Swimmer Boy (Book 1)

Chapter 10 ~ Worries

"You just set another personal best, Haru!" I wrote down as we continued our training back at the school. Except for the whole getting stranded thing, I'd say the training camp went really good. Now we're only five days away from our first prefectural tournament.

"This is great and all, but we still don't have a coach." Kou pouted.

"What? But we'd have to do it right now." Nagisa said.

"Well that's good because I have the perfect candidate." Kou smiled. It's never good when she smiles like that...
                                    ~~~~~
"So... Rin's swimming in the 100 meter freestyle with Haru." Kou mentioned as we climbed the stairs to the school's roof. During training camp, she had managed to get a list of Samezuka's line up for the upcoming tournament.

"That could be good or bad." I shrugged. "It could reunite them, or it could break them apart even more."

"He didn't enter any other events, though." She said.

"That's strange. He's an amazing swimmer, so he could definitely bring home quite a few trophies." I said. "I just hope Haru takes it well."

We finally made it to the roof to have lunch with the boys. We planned to finalize our own lineup for the tournament. "What about the relay?" Rei asked.

"You want to swim in a relay?!" Nagisa asked excitedly.

"Yes." Rei nodded. "I watched a video of it from the Olympics. The synchronization and teamwork was beautiful. I want to experience that with you guys."

"I'd love that, too." Makoto smiled. "Haru?" My brother stayed silent as he looked at a picture Kou had snapped of Rin and the Samezuka team.

"W-We don't have to!" Rei said. "Is it because you only swim for yourself?" Haru let the picture go in the wind and left the roof. He didn't seem upset, he just didn't want to talk about it. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No." I shook my head. "It's just complicated."

                                   ~~~~~

"Tomorrow's the day." Haru said as I changed the countdown sign for the prefectural tournament.

"Are you okay, Haru?" I asked quietly. "I know you're not. You can talk to me."

"I mean it whenever I say I only swim free." He said. "But when it comes to Rin... all of that changes. And I don't know why."

"Is it because of the race that winter?" I asked. He nodded. That was the turning point in their relationship after all. Rin quit swimming back then, but obviously he's changed, too.

                                    ~~~~~

"Good work today, boys." Mrs. A said after practice. "Get some sleep. Remember we have to leave early in the morning."

"Yes, ma'am!" Nagisa saluted and ran off to change. I laughed as we all started packing up our things. To be honest, I was worried about the tournament tomorrow. About Rei being a beginner, and my job as co-manager, but most importantly... about Haru and Rin. What if Haru beats Rin and Rin quits for good this time? Or vice versa and Haru gives up swimming? He would never do that, would he?

"Hey." I was brought out of my thoughts as I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Makoto.

"Hey." I smiled. He returned it, but I could tell something was up.

"We need to talk."