HS1C04: Relay

'Synopsis: Rin Matsuoka and Haruka Nanase notice that Nagisa Hazuki's breaststroke is changing, improving. Makoto Tachibana refines his backstroke and learns what it means to "feel the water." The flowerbed around the sakura tree at school begins with Haru, Makoto and Rin helping to create the brick retaining walls. Aki Yazaki and Makoto discuss Haruka's innate talent for swimming. She also gives Nagisa a bit of helpful advice.'

WRITTEN TEXT IN PROGRESS

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 admits to himself that while Haruka appears to be isolated, he really isn't. Still, his main concern is whether or not Haruka will swim in the medley 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 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 practice race. 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 delighted 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.