Bonding By the Poolside - Free! Iwatobi Swim Club [Makoto Tachibana]

(C8) Mini Science Lesson?

A.N-

I'm using dollars because I don't know how much yen is worth or how to use it, and the good old pound would be really out of the story and it just would not fit. It's a Japanese story that uses dollars. Quality plot right here.

A few hours later, we all got out of the pool, despite Haru's protests. I picked up my towel and I gave Makoto his goggles back, "Thanks again!" I said with a smile, walking off in front of them to get into the showers. On the way past the shallow end, a mother called out to me, "Excuse me, Miss? I'm sorry to bother you, but are you okay? You looked pretty bad after the race..." She trailed off and looked over to the deep end. I nodded, "Yes, thank you. I was just tired. I haven't swam in such a long time, and I guess I overworked my body!" I said happily, trying to not let it bother me. She smiled and wished me all the best, then swam after her child.

Even strangers are worried. It couldn't have looked that bad, right? I felt fine. Oh well, I won't complain. The showers were not closed in, but in full view of the pool, so anyone could see you scrubbing your hair, if they're into that kind of thing. Also, because it was facing the pool, anyone could just run in and take the shower next to you, which made it a little awkward if you didn't know them. Imagine if your mother asked what you did that day?

*simulation*

Mother: "So what did you do today?"

Child: "I had a shower with a stranger!"

Mother: "You're grounded."

*end of simulation*

Yeah. That wouldn't go down too well.

I put my towel in my locker and took out my bag, taking the shampoo and conditioner back to the shower. I stood under the shower and tested the water, which was obviously freezing. I tried all the others, but they too were cold. I picked the one which I found to be the hottest and stood under it, forcing myself to get used to the cold. As I stood there, freezing, the boys came out of the boys' changing room and stood at the showers around me.

I stood there shaking but they just showered as if nothing was wrong... How is that even possible? It's freezing! Well I can't stand here feeling sorry for myself, I thought, taking out my hairband and swaying my hair left to right. I felt like a model when I did that. I quickly washed my hair and walked back to the girls' changing room. Before I went in, I just had to take one last peek at them. Hey, if you had the opportunity to see a bunch if handsome male bodies, without it being creepy, wouldn't you take that opportunity?

I stared through a slit in the door. This is the inside of my mind:

M-m-muscles! Th-their deltoids! Their trapezii! Their triceps! Their abs! Their backs! Their quadriceps! Their everything~! It's beautiful! I guess swimming has it's advantages!

I wanted to change, but I just kept staring. They finished showering, the water making them look even more impressive. "Hang on a second. My back's a little stiff." Makoto stopped walking. Oh crap, has he seen me? I thought worryingly. I braced myself for the awkward answers, but he didn't move over to me. In fact, he slowly raised his arms above his head and stretched. His muscles tensed and they seemed to get bigger. I shouldn't be staring, but I am. He held his left arm to the side, while grabbing his right shoulder and pulling it, and stretched more. It's so...! Oh my goodness! Just, haa~ I thought to myself like some kind if fangirl.

"Hm?" Makoto turned around, so I slammed the door shut and ran inside the changing room.

I took the key off from around my ankle and cleared out my locker, picking the driest and cleanest cubical I could find. I stuffed my uniform into the bag and pulled out my black Converse, socks, undies, dark blue jeans and a black and white striped top. I don't wear makeup, so I was pretty much ready. I dried my hair with the hairdryer available and the I pulled it all back into a high ponytail, little curls of hair hung by my face. I think it looks pretty! Satisfied, I grabbed everything and went into the lobby, taking a seat by the vending machine and waiting for the boys to come out.

While I waited, I counted the money I had in my purse - $40. I already paid $10 to get into the pool, so the rest was just for me to pig-out on. Might as well start now, I thought to myself, walking over to a vending machine selling my favourite soda, 'Pocket Sweat'. It doesn't sound too appealing, huh? It's actually pretty damn good.

Five minutes later, the boys all finally came out at the same time, also wearing their casual clothes. Well, if you can call Nagisa's bright pink top 'casual'. I smiled and stood up, "So, I guess I should be going then?" I said with a sad voice. I honestly hated the thought of leaving to go home by myself, but I don't thi-- "NO!! Mizu-chan, stay with us! Pleeeeeease~? We've had a really great time already, and I don't want it to end! We haven't had this much fun since... Well, ever!"

"Na-Nagsia! What're you saying? You don't have fun with Haru and I?"

"Well... Uh, n-never mind! Look, it's only 5:30! Why don't we hit the arcades? I know a great place down in the town, and the owner loves me!" He shook his fists up and down. Haru kept a straight face and shrugged, Makoto twitched his eyebrow. Knowing that I'd be all for it, Nagsia looked at me, giving me the puppy eyes. I'm on your side, idiot.

I smiled and walked over to Nagisa, "I'll go with Nagisa! So, if you two don't want to come along, then I guess we'll see you in school?" Nagisa grabbed my hands and shook them, "Thanks, Mizu-chan!" I looked over to Haru, but his expression stayed unaltered. Makoto laughed and walked over to us, dragging Haru by his wrist, "We'd love to join in! I'd love to spend the day with all my friends! Hehe!" Goddammit that is a cute freaking laugh. Haru sighed and nodded, "Fine. But don't cry if I win." I punched his shoulder gently, "I'll make you eat those words!"

I looked at Makoto with a raised eyebrow. "Sound familiar?"

He put his hands on his hips and pouted, "I'll get you sued for copyright!"

"Makoto, you're not Google+" Burn.

"Good one, Haru-chan!"

"Heh, real funny."

"Come on then! I'll beat you all with my hands tied behind my back!" I smiled and jumped happily.

Haru glared at me with a smirk, his aura turned a bit creepy. "I still have my tie. How about you prove it?" He rummaged in his bag and pulled out a green tie, staring at me expressionlessly. Crap. "N-no! I'm okay! Hahaha!" I ran forward, desperate to get away from Haru.