Breathless (Free! Fanfiction)

Chapter 1

(Author's note: I didn't put much detail about Nakahara Kaito so she will still feel a bit like a reader insert.)

"We took our best shot last game at regionals. Next time, we'll do better," Coach Sasagawa said. "Now I want to see more proper sets and spikes." He blew his whistle.

We all moved to the volleyball court and did what coach said. Once Tsukiko tossed the ball, it happened again. I was starting to have a panic attack.

I clutched my chest I began to struggle for breath. Some of my teammates began to move away. Others also move to help me on my feet.

Coach Sasagawa grabbed my shoulders and pulled me up to steady me. "Kaito, nobody can help you," he said. "Only you can help yourself. Steady your breathing. Listen to me!"

I became deaf to his words. As much as I tried, I couldn't hear his words. They were muffled like the last time. The only thing plain clear that I can hear were the voices and the crowd screaming.

I was losing sight of reality.

~

I don't really know how long it got me to steady my breathing. But when I did, my other teammates were playing a practice game already. Seeing that I'm no use for today's practice, I left the gym.

Since my legs haven't recovered from the attack, I wobbled across the halls in my P.E. uniform. I want to be in someplace quiet.

~

I found myself in the school's swimming pool. I took of my shoes and dipped my feet in the water. It was soothing, and it quieted the voices in my head. I couldn't feel the festering feeling inside me.

"Who are you?"

I turned and saw a guy in a swimsuit. He's obviously in the swimming team. He had black hair and eyes blue as the ocean water. He wasn't that packed with much muscles, but he absolutely had a swimmer's body. Despite his good looking body, he had on this bored expressions, but when he looked at the water, I saw an interesting expression in his blue eyes.

His eyes sparkled in peace as he eyed the water. I chuckled in my head at the word. Peace? I don't have it, and I don't think I ever will.

I don't know how long I looked at him as he just stared at the water.

"Haru-senpai, you can't be here! You already graduated from this club," a girl with burgundy hair came running over to him. I recognized her as Matsuoka Gou. We're in the same class.

"Nakahara-san, what are you doing here?" Gou asked. "Don't you have volleyball practice?"

I took my feet out of the water and put on my shoes even though my feet were still wet. I got up with so much difficulty. My legs still felt like jello.

"Are you alright?" Haru asked, his face showing the slightest emotion.

"I'm fine," I snapped. I didn't mean to. It just came out that way. "I'll leave. I'm sorry to bother your practice."

~

Once I got into the gym, everybody was gone, and the basketball team was the one who took over the empty space. I headed to the locker rooms and found our team's libero, Akane-san, the only one left in the room. I went to my locker and started to change.

"U-um~ Nakahara-san?" Akane-san said. Once I looked at her, she looked down and blushed. What a shy person. "The principal was looking for you earlier. He told us to inform you to go to his office once we find you."

This can't be good.

~

I haven't been in Principal Kitamura's office since I got the sports scholarship I was being offered. Sure, my father pulled a few strings, but I know I got it because of my skills. Skills I used to have.

"Nakahara-san, I have received news that you have some kind of condition that makes you unfit in playing in your team," Principal Kitamura said.

I gulped. "I have it under control, sir," I said. "I'll be fine." Same words, but I don't think I actually believe them myself.

"Well, I have the words of two of your teammates, including your captain ball, that you are unfit to participate in the next games," Principal Kitamura announced gravely.

I deflated. Even Tsukiko-san? So much for believing in your team. But apparently, that wasn't all.

"It was also stated in your scholarship that you must be in a sports team to continue your education here in Iwatobi High," Principal Kitamura informed, his fingers flipping over a file of papers. "I'll be frank with you, Nakahara-san. With your condition, you are more likely to be kicked out of the team. You are either to go into treatment and stay in the team or you find a new sport entirely. I have a feeling this... condition of yours is only in volleyball."

Find a new sport? Get treatment?

"Principal Kitamura, I am sure you are aware of my mother's financial incapability of getting me treatment," I reasoned.

"So, you are going into another sport?"

"That's the thing too," I sighed, running my hand over my locks. "All I've ever done is volleyball. I don't think I can just go into another sport."

"I can't see any reason why you cannot," Principal Kitamura said. "Life is full of adventures, and I can see you are a very versatile person. I know you can do it.

"You have a month. You can find a new sports team or get treatment and remain in the volleyball team."

~

A month.

I walked down the hallway lost in thought. I was still dazed when I grabbed my outdoor shoes from the shoe locker. When I put them on, they were too big for me.

"U-uh, those are my shoes," a voice said behind me.

I snapped back to reality and turned to face the owner of the voice. It was a boy with blonde wavy locks and a pair of magenta eyes. I can tell that he was one of those happy go lucky people. I think I saw him once in one of my classes. If I'm not mistaken, he's also a part of the swim team since I see him a lot with Matsuoka Gou.

When he pointed at 'my' shoes, I turned to the name on the locker and found it labeled as 'Hazuki Nagisa.' I sighed and took them off and handed the shoes to him. I took my indoor shoes from his locker and walked towards my own locker without speaking a word to him.

Once I put on my own shoes, I returned to my dazed state and walked home.

~

I took an extra shift at the café. Dinner is in the fridge. Don't wait up for me. -Mom

I crumpled the letter and went upstairs. Once I got into my room, I leaned back against the door and dropped my bag to the side. I dropped to my knees and covered my face with my hands. Then I did something that I haven't been able to do lately unless I had a panic attack.

I cried.