For the team

Chapter 9

Instead of me making dinner, we got back to Iwatobi SC Returns to have basically dinner made by Ama-chan-sensei and Sasabe-san. We were talking before Nagisa asked Gou for the strawberry flavoured protein powder. Makoto, Rei, and I just watched Nagisa add a whole lot of powder before eating it. Our face colour changed as he added more and more protein powder to his meal. It was very disgusting which made us all sick to our stomachs.

Ama-chan: I am so proud of you all. You all made it to regionals, what a wonderful achievement!

Sasabe: It was all thanks to my wonderful coaching!

Me: We obviously have to thank you both for making it possible for us to swim competitively and move onto regionals.

We all nodded in agreement as I spoke.

Sasabe: Oh yeah, it’s been quite a while since I saw your parents and siblings Shiro… they never did come to watch you swim at all…

Me: Yeah, Haru invited them to come and watch.

Nagisa: Eh, Haru-chan did?

Me: It was strange…he went out of his way to do so… so I suppose I have to thank you, Haru for inviting them to come and watch.

Haru just looked the other way and mumbled an “it was nothing” and continued eating.

We walked home in silence. I just stared at the night sky and the stars started sparkling as we walked. I walked ahead of Makoto and Haru knowing that they were talking… I can hear bits and pieces of their conversation but I decided not to ask anything about it knowing that it could be personal or about some guy stuff.

After going our separate ways Haru and I started walking home in silence. We didn’t say much but after we got home we just went to our rooms, bathed, and slept.

The next day was relay day. I got my camera ready and filmed them coming in like pros. Sometimes I can’t help but think about how cool they looked when they walked in like that. Anyways, Makoto jumped into the water first for backstroke however, after they blew the whistle Makoto’s reaction time was a little off so he had some time to catch up. I guess, being Makoto he was a bit nervous and his nerves just tensed up as he raced. Nobody blamed anyone, because they all blamed themselves. I just smiled and went down to greet them.

I knew Makoto was going to be a bit emotional not only because of the relay but because of yesterday when he raced Haru in 200m. I think that was also tipped his performance a bit as well. But nevertheless, I gave Makoto and warm hug for his hard work and patted him on the back for giving it his best. He just hugged me back trying to keep his composure and trying not to look weak in front of others but, it failed.

Me: Makoto, it’s alright. We aren’t mad or anything. In fact, we are all grateful so keep your chin up and continue shooting for the stars. We will win next time for sure. 

He didn’t say anything; instead he kept silent as he cried.

Me: Oi, Mako-channnnn!~ Let’s go home. I’ll treat you your favourite!

Gou: Shiro-senpaiiiiiii! They are on a strict diet!

Me: Once in a while is fine.

Gou just grumbled and agreed to it because it really has been a while since we had something sweet.

Makoto just nodded as I dragged him away as the race finished. He just wiped his eyes as we walked to get some ice cream. As we were inside the convenient store getting ice cream I hear a bit of Gou’s and Haru’s conversation.