After he was released from the hospital, Haru was faced with the task of calming down his hysterical mother, reassuring her that, no, he didn't have to go home.

If I went home I'd lose all the friends I have here. Haru thought as he slipped into the bathtub. It was the morning after his visit, and he was taking his daily soak. He let his thoughts run wild as he closed his eyes.

Makoto is going to be here soon. I hope he still looks at me the same way. Truth be told, Haru wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea of his best friend looking at him as if he was a fragile present. He wanted to spend time with him, and just forget about this stupid disease. The main reason he thought of this however, was because he already knew that Nagisa would freak out as soon as he got to school, and Rei would be uncomfortable the whole time. This was why he had to rely on someone he knew his whole life.

But in a way, having freaked out friends wasn't so bad, he supposed. As Haru lay soaking, he really thought hard about how his friends reacted to the situation. They freaked out... because they cared. He smiled a small smile. Knowing that people would be there for him no matter what never failed to make Haru happy.

"Good morning Haru!" And speaking of people who'd be there no matter what, Tachibana Makoto was here, right on cue. Haru stared at Makoto as he pulled him out of the tub. The green eyed man's face was gentle and kind as always. He liked that about that Makoto. Then again, there was a lot to like about Makoto. Haru hadn't realized it at first, but over the past few days, even before he was diagnosed, he had developed a small crush on his long time friend. He had wanted Makoto to always be there for him, just like when they were kids, and even now. Even though he wasn't sure if Makoto felt the same way, he'd always like to be by Makoto's side no matter what. Haru thought about all of this as he was lifted from the bathtub and handed a towel.

"Let me guess, you're having mackerel for breakfast again?" the taller asked with a light chuckle. Haru nodded.

"Yes. The doctor recommended that I eat lots of fish since it helps fight off the cancer." The statement came out so casual coming from Haru, but the look on Makoto's face made Haru wish he would've never said any of that.

"Y-yeah. Well, we better be going then. Don't want to be late, right?" Makoto then gave out a nervous laugh and slowly walked to the kitchen, not looking at Haru once. Haru only sighed and followed him.

This is exactly what I didn't want.

On the way to school, Haru and Makoto talked like normal, things seemingly being less awkward now. However, they both knew that the weird feeling would return as soon as they got to school, with everyone knowing about the cancer and all.

A few minutes later, they reached the school gates only to be greeted by a panicked Nagisa and a slightly frantic Rei. Gou joined them a minute later, concern also apparent on her face.

"Haru, are you okay?" she asked with a timid voice. Haru only nodded, already expecting Makoto to take over with the explanation.

"Haru is okay. He's just a little tired. But he'll be fine." Makoto said. His voice was so convincing that Haru almost believed that he really wasn't dying, and that everything would turn out to be alright.

"Haru-chan, will you still be able to practice?" Nagisa had asked. Haru almost winced at the question, but answered anyway.

"Yes. I'll still be able to swim for a long time." Everyone's face lit up at the sound of the raven haired male's response. But despite everyone else's mood improvement, Haru just couldn't bring himself to smile too.

I don't actually know if I'll have a long time. And who actually knows how long that is anyway?

About two weeks later, Haru is told that a check up is required. This will determine if it is the appropriate time to start any kind of potentially dangerous therapy. This time, Haru asks Makoto to go with him, since he doesn't think he'll feel comfortable with the doctors this time around. Nowaki, his favorite doctor, didn't actually specialize in cancer. He just happened to know that Haru's growing dot wasn't normal, and had handed the tests off to other people to evaluate. So now that he knew he wouldn't be seeing Nowaki vey often, he wanted Makoto to be by his side whenever he could be.

As soon as the pair stepped into the lobby, the nurse who had first mistaken Haru as a girl recognized him. She walked over and gave a small bow.

"Hello Mr. Nanase." she said, giggling. Makoto gave out a soft chuckle as well, as he figured out what had gone on.

"Ah, I see you were mistaken for a girl again." Haru only sighed, and Makoto took that as a 'yes, and it's annoying' type of response.

"Well since I already know what you're here for, I can direct you to your doctor and send you on your way. Your friend and I can stay here for awhile and chat." she said as she turned to Makoto, patted his shoulder, and gave her best smile. Seeing these affectionate gestures made Haru suddenly wanted to grab Makoto and drag him far, far away from the flirty nurse. Makoto was oblivious to her flirting, which made Haru's sudden urge even worse. Instead, he nodded and spoke.

"Actually, if it's okay, I'd like him to come with me." the nurse's eyes showed a mixture of surprise and disappointment when he said this, but she smiled nontheless.

"Alright. You two can follow me then." The nurse lead them to a doctor, who proceeded to lead them down many hallways and finally, to the cancer ward. They then stepped in a room, where they finally stopped walking.

"The doctor will be with you shortly." he bowed curtly and then left, leaving the two alone. Makoto turned to Haru.

"Thanks for saving me back there." Haru was confused.

"What do you mean?"

"From the weird nurse. When she touched me and smiled I was afraid I'd be stuck talking to her for hours." Makoto laughed. Oh, so Makoto had noticed her flirting. He was just to nice to say anything. Well that was typical sweetheart Makoto, Haru supposed.

But still, I didn't like the way she was touching him, like she wanted to take him away from me. It wasn't like Haru to get jealous like this, but when it came to the person he loved, he didn't exactly act like he normally would.