I added the pervious chapter! Sorry, here is the original!

Chapter 7: A Group of Friends and a Pool

I heard we were going to get in trouble so I left school early, only to get about 20 text from Hayami. I sit at my computer and work on my homework before I have to go to work.

I hear my phone go off again and I click my tongue in annoyance. I swear, she needs to wait until she gets home to tell me these things. I do not need a play by play of everything going on in her life, clearly though she thinks I do. I pause and take a look at my phone.

Rin is going to school at some swim school! Mako wants us to go with them to see what is actually happening with Rin.

I sigh, I have to reply to her on this one.

Can't I have work tonight. Besides, what is the point of going to see him?

I put my phone down and look at the computer. I reread my essay so far and continue adding to it. The second day and the homework has begun. Really what do I expect from school? Just because Hayami and I transferred does not mean that it is going to be easy for us to do anything. Especially since we both have jobs and do whatever in our free time. I need to remain focused on what is going on in front of me.

I hear my phone go off again.

Please! I don't want to go by myself and I already said I would go with them!

Can she stop saying she will do things without me than beg me to come with her five minutes later? Another message comes in.

And I told Mako that you would come sorry!

I look at my phone and set it down, feeling my annoyance growing a little more. She needs to stop telling people I will go with her. She knows how much it annoys me. My mother did that I could not stand being dragged to things I never wanted to go to in the first place. But I was taught to never say no, but Hayami is a special case. I need to work tonight and I won't get off until 9.

My phone begins to go off.

It's a call… from Hayami.

I answer, "Hello?"

I hope she understands how annoyed I am right now. Really, I cannot always go with her to these things.

"Aiya?" A male voice says, "It's me Mako."

"And what do I owe the pleasure of you calling me off of Hayami's phone?" I question, going back to typing on the computer.

"Hayami was getting nerves and called you but Nagisa pulled her away, so she handed the phone off to me," Mako replies, "Are you typing something?"

"You can hear my key board?" I respond.

"Yes," Mako comments, "Sorry, I was only wondering if that is what you were doing."

"Don't worry about it. I just wanted to start on homework before I had to go to work. And let me tell you it is not too easy to work with," I say.

I pause in my typing. I am not sure of where to go next, but this isn't due for about a week. I know I am ahead of where I should be. I should stop and get ready to head off to work.

"Wait… you have work?" Mako sounds surprised.

"Yes," I start, "Didn't Hayami tell you that?"

There is a pause, clearly this phone call was to get me out of work. I see that now, only Hayami was taken away and I was given a chance to talk to Mako. Who is clueless of the fact that I have work.

"Well, she said that you were comin-" Mako begins.

"Sorry," I interrupt him, "Hayami tends to drag me along with this kind of thing. I won't be able to make it at all."

"No it's fine. I'm just sure that Hayami will freak out," Mako pauses, "Why don't you come after work?"

I sigh, why does everyone want me to come to this school pool? Is it really that special? Personally, I would rather go into flames than go into the water any day. That is saying a lot coming from someone who use to swim all day.

"I guess," I finally say.

"Great, I am sure Hayami will be more than excited to know you are coming with us to see Rin again," Mako explains.

I hang up, man.

Going to the pool again. I haven't been there in a few months. Let's see if the water still hates me.

XX

I show up at the location that Hayami texted me. Man, this school looks crazy, but looking into it, this school is an all-boys school. Plus, not everyone can get into this school, so of course it will be crazy.

"Hey! I'm glad that you could make it Aiya," Nagisa greets me right outside of the pool.

I wave back at them. I walk all the way up to them and see Hayami is the only girl in the group. I snort, why wouldn't she think of inviting any other girl to come with her? Oh, right, I am the girl she invited to come with the group. WE still really don't know anyone in this town other than these guys.

Besides, they are more Hayami's friends than mine. I just come so Hayami doesn't do something dumb

"Glad you could make it," Mako comments.

I smile at him, a little annoyed at him since he used Hayami to get me to come here. I look over at Haru, who is looking inside the building. I follow his gaze and almost lose my breath.

This pool is pretty. But for some reason it looks scary… no way will the water ever accept me again. I shake my head, no way. I don't even have to get into the water, besides who even said we would be waiting in the pool area?

We begin to walk, and to my disbelief we are in the pool area.

I hear a splash and see Haru in the water only floating. The water seems fond of him.

"WAIT NAGISA!" Mako yells.

I look over to see Nagisa butt naked jumping into the pool. I begin to giggle when I hear the splash. Looks like I am the only one here who does not like the water.

"Come over here Mako!" Nagisa calls to Mako.

I watch as Mako walks to the pools edge to see what Nagisa wants. I can tell in his eyes though what he is planning to do. I hear another splash as I watch the two boys. I know Hayami jumped into the pool.

I see Nagisa's hand come out of the water and Mako go down into the water.

I can't help but laugh at Mako, pay back for dragging me here. I look and see Hayami also floating on her back, I see she wore her swimsuit to the pool. Good thinking on her part. Mako and Nagisa are beginning to splash each other.

"Aiya, why don't you come in?" Nagisa asks.

I shake my head, "I am perfectly fine right here."

I see Nagisa put on a pouting face as Mako pushes him under the water, keeping their war going.

I turn around and run into someone. I look up and remember the eyes of Rin.

"Hello there cutie," Rin says, putting a hand around my waist.

"Hi," I reply, moving his hand away.

"Just what is a cute girl like you doing with these idiots?" Rin asks in a low voice.

Judging by the lack of splashing I guess the others know Rin is here to. I really could care less. Rin is a little creppy, and by a little I mean a lot.

"Why me?" I ask, "I was dragged here against my will, just because they wanted to see you again."

I hear someone get out of the pool. I am looking into Rin's eyes when I feel a hand move me out of the way and push me out of Rin's hold. I'm not going to lie, it was warm. I am looking at a back, I see the black hair of Haru. He is dripping wet too.

Glad he came to the rescue. I hear the others getting out of the pool.

"So how about that race now?" Rin asks Haru.

The next moment everyone is out and dried off. I am standing ready with towels for the guys. I watch as they both put on their goggles and get ready to move into the pool.

Mako gives the go and both of them jump off.

I am memorized by Haru's freestyle.

I remember why I liked to swim, so I can feel free. Nothing to worry about, only me and the water matter when I am swimming.

Watching Haru swim is watching a master finish a great painting. Something that you can't help but stare at, no matter how hard you try to look away you never can.

But then, its over. And Haru lost. But he looks so happy that he lost, something that I am puzzled by. What was the point of it if you lose?

"Man Haru I can't believe you lost," Mako comments.

But there is a moment, the door opens and a teacher comes in. Mako and Hayami talk with him and we are being pushed out of the school. I walk beside Haru while Hayami is being laughed at by Mako and Nagisa.

"Haru…" I begin, "Why were you so happy that you lost to Rin?"

"Well, it goes back to one time when we raced. But I was just happy to be in the water again," Haru replies.

I look up at him, a small smile is playing across his face. I am amazed how happy he could be. I would be pissed if I ever lost to someone. It wouldn't matter who it was, just the thought of losing aggravates me.

"But isn't a race all about winning?" I question.

"No," Haru simply answers, "I am curious why you didn't get into the water though."

Haru looks down to me. I know my eyes go wide. I am surmised he even noticed the fact I didn't get into the pool.

"I have my reasons," I say, looking away from Haru.

"Care to explain why? You and Hayami were swimmers right?" Haru pushes.

"Doesn't mean I jump into the water every chance I get, besides, the water is something I never want to go in again," I state.

But am I telling the truth? Watching Haru swim reminded me that I use love the water. Something so peaceful turning into a war for me. I never want to live through it again.

"Fine be that way," Haru voices.

I look back up at him and he is looking ahead of us. I follow his gaze and see that Mako has his hand on Hayami's head. I click my tongue, he better watch himself before I go and knock him down. I know Hayami is into Mako but we have only known these guys for two days. Already we have gotten into trouble twice thanks to them.

I sigh, there is no way that Hayami would be dumb enough to go after him so fast. Not to mention that he is showing some kind affection toward her as well. I need to stop it before it goes any further.

XX

The next day I am sitting in class. Literature class. I hear a lot about this teacher, she is new to the school. She is Hayami's homeroom teacher. From what I have heard, she is awkward. All the students agree on that. I also heard that she mis-gendered someone in her class.

How hard is it to do that? I mean you are a teacher, no one should do that so easily. But Haru's full name is Haruka, something very girly and there is also Nagisa's name. But you should be able to look at the guys and girls in the room and figure it out. Sure I am a second year, and I should not be giving my teacher a hard time but I just find it funny.

I feel a smile come on my face. I look up and see that she is still going off about values of having friends. One student was upset when she came in and now is giving us all the phrases that have been written down and giving an in depth discussion on them. I see most people are zoning out with what she is talking about. I feel like I might start laughing about this. It is super funny to me. She acts more like a first year student than a teacher.

Glancing at the clock we have about a minute left before break. My chance to regroup and check what Hayami texted me before class started.

The bell rings.

I pull out my phone. One unread message.

Got in trouble, have to go talk to the same teacher this time. And you and Haru cannot escape this time.

Great, I have to go this time. I don't work today. Neither does Hayami.

"Aiya?" I hear a voice say.

I look at the door and see Ms. Amakata standing next to my desk.

"Yes?" I reply.

"The teacher wants to talk to you after school, something about breaking and entering," Ms. Amakata states.

I nod. Great, now I cannot get out of this. I know for a fact that there is going to be some crazy idea coming out of this.