Arslan is invited as a special guest coach at a local sports day events that promotes healthy living to the younger generations. Eiden was there to capture the event.
PATREON/GUMROAD
Sports Day: Arslan’s Big Event.
It was rare for Arslan to have the jitters, he was always so overconfident, brave in the way he talked to strangers. Naive in how he looked at everything with a positive attitude.
Not today.
Arslan had been up since sunrise, pacing around, looking at his notes, packing and repacking his gym bag. Making sure he didn’t forget anything. He was trying to move quietly but the 6AM stillness was enough to wake up his boyfriend. Sleepily walking out of the main bedroom, his tank-top slipping from his left shoulder.
“What’s up with the commotion?!” Eiden spoke still groggy from sleep, his hair a mess.
“I’m sorry – I didn’t mean to wake you,” Arslan said apologetic and in a whisper.
“Are you nervous about today?” Eiden asked. Arslan made a raspberry with his mouth.
“Of course not! – Just wanna have everything right!” Arslan spouted with brimming self confidence.
Eiden, without warning, jumped on Arslan lap, sitting sideways on his legs.
Eiden embraced his big guy.
Almost frail, Arslan held onto him.
“You’re gonna do great tiger!” Eiden said whispering. “And I’ll be there with all the other soccer mom’s cheering you from the sidelines.” Eiden said calmly.
Arslan went beet red.
Eiden came back to meet Arslan face, and with a gentle hand on Arslan’s cheek.
Eiden held the moment for a beat.
“You want some breakfast?” Eiden said, finally breaking the silence.
Arslan nodded profusely, and Eiden sat up heading for the stove.
Of course Arslan was nervous – but he wouldn’t admit it to Eiden – because today was Sports Day!
The organization of the event was a nonprofit, and they had invited him as a special correspondent.
Apparently, posting workout videos, nutrition tips, and the occasional failed handstand on IG made him somewhat ‘influential.’
Eiden teased him the whole car ride.
“So, Mister Celebrity, gonna sign some autographs?” Eiden said as he held the wheel. Eiden let out a small chuckle, teasing his boyfriend.
Arslan’s ears turned pink.
“It’s – It’s not like that. They just want me to teach stuff.” Arslan blasted. Eiden still snickered.
The local stadium buzzed with energy: bright banners, kids in colorful sportswear, and loudspeakers echoing with announcements. The vibe was exactly like those Japanese school festivals — cheerful, chaotic, and somehow perfectly organized.
Arslan stepped onto the track with his red joggers and blue shirt, instantly drawing attention.
“Oh my god, that’s the guy from Insta!” one pre-teen exclaimed.
“That’s him! The ‘Monday Motivation’ dude!” another one said as they all circled around him.
Eiden laughed softly from the sidelines, helping arrange the snack tables. He wasn’t part of the spotlight, but he didn’t mind — watching Arslan light up around people was more than enough.
Arslan spent the morning teaching warm-ups, showing how to stretch without pulling anything, and demonstrating how not to do push-ups
“Okay – Yes, you can bend like that, but please don’t.” he said as a teen demonstrated she could do an inverted handstand.
The kids loved him. In fact it seemed like his group was getting attention from the other teens. They all had been separated into small groups of 10 and assigned to a correspondent.
Arslan’s group was constantly laughing and the teens seemed engaged more than any other group. Arslan really made it so that they would have dynamic presentations. They all really locked in when Arslan explained technical stuff, but told jokes along the way. Eiden caught glimpses of the mom’s as they stared at him with a big grin on their face.
Lora one of the event organizers, gave two big thumbs up and pointed to Arslan, Eiden smiled back. Eiden knew Lora personally. And she knew Arslan was his boyfriend.
The pre-teens followed Arslan during his instructions like he was leading a hero’s quest. Even the shy ones perked up when he gave them a thumbs-up or told them they were naturally strong. Arslan already had that effect on people.
Eiden brought him water between rotations.
“You’re doing great,” he said. Arslan just kinda seemed oblivious, but Eiden could tell he was in a groove.
Arslan took the bottle, grinning.
“They’re pretty cool, huh?”
“You’re pretty cool,” Eiden corrected under his breath.
The day ended with group photos, high fives, and a chorus of THANK YOU, ARSLAN! From his group. At the end of the day the correspondents hanged back and Lora took the mic to announce she would be giving out awards.
Arslan won Natural Leader and was assigned as the P.E. Teacher of the Year for the nonprofit. The medals were meaningless, but Eiden couldn’t help but feel proud.
On the walk back to the car, Arslan stretched his arms behind his head.
“So… not bad, right?” Arslan grinned.
Eiden nudged him.
“You were awesome! Officially the pre-teens’ new favorite gym bro.”
Arslan laughed, sun-soaked and proud.
And though he’d never admit it, his favorite part of the entire event was catching Eiden smiling at him from the sidelines — every single time he looked over.
Stock Photography Provided by Envato.
Anamnesis 