Relationship Text

New School

The school year had really only just begun when Haruka was told rather abruptly by his parents they were transferring him to an all-boys prestige high school; far from where he was now and apparently paraded an elite swimming program. His parents didn't give him any time to process the sudden news or even allow him to decline the request as they arrived on his doorstep the next morning. Haru would have argued furiously with his parents, demand they leave, and let him live the life that they had so valiantly left him too. But, Haru knew better, however hard he would push and protest, the harder they fired back, belittling him until he's a squished ant beneath their boots. Haruka silently and obediently followed them- suitcase in hand- staring longing at Makoto's home as he passed by it. Haru had only just managed to send a message to his best friend before his parents had confiscated his mobile. His parents were selfishly cruel and strict; yes. Hated emotional and pointless relationships? Definitely. Their parents had arranged their marriage, and it was their apparent duty to provide an heir to the Nanase line. As he hesitantly closed the door of his father's rather expensive car, he watched the house he lived in for more than ten years disappear from sight.

After almost two hours of silence, with only the humming sound of the engine filling the awkward tension, Haru finally spoke.

"Where are you taking me?"

"To the top swimming school in the country." His father answered like it was obvious. "Having such a talented swimmer for a son, there was only one place to take you."

Haruka rose a brow in scepticism and turned back to watch the scenery pass by in a hazy blur. His thoughts unwillingly led to Makoto. Haruka shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Nagisa and Rei. As much as he enjoyed his own sullen company, those boys were a part of his life, he wouldn't dare replace. A small vibrating noise echoed in the car, and Haru turned to find his small green mobile shaking in the cupholder. Rin's name was lit up on the screen. The redhead would be devastated and exceptionally angry, scarily furious. Haruka silently shifted, flickering his eyes to the rear-view mirror before reaching for his phone. He was but centimetres away when his mother seized his phone and sighed disappointedly.

"Oh, Haru honey. You don't need this anymore."

Haruka watched the women delicately place the device in her rather expensive and hideous handbag and offered him a sickly-sweet smile. Haru grimaced slightly before he nodded and leaned back, and stared up at the ceiling of the car.

"Here we are, honey." Haru's mother announced merrily. Haruka wordlessly got out of the car and stood rigidly beside his father.

"It's in a perfect position." His father announced proudly. "Not five minutes from your school, and not far from my work." He slung his arm around his son's shoulders.

"It's very far from my school actually," Haru muttered and clenched his jaw.

"Haruka, you need to let go of that life." His mother came up behind him, handing the boy his case. "You're about to start a whole new existence, here, with us."

His parents walked hand in hand towards the house, leaving Haruka to stand motionless outside, his hand felt numb around the handle of his suitcase.

This was happening. This was now his unthinkable reality. He wasn't in Iwatobi anymore. Nowhere near Samezuka either. From what he heard from Rin's constant prattles, Riendea were the swimming champions. They have won consecutively for the past thirty years, in almost all events.

"I don't want a life with you," Haruka sighed before heading inside after his parents.

Dinner was unsettlingly silent. Haruka, refusing to even acknowledge his parents' presence as he pushed the rice around the bowl. He left after hardly touching his food, heading to his bedroom. His eyes caught the sight of his mother's handbag as he entered the hall, and flexed his fingers. Haruka walked over, checking over his shoulder, expecting to find his parents preying on his movements. He quickly grabbed his phone and walked swiftly and quietly up the stairs. Rummaging through his suitcase, finding a notepad and pen, he opened his contacts on his mobile. He quickly wrote down the minimum numbers he had. Makoto, Nagisa, Rei, Rin. His hand stopped when he scrolled to the last name on the list. Sousuke.