Chapter One

It was Sunday morning when Nagihiko decided to come clean about his desires. There was no school that Sunday so the boy planned on attempting to meet up with Amu somewhere so they could talk. Afterall, they were close like best friends.

As Nagihiko got dressed for the day, he thought about what he was going to say to Amu, even if it was simple enough. It wouldn't be as hard as it was in his dream he had just had before waking up.

The boy wasn't always certain of what feelings he had for Amu, but every time he had a dream like that, he couldn't help but feel confused after waking up. Plus, his heart would beat as hard as a drum. It was nerve-wrecking.

Although, it wasn't like he had felt that way whenever he was around her. Afterall, they had been friends were a long time now, and coming back to Tokyo as a boy meant he could be his true self. Even if he had to pretend, he was Nadeshiko's twin brother. Amu was one of the few who didn't know his secret.

"Talking to Amu?" That came from Amu, Nagihiko's Shugo Chara.

"Uh, yeah," the boy replied as he began to change his clothes. He wasn't sure how his Shugo Chara knew all so suddenly, but perhaps it was because Nagihiko had told him about it before.

"Telling her how you feel?"

"Mhm."

"Yay! She is a pretty girl."

"What? Rhythm!" The boy felt his face blotch up as he watched the slight sneer on Rhythm's face. "I'm telling her about swimming!"

"But she's nice, right?"

Nagihiko couldn't help but wonder what his relationship would be like with Amu if they took the next step. He couldn't possibly think of anything more than a friend than a romantic couple.

Nagihiko was froze for a few seconds and proceeded on the rest of his wardrobe. He was hoping to play some basketball later that day, so he dressed appropriately with an athletic look. "We are best friends," he said. "We always have been. I think it should stay that way."

After getting fully dressed, Nagihiko left his room as he took his phone out. He called Amu right away, hoping to get a direct answer. With luck, the girl answered within five rings.

"Hello?" she said, sounding a bit sheepish.

Naghiko suddenly felt bad, but now that she was awake, he didn't want to waste the call. "Amu-Chan, it's Nagihiko. I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"N..no, not at all!"

Nagihiko could visualize Amu sitting up in her bed, becoming alert. He grinned softly. "I wanted to ask if we could meet up today."

"Meet up? I mean, sure, I don't mind. But why the sudden invitation?"

"I'd like to talk to you about something. Can we meet at the park?"

It only took Amu a few seconds to accept. After that, they hung up and prepared their meetup. Amu felt a bit apprehensive as she got dressed. Her friend sounded serious, so it had to be particularly important. She hoped nothing was wrong.

"A love confession!" Su squealed as she floated in circles while she, Miki, and Ran followed Amu to the park. Su, Ran, and Miki were the girl's three Shugo Charas. It was rare for somebody to have more than one.

"What?!" Amu exclaimed. She listened to the three give their prediction about Amu and Nagihiko's upcoming conversation. Amu refused to listen or agree to what they were saying. She knew there wasn't a possibility that Nagihiko would be confessing his love for her.

In fact, Amu had no doubt that the boy had any feelings like that. Still, as she reached the park and saw her friend waiting for her, she couldn't help but feel nervous. Is he really?

When Nagihiko saw the girl, he smiled warmly. "Hey, Amu-Chan," he said.

"Hi," Amu said with a soft grin as she made it to her friend. The boy seemed normal, but there still had to be something important on his mind.

"Hey!" Rhythm let out as he appeared before them. Ran and Su greeted him, as Miki held her cheeks and felt limp. Her attraction to him was uncontrolled. Rhythm guided the three Charas away so Amu and Nagihiko could talk.

"So," Amu started awkwardly. "What did you wanna talk about?"

"Right," Nagihiko started. "You know my interest in sports, right?"

"Of course." Amu smiled. She remembers the first time she saw her friend shoot a basket with a basketball. She knew it was just as remarkable for him as it was for her. He was happy.

"I decided I want to try something. Our school's new swim team."

"The swim team?"

"I do enjoy swimming, but I haven't done much of it. I'd like to start."

Amu wasn't surprised, and she could tell that Naghiko was being sincere. "I see."

"So, what do you think?"

"Hm?" Amu blinked in confusion.

"I wanted to ask for your opinion."

Amu was cut off guard, but she felt incredibly good about Nagihiko asking for her advice. Afterall, she had her share of troubles, too, so it wasn't as if she were perfect. The girl grinned. "I think it's a wonderful idea! And you're really good at being an athlete, so it will be perfect for you."

Nagihiko gave a satisfied smile. "You think so?" While he waited for his friend's response, he couldn't help but slightly gaze. He knew he couldn't doubt Amu. She always had something wonderful to say, and was always helping people, specially with her Chara powers.

"Mhm!" Amu replied cheerfully, not noticing the boy staring. "I'll even go with you when you try out! I mean, well, if you want me to."

"Thanks Amu-Chan. And sure, I don't mind the encouragement." It was settled. The next day after school, Nagihiko showed up at the school's pool. However, he did not own any swimwear, so he changed into his P.E. clothing, not minding getting them wet.

"We have two openings," the captain of the swim team said. His name was Yuiichi Sakura and had short black hair that spiked up in the back. He looked like a profoundly serious and determined boy.

Nagihiko was not nervous, though. "Yes," he replied with a smile, and turned his head toward the door, where Amu was standing. His heart almost skipped a beat when she saw her smile and her fists shoot up in front of her, cheering him on.

"Go ahead," Yuuchi said, "and show me what you can do."

Nagihiko happily stepped up to the pool and stared down at the water. For years he had been waiting for his opportunity, and he had thought about it nonstop for weeks.

Rhythm had offered to Character Change with Nagihiko, which would give him the energy he needed. However, Nagihiko insisted he did it on his own. Not too long ago, Rhythm often took over and Character Changed with the boy without his consent. Although he still took over a lot, he had gotten better at resisting.

Naighiko raised his arms up, and within seconds, dove into the pool. That was when everything changed for the boy. Entering the water made him feel light as a feather and dashing through gave him a feeling of exhilaration. He felt at ease, but also full of life.

Nagihiko sped through to the other side and took one lap around the pool. When he returned to, he climbed out of the pool and panted briefly.

The boy felt heavy after he got out, but also alive. The water dripped from his soaked hair as he stared in awe. He was so shocked yet so satisfied that he didn't realize Yuiichi gave him a compliment.

"Way to go, Nagihiko!" Amu cheered.

That woke the boy up, and he instantly faced the swim captain, who had his arms crossed and a smile on his face. It was happening so fast, Nagihiko could barely think. However, when he heard Yuiichi's words, he couldn't help but want to jump with glee.

"Welcome to the team."