Clouded Distance

Chapter Nineteen

Prefecturals 

The entrance to the venue loomed over them. Hana stared up at it, a few butterflies beginning to form in her stomach.

She'd woken up early that day and made herself a big breakfast, filled with carbs. Gou couldn't complain; those carbs would give her plenty of energy to last the day. She'd been jittery the entire morning, unable to sit still in her seat. This was her first serious competition. To say she was nervous would've been an understatement.

Once she was ready, she'd met Haru and Makoto outside Haru's house. They were instantly able to pick out that she was nervous, and as they walked to the bus they had focused on calming her. Even while they were driving to the venue they had words of encouragement to say.

By the time they'd arrived, Hana was much calmer, especially when Haru held her and kissed her quickly on the tip of her head, assuring her she'd do brilliantly. They'd found Nagisa and Rei soon after, and now they were ready to take on the competition.

Nagisa had a determined glint to his eye. "I haven't been here since last summer. I'm getting all fired up now!"

"I was so nervous last year, I didn't sleep the night before," Rei called ruefully.  "But I'm different his year! My physical condition is at its peak!"

"Rei-chan, it sounds like you've grown some hair on your chest!" Nagisa laughed.

"Certainly not!" Rei spluttered. He glared at Nagisa. "Nothing so unsightly has grown on me!"

"Guys! Over here!" Hana looked across at Gou's voice, and saw her friend standing there with Miss Amakata and Sasabe. A grin crossed her face and she skipped on over to join them.

Calls of greeting sounded between them. Hana beamed. She was happy to be here, and competing with these people, her friends. She couldn't have asked for any better teammates.

A loud, booming voice caught their attention and monetarily ceased talk. The voice hadn't come from their own little group. But it was loud and impossible not to take notice of. They all glanced back to see Samezuka gathered just beside their bus.

"It's Rin-chan's team!" Nagisa noticed, with a grin.

"And that's Captain Mikoshiba!" Makoto noted, surprised. Hana looked back and her own eyes widened to see the tall, familiar red-haired figure standing before his former team, talking and laughing.

I guess it's natural for him to be here. He'd be interested to see how his former team performs. Hana smiled to herself.

Somehow, the Mikoshiba brothers both managed to notice Gou, and called out for her at the same time. Hana stiffled a giggle behind her hand at the brother's expressions, and well as the look on Rin's face.

"Well then, why don't we all head inside?" she suggested.

Makoto nodded. "Yeah, good idea." 

They had to briefly separate, since those swimming had to sign in. Gou, Sasabe and Miss Amakata went on ahead to find a place in the stands for them all.

There was no one in front of them when they went to five their name, so they were only gone briefly before they headed into the pool area. It was as busy as it had been last year. Swimmers warmed up in the pool, or stretched on the sidelines. The weather was amiable that day, so many people had come to watch.

They soon located the others in the stands and hurried up there. Hana felt her cheeks heat up a little as she spotted the banner she'd made last year was hanging over the side like the banners of so many other schools. 

Now on the stands, they could see everything going on below them more more clarity that before, and Han noticed just how many people there actually were.

"Wow... lots of different schools are here this year, too!" Nagisa exclaimed. He gazed around the entirety of the venue with a grin on his face.

A small slapping sound caused Hana to look across, and she saw Gou had slapped a hand over her mouth. She looked to be... in pain?

"Gou, is something wrong?" Hana inquired gently, placing a hand on her friend's back. "Are you feeling sick?" 

"What?" Nagisa exclaimed. He jumped around to face Gou. "Even though you're surrounded by your beloved muscles?"

Gou squeezed he eyes tightly closed. "I've made a solemn vow," she murmured.

"A vow?"

Gou nodded solemnly and turned to face them all. "Yes. Until the Iwatobi Swim Club makes it to nationals, muscles are off limits! Even if I do see them, I won't get worked up! And if I do get worked up, I'll suppress it!"

Nagisa frowned. "I don't think that's possible," he admitted.

It seemed like he wasn't the only one who thought so.

"Suppressing things isn't good for your health," Rei agreed.

"Don't strain yourself," Haru muttered.

"Guys, we're supposed to be encouraging Gou to stick her her goals!" Hana hissed, catching the despaired look on her friend's face with the lack of support. "Not discouraging her from doing so!"

Fortunately, Makoto was nodding in agreement with her. "Everyone, to ensure Gou-chan's resolve doesn't go to waste, let's do our absolute best!" he said loudly. "And let's win our way to the top, all the way to nationals!"

That's more like it. Hana grinned and added her voice to the cheers of her friends.

They were going to go all out for this.

* * *

The first event of the day was the breastroke. The women's races went first, followed by the men's. Nagisa was in heat three, so he had to disappear shortly before the women's final heats ended. Hana wished him good luck before he departed.

Hana checked the list of races while they waited for Nagisa to appear. She noted that he'd be swimming against Nitori from Samezuka.

They weren't waiting too long before Nagisa appeared, and all swimmers lined up behind their respective lanes. Nagisa and Nitori would be swimming in adjoining lanes.

As Nagisa approached the starting blocks, he froze, looking at a specific place in the stands. "What's Nagisa-kun looking at?" Rei asked, and they all craned their necks.

They all studied the area. Hana gasped lightly as she saw two figures sitting on the stands. "That's..."

"Nagisa's parents," Makoto finished.

Hana looked back down at Nagisa, and spotted the smile on his face. This really must mean a lot to Nagisa, his parents being here.

Sure enough, when Nagisa's race started, Nagisa swam the best she had seen him, and he came in a comfortable first, beating even Nitori. When Hana checked the times she grinned, noticing he had made a qualifying time for regionals. 

"Nagisa-kun made it past the preliminaries!" Rei said. Hana grinned and waved at Nagisa as he clambered out of the pool. Regionals! That was quite the achievement.

"Next up is the backstroke, Makoto!" Sasabe said. "Keep this momento up and win!"

And win he did, Makoto taking first place in his backstroke race and qualifying for regionals. The small, red haired boy from earlier - Seijuro's little brother - took second and just managed to qualify for the regionals as well. Rei also took first and got a good enough item to enter regionals - a huge improvement from last year.

And then there was a break in events before the freestyle races of the tournament. Hana found this odd, especially considering how freestyle had been the first races swum last year. But she let this pass over her mind and instead thought about her own event.

Their small group took the break as an opportunity to eat, leaving the stands so they could eat on their own. A small picnic was set up and they sat on the ground, munching on sandwiches. Hana sat next to Haru, their shoulders nearly touching. 

"Tachibana-kun, Hazuki-kun, Ryugazaki-kun, you were all incredible!" Miss Amakata said. "I can't believe you all qualified for regionals in your individual events!"

"Though the freestyle won't start until the afternoon."

"In Haru-chan's case, we know he's won before he competes!" Nagisa piped up. Hana laughed softly to herself. 

"Who knows, Rin might beat him again!" she teased, pushing him lightly in the side. Haru looked indifferent, but shook his head slightly at her.   

"That reminds me," Sasabe said. "Makoto, you're competing in freestyle too, aren't you?"

Makoto nodded once. "Yes."

At this, Hana's eyes narrowed. At once she recalled her conversation with Makoto the previous night. I want to swim a serious race against Haru.

Though she'd dropped the issue with him, she didn't think that this race was going to be good for either of them.

"I can't wait to watch!" Miss Amakata said.

"Hey, now," Gou cut in. "Don't forget about my brother and Haruka-senpai's race, too!"

"Or my race!" Hana chimed in.

"We couldn't forget about you if we tried!" Gou laughed, nudging her in the sides. Hana laughed and leaned in a little to Haru, who placed his arm around her waist.

But though they might be laughing, Hana certainly didn't fail to notice the small frown that crossed Makoto's face at the mention of Haru and Rin's race.

Their picnic lasted only for a few more minutes before they had to leave, since Haru and Makoto's race was approaching. After wishing the both of them good luck, Hana trooped back up the stairs after the others, where they assumed their usual position in the stands. Hana stretched out as they waited, very much aware that her race came up soon after the boy's two-hundred metres.

Before long, Haru and Makoto were making their way out to their respective lanes, the both of them noticeable in their crisp white Iwatobi jackets. They left their jackets at the end of their lanes and waited for the signal to be given for them to get into starting position.

That signal was soon given, and all swimmers stood on the starting blocks. Hana leaned forward a little as the stadium fell quiet in anticipation for the beginning of the race.

Then, the signal was given, and all swimmers dived in. 

After a brief time spent underwater they surfaced, and Makoto soon took the lead. In fact, he had started to pull away from everyone with his fast, powerful stroke. And though he was winning, Hana stared wide-eyed at Makoto and shook her head in disbelief.

"Makoto, what are you doing?" Hana breathed, watching her friend.

Makoto was racing as fast as though he was in a one-hundred metre race. But you couldn't do that in the two-hundred - you needed to pace yourself so you still had energy at the end. That's what Haru was doing. Hana bit her lip.

H's taking this race a little too seriously... come on, Makoto, clear your head!

But it didn't happen and, during the final lap, his speed dropped drastically. Haru soon overtook him, as did two other swimmers, which left Makoto in fourth. Haru had come first.

Hana winced. That wasn't the outcome Makoto would be looking for. She didn't know what to make of the situation; she hadn't known what to make of it from the beginning.

Hana checked the time, knowing her race was fast approaching. When she realised exactly what time it was, a sharp gasp passed her lips.

"I need to head down now!" she exclaimed. If she left it any later, she wouldn't make it in time for her event. Hana quickly snatched up her swimming cap and goggles and made a dash for the stairs. "Wish me luck!"

Hana could hear her friends cheering for her as she dashed down the steps. Their support brought a smile to her face as she ran all the way to the change rooms.

* * *

She had only just made it.

After running all the way to the marshalling area, Hana arrived just before her heat was about to head out. She'd already been wearing her swim costume under her clothes, so she quickly pulled off her shirt and shorts, stuffed them in a locker, and took her place in the line-up as they headed out.

And now, she was just about to head out to race.

Hana glanced down the line. She didn't know anyone in her race. She hadn't expected to, but seeing her competition made Hana feel suddenly nervous. She wondered what type of swimmers they were, and what exactly she was up against.

Would she be able to win this? Had all her training been for nothing?

"Go, Hana-chan!"

"You can do it, Hana!"

Just as those negative thoughts started swirling in her brain, the familiar voices called out to her. Hana looked up at the voices, and smiled to see her friends standing in the stands, waving at her. She waved back quickly before snapping her goggles over her eyes and approaching the starting block. The whistle blew, and soon got herself into position.

The water below her still rippled slightly after the previous race. Hana drew in a shaky breath and tensed up as the warning was sounded. Her heart hammered in her chest. The wait seemed to draw out. Please, let this be over with.

Then, without warning, the start signal was given. Hana lurched from her block without hesitation, entering the water with minimal splash.

The water in the pool was cold and Hana felt her body momentarily lock in position, memories washing over her like a tidal wave. But she soon recovered and kicked until she reached the surface and started her stroke.

From the minute she started swimming, she could tell she was against tough competition. Already a few people were in front of her. No! Hana thought desperately. I didn't train so hard with all my friends just to be knocked out at this stage! The new determination filling her, Hana put even more effort into her stroke,something she didn't thought was possible until she tried.

Water was everywhere. It was all Hana could see as she kicked with more ferocity and moved her arms through the water. She could tell she'd passed someone, but what about the others she couldn't see? Hana worked harder at her stroke.

The turn was approaching. She knew this turn would be critical: if she stuffed it up, Hana knew she might as well have let the race slip through her fingers. But she didn't think too much about it. She knew that if she thought of screwing up, it would become more likely that she would. Makoto and Haru had told her that enough times.

When she reached the turn, Hana breathed in and quickly performed it, feeling a rush of satisfaction when it was pretty much perfect. When she surfaced again, she renewed her stroke and pushed even harder than before. It was the last fifty metres. She had to make it.

Hana kicked with as much effort as she could. Her arms continued moving and slicing through the water. All she could see was the water; she inhaled it, saw it, felt it. There was only the water and herself, as she made it part way for her so she could get to the end.

The end was coming, she could see it. With one last burst of effort, Hana pushed herself toward to goal.

Her hand slammed against the end.

Hana inhaled a deep lungful of air as she broke the surface. She leant against the edge of the pool as she struggled to draw breath, having pushed herself harder than ever before. Swimmers finished their races beside her and they all looked up, search don't for their names on the scoreboard. Hana searched intently until she found her name and lane number, and her jaw promptly dropped upon reading the position displayed in white beside it.

First. 

Hana gasped, clutching the side of the pool as she shook her head in disbelief. First. How had she managed that? 

The board changed, displaying those who now qualified for regionals. Hana had to suppress a squeal as she saw her name pop up at number eight - she had only just managed to qualify for regionals.

But still, it was a qualification, and she wasn't about to turn her nose up at that. Far from it actually: she was celebrating inside, and wanted to jump up and down while squealing like a little kid. But she had more control than that, and only allowed herself a wide grin as she pulled herself out of the pool.

Shouts and applause met her ears. Hana turned around to see her friends cheering for her. She grinned and waved back, looking at all of them. She soon noticed that Haru wasn't there. Of course he wouldn't be, she told herself. He'd be getting ready for his race. 

Shoot, I'd better get ready quickly if I want to watch him! 

With that, Hana snatched up her jacket and hurried for the change rooms.

Her wet feet slapped against the ground as she made a bolt for the lockers. She almost slipped on numerous occasions, but didn't let that stop her. Soon she was in the lockers, and she hurriedly reached her on. After ensuring she was thoroughly dry, she quickly pulled her clothes on.

"The men's one-hundred freestyle will now begin!" Hana gasped as she heard the voice. Oh no, I'm going to miss it! She stumbled as she pulled on her tracksuit trousers, hurrying to pull the rest of her clothes on. She was dressed she rushed outside, sprinting as quickly as she could up to the stands. She skidded around numerous people who glared at her as she ran past. Please don't have been in the first heat Haru, please, please, please...

Hana soon spotted her friends and dashed over, breathing heavily as she stopped beside them. "I didn't miss it, did I?" she gasped out. Her hands were clutched on her knees as she recovered her breath.

Makoto chuckled. "No. You're just in time." 

"Thank goodness." Hana took one last deep breath before she straightened herself up and looked down at the swimmers about to begin the race. Her eyes soon picked out Haru, Rin beside him. Hana grinned. This will be interesting. Any race between those two is.

Sure enough, from the moment the two dove into the water, it was a thriller. They swam at such an even rate that is was impossible to determine who was leading; they looked to be neck-and-neck for the entire race. More impressively, the both of them only pulled futher ahead from the other swimmers, leaving a wide gap. They were incredible to watch.

They both hit the boards at what looked like the exact same time. But when the times registered, there had been a small difference.

"The difference between their times was only 0.02 seconds," Makoto exclaimed lowly. 

Those two are unbelievable. Hana shook her head. She knew she'd never be up at their level, no matter how much she trained. She might like swimming, but those two were just gifted with it.

Hana waited impatiently for Haru to make it back to the stands. When she did she ran at him and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

She leaned back so she could look up into his eyes. "You were brilliant," she whispered. 

The corners of his mouth tilted up ever so slightly. "So were you, you know."

Hana flushed deeply, but before she could say anything else Haru placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She quickly responded, melting into his touch.

Someone cleared their throat in the background, and with a start Hana remembered they had spectators. She and Haru quickly broke apart, but their hands remained intertwined.

As Hana looked back at the others, and saw all of the grind on their faces, she couldn't help but marvel how different it was this year compared to the last. No one had won their race last year; Hana had even left early with Haru to watch out for him. But this year, they all had managed to land themselves a position in regionals in their individual event, and they had the relay to look forward to the next day.

Hana smiled and leaned her head on Haru's shoulder.

Apart from a few small hiccups, it had been a good day, for all of them.