Persona || Makoharu || Free!

•An Eventful Swim Practice•

-Haru's pov-

I can feel green eyes watching me.

Makoto is probably thinking along the lines of, "Wow, Haru! You swim so well!"

It used to embarrass me, the unfiltered way Makoto would compliment and praise me. He would tell me those things without a blink of an eye. I'm the complete opposite of him. I appear awkward and stoic in social situation, seemed cold next to the warmth Makoto radiated. I am not one to be incredibly vocal about how I feel, preferring more to show those close to my affections by cooking for them, buying gifts, or simply being there for them. I am clumsy with words. But Makoto, he had a natural way with others. He was one to wear his heart on his sleeve and have his feelings on display. Makoto was patient, open minded, and he could love with no fear or hesitation. Makoto was a man with few qualms.

I can remember a time where the large, comforting boy besides me was small, shy, and scared. Back then, things got to him a lot easier. Everyone thought the Makoto today was sensitive, but back then, he hardly spoke. He cling to me for support.

But I rely on him just as much.

I finish a lap of the pool, hand tapping the concrete of the wall marking a complete 150m free. My breath comes in hurried gasps. While even I can admit I am above average at swimming, my endurance is something that can definitely improve.

I pull myself out of the pool and see Nagisa and Rei splashing water into each other's lanes. Makoto is relaxing by Gou-err- Kou-whatever by the side of the pool, stating that he has a 'headache.'

We catch eyes and Makoto smiles for a brief moment. He suddenly shifts from his cross legged position and stands up. Makoto strides determinedly to the locker room and with the click of the door, my view is abruptly cut off.

I make my way to follow a distance behind Makoto. Pausing a few seconds, I grasp the handle of the door and silently slide myself before guiding the door into an almost silent close.

Hiding in the hallway that one had to turn in order to see the locker room, I hesitate on what I am going to say. Why did I get out of the water without knowing exactly for what? Why am I so unsure about everything having to do with Makoto recently? Makoto would probably tell me he's fine and "scold" me for worrying about him.

I peek around the corner to find Makoto is facing the other way.

-Makoto's pov-

I strip with ease. No one is here and I have the privacy I need.

The spandex on my swimsuit stretch over my calves first, my body is slow as I eased over my sore in my thighs.

"Tsk..." I curse under my breath, the dry fabric of my casual clothes uncomfortably rubbing on my already irritated skin. I bite my bottom lip between my teeth as my face goes into a grimace. There was little I can do about the chafing until I was in the pool.

The sooner the better...

I messily stuff my jacket and pants into the cubby and go to leave. "Whoa!" I grab the wall for dear life. My foot slips out from under me without any type of warning.

"Water?" Sure enough, a puddle of lukewarm water had formed in the hallway. I know it wasn't there when I entered...Or was it?

-Haru's pov-

What did I just see?

I can't believe my eyes. Makoto, my Makoto, the smiling swim captain I met when I was in kindergarten and still calls me Haru-chan, the Makoto who takes in stray cats because he gets scared that they will get hurt or sick, my Makoto who's heart is as big as an orca, my Makoto who has mutilated his body beyond recognition.

Before I have even attempted on confronting Makoto on if anything was wrong, the pieces of the puzzle fell painstakingly in place with that one stolen look behind Makotos back. No appetite, distant, not focusing... I know those symptoms. The doctors tried to diagnose me with depression once. After beating Rin the first time, I almost spiraled down the same path I just found Makoto to be going down in.

This isn't supposed to happen to people like Makoto...

"Haru?"

-Makoto's pov-

"I saw," the words blurt out of Haruka's mouth. They aren't followed with a why or how, just stated.

I raise my eyebrow, unsure.

I watch Haru's eyes flick from my arm to my legs then up to meet my gaze. They were a hurricane of emotion. I need no more words to speak at that volume.

He saw, oh my god, he saw everything. I should have been more careful! I should've learned my lesson when Rin found out! It already has happened with Rin and now Haru!

It feels like I am suffocating. The back of my throat tingles, and the air around me become electricity. I distance myself. My eyebrows furrow in frustration. My mouth fumbles for an excuse to give. Opening and closing, until-

"I-I have to go."