HS2C13: Hope

Synopsis: the Iwatobi contingent heads home on the train as they process and share their feelings. Haruka Nanase watches the sun setting into the sea as the train he's on wends its way home. It's noisy in the reserved car, filled with happy voices. Haruka listens as a group sings the school's cheering song. Kisumi Shigino approaches and asks why Haruka isn't singing. Haruka answers that they're on a train. Kisumi giggles, then lauds Asahi Shiina for being straightforward and natural, unlike himself who, he says, is always trying to look good. Haruka wonders if this is true of himself. He stares out the window until Nao Serizawa is standing beside him, complimenting the team's swimming as selfless. Haruka doesn't like being told what he should feel, but realizes that trying to explain himself would be fruitless as no one can feel what you feel. Instead, he asks Nao to put out his palm. Haruka gathers all of his energy into his index finger and presses it into Nao's palm. Nao's hand doesn't move, but he says that Haruka passed. Haruka is confused. He wanted to show how he and Nao have gotten closer, but the action only made him realize how separate they really are. Shouta Nakagawa grabs Haruka's shoulder from behind and he turns. Haruka feels the competitive spirit rising in him as Shouta says he will beat Haruka the next time they swim. Haruka doesn't have time to respond as Satomi Nii and Aki Yazaki push Shouta aside. Aki says that although she didn't win, she's having fun swimming. She and Satomi agree that swimming is fun. Aki leaves, but Satomi stays to ask Haruka if he saw the photo of her as a child bathing with Ikuya. Haruka says yes and Satomi is mortified. The train car falls silent at her loud admonishment, making her blush. She rejoins Aki and the others until her cheeks cool down. Tomo Yuzuki comes by and hands Haruka a package of thanks for helping her when she fell off the ladder. Asahi, Ikuya and Makoto all want to know what's inside. Haru says it's cookies and after getting a nod from Tomo, he opens the package and shares them. Ikuya Kirishima whispers thank you to Haruka in his ear, saying he was able to change because of him. Haruka has no idea what he's talking about so he just stares into Ikuya's eyes. Ikuya compliments Haruka's gaze, forcing Haruka to stifle his laughter. Asahi interrupts, easing the tension by saying one day he will beat Haruka and make him kneel before him. Haruka thinks he is being foolish. Makoto reminds Haruka about being anything they wanted to be when they are in the water and Haruka nods. Haruka has many questions about the future, but settles for thinking about waking up early and running with Makkou the next day. Still, thinking about the future gives him hope. That, in itself, is enough.