| Returned For The Heart Of It| RinHaru Love Story|

'Free'

"I thought I told you, I either swim free, or I don't swim at all." Haru's tone was stern. It was laced with disappointment.

"You can still swim free in the relay. Cmon, Haru. One last time before I leave for Australia!" Rin held out a hand. They stood in front of the tree in the yard of their school, handwritten messages on the bricks that nested the dirt that held the tree. Haru trusted Rin, even with his life. He reached his hand out and linked it with Rin's, lacing their fingers together.

"I promise, I'll be back before you know it, Haru. Once I come back, I'll never leave again! Then we can swim with each other forever!" Haru's eyes met Rin's, and Rin gave the boy a toothy grin.

"Fine, one last time."

Liar...

It's been 5 years... 5 whole years, and Rin still hasn't returned. I'm beyond mad, I'm furious even. But... I still have this dream every night, and I can't seem to stop thinking about him. He hasn't even kept in contact with me, Makoto, or Nagisa. I want to forget him, but I just can't, I love him too much. I've forgotten about competitive swimming. What's the point when he won't be swimming next to me? Though I've never stayed away from the water, I need it. It feels nostalgic to dip myself into the liquid until my fingers prune. It reminds me of the times me and Rin used to stay until our whole bodies wrinkled. I miss him... so much... but let's face it... he's not coming back.