Black and White (Rin Matsuoka x fem!OC)

3.

-Why did you come yesterday to watch our practice?- asked Nanase when we were about to reach the university.
-Rin asked me to go.
-Why?
-I think he wants me to join but I don't really know why. He was waiting for me outside my class building when the classes finished.
Nanase frowned.
-Is that kind of behaviour unusual?- I asked.
-For him, yes.
-By the way, I didn't know you were part of the team, well I just knew about Rin cause he told me on Saturday night.
-I swim since I can remember.
-Yeah. I can tell.
-How come?
-The way you move through the water is something like I've never seen, it's captivating. I don't know if you're the fastest, but watching you swim is truly something different- I said putting my arms behind my head trying to remember that scene.
He blushed.
-Thank you.
-No problem. Well, I'll see you later- I said when we reached my building.

When lunchtime came around, Rin sent me a text.
-Care to join me for lunch?
-Sure, where?
-Cafeteria in 5
I looked at the text and smiled unknowingly. I got lucky with all these guys, they were so nice to me. Were all japanese young adults like them?

I went downstairs following the signs that lead to the cafeteria, suddenly a bunch of guys came running and pushed me to the side, that made me crashed onto a guy, a huge guy.
-I'm really sorry, I got pushed- I said in my poor japanese.
I looked at him and he was frowning, he ran a hand through his black hair and made a sound with his mouth. He didn't answer and just kept walking.

Ok, maybe not all young adults here are as nice as Nanase's friends.

I got to the cafeteria and spotted the redhead easily, since there were a lot of girls trying to get his attention. I approached the table slowly and saw Rin's face, he was in desperate need for help.
-Noah!- he yelled when he saw me. All the girls turned their heads to see me and they frowned almost instantaneously.
-Hey- I said almost whispering.
-Perfect timing, let's go. Bye girls!- said Rin grabbing my wrist and pulling me out of there.
We ran until we got out of the building.
-Rin stop! They're not following us.
He stopped by the shadow of a tree and let go of my hand.
-Geez, what's with you?- I said trying to catch my breath.
-I'm sorry, I get really nervous around girls.
-And yet here I am.
-I don't mean it like that, it's just that I don't like when all the girls offer me their lunches or confess to me.
-That sounds like every guy's dream- I said sitting on the grass.
-Not for me, I'm not really interested in them.
-Oh, so you like guys?- I said nonchalantly.
-Wh-what?!
-Why do you react like that? Relax, it's just a question.
-I didn't expect that, but no, I like girls but not right now.
-Ok... So, if we just got out of the cafeteria, where are we going to eat?
-There's a small cafe here in the campus, is that way- he said pointing to the right.
-You're going to eat cakes and that kind of thing? It's lunchtime man, besides I got mine here, we can share it, I cooked for two today.
-Why for two?
-Nagisa was eating from my lunch yesterday, so I brought more this time in case he wanted as well.
-Sounds good, and we can have a cake or something afterwards.
-Sure, but don't you have a diet or something?
-Yes, but I can eat cake once a week- he said grinning.

We sat on the grass and started to eat from my small bento thingy. I don't remember how Nanase called it in the morning.
-So, are you going to join?- he asked.
-Join what?
-The swimming club of course.
-Oh, I don't know... I wasn't really thinking of swimming again when I came here.
-Give it a chance, I promise Nanase won't touch you again.
-What do you mean?
-He pushed you yesterday into the pool, right?
-Yeah, but I kind of needed it.
-How so?
-I wanted to get in the pool as soon as I saw it.
-Then, why don't you join us already?
-Because I'm not as good as before. I don't compete in anything anymore, and I'd have to practice a lot if I want to do that.
-I'll help you.
-You don't have to, if I'm not sure about it, there's no need of your help. It won't be worth it.
-Noah, give it a chance. Swim today and I'll respect your decision afterwards.
-Why are you so pushy?
-I know you're talented.
-How?
-You said you surf.
-Yeah, so? That's not exactly the same.
-It's not, surfing is more badass but it requires a certain love for the water, for the sea, for the ocean. I think you have it, or Nanase wouldn't have pushed you with him. He saw that, so there's no doubt that you have what it takes.
-Rin you speak as if you have known me for a long time, and not just 4 days.
-I know, but I've a good feeling about you.
-Well, good feeling or not, I forgot my swimsuits in Australia.
-We can lend you one.
-Isn't that unhygienic?
-Well, no one has really touch the female swimsuit in a long time, but I don't really know.
-Ok, I'll try it on. I'll swim today. But don't laugh if I'm not good.
-I promise I won't- he said winking sweetly.
-By the way, here are the clothes that you lend me yesterday- I said taking out a small bag with them folded.
-Thanks, you didn't have to wash them or anything really.
-It's no problem.

I was getting anxious as time was passing by and the swimming club was getting closer and closer. I didn't even say goodbye to my classmates, I just got out with my heart beating harder than usual. What was happening to me? Since when was I anxious of going to swim? Did I want to impress everyone?

I called Rin when I got out of my building.
-Rin, I'm on my way to... Oh you're here- I said spotting him. He smiled.
-Since lunchtime you had been smiling a lot- I noticed.
-Yeah, I can't explain that either. I don't really like to smile now, but today I'm all smiles- he said putting his arms behind his head as we walked.
When Rin opened the door to the pool I got the same feeling as the day before. I zoomed out for a bit.
-Are you still doubting if this is a good decision?- he said close to my ear.
-Uh?
-You can have all of this everyday, you can feel the water in all your body at the same time everyday.
-Don't try to convince me with that. I'm not Nanase.
-You're really alike in some aspects.
-Yeah, I know- I said diverting my eyes to the pool again.
Maybe is not a bad decision after all.
-Come, I'll show you where the swimsuits are.

It was just going to be one time with that old black swimsuit, it was a little tight but manageable. I got out of the locker room and head to where Nanase was. Don't know why but this time he wasn't in the pool. Before I got to him, some of the other guys stopped me and started talking to me.
-Guys, leave her alone- demanded Rin as he made his way between them- line up!
Everyone was suddenly in front of me, waiting for orders. It was like I was asking to join the army.
-This is White Noah, a potential new member.
-Pleasure to meet you- I said loudly and bowing.
-Please don't scare her before she even gets in the pool.
-Sir, sorry, sir- chanted everyone. Except for Nanase, his lips didn't move an inch. I wanted to giggle.
-Ready?- Rin asked me.
-Not really...
-Good. Come.
We approach to one of the springboards and I took a deep breath.
-Which stroke is your best one?
-Freestyle and butterfly.
-Show me. Two laps.
He was a little intimidating when he ordered around.
-White, here- Nanase said from behind me.
I turned around and saw him handing me his cap and goggles. I took them and put them on, fear was printed on my face, my heart was beating fast. Was this really what I wanted?
-You've got this Noah- cheered Nagisa.
I took another deep breath and climbed on the springboard, I was in position. Waiting. Everyone was in utter silence.

Rin blew the whistle. I jumped. I focused on the shape of my body, not only on the speed. I felt the water hugging every inch of my body, welcoming me. It lead me through itself. I was moving swiftly. After two laps, I stopped and took out the cap and goggles, I looked at Rin who was in the same position as before.
-Monday to Friday from 5 to 7 pm- he said.
Everyone started clapping and I frowned a bit. When I returned my eyes to Rin, he was grinning, he pulled me up and shake my hand firmly. Then he gave instructions to the others, to start practice. He walked to the benches and I followed him after giving Nanase's cap and goggles back.
-Wait, you think I'm a good asset to your team?- I asked to make sure.
-Of course, you're a good swimmer, just need to work in a few things to be in top shape.
I nodded.
-Are you still in doubt?
-Not really.
-Good. Take my cap and goggles so you can practice this week, we can go on Saturday to pick up a swimsuit and all the equipment- he said.
-You don't have to do that, I can just go with Nanase, I don't think he'll mind.
-It's ok, I want to go with you.
Why did he want to go with me? In Australia it'd have been fine, but here going out with someone to buy something, was a pretty big deal even if they were just friends... Not that I was afraid of that, but it was kind of weird.
-What if the other guys think that this is favoritism or something?
-They won't, I try to help my team in everything I can so it's not the first time I have gone with them to buy swimsuits.
-Ok then, thanks Rin.
-No problem, and... I'd like you to call me captain while we're here.
My cheeks blushed a bit.
-Oh, right. Thanks captain.

~~~~~