Limitless (Rin Matsuoka x OC)

14. Rin's bane

Time passed, soon winter came, with it it's snow and cold air. No one really enjoyed it, especially Haru who couldn't swim as much anymore but on the opposite side, Nayna was thrilled with the snow.

"Come on you guys! Why do you look so dead! It's snowing." Said Nayna happily.

"Because it's cold, Nayna-chan..." Whined Nagisa.

"It's not so cold." She mumbled.

"Only you could enjoy this weather..." Said Rei hugging himself to keep the warmth against him.

"Why are you so happy with the snow, anyway?" Asked Haru.

"I was born in the snow. My first memories are of snow. How could I not love it." She said looking over her shoulder at him.

"That explains it..." Smiled Makoto then looked at Haru. "Cheer up Haru. Don't forget that we get to go have a joined practice with Samezuka today."

At that, Haru's eyes lightened up.

"Rin-chan is so lucky to have an inside pool at his disposal." Said Nagisa.

As they arrived there, they went to get ready, also looking around for Rin but they couldn't see him anywhere, though they saw Nitori.

"Ai-chan!" Said Nagisa, going to him.

"Please don't call me that." Said Nitori looking at the blonde.

"Where's Rin-chan?" He asked ignoring what he said.

"Rin-senpai has caught a cold. He won't be joining today's practice."

"Onii-chan always gets sick around this time of year..." Said Gou smiling sympathetically at the thought of her brother.

"That idiot probably went outside with his hair wet or something." Said Nayna with a sigh.

"We should go see him." Said Nagisa.

"He's not dying, Nagisa. Let him be." Said Nayna.

"She is right. All of us barging in won't help him." Said Makoto thinking.

"Huh! Rin-senpai!?" Said Nitori suddenly getting everyone's attention towards the door.

There, they saw Rin in his swimsuit and jersey as usual though, his eyes and nose were red, and his overall look seemed off, even if he was trying to put up a facade.

"R-Rin senpai, I thought you-" Started Nitori only to be cut off by Rin's gravy voice.

"It doesn't matter. I won't lose the chance to race Haru." Said Rin, his voice sounding more nasal as he sniffled.

"Rin, I don't think it is such a good idea to swim right now." Said Nayna looking at him through his facade.

"Forget that! Haru! 100m free!" He said, taking off his jersey.

The two making their way to the starting blocks.

"I have a bad feeling about this..." Said Nayna trying to hide her concern.

"Me too." Said Makoto, looking at the two starting their race.

It went well, both keeping pace with each other at their full speed but after the turn, Rin started to slow down.

"Something's wrong." Said Nayna looking at the pool wide eyed.

"Rin is-"

Haru just reached the wall only to make a turn again and went for Rin who seemed to struggle to swim.

Haru got to him and helped him out of the water.

Rin fell on his knees and started coughing aggressively both from the water he inhaled and the cold.