Makoto took pride in the fact that he knew absolutely everything there was to know about Nanase Haruka. Sure, everyone knew he loved water and an odd diet consisting of only mackerel, but Makoto knew so much more. He knew that Haru's face was a brightly lit canvas and only he could translate the meaning. The sparkle that those cerulean eyes would cast when he found something desirable or how his nose scrunched up at the end just slightly when he was annoyed.

Haru also had quite a sadistic streak and loved to tease the other boys in their group, especially Nagisa, and with that deadpan monotone of his most of the time they didnt even realize that Haru was doing it which made it all the more funnier.

He was also susceptible to colds in the colder weather (partly because the boy refused to keep his pants on) and at the first sign of a sneeze Mako brought out the packet of tissues he started carrying around especially for this occasion.

Yes, he could read him like a book and people often noted their wordless conversations towards each other. Makoto always said this was formed because of a life time together but really he knew it was because he had spent every waking moment absorbing everything he could about the other boy. He found him fascinating. And this probably wouldn't be the case if Haru wasn't the stoic little waterdere that he was.

So yes, Makoto knew everything. And yet...

Haru was taking one of his abnormally long baths while Makoto helped himself to whatever was in the fridge and on the game shelf. That's when he heard it; a faint sound, yet he could just make out Haru's voice lilting out from underneath the bathroom door. Makoto usually wouldn't pry and he wouldn't this time but it sounded suspiciously like singing and he knew that Haru did not sing. Did he?

He stepped out of the bedroom and down the hall where the bathroom was at. Steam was coming out from under the door. Haru liked his baths hot much to the nagging of Makoto that it wasn't good for his skin. He pressed his ear to the door and listened. Sure enough he could make out a few lines:

I wonder if the scenery from that time

Still connects us together

My mind's trapped between yes or no

We are conscious of each other

Without hiding those irritated eyes

You don't know the identity of that feeling

Makoto stepped back genuinely shocked. Haru was singing... And if memory was serving him correctly the song was about a joyous romance. Why was Haru singing a love song? An unpleasant feeling stirred in Makoto's gut. This was a surprising find about his best friend. He actually had quite a lovely voice. So different from the gruff monotone that he usually used. This was high and full of expression. One that most people thought Haru incapable of showing. He pressed his ear back to the door.

The feelings brought back so clearly were someday's joy

Pretending to have forgotten, I somehow really forgot them

The time when I was with him who laughed so much

Won't pass as just the result of childishness

They were genuinely full of joy

'Him.' Was Haru singing about a guy? The lyrics suspiciously sounded like them and their childhood. But no...Haru would never...

Makoto found himself opening the door and slipping inside. Haru's eyes were slipped shut, nose barely skimming the water, and ears jammed with his IPod's earphones. (The case was waterproof since the guy was around water so much). Makoto perched himself on the toilet and hummed along with the rest of the song. Suddenly lyrics popped into his head and before he could stop himself he was belting them out.

This town is the place where we grew up together

See, everywhere you look, it's brimming with our memories

The path to school / the ocean steeped in the color of sunset

The time we spent here, surrounded by familiar scenery

Haru's eyes pop open and he's giving Makoto a horrified stare and he knows he should leave and give his friend some privacy but he can't and he doesn't so he just keeps singing.

Even when you don't say a word, I somehow always understand you

You might look impassive, but it's written plainly on your face

When I watch you swim, I can tell you're having fun

And seeing you like that makes me happy, too

The lyrics come from what seems like a thousand summers together and just being with one another. Haru was so much more than a friend, even more than a best friend. He was who walked with him to school everyday and timed his morning routine so they could leave together. Who knew his deepest fears and never made fun of him. Who protected him when the darkness came flooding in.

And dammit, Haru is blushing now so Makoto stops the song and just says, "I didn't know you could sing."

He grunts in response and slides down further into the water.

Mako laughs and kneels down beside the tub. "Don't be embarrassed Haru. This means I get to find out more stuff about you."

Haru gives him a sideways glance and there's that faint glimmer in his eyes that Makoto knows means he's smiling on the inside.

"Who was the song about?"

In response, Haru grabs some soap suds on his fingertips and presses them lightly to Mako's nose. Makoto just laughs again and brushes his lips against the other boy's. The kiss deepens and soon Makoto's shirt is soaking wet and sudsy but he couldn't care one bit because Haru's lips are on his and they are together and that's really all that ever matters.

Haru breaks away and gives him a menacing glare. "Don't tell anybody."

Makoto stifles his giggles. "They wouldn't believe me anyway."