HS1C01: Swim

'Synopsis: Haruka Nanase explains swimming like this: "The important thing is to feel the water. To feel it in your heart. Then, to trust what you felt. To believe in yourself." It's not how most swimmers would describe the physical act of swimming, but that's what it is for Haru.'

Haru raises his head from the water after swimming 1,000 meters easily. At the end of the pool to meet him is the friendly face and helping hand of Makoto Tachibana - a good person with surprising strength. Haru isn't as tall as Makoto, but his narrow body gives off energy while his gaze always seems focused on something faraway. The two boys have been swimming at the Iwatobi Swimming Club for three years at Makoto's suggestion, Haru following along. This is the impression others have of them. Haru is often swept up into Makoto's pace, but rather than argue, he simply looks away.

Now, they're in the 6th grade, both with girlish names. Makoto doesn't mind that; Haru hates it. Makoto dives into the water, swimming with great force, like a ferocious killer whale pursuing its prey. Meanwhile, Haru showers and waits for Makoto before they walk home together.

It's winter now and a new transfer student has entered their class named Rin Matsuoka. It's unusual for a student to transfer at this time of year and right after Rin introduces himself, Makoto stands up with a smile and repeats Rin's name. Rin recognizes both him and Haru, who stares at Rin without expression.

Everyone is curious about how these three boys know one another. They ask endless questions and Rin is forced into  revealing everything about himself, which he does with a smile in order to make a good impression. Rin is holding his own when Haru puts a hand on his shoulder saying, "Come with me for a bit," then walking away.

Everyone is shocked by Haru's attitude, especially Rin, but when Makoto gently ushers him forward, he complies. They meet up with Haru under the bare sakura tree beside the swimming pool. Rin says that he wants to swim in a pool filled with sakura blossoms one day, his voice filled with emotion. Makoto is confused and Haru says nothing.

Rin demands to know why they brought him outside, then laughs, knowing the answer. It's a scary coincidence that he's in the same class as Tachibana and Nanase, he says. After all, they've only known one another as swim competitors before. Makoto remembers this well. Haru remembers this with irritation, though he isn't sure why.

A gust of wind whips around them. Makoto leads Rin back to the school building. Haru stays in place, having said nothing. He had thought he might warn Rin that being classmates could be trouble, but decided it would just stir things up. He stares at the sakura tree bent by the wind once more.