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

(C12) Newly Found Fondness

"Hello?" I heard a cough at the other end.

"Ah! Mizuki... Hello."

"Hello, again." I giggled.

"Uh, how a-are you? You know, from the other day?"

"Oh, that? I'm fine. I was just a little tired. How about you? You okay?"

"Yeah. I just want to say something."

"Hm?"

"W-well..." Makoto trailed off. "You see... I just wanted to know if you're really okay. You sound a little ill. Ah! I-I mean, you sound nice, but, are you feeling okay? You sound a little groggy."

"Heh, I'm fine. I have a stomach ache, is all. Nagisa and Rei kept me up all night and--"

"Huh?! W-what did they do! I swear I won't forgive them if the-"

"Makoto! Calm down, please? They just slept round my house because Nagisa thought that I..." I cut myself off. Makoto already sounds so distressed, so if I told him the reason they came over, I don't know how he'd react. "Mizuki?" He said quietly, "What's wrong? Please, just, tell me if you're bothered by anything. I'll be sure to help, i-if that's okay with you?"

*Ba-dump*

Huh? Why did my heart just beat so hard? All he did was offer to help you. It's not like he's confessing... Wait, wait, wait! And why would that send my heart beating faster? God, it's like I... I... like him. But, how?

"Mizuki? Are you there?"

What would make me like-like him? I guess his personality? It's so caring and loyal. His looks? His smile is just the sweetest thing you could ever see. He has beautiful features, even if they are similar to mine, that I can't get over. Gah, I can't just go jumping straight into this! I've only known him for about a week, but I feel this way? It's stupid. He's just a friend looking out for me. And, that's all he'll ever be. What have I got to offer to him that no other girl could? I'm not beautiful like him. I'm no where near as sweet and caring as him (I'm ashamed to admit it) and I haven't got anything he could fall for, unless he fell for me because I looked like him. That would just make him a narcissist.

"Mizuki!" He yelled in my ear, snapping back to reality.

"I... I have to go. I'm sorry, Makoto. I'll see you at school." I said, holding back tears.

"Wai--!" I cut him off. I felt horrible for doing so, but I just couldn't let him hear me in such a state. I slammed my phone in the counter and crossed my arms, smothering my face in my arms and closing my eyes. Rei and Nagisa yelled in shock and ran next to me, stuttering as they tried to get the right words out. Rei's glasses clinked as he pushed them up, probably feeling awkward. Nagisa started to rub my back, "Mizu-chan... What the hell did Makoto say?!" He suddenly raised his voice. "Nagisa, he didn't do anything. I'm so sorry, but do you think,"

"Yes. Come on, Nagisa-senpai."

"Nagisa."

"Now isn't the time. Come on, Nagisa." They hugged me and left.

As soon as I heard the door shut I let out the tears that I held back. Why? Why did I fall for him? You're too gullible! One guy shows up, who just so happens to be your type, and suddenly you're in love? After one goddamn week?! What is wrong with you, Mizuki? You're an idiot!

"......" I sighed and rubbed my eyes, making my way over to my bedroom and throwing myself under the covers. Who cares if it's the morning? I'll just lay down for a while and calm down.