Chapter Text
It wasn’t as if Makoto didn’t see it. He was actually the first who noticed the bond between Haru and Rin, a bond born like a storm that left residues when it receded. Because of Rin, Haru changed. Because of Rin, a spark was born in Haru. The Haru who lived day to day, swimming only because he liked to, because he wanted to, changed. His eyes would widen as he watched Rin swim. After racing each other, reflected in Haru’s eyes is the joy of having a rival who loved swimming as much as he does. After practice, Haru who always biked home started running. He became competitive.
At first, Makoto was glad that Haru was changing. Haru who never made the effort to socialize was finally opening up. When Rin moved away, he was sad that he wouldn’t get to see a dear friend again. He was worried about Haru though. However, as days passed by, other than being sad like the rest of the team, Haru didn’t change. Then came the day Haru quit swimming competitively. Makoto never asked since he knew that it wasn’t his business no matter how worried or curious he was. Deep down though, he already knew that the reason had to do with Rin, though he knew not what.
When Rin came back, he was genuinely happy. Seeing an old friend is always a good thing in Makoto’s books. Even knowing this affected Haru the most, he was glad. Because they’re friends and Makoto didn’t want bad feelings between friends.
After the relay race, things were going well. Haru and Rin were hanging out more often. They were always finding time to race and train w/ each other. It wasn’t as if it was just the two of them though, it was the whole team. Makoto expected this. He expected this. Of course, it didn’t mean that it would hurt less. Makoto has always known that the only one who could awaken such passion for swimming in Haru was Rin. It could never be Makoto, because he was scared of the ocean and any big body of water in general. He was scared, but he was more scared of not being able to be beside Haru. Haru was special, that’s why he tried so hard.
Months passed and Haru and Rin grew closer. It wasn’t until the first summer of their 3rd year that it was actually official. Makoto was happy for Haru. However, it wasn’t until that summer that he finally realized; he was alone. For the first time in his life, he felt completely lonely. Even when he was with the team, he was lonely.
________________________________________
Climbing those familiar set of stairs was agonizing for Makoto. It felt like an eternity before he arrived at Haru’s front door. This time, he didn’t barge in as he usually did. This time, he waited.
“Hey, Haru-chan.”
“Why didn’t you just come in? The door isn’t locked. And don’t call me Haru-chan.” Haru said with a small pout.
They both moved into the living room in silence. For some reason, there was an awkward air between them. Haru didn’t like it but he didn’t know what to do about it. Makoto broke the silence.
“Haru seems fine without me now. I’m glad.”
“What do you mean?” Haru’s heart became uneasy. Something was wrong, terribly wrong.
“Nothing. I just meant that now there’s Nagisa, Rei, and Rin by your side now. I’m glad. I would be sad if Haru had no other friend than me.”
Haru looked down. “I’m glad they’re here as well. However, I don’t mind if I only had Makoto. Makoto knows me best after all.”
There was sadness in Makoto’s eyes but he covered it up before Haru looked up and notice. “Of course. How is it going with Rin?”
“It’s fine. It’s difficult sometimes, but fine.” For some reason Haru never liked to talk about his relationship with Rin when Makoto was around. He always felt uneasy. “We always argue about some things though.”
Makoto chuckled and asked, “Not about swimming though right?”
“No, not about swimming.”
“I’m glad. I just came to check on how you were doing. Since I have a lot of chores to do back at the house, I’ll be leaving now.”
Haru walked Makoto to the door. Watching Makoto put on his shoes with a feeling of unease in his heart. He had a feeling that he should say something but he didn’t know what.
“Bye, Haru-chan.” Makoto said as he left.
Haru’s eyes widened. Why did Makoto say goodbye? He was about to call out but a ringing from the living room made him stop.
________________________________________
Standing in front of the train with a luggage at his side, Makoto said his farewells to his family and friends. He received warm hugs from his parents, promising them that he’ll take care of himself and call them every night if he can. There was a tearful goodbye from the twins, refusing to let go of their precious older brother. One by one, he hugged Nagisa, Rei, Kou, and Ama-sensei.
“Did you really not tell Haru that you’re leaving for Tokyo today?” Nagisa asked.
“I didn’t have the heart to tell him directly that I was leaving. I did say goodbye though. In addition, I sent a message to Rin this morning. Since he has swimming practice he probably didn’t get it yet.” Makoto forced a smile. “Please look after Haru for me.”
“Makoto, you can cry you know. I’m your oldest friend after Haru. I know.”
“Don’t worry Nagisa. I already cried, not because I’m strong, but because I’m weak. That’s why I decided to participate in the exchange program to Tokyo. I want to be stronger. However, I probably won’t be able to grow if I stay here. I decided to go to a different place in hopes that I could become a different person than I am now. Stronger. Happier. Don’t worry. I definitely will be fine. Moreover, it’s only for one semester. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“I believe in you, Makoto-sempai. There’s no way that someone like you won’t be happy. I’ll be cheering you on.” Kou said.
“Me, too. I hope everything goes well for you in Tokyo. Study well. Eat well. And make lots of friends sempai.” Rei said.
“Thank you everyone.” Makoto smiled. It was probably the first genuine smile that graced his face in a long while. At that moment, he felt truly happy that he had such great friends.
________________________________________
Ama-sensei and Kou left for home while Nagisa and Rei decided to accompany the Tachibana family to their house. After saying farewell at the door, they turned to leave and saw Haruka at the gate.
“What are you two doing here?” he asked.
“We just came from the train station with the Tachibana family and decided to walk them back since we were going to see you anyways.” Answered Nagisa.
'The train station? Why would they go there?' “Why are you leaving so early then? We can all hang out here with Makoto.”
Nagisa and Rei stayed quiet and glanced at each other.
Seeing them do that, Haruka felt uneasy. Something was wrong. He narrowed his eyes and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Nagisa elbowed Rei.
After a moment, Rei finally relented and answered, “Haruka-sempai… we went to see Makoto-sempai off. He’s attending a school in Tokyo for this upcoming semester.”
Haruka’s eyes widened in shock. The only thing going through his mind was “Makoto left.” The only thing he could hear was the pounding of his heart. The only thing he could feel was panic.
His cell phone rang. He didn’t pick up.