Rei hadn't taken his eyes off of Haru since practice had started. Nagisa had tried talking to him, then pulling him by the hand toward the water, even hugging his arm, to no avail. In desperation, Nagisa pretended to slip and tumble into the water, thrashing around as if drowning (which only distressed Makoto, who, unlike Haru, didn't know that drowning people usually just sank).

At the end of practice, Nagisa sat pouting by the side of the pool. He kicked the water whenever his reflection settled into place. Rei and Haru spoke in low, serious tones—considering how emphatic Haru sounded, it had to be about swimming.

"Come on," Makoto said loudly, grabbing Haru by the shoulder. Glancing over his shoulder, Nagisa realized that Makoto was giving him a pointed look, not Haru. "Let's swing by the ocean before it gets dark. I checked online, and the water temperature should be fine."

Haru's attention immediately snapped to Makoto. Without another word, he strode away, Makoto just barely keeping up. When Rei made as if to follow, Makoto waved him away, nudging his head toward Nagisa.

Nagisa turned away sharply, kicking his reflection again. After a moment, he felt Rei's presence by his side.

"You seem…troubled."

Nagisa offered him a smile. "Did you calculate the angle of my eyebrows or the curve of my lips?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he wanted to suck them back between his teeth. Hurt flashed across Rei's face, and he settled beside Nagisa.

"I thought it was my responsibility to teach you how to swim," Nagisa said into the silence. He chewed his lower lip. "I was looking forward to swimming together."

"You are correct," Rei said. He pushed up his glasses. "I did ask you to take responsibility, Nagisa-kun."

Butterflies fluttered in Nagisa's chest at the use of his first name. "So we're still…" Nagisa trailed off, gesturing between them.

Rei's brow creased. "I'm afraid you'll have to clarify."

"I really, really like you, Rei-chan," Nagisa said. He slumped sideways unceremoniously to rest on his shoulder. "When you weren't paying any attention to me, I thought…"

"Ah." Rei stiffened, then relaxed. "Of course. The optimal relationship is characterized by clear demonstrations of affection. You have done admirably, but I have—failed." He took in a deep breath, then awkwardly wrapped his arm around Nagisa's shoulder. "You and I—" He gestured with his free hand. "We are fine."

Nagisa covered his mouth, but couldn't quite choke down his laughter. Rei started to pull away, and Nagisa grabbed his hand.

"Always in perfect form," Nagisa said, grinning up at him. He pecked Rei on the cheek and snuggled against his shoulder. "Nobody else would put it like that. You're one of a kind, Rei-chan."