What's going on out there?"

"Boss," she sighed, "I was actually on my way to come tell you. You shouldn't go out without your mask. The crowd outside… they're your fans. Some of your old fans came for the finals because of the rumors."

Dayo blinked. "Rumors? Ah, that Alex thing… it got traction?"

"Yes, boss. The rumors that you were participating in the national competition spread a bit. Nothing massive, but enough to gather your hardcore fans. They've been waiting since morning."

Dayo rubbed his forehead. "…What the fuck. Seriously?"

Though a part of him was secretly happy.

"Yes," she said with a small laugh. "Your fans are loyal o. Even after four years."

He paced slowly. "So how do we leave now? There's no way I'm walking through that crowd like this."

"That one is simple," Sharon replied. "It's still morning. The finals start in the evening. By then, most of them will leave for the venue. We'll sneak out through the staff exit. I've already arranged with hotel security."

Dayo breathed out. "Good. It's been a while since I've been in that kind of crowd."

"Don't worry, boss. Just rest and prepare. I'll call when it's time."

****

Evening came quickly.

Sharon knocked on Dayo's door. "Boss, we're ready."

Dayo wore a dark hoodie and mask as they moved quickly through the hallway. Richard joined them, holding his bag.

Together, they slipped out through the staff exit, entered a black SUV waiting at the side, and drove straight to the venue.

When they arrived, the moment Dayo stepped out of the car, a cluster of fans waiting near the entrance screamed.

"Oh my God, JD!"

"Dayo, I love you!"

"You finally came back!"

"JD, please wave!"

"Go for the win, JD!"

Some even held cards.

Dayo froze for a second.

Then he smiled — a small, genuine smile.

He lifted his hand and waved.

A warm feeling spread through his chest.

Even after four years of disappearing, people still remembered him.

Some even traveled just to watch him swim.

He didn't expect it, but it felt good.

Very good.

Richard placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go. Focus."

They began walking toward the building, but halfway there, two familiar figures stepped into their path.

Martin and Alex.

Martin smirked the moment his eyes met Richard's.

"Well, well… Richard. Your standards have truly dropped. From coaching champions to training pop stars."

He glanced at Dayo with a mocking smile. "I hope your celebrity swimmer is worth the embarrassment."

Alex folded his arms, staring at Dayo with a cocky grin.

"I'll see you in the water," Alex said. "Let's settle it in the pool."

Dayo didn't flinch. He simply nodded once. "No problem."

Richard exhaled slowly. "Let's go, Dayo. Ignore them."

They walked past, and Alex shot Dayo a sideways glare, but Dayo didn't even look back.

***

Inside the Arena

Inside the arena, swimmers were warming up, water splashing everywhere. The crowd was loud, the air thick with excitement. This was one of the biggest events before the U.S. Championships.

Although there was always a crowd, today was different — Dayo still had his charm and pulled people to come.

Dayo looked around and saw his family waving at him. He was shocked at first, but a bright smile appeared on his lips and he waved back.

Dayo and Richard moved to their assigned lane. Dayo removed his hoodie and started stretching.

"Calm your breathing," Richard reminded him. "Do your warm-up. Don't think of anything else."

Dayo nodded and continued stretching.

Minutes later, all swimmers were called to their lanes.

Richard stepped aside. "Remember, swim clean. Swim your race. Forget Alex. Your family is watching… make them and yourself proud."

Dayo stepped onto the block.

The referee lifted a hand.

"Swimmers… on your marks!"

Dayo crouched, fingers gripping the edge.

"Set…"

The hall went silent.

"GO!"

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