"Future Academic and Career Plan"
"Year 3, Class 1, O'Neil May"
"Please circle your plans for when you graduate high school:"
A. College| B. Work| C. Other
You sat across from Ms. Miho, meeting with her like the other Third Years in your class, to discuss about the future plans. Your future plans on what you're going to do after High School. Everyone in class had to fill it out. For some it was rather easy, while for others not so much and some just didn't really care. You filled it out just fine, which you hope you have done. Because Ms. Miho went over your Career Plan a couple of times. Rather thoroughly, she seemed pleased for a second then not. It was rather confusing, that it made you nervous. Surely you filled it out right. This was a crucial part in your life, for anyone really in your position. Even if you lived back in New York the pressure on what one would being with their future was unavoidable. For anyone, you felt a huge amount of pressure because of one, your age. Being a year younger than those in class and second your test scores that where very impressive. Scores you had yet to submit to any collages.
Miho flips through it again one last time. Before she sets it down and gives you a smile. A smile that made you a bit uneasy. Even if it didn't have any ill will behind it.
"Well for one, with the test scores you have would get you into any school."she said rather proud. Trying to make you feel comfortable."I'm surprised you haven't submitted them yet. You circled both B. and C. work and other. I'm quite surprised really. Are you going to work part-time? Why not collage?"
"Well, ummmm..."you look away trying to figure out what to say."I want to go to college, I really do. I mean so many have told me I have the grades to get into a good school. But, well you see..."you started to twiddle with your fingers."As for working I thought maybe I could...you see..."
Unable to really answer made Ms. Miho see through it, she looks at your plan again this time quickly then back at you."May did you really complete this for yourself?"
Her question shocked you, but hit its mark. Your eyes drop ashamed, slowly nodding your head. You hear her let out a rather exasperated sigh."I really tired to fill it out,for me just a bit. I mean..."you try to defend yourself, but there was nothing really you could say.
"May, I understand if your nervous about the future. But, you have to be honest with yourself about this."she tells you concerned."You have the grades to get into any school really. The fact you haven't yet submitted you grades to any of them is really a shocker. You're a bright and smart young lady, you should be very proud of that. With a mind like yours there really is no limit. You clearly have a talent in science. Mainly with Physiology and Anatomy. Have you ever thought of becoming a doctor? Maybe that might be a good choice?"Your shoulders slump a bit."Okay, maybe not a doctor. If I recall your rather good at dancing. What something in the arts?"You slump again."I see...well...what about photography? You're really good, actually wonderful in it. The pictures you've taken and have taken. You have natural eye for that and the way your able to collaborate them together in such a lovely way. I'm sure there are schools that would love to see your work. Though most are in America."
What she said made you lift your head."...!"
"What do you say?"she ask smiling at you.
Outside Mako and Haru where waiting for their turn, well just Haru as Mako went before you and him. Glancing at his watch looking at the time Mako looks back at the door rather worried.
"I hope it's going well."he expresses to Haru."She's been in there for sometime."
"Probably discussing schools."Haru said."She does have high scores."
"That she does. May is rather smart."Mako smiles."Ms. Amakata is most likely talking to her about the different schools. Must be nice to have any school in the palm of your hand. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous."
Haru looks at his friend smiling from what he said. Looking goofy in his eyes. It was true though what he said, their pink hair friend had any school she wanted to go to in the palm of her hand. She could go anywhere she desired. Anywhere. What freedom, he couldn't help but rather envious himself. Just a bit.
"Hey, she's done."Mako tells him.
The door opens and you step out bowing to Ms. Miho thanking her."Thank you, Ms. Amakata."Shutting the door, turning around surprised to find Haru and Mako, when you really shouldn't.
"How did it go May?"Mako ask, eager to know.
His question hit a nerve in you, that you couldn't bring yourself to say what you wanted to without feeling horrible. Instead you plaster on a smile with a wink."It went fine."
"That's great."he congratulates you."You must so many schools wanting you, I beat."
"...Yeah."you say. Laughing rather nervous but managed to hide it."So many schools to choose from, what to do. What do?"You shrug your shoulders.
"I bet. It would be really awesome if you choose the same school as me."he said."We could continue our education together and make many more memories."
Memories, you thought sadly. Smiling at him."Yeah, that would be great. Whoa? Is that the time? I better go. See Ya guys!"You wave bye to them and leave."Good luck, Haru."
Mako waves bye until he couldn't see you anymore."I'm glad it went well with her. That would be great if we could go to same school together."
Still looking the way you went Haru sensed something else."..."
The train comes to its stop and you hope off quickly nearly stumbling on the platform. Setting yourself straight you hurry to Samezuka. Sprinting the whole way, it was a good thing that you didn't have your gear because Rin was able to find a way for you to keep it there. So you wouldn't have to keep lugging it back and forth. Some stayed in the office, while some stayed with him in his form. Which he would bring down for you, since you would arrive ten minutes after practice would start, Aiichiro would help him and they would set it up for you. So when you came in, it was ready to go. And you could get down to work. Of course you had to go over with them how to be careful with your things. And how to lay things out for you. Aiichiro took notes while Rin said you where being over the top, but they followed it to a tee. So Rin wouldn't hear your mouth. And every time you came in, racing to the office to get your camera there was always either Pocky or Daifuku waiting for you. Either of Taro or Peach flavor, some times both. Which you would eat during practice.
Bursting through the doors of the hall, you hurry to the restroom to change. Quickly, pulling out your outfit and switch clothes. Normally would have done this already, but not this time. Quickly changing, pulling down your tank top and double checking you had everything on and leave. Already thirty minutes late, you had informed Rin that would not show up at your normal time because of meeting with Ms. Miho, which he was fine with. Still, you felt bad it took this long. You missed so many pictures to take and help the others. Adding more speed, your lungs felt on fire. Seeing the doors you come bursting straight through.
"What the-?!"Your sudden appearance caught his attention and a few others."Shit! May STOP! LOOK OUT!"he yells warning you. But his attempt was in vain.
Forgetting the rule not run so fast and the fact there was water all on the ground, you slip and loose your balance and to make it worse collide with someone who just finished. Ramming right into them, which knocks you back. Your feet cross over the other and you stumble back falling into the pool. Everyone freaks out, Rin waste no time and tries to get you, but he was too late. It all happened so fast, one second you where up now you where falling. Expecting to be submerged in water the way you fell. Would cause you to hit your head at the bottom of the pool giving you a concussion. Hearing Rin and Aiichiro yell for you was the last thing you heard. Before everything went black.
"Hey?"A deep husky voice says."You know, you shouldn't be running around a pool. Are you okay though?"
A voice? You weren't expecting to hear one, but you did. Opening an eye, you find yourself not at all submerged in water nor wet. Or with a concussion. Instead, you found yourself dry and held over the water, in someone's arms. Rather strong muscular arms, very well defined. You couldn't help but poke them rather amazed. So this was what Gou meant and swooned over. You couldn't help but blush a bit. The arms belonged to a muscular chest too, a very, very nice one. Firm and solid. Your hands couldn't remain off it, touching all over. Until you Aiichiro calls to you.
"May!"
Hearing him you turn to him, the way he was looking at you along with Rin and the team, they couldn't believe what you where doing. Rin's look was more dumbfounded. Which left you rather puzzled. Arching any eyebrow.
"What? What is it?"you ask, to remember you where in someone arms. Slowly you turn around looking up at the one who held you. Finding a tall, muscular young man with short, dark brown hair and droopy teal eyes. He carried a serious expression. In nothing but black swimming jammers.
He looks down at you seemingly unfazed by the fact your hands where on his bare chest. He leans down close to you."You okay?"
He was so close to you, you didn't know what to do. Actually you did, your eyes look at your hands then to chest, then back to your hands and to his chest a few times. Realizing what you where doing, you did the only thing. Turn red and shriek from embarrassment.
After the whole lovely incident, you retreated to the office and stayed there lamenting over and over again on what had happen. Greatly embarrassed by it all. That couldn't enjoy none of your treats. Just going over and over again in your head what happened. Feeling extremely horrible about it. The way you felt up on him like it was nothing, made you no doubt look like some sort of pervert which you clearly where not. But, with eyes on you there was no doubt the others thought that. And maybe him too. The new addition to the team. A face that you don't recall seeing but seem vaguely familiar. Rin and Aiichiro helped you out of the pool and your rushed to the office shutting the door, locking yourself inside. And remained in hiding from the others. Your face was still red from it. It should have went away by now, being around so many shirtless guys, it never phased you, but for some reason this did. Whenever you thought about it, your redness deepen. And you fluster badly. Shutting your eyes didn't help either because you would see those chiseled arms and chest. So well defined and toned. It could make anyone go red and become hot. They where so nice and lovely, you wanted to touch them again.
Ah! How could that thought cross your mind!? You're not a pervert. You're not a pervert! You scream to yourself in your mind. Shaking your head trying to shake out the images. But it was hard, seeing his face and those teal eyes. So close to you. That serious look with those eyes that gleamed. Swooning again just thinking about them, you quickly snap yourself out of it. There was no time to think like that. Not at all. Going crazy you pace back and forth in the office frantically. Waving your arms wildly everywhere. Jumping and down like a rabbit back and forth. That you trip over your own feet and nearly fall if not for someone who caught you.
"...What?"you open your eyes finding you had been caught by...him again. You freeze up.
He looks at you with an arched eyebrow, nearly clothed. Kind of he just had on the Samezuka jacket, slightly zipped up. Before you could say anything he hoist you right up."Is thing going to be a thing?"He ask, you didn't know what to say. Except look away."Okay. I'm here because Rin told me to come, your the manger right? He said that you have profiles for everyone on the team, and since I'm new to this team you need to make one for me. So I'm here to get my picture taken."
You didn't say anything only walk to your camera holding it with while your hands trembled. You kept your eyes away from him, which he noticed. You clearly where making a big deal out of this. In low voice that he couldn't hear, tell him to stand by the wall.
"Sorry, what was that?"he asks."I didn't hear you."Leaning closer to you, nearly towering over you. Sure Mako toward over you cause of his height, which was alright. This was different. You stammer trying to find your words."Hey, you want me to come back an-"
"No!"you tell him."I mean, no."You look away shamefully."Look...I'm sorry for e-earlier. I-I didn't...pleas don't think of me as pervert! I swear I'm not! I just...well..."
He smirks at you finally understanding your indifference towards him."It's alright. No harm done."He shrugs it off."Trust me that didn't cross my mind at all. You don't seem like that type anyway."He jokes or so you assumed. By the way he was smirking at you.
Easing the tension you caused. Relaxing you manage to smile back. Relieved."That's good."Holding your camera steady."You're right though. I am the team manager. My name is May O'Neil. It's a pleasure to meet you...ummm?"
"Sosuke Yamazuaki."he tells you.
Sosuke Yamazuaki! You thought surprised. That name it sounded so familiar, looking at him completely now taking in his features. Every detail, why did his name sound so familiar? Trying to pinpoint it, what was it? Seeing the look on your face, Sosuke didn't really know what to make of it. You manage to snap out of it and tell him where to stand taking his picture. Rin comes in just after you finished.
"Are you two done?"he looks at Sosuke then to you, looking at Sosuke's profile picture.
"Yeah."Sosuke tells him."Is it good May?"
"Huh? Oh, yes."you tell him. Looking back at his picture studying it bit more."..."
"Alright then,"Sosuke starts to take his leave."I'm going to leave. Nice meet you May.'"
Looking up from the picture. Quickly with a nod then back to the picture you walk over to the desk. Sitting down still looking at Sosuke's picture."Sosuke...Yamazuaki...that name."you say to yourself. Puzzled.
So indulged in his picture you didn't notice Rin made his way over to you. Until saw his shadow casting over you. Still you didn't look up, only to ask Rin."Why does his name sound so familiar? He looks familiar too."
"Seriously?"Rin gives you an absurd look. Tilting his head."You don't remember?"
Looking up at him shaking your head."No. Do you?"
You seriously didn't know, Rin saw it on your face. It was bothering you, a part of him wanted to say something opening his mouth but decided against it. He didn't know why, but he decided against. Looking away."It's nothing."he tells you."Do you want to spend the night here? Or you want to go back?"
Looking at the clock it wasn't late, so you told him you would go back."I'll go back. Let me just get Sosuke's profile started. Then I'll go."
Uploading his picture, it didn't take you too long to get his profile started. About a couple of minutes, you then packed up your things with Rin's help. Giving him your camera which he kept in his dorm, he takes you to the train. It was rather quiet between you two. Mainly because of you, your mind was still on Sosuke. Thinking about why he looked so familiar. It was troubling you. That you nearly forgot to get your ticket, which Rin paid for and helped you to get on the train. Still thinking about Sosuke you forgot to say bye Rin. Taking your seat, looking down thinking. Rin watches and waits for the train to leave. Then heads back to school.
Sosuke Yamazuaki. Sosuke Yamazuaki, what a familiar name and face. Thinking about it nearly kept you up all night, but you managed to get some sleep. Still it followed you all the way to the morning, that you seem absent from the others during school and lunch. Distracted was more like it actually. That you paid no mind to Nagisa who stole food from you and you ended up eating out of Rei's lunch and Haru's.
The others didn't know what was wrong, you didn't say anything. So preoccupied with this thought, Nagisa made use of it. Eventually you snapped out of it to find out that something was happening. Something wonderful.
Coach Sasabe was reopening the Swim Club and organised a variety of events for the grand opening. Thrilled to hear about this, brought a smile to your face. Knowing it was coming back. Gou filled you in that the main event was going to be a relay. Which came at a surprise to you, but you agreed it was a good idea. Getting the date and time, you agreed to go and help out. Which of course Coach took you up on that. He told you to come earlier than the others that day. Getting up just as the run rose, you make your way over.
Looking up at newly rebuilt building that held so many memories, laughter and joy. Happy thoughts and times. It brought a smile to you, one you hadn't felt in so long. Just reminiscing about it, everything warmed you. Walking to the door, for the first time after so many years and push it open stepping inside. Looking around, it was remodeled a bit. While still retaining its natural essence. A place of welcoming. It brought so many together. You notice the pictures on the wall of all the past teams, your eyes single out the picture you took of Mako, Haru, Rin and Nagisa years ago. When they won. Coach hung it up. What memories. This place. You remember running in greeting whoever was at the desk, then hurried to the pool. Though you didn't swim you just enjoyed being there, and in pool area April was the junior lifeguard. Whenever there was a event you took your seat with Gou to cheer on the others.
The two of you always cheered the loudest, you took each of their pictures when they jumped off the block. It was always amazing when you did. And now, with the place restored you could do again. This time though, with a new generation. Inhaling that chlorine, you where home.
"Nice, isn't it?"Sasabe comes to your side, admiring the pool with you."Brings you back doesn't?"
You nod agreeing."Yes it does. Very much. Thank you for restoring it."You thank him sincerely."It feels good to be back."
He smiles at your words."Well, we can't stand around here. We've got get things ready!"He slaps your back with hearty laughter."Come on!"
Just as you said, you helped Sasabe get everything ready. It took a great deal of work but you didn't mind. Setting flyers, putting the signs out, getting out the samurai garb, just everything. By the time you both finished it was five minutes till it opened, people where already there and couldn't wait to come in. Kids and adults alike. Parents bring their kids. You wave to some.
"Here."Sasabe gives you some change of clothes."Do you mind? Just for today?"Looking at the folded clothes you agree without a second thought. Only to wish you hadn't.
Doors open not a second late and the Iwatobi Swim Club was open for business. Everyone came pouring. Many couldn't wait to go change and get started. Looking around in awe at it, admiring the pictures on the wall. Everything. Sasabe couldn't be prouder at huge turnout.
"Mommy, I wanna do the paddle boards."
"Hey let's get ready for contest."
"It's so cool in here."
"I want to sign up for lessons! Please daddy?"
People where still pouring in by the minute, Mako and the others came in a bit later with Mako's brother and sister. Ready to go. Along with Rin and his team, which consisted of Sosuke, Aiichiro and new face by the name of Momotarou Mikoshiba. Who resembled a certain previous Samezuka captain. Who become enamored when his eyes saw Gou.
"Quite a turnout."Rei notices.
"Yeah."Nagisa agrees looking around."Brings back memories."
"It sure does."Mako agrees.
Still looking around Rei remembers something."Hey didn't May come earlier to help out?"
"What?"Rin looks at him while taking hold of Momo and dragging him away from Gou.
"That's right, she did."Mako looks around.
"May came here?"Aiichiro was surprised to hear this. Looking to Rin."She didn't say anything."
"No she didn't."Rin sighs. Looking around."Is she still here?"
"I don't see her."Mako starts to look around. When his sister tugs on him pointing at something up ahead."What is it Ran?"Following her finger at what she was pointing at, seeing a person grayish and white short halter dress with a attachable dorsal fin on their back. In wedges. And matching arm warmers with fins attached to look like flippers. Being friendly with the children and the guest. There seem to be a area set up where they could take a picture with them. Looking a bit harder focusing his eyes, he realized who it was and it shocked him."MAY!?"
All eyes went over in the direction he pointed. Hearing his out cry, you look up and see everyone starting at you in disbelief. While you stared back flabbergasted and shocked. Not to mention embarrassed. Nagisa was the first one over to you.
"May? Why are you dressed as a...a..."he looks closer at you."A dolphin?"The others come over wondering the same.
Getting uncomfortable looking away."..."you grumble.
"Coach Sasabe got you again? Didn't he?"Nagisa couldn't help but laugh.
"This was what he meant by helping out."Rei said feeling rather sorry for you."How degrading really."
"Aww, I think she makes a cute dolphin."Nagisa patronizes you, for his own expense. Patting your head."You would have be more adorable if you where a penguin."
"Nagisa."Rei tries to hush him.
"Coach always had a way of roping you in."Mako said, looking Haru and the others.
Huffing and grumbling looking away."Yeah...he does. I can't believe I said yes. I knew there was something fishy."
Realizing the pun you just said made Nagisa laugh even more."Fishy!"
You where about to react if not for Mako who stops you and holds you back."Okay, let's all calm down. Nagisa stop laughing at May."
"I can't help it."he said and still kept going."It's just so finny."
Everyone sighs over his ridiculous pun joke. Seeing there was no winning you give up. Mako lets you go."I'm stuck like this for the whole day. Anyway, are you guys ready for the main event?"
"Yeah. We are."Aiichiro tells you rather confident."Are you going to watch?"
"Hopefully."you tell him."If not, I wish all of you luck."You then notice Momo."..."Your eyes shoot open wide at the resemblance, feeling your eyes on him he looks over at you and is struck.
He manages to get out Rin's hold and next thing takes hold of your hands in his. Staring intensely at you while making you uncomfortable."Please let my hands go."you tell him, but he doesn't.
"What a lovely dolphin you are."he says as if in a trance."My name is Momotarou Mikoshiba, I like stag beetles-"
You take your hands back and give him a rather good stare."I know who you are. Your Seijuro's brother, he was the boyfriend of my sister."
Hearing you tell him that he jumps back."What!?"Stunned. He then leans in a bit closer to get a better look, getting in your personal space."Wait a minute...your sister...my brother only had..Wait!? What?!"he jumps back realizing what you said was true. Pointing a finger at you."Y-You...I can't believe I seriously tried to hit on you! AH! You're like my brother's sister. Meaning you're like mine sister! AH! Not cool!"he freaks out, making a scene."And you let me! Why would you let me!?"He turns around to grab you by the shoulders, instead finds his hands grabbing something else.
That stuns and shocks everyone. Even you, you had to do a double take. He realizes this a few seconds after the others gasp and freaks out again seeing what he grabbed. It wasn't your shoulders at all, no, he grabbed something different. That he did not intend to, quickly taking his hands off that area holding them up while trembling from under the darken stare you gave him.
"Calm down May."Mako tires, but it was clear it wasn't going to work. So he had to resort to hold you back just in time before you went after Momo who yelps in fright and runs away, wiping his hands on his pants. Luckily you where petite otherwise Mako was sure he'd have trouble with you."Best if you guys go."He tells Rin and the others.
They leave quickly, Mako waits awhile before he lets you go. Setting you down. Calming down but keeping your arms crossed over your chest looking away from the others still upset.
"Well that was..."Rei tries to figure out what to say, but couldn't looking at the others. Nagisa even stopped laughing after what he saw.
"We should get ready."Mako tells the others.
"Yeah."Haru agrees. Following him with the rest, though Gou stops and says something rather interesting.
"Hey May, I know why Sosuke looks so familiar to you."she comes back over to you. Looking at her now that she had your interest."When we were younger you saw this picture of him at our place and you developed a crush on him. I remember because you told me during a sleepover, he came over maybe once. You wouldn't stop talking about him."What she said shocks you, but you instantly remembered."I'm surprise Rin didn't tell you. Well anyway that's why."
With that she leaves with the guys.
Gou opens the door to her place and finds you standing there, she greets you with open arms and takes you inside her place. Leading you to her room when you stop and notice a picture on the wall, stopping you look at it. It was Rin and some other boy with dark brown hair and teal eyes. Staring at the boy next to Rin, you felt your face become hot and you started to feel funny inside. Like butterflies dancing around in your stomach. Realizing you had stop following her, Gou turns back around to get you. Coming over noticing the way you looked at the picture of her brother and Sosuke. She knew that look, that gaze in your eyes. The blush that appeared on you.
Going over to your side, she tells you his name."His name is Sosuke Yamazuaki. He's Rin's best friend."
"Sosuke Yamazuaki."you say to yourself a few times, captivated and infatuated. A bashful smile appears as you look back up at the picture at him."Sosuke Yamazukai."