At midnight, the team gathered at the front of the boys' dorm. Makoto and Haru were there early due to Haru's constant fidgeting and pacing in their apartment. He was wearing cargo shorts and a blue and white striped tank that belonged to Makoto. Makoto would normally look at that with a little buzz of possessiveness, but today seemed to be dragging on him more than usual.

Rin appeared at the front with the captain and Seijuro, scanned the crowd, and grinned ferociously when he spotted Makoto and Haru. Makoto vaguely wondered if Rin knew what was going to happen.

"Follow quietly," the captain shouted. "And don't get left behind."

The group was a little confused at the abrupt address including Makoto. Especially when Haru bolted off leaving him stranded. After his moment of confusion, he darted off after him and was caught in the second wave of students watching the blue and white tank flap in Haru's wake. Makoto was always behind him whether in sports or support. For some reason, the thought made him lonely as if he would always be chasing Haru's back no matter what happened without so much as a backward glance as a reward.

Makoto shook his head clearing the thoughts. He had to believe that he could catch Haru. He had to. He sped up passing the second wave and gradually gained on Haru until he was running beside him – step for step. He looked at Haru's determined smile and blue eyes to which Haru glanced at Makoto and returned his focus to the run. Maybe Makoto would not be chasing Haru forever.

The groups arrived at the pool which was unlocked with whispers and nervous excitement. The team streamed through the doors, and the window covers reserved for winter rolled down over the glass followed by the lights clicking on. The captain jumped onto a diving board and surveyed his crowd.

"As you can guess, a swim club needs a race." He placed a cheap plastic crown on his head. "And I, the king, will reward the winner with my throne for the evening. Release the keg!"

At the far end of the Olympic sized pool, an older member broke open a keg of beer into a kiddie pool.

"I suggest you hurry and drain the pool."

The team surged forward jostling Makoto and Haru. Makoto grabbed Haru's forearm spinning him into his arms until the surge stopped, and Makoto opened his eyes. Haru wasn't even looking at him even though they were so close. His gaze was following the frantic splashing towards the end of the pool. He looked back at Makoto, and Haru's grin vaguely reminded him of Rin, then before Makoto could react, Haru jerked away and raced to the pool.

I suppose I'm following again.

He raced after Haru.

Makoto was sick. That poisonous stuff had made him hate his life. Rin had won the cheap plastic crown and was currently making demands of Haru. "Get me this or this" sort of stuff. Makoto nursed a bottle of beer out of the way watching the spectacle. Rin and Haru were laughing and hanging all over each other. Rin leaned in and said something in Haru's ear at which he smiled and looked up meeting Makoto's eyes. Makoto stared back. A moment of silence ensued in Makoto's mind.

Why are you on him? Why did he choose you? Can we go home, please?

Makoto's questions were only in his mind. He turned back to his beer, finished it, and walked to the door. Outside Seijuro stood smoking with a group of boys and a few girls that had been invited after the initial opening experience. Makoto hurried away, but a hand clapped him on the shoulder.

"Hey, man! Where you going?" Seijuro's drunk grin initially pissed Makoto off for which he immediately felt bad.

"Home," he answered curtly. "I'm not doing so hot."

Seijuro's brow furrowed. "Is someone going with you?" He immediately seemed more sober.

"No."

"What about Haru?"

"I'm sure Rin will escort him home." Makoto couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice.

Seijuro sighed. "I'll come with you."

Makoto had been afraid this would happen. "I'm not that drunk."

"C'mon. I'm not gonna feel right if I let you go alone."

Damn my guilty conscience. "Fine."

Seijuro smiled and waved at his friends. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

One of the girls blushed, and the guys poked fun at him being a "lightweight". Seijuro looped his arm through Makoto's making Makoto start. "Let's keep you from wobbling."

Makoto nodded not looking at Seijuro. "Thanks."

"No problem, dude."