Unnoticeable

Chapter 2

"S-S-Souske!?"

*I do not own Free! Iwatobi Swim Club or its characters.

Thursday morning Makoto was the first to wake up to his alarm, Haruka following suit. Both of them had to be up early, Haru for practice whereas Makoto just had early classes. Makoto looked a mess from his sleeping venture, hair frazzled and clothes turned uncomfortably the wrong way on his torso. Haru on the other hand seemed to have slept completely still, his hair hardly out of place as well as his clothes, in some situations like this one the pair looked like polar opposites. Makoto spoke up first, trying to motivate himself to retreat from the comfortable futon as he spoke. " Morning Haru. " came the handsome brunette's husky words. Haru gave a suitable groan in response, sitting up like a zombie from a grave before standing up. " You can have the bathroom first, I'll make the food this time. " Makoto added with a more excitable tone. Makoto wanted to treat Haruka to breakfast since Haru made dinner the night before, he knew Haru would appreciate it.

Soon the pair were in their respective rooms, either getting ready or cooking breakfast. Makoto started to make something simple so they could eat fast and clean up easily without needing to worry about being late for school. Haru didn't take long in the bathroom, walking over to Makoto who stood over a hot stove with a pan in his grip. " Eggs? " Spoke Haru with his 'morning' voice which was a slightly lower pitch than his regular voice. Makoto nodded and he glanced in Haruka's direction, finding himself blush faintly, surprised at how close the other was, Haru's cheek nearly touching his shoulder. His eyes followed Haru's hand which gently brushed over his own which held the pan. " Let me do it as you get ready. " Makoto didn't have the energy to fight about it, not to mention the heart to. Makoto gave the other a bright smile and complemented him. " You are too generous Haru. " Though even as Makoto spoke the complement he was sure that Haru just didn't want the eggs to burn if someone wasn't watching them. Once Makoto made sure Haru safely had the pan in his hands he left to the restroom to get ready.

When Makoto was getting ready Haru looked around the kitchen to add something more to the eggs, briefly opening the fridge to check, pulling out a couple slices of cheese, nodding at the choice. Though in the brief moment he was looking through the fridge his eyes fell upon the mackerel he had stocked up. Haru placed the slices of cheese into the pan and he started scrambling the contents together, adding salt and all the while thinking of his beloved mackerel. It didn't take Makoto long before he was back in the kitchen, taking control of the cooking once again. Makoto stared down at the pan and the new contents within and gave it a satisfactory nod. Haru stood beside Makoto for a moment longer, watching him cook before sitting at the table waiting patiently. Soon Makoto was bringing out a large plate of eggs, toast and two water bottles for the both of them, setting them on the table and taking his regular seat across from Haruka.

Both stared the food down quietly before Haru took the first jab at the food, picking some up from the main serving plate and placing it on his smaller one. Makoto found himself smiling, seeing Haru go first told him that he actually wanted to eat and that he wasn't forcing himself. Haru's eyes suddenly met Makoto's, staring blankly as he chewed away, asking with his eyes, 'Are you going to eat?'. From this Makoto realized he was staring and he nodded quickly, taking his share of food. It didn't take long before both boys were done with their quick breakfast and putting on their shoes to leave. Both Makoto and Haru were sliding on their shoes in the doorway and Makoto found his mind wandering with a faint blush,

Don't couples kiss at the doorway before parting ways?

Makoto let out a hopeless sigh, smiling kindly at Haru before saying his gentle goodbye, leaving the apartment to catch his bus. Haru watched as the taller left, locking their apartment and letting out a sigh. " Boring. " were all the words that slipped out of Haruka's mouth directed at the door he was locking, reminding himself at how similar all the days seemed to be for him. He wanted something to change, he just wasn't sure what he wanted to change.

Makoto let out a thankful sigh, resting his chin on the palm of his hand, leaning on his elbow, staring to the front of his class. Thursdays were some of Makoto's easier days of college, less classes and they weren't as much of a challenge. Makoto allowed himself to doze off a bit, staring at the professor ramble on about some trip he had with his wife. Makoto thought to himself about how significantly college had changed his outlook on perseverance and schooling itself. When he thought he would go to college he didn't expect it to be such a challenge for him nor did he expect his life to only revolve around it. Though through the constant studying and worry about his grades he began to realize over him how truly important certain things were to him. Once Makoto started college he was very similar to how he was in high school but after his second semester and the countless stories of student's ruining their lives with parties and dating he began to seclude himself from everyone but Haru.

Meanwhile Haru was already at morning practice, the thought of thursday's already seeping into him. Haru's thursdays were rather boring to him since after practice he didn't have classes till about three in the afternoon. All Haru could do was try and find some sort of way to spend his time without overworking his body in the pool. Haru had actually learned his lesson with staying in the pool too long, his first week on the team he didn't have classes until the afternoon and he stayed in the pool all day, the toll it took on his body left him sick for three days. The amount of worry Makoto had for him was so intense Haru decided to never do it again. So in Haruka's free time he would usually eat or spend time with a partnering swim team member.

Haruka wasn't keen on making friends but one specific team member Kojaki Kentsuo had befriended Haru without him even knowing. Around the start of their first semester a new team member had joined and after the first week Kojaki nearly forced his friendship on Haruka. Haru didn't have the energy to refuse since Kojaki never seemed to have ill intentions. Kojaki was tall and broad similar to Makoto with black hair that was longer than Haru's, Kojaki could be a male model if he wanted to, but Haru would never admit it aloud. Haru was confused as to why Kojaki pressured himself to be friends with Haru so one day he asked him, and Kojaki's response was one of surprise to Haru. It was a well-known fact that the new member Kojaki was second best on the team whereas Haru was the fifth, Kojaki had been watching Haru and told him that he saw potential in Haruka and wanted to see him excel.

Haru never had anyone offer to help him improve his swimming and his technique unless it was the coach, but Haru never refused any helpful tips Kojaki gave him. Haru didn't look up to him but he appreciated every word he ever spoke to him, Kojaki really knew what he was doing in the pool and Haru was humble enough to always notice that. Though on this day after morning practice Haru was left alone in the pool with Kojaki spotting him. After Haru finished a few more laps he pulled himself out of the water, catching a small towel tossed at him by Kojaki. Haru started to pat his hair dry as Kojaki spoke up, " Your times are seriously improving, I don't know how you do it. "

Haru shrugged and he walked up to his bag which was rested against the gate that guarded the pool from outsiders. " Wanna grab lunch? " Kojaki spoke with a smile, stretching his arms over his head. " It's still really early. " Haruka replied in a tone that sounded slightly irked. Kojaki chose to ignore Haruka's irritation and he pressed his chest firmly against Haru's shoulder, leaning his head down and letting out a childish whine. " At least eat with me. Swimming makes me hungry. " Haruka stepped away with an annoyed sound. Kojaki was as touchy and hungry as Nagisa but looked more like Makoto but with longer darker hair and brown eyes.

Kojaki was aware that Haru didn't like to be touched or played around with but he never stopped, he was almost sure if he continued eventually Haruka would give in and ignore it all together. Kojaki wasn't sure himself but he seemed to be drawn to Haruka in a way that his friends didn't. Haru was different from most college students and when he was in the water he was like no other swimmer Kojaki had ever seen, Haru to him was a huge inspiration and he wanted to see Haru make it as far as possible. Not only that but Kojaki wanted to be there when Haru did make it, making Haru his personal rival and friend.

" I guess we can eat. " Haru mumbled, patting his swimsuit dry still on his body, shaking his hair dry. " Awesome, we can get something at the cafeteria then! " Kojaki added. " I'll go change. " Kojaki quickly spoke before jogging to the men's changing room near the pool. When Kojaki emerged from the changing rooms he found Haruka waiting for him near the exit of the pool gate already in his clothes. Kojaki never found it in himself to ask why Haru wore his bathing suit under his clothes; he just assumed it was some sort of luck charm for the younger.

Kojaki caught up to Haruka quickly, the two on their way to the university's cafeteria. Kojaki was the first to speak up between the silent pair, " So how about the women swimming with us today? I think it was a really good idea that coach made them swim with us at practice today, it gave them some competition and I'm sure they wanted to impress us. And they did! " Kojaki paused and he gently nudged Haruka with his elbow with a sly grin. " I mean who's complaining? More for us right? I get tired of staring at built man ass before I'm up to jump; you know? It's nice to see a girl's ass once in a while. " No reply came from Haru, just a blank unamused expression. Kojaki made an obvious frown, as the two neared the cafeteria doors. " Dude one of these days someone is going to ask you if you are gay with the amount of ' I don't give a fuck ' reply of my talking about girl butts. "

Geesh are all men like this? Nagisa isn't.. maybe Rei.. definitely Rin but Makoto? Who cares..

" It's not like that. I'm just not interested. " Haru responded, sounding still irritated. Kojaki noticed Haru's mood wasn't getting any better, wrapping his large arm around the smaller's shoulders. " Hey, let me pay for whatever you want, I didn't mean to piss you off bud. " Kojaki smiled brightly as Haru pushed off the other's hold. " Mackerel. " " What? Again? " Haru gave the other small glare. " Okay, Okay, I'll get you whatever mackerel they serve here.. " Kojaki gave in, feeling slightly obliged to cheer the other up.

Makoto finished up with school before Haru since Haru stayed for evening swim practice so Makoto headed home first. A quick glance at his watch told Makoto that it was around one in the afternoon which made him sigh in relief, he would have plenty of time to finish his homework… or so he thought. Upon arriving Makoto started to prepare for dinner and put all the contents into a crock pot setting it to cook slowly so it would be done much later when Haru arrived. Another quick glance at his watch and Makoto sat himself in the small living room, doing his homework in silence, listening to the array of sounds from the busy city street outside.

Nothing could prepare Makoto for the knocking at the door, quickly getting up to answer it, expecting the landlord, to his surprise instead of looking down like he usually did to everyone he had to look up to see a stoic or more so pissed expression from beautiful blue eyes. " S-S-Souske!?" The pitch of Makoto's voice rose with his surprise, taking a few steps back. Out from behind Souske came red hair and a toothy grin stepping through the threshold, holding out a hand to Makoto. " Rin? " Makoto added and took the other's hand feeling the air escape from his lungs as he realized the situation.

Visitors… seriously right now?

The three sat around the small table as Makoto cleared his homework from it reluctantly. " Wow, no offence Makoto but this place is way too small. " Rin started looking around with a permanent disappointed look on his face. Sousuke on the other hand was keeping quiet to himself, slightly moping by Makoto's reaction to him earlier. Makoto gave Rin an apologetic smile, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand, sitting up straight. " Well, Haru doesn't seem to mind and I don't care that much either, Haru only cares about the bathroom. " Makoto tried to defend and Rin's eyes widened when Makoto mentioned the bathroom. " Bathroom? Show me! " Rin stood up walking towards the only hallway in the apartment, checking every room for the bathroom, this made Makoto feel slightly exposed, he wasn't used to visitors, if he had known he would have cleaned. " R-Rin! " Makoto tried to stand but when he did Souske firmly gripped his wrist, holding him in place.

Makoto was surprised at the other's grip and at that moment Makoto was about to complain about the other holding him back both heard Rin yell from the bathroom. " Holy shit this is huge! What do you guys bathe together or something?! " Makoto gasped. " R-Rin don't yell the walls are thin! " He groaned and he pulled himself free from Souske's hold, walking to the bathroom and pushing Rin out with a soft sigh with a worried smile. " P-Please just sit down, there isn't enough room in here for a tour, you can look around later! " Rin clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and gave in, taking his seat at the table again, receiving a relieved sigh from the already stressed Makoto. " So why are you guys here? " Makoto asked curiously, wanting to get the red heads attention off of their apartment.

" What the hell do you mean ' why are you here ', we are here to see you and Haru of course. You sound like you don't want us here. " Makoto fought the urge to say,

Not right now, no.

" Well I didn't receive a text from you telling me you were coming. " Makoto spoke with confusion, taking out his phone to double check his messages. When Makoto said this Souske's eyes lit up, almost as if to ask ' since when did Rin text Makoto that often?'. Seeing the number of messages Makoto had received from Rin only made Souske less comfortable with their friendship. While Makoto was showing Rin his messages to prove he hadn't received any text messages Makoto could tell by Souske's line of sight and then expression thereafter made Souske uncomfortable about the messages somehow.

Makoto began to wonder quietly to himself about Souske's reaction as Rin spoke up. " Of course you didn't get any texts from me, It was supposed to be a surprise visit. " Rin glared at the green-eyed male with 'duh' look on his face. Makoto gave a small smile and he gave up on trying to understand Rin's rather rude logic. " Well I guess since you both are here I will make larger portion for dinner, since Haru won't be home till after practice. " Makoto added as he stood up, heading towards the small kitchen.

Rin and Souske spoke to themselves as they waited for Makoto to return after adding more portions to the crock pot. Once Makoto returned Rin was the one to speak first, " Since we have to wait so long can you walk us around the area? " Rin asked, his messy red hair catching a rather obvious stare from Souske who reached out and fixed it for him, receiving an irritated sound from Rin. " Yeah, I guess I can show you guys the park around here.." Makoto though was slowly starting to see what was going on between Souske and Rin, though he was sure Rin had no clue.

Souske likes Rin… Rin doesn't seem to have a clue.

Makoto checked the crock pot before the three left the apartment, making sure it was locked, walking them in the direction of the public park. It was almost painful to see how Souske obviously liked Rin, he even stood on the side of Rin that was closest to traffic. So if by some terrible accident a car would come at Rin from the left Souske would be in the way of the car, like a mother would do for her child. Makoto's heart went out to Souske even though he was sure that Souske wasn't a fan of his. Souske knew exactly how Makoto was feeling, maybe even worse with how oblivious Rin could be.

Maybe I should talk to Souske about our similar problems, maybe we can come up with a solution!

Makoto thought to himself optimistically. Makoto felt himself blush faintly, he didn't usually admit to himself that he liked Haruka. To be more precise, Makoto never allowed himself to admit he liked Haru, not until last semester when he finally admitted it to himself. " Hey, open the damn gate Makoto. " Came Rin's irked tone, knocking Makoto out of his train of thought, jingling around his keys to find the right key to the slightly public park which was only really allowed for the residents that lived around it.

I wonder how Haru will react with these two here… I wonder if he will notice Souske's intentions and might pick up on mine!

Makoto smiled brightly, slipping the correct key into the gate, thinking to himself optimistically like he usually did.