Heartstrings [Kirishima Ikuya x Reader]

5: ◇▪Adventure of a Lifetime▪◇

A practice tournament between Hidaka and Shimogami University shouldn't really be a big deal, and on any other day, Ikuya doesn't think he would have been all that bothered. He rarely gets nervous before official tournaments themselves because that throws off his flow and speed, but right now, he finds his nerves acting up just a bit, purely because this is the first time he'll be swimming competitively in front of (Y/n).

He's a little excited too, naturally, wanting to show his skills off to his girlfriend and impress her even though he knows he doesn't have to. (Y/n) has told him before that she's sufficiently impressed by his reputation as it is, but he wants to live up to that.

It also has to do something with the fact that Natsuya has decided to drop by as well, and one look at his brother tells Ikuya that the elder male is contemplating challenging everyone present to a race.

As he stretches, his gaze wanders over to her and she meets his eye from where she's perched on the bleachers off to the side, immediately perking up and waving. He smiles, waving back and then straightening when she abandons her seat and makes a beeline for him, dodging other swimmers who glance at her curiously.

They don't get a lot of girls visiting their practice, especially pretty ones who don't attend at either university. Moreover, Ikuya's among the least likely to be seen with pretty girls willingly approaching him because apparently he looks unwelcoming or something.

That's what Hiyori claims at least. Needless to say, he had been more surprised than was considered inoffensive when he found out that Ikuya had actually gotten a girlfriend.

A partner as amazing as (Y/n) at that.

"You look distracted, Ikuya," she points out, clasping her hands behind her back and glancing at the pool that is unoccupied for the moment.

He hums, deciding that it would be futile to deny it. Ikuya has made it a point to be as honest as he can be in his first proper relationship. He wants to do this right.

"A little bit," he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't want to end up looking like a loser in front of you."

(Y/n) shoots him a look that makes him want to dive out of sight. "I doubt that'll happen," she says plainly. "I've seen you swim, just not in a race. Even a total swimming noob can see that you're good. You just have to turn that magic of yours on and swim for it."

She punctuates her statement with a wink that makes him laugh just as much as it embarrasses him.

"If you want magical, you should see Haru swim. It's almost captivating." Ikuya will always admire Haruka's way in the water, but he no longer feels such a deep envy or resentment of his own skills. He means it genuinely when he says that Haru's style is just visually drawing because of the latter's love for water and not competition.

But (Y/n) raises her eyebrows like she's thoroughly amused. "I can't believe my boyfriend is encouraging my being captivated by other males."

Ikuya frowns. "On second thought, maybe you should completely ignore Haru."

This makes her snort abruptly and hunch over in laughter, bringing a smile to Ikuya's face because he's proud of himself every time he manages to make her laugh.

"Flirting in public, Ikuya?" Asahi flings an arm around Ikuya's shoulders, startling the couple because neither had been aware of Hidaka U's arrival. "You rascal."

(Y/n) grins at the redhead. "I haven't seen you in a while, Asahi," she greets, the both of them high-fiving while Ikuya struggles to maintain his balance with Asahi's added weight.