"Hello Coach Sasabe! Hello!"
Sasabe knew that cheerful voice anywhere, it always put a smile on his face. Hearing it chiming down the halls. Looking at the double doors that led to the pool, of Iwatobi Swimming Club also known as ITSC for short. Open and coming through them wearing the brightest smile, waving to everyone in the room. Acknowledging their presence. Holding a camera in the other. Like always, ITSC's self proclaimed photographer, and newest addition to the club. Well not really new anymore, the little girl has been coming to the club for the last two months.
You. May O'Neil.
Sasabe knew about the pink hair girl, even before she came. Actually heard about through the mouths of others. She had moved recently with her family from across the ocean. From America, New York City to Iwatobi. And two months ago was when actually first saw her. The younger sister of April O'Neil, a regular at the club, the junior life-guard and junior coach. Her sister started coming here during the weekends when she stumbled upon it. A feisty one she was. With her bright orange hair, that when upset seem turn into blaze of fire. A note the coach made, never to get on her bad side. Though friendly as she was, she held a temperament. Especially when it came anyone messing with her younger sister. Anyone who so as such made her sister cry or feel uncomfortable, April wasn't hesitant to put them in their place and force them to say sorry. She scared someone so bad for calling her sister a name, they instantly learned how to swim in just a few seconds. Afraid of what she might do to them. Sasabe nearly faced her wrath, for just joking around with her sister, who took his joke the wrong way. April was about to get him. Since then, he was always careful what to say to May.
When he first saw you, the contrast difference between you and April was adamant. Everyone could see it. One with fair skin, the other with a darker complexion. Many assumed the youngest had to be adopted. But, April assured everyone that wasn't true. She and her sister where related by blood and there nothing else. Cutting anyone off if those words ever escaped their mouth. Their appearance wasn't all that contrast, their personalities too. While April was more feisty, May seem calmer. Or it could be she was just nervous. The girl didn't really look up or in anyone eyes. That is until, she found out that three people she knew went here. Three classmates from school, who became her friends. Along with another.
Makoto, Haru, and Rin. Classmates of her's, they came here and apart of the swim team. She was shocked and happy to see them, that whole nervousness shedded away. Beaming with joy and happiness seeing them. She raced right over to them, they were rather surprised to see her too. But happy none the less. The extra member in the group, and youngest. Nagisa Hazuki. A boy with wavy honey-blonde hair, that fell naturally between his magenta eyes. Didn't know who she was. But was quickly introduced. And formed a friendship with her just as quick the two being the same age.
With them here, you came more often. And with you, you bought a camera, as you enjoyed taking pictures of life's moments. Sasabe noticed how comfortable the girl had started to become, this place became a safe haven for her. Her true self came out. He didn't mind her taking the pictures, and even put them up. She had a natural talent for getting the shots. So he made her the club's self proclaimed photographer. A title she enjoyed. And loved.
"Hey, May!"he greets you back.
You go over to him excited, standing at the edge of the pool. Looking at everyone. You notice your sister on the other end of the pool, monitoring and keep a sharp eye out. She notices you and waves to you, you do the same.
"Wow. Everyone is doing so well."you praise everyone."Where are Ma-"
"Hey! Hey! May-May! Over here!"Nagisa waves wildly on down few lanes.
Spotting him and the others, your smile brightens and excuse yourself from the coach and hurry over to your friends. All happy to greet you, well Haru in his own way. Before you even reach them, Nagisa glomps you in a hug, which you return. The two of you the same size, well almost, he was just a few centimeters taller. But, that didn't matter.
The two of you giggle being silly."Nagisa."Breaking away from him, you say hi to the others."Everyone, hello."
Rin who was on the start off block gives you a salute hello. While Haru who was in the water, just nods his head while stating your interrupting their swimming time. Classic Haru. Makoto telling you to pay no mind, he his happy to see you just as everyone else and welcomes you.
"It's alright."you take no harm in Haru's way towards you."Are you guys about to practice?"
"Yeah."Rin tells you."You're going to take pictures again?"
You nod your head."Yep. I want preserve these memories. Their important." Rin chuckles lightly at you."Alright."he said."Just make sure to get my good-side."
"I will."you tell him. Getting your camera ready. Holding it up and take a flash.
Lunch came and April meet up with you at your locker."So? How do you like school so far?"The two of you walk out into the quad.
"It's nice. Different. I nearly forgot what it was like to be in school."you admit."But, I'm sure I'll get it down. How are you classes?"
"Their great. Nothing really new. Last year in High School is going to be rather easy."she tells you, hearing her say that sadden you. Thinking about the fact this was April's last year here. You started to think of how many more months you had left with her. Before she went off to college.
Noticing the long look on your face, realizing what she said."Hey, why don't we go and see about those clubs?"she suggest."Come on."You follow her a bit excited about the idea.
All the while not noticing a pair of red eyes watching from afar shocked seeing you. Memories reflecting in their eyes.
"Gou!"
"May!"
Watching the pink hair girl, with their sister. They hadn't changed in those absence years. Well their appearance was just a bit more mature, other than that. Nothing really. A part of them wanted to follow them, which they where about to do...
"Gou, come on."Hana gets their friend's attention back."Hey? What are you looking at?"She inquires looking in the direction Gou was, to see nothing, just students."Come on let's go to the roof."She pulls her with her.
You and April reach the bulletin board, where the flyers of different clubs where posted."Let's see..."April takes a good look at them."Hey, what Band? Naw. I know Tennis Club? Skirts work well for you, you have the legs."She jokes, making you smile."Okay then, you like traditional Japanese writing, right? I remember when you were, when Mr. Hamato taught us. You enjoyed so much. Let's keep that open. Oh, how about dance? You have really good rhyt-"she stops remembering."Never mind, well, there i-"
"Hey, April!"someone calls to her.
You both turn to see two female third years. One with short light brown hair and green eyes, the other with black hair and violet eyes. By the look of it, April knew them too and was thrilled to see them. You watch the three girls reunite. "Yana and Keiko."April hugs them."I was wondering when I would run into you. How have you been?"
"Great. We wondering..."
They started talking, catching up. The laughs they shared and stories. You felt happy for your sister but at the same time felt lonely. Felt like something missing, you felt a ting of jealously. Made you think about that dream from before, then about those two boys in your class. They seem oddly familiar. Throughout the start of class, you could feel them looking at you. Well at least the one with the green eyes. Whenever you would glance back, something seem to click just a split second. Was he someone you knew? Where they both? You weren't sure.
While you stood there waiting, down the hall from afar a pair of eyes catch a glimpse of you. Before going downstairs.
"Hey, Makoto you okay?"Nagisa notices the distracted look he had. Haru turns to him.
His friend clearly pondering something."What is it?"Haru asks. Makoto couldn't really say, but Haru pieced it together and walks back up the stairs, looking down the hall they passed, seeing no one. Nagisa and Makoto follow him."What are we looking for?"Nagisa looks around. Seeing nothing but a few students.
"It's nothing."Makato tells them."I guess I thought I saw something. I mean someone."
"Really? Who?"Nagisa was now curious. But, Makoto just shrugs his shoulders unable to answer."Oh. Well okay."He continues down the stairs merrily."Hey, did you guys know this, May's older sister goes here. She's a third year."
Hearing him say that, Makoto and Haru stop looking at each other. Nagasi didn't seem to notice, jumping down to the next step."Yeah. To bad though, May-May isn't here. She'd be able to dig it up with us. I know she would love it. Being able to picture of it. Remember guys? How she enjoyed taking pictures. I often wonder how's she doing."his eyes and shoulders drop, missing her. Staring ahead blankly. Quickly to regain his smile. Turning to the others."I know she's doing great. Anyway, I can't wait for tonight. It's going to be so much fun."He continues merrily down the stairs.
Makoto and Haru still kept looking at the other."Do you think..."Makoto thought. Recalling the girl who came to their homeroom. He kept looking over at her. He was sure in his mind, that was her. It just had to be. And just a few minutes ago in the hall. Was that actually May?
Haru saw the uncertain question and assuming answer in his eyes. Haru didn't really put two and two together as much as Makoto. Unlike him and Nagasi, he choose to forget about it. It didn't do him any good. Besides after Rin left, she followed right behind him just a few months into middle school. Suddenly leaving, not even telling anyone. At Rin had the thought of informing them. But, May, she didn't bother to say anything. For someone who doesn't like sudden changes and values friendship. Clearly that was a lie. Let a bitter taste. And now, there was the possibility she was back. If she had come back, she didn't even have the courtesy to say anything.
The rest of school went by well, the first day wasn't bad. You had your options of clubs to pick. Some you liked, some peaked your interest. April was really a great help, she did her best to make sure you eased back in. The two of you meet up together after class was over and walked home. With two of her friends, the two girls from before. They still had more catching up to do. Hearing and listening about your sister's life and time in High School was just amazing. The praises her friends gave her, the memories they had. The playfulness April shared with them. It was just magical. You enjoyed the stories. Having memories like that, reminded you a bit back home in New York. The memories of your old friends. And memories of others. Those guys from class, popped in your mind. They had actually being lingering in your mind for some time. Walking by the beach, you stop for a few seconds and look at it. Looking at it, you recalled something. It involved you receiving a seashell. A lovely white seashell, with a tint of aqua. That you made into a hairclip, one you wore years ago.
Reaching home, April informed you that she going to go out with her friends. Which you didn't mind, you actually needed this time. To figure out this mystery. Going up to your room, after taking off your boots. Entering your room, throwing your back on your bed. You begin to look through your closet deeply. Finding what you where looking for. An old box. Taking it out, going through it. Pulling out an old photo album. It was small, but still a photo album. Wiping off the dust, you open it looking at the pictures. Carefully. Studying them. When something fell out, an old pamphlet. Picking it up, you read it.
"Iwatobi Swim Club..."you read out loud."Iwatobi Swim Club..."
What once use to be the Iwatobi Swim Club, now was nothing but dilapidated. Run down. Deserted. Decaying. Old. From years of absence and being closed down. The place nearly mirrored a haunt building. And the night didn't make it any better. Which Makoto didn't like, already regretting coming, but did so anyway for his friends. There was no turning back now. All three of them here, Haru, Nagisa and himself.
Nagisa tried to make it better by throwing purifying salt on them, which turned out to fake. Making it worse. Still the three went inside. The place was not like they remembered. Mold and worn down. Not to mention creepy. Makoto was sure they would see a ghost or something. Nagisa early made him jump out of his skin for accidentally kicking a can. They go deeper in, reaching the old locker rooms.
"Wow. Memories."Nagisa said. Using the flashlight to look around. They go the showers, the place wasn't as nearly trashed. They continue going deeper. Haru just wanted to get to what Makoto said. While at the same time, feeling as if someone else was here. He stops for a second looking over his shoulder, he was sure he saw a shadow. Scaring Makoto.
"Hey. Look at this."Nagisa goes into a room. The other two follow.
"The old lounge."Makato looks around.
"Guys, over here."Nagisa calls them over."Hurry." Haru and Makoto go over to him, Nagisa points to the pictures on the wall."These take you back?"Pointing the picture of themselves years ago, when they were younger."This was from when we won the rely. Remember? Hey, this was the picture that May-May took too."
"Yeah, you're right."Makoto remembers."As I recall, it was one of her best photos. Her favorite one." He smiles to himself. Looking in the corner seeing her initials."She was so happy for us. She really captured it well."
"Yeah. She really did."Nagasi agrees."Right, Haru?"
"..."He looks away rather cold.
Makoto and Nagisa look at one another."Let's keep going."Agreeing they leave the lounge, and head to the direction where they buried it. Stopping when they hear footsteps walking over to them, and notice a figure approaching them. Makoto started to get frighten. Assuming it to be a ghost.
The figure steps a bit into the light, it was hard for them to make out who it was. Their black cap covered their face, but Haru could see who. He couldn't believe it. After all this time. Makoto and Nagisa still didn't know who this person was. Until they pulled the strap of their cap back.
"What are the chances of me running into you guys here?" Rin said, taking off his cap. Reveling himself.
Makoto and Nagisa where thrilled to see him. Though not much could be said for Rin, he glossed over them, looking directly to Haru. Both of them stare the other one down. Seemingly forgetting about the other two. Tension from both Rin and Haru emerged, they had unsettled business. Neither Makoto or Nagisa seem to see. They almost got left behind, running after the other two down the hall towards the pool. Ready to engage the other one in race, Makoto trying desperately to stop them.
But they already stripped down to their swimwear. Nagisa didn't seem what the problem was until, Rin and Haru did. There was no water in the pool. None at all.
"So that was why."Nagasi gets it, using his flashlight to get a better look at the pool. Yep, it was empty. Completely."Wow."He trails the empty pool, with light, when noticed something or someone standing a couple of feet away from them. Looking at the pool. He couldn't make the figure out really, due to the lack of light. But gets the others attention."Hey, guys look. There's someone else."
Hearing that Makoto shrieks, telling Nagisa not to joke around."I'm not. Look."he points, moving his light over to them. Rin and Haru look too."Hey. Hello."Nagasi calls to them.
The figure hears him, and turns in their direction. Almost blinded by the light flashed in their face. Shielding their eyes."Nagasi."Makoto moves his hand down."You're blinding them."
"Sorry."he apologizes."I wonder who they are? When did they get here?"
Still looking at the figure, they noticed them holding up something. It small, like paper or a photo. Right at them. Using his light again, this time not trying to blind them, Nagisa managed to shed some light on this mystery person. Moving a bit closer. When they saw what the light reveled, each of them where shocked. A huge smile spreads across Nagisa. Throwing up his hands.
"May-May!"he jumps for joy."Guys! It's May-May!"
Makoto was right, it was her. He saw at school today. You. May O'Neil. Standing there dressed white skirt and mint colored long sleeve shirt with cuffs in a tint of dark yellow. And your calf high brown boots. Holding a picture, of them, all of you years ago. So this was it, the feeling you felt was missing. They still looked the same, except the fact being much older. Next thing, Nagasi glomps like back then. He nearly lift you up, due to your height. So happy to see you. Makoto was the next one to come over happy to see you too.
"I can't believe it. May. It's really you."Nagasi laughs heartily."Rin! Haru! It's May. Can you believe it?"He looks over at the two. Who stood there. Neither moved, just stun.
They watch Nagisa and Makoto happily reunite with you. While you seem a bit lost. As you kept glancing at the picture."Okay Nagisa, let her go."Makoto tells him. Making the blonde pout but does so.
"Fine."he lets you go."Sorry, May."
You look at him."It's alright."Getting a good look at him, then look down at your picture. When it clicked. Looking back to him."Nagisa?"
Hearing how you said his name, he looks at you confused a bit."Yeah. It's me. Why did you say it like that?"
Looking to Makoto you say his name the same. Like you where double checking to make sure. To verify. He verifies that is his name, a bit confused like Nagisa. The two look at each other a bit worried. Then back to you. You had looked at the pool. Walking over to the edge. They assumed you might jump in, but you didn't. You just stood there and stared. You hold the picture again, that showed the pool back then filled with water. With the guys in front, your sister was also in there, along with some other faces and yourself. Looking back at the current condition of the pool, then to the happy memory you held in your hand, then back to the pool. This was nothing like the picture. Where were the happy memories and times?
Turning back around to the guys, looking pass Makoto and Nagisa to Rin and Haru. Haru still with his serious expression, while Rin had more a serious scowl. He didn't look like he did in the picture. Not one bit. Was this even Rin at all? Believing this to be a mistake and unsure, you back away from them. Mumbling an apology, before either Nagisa or Makoto could stop you. You turn heel and run out. Leaving them in a state of confusion.
"May-May?"Nagisa said rather hurt. When he noticed something."Hey, she dropped something."Picking it up, it was the photo you had. Makoto looks at it."Why did she run off like that?"
"Tsk. Who cares."Rin said rather coldly."She was always strange."
"Rin. Don't say those things."Nagisa said in your defense. But, he didn't care. Looking back in the direction you ran."May..."
The next day, you went to school. In homeroom, you kept to yourself. While Makoto kept looking at you, you could feel his eyes on you. Haru would at times glance in your direction. When lunch came, you race out before Makoto could get a chance to stop you. April wasn't here to meet up with you, so you had lunch by yourself. You made sure to find a place hidden away. A place you could think, about what just happen last night. Running into them, the four of them. Then again, you were sure? Two of them assured you it was them, while the other two didn't. Yet, they looked so similar to the Rin and Haru you remember. Before...
"Here."In the middle of their palm rested a lovely white seashell, with a tint of aqua color. It was so lovely."You like seashells right?"
Your hand rest on your flower. Where the shell use to be. That day, you could recall rather vaguely. Going to the beach, while the guys swam, you took to taking pictures of them and the ocean. While collecting shells, when the day started to end. A seashell was given to you. One you remember treasuring. That you always wore it, until...
Shaking your head, you could feel the guilt rise and become unsettling in you. Was it the guilt that made you forget about who they were? You weren't sure. But, one thing was for sure it did bother you. Especially that look you remember Haru had in his eyes. Yeah, you remembered him. Since the morning, though you try to tell yourself you didn't. But, you did. And Rin too. Just a bit, but enough. The look both of them gave you. Made you cringe. You felt horrible.
School went by, April wasn't able to walk you home. She had something urgent to do. You didn't mind, so you walked home. On the way, you took out your camera taking random pictures, they didn't really mean much. You just took them.
Reaching home, you go inside. Empty. That was okay. You take out the old photo album once again, and begin to flip slowly through the pages. Looking at each picture. So many memories. So much joy. Happier days. There was not one picture you did not take nor where in, Nagisa pretty much forced you in them. You deserved to be in them too. You stop on one, with you and girl your age, she had long maroon hair and the same red eyes as Rin. The two of you standing side by side. Smiling. She was the first girl who befriended you when you moved here, of course you meet her after the guys. A very nice person, she made feel welcome.
"Hi, my name is Gou."
You remember a bit, when you first meet her. Her name was Gou.
Gou, you thought. Moving onto the next picture, a picture taken with you, Rin, Haru, and Makoto by April in front of the school. Your smile was so big and happy. It made you smile. Moving onto the next one, at the swimming pool. With all the guys, the laughter and joy you felt from this one photo. Turning to another page, when the doorbell rang. Closing it, you take the book with you and go to answer. Opening it to find...
"Hi May."Gou greets you."It's been some time. Hasn't it?"