Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-174.101.116.82-20130729125737/@comment-2602:304:56EB:D6B0:1DB7:9419:84B4:AB77-20171120092002

Here is how I see it: It could be interpreted both ways although I lean a lot more on the homosexual but mainly for Makoto and Haru. The creator of the anime obviously knew what he/she was doing. Throughout both seasons there was a lot of subtext.. Yes I do believe in close friendships, brothers in arms and such. Take for example Bucky and Steve Rodgers in Marvel. I believe they are completely platonic yet some people want them together for some reason... I do agree with the person who posted about queerbaiting because the anime is kind of doing that. They may be subtle, but reading between the lines can signal some blatancy especially through body language between some of the guys. Even in the most recent "Free! Starting Days" movie Makoto basically seems to struggle with his sexuality in a portion of the movie. However I can also see that whole debacle as him struggling if he likes swimming or just doing it for his best friend. What threw me off in that movie was what Makoto actually said when telling Haru why he was acting strange and avoiding him. In the movie, his world broke and he got way too flustered when his coach asked, "Do you swim because you like it or just to be with Haru?" Near the third leg of the movie, Makoto tells Haru "I love swimming and I love Haru." He legitimately said that. Of course the creators and producers may never confirm what that actually means, but in interviews they have hinted at Makoto and Haru's bond being more than friendship.