Divine Madness [Free!] [2]

🌸 Chapter 17 🌸

It was finally the day for Iwatobi High School's Swim Team to head out to the deserted islands of Sukishima, Oshima and Mizushima for their summer training. Heisuke had gotten up early in the morning, changing into light blue shorts to go with her light pink shirt, embroidered with cherry blossom flowers. She had already finished packing up her camping gear the previous night.

Grandma Chiharu had woken up to help her out a little even though Heisuke was sure that she could handle it herself. When the doorbell rang that morning, it was Grandma Chiharu who had gone to check on it and Heisuke turned around to find that Haruka had arrived to pick her up to head out.

"Hello, good morning," greeted Haruka, bowing his head. "Are you ready to head out, Hei-Chan?" He reached to pick up her stuff. "I shall carry this for you,"

"Haru-Kun, good morning!" Heisuke replied happily. "You don't have to do that – I can handle it! I didn't pack too much so I can carry it all very easily,"

"I insist," Haruka said anyway, and he strengthened his hold on her bag. "It's no problem for me,"

"You're such a good boy, aren't you, Haruka-Chan?" said Grandma Chiharu fondly. "Heisuke-Chan, go and get your hat before you leave!"

When Heisuke had agreed and gone off to her room to fetch her sun hat, Grandma Chiharu turned to look at Haruka, who noted that the elderly woman appeared to be rather worried. He could see that at once, and he could understand the reasoning behind it at once, too.

"I hope that I'm not putting a burden on you, Haruka-Chan," began Grandma Chiharu. "But... I wanted to ask you if you would be able to take extra care of Heisuke-Chan out on the ocean..."

"... I understand," Haruka replied. "It's not a burden on me, I worry about Hei-Chan as well. Her concerns are above mine; I will make sure that she will not face any discomfort,"

Finally, Heisuke had gathered everything and she left the house with Haruka, hugging both Grandma Chiharu and Makkou goodbye before the two of them headed out. They were met by Makoto, who informed them that his father would drop them off at the portside due to their luggage.

"Thank you," Heisuke said to Makoto's father as they bowed and left toward the port. "Haru-Kun, Mako-Chan, you both really do insist on carrying my things, don't you? I could do it..."

"We like doing at least this much for you," Makoto assured her and Tsukiko smiled at them.

"Haru-Chan! Suke-Chan! Mako-Chan!" came Nagisa's bright voice, and Heisuke looked up to find him there with Gou, Rei and Coach Sasabe Gorou. "Over here!"

"Good morning!" Gou greeted as the three of them neared their little group by the boat, and so did Rei with his insecure, "Good morning,"

"Good morning, everyone," Heisuke replied happily. "It's so good to see all of you,"

"Morning," Haruka added shortly.

"Is everyone here?" Coach Sasabe inquired.

"Amakata Sensei has yet to arrive," Heisuke informed. "Oh, that's her," She nodded toward a lovely small pink car rushing past them before coming to an abrupt stop. "Good morning, Sensei!"

"Sorry to keep you all waiting!" Miss Amakata apologised as she stepped out of the car. She looked toward Coach Sasabe. "You must be Sasabe-San, thank you for your help!" She held out a packed bento. "Please take this – it's just a token, but..."

"Oh, thank you," Coach Sasabe replied taking it gratefully but then looking back at Miss Amakata with narrowed, curious eyes, trying to recognise her.

"Is something wrong?" Miss Amakata asked.