Mple Water (Nanase Harukax reader)

Laudatory words and a promise -14-

After Makoto got me home, I went to shower and went straight to bed! All I can remember from the morning is that I woke up early and I ate a huge breakfast coz last night I skipped dinner. I soon left to find Kou and Amakata-san.
Soon after Haru and Makoto made their appearances and gave Haru the warmest smile I could manage.
"Where are Narisa and Rei?" I asked concerned. They were kind of late, usually I'm late on my appointments but them? And at a time like this?

"Sorry we're late!" I see Nagisa and Rei approach.

"Sorry!"

"Man, what were you guys doing? You're late!" Kou said in her usual tone.

"Actually..!" Nagisa started but Rei continued while fixing his glasses.

"We were practicing the exchange in the pool at school."

"That eliminates the possibility of Rei-chan completely failing!"

"When did...you..." Makoto couldn't believe in his ears.

"Ah! I'm so proud of you guys! I can't even get angry with you now." I said with a smile, and both of them giggled. Nagisa turned his gaze to Haru. 

"Haru-chan!" he said in a serious but cheerful tone that he could only manage.

"I'm thrilled that we get to swim in a relay together again."

"Let's do this together, Haruka-senpai."
After some more exchange of words Kou shouted;

"Let's give it our best shot!"

"Yeah!" We all answered while extending our arms in the air.

|...Time skip...|

The boys were left for their event and we had nothing to do but cheer for them. I was with the others and my mind was full of thoughts, my soul was with them, I was praying for their win.
It least that stupid Rin was not around. All I wanted, was to see them swim together, and win would be a quite pleasant option.
The relay had already started and Makoto was already in the lead. Next was Nagisa... we share the same love for breaststroke; I still have the memory of him, asking me for tips on swimming breast, fresh on my mind. And he still does that, creating the illusion that his arms extend when he swims, and he made it first just like Makoto.
Alright next up is Rei, I'm warred about him, he has no experience at all, but I'm sure he will do his best. Rei falls a little behind; I can't help myself but to worry more... Soon Haru-chan will replace the difference... I hope.
I stick my eyes in the pool, no on Him! He starts to pass in front of everyone one by one.
Without taking my eyes off him I'm saying; "He's third..."

"And another! He is second! Second!" Kou said loudly.

The time he touches the end, a burden was left my body. My eyes we wide open almost teary and I couldn't say a single word. I suddenly felt Kou hugging me so tightly from behind.

"They did it! They did it!" She kept shouting.

"I'm so relived." I said breathless, hugging her tightly. I can't wait to congratulate them!

|...Time skip...again...|

We all got the train to go back home, except Kou, Amakata-san would drive her home coz she lives nearby. So that means... I am in the train with everyone. We were so lucky to find a place to sit all together coz the train was nearly full. The guys seemed pleased for the outcome of the relay, even him. We did not bother to start talking; the train was so crowded that it would be impossible to communicate. Sometimes Nagisa or Rei would set their eyes on me, and after some seconds I gave them a smile. Both of them were on the same stop, so we soon said our goodbyes, and without much thinking I whispered congratulations to them.
We didn't think that it would be that difficult to get out of the train, if we were two seconds late we wouldn't make it outside. That's why I dislike being in those saturations.
Not much time after we got out, few words were said. To break the ice I thought it would be good to have some ice-cream. My treat this time.