…

Today was the day of the race and to say Rin was nervous was an understatement. Usually he was quietly confident they would easily win but usually they didn't have Ai on their team. As much as he adored the other boy his speed left a lot to be desired. But this wasn't about winning, what was one loss if it meant Ai let him back in his heart.

With a soft smile he walked inside, hoping his team were already here and training.

"Ah there you are!" Sasabe shouted when he saw Rin walk in. "I was worried my star attraction wasn't going to turn up."

"What do you mean?" Rin frowned, often Sasabe would turn his nose up at their silly competition.

"Didn't you hear?" He asked with a grin. "It's a huge event this year!"

"Really?"

"Yep, got loads of races and games going on for a fundraiser. A local network got wind of it and offered to film it, even planning on sending some up and coming star." He bragged.

"We're going to be on TV?" Rin swallowed.

"Only locally but yeah. Gonna get me lots of business." He said, rubbing his hands together.

"Right." He nodded. "I'll let the guys know."

"Only Haru's here." He said, gesturing towards the changing rooms.

"Thanks." He nodded again, heading over to Haru.

They were going to broadcast on TV, potential scouts would watch them, judge them. And they were going to lose. But he couldn't kick Ai off the team, it would ruin any progress they'd made. The others would just have to work harder to compensate for Ai, it was hard but winning was doable.

…

Sousuke groaned as his friends practically dragged him towards the swimming centre, he had no interest attending the fundraiser today. Sure, he'd agreed a few weeks ago but that was when he'd been dating Momo, now he wasn't particularly bothered. They could lose for all be cared.

"You head in, I'll catch up." Sousuke said when he noticed someone smirking at him from across the parking lot.

"You sure?" Makoto frowned disapprovingly.

"Yeah." He rolled his eyes. "I won't be long."

"Come on." Nagisa enthused, grabbing Makoto's hand. "Rei is waiting for me."

Makoto allowed himself to be pulled away, a little worried about Sousuke. The break up bad affected him more than he'd been willing to admit and now he was currently looking for affection in the wrong place.

"Hey." Asahi winked as he saw Sousuke walking towards him. "Come to wish me luck?"

"You're going to need it." He grinned in response.

"Please." He rolled his eyes. "You seen that little runt they're racing with? We're going to smash it this year."

Sousuke wanted to defend Ai but he knew it was pointless, he wasn't fast and he didn't have much power in his strokes – a fact not even Rin could deny.

"Hallow victory then?" Sousuke teased.

"How about a little side bet then? To make it interesting." He rose his eyebrow.

"What did you have in mind?" He asked.

"If we win you let me take that gorgeous ass of yours out on a date." Asahi grinned, reaching around Sousuke to squeeze his cheeks.

"And if you lose?" He challenged, leaning back into the touch all the same.

"Anything you want." He licked his lips.

"If you lose you don't play dirty when you race Haru." He said, he knew the whole car was an extravagant gesture to impress Makoto, the least Sousuke could do was throw the poor guy a bone.

"I'm offended you'd think we would." Asahi laughed.

Sousuke didn't respond, only raised his eyebrow and set a look on Asahi.

"Fine, fine." He relented. "We won't play dirty."

"Good."

"Seal the deal with a kiss?" He asked cheekily.

Sousuke leant in, his lips practically touching Asahi's, their breath mingling they were so close. But instead of kissing him, Sousuke simply whispered.

"You'll get a kiss when you win."

"You tease." Asahi moaned as Sousuke detached himself and swaggered towards the swim centre.

He faltered in his steps when he noticed who was stood in the doorway, watching the whole exchange with sad eyes. The high Sousuke had been feeling was quickly replaced by a bitter taste in the back of his mouth.

"Momo." Sousuke said softly.

Momo just shook his head and walked inside, refusing to meet Sousuke's eye again. Feeling guilty, he trudged in behind the boy.

But why did he care? They had broken up so he was free to do as he pleased now, he shouldn't feel shamed for some harmless flirting. But no matter how hard he tried to convince himself the feeling would not go and he suddenly found himself hoping Asahi's team didn't win.

…

Makoto cheered loudly as he watched his younger brother and sister take part in the paddleboard race, a restless Haru beside him. He just wanted to get in the water, it wasn't usually this busy. But he supposed it wasn't every day you had a film crew around.

"It's your race next." Makoto reassured.

"Yeah." Haru nodded.

"Aren't you excited, supposedly someone famous will be introducing the race." He grinned, shaking slightly with excitement. Although it didn't interest Haru, Makoto seemed obsessed with celebrity culture.

"I'm just here to swim." He deadpanned.

"Haru." He rolled his eyes playfully. "You have to be a little nervous though, knowing the you will be shown on TV."

"I guess." He shrugged, knowing once he got into the water that would be the only thought he would have on his mind.

"But you'll do fine I don't doubt." Makoto smiled at him.

"Maybe you should give me a good luck kiss." Haru suggested, he was completely serious but Makoto misinterpreted his tone.

"Haru." He giggled, hitting his arm. "Don't be so silly."

"It might help." He said but he had lost Makoto's attention.

He was staring over Haru's head, looking into the distance with a frown before he gasped loudly.

"Kisumi." He whispered.

"Okay." Haru nodded, eagerly leaning forward.

"No Haru." He shook his head, pushing the other boy back. "It's Kisumi."

"Who?" He frowned, following Makoto's outstretched finger to see a pink haired man laughing with the crew.

"Only one of the most famous models in the world. I can't believe he's here." He gushed, shaking Haru by the shoulders.

"Uh huh." Haru said, unimpressed by the boy who had entranced Makoto.

"I need to go talk to him." He smiled. "I'll be right back."

Haru helplessly watched as Makoto walked away, he could just about handle all those pathetic little school boys who leered after Makoto. But a genuine celebrity? He did not stand a chance against that.

Makoto shook slightly as he walked towards Kisumi, he was buzzing with a strange combination of nerves and excitement. He couldn't believe he was about to go and speak to Kisumi, could his life get any better?

"Hello, Kisumi?" He squeaked.

Kisumi turned around with a look of distaste, ready to send whatever fan was bothering him on their way with a quick autograph but when he saw the boy the look was dropped for a smile. He was gorgeous. His eyes sparkled and his smile was wide as he fiddled with the hem of his shirt.

"Hi." Kisumi grinned. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Oh." Makoto blushed under the power of the smile. "I was just wondering if I could have a picture with you?"

"Of course." He readily agreed.

Makoto fumbled slightly with his camera, his clumsy fingers making hard work of turning on the front camera. When he finally had it sorted, Kisumi wrapped his arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. Makoto's heart was beating fast, he could hardly believe he was this near to Kisumi and he was touching him. Just as Makoto took the photo, Kisumi kissed his cheek. Makoto had died and gone to heaven.

"Thank you." He stuttered. "I'll leave you alone now."

"Wait just a minute." Kisumi smiled, lightly gripping his wrist. "Don't you think it's only fair I find out your name, considering you know mine."

"Oh, Makoto." He smiled.

"Makoto." Kisumi purred. "Please say you'll keep me company. I don't know anybody here."

"Sure." He nodded, dazzled by the other boy.

"Great." He grinned. "So, tell me about yourself Makoto."

Makoto practically melted every time Kismui said his name, he was completely mesmerised by the modal. And Haru was long forgotten, much to the other boy's disgust.

…

"Rin!" Sousuke shouted when he saw the red head coming out the changing room. "We need to talk."

"Why?" He asked, doing his pre-race stretches.

"You can't swim with Ai." He hissed, hoping the boy wasn't in ear shot.

"Excuse me?" He frowned, letting his arm drop limp beside him.

"Come on Rin." He rolled his eyes. "We both know you're here to win."

"And what do you suggest?" He snapped. "Where am I supposed to magically find a new swimmer?"

"I'll do it." He grinned, smugly.

"I'll pass." He rolled his eyes.

"Seriously Rin, think about it." Sousuke told him, taking a step closer.

"Dump my current boyfriend for an ex?" He pretended to think. "Not exactly the greatest of plans."

"This isn't about your pathetic love life." He growled. "This is about winning."

"Since when did you care?" Rin questioned, wondering why Sousuke was so insistent.

"I just don't want to watch you make a fool of yourself, you're better than that." He lied, he had a lot riding on this race and he couldn't stand to lose.

"But you don't even swim breast." He commented under his breath, shocked he was even considering the offer.

"No, but I'd still be better than Ai." He shrugged, knowing he had Rin exactly where he wanted him.

Rin hated to admit it but Sousuke was right. Ai, as wonderful as he was, had no real talent for swimming. But he was trying to win him back, prove Ai meant something to him. If he kicked him off the team he'd never speak to him again.

However, this was his big chance. He could prove himself, get out of this town and his terrible future, make something of himself. Was it worth hurting Ai over his future?

"Alright." Rin sighed. "Go get changed."

"Knew you'd see it my way." He smirked, heading towards the changing room. "Good luck breaking the news to Ai."

Rin groaned as he watched Sousuke walk away, he knew this would break Ai, and he'd only just earn his trust back.

"Rin!" Ai shouted, running down the corridor and throwing his arms around him.

"Hi Ai." He greeted, guiltily giving him a kiss.

"I'm so excited for today." He grinned. "It will be so much fun to race with you."

Rin chose not to respond, instead just placed another kiss on his lips. He only hoped Ai would take the news well.

"Did you hear that we will be filmed?" He asked, resting his chin on Ai's head to avoid making eye contact.

"Yeah." Ai giggled. "I hope they get my best angle."

"What if…" Rin swallowed nervously. "What if we don't win?"

"It's hardly the end of the world." He shrugged.

"But…" He stuttered. "Ai, you know I care about you but I need to think about what is best for my team."

"What?" Ai questioned, taking a step back and out of Rin's arms. "What are you trying to say?"

Rin still refused to meet Ai's eye, staring down at his shuffling feet. But he didn't need to answer Ai's question. Sousuke did it for him.

Ai gasped as he saw his friend step out of the changing room, already dressed in his swim trunks. Despite all his talk Rin really didn't care, he would still brush Ai aside as soon as he was given the chance. And to choose Sousuke over him really was the harshest blow. He knew the boy wasn't keen on him but to go behind his back like this really hurt.

"I'll meet you by the pool." Sousuke said, waltzing past the couple.

Rin gapped at Ai helplessly, not sure what he could possibly say. There was nothing that would make this acceptable.

"Well." Ai snapped, breaking the silence. "I hope you win but I certainly won't be there to cheer you on."

"Ai, please." Rin begged, lightly gripping his wrist. "Don't make me choose between you and the race."

"I think you've already made your choice." Ai hissed, snatching his arm back and storming back the way he came.

He waited until he was out of sight and ear shot before he let his tears fall. Why did he keep falling for Rin's stupid games, all his pathetic tricks? He didn't care about him, sure he was good at faking but that was about as deep as it ever ran for him.

…

Nagisa and Rei finally made their way to the stands, proudly displaying the school colours. Although it wasn't an official school event the support was as strong as any sports game.

"Glad to see you back in red." Rei smiled as they took a seat near the front.

"Me too." Nagisa agreed.

Since their talk in the park, Nagisa had begged his parents to send him back to Samezuka. At first, they had been very hesitant. Concerned it was just Nagisa being his usual indecisive self. But when he confessed how miserable it had made him, that beauty just wasn't the career for him and he missed his friends they had eventually transferred him back.

And now it was as if he had never left, the whole messy incident a strange dream.

"Good to get back to your roots." He teased, casting a glance at Nagisa's once pink hair.

"Well, blondes do have more fun." He laughed.

Rei playfully rolled his eyes but leant down to give his boyfriend a soft kiss all the same. Their relationship, another thing that had changed since their night together.

"Love you." Rei whispered.

"Love you too." Nagisa happily replied.

…

Despite his guilt, Rin still found himself standing behind the starting blocks as he stretched for the race. He didn't dare look up at stands because he knew he would feel nothing but disappointment at the empty space besides Nagisa.

Ai shouldn't have been in the stands either, he should be stood beside him. His infectious smile cheering him up as the tension rose.

"When can we start?" Haru practically whined, their race having to wait for the irritating model to introduce it.

Rin chuckled at his friend but the laugh was hollow, his heart was still aching for Ai. He shouldn't have let him go.

"Didn't realise I'd be racing against you." Asahi smirked, letting his eyes rake up and down Sousuke's body.

"I'm full of surprises." He shrugged, taking note of how Momo's shoulders tensed at the sound of his voice.

"And our deal still stands?" He asked, licking his lips.

"Of course, I'm a man of my word." Sousuke replied, trying to ignore the scoff his ex-boyfriend made at the comment.

"Thank you for your patience." Sasabe smiled, getting everyone's attention. "But we're finally at the race we've all been waiting for and can I welcome Kisumi."

The crowed cheered at the name, excitedly looking around for wherever he would come from. He didn't appear straight way, everyone taking this as a way to build excitement and suspense but when Sasabe said his name the second time there was still nothing. Kisumi was nowhere to be seen and seemed to be making no attempts to come to the stage.

Haru looked around in annoyance, just desperate to get his race started but when he located the model his blood boiled. Kisumi was stood in a secluded corner, pressing a smiling Makoto to the wall. They were closer than Haru would have liked and they appeared to be talking in intimate whispers. But as he watched Kisumi reach his hand up to stroke Makoto's face Haru was ready to go over there and break them apart.

"Kisumi." Sasabe hissed, clearly losing his patience.

The harsh cry of his name snapped Kisumi out of his reverie and quickly jogged towards the platform, leaving behind a slightly bewildered Makoto.

He jumped up besides Sasabe and took the microphone out his hands, instantly apologising with a charming smile.

"Sorry, I was a little pre-occupied." He winked, brushing a carefree hand through his hair. "Such gorgeous people you've got here."

The young crowd squealed again, thinking he was spreading this compliment to each one of them. Haru curled his fist when he thought who that was really aimed at.

"But I'm here now and I'm excited to see how you men fight it out down here." He grinned. "If you'll take your positions gentleman."

Instantly Momo jumped in the water, sending a bitter glance towards Sousuke and Asahi. Least he wouldn't have to listen to their flirting any longer.

"On your marks. Get set." Kisumi said, pausing for dramatic tension. "Go!"

Sousuke gasped as he watched Momo arch through the water, his arms and stance strong. He was angry and that was powering him, fuelling him forward. He sped through the water, effortlessly carving a path as he reached the wall and spun, the other team just on his tail.

Momo burst through the water, helplessly staring as Sousuke sailed over him, his form perfect. Momo didn't want to watch but he couldn't look away, why did he have to be so breathtakingly gorgeous? It was making getting over him nearly impossible. He was practically pulled out by Rin when he made no attempts to leave the water.

Sousuke executed his turn perfectly, very aware of Ikuya in the lane besides him. But, despite breast not being his speciality, he still managed to meet the other boy stroke for stroke. The pair of them hitting the wall at practically the same time.

Asahi jumped in fast, but Rin was slightly quicker off the mark. But even with his edge he couldn't keep his lead. His mind was filled with Ai, wishing he was there, cheering for him as water dripped down his chest from where he'd just raced.

The team watched helplessly as Rin fell behind, it was only by a few seconds but it was enough to know Haru had to save them.

And save them he did. He powered through the water, leaving the other swimmer in his bubbles. Haru didn't want to just win, he wanted to humiliate them. He wanted to prove himself to Makoto. He wanted to show that smug bastard Kisumi just what he could do. He panted hard as he burst through the water, his school screaming with pride as they took the victory.

Once out of the water he was pulled into a hug, Sousuke carefully standing back when Momo grabbed him and Rin.

"We did it!" Momo practically squealed while the stands emptied as the crowd descended on them.

It was the same celebration as usual, everybody jumping into the pool with a cheer. Not caring that their clothes would smell like chlorine for the rest of the day.

Rin took a step back as he watched everyone, Haru pulling Makoto into a wet hug while shooting Kisumi a possessive look, Rei offering all his friends a slap on the back and even Momo and Sousuke managed a civil handshake.

The only two not celebrating were himself and Nagisa. The blonde desperately searching for Ai in crowd. He cast Rin a confused look when he couldn't find him.

Rin ran a guilty hand through his hair, he had no way to explain himself. Instead he turned on his heel, knowing Nagisa would be burning holes into his back as he walked away.

He should be happy, he knew that. But what good was a victory when you had nobody special to share it with?

…

This is my offering instead of having a school dance