In the swimming club, all members make a pledge: "I will Reach to the Summit, till then, my Soul will be full filled once again", or something like that.
Aiko Yamada is a 3rd year at Kentaru High School, she has a talent for both music and swimm...
A sound of a whistle blew. The supposedly challenged swimming race was a bust, but the challengers aren't finished yet.
"The winner of the swimming race is....!"
—-that was exactly one year ago, when Misaki was challenged to a swimming race during club.
"Yo, what's up Maki-Chan?" a girl from her seminar class walks up to her.
"Hey, didn't I say not to call me that nickname?" replied Misaki.
"Hmhp, it surely has been a while since the swimming club is put on break during this season."
"Listen Hotaru, I just need my space."
"Alright then, however...once the swimming club starts back up after winter break-want another race till then?" said Hotaru.
"You haven't forgot about that race long ago, huh? We will see till then." Misaki told Hotaru.
Hotaru began to head back to her group of friends after paying Misaki a visit.
"I wonder, what's going on with her?"
—one year ago, Hotaru declared a challenge to Misaki a Swimming Race. It was their second year, a new transfer student came to Kentaru High School. Her name is Hotaru Yoshida, who just transferred from Shizuoka to Okayama. The girl always had an interest in Swimming, similar to Misaki. Hotaru quickly joined the school's swimming club, before she knew it, Hotaru was recognized as the competitive sport in the club. It wasn't long till the second semester of school, she began to recognize the talented swimmers in the club. One-whom she has been seeing the most was Misaki.
Hotaru was stretching for her swim training, she spotted Misaki walking towards Aiko and Yuuma. Hotaru didn't hesitate.
"Misaki-san, stop right there!"
Aiko noticed Misaki stopped in the attention of the most competitive swimmer in the club. Misaki glanced back, seeing her fellow club member Hotaru in the shade.
Hotaru pointed her hand at Misaki.
"Misaki-san, I challenge you in a swimming race. Are you in?"
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Misaki paused by Hotaru's sudden challenge, but she's not saying 'no' for this game.
"Yes! I'll accept your challenge, Yoshida-san!" cries out Misaki.
So forth, the two shake hands in agreement. Everybody murmured about the competitive sport racing Misaki in swimming. Suddenly, Aiko felt uneasy about the race. Especially, her best friend is racing the girl Hotaru.
The two girls readied their goggles and head caps, both stretched before stepping on the diving board. Everyone gathered around the pool, either sides are cheering for both swimmers.
Aiko walks towards Misaki before her swimming race.
"Be careful in the race, Misaki." said Aiko.
Misaki placed her hand on Aiko's shoulder.
"Don't worry, I've got this! Win or Lose, it'll be fun."
Misaki gave Aiko a smile, she walks onto the diving board. Looking towards her left, she saw Hotaru standing tall and fearless. Aiko backed away from the pool, she had her hand close to her chest. Accompanied by her acquaintance Yuuma, when watching the swimming race.
The swimming referee blew the whistle, and so forth-the girls jumped into the pool.
"Go Misaki!!!" cried out Aiko from the sidelines.
The crowd cheered for the racers. The movement of Misaki's swimming was graceful, while Hotaru's technique being flexible in the water. Aiko heard more people cheering more for Hotaru, she cheered even more for Misaki.
"You can do this Misaki!!!" cried out Yuuma.
The racers now reached the end, and boosted themselves back to the finish line. The crowd gets even louder. The referee had his whistle ready. The long awaited swimming race is about to finish.
The whistle blew just in time. Everyone applaud at the two swimmers' race. The results were clear.
"The winner of the swimming race is...A tie!" yelled out the referee.
The two stepped out of the pool. Misaki took off her goggles, and looked towards Hotaru.
"Not bad, Yoshida-san. That was good game."
"Same goes here, Misaki-san, or should I say 'Maki-Chan'?" Hotaru replied.
"Huh? What is that nickname abou—" Misaki was interrupted by Aiko's sudden hug.
"Good job Misaki, I'm glad you didn't lose!" said Aiko.
Misaki rubbed Aiko's head with her wet hands.
"It was only a tie, somehow, Hotaru didn't seem competitive either." Misaki told Aiko.
—It's the day of the swimming club meeting. The only chance of Aiko meeting Misaki again, she's hoping to give her a gift of forgiveness since walking away from her. Aiko headed to the club room, she saw every member in the room. Aiko was holding a tiny bag with a gift for Misaki, however she didn't see her in the club room. Aiko began to worry, she quickly finds the swimming coach.
"Where's Misaki? She's the only one not in the meeting, is she here today?!"
"I had a call this morning about Misaki Tachibana, that she's sick today." said the swimming coach.
Aiko held the tiny gift bag tightly, the feeling of being left out has got into her head. Right when the club meeting is over, she quickly ran home and requested a ride to Misaki's house.
