Chapter 5
"Swimmers, take your mark … GO!"
At the signal, all 6 swimmers that were on the diving board, dove in the cold water and began swimming as fast as they could. When Michiru touched the wall and came up from the pool, she noticed the coach looking at her with concern.
"Michiru, is there something wrong?"
Michiru shook her head. "No, Coach. Why?"
The coach held out her stopwatch, allowing the swimmer to look at it. When Michiru saw the time, her eyes widened in complete shock. "29.17?!"
The coach nodded solemnly. "A 29.17 for a 50 free Michiru. Your usual time is a 23.02. What's going on?"
Michiru couldn't believe it. She went up nearly 6 seconds … this was unbelievable!
"I've noticed the way you swim, Michiru. You don't seem to be into it anymore. Your diving position's too relaxed, your flip turns are way too slow, your strokes are less graceful, your head's just not in it anymore. What's wrong?"
Michiru gulped. "Uhh … nothing Coach …" She hated lying to her coach, especially since she was a nice, caring woman who simply wanted her team of swimmers to be the best they could be.
"If its boy problems, then you need to –"
"It's not … boy problems, Coach…" After all, Haruka isn't exactly a boy …
"Well, if it's about that Tenoh fellow …"
How in the world can she see that?!
"Then you need to clear things up with him and get your head back in the swimming pool. Talk it out. I'm sure you two should work things out. After all, you guys share a strong friendship and that is the main key to a successful relationship."
Michiru's eyes widened. "W-Wait! What r-relationship?!" she spluttered.
Her coach gave the swimmer a confused look. "A romantic one, of course."
Michiru's eyes widened even further. "W-Wait! I don't have any romantic feelings towards Haruka!"
"Oh? You don't?" The coach raised her eyebrows.
"N-No! Haruka's my best friend! I can't have any romantic feelings for he-him!"
The coach merely laughed. "Oh, Michiru! There's no law that states you can't fall in love with your best friend. Honey, did I ever tell you that my husband was and still is, my best friend ever since childhood?"
Michiru shook her head. "No …"
The coach smiled. "Personally, I think you and Tenoh look good together. He's a track star. You're a swimming star. Then throw in a strong friendship and you got yourself a picture perfect relationship."
"But … Coach … I don't like Haruka that way …"
The coach chuckled. "I see what the problem is now …" She motioned for Michiru to sit down next to her. Michiru sat down, sensing a serious conversation was coming.
"Michiru, you're oblivious to your feelings. From what I've heard from the track coach, Haruka has girls greeting him after practice every single day. He's even got his own fan club. How do you feel about that?"
Michiru thought about it for a second before answering, "Well, I don't really have a problem with it because Haruka never really cared about the fan club. Sh-He's had like a million girlfriends before but it never really bothered me. He's handsome and kind. Why shouldn't he have so many girlfriends? Although, for some reason, during these past months, he hasn't had any. He's been rejecting girls from left to right. And … I don't know how to explain it, but it makes me kind of happy. Is something wrong with that?" Michiru raised her head to look at her coach in the eye. "Am I being a bad friend?"
The coach smiled. "No, there's nothing wrong with that. It's just called jealousy."
Michiru frowned. "Jealousy? I'm jealous of what? That Haruka has girls following him from left to right?"
The coach laughed. "No, you're jealous of those girls, honey."
Michiru raised her eyebrows. "I'm … jealous? Of Haruka's girlfriends?"
The coach smiled and nodded. "You might not think so, but I would call it jealousy. It's probably not a lot, but it's there. Now, tell me how you feel about Haruka."
Michiru smiled. "Wow … I don't know where to begin. Haruka …" An image of the blonde tomboy with her signature smirk came to mind and she nearly laughed. "Haruka is a lot of things. She's sweet, kind, and very loyal … She's the kind of person that will place you before herself. She's always been there for me every step of the way and for that, I'm extremely grateful. She's also the most stubborn person you'll ever meet in your life but with that comes with her cute side. She's the greatest person in my life and I don't know what I'd do without her. It's like … she has to be a part of me every single day. It's to the point where it's really awkward and weird without her, even if it's just for a day. She's never angry with me … although she did yell at me the other day …" Michiru's eyes saddened at the memory.
The coach was stunned at two things; one, her star swimmer was clearly in love and didn't even realize it. Two, her star swimmer was in love with the school's track star, who apparently, happened to be a 'she' rather than a 'he'. Tenoh Haruka's a girl … well! Who would've known?
"Why did h-she yell at you?"
Michiru looked up. "Huh?"
"Tenoh. Why did she yell at you?"
"She?" Michiru looked confused for a second before her eyes widened in horror at her mistake. "Oh my god!" I exposed Haruka's identity!
--
I can't believe I'm doing this … Haruka shook her head as she parked her customized Aston Martin DB9 and walked up the front steps to Matt's house. She rang the doorbell and the door opened to reveal Matt in just his basketball boxers. His usual spiky brown hair was soft and disheveled, as if he just got out of bed. Haruka raised her eyebrows at the half naked basketball player. "Put on some clothes, man. And you told me to come over at 12," she rolled her eyes. "It's already 1."
"Hey, the Coach was hard on us yesterday, alright? It's not my fault," Matt grumbled. Haruka stepped in the house and was greeted by the smell of coffee and bacon. She frowned. "Who's cooking?"
"That, my friend, would be my cousin," Matt grinned proudly. He pointed at the kitchen and led Haruka in. "Hey, Cassie? I have a friend over. Think you can place an extra plate on the table?"
"Sure thing, Matt!" Haruka heard a soft, melodious voice respond. Curious, she stepped out from behind Matt to get a good look at her best friend's cousin.
The girl turned around to place a plate of eggs on the table and Haruka was finally able to see how she looked like. She was tall, probably around 5'7, with long, dark hair that curled at the end, soft brown eyes, and a gorgeous figure. She was definitely a stunner.
After setting the plate of eggs on the table, Cassie looked up to greet Matt's friend when she found herself stunned at the young man before her. He was, no doubt, drop dead gorgeous. He looked as if he'd just stepped out a modeling magazine with the wind blown sandy blonde hair and piercing green eyes that she found herself melting in. Judging from the black buttoned down shirt with the rolled up sleeves and baggy blue jeans he was wearing, Cassie figured he must have a strong, lean body.
Damn … too bad he's a guy though … he is fine!
"Cassie, this is my best friend, Haruka. Haruka, this is my cousin, Cassie," Matt introduced.
Haruka smiled at Cassie and held out her hand. "Nice to meet ya."
Cassie smiled back and shook the guy's hand. And polite too … hmm … Though his hands are a bit too soft for a guy's … Does he use lotion or something? "Same here. Why don't you guys have a seat? The coffee's almost done. Or do you prefer something else, Haruka?"
Haruka shook her head as she sat down. "Coffee's fine."
Cassie smiled and nodded before turning around to prepare three cups of coffee. Once her back was turned, Matt poked at Haruka in the ribs and smiled mischievously. "How is she, man?"
Haruka looked at Cassie and smiled. "She seems nice."
Matt nearly fell from his chair. "So go for it, man!"
Haruka frowned, hesitating. "I don't know …"
"What was the point in bringing you over here? To get you and her together! Not just for the video games! Now, forget about Michiru and just move on with your life, starting with Cassie!" Matt's eyes turned soft and he placed a hand on Haruka's shoulder. "Look … I'm just looking out for you, buddy."
Haruka smiled at him. Matt was always looking out for her. Like the older brother she never had, Matt was always there. He really was her best buddy.
"Okay but we have one problem. She thinks I'm a guy," Haruka chuckled.
Matt laughed. "Leave that to me. Hey, Cas! Where's that coffee? I'm starving!"
"How about putting some clothes on first?" Cassie rolled her eyes as she set three steaming mugs of coffee on the table. "'Cause there is a girl in the house, y'know."
Matt smiled sheepishly. "Aw, but Haruka was never bothered by it, were you Haruka?" He winked at the tomboy.
Haruka rolled her eyes. "Go put some clothes on, Matt."
Cassie's eyes widened. "Wait … you're a girl …?!"
Haruka shrugged. "I never said I wasn't."
Cassie sat down, stunned. Holy shit … he's a girl! I mean … she's … Haruka's a she! She looked at her cousin, who merely winked at her, as if saying 'she's your type'. Cassie turned back to Haruka to look more closely and indeed, there were traces of a few feminine features of her. "Oh damn …" she whispered. "I'm sorry … I thought you were a guy …"
"Heh, it's okay," Haruka winked. "Everyone thinks so, including your cousin right here. Right, buddy?" She gave him a slap, resulting in him choking on his coffee. He wiped his mouth and glared at the tomboy. "Y'know, I still haven't forgiven you for that!"
"Hey, it's not my fault you have no manners and don't bother knocking before coming in my room."
"I thought you were a guy! Y'know, someone with the same anatomical features that I have! A penis and no boobs? Apparently, you acquire none of those and the only thing we have in common is our six packs!"
"You have a six pack?" Cassie raised her eyebrows.
"It's from track and stuff," Haruka smiled sheepishly.
"Yup! This baby's ripped!" Matt delivered a playful punch right at Haruka's shoulder. "Too bad my six pack's sexier than yours! Haha!"
"Excuse me?" Haruka's eyes narrowed.
"Uh .. duh? Face it, Haruka. My six pack's sexier. See?" Matt stood up and pointed at his toned stomach. "See those little rocks? See 'em, feel 'em! Mwahahaha!"
"I'll pass on the feeling part," Haruka grinned.
"Oh yeah? Well, why don't you lift up your shirt and see what you really have, which by the way, is nothing compared to mine," Matt grinned triumphantly.
Is she really gonna lift her shirt up? Cassie's eyes widened.
"Sorry but unlike you, I actually have some sort of decency, thank you very much," Haruka smirked.
Aw ... Cassie couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed.
"As … interesting as your conversation is, I have to get going," she stood up and placed her finished plate and cup in the sink. "Matt, you're in charge of washing."
"What? Why?" Matt whined.
"'Cause I cooked breakfast and I have to leave," Cassie raised her eyebrows.
"Where you going anyways?"
"The mall in the city with the girls and with public transportation, it's definitely gonna take a while."
Suddenly, an idea formed in Matt's mind. He looked at Haruka, who was enjoying her coffee and bacon, and smirked. "Cassie … I don't think you'll need public transportation."
Cassie turned and frowned in confusion. "So what, I'm gonna fly there?"
"Eh, close enough, especially with the way Haruka drives."
Haruka looked up from her cup of coffee. "Huh?"
"Haruka can take you, dear cousin." Matt gave her The Eye. Haruka nearly shuddered at the look.
Cassie smiled at Haruka politely. "It's alright. I'm sure you two already have something planned so I wouldn't wanna interfere or anything."
Haruka smiled at her, causing her to nearly melt. She has such a cute smile!
"It's okay. I'll drive you. It's no trouble at all. Besides, anything for a pretty girl, right?" She gave Cassie a wink.
The girl blushed a deep shade of red. "Umm … well, if you insist." She turned around and ran upstairs. "I'll go get ready!"
Haruka turned back to her coffee and noticed Matt staring at her. "What?"
"Anything for a pretty girl? Man, you're such a corndog," the basketball player shook his head and laughed.
Haruka rolled her eyes. "I don't see you getting any girls."
"That's 'cause I'm too fly," he smirked.
The tomboy nearly choked on her coffee. "Right. Okay."
"Okay! I'm ready!" Cassie came down wearing a pair of tight blue jeans that suited her perfectly and a tight, white Hollister tee that defined her curves and chest quite well. For the first time in a while, Haruka found herself staring at the girl.
She's really cute … The tomboy thought.
"Alright. Have fun, Cuz," Matt waved. "Just a heads up though, Haruka drives like a madman. You'll probably have to deal with the cops on the way."
"Hey, I may be speeding but at least the ride's smooth. Even you have to admit that," Haruka smirked as she twirled her car keys around her finger.
"It's okay. I'm sure Haruka wouldn't mean any harm, right?" Cassie smiled.
Haruka smiled back. "Right. So … let's go."
Cassie waved to her cousin. "Later, Matt! Don't forget the dishes!"
"Aw man …"
Haruka and Cassie laughed as they left the house. "He's such a lazy ass," Haruka shook her head.
"That's Matt. He'll go to basketball practice for like 6 hours but he can't stand washing dishes for 5 minutes," Cassie giggled.
"Yup. Well, here we are," Haruka opened the passenger door to her car.
"This is your car?!" Cassie's eyes widened. "Isn't this an Aston Martin DB9?!"
"Yeah … how'd you know?" Haruka raised her eyebrows, surprised.
"My dad a mechanic. He's taught me all he's ever known since I was little. I can't believe you're driving this …" Cassie was still in shock as she got in the car.
"My dad bought this for me for my 16th birthday," Haruka chuckled as she got in the driver's seat and started up the car. She pulled away from the curb and headed for the highway.
"Spoiled brat," Cassie laughed. "I'll kill for something like this."
"What's your dream car?"
"A Nissan 350Z. Silver."
"A 350Z … nice … I was thinking of getting that one but then my dad bought this one. I'm not complaining though," Haruka grinned.
"You shouldn't be!" Cassie laughed. "It's an Aston Martin DB9. It was James Bond's car in the Casino Royale. And all the sexy cars are in the Bond movies."
"You sure know your cars," Haruka grinned. "You're a bit different from what I've expected."
"Oh? And how did you expect me to be?"
"I don't know … just one of those typical girly girls? Y'know … a girl who'd want a car 'cause it "looks cool" and it's pink but they could drive it for years and not know what model it is."
Cassie giggled. "Well, pink's definitely not my color."
"Great. 'Cause I don't like pink either," Haruka grinned.
--
Matt grinned as he opened the door for Haruka. "So how was the ride?"
"Fine," Haruka smirked as she sat down on the couch and grabbed a game control from the floor. She pressed Start and began the game.
"Looked more than fine, dude," Matt grabbed his game control and pressed Start. His eyes widened. "Holy shit, don't tell me you two kissed already!"
Haruka threw a nearby pillow at him. "No!"
"Okay! Just checking! 'Cause that smirk on your face says that you got some," Matt grinned.
Haruka rolled her eyes. "We just talked. That's all. Then I dropped her off at the mall. Her friends thought I was her "hot-ass boyfriend"."
Matt laughed. "So how do you like my cousin?"
Haruka shrugged. "I like her well enough."
"Haruka …"
The tomboy merely smiled mysteriously. "I think things will work out."
--
A 50 free is two laps of freestyle. One lap in a regular sized pool is 25 yards.
Hmm … looks like Haruka has her eyes on someone else already … I wonder what's gonna happen next … xD
Yes! Regents are finally over! Now, I'll have more time to update! Hope you guys will continue supporting me!
Sneak Preview:
"Haruka is what?!" Michiru's eyes widened. She couldn't believe her ears.
"Haruka's dating some girl named Cassie."
"Is it serious?"
"Seems pretty serious."
"How serious?"
"Well, I asked him if he wanted to chill at the café after track practice and the first thing he asked was if it's okay that his girlfriend was going as well. At first, I thought it'd be you so I said okay but when he came, he was holding hands with this brunette. She's nice and all and I can see why Haruka likes her but I'd always thought it'll be you who's gonna hold his heart."
"Apparently not …"