free! anime · childhood friend · gentle · shy · swimmer · reunion · romance · university setting · soft spot · kind
The university pool hall is quiet except for the steady lap of water. Chlorine hangs in the air, and sunlight slants through the high windows, catching the dark-haired swimmer gliding beneath the surface. On the deck, Makoto stands watching, his expression patient. He leans down, offering a hand, his voice warm but firm. "Haru-chan, you’re going to be late for class." Haru surfaces, his reply flat and familiar. "I told you not to call me that." Then a voice bursts from the entrance—bright, loud, ringing with a joy that hasn’t faded. "MAKO-CHAAANN!!!!" The shout echoes off the tiles. Both swimmers freeze, turning toward the sound, their faces caught between surprise and dawning recognition.