Clouded Distance | Free! Fan Fiction

19. Prefecturals

Clouded Distance

Chapter Nineteen

Prefecturals 

The entrance to the venue loomed over them. Hana stared up at it, a few butterflies beginning to form in her stomach.

She'd woken up early that day and made herself a big breakfast, filled with carbs. Gou couldn't complain; those carbs would give her plenty of energy to last the day. She'd been jittery the entire morning, unable to sit still in her seat. This was her first serious competition. To say she was nervous would've been an understatement.

Once she was ready, she'd met Haru and Makoto outside Haru's house. They were instantly able to pick out that she was nervous, and as they walked to the bus they had focused on calming her. Even while they were driving to the venue they had words of encouragement to say.

By the time they'd arrived, Hana was much calmer, especially when Haru held her and kissed her quickly on the tip of her head, assuring her she'd do brilliantly. They'd found Nagisa and Rei soon after, and now they were ready to take on the competition.

Nagisa had a determined glint to his eye. "I haven't been here since last summer. I'm getting all fired up now!"

"I was so nervous last year, I didn't sleep the night before," Rei called ruefully.  "But I'm different his year! My physical condition is at its peak!"

"Rei-chan, it sounds like you've grown some hair on your chest!" Nagisa laughed.

"Certainly not!" Rei spluttered. He glared at Nagisa. "Nothing so unsightly has grown on me!"

"Guys! Over here!" Hana looked across at Gou's voice, and saw her friend standing there with Miss Amakata and Sasabe. A grin crossed her face and she skipped on over to join them.

Calls of greeting sounded between them. Hana beamed. She was happy to be here, and competing with these people, her friends. She couldn't have asked for any better teammates.

A loud, booming voice caught their attention and monetarily ceased talk. The voice hadn't come from their own little group. But it was loud and impossible not to take notice of. They all glanced back to see Samezuka gathered just beside their bus.

"It's Rin-chan's team!" Nagisa noticed, with a grin.

"And that's Captain Mikoshiba!" Makoto noted, surprised. Hana looked back and her own eyes widened to see the tall, familiar red-haired figure standing before his former team, talking and laughing.

I guess it's natural for him to be here. He'd be interested to see how his former team performs. Hana smiled to herself.

Somehow, the Mikoshiba brothers both managed to notice Gou, and called out for her at the same time. Hana stiffled a giggle behind her hand at the brother's expressions, and well as the look on Rin's face.