Accidently gave the last chapter I put the wrong title, this is Dive into the Future (1)
I hope you enjoy it :)
Finally, finally you had the tube to yourself! This was thrilling and exciting, no Haru, not any more. At least..until you meet up with him to go to school. Should he text you. Anyway, again no more sharing the tub with Haru. Not like how you use to back when the two of you lived together or in your case fostered by his family. Which was a blessing for you, now that you think about it. Grateful for it. Smile at the memory, Haru knew how much you feared of being taken away and when all seem lost, he opened his home.
The story, if you could recall right,the moment after April's funeral reached out to his parents and asked them. During the grace period before you were to be taken and never see anyone again. It still surprised you till this day. For a whole year the two of you lived together, chuckling softly at what you had believed when the two of you were younger. His rather irritable tolerance of you, made it seem at times he didn't like you. But, from what you heard from Mako in middle school Haru was affected by your departure for some time and when you came back. He wasn't sure what to feel, but, it came to the surface by the gesture he did.
A whole year...it was just you and him. In a house that managed to turn into a home, with friends you managed...pulling your knees to your chest rest lean to the side resting your cheek on them...friends you managed to turn into family. What an interesting two years. And now here you sat in your own tub, in your own place.
Just you.
You wouldn't say you where alone, Haru and Mako where just a call away. They'd come quick, unless they swimming or something. It seem about that time glancing at the time on the small digital clock you kept in your bathroom by the sink. It was battery powered. You weren't alone.
Stretching out in the tub, raise a lathered arm watch the water trickle down it. A few droplets fall on your face. Bringing it back under, close your eyes for a bit. Soaking everything in, guess this was a habit you picked up from Haru.
College, adult life now. You wondered how the new year was going for the others. Making a mental note to hit them up some time today. What did you have today? Oh, yeah your photography class and science. History was thrown in there too. No, not history. That was online. It was a class that was required but had many choices to choose from, it was physical education after all. So of course it presented many options. What you chose was close to heart and if not home. One that knew April would be happy to know you'd taken back up. One that made you feel her spirit again.
Dancing.
Yes, you had dance class today. Just as requirement really, nothing more. Despite your foot muscles bobbing to the mental rhythm in your mind and the small humming from your throat.
It was rather scary at first, when you included it for this semester, but you for some reason felt glad.
What was the time now? Opening your eyes lazily glance at the clock spring up seeing the time, you almost slipped back into the tub. Being careful this time rise, grab your towel wrapping it around yourself and slip on your bathroom slippers, rush out. The second you stepped foot in your room, your phone dinged a few times. Alerting you of incoming texts. Rushing over to it, see it was form Haru. A couple of them where. Pretty much repeating the same thing over and over again.
Opening one read it: Don't get lost and don't be late. Get to the train. -_-
Sighing set your phone down, when he texts the same thing again. Picking it up, reply back. This time after setting it down go to your closet and search for something to wear. For through a few choices.
Which to wear? Which to wear? What to wear?
That mint green wrapped tunic top would look good. You could April say to you.
Your head whipped around expecting to find her, to find your shadow and no one else. The mint green tunic top did catch your interest, it was light and free. A nice light yellow would be a nice under shirt, a tank-top really. Then again you wanted to go for something a bit more mature, after all this was collage life, change was needed to go to the next stage in life. April, she always loved dressing and choosing your outfits that were deemed adorable. Shaking your head a funny memory, go back to shuffling through your clothes.
Checking the time again nearly screaming seeing how late it was. You had to hurry, whirling back around to the closet quickly look for something. After about a minute find something, lay it out go to your drawer and take out your other...items. With in minutes you were dressed and ready for the day. For school.
A coral long sleeve tunic top slightly flared at the end with white sea shell prints in the corner; dark blue pants and dark brown ankle laced boots. You quickly just put your hair in a braid, grab your things and hurry out. Class was going to start soon and your train you were going to miss.
Sometimes you wish you had a car, but you didn't. Reaching the campus see the students pouring in and out. To and from their classes, checking the time, good you were in the clear. Nothing to worry about, no need to run. Walking with the rest head to class. Reaching the room, there was no sign of the professor just yet. Just students coming in and taking their seats. You do the same, taking a seat on the left side third row from the front, take out what you needed. Digging for it stumble upon you camera. The one from April, giving it a soft smile tuck it away safely. Just as the professor comes in, sit back up at attention. Pen in hand, notebook before you, and mind sharp. With a hand itching to spring up to answer whatever was given or written on the board. Your professor smiled at everyone and her eyes quickly slide to you with a smile, you saw the joy in her eyes and challenge she for you today. Your eyes sharply responded ready for it.
Haru arrived at school looking around among the other students, a bit unsure if he was going the right way in the river of students, didn't notice another walking over to him, until they in a sense barged their way over. Did Haru stop and turn to them.
"H-hey, aren't you..." they said loudly pointing at
Turning to the voice Haru finds Haru. Who just started at the tall male, in a black jacket, green t-shirt and blue jeans who's red messy hair matched their outburst and pink eyes that light up with focus and determine hope from with word. "Nanase Haruka!?" He got Haru's name right. So where was this guy going with? "D-Do you remember me? We used to..."
It clicked in Haru, that voice hadn't changed besides sounding a bit older it was still excited and well loud. There was only person with such a voice and visible bright expressions. After all these years..
"Ashai?" Haru said. Repeating the name. "Shiina Asahi?"
"That's right! I'm Asahi!" Asahi smiled happy and relieved. Walks closer. "It is really you, Haru! I haven't seen you since our first year in middle school! Talk about a coincidence! Hey, c'mon. You could look a little happier..." he nudges Haru. "But I guess that is reaction of Haru. You haven't changed a bit!"
Haru gives a small smile. "Neither have you."
"I've definitely changed!" Asahi said giving a "mature" smirk and poise. "I'm a mature man now, I'd say. Oh, by the way, do you remember Shigino Kisumi? He's at this university too."
"I didn't know that."
"Man, for real?" Asahi was a bit surprised. "Wait, did you go to high school with him?"
"No, different high schools." Haru tells him. "His younger brother came to the Iwatobi SC, so I saw him again there."
"SC?" For a moment Asahi froze.
"Are you still swimming?" Haru's question brought him back.
"Huh? Yeah, of course I am." Asahi said proudly. "I'm on my way to my first practice here. What about you?" He asked wearily. "You quit the swim club after I moved away right? And you never replied to my letters.."
"Sorry." Haru apologizes. "But I started swimming again in high school. I'm headed to practice right now, too."
Asahi's eyes lite up. "Wow, really? That means we'll be on the same team again!"
"Yeah."
The two of them bump arms and head to practice.
Where they meet and become introduced to Coach Tsukamoto, a stern looking glasses man. All first years would be practicing with everyone for the day, in the line up Haru noticed another familiar face, Mikoshiba. Every first had to swim to give their best time, the second Haru leaped off the block everyone was amazed. In the locker room praises didn't stop for Haru, only to stop when Mikoshiba came.
"So, Haru, how's May doing?" He asked the young man.
Now a question Haru didn't mind answering and a question that surprised Asahi. "She's doing fine." He answered back.
"I heard she went to New York for a bit, did she like it?"
Haru could hear warmness behind the man's words and the way his eyes fondly thought of April when speaking of her sister. "She did, but, she choose to remain here instead."
"What?!" Asahi nearly shouts with faintly pink cheeks. "What do you mean she's here!? At this school?!"
Ignoring him, Haru kept his attention and talk with Mikoshiba. Who looked up for a bit with a proud smile shaking his head, a small chuckle left his mouth. "That girl." He crosses his arms, Haru smiled to himself, leaving Asahi confused and eve more from what Mikoshiba said. "I'm glad she's been with you, Haru. Thanks for taking care of her."
Before Asahi could get clarification, Mikoshiba was summed by the coach. "Haru!" Asahi snaps around grabbing Haru by the shoulders nearly shaking him. "May! May sh-she's..." he stutters swallowing. Sweating, that Haru felt it sweep through his jacket. Flushed Asahi shakes his head remembering May. From middle school, she was American, that was what made her stand out from the others.
That and for some that made their cheeks burn, that sweet and cute face. That long pink hair, those bright golden-eyes that seem so shy yet lite up when around those she knew. The way they laughed. The way she laughed, it was playful and sparky. Her focused intelligence, everyone at school knew how smart she was, yet she was humble about it.
But some times like to pretend she was better. Joking of course. The lost look she'd get when a joke was told her, then laugh when she got it. She'd tag along with Haru and the others. Taking pictures, but just liked to tag along. She younger than them, but that didn't matter.
She was here, Asahi couldn't believe it. Believe his luck. He envision her standing before him, as a middle schooler, saying his name, that was the last time he saw her. Anyone of them, she wasn't able to complete the whole year, she left mid-way through. Raising a hand rest it on his chest, as if the emptiness there of pain began to slowly fill.
"Yeah, May is here." Haru tells him. "We went to high school together. Along with Makoto."
A glad smile appears on Asahi. "Really? Wow. So, she's here, well then..."
Class finally ended, your photography class did. Packing up a few of the students say bye to you as they pass. Just finishing tucking away your things when a shadow comes over you. Looking up find your professor.
"Mr. Yama?" you arched a brow noticing a look he had in those kind green eyes, behind his glasses.
He smiles at you. "May, if you have a minute could you stay. I have something to ask of you."
Not sure what it was, agree.
After about fifteen minutes speaking with your professor you left, heading down the hall take out your phone. Noticing a text, from Haru. Opening it read it: Marron.
"Marron?" you weren't sure what he meant, another text came with the address. Sighing, reply back and head to this Marron place.
By the time you arrived the sun was setting. Giving a warm glow to the city, waiting for the light to change hurry and cross the street. Take a left and with in a minute fine yourself at the place.
Marron.
A coffee shop. It was a nice and humble looking one, not sure why Haru told you to meet here when you needed to head back home. Feeling your phone vibrate, take it out, it was a text from Haru, asking if you made it.
With a sigh, walk in. "I'm here, Har-" Before you could even finish another voice cuts in.
"May! Wow! It really is you!" Asahi shoots up from his chair at the table he shared waving at you.
Your eyes fall to him, lost at who he was, though you did Haru, Mako, and...Kisumi. Yep, that was him, that salmon pink hair was his trade mark. It took a second for you remember him, it clicked, he'd come to you back in middle school to your locker or classroom. With either a rose, a joke, or an invite to see him in basket ball for practice or watch him play. Also, his young brother Hayato. You wonder how he was doing.
Meeting Kisumi's purple eyes, he smiles with a creep pink on his cheeks, and waves at you. Your eyes lite up seeing him, not realizing you were looking right pass Asahi. Who trying to get your attention, resorting to waving both his arms over his head. You still looked through him, what made it was worse what you said next that him nearly shatter.
"Kisumi. Hi, it's been so long." you said going over to him, he stands and you both hug. He still smelled the same, not really expecting a hug from you, he cherished it. As if waiting for so long to receive one.
His shoulders relax and body. "Hey, May. This is a surprise. Yeah, it's been a long time." He agrees. You and him separate still holding eye contact. "You look well. Good actually." He said with a small laugh.
You join him, tucking a bit of hair behind your ear. "Yeah, well, thank you. You look good too." Behind Asahi was still sulking and cringing listening to you two. His sister behind the counter couldn't help but laugh, looking to her younger brother.
Laughing softly to herself, he hadn't changed. Her eyes move to you after tending to her baby. You've changed. In her eyes she saw a middle school girl, now before her was a young woman. Feeling eyes on you, turn to meet hers. It took a second but you remembered her. "Akane? Akane Shiine?"
That red hair, it was shorter now, but there was no mistaking it. And those pinkish eyes, those kind ones. Yep, it was her. That smile sealed. "It's Kurimiya now, but yeah. Hi May."
She was married?! You couldn't be happier, gasping thrilled leave Kisumi's arms and go over to her. Nearly threw yourself over, still full of energy Akane saw. There was no doubt in her mind that you were bouncing up and down lightly on your tippy toes.
"You're married now! Wow!" you nearly gush. "That's wonderful!" For a moment the others thought they saw Asahi in you. "And-" you stop hearing a baby's coos. Following it see a little one tucked away sleeping on the other side of counter. It was soo adorable, with hair similar to its mother. It stole your heart. "A baby." You lower your voice with a soft smile. Lean over.
"Yeah, my little one." Akane said looking down at her baby, she hadn't noticed you had leaned over too far, until she noticed your arm and finger out reached towards the baby. Turns finding you just barely hanging and holding on with your other hand that gripped the counter tightly preventing you from falling over.
The strain on your face told her and the others you weren't going to last.
"May!" they shout, the guys get out of their chairs and hurry over just as your hand slipped. Akane managed to hold you back, while you tried not to panic.
One of the guys comes behind and wraps their arms around your waist, host you up and back. Set your feet back on the floor. You let out a sigh and smile to the one who pulled you back. "Thanks, Makoto."
He gives a heavy sigh. "Yeah. May, could you not do something like that, last time you did that you nearly fell into a freezer."
Haru slightly whacks the back of your head. "Hey!" You growl at him, rubbing it. His eyes hush you with a fuming anger. Making you look away fuming under your breath.
Akane starts to laugh a bit, being careful not to wake her baby. "You have not changed much, May." Her words made you smile. "It's good to see you, again. Look at you, a young woman now." She gets a good look at you. From middle schooler, to what she saw before her. "Trading cute for pretty. You filled in lovely."
You couldn't help but blush from her words and look away sheepishly. She chuckles shaking her head. Still, after all this time you became bashful with compliments. There was that cuteness.
"Oh!" It dong on you, tapping a finger on your chin. "Akane, you have a younger brother right?" The mention of himself, Asahi sulkiness vanished. She nods. "What was his name? I haven't seen him in such a long time, what was his name."
Kisume did his best not to laugh, to be hushed by Asahi. Who jumps to your side, pointing to himself. "Right here, Asahi! It's Asahi!"
Hear him, turn your eyes to him. Finding the red head young man from before who waved at you. His hair was the same as Akane and eyes too. That wide smile spread across his face, was the same as that boy from middle school. It was rather fuzzy, blinking a few times. See him waving and blaring your name across the grounds. The same smile on. Blink once more, this time it was first meeting, meeting him when you met up with Haru and Mako. He came bursting out eager to go swimming. Stops suddenly his lips pressed together tighter than a zipper. Eyes just seem to grow wider then fill up with tears, for what reason you never understood or knew. And next thing you knew, he blurted out his name. Holding your hands tightly in his.
"Asahi! My name is Asahi Shiini!"
Asahi! It was him, your hand slaps over your mouth catching your surprised gasp that turned into a jump for joy. And giggles. "Asahi! Asahi. Oh my...wow!"
He was thrilled you remembered. Wasted no time, just like you and hugged you. Though while you hugged him, his arms wrapped and pulled you off the ground spinning you around a bit. He'd gotten so tall, or you had become smaller. Akane and the other smile at the reunion happening before them. It filled the shop. It was just as it was years ago, Asahi would scoop up May in his arms and twirl around a few times before setting her down. Of course it was after May become comfortable with him.
Asahi finally sets you down after a few more twirls. Still remain hugging you, like a coiled snake. Trying to snuggle. Though nice it was slightly smothering. Akane smiles to herself from the dreamy look her brother had on, that was still there, especially when she had presented him with chocolates for Valentine's Day. The memory made her laugh to herself, Asahi fondly held his present. She remembering him sleeping with it once.
After a few more minutes, Asahi eventually let you go. And everyone sat down, you found out the restaurant was now Akane's as she took it over from her mother-in-law. Though she said everyone could order something, they would still have to pay. Which was alright with you, she went on to make drinks for everyone. You sat at the head of the table. Mako on your left and Asahi on your right. He seem a bit closer than before, Kisumi pointed out. His attention on you wanting to know what has been going on with you, so you filled him in.
"Well, I went to high school with Haru and Mako." you said, which he knew. "Graduated with them too. I went back to America for a little while, then decided I prefer living here instead. Attending school at-"
"Hey!" Asahi interrupts you. "What about your sister? Your dad, that day you left school was the last time I saw you. What happened?" He asked curious, an intrigued smile on that he didn't notice the others faces drop. Akane did.
She noticed the tinge of sadness that sunk in your eyes. Even with your smile that slowly fell as you told him. "Well, umm..."
"May, you don-" Mako tries to stop you, but you shake your head laughing sullenly looking to the side. To the floor for a minute, felt your eyes slowly began to sting. Closing your eyes was the only way to prevent any tears from falling.
Thinking of the warm memories gave you the strength needed. Asahi noticed the shift in you and when Kisumi stood insisting that was enough. But, you told Asahi, it was a question he asked and just wanted an answer to.
"My father died, that's why I stopped coming to school. After that..." your voice trails off a bit, but you eyes meet Asahi's. "I was put in foster care while my sister remained behind adopted by one of our family friends here. It wasn't until April turned eighteen that she was able to get custody of me and I returned back. It was wonderful," you smile brightly, for it tether. "Then she died, she was sick and well, yeah."
Your head and eyes drop down for a minute, as you fight against the weight trying to smile. Lift your head up feeling a hand on shoulder, find Asahi who was in utter shock and sadness for you. His eyes were trying to find the right thing to say, but that was alright. Raising a hand rest it on his. Patting it lightly.
"Thank you, but it's okay. Besides," your eyes look to Haru and smile. "I was lucky enough, me and Haru began to live together. So, it was alright. My father and sister are both doing well. They're both resting and not in anymore pain. Besides, I have the memories."
You said it so well and light, Asahi wasn't sure what to say. Except this..."No wonder I wasn't able to give you chocolate." He said solemnly shaking his head, running his fingers through his hair. "And I was already to ask you to the dance too. But," his voice changes once again, this time serious. Staring at you. "May," he holds out a hand.
Unsure why, just put a hand in there. He holds it. Akane finished with the drinks and walks over setting them down. You wait for him say what he needed to. It seem like something he'd been waiting to say to you after so long.
Everyone tuned in their ears. Taking a deep breath, Asahi says it. Shocking everyone. "Marry me!" Akane nearly flicks him behind the ear. "Oww, sis, seriously?"
You laugh trying to hide it, take your hand back. He laughs too. "Are you still asking me that? Asahi?" you asked between laughs.
He just shrugs. "It's been years, so I have every right to." Pulling you into a hug, which you except. "But, seriously it's good to have you back." He gives you a squeeze which you return. "Do you still dance?"
"Well," you shrug a bit.
"She doesn't swim." Haru said as if bothered. You give him a hissing look. Mako had to step in and calm you down.
Asahi laughs heartily. "I remember you loved dancing, you were really good. Maybe because you from New York, made sense. What martial arts? Do you still do that? I remember you would flip any over if they sunk up on you and that hook." He rubs his jaw a bit. "Man, can still feel it."
You laugh nervously looking away, remembering what you did to him. Once, on accident. He came to you on a not so good day, you turned around giving a mean hook that sent him to the nurse. And home. You didn't mean too. And he knew to be careful with you. But, wasn't upset, in fact was amazed. Haru and the others remembered. Akane did too.
She pats you on the head. "Pretty and a knock-out. Do you still like peach flavor?"
"Yes."
"Good, I have just the thing." She leaves back behind the counter.
Taking a sip of your drink notice some articles around the shop, sports one and pictures. Asahi noticed you looking and tells you. "My sister's husband is a journalist for sports. Hey, Mako told me that's your major, is it true?"
You took another sip before answering. "Yes."
"You always took the best pictures. Of me of course." He grins.
You push his face away from you lightly. "Sure." You give an eye roll. He could be so full of himself, but it made you smile.
"I could introduce you two." Akane offered. You nearly choked on your coffee.
Fiddle with your thumbs. "Oh, well..." your cheeks heat up. Haru sighs getting up and leans over poking you in the forehead. You swat his hand away. "Stop it!"
"Then say something." He said. Sitting back down. If Mako didn't rest a hand on your wrist, you'd lash at Haru.
Asahi looks from Haru to you, then back to Haru. He saw it now, it wasn't what his mind had thought before from what Mikoshiba said. It wasn't that at all. Come to think of it, it hadn't changed much from middle school with you and Haru. Seeing this he laughs.
Calming down, finish you coffee still fuming a bit. After another half hour and after Akane brought you over something peach flavored, it was time for you to leave. "It was nice." You tell the others standing and gathering your things. "But, I've got to get home and do some assignments also get ready for a project my professor gave me."
"Aww," Asahi whines standing with you. "Do you have to go?"
You nod. "Yeah. Sorry, but, I hope to do it again soon. It was good to see you again Asahi." You hug him, he gives it back.
"Yeah, you too." He said softly. Giving you a squeeze. Lets you go.
You turn to Haru and Mako. "See you at home." You tell Haru. Then look to Mako and smile. "See you later, Makoto."
He smiles back. "You too. You sure you don't need anyone to walk you home? Or at least to the train station?" You give him a look. He understood. "Right. Sorry."
"Akane," you turn around to her and bow. "thank you very much. It was so wonderful seeing you again. I'm just so happy for you."
She smiles with a nod. "You too. Don't worry, I'll tell me husband about you. He'd sure be glad to meet you. Be safe, okay?" You nod.
"I will, see you soon. Kisumi, see you too." you finish last with him. "Please tell your brother I said hi."
He waves. "Yeah, you too and I will."
With all your good-byes taken care of take your leave. "Well," Asahi sits back down. "it was nice to see May-" Right then Kisumi stands up suddenly. "Hey, Kisumi what is it?"
"I'll be right back." He tells them and follows after you.
Asahi looked on confused, Haru looked on a bit annoyed given an eye roll. While Mako smiled looking down to the side. Akane chuckles to herself at Kisume, stopping noticing Makoto's eyes. Just then Kisumi comes in, shuts the door softly and sits back down. All eyes on him. Wondering what just happened. Noticing the accomplished look in his eyes that smiled. Earning a silent huff from Haru.
Enough was enough, Asahi wanted to know. "What happened? What did you do?" He demanded.
Kisumi just smiled sheepishly a bit. Scratching his cheek. Refusing to say. Leaving Asahi in an agony of wanting. Enjoying the slight torment of his friend Kisumi laughs bashfully.
The day of the tournament was here, you made sure to have all your equipment for your project, Mr. Yama gave you. As you packed, you noticed and felt something different about today. Unsure what it was decide not to give it a second thought. Collecting your things take your leave.
Since you were going to be by water, choose something casual to wear. An off shoulder mint green shirt and brown shorts with dark flats. Hair was thrown back in a pony tail. Because of your hesisation you arrived late to your train and it arrived late to the event. Stepping off, see you missed a call from Kisumi. So you call him back. Getting voicemail.
Not thinking much of it, walk up the steps checking the time that you weren't paying attention and bump into something solid. Rubbing your nose look up finding it to be Mako. "Ow, sorry Makoto." You wince a bit from the small pain.
"That's okay, are you okay though?" He asked watching you rub your nose. "I hope I didn't hurt you too bad."
You shake your head. "No, it was me, I wasn't looking where I was going. There. Anyway I'm trying to find Kisumi, I arrived late. Left the place late."
"Really, I just got off the phone with him. He told me were he was, come on we can go together." He said leading the way. You stayed close by his side. There so many people here, it amazing.
You could feel the high competitive energy throughout. Your finger was itching to take pictures, gushing at the thought on what you might get made you smile. Mako caught it and smiled himself. Watching you jump a bit with glee. And your eyes light up. You couldn't take it anymore and latch onto his arm, to calm yourself. Giving it a squeeze surprising him.
"This is so exciting!" You squeal. Laughing a bit. Reaching the seating area, climb the stairs with him and let go the second you see Kisumi.
He flags you both down. "Over here!"
"Kisume!" You go to him, he hugs you which you return and turn around marveling at the sight before you. Down below. "Just look at all...all memories I'll be able to get. It's going to be great. So will Haru and Asahi. Well, I better get down there." You tell them setting you bag down and take out your camera. "I'll be back, I promise."
"Okay, I'll watch your things." Kisumi said holding them.
You give him and Mako a wave and leave. Focusing on your camera to make sure it was good, nearly bump into someone. It almost caused their headphones to knock off.
"Oh, sorry." You apologize finding no one but a cold chill. Looking down the hall again see no one. "..." The announcer over the intercom brought you back, remembering where you needed to go head there.