HS1C04: Relay

'Synopsis: Rin Matsuoka and Aki Yazaki discuss swimming and Haruka Nanase, whom Aki admires as independent and reliable. Rin just wants Haruka's swimming talent. Nagisa Hazuki joins Rin, Haruka and Makoto Tachibana as the run to school every day. At swim club, Nagisa makes Rin promise that if he wins his time trial that day, Rin will put him on the relay team. Rin agrees, but Makoto is concerned. Nagisa wins and, later, brags about being on Haruka's team. Haruka doesn't object. Rin tries to take charge, asking to be called "Leader," but Nagisa suggests "Rinrin," along with "Mako-chan" and "Haru-chan." At school the following day, Aki also comments about the new relay team being Haruka's team. Haruka says it's Rinrin's team and the class laughs. Rin asks that he not be teased. Aki apologizes, but Haruka thinks Rin is being insincere. As spring rolls on, the name issue continues, along with Rin's bossiness, but the bonds between the boys grow stronger.

Rin meets Aki on the way to school and they chat for awhile. Aki states that she thinks Haruka is a kind person upon which the class relies, but that he should be more assertive. Rin realizes that despite appearing to be isolated, Haruka is an integral part of the class. Still, his interest in Haruka is all about swimming the relay.

Heading to swim practice, Rin runs to catch up to Haruka, Makoto and Nagisa as they run together. Rin and Makoto chuckle at Nagisa's upbeat attitude when compared to Haruka's dour expression. They run as a group, with Haruka setting the pace. Haruka picks up speed, but slows down when he realizes that Nagisa is struggling to keep up. Rin murmurs that Haruka is kind, which Haruka shrugs off.

At swim practice, Nagisa asks Rin if he can make the relay team by winning his time trial. Rin finds Nagisa's self-confidence surprising, yet remembers himself as a fifth grader being even cockier, so agrees to Nagisa's request thinking it will never happen. Makoto notices Nagisa's hopeful response and quietly asks Rin if he should have made such a promise. Rin thinks it's fine because he's curious about Nagisa's capabilities and because putting Nagisa on the team might convince Haruka to finally join, too.

Makoto believes that Nagisa's desire to swim the medley relay is about swimming with Haruka. Still, as Nagisa stands on the starting block, Makoto wonders how Nagisa will genuinely fare. The race is hard-fought, but demonstrates Nagisa's strength, speed and his long arm reach that allows him to touch the wall first. Makoto is thrilled and Rin is shocked. Makoto gives Nagisa a thumbs up, which Nagisa returns. Then Makoto hears someone diving into the pool. He turns to see that it's Haruka. He knows Haruka won't reveal his opinion about Nagisa, but Makoto feels positive that things are changing for them.

In the locker room, Nagisa presses Rin to admit that he's now a member of the relay team and Rin has no choice but to relent. When Nagisa shouts that he's finally on a team with Haruka, Haruka quietly agrees. Rin is delighted and immediately starts making plans. Nagisa suggests they call each other by their first names, but when Rin says he wants to be called "Leader," Nagisa amends it to "Rinrin," along with "Mako-chan" and "Haru-chan." Everyone grows quiet, but Nagisa's cheer fills the room.

At school the following day, Aki asks Haruka about the new relay team, saying she's glad. Haruka thinks to himself that the water is now a place of responsibility, not freedom, so he says it's Rinrin's team. The entire class laughs and Rin approaches Haruka, squaring this shoulders. His voice, however, is low when he tells Haruka and Aki that he was teased about his name at his last school, so they should stop. Aki apologizes and Rin adds that he's also a shy person. Haruka thinks that last description false and is glad when Makoto enters the room and the bell rings, thus ending Rin's speech.

Spring rolls on and the boys continue running to school together. Rin and Nagisa argue about Rin being called "Rinrin." Haruka allows the barb to continue, but Makoto says they should stop or Rin will change schools again. Nagisa calls Rin selfish. At swim club, Rin insists that they only practice relay because that's the way to win, adding that since he's competing only in the medley relay, he should be considered the champion if they win. Makoto asks if they can think about it. Haruka is annoyed.

Rin backs off on his suggestion by saying that everyone can make their own choice, but Nagisa quickly agrees to do just as Rin asks. The two of them head off to practice together. Makoto relaxes, but Haruka feels like he's been swallowed up by thick fog. He doesn't like it.