Bonded By Love

Free! Starting Days Pt 2

Me and Haru got to school and went to our desks. I saw Ikuya and waved to him, as well as other friends. Haru took out the breakfast I made him and  started eating it.

"I'll be back, enjoy your breakfast" I walked away and went outside of the classroom. I backed up into a wall, looking back to see if Haru was staring at my direction and he wasn't. I made my way to Makoto's classroom and there he was.

"Makoto" I said.

Makoto turned around. "Airi? What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too". I rolled my eyes. "Where were you this morning? Me and Haru were worried."

"I had class duty today. I forgot to tell you guys" He smiled reassuredly.

I glared at him, knowing there was something he was hiding yet again. I signed knowing I can't really force it out of him. "Okay....see you during practice" I started walking away when he spoke up.

"I was at the swimming club."  He confessed.

My eyes widened "Why?".

"Because....I like swimming." He fake smiled and I saw right through it. The bell rang and I went back to class.

"Airi, thank you....for the meal. It was good" He turned away blushing slightly.

My smile widened "I'm glad".

______________

It was lunch time and we all sat together like always.

"Huh? Haru, is that all you have for lunch?" Asahi asked.

"It seems bland compared to yesterday" Kisumi stated.

I looked over and Haru's lunch consisted of mackerel and rice. I frowned at him. "Haru you can't just eat rice and mackerel! It's not a balanced meal for an athlete. Hold on, I'll get your lunch from Makoto" I stood up and was stopped by Haru.

"It's fine Airi, besides I can't eat two lunches anyways." Haru said nonchalantly.

The rest were left confused, not knowing what we were talking about. Haru turned to them and explained to them. "My parents won't be home for a while."

"What? How long's a while?" Asahi asked.

"About a week"

"What? Don't tell me you'll be by yourself that entire time." Kisumi said surprised.

"It's not a big deal." Haru brushed off.

"Really? There's no way I could do it."

Kisumi and Asahi started talking and I noticed that Ikuya tightened his fists. "Haru's fine even by himself" He muttered. I looked at him confused.

______________

It was time for swim practice and we were doing 50m freestyle. I turned to Asahi concerned. Haru went first and I saw how Ikuya was moving his hands, imitating Haru.

"Next, Asahi"

Asahi snapped out of his thoughts "Y-yes!". He put his cap and goggles on. He positioned himself on the diving platform. He dived in and was moving his arms and legs but there was no movement. "Damn it".

"Asahi, you don't have to push yourself!"

"Damn it!" He yelled in distress.

"Next, Makoto!"

"Yes sir!"

"It's okay Asahi, you'll get it" I went up to him and patted his shoulder".

"Airi, Haru....How do you swim freestyle?" He asked.