Makoto smiled at Haru. "You doing okay?" he asked his friend, genuinely concerned. Haru was quieter than he usually was. Haru hummed quietly, his lips pursed tightly. "Must be a bit awkward, being the third wheel."

"Just a bit."

"I didn't know she would want to come," Makoto said apologetically.

"It's okay, Makoto," Haru said simply, his eyes cast downwards.

Makoto's girlfriend, Rika, came back from the bathroom. "What are you guys talking about?" she asked, sidling up next to Makoto.

"Nothing, Rika," Makoto said.

Rika giggled. "I'm so glad I ran into you guys on the way here. This smoothie shop is amazing." Haru attempted a smile, but it fell flat.

A lot had changed since college started, Makoto contemplated. Makoto was on the junior varsity swimming team, but Haru…Haru was amazing. He was on the official collegiate swim team. He had competed nationwide and was even on television. However, Haru still came to every single one of Makoto's matches.

Makoto had been with Rika for six months. Rika was sweet and bubbly. She and Haru didn't get along well. Still, they tried for Makoto, and that was all he asked for.

"Haru-chan, you've got a match this weekend, right?"

"In Okinawa. Drop the chan."

"I wish we could come," Rika said, a slight pout on her lips. "Mako-kun and I are meeting my parents for lunch. Good luck, Nanase-san."

There it was. They hadn't even gotten away from last names yet.

Haru nodded. "I'm going to head home," he murmured.

"Oh, Haru, you should walk with us, it's dark now!" Makoto complained.

Rika grabbed Makoto's arm and hugged it. "No, I want to be alone with you," she cooed.

"Walk your girlfriend home," Haru mumbled.

Rika and Makoto walked hand in hand to Rika's apartment door. Rika pulled Makoto down and kissed him. "Come inside," she whispered, and Makoto obeyed.

"Haru, I'm back." Makoto locked the door behind him. "Haru." He checked the tub, and lo and behold, there he was. His eyes were closed. "Haru, are you awake?"

"Yeah."

"Are you okay? You seemed kind of upset."

Haru's nose scrunched up. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm fine, Mako-kun," Haru said, a hint of spite in his voice.

Makoto decided to just drop it and go to bed.

"Makoto, did you hear me?"

"Huh?" Makoto was called out of his stupor of thoughts of Haru's competition.

Rika's dad, Mr. Fukiyama, chuckled. "Got your head in the clouds, son."

"Sorry, sir. I was just thinking about my friend. He's got his swimming competition today," Makoto explained. "It's in Okinawa. He's on TV."

"What's your friend's name?"

"Nanase Haruka."

Mr. Fukiyama's eyes widened. "That's your friend? I've been watching him; he's amazing!"

"Yes. He's awesome," Makoto said, a soft smile on his face.

Rika and her mother came back with the food. "Let's eat!"

"Makoto, Makoto!" Rika cried as she came, clawing at his back. Makoto slowed his thrusts and kissed her. "Baby, can you get me some water?"

"Yeah, wait here," he said, kissing her forehead.

He walked out of the room, not noticing Haru coming home. Turning around, he gasped and covered himself. "H-Haru! I didn't-"

Haru turned away. "It's fine." Makoto could swear Haru's ears were red. He was probably shocked at seeing it…

"H-how was the race?"

"I won," Haru mumbled, his voice muffled.

Makoto relaxed ever so slightly. "That's great, Haru. You'll make it to the Olympics in no time."

Haru scoffed. "Yeah, I guess."

"Are you hungry? Do you want some mackerel?" Makoto asked. Haru hummed in response, clearly pleased by that idea. "Wait here, I'll give Rika her water and –"

Haru shook his head abruptly. "No, I'm okay." His face was…disappointed? "I'll see you in the morning."

"But Haru-"

"Good night!" Haru blurted, stomping off to his room.

Makoto stood in the kitchen naked, holding a glass of water.

Words: 648

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