An Unexpected Love (Rin Matsuoka X Reader)

Feeling the Water

The night before, you had been anticipating to reunite with the team. Even though the first impression was a bit out of the ordinary and awkward on your part, you felt an immediate connection with the group.

But now, as you changed into your tight black swimsuit, preparing for your first practice, you worried you wouldn't be good enough.

You hadn't swam since last year, and as a previous competitive swimmer, you understood that it was essential to consistently keep in shape physically and mentally.

But that wasn't the case for you and you knew you wouldn't be up to your potential.

You walked out of the change room onto the pool deck with your goggles and swim cap in hand.

Haru was already doing laps around the pool. The rest of the boys were huddle in a circle talking to a girl with magenta hair up in a pony tail.

The girl locked eyes with you.

"You must be (Y/N)! My names Gou. I'm the teams manager."

You waved to her with a trembling smile.

"We're just talking about our training regiment for regionals, which is actually in a few weeks. We had success in qualifications, but need to practice with a lot more intensity to improve!" Makoto spoke. "(Y/N), jump in the water whenever you'd like!"

"Wait, I can actually participate? What if I'm not good enough?"

"I'm certain you're amazing! Also, it doesn't matter either way, because you're part of the team now!" Makoto answered.

Part of the team.

Those words resonated with you and you felt they were important for your confidence.

They continued on with their conversation as you advanced towards the edge of the pool. You wrapped your messy braid up into your swim cap and you slapped your goggles on.

You felt a sense of hesitation, but ignored it and dove.

A chill raced up your spine as the water wrapped around your body. Your arms reached forwards and backwards as you began to recognize the familiarity of the motion. Bubbles formed around your body as you picked up speed.

The wall on the other side of the pool was coming closer. You flipped your body around to change direction and kicked the wall hard to ensure you didn't slow down. Your swimming became more familiar the further you went, until you came to a stop at the edge of the deck where you first dove off.

Your head flew out of the water as you slipped off your wet swim cap and goggles.

As your vision adjusted, you looked up to see everyone with wide eyes staring at you.

"(Y/N), you're awesome!" Nagisa shrieked.

"I wouldn't say that..." You laughed awkwardly.

"I agree with Nagisa! Your form, speed and stamina were all perfectly implicated together," Rei stated, while the others nodded in agreement. "You truly are amazing."

You decide to take the compliment, even though you didn't believe it.

"Thank you." You smiled slightly, pulling  your damp hair behind your ears.

Time Skip

The sky was beginning to dim to a pinkish-orange colour. The practice was coming to end, which was pleasing considering you were exhausted.

However you also felt like you could keep going since you were connecting with the group in such an effortless manner.

"Rin's coming to pick me up soon! You guys can head home, but remember we're going even harder at practice tomorrow!" Gou yelled to the boys in the changing room.

"Let me guess your boyfriend?" You grinned.

"No, he's my big brother!" Gou chuckled. "Do you want a drive?"

"No, it's okay. I think I'll just walk home tonight," you smiled, walking down the stairs that led to the schools interior. "See you tomorrow!"

The hallways were dark now with only dim lights from the street glistening through the windows. It was quiet until you heard the faint tap of footsteps.

A tall boy with a black and red Samezuka Academy jacket came around the corner ahead.

He had familiar maroon hair with side bangs that hung over his two red eyes.

He must be Gou's brother.

He looked at your eyes with a slight smirk and winked as you both walked past each other.

You frowned.

Seems like a dick.