Bonded By Love

The Locomotive of a twist!

"Ehhh? What's this about you being a coach, Makoto?" I asked.

"Coach Sasabe has been very busy with the SC. He's done so much for us, I thought it'd be nice to help him for a change." He briefly explained.

"But we can't let you do all the work yourself! We'll help, too! Right? You think so too, don't you, Rei-chan?" Nagisa asked.

"But of course!"

"Thank you both. But aren't there other things that both of you need to focus on?" Makoto stated.

"But..."

"Haruka-senpai, aren't you concerned, too?" Rei asked.

"I just swim. Makoto should do what he's set out to do." Haru said.

"He's right. You would make a great swimming teacher! You're very patient and kind. You know how to deal with kids because of Ren and Ran." I added.

"You really think so?"

I nodded. "I know so. Hey, can I swing by sometime to see you coaching the kids."

"Sure."

"But it sure sounds like fun! I bet you get to play with the kids a lot." Nagisa whined.

"Makoto-senpai isn't going there just to play!" Rei lightly scolded.

"I know, I know!"

"All right, let's train hard today, too!" Makoto stated.

____________

The next day, when the practice was over. Me, Haru, and Makoto remained in the outdoor showers to wash away the chlorine.

"Kisumi?" Haru questioned.

"Yeah, your old classmate from middle school, Shigino Kisumi." Makoto said.

Flashbacks from middle school with Kisumi sprung in my brain.

"Ehh? Kisumi?! That Kisumi!" I yelled.

"Oh..." Haru simply said.

"His younger brother is in the class I'm teaching, so I saw him yesterday for the first time in ages." He explained.

"Whatever." Haru simply walked away.

"Weren't you two close when you were in the same class in middle school?" Makoto asked.

"Nope."

"Really?"

I laughed. "Haru doesn't like his outgoing personality. And he's probably jealous of the times Kisumi would steal us away from him when we played basketball."

"That's not true."

"Well, if you two have some time on Sunday, you should come by." Makoto invited us.

Haru gave him a look. "Only if I have time."

I grabbed his arm. "Come on, don't be like that! Let's go together! I'll drag you if I have to."

______________

On Sunday at noon, I received a call from Mrs. Tachibana.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Airi-chan. Can you do me a big favor?"

"Of course, Mrs. Tachibana! What do you need?"

"Ah, well, you see, Makoto forgot his lunch. I was wondering if you would be so kind as to drop it off." She requested.

I smirked mischievously. "Not a problem, Mrs. Tachibana. Leave it to me! I'll be over in a few minutes."

"Thank you very much!"