Reigisa : What Friendship Can Lead To

Chapter 3

Nagisa couldn't fall asleep. It was 2:35 am. He kept checking his alarm clock. He twisted away from the glaring red digits. Why was he so upset? It's not like Rei is his only friend. He also has Haru, Makoto, Gou, and sometimes even Rin. So why does he feel jealous? It even feels as if it may be betrayal to Rei's friendship with Nagisa. Nagisa shut his eyes and forced himself to sleep. He didn't want to think about it anymore.

~ Next Morning ~

Nagisa arrived at school on time, for once. He held his mathematics textbook close to his chest. Since Rei helped him study, he felt like he new everything he could in a second year mathematics class. Rei is so smart. He doesn't need help with his classes. The only thing he needed help with was swimming and the swim club and Rin assisted him there. Nagisa questioned if Rei struggles with something. "It's impossible to be good at everything." Nagisa thought. "So, what is your weakness, Rei-chan?" Nagisa wondered.

Rei didn't go to school that day. His desk was empty when Nagisa walked into class and Rei is normally always earlier than Nagisa. Nagisa brushed  eraser marks off Rei's desk as he walked to his own. "I bet those nasty sweet potato fries made him sick. Silly Rei-chan." Nagisa whispered to himself.

At that moment, Hina, the girl who likes Rei, walked into the classroom. She is a first year. Nagisa clenched his jaw, hiding his jealousy. She actually had the courage to tell Rei that she likes him. "Not that I like him or anything!" Nagisa said out loud.

"Excuse me?" Hina said. She gave him a pissed off look. She obviously didn't want to waste her time with Nagisa.

"Oh, nothing. Did you need something, Hina-chan?" Nagisa changed the subject quickly.

"Yes, I need to borrow Rei-senpai." She said.

"He's absent. You can talk to me, I'm his best friend." Nagisa grimaced.

"Um, well, never mind. I'll wait until he's back." Hina said, sprinting out of the classroom.

~ End of school ~

Nagisa walked to swim practice. It's cold outside, so today they were practicing inside. Coach gave him a weak smile and stared at their mentor, Mrs. A. Gou, who prefers being called Kou, was staring at Haru who was currently swimming. Makoto was stretching. Mako caught sight of Nagisa and waved at him. Nagisa gave a sad smile and walked into the bathroom to change.

Nagisa changed into his swimsuit. He wasn't in the mood to swim. That girl, Hina, was getting on his nerves. But why? Rei wasn't his property and he can date whoever he wants, right? Nagisa decided swimming could help his mind think of something else than Rei Ryugazaki.

Makoto jogged over to Nagisa. He was laughing and happy like usual. Makoto was such a team mom, it made Nagisa pleased that he was his friend.

"Hey Nagisa! Where's Rei?" Mako asked.

"Not here. He must be sick or something because I hung out with him last night and he seemed fine." Nagisa explained with hand motions.

"Nagisa, can I talk to you?" Makoto asked, but he was more serious than when he asked about Rei.

"Yea, what is it?"

"You look terrible. Did you have a bad day?"

"Well, Makoto, I don't know how to explain it." Nagisa complained.

Makoto took him over to a bench and waved to Haru to let him know he'd be taking a break. "Tell me everything Nagisa. I'm here for you."

Nagisa looked up at Makoto. His bright green eyes were so soothing. His friendship with Mako was so important. He could trust him with anything. "I'm jealous of someone."

"There's this girl who likes Rei, but he turned her down. He said he does have a crush on someone and I'm scared I'm going to be replaced by this person. I don't want him to dump me, in a way."

Makoto looked at Nagisa. "Nagisa, are you into anyone?"

"N- no I'm," Nagisa mumbled.

"Nagisa, I think I should ask you something, but it may be uncomfortable. Is that ok?" Makoto said sweetly, almost in a motherly way.

"Yes. I can endure it." Nagisa said.

"Do you have a crush on Rei?" Mako asked.

Nagisa was extremely shocked by Mako's question. Feelings for Rei? He's just a friend. But, Nagisa has been more protective over Rei and gets really jealous when he is with someone else, especially around potential crushes. Nagisa squirmed. This question made him uncomfortable indeed. But it may be the right question for this time. Nagisa looked up at Makoto.

"What it I told you I did have feelings for Rei?"