TV Animation Free! Novelize/Episode 11: Tooi Yakusoku

Tōi Yakusoku (遠い約束 lit. The Long Promise)
'While the character of Sosuke Yamazaki does not appear until Free!-Eternal Summer-'', the novelization gives him an opportunity to introduce himself wherein he speaks his mind about swimming, injuries and his long-standing relationship with Rin Matsuoka. During a late night walk, Sosuke ponders that relationship and the promise Rin owes him from long ago that got put "on hold" when Rin left for schooling in Australia. Now he's back and seeing Rin later that evening, Sosuke decides whether to ask Rin to keep his word.'''

Sosuke Yamazaki is in a strange city, away from his hotel room, and lost --- again. It happens all the time. As he wanders about, taking in the local "color," he thinks about the upcoming inter-high regional tournament taking place the following day. He's come to see his childhood companion, Rin Matsuoka, compete. Rin, who was by his side daily in elementary school. Rin, who competed with him in everything, about everything. Rin, who knew him better than anyone else. And Rin, who left Japan and never contacted him again in four years except for a single letter addressed to him, but that was truly meant for Haruka Nanase. What was that all about?

Sosuke understands. Rin wanted Sosuke to be his companion and rival, but upon hearing Sosuke admit that he had no interest in swimming relays, the ginger grew angry. It's not that Sosuke doesn't like to swim. He does and he's good at it. Or was. But Sosuke believes that swimming is a solo sport - only and ever a solo sport. And when Kisumi Shigino suggested that Sosuke swim in relays just to make Rin happy, an annoyed Sosuke groused, "That's not the sort of relationship Rin and I have."

So, when Rin tells Sosuke that he's going to swim in a relay with Haruka, Sosuke realizes that he's doing so because he's seeking a new "true friend" that isn't him. Rin and he are rivals, after all, not best friends. So Sosuke trains, and trains, and trains to be able to continue swimming alongside Rin, not with him. He trains so long and so hard that his shoulder is ruined and he can't keep up with his teammates. He decides to quits swimming.

His walk is over and he's found his hotel again. It's swarming with high schoolers prepping for the meet tomorrow. He gets a cola from the vending machine thinking that he's come all this way just to see Rin swim again and to talk with him. Rin might understand his decision and they could pick up the pieces of their relationship. Maybe...just maybe...he'll make Rin keep the promise he owes Sosuke from long ago.

Just then, Rin steps off of the elevator at the end of the dark hallway and Sosuke blends into the darkness, knowing he'd end up lying to Rin if the ginger asked him about his swimming. Sosuke watches Rin walk away and he wonders if he will ever be able to Rin to keep the promise he owes Sosuke now. It's a very personal promise; one that Sosuke keeps close to his heart. It will have to wait. It must, until the day comes that Sosuke feels he can actually ask for it.