I Like Your FREE! Reader Insert WWYFF ~ Chapter 2.

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Chapter 2: For The Team

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~~Present Day: Age 16~~

Those guys...

They really hadn't changed in all the time you knew them. Not until Rin decided to leave. You remembered crying that day. But that was in the past, now it was just the beginning of your second year of High school. Hard to believe its been 6 years since then, huh? Any time you started something new, those memories stung at your brain.

“Huu.. huu...” panting, you ran around the corner, looking down at your watch in panic. '15 minutes!' Skidding as you turned, you ran directly into someone.

“Ah~!”

Falling back, one of your shoes slipped off, butt hitting the floor with a harsh thump. “Uuuu...” propping yourself up on your elbows you rubbed your side.

“I'm sorry..!! I didn't mean to! Really!”

The said boy got up, flailing his arms back and forth, flustered as he looked down at you. Holding out his hand he lowered himself to help you off the floor. That voice... those... words...?

“My fault... I was running too fast..” Taking his hand, you squeezed it tightly, pulling yourself off the ground and using your momentum. A tad, too much momentum actually.

Tripping over your shoe you only managed to trip, falling into the other boy's arms. You instantly shifted your gaze to the floor, glaring at the lone shoe, partially to keep him from seeing your face. If it was someone you didn't like you didn't want them to go around spreading rumors you'd jumped into their arms like a crazy person.

“I'm really sorry...! But I have to go catch up with someone..!”

Holding your shoulders in a gentle grip, he helped you get settled straight. “Oh alright..” You took a step back and swatted a few strands of hair from your eyes that had come loose from your pony-tail.


Picking up your other shoe, you bent your leg up to slip it back on, tapping it in place. The blond had took a few steps past you, but you heard the click of his shoes hault after a moment. “You...”

Head snapping up your (e/c) eyes rounded to saucers, feeling weight against your body as you slipped back onto the ground, wincing. “What are you-”

“___-chan!!”

Looking up, you gasped, big, pink eyes staring down at you. ___-chan?! Your heart stopped for a moment. That wavy blond hair, that smile, that name!

“N-Nagisa...!!”

He made a noise of agreement, nodding his head as he pulled you up, hugging you tight. His hugs were always like a bear, all warm and fluffy. Wrapping your arms around his neck you felt him lift you off the ground, spinning you playfully.

Setting you down you smiled up at him, though you were older you still managed to be the shortest. Not by a large amount to Nagisa of course. “I haven't seen you in forever!” He beamed. Flinching, eyes spotted your watch. “We can talk later! Gotta get to class!”

Running full sprint the entire way there, the both of you split ways in the hall, having different homerooms. You did promise to meet up at lunch time, nevertheless.

Heaving in heavy breaths, you weaved past the other's desks, sliding into your seat just as the bell rang. “Where were you...?” Makoto whispered, leaning to the side while the teacher called role. You turned around, putting your elbow on the back of your seat.

“Just meeting an old friend.”

You caught Haruka, who was sitting behind you turning his head the other way, gazing out the window. He wasn't even here yesterday...

“____, (l/n)?”

Turning about quickly, you sat up straight, pretending you hadn't been turned around.  “Present!” You answered, voice raising a little higher that you thought it would. A few guys snickered. Haruka's eyes narrowed, shifting in his seat to face forward, resting his chin on his palm.

“Hmn..” The short haired, brunette at the front of the class held the clipboard, seeming to think over one of the names. You knew who it was ought to be. “Miss.. Haruka Nanase?”

Holding both hands up in the air you interrupted, “Haru is a boy, Miss Ama-chan!”

The rest of the class laughed, some trying to hold it back. You furrowed your brows, dropping your hand and huffing, glaring slightly at one of the red-headed boys in class that glanced back. He smirked a bit. “Che...”  


~~Lunch Break~~

“Mind if we eat on the roof today?” Makoto took out his lunch, unwrapping the paper to inspect his squid. He only changed that up occasionally. “I was just about to ask!”

You turned, hopping up the stairwell and skipping every three steps, you could hear Makoto's worried voice behind you as they followed. “Slow down, ___!”

Reaching the entry way to the top of the school, you gripped the doorknob, opening the steel door. Stepping out into the sun you squinted your eyes, head zipping back and forth, obviously searching for something.

“...Who're you looking for...?”

Haru blinked slowly, walking up to you. “I have someone for you to meet..!” Grabbing onto both of their hands you finally saw the head of blond you were looking for, standing by the ledge. “...Nagisa-kun!”

Their grips tightened, pace seeming to increase along with you. “Nagisa?!” He turned, lips stretching across his face as he jogged up to meet you. “Haru-chan! Mako-chan!” He laughed at the expressions that crossed their faces. Sitting down he grinned.

“I transferred here to join you guys at Iwatobi Highschool~!!”

The three of you made a circle around him, setting down your things. “How many years has it been...?” Unzipping your bag you pulled out a bento box, unlidding it, letting the smell wafted upward. “At least 5 years, right?”

He nodded, crossing his legs and placing his hands down. “I don't think we even saw you after the swim club shut down...” Makoto, unwrapping his food took a bite out of one of the strips. “Yep, because I went to a different school.”

“Haru, did you bring a lunch...?”

Tilting your head you glanced past Nagisa. “No.” Looking down at your lap, you used your chopsticks to lift one of the halves of your fish to your mouth, holding it there as you held other half in the container to him. “Hmn?”

His brows raised slightly, staring at the fried piece of mackerel. "Thank you.." He mumbled, raising a hand to grab the container from the bottom.
His blue eyes looked to the side, holding the box in his hand. You chuckled softly, nodding before you noticed Nagisa standing up. He went to the ledge, leaning on it and gazing over the school grounds. "Neh, the pool here has cherry blossoms..!" Holding the tail of the fish in your hand, you bit it softly as you pushed yourself off the ground. "I always wanted to go swimming there..."

"Why didn't you..?"

Swallowing, you wiped your hands on a napkin and sat on the block of cement that lined the rooftop, looking over your shoulder. "It's closed. Nobody uses it. So why clean it?" You shrugged, staring at the falling blossoms of the cherry trees.

"Well where have you guys been swimming? Practicing?"

Makoto stood beside you, shaking his head. "Conveniently enough there aren't any pools in the area... " The blond shota pursed his lips, crossing his arms and lowering his head. "And I was looking forward to swimming with you guys again!!" He whined, face dropping, eyes shut and frowning. Haru went between the space between you and Nagisa, an empty bento in his hand. "Ahah..! You liked it?"
He nodded a bit, looking out into the sky while giving it back to you. He almost never held eye contact with you for more than 10 seconds...You smiled in pride, taking it back. Makoto chuckled softly behind you.

"Everyone always loves your cooking, ___."

The school bells ticked, ringing out with an echo. "Time to go~!!" Laughing, you picked up, all heading back to the door.
Being the last to go out, you saw a girl looking at you, blinking rapidly as her eyes followed your group. She bowed her head, red ponytail falling over her shoulder before she turned. "Eh..?" Did you know her..? She did seem awfully familiar..

"-___" Haru stopped at the second step, looking up at you calmly.

"C..oming!" You jumped, catching up with the others and feeling Haruka follow after you, staying behind a few paces. Nagisa was already at the mid, hopping to it with both feet, arms spread like wings.

“Neh, did you guys hear, though..?"

"Hear what?" He slowed down, spinning backward on his heel. "They're finally tearing down the old swim club." Nearly tripping, you grabbed onto the steel railings. They couldn't be..! "So what say we head over there for one last visit~?" Running to his height, you held your breath. "We have to!!"

"To dig up that thing?"

Makoto tilted his head, with a small smile. Haruka was stilled, slowly making his way down, seeming distant. "But... Is it okay for the four of us to dig it up?" Your head dropped, bangs falling messily over your eyes. "It's our last memory with him... So.. We have to get it before we can't." You thought over that day when the five of you had dug up that whole, burying that new... shining, blue and gold trophy. When Rin...

"-You guys can go."

Your breath hitched, looking up in shock. Haruka walked by Makoto, about to leave. Grabbing his hand, your brows arched. "Haru."

"…"

"You can do your free! One last time where you used to." You tugged on his sleeve determinedly.
He turned his head, lips parted. His soft eyes trembled, the sharp blue contrasting with the dim stairway. Locking eyes with you, he gave a small, bob of his head. You sputtered a breathy laugh through your nose.

"Then it's settled!”

~~After School~~

“Ahh... So Haru-chan, you live by yourself?”

Nagisa poked around, sliding open the wooden doors which led to small living room. “You know... you could maybe use, Haru-kun too, Nagisa...” you uttered, opening one of the closets to retrieve a slightly worn down shovel. At least using -kun would make it less feminine. You hated when others made fun of any of their names.

Looking at Makoto you handed the tool to him, scratching your cheek lightly. “His mother went with his dad when he had to move because of work.” You flushed at the mention of mothers, even if Makoto was speaking of Haru's life situation you couldn't help but think back to whenever your mother teased you; every time you hung out with these guys. Such a pain...  

Sitting on the floor you scooted to your back pack, resting against the wall in the entrance hallway. “Hm...” Shifting through its contents your finger tips slowly found what they were looking for.  

Pulling out a small cloth bag you brought it out, untying it and glancing inside. “I don't know if I should even bother... but..” A hand touched your shoulder. “Hya?! N-Nothing!” Nearly crushing the items in your hands you shoved it back into your bag. “What was that, ___-chan..?” The brunette held the shovel at his side, pointing at the open zipper of the pack.

You smiled sheepishly, zipping It up in one swift motion and standing up. A hand was raised to rub the back of your head. “Just my left overs from lunch..?” You lightly kicked the bag with your foot as the other two boys peeked through the doorways of the rooms they were in, curious glints in their eyes.

~~At TSC- The Old Iwatobi Swimming Club~~

Walking in front, your eyes eagerly shifted through the cracks lining the outer perimeter of your old swim club. The paint was running down, rust was forming on the steel reinforcements along the doorway and windows, and it actually looked... pretty freaky here at night. It wasn't what you were intending on seeing at all.

“The place is pretty trashed...”

The others seemed to be in the same state, looking over the damages that were visible from outside. Nagisa reached in his pocket and pulled out a small white square, opening it up t show off some sort of white grains in the center. “Here, just in case. Purifying salt.”

Thank god it was just salt...

Haruka stared at it blankly as Makoto grimaced. “Salt..?” “-They say the place is haunted.” He flinched, hand tightening. “Don't scare me..”

“He's not lying though, Koto-kun...”
He blinked at you, brows lowered in worry. “Haven't you heard? Some people say they've been seeing ghosts moving around.” “-And hearing sobbing voices!” Nagisa added, holding up his pouch and reaching down to grab a handful.

He threw it over Makoto's shoulders and did the same with Haruka. “For you now, ____-chan!” Splaying the last of it over you and himself he rolled the cloth in his hand, smiling contently. “Hoi-”

Haru raised a finger yo his lips, licking off a few grains of this “purifying salt”. “I don't think you're suppose to eat that-” He cut you short, lowering his hand and looking at it. “It's just sugar.”

Your brow twitched, sending an uneasing look at Nagisa. He cowered, lip twitching nervously. “Lets go...” Touching the cold, stiff door, you pushed it open and flicked on your small flashlight. “As long as it's all in the head, anyway!”

“Sugar will still get the job done.”

“That or sugar will attract the sweet-tooth shadows..~” You said in an eerie voice, wiggling your fingers in front of the ray of light. “Cliché as hell...” Haru muttered. “Ehh? How so?”

-Crash- Clack-

“Ah..My foot accidentally kicked an empty can..” Nagisa rubbed his neck, giggling. Makoto gripped onto Haruka's shoulders tightly, face paled with fear. “Y-YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!!” He cried, loosening up and walking slowly. You laughed at him, the laughter escaping your fingers.

“You scaredy-cat, Koto-kun~!”

He gulped, holding th handle of his shovel in front of him nervously. “_-__-chan!” Waving a hand over your head you dismissed him. All of you surveyed the area, paying a short visit to each room you used to go through, the locker room, the shower area, and of course... the lounge. The first room we usually visited to check in or visit Coach Sasabe on free days.

The shota ran to the far wall, scanning over each of the portraits lining it. “Here's us!!” Skidding to his side you looked at the small frame in awe, and memory. “The portrait from when we won the relay...”

---Day of the Relay: FLASHBACK--

“You have a girl on your team...?” The manager of the relay looked at your small group, raising a brow. You felt a small tug on the corner of your jacket sleeve. Looking to the hand, you saw Haruka staring up at the older man, brows ever-so-slightly, furrowed.

“She's part of our team! She can enter the relay!!” Rin pushed past Makoto to get to the front, hands balled into a tiny fists. Makoto and Nagisa nodded in unison. “H-Hai! She's been training just the same!” “Please let her race..!”

Your head lowered, you hadn't thought that this would make that big of a deal. Maybe one of them would just have to swim two rounds.. //In this fanfic I'm going to alter the common rules for a relay a bit.. A team consists of 5 members, going front crawl, back, breast, butterfly, and the usual round of free.. gomen **sorry if thats too confusing...//

The man stroked his mustache, flipping through a small black book. The rule book. This was it... All this hard work was for nothing. Not fair!

“Okay.”

All of you jumped, stepping back. “Okay?” “Okay what?!” The man closed the book, folding it neatly back inside his pocket. “There aren't any rules against a female participating in a relay in an all boys team. Not written in ink.” He didn't seem to actually care much, but he nodded his head softly before walking away without another word.

You froze, head coming up from where it had dipped down in shame. “Did you hear that?” Nagisa's eyes seemed brighter than before as he hugged your arm. “You can swim with us!!” Makoto laughed, hands on his hips in triumph.

You took in a shrill breath, chuckling uncontrollably. The small grip on your white jacket sleeve loosened, Haru breaking out in a faint smile. Rin leaped forward and assaulted your shoulders, hugging you to him tightly. He had that unstoppable energy 24/7.

“You'll always be part of out team, ___-chan!”

When you were about to respond another unfamiliar pair of arms wrapped around you too. His blue hair brushed against your shoulder, leaning on you almost protectively. “Ah, ah~!! We want in on the hug too!!”

Nagisa squeezed in, pouting and tugging Makoto over childishly. You shut your eyes, pulling them closer by the cloth of their uniforms, smiling happily. Releasing, you all stood together, stripping off your white jackets and throwing them onto your shoulders. Hands in.

“I-wa-to-bi~!”

You guys went on to win the relay then, and Rin put out the idea for the time capsule. “That thing” Makoto mentioned before.

“Do the honors, ___~!”

He handed over the lid of the cardboard box in which your trophy now lied, sitting patiently in the shallow hole in the ground. You took a moment to remember the look of the pristine item, eyes shining until the moment you covered it up.

The five children kneeled around it, using their hands to scoot small amounts of dirt over the small sanctuary of a memory, patting it down to safety. Using a finger, you wrote a small message in the dirt.

A sudden wave of nostalgia hit you just then... when you were all grown up, together you'd all be seeing it again.

---END FLASHBACK--

“For the team...” you mumbled, swiping a trail of dust away from the glass.

“__-chan~!! Haru-chan~!”

When you turned you saw the back of Haru, walking to the doorway in which Nagisa waited. “S-Sorry...” You patted your skirt, going to them. “Hey.. Do you think the marker will still be there?” Shining your flashlight past Nagisa you cocked your head. “I hope so...”

Sighing, you shined the light down another hallway as you passed. Wait. What's that..? You flinched, stepping to the side and turning the light away as if pretending not to see.

"Who's that..?"

The others stopped, Haruka and Makoto stepping closer a bit as the figure in the darkness stepped closer. Unceasing echoes of footsteps rang out. You narrowed your eyes, brows tightly knit.
Someone, who you assumed to be a man, stopped a few feet away from your group, hand raising to hold the lip of his black cap on his head. Dark, mahogany hair poked out underneath.

"Yo."

A nonchalant, deeper voice hit your ears. "I didn't expect to run into you guys here." The boy's hand reached around to hook a finger in the strap of the hat, stretching it back before letting it snap back in place. Peering over Haru's shoulders, your lungs constricted, breath holding itself back from releasing.

"R-Rin...?"

Squeezing between the two perched in front of you, you stopped, round, shaky eyes staring up at him as he pulled the article from his head. His messy, reddish hair fell softly as his eyes shifted lower to meet yours.

"___.."

Nagisa hopped forward, grabbing onto the sleeve of the black jacket draped over Rin's shoulders. But he didn't look away, eyes locked with yours- calm and holding a small, withering spark of the enthusiastic child you remembered.

"Rin-chan!! It must be fate..!"

Nagisa rambled on, releasing him and stepping back, a small twinge of a smile on his lips. "Why didn't you tell us you were back from Australia?!" Your lips began slowly forming into a slight, ecstatic smile, lips parted and unsure of what to say. “...Rin-”

“-You're still sticking with these guys?”

You blinked, raising a brow in confusion as your smile slowly fell. “Eh..?” The red haired male closed his eyes, scoffing slightly and hooking his thumb in his pocket. He loosely held onto the hat in his hand. “You'll never learn with them,”

You felt a presence behind you, a bit of a defensive voice rising. “-What about you? Have you learned anything?”  Rin's eyes shot up, narrowing threateningly as he looked past your head with a hardened gaze. Glancing back, you looked up at Haru, staring intently at the other- a glint in his darkening blue eyes. “Che, glad you mentioned. Why don't I just show you instead?”

Watching as he took a step closer, turning on his heel to walk down the hallway, you noticed a smirk cross his face, razor sharp teeth glinting in the dull light. “I'll show you which of us is better, ___.”

Eyes widened in shock, he began making his way, Haruka following close behind. “Wait, Haru-!” Makoto tried to stop him, thrown completely by this sudden behavior. “..Did they just ditch us?” Nagisa sighed shallowly, deadpanning. Jogging after them, you nearly grabbed onto both of their jackets to stop them from racing so rashly, but seeing how they were acting, there was no stopping it.

Following them to the pool area, you found yourself surprised and slightly flustered as they immediately began stripping. “I-Isn't this too rushed? We haven't seen each other in over 5 years-”

“I'll show you how different we are now.”

Rin declared this, throwing his shirt away like trash. He stared directly at Haru intensely, not a hint of a happy thought about it on his face. It was like he had hated him. What had happened before he left..? When he was gone?

“Sure. Go ahead.”

Haru discarded his clothing, eyes opening to look straight back at him sharply. Even in his collected voice there was a certain edge to it as he talked now. The boys trailing behind you gasped. “They're going to swim here!?” You raised your arms up defensively in front of you, flinching. “E-Eh! Wait!”

The two felt in a completely different dimension. Completely blocking out your voices as they dropped their pants, stepping away fro the articles. Swim suit. “You were wearing that the whole day?!” Makoto cried. Swim suits. They were both wearing that? Do these guys believe in normal underwear anymore!?

“We have to stop them!”

Nagisa's head turned to the taller brunette. “Do we really..?” Tugging on both of their shirts you pulled them forward. “O-Oi! Yes we do..!” The two shirtless males were already stepping in pace with each other, never breaking the subtle glaring battle as they sped up on their way closer to the starting blocks. There isn't any--

“Ready, go-”

-Water... You sighed, the two of them freezing before backing off of the blocks. Rin yanked off his goggles and held them over his shoulder. “Tch... lame.” He clenched his teeth, brushing past Haruka with a disinterested expression. What was the most you could expect from an abandoned building, anyway?

“Hey...”

You tried reaching out for Rin. He spared you a short glance with furrowed brows, but looked away stubbornly. Going back to where his jacket was lying on the floor he retrieved something from it, “Oh, yeah. Did you guys come here for this..?”

Slinging his cloth over his shoulder he held your trophy in his free hand, turning back half way. “Oh, our trophy..!” Each of you blinked, standing beside each other. “I don't need this thing anymore.” You jumped, hearing a clink his the floor as the item was dropped. Your fingers shook slightly as Makoto and Nagisa went forward to try and save it. Luckily it didn't break. Now that struck a nerve.

“Rin-chan...”

Reaching behind you, you pulled something from your backpack and clutched it in your hand. “W-Wait..!” Running after him you vaguely felt someone grab your hand, trying to pull you back, but you slipped your arm away.

Gaining on him he didn't stop. “Go back, ___.” Sliding your fingers between his you gave him the small gift in your hands. He seemed to stop, and you let go quickly, taking your hand back and waiting for a moment.

He raised it, head lowering as he stared at it. “Hmf..” Without saying anything in response he merely began walking again. He accepted it in the least... Giving up, you turned on your heel. “What did you give him...?” Tilting your head at Makoto you waved him off, smiling a tad. “Nothing...!”

~~ Next Day: Outside ~~

You let out a drawn out yawn. Stretching your arms above your head, your palms slowly set themselves down on the soft grass. You noticed Haru move slightly, eyes slowly opening.

“...A dream..?”

Crossing your legs and scooting closer to peer down at him you shook you head. “No, it wasn't a dream!!” Makoto exclaimed, eyes shut in exasperation. Nagisa crossed his arms. “I don't get it though... Rin-chan was really weird.” You nodded, huffing softly. “Yeah,”

“Look-alike.”

You blinked in confusion at Haru's exclamation. “Why would a look-alike challenge you to a race?” Makoto questioned. “No one looks like Rin-kun, either...” You raised a brow, lips forming a straight line.

“A ghost, then.”

Nagisa made a noise of surprise. “He wasn't floating..”  Haruka rolled over to his side, facing where you were sitting beside him. He glanced up at you before closing his eyes.

“Doppelganger.”

Makoto smiled suddenly, raising his fists. “Oh! That takes me back! We used to do that at the swimming club..!” Setting your hands in the dip of your skirt, you sat on your knees, listening in to his story. “Super Fusion: Doppelgan-”

Nagisa sighed heavily, rolling his head back. “Keep it down, Makoto...” The taller boy stood up, throwing his arms up to the sides. “What's wrong with you guys!?” You raised one of your hands to try and calm him down, fanning it casually with an awkward little grin. “Eheh.. don't worry. I remember that activity too, Koto-kun!” The other blond looked at you, bewilderment blurring his pink eyes. “Really? I wasn't paying attention but I thought Iwatobi was your first swimming club...?”

Mouth rounding, your brow twitched, thinking of how to cover that up. “-Hey!” Makoto pouted down at Hazuki, shoulders raised. Guess he didn't notice... Rubbing the back of your neck you chuckled. Dropping that hand it landed on the front of your backpack once again, a small crinkle heard.

Haru's eyes opened slightly, looking at it. Bringing your brows together you lifted your arm hurriedly, turning your body away from the others to open the flap. “Ah, thats right...” Haruka sat up, Makoto stopping his ranting as he lowered himself again. “Hm..?”

“I made these the other day..!”

Smiling you turned again, raising up a box wrapped in a light purple cloth. “Whats that, ___-chan?” Nagisa leaned in, pointing at it and almost pulling the tie himself. Backing it up you held your smile, undoing the tight ribbon and letting it fall off the box. It had the boy's full attention now.

Lifting up the lid you held it out proudly, “Remember these~?”

Haru reached out, grabbing one of them and looking at it intently, a small hint of a blush on his face. “Ahah~!!! ___-chan's cookies..!!” Nagisa's eyes shined brighter as he grabbed his, immediately biting the end off. You sweatdropped as you held it higher for Makoto to grab the last one. “Nagisa-kun... you never even take the time to look at the design...”

It was true.. each one of them were always specially made for each of them. A blue dolphin for Haru, an orca for Koto-kun, and a pink penguin for Nagisa-kun. And... yes! That's it. You giggled as the shota of the group opened up the clear plastic wrapper, stretching it out to read the small note. “For, My hewo, Nagisaaa-kunnn..~!” He said playfully, putting it down as he chewed the sweets in his mouth.

“For, Scaredy-Koto-kun..?” Makoto laughed softly.

Haru blinked slowly, holding the slightly crinkled plastic in one hand and looking over it. “Always free, Haru-kun...”  You nodded, bowing your head and pushing your bangs back.  “Oi, __-chan!” Nagisa had already finished the pastry, crossing his legs again and swaying back and forth slightly. “If you made these, did you make one for Rin---”

“-Boys... and Lady.”

A shadow towered over you all, adding to he light shade the tree above you was already emitting. But the only difference was this “shade” had a threatening voice... and an actual figure. The man tapped his foot in impatience. “Faculty office. Now.”

“Hai... Yes, sir..”

You mumbled a small remark, sweatdropping in shame as you stood, pulling down your skirt slightly as he led your troupe inside the building. You almost never got in trouble, not even last year of Highschool. But, what did you expect, neh?

The man took a seat in a chair, a frown upon his face as he looked over the children standing before him. “The place may be abandoned, but its still trespassing if you enter without permission!” He scolded you bluntly, arms crossed tightly. “Do you understand?”

“I apologize..”

“We're sorry.”

“Hai, sorry...”

“...”

The rolling of wheels against the flooring, Miss Ama-chan stood from her computer chair and walked over quickly, “Now, now. I think that's enough.” She looked between all present and smiled sweetly, holding up her pointer finger with dignified presence. “Think back to what Li Bai once said,”

“In human life, accomplishment must bring total joy. Do not allow an empty goblet to face the moon.”

You blinked, looking at her in slight astonishment, and mixed feelings of... confusion. “You only have one life, so you should do what you want. It would be foolish not to drink from the glass placed before you, right~?”

Opening her eyes she opened her palm, smiling. Staring at her with a blank expression, the others stayed silent, pondering. She became flustered quickly and backed up a bit in embarrassment. “Huh??”

After a few minutes of vague scolding, it seemed the teacher had lost his interest as he turned his chair with a large huff. He let you off free this time. But he didn't want it happening again. You were actually thankful for Miss Ama-chan today, showing her your thanks by giving her a small bow and some left over pastries you'd baked in your spare time.

“Neh, neh, Mako-chan, ___-chan, do you think that Rin-chan could really have transferred to our school?”

Makoto glanced at the shorter male, humming with indifference. “If he really is back from Australia, then he might have...” You felt tense every time they brought up his name again. He hadn't been at the opening ceremony after all. “We could always check the locker rooms, you guys!”

Suggesting the idea, eyes looked at the ceiling, trailing the patterns along it. “Good idea, ___-chan~!” You stopped. “Eh? Whats wrong?” Pointing at the door to your right you blinked innocently. “They're right here.”

Nagisa jumped to the door, sliding it open. “Well come on!” Just as you were about to enter, you felt something vibrate in your pocket. Slipping your phone from it, you flipped open the screen- reading over the short message.

From: Mom
Subject: ^__^
Mind coming home early to help me with dinner??
P.S. If you're hanging out with your boy friend's don't worry bout it~!!

You gasped, shutting the screen shut and clutching onto it tightly. You blushed every time she said something snarky like that... it was like she was trying to push you into one of their arms and into the sunset! Only friends mother!!

“Hoi, ___, you okay??”

Gulping you put the device away, sighing as you turned to them. “Sorry... my mom wants me to come home early to help out. Just let me know if you find anything, alright!” They nodded, giving short waves. Before leaving you noticed something. “Wait... is Haru in there??”

They shook their heads, looking about. “Oh! Wait... where did he-” “-He's back there!” Nagisa dipped his head out the doorway, pointing the opposite direction in which Haruka was heading. He pouted, grimacing softly. “No fair, Haru-chan...”

You let out a soft chuckle, patting Nagisa's shoulder apologetically. “Sorry, Nagisa-kun...” High-tailing backwards, you skipped down the other direction, going through the double doors. “Cya~!”

Walking home by yourself, you cracked your neck slightly, rolling your shoulders to pull your bag up. “Huu... uphill walking...” You lived opposite to Haruka's place, the entire other side of the school really. It was close in the least, so you almost never got there late.

You heard a light footstep behind you. Slowing down, you kept on walking, glancing back in your peripheral sights. “Hn..?” Imagination... Reaching your door, you took the two steps to the porch, taking out your key.  Walking in you knocked on the inside of the door twice, closing it behind you.

“I'm home..!”

A wooden spoon waved from behind the wall. “C'mere, sweety~” Dropping off your items you headed to the kitchen, pushing past the cropped cloth that hung in the frame. Walking to her you saw her stirring a few vegetables in a pan, already turning golden.

“What did you need help with, mom?”

She pointed to the cabinet. “Can you reach the pot on the top shelf?” Moving, you climbed onto a short stool, grabbing the wear before setting it on the burner beside her. “Just finish up slicing the meat on the cutting board and bring it to me, please,”

After taking care of everything you had noticed a small oil stain on your blazer, frowning down at it. “I'm gonna go take a shower, you have everything?” She nodded, flicking her wrist. Heading to your room at the end of the hall, you grabbed your pajamas and went to the bathroom, sliding open the wooden door.

You took a quick shower, throwing your uniform on the washer beforehand. Letting out a tired breath and stepping out of the water , you unplugged the drain while wrapping a towel around yourself as the water swirled downward.

“____~~!!”

Stepping into your sweats you turned around, going to the door and wiping away the fog clouding the glass half of it. “One of your friend's are here to see you!” You furrowed your brows, grabbing onto your shirt and pulling it over your head before you opened the door. “Don't joke around like that!” you pouted, slipping a towel over your head and rubbing it.

Opening your eyes you stepped out, bumping into someone. That... didn't feel like who you thought it was. “Sorry-” you blurted, moving the towel from your eyes and looking up at whoever it was that you ran into. His eyes looked right at yours.

His... red... eyes..?

Clutching the towel to your chest, hair still damp, you gaped. “RIN! W-What are you d-doing here?!” He knit his brows together, looking off to the side slightly. He was wearing a jacket over a black tank top, putting his hands in his pockets.

“I needed to talk to you.”

Arching your brows you blinked. Looking at your mom you narrowed your eyes, shooting her a look to not-mention-this-ever-again. Grabbing the sleeve of his jacket you walked to the end of the hall, flustered as you opened the door to your bedroom.

“I can't come back, ___.”

Turning around slowly, bewilderment washed over your face once again. “What do you mean...?” Stepping closer to you, he removed his hands from his pocket. Leaning against the wall you looked at him curiously. “Not until I beat, Haruka.”

You frowned, balling your fists softly. “Why is winning a race such a big deal? I don't understand why you've changed so much since--” Lunging forward he grabbed your hand. Feeling your back hitting the wall you stopped your sentence, eyes widening shakily.

“It's not just a race.”

You tried not to blush any as he looked down at you, a mix of unreadable emotions behind his eyes. His dark red hair fell over the bridge of his nose slightly. “Why do you dislike, Haru...?” You said softly, with a small sense of defiance, mouth straightening into a straight line.

His grip on your hand tightened almost possessively as soon as you said that. “It's not just about winning in the water, __.” His voice was firm, sounding just like it had yesterday when he challenged Haruka. His eyelids lowered slightly, “That's not the only thing...”

“...We're competing for.”

Backing up, he opened the palm of your hand, giving something back to you before opening the door and making his way out. You froze as you heard a soft crinkling noise in your palm, staying by the wall and listening as he walked down the hallway. Opening your fingers, your (e/c) orbs stared at the clear, empty piece of plastic resting there. 'For, My inspiration'.

“Sharky...”

You mumbled under your breath, walking to sit on your bed. What else was there to compete for..? Rin and Haru used to be so close when you first met them.

“I just want all of us... to be together again....”

Closing your eyes you fell back and let your head hit the pillow, setting the wrapper down. Letting yourself relax for once you thought it would be fine to just head to bed early... it was... actually really early. Maybe just a nap then. “Huu....”

“Neh, ____~!!”

Eyes snapping open you rolled straight of of your bed, hitting the floor harshly. “Owwy..” Rubbing the slight bump on your head you sat yourself up, crossing your legs. “What's wrong, Mom..?”

She gave you that same look she always did, sugar-coated and sweet, with that... disturbing taunting feeling radiating from just her dark (something) colored eyes. “Is that one your boyfriend?!”

You flared, turning on your bottom and going back onto your sheets, face first. You just shook your head. You felt a small weight shift on the bed. “...What happened..?”

“It was Rin.”

She fluttered her eyelids, raising a brow. “Rin..? “ “-Matsuoka.” Sliding a finger up to poke at the plastic resting by your pillow, you simply responded, “He just got back from Australia... but.. he's changed a lot. He told me something I don't understand...”

Your mother focused her eyes on you, a tad bit worried. “Australia? The red haired boy from your old club, right? That....”

“Zzz...chu.....”

What could you say...? Stress made you tired after all. Blankets pulled over your small frame, the warmth flooding around as you reflexively buried your chin into the cushion of the comforter. “It'll be fine, ___...”

~~ One Hour Later ~~

Buzz. Buzz. Buzzzzzzz.

Click.

'Heyyyy, ___-chan!! You there? We have something we wanna ask you!! … Hnng.. Mako-chan, ___-chan isn't picking up her cellphone! … Just leave a message, Nagisa! … I'm leaving one right now- oh! Uuuu... ___-chan, just call me back when you get this, kay? Bai bai~!!!'

Click.

Yawning, your body rolled to it's side, slowly taking in the message as you grabbed the cell. Sitting up, it seemed the sun was still out, slowly lowering behind the clouds. Re-listening to the message fully you laughed at what you could call some sort of an amateur voice message.  

“Wonder what they're up to...”

Dialing in the blond's number, you sent him a short text. 'What ya need Nagisa-kun???' Waiting for a response, you folded your legs underneath you, staring at the glowing screen with childish eyes. A moment after the small ring tone of a successfully delivered message sounded, the phone vibrated again. But instead of a message reply, it was a call.

Nagisa always had to talk directly to you to be content.

“-Hiya?”

“___,”

“...Haru? Why do you have Nagisa's cell?”

There was a brief silence.

“Makoto has something to ask you.”

In the back ground you could hear a familiar voice protesting. “___-chan?” You nodded to yourself, humming a noise to tell him to carry on.

“We ran into Rin's sister today,” And you ran into Rin today... “We found out that Rin is actually going to Samezuka Academy now...” Your lips parted. “That elite swimming school?!”

There was a shuffling in the back suddenly, seemed like someone had just ran across the wooden floor on all fours or something... “Hai!! We were planning on breaking in there to try and find Rin!” Nagisa's voice was raised slightly, speaking quick. “Breaking and entering..? Again?”

It did sound a little appealing, not having swam in an actual pool in so long' but, nevertheless, that thing with Rin, it still didn't make any bit of sense. “...And Haru's agreed to this already...?”

He huffed, “Yes! We've convinced him we should do what we want with our lives~!  Just like Miss Ama-chan said,” “-You pulled the pool card again, didn't you?”

His voice shook, fading out before he answered. “H-Hai... Mako-chan did...” A small bead of sweat rolled down your temple. He sputtered a quick dismissive sound. “Anyway, will you come with us?!” Anticipation and impatience could almost be felt from the other side.

“Yes! Of course!”

Nagisa must've put the phone on speaker once you answered, hearing Makoto's voice join his. “Think you can go, now?” Getting off your bed you sighed, cracking a sleek smile. “Yeah, thats fine.. just give me some time to change and Ill head over! You're at Haru-”

“-We'll pick you up.”

Blinking to the side, opening the closet, Haruka's voice cut off the others.  “Ehh?” Balancing the device in the crevice between shoulder and collar bone, you slipped out of your pajama shorts. “We'll be over in 10 minutes.” Blunt as ever Haru-kun..

“-That okay, ___-chan~?”

Pulling a fitting (f/c) sweater over your head, your fingers pulled the hair from the collar, shaking it out. “Mhm~! I'll be here!” That was Nagisa's last remark before a short choruses of 'goodbyes' hung up.

Headed down the hall, your mother was sitting at the kitchen table, drawing out a few shapes on a grid paper. “Have a good nap?” Leaning on the wooden stool by the table, “Sure thing..! What are you doing?”

“Entertaining myself is all~ Are you going out?”

She grinned, glancing at your outing clothes. She looked and acted the same as 6 years ago, though a simple few strands of half gray hair had began sprouting on her head- barely so. She still looked so young. And was sharp as ever.

“Uwah... if it's alright! I.. I was just gonna go to the pool with the guys~”

You kept your tone as casual and even as your 'clever' little self could handle. “Go aheaaad~!!!” She exclaimed, dropping her pencil and pushing your back to the door. “O-Oi! Wait!”

Knock. Knock.

Strange a timing as it was, just as feet touched the boards just in front of the door, someone had arrived.

"Oooo~~!"

Clutching onto the back of your sweater she opened the door, beaming at the three casually dressed boys at the door. Shoving you gently, you easily found yourself loosing footing anyhow, catching yourself in the strong arms of a certain Koto.

"Ah? "

"Have fun~!! Don't stay out too late~!!" With that she closed the door on you, waving. Looking up, those light emerald eyes blinked. Pushing yourself back from his chest, you awkwardly sought elsewhere to look.

This had to be some sort of karma for thinking of her earlier... 'Its like she was trying to push you into their arms and into the sunset..' You shuddered at the sight of the orange hue painting the lightly clouded sky. A darkened tangerine glow was already erupting from behind the mountains.

Tugging on the cuffs of your sweater you shifted on your feet. “Sorry about that, Koto-kun!” He chuckled, “Its fine, ___.”  Nagisa pulled the strings attached to his hood, squeezing it to his blond head. “Lets go!!!” Rubbing your nose softly, you followed as they led you down to the sidewalk.

“Why didn't you want me to just walk over to you're house, Haru...? You're closer to the train station, neh?”

His head turned the other way, looking out over the brief view of the ocean side that passed by.  “Only by a few blocks..” Nagisa nudged you softly, walking along side you. “Haru just didn't want you walking over alone..~”

Haruka couldn't help but arch his brows slightly, locking eyes with the blazingly calm ocean as his cheeks rivaled the cool weather with a warm blush.

The four of you made your way to the train station, boarding the first train arriving at a stop closest to Samezuka Academy. Sitting between Makoto and Nagisa, you sunk into the soft leather seat, head shaking slightly as the train started up.

"Neh... What... What was the name of Rin's sister again?"

The tall brunette answered, "Kou? Kou Matsuoka." The blond to your left's hand wrapped around your arm. "It's Gou!" You laughed, moving up a hand to hold over your mouth. You'd met her once at the tournament, when you were on your way to get a ride home. You ran into her and her brother. The two of you never really talked after that point... but... that definitely explained why that girl's face seemed so familiar at lunch the other day.

That nickname was the same one she always corrected when first meeting someone. Unannounced, there was a sudden scratchy noise from the main speaker of the train.

-- Apologies for the slight inconvenience. There will be a slight delay. Thank you for your patience ~! --

Well that certainly was brief.. And straight forward. "Uuuuwaahg.. " Nagisa leaned back in the seat, face defeated. "No rush at least, right~?" His pink eyes opened, lip protruding. "I guess.." Thankfully that announcement had actually been true. After a few minutes the train had began moving again, chugging forward with a short jingle of bells.

Lowering your lids, a small feeling of boredom came over. Nagisa's head had started falling every now and again, dozing in and out of sleep. It was kind of amusing watching him fight to stay awake during the long ride over.

"____-chan..."

“Hm?” Arms slunk around you, pulling you closer, soon a head rested on your shoulder, quiet snores chiming from it's source. Nagisa finally bonked out, leaning on you for support... He was just as warm as you would expect someone like him to be.

You rolled your eyes away, not wanting to stare at him squishing his cheek against your arm. It was too embarrassingly cute to handle. Haruka glanced at the two of you from where he had previously been gazing out the window, a brow raised slightly.

"Nagisa, you don't play fair..."

Haruka mumbled something, face blank as he turned back. You didn't hear a word, but let him off without asking what it'd been... that had been enough questions for one day.

~~ Back of the school: Samezuka Academy ~~

Makoto peered into the pool room, looking through the bars that lined the outer proximity of that section of the school. Nagisa did the same. Standing back and letting them search, you held your hands behind you calmly.

"I don't see him..."

Nagisa's brows raised up sharply, narrowing his eyes. "Maybes he's out today..?" The green eyed male let out a breath turning around in disappointment. “Oi, Haru-” Stopping mid-way he froze, mouth agape as he stared past you. It threw you off. “W..what..?”

Running forward he went straight to Haru, grabbing his wrist. Upon turning around your reaction became practically the same, eyes widening at the sight of Haru already half naked: shirt pulled off and about to unbuckle his pants. “E-Eh?”

Makoto held his wrist tight, eyes closed. “Don't take your clothes off here!!” Haruka responded with an intense glare, yanking his hand back and out of his grasp. “You're the one who brought me here to swim!” The only thing Haru ever truly showed passion toward was that water, this had been the most he'd showed most of the day.

“-Hold on, Haru-kun!”

Zipping over, you and Nagisa each gently parted the two boys, holding onto their shoulders. “Let's wait until practice is over and everyone's gone, okay?” You closed your eyes, smiling sheepishly as you slid your hand off of Haruka's bare shoulder, holding your hands lowly in defense. Makoto's head drooped downward.

“We'll still be trespassing...”

Nagisa winked, holding up a finger in a much similar way to Miss Ama-chan this morning. “It'll be fine. That teacher earlier told us to do what we want with our lives!-” You punched Makoto's shoulder playfully as Nagisa spoke. “Yeah~! Whats the worst that could happen, right..?”

Looking to where Haruka stood, what you saw made you flush and hold a hand to your head in dismay. Sliding off his trousers, the rest of his clothing had already been disguarded on the floor. Sigh.

“Can't you wait?!”

Picking his shirt up off the ground, you threw it at his body, cheeks puffed out as the brunette scolded the blue haired boy. He was just too much sometimes, neh...?

A few hours passed, spent doing little activity, all of you had waited behind the bushes once almost being caught by one of the staff that came around back just a little before the pool was scheduled to close.

Narrowed eyes watched the back of the guy as he strutted back to the other side of the building, entering the main entrance. Good. Away from the pool. “C'mon guys...” Shaking out of the brush, leaves trickled downward from the disturbed pieces of nature. Pulling a foot from a small hooked branch, you and the others made way to the back entrance.

From just outside you could already see the blue glow evicting the calm waters, shooting up against the glass structured room. The phenomenon caused the bright lights that formed to melt into the darker shades of cerulean that the paint of reinforcements already held.

“This really is an elite school...”

Eyes gleaming with awe, your own hand captured the base of your wrist, taking in the large, clear pool. An echo of metal unbuckling hit the glass with a ring, Haruka's pants dropping to the floor once more. Ripping his shirt off just barely before entering the water, the ravenette dove in, submerging his muscled build.

Not given proper time to react, the feeling of wind rushing past your knees as clothing flew off made you tingle. “I still think this is a bad idea...” Makoto looked around, stricken with the same admiration as you, though still leery of being debarred.

A large splash left the edge of the pool, water droplets staining your faces as Haruka began kicking his body on ward, graceful arms reaching forward with every kick that cut through the pool's water. The boy's face was content and blissful, not a single hint of regret blemishing his smooth features.

“Haru-chan still reminds me of a dolphin.”

Swinging his head in the direction of each person on his side, the shota smiled widely. “Mako-chan, ___-chan, lets swim with him.” he barked, a happy tone underlying his suggestion. “Hell no! We'll get in trouble if they find us!” Nagisa turned from the eldest, looking to you with anticipation surging through his glistening fushia eyes. He was practically pulling you to the pool side right then and there.

You let the smile creep onto your face, nodding rapidly and giving in. “Anyway, we need to look for Rin,” Makoto's attempt to interject was failing, even though he leaned closer to try and get the point across. Nagisa began pulling off his fuzzy hoodie, ignoring the protest.

“We can take a little dip first. Nobody will find us if we don't turn on the lights~!”

Makoto's mouth gaped as Nagisa moved his hands down to pull down his pants, wiggling out of them. “But you didn't bring a swimsuit--” “-A little skinny dip then.” Shaking his hips out of his boxers, you turned your head away before you saw too much, eyes widened. Oh. You didn't know that!!

“AH?!”

Covering your eyes with your hands, your head turned back, lips pursed. “Nagisa-kun you didn't even give warning!!!” The fully dressed brunette reached out, “H-Hey, wait!!”

“I can swimmmm~!!!!”

SPLASH.

Feeling a large amount of cool water stick to your clothing, it soaked through the cloth easily. Opening your fingers cautiously, you saw just as Nagisa's head emerged from the water, shaking his hair out. You laughed at the strands of hair sticking to his face, taking off your shoes and placing your socks with them.

“___-chan, come over here~!” He grinned, eyes shut. Walking to the edge, you peered down at him, raising a brow. “I'm gonna join you in a secon--”

A hand shot out and grabbed onto your foot, yanking you in. With a loud yelp, you immediately reached back and tried to clutch onto something to stop the momentum, that something happening to be Makoto.

Falling in head first, your eyes clamped shut by reflex, breath held. Swimming back to the surface, you felt heavy, your clothing stuck to your skin slickly, jeans swelling up. Makoto floated back up, bangs swiped over his eyes as he gloated in defeat of being ultimately pulled down with you.  The thin white material had become a practically transparent layer over him.

Nagisa jerked his index finger in his direction, bursting out in laughter. “You looked like an elephant falling in!!!! Nice reflexes, neh, ____-chan~?” Pulling the drenched sweater over your head, you smirked happily, only beginning to laugh along with him.

You had worn your swimsuit as your undergarments when you changed.

“If I went down, you were coming with me, Koto-kun~!!!” Grunting, he stripped off his T-shirt, throwing it into the pool. “Seriously..?!” Stalking forward, he raised his arms up threateningly. “Oi, oi, calm down~!” Kicking off the floor you backed into Nagisa, feeling him glomp your shoulders.

“____-CHAN IS MY SHIELD~!”

You gasped, glancing back as he clutched onto your shoulders, blushing wildly. “No fair!! And.. y-you're naked, idio--” “-There!” Slapping the water, Makoto sent a wave of it your direction, hitting you smack in the face. “Hya! Cheater!!” Blinking an eye open, slicking your hair back, you scooped up as much water as you could hold, throwing it back at him.

Echoes of your laughter and the other's snickering and splashes bounced off the walls, filling the space.  Nagisa separated from you, attacking Makoto from a different angle. Fighting ensued for a vast amount of minutes, and Haruka was simply floating around the other end of the pool. At least you thought so.

A ripple of water waved against your back, a finger lightly tapping your shoulder. Turning a head half way, you saw a head of sparkling raven locks, accompanied by ocean eyes. Haruka looked at you cooly, eyes blank as they always were... If one didn't know him well they would never have spotted the subtle shine in them.

"Swim with me."

It was almost like a subtle question, but it played out as a simple request. Smiling sweetly, you nodded and spun around. Frankly it felt like it had been much too long since you'd actually been in the water with any of them, swimming or not.


Paddling over to the edge of the pool, you opened your mouth to take in a deep breath, filling your lungs. Just as you ought to delve your head into the water, one of the indoor entrances creaked open. Nope. Nope. Nope!

Plugging your nose you dipped your head down, just below the edge of the pool, only your eyes out of the water as you froze. Approaching footsteps came closer, and the other three turned to the figure.

"Rin-chan!"

You nearly choked on the air flooding your throat. "What are you guys doing here?" His voice was steady, not happy at all. "We were just about to go look for you!--"

"Get out."

Nagisa's hand dropped, looking up at the red eyes glaring down at them. Makoto stared. Haruka's eyes flickered to you, lowering as he dove into the water, swimming under the others and coming up in front of them.

You could feel your lungs trembling as you tried to stay put, you didn't understand why you were hiding now... but- you couldn't hold it back any longer.  Resurfacing, you released your hand, breath rushing out as you caught it. You looked like an idiot gasping for air while everyone had only just gone silent...

A shadow hovered over you after a moment of silence, two strong hands pulling you out of the water. Haruka tensed as Rin set you down, turning you toward him. “You're still as clumsy as always...” Burgundy eyes eyed you warily, a small spark of worry in them, though he tried to stay apathetic.

Getting out of the water, Haruka left a wet trail behind him as he shook out his hair, pulling you away calmly. “Oi, Rin...” Meeting eye to eye, water droplets shone as they fell from his hair smoothly. Rin cocked an eyebrow, frowning with antagonizing intent.

“I want you to show me that sight again. I've forgotten what it was that I saw.”

Your eyes broadened when Haruka stepped in front of you, facing Rin more directly. A visible challenge was shown on his lips, even as slight as his smirk was. In the first split second, the other was surprised at the request, chin raising upward as his eyebrow twitched, lips parting.

His expression soon melted into something much more serious, relaxing and letting his surprise dissipate into a confident sneer. “Sure, I can do that...” Eyes shooting up, an intense glare ignited, lightning sparking between the two boys. “-But it won't be the same this time.” Rin growled, gaze hardened.

“I'll be showing you something completely different.”