It Had To Be You (Kirishima Ikuya X Reader)

Chapter 7

Hiyori sat alone in the waiting area.

'The witch handed the little mermaid a knife and said, use this to pierce the prince's heart and you will return to your original form. If you fail, you will turn into sea foam and disappear. And I..' Hiyori had a troubled look on his face as he let his mind wander.

Makoto slid the door open for him and yourself and noticed Hiyori.

"Toono-kun?"

"Hey, you're here, too?" Hiyori asked.

"Yeah, to cheer for my friends." Makoto replied then walked to the vending machine.

"Friends..." Hiyori muttered.

"You know, Toono-kun, when I swam with you, I got the sense that you were trying too hard for something." Makoto said.

"Trying too hard? Me? Well, you have to try hard to win tournaments." Hiyori laughed lightly, getting a bit pissed off in the process. 

"That's not what I meant. I mean, like, with Ikuya..." Makoto rephrased.

Hiyori's eye twitched, but he said nothing.

"Can't you have a little more faith in him? I think it would make it easier for you to swim, too. You can just be you in water. Like-"

"Like Nanase? Is that what you're getting at?" Hiyori said as he stood up.

'What a total hot head.' Your eyes widen at that.

"He's all anyone ever talks about!" Hiyori hissed, getting closer to Makoto, who stepped back a bit.

"If Ikuya had never seen him again...I seriously don't get it..." Hiyori continued, his tone slightly softer.

"I can't really explain it, but, if you swim with Haru, you'd understand. He has something special when he's in water." Makoto gave a smile.

Hiyori looked away.

The cheering of the crowd was heard at the upper level.

"Let's go. Ikuya's race is starting." Makoto told as he began to walk.

Hiyori stared at Makoto's retreating figure with a sad look.

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"Sorry, I took so long." Nao apologised as he took a seat next to Natsuya.

"You're late, Nao." Natsuya told.

"Looks like I somewhat made it in time." Nao protested.

"But, man..who knew Haruka, the guy who insisted to only swim free, would do this?" Natsuya said as he looked at Haruka.

"We all grow up. He's no different." Nao smiled.

"Nanase from Taka U is in the next lane. I didn't know. He swam the IM." Hoshikawa said.

Asahi and You stared down from the audience.

"The two of you and Kirishima Ikuya were buddies in middle school, right?" Seijuro asked.

You nod.

"This should a good race." Seijuro smiled.

The swimmers were in position as they awaited for the signal.

Ikuya had a troubled look, while Haruka, looked quite confident.

"Take your marks...Go!"

The swimmers then dove in.

"Wow, the butterfly. Haru's amazing!" Kisumi exclaimed.

"But, Ikuya is.." Makoto spoke.

Ikuya was already in the lead with difficulty.