Breathless (Free! Fanfiction)

Chapter 6

This is stupid. I thought to myself as I stared at the extra bento box in front of me. I woke up extra early to make a "thank you" bento box for Nanase-senpai. Taking Tachibana-senpai's advice, I cooked him some grilled mackerel with special sauce and spiced rice.

It's just for thanks. Just man up and give it to him. I tried to reason with myself. But people might misunderstand. I tried to put away the bento box back in my bag and stopped my actions midway. Who cares what other people say?

I slumped back into my desk and muddled over my decision. Suddenly, I was almost flung back from my seat when Nagisa pulled my sweater from behind.

"Eat lunch with us!" Nagisa said. It was clearly not a request but an order. "Come on! Let's go! The others are already waiting for us at the rooftop." Then he grabbed the bento I made for Nanase and dashed off.

"Nagisa!" I called out, but he continued to run until he left the classroom. "That's Nanase-senpai's..."

~

I got to the rooftop while clutching my own bento box. Nagisa had my "thank you" bento box conveniently placed beside Nanase. Tachibana, Matsuoka, and Ryuguzaki were also there too, waiting for me before they started eating, but Nagisa already started nibbling on the edge of his "special" Iwatobi bread.

"Sorry for making you wait, guys," I said before sitting down beside Nanase, but still managed to keep a wee bit distance between us.

"Yay! Let's eat!" Nagisa cheered. "Thanks for the food!" Then he began munching on his beloved bread.

"Eh, Nakahara-san, why do you have two bento boxes?" Matsuoka asked. "Do you eat that much?"

"No," I answered, just as I saw Tachibana hand over a bento box to Nanase.

"Oh, Haruka-senpai, you stayed over at Tachibana-senpai's again?" Ryuguzaki asked, also eyeing the bento box.

"Yeah, we had an assignment to do," Tachibana answered for Nanase, "so Mum cooked an extra lunch for Haru."

I deflated. Big time. So much for my thanks.

"So, Kai-chan, what's your lunch? You're the only one who hasn't opened your bento yet," Nagisa grabbed the "thank you" bento.

"No! Wait! That's not—!"

"Grilled mackerel?" Matsuoka peeked as Nagisa opened the bento.

Nanase perked at the mention of mackerel and looked at the bento longingly. I must've blushed a thousand shades of pink. I pinched the bridge of my nose to calm myself.

Tachibana looked at me and caught on. He leaned over to me and whispered, "Is this why you asked me about what Haru likes most?"

I nodded.

"Nakahara-san, could this bento be for Haruka-senpai?" Ryuguzaki asked.

Everybody stopped bickering and stared at me, waiting for my answer. The gaze I couldn't handle was Nanase's. Those clear, cool blue eyes stared into mine and waited for an answer.

Of course, he hoped that that mackerel bento would be his. So...

"Yes, it's a 'thank you' bento for saving me yesterday," I said, and Nanase instantly grabbed the bento from Nagisa after returning his bento to Tachibana.

"Hey, Mako-chan, can I have Haru-chan's bento instead? I'm still hungry," I faintly heard Nagisa's request to Tachibana as I stared at Nanase taste the bento I made for him.

"It's great," Nanase said and gave me the slightest of smiles, but it was enough for my heart to skip a beat. Then he continued digging in.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Tachibana let out a soft chuckle and a grin before nonchalantly eating his own bento. He caught my eye and nodded when I mouthed him my thanks.

~

"Nakahara-san," Nanase called out to me when I was at the shoe lockers, preparing to leave school for the day.

"Nanase-senpai, what is it?"

"You almost forgot this," he handed me the bento box I gave him at lunch.

I blushed at the recalling of the event. I made a mental note to get back at Nagisa for that one day. I took the bento box from him and said my thanks once more.

"Nakahara-san," Nanase began, "can you give me the recipe for that sauce?" It was amazing how this person's face is unreadable. "I would like to try making it tomorrow."

"Uhh~ sure," I replied. "I'll text you the recipe. You have a phone, right?"

He nodded and handed me his phone. I punched in my number and sent myself a message using his phone to have his number. Then I returned it to him.

"Thanks," Nanase said and began to leave.

"Umm~ Nanase-senpai," I called out, pulling out every ounce of courage I could find on every cell of my body. He turned and looked at me in question. "If you want, I can make you the same bento tomorrow too. If you want me to, of course." I mentally slapped myself for being a repetitive idiot.

Nanase pondered over it for a second and nodded, "I would like that. Thank you, Nakahara-san."

A wide smile was plastered on my face. The biggest smile I have ever had since my life had experienced the biggest bump yet. "Thank you too, Nanase—."

"Haru."

"Eh?"

"Call me Haru. 'Nanase' is too formal," Haru said.

I nodded, "Alright, Haru-san."

Haru gave me a short stare before turning and walking off. I was frozen in my spot for a couple of minutes before I put on my outdoor shoes and then left the school.

~

Honestly, I got so giddy writing this chapter. Haru is so kyoot!!! （ミ￣ー￣ミ）Please leave a comment and vote for my story. I highly appreciate it, and it also motivates me to write more. I actually plan to make a series of stories of all the Free! boys. Please also check my other stories and oneshot if you have the time, loves! ヾ(●⌒∇⌒●)ﾉ