Tide Between Two Worlds

Countdown to Competition, Pt. 2: Is *This* A Date?

       Given the amount of time each team needed to practice, the arena will be opened two hours later than normal with the closest school from the homeland Kantō region going in first. Meiou Academy is coming in from the neighboring Chūbu region and was scheduled to go in second, permitted to use the fitness facility until the pool is given the all-clear. That only meant students and the team are given at least a half day to have some fun in Tokyo. The swim team managed to get themselves ready to practice just as the first team, Odate Junior High, was leaving the campus, giving Meiou free reign to do what needed to be done. However, before anyone could do anything, it was time to marvel at what waited for them.

       "This is amazing," said a female swimmer, "We made it, guys."

She wasn't wrong. The feeling of entering the Olympic size natatorium was similar to arriving at a baseball championship game for the first time. The cameras during the 2020 games did not do this place justice as the space looked much larger in person. To think, hundreds, maybe a few thousand people will soon be filling those seats to cheer their respective teams to victory in less than twenty-four hours.

The pool itself made the one back home look like a duck pond. It was the real deal. This was where records in the 50m and 200m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 200m breaststroke, 200m individual medley, 100m butterfly, and the 4x100m medley relay were made and broken. This was where Japan managed to walk away with two gold medals in the 200m and 400m women's individual medley that same year. With all that on the minds of a group of middle school teens, it's understandable to be intimidated. Karasu took it the hardest. Yes, he still has Olympic dreams. Yes, he wants to make it to the top and represent his country to the best of his ability. Yes, he wants to be the next Michael Phelps for Japan and yes, he wants the acclamation that comes with it. Be that as it may, it all depends on the team. Emphasis on team. Completely forgetting about his deal with Kaito, Karasu joined his team in practice starting with warmups.

This was nothing to Shuichi. The water was perfect and he was able to keep his fishy self in check. The only difference was that he was swimming in a professional swimming pool. At least there was no need to push himself. This was a post-workout swim. So long as he's able to execute all four styles while in the water, he'll be fine. The plan was this. Swim freestyle and backstroke for a hundred meters each, then finish with the butterfly and breaststroke the same way. By the time practice wrapped up, Shuichi was a bit more winded than usual but felt good about it.

       By the time the team made it back to the hotel, Shuichi was informed of Kuronue's whereabouts. Turns out there was an opportunity for a school field trip to the tower that took place during practice. There were multiple opportunities for field trips around town each with a chaperone. Those who decided to sit out on any of them in favor of their own adventure were allowed to do so as long as they explore with at least one person, adhere to the rules, and make it back before curfew. That sucks. Shuichi was looking forward to going to the tower. There were a couple of silver linings though. One, he had a 10pm (22:00) curfew, giving him until then to do whatever he wants. Two, Mei told Kuronue who told Shuichi that Kiyoni was still at the hotel. What a convenient idea. If things go well, Shuichi can explore the city while adhering to trip guidelines. If the offer still stood of course.

[Shuichi] "Kiyoni?"

"Hi"

"Hey. I just settled in from practice. Misaki and Kaguya are already out. Were you still thinking about that date?"

"I never said it was a date"

"You never said it wasn't either."

"Look I have until curfew and I could use some company while I'm out in the city."