Open Waters

Chapter Thirty-One

Strengthened Bonds

The moment their lips met, a certain thrill shot down Hana's spine. She couldn't explain what it was exactly, but reveled in it just the same. She loved it, and wanted more of it, so she pressed her lips a little harder against his.

And then she realised, Haru hadn't moved.

A flash of hurt hit her hard and she lowered her feet so she was no longer standing on tiptoe, realising Haru didn't want that feeling the way she did, didn't want her. She hung her head. "I - I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don't know what came over me and, and..."

"Hana." Haru interrupted her rambling, and she shut her mouth out of nerves. She wanted to look down at her feet and have the ground swallow her.

But that wasn't to happen; for Haru had cupped her cheek so she looked up at him, and he leaned down ever so slightly and kissed her.

Hana gasped lightly, caught by surprise, but melted into the kiss. The thrilling sensation returned and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His lips still tasted faintly of chlorine after the swim, but Hana didn't care. Their kiss was gentle and sweet.

She couldn't explain it, but after kissing him, she felt complete. She felt as though she was drowning in him, and didn't mind that no one was there to bring her back to reality. In fact, she'd rather she just keep drowning. She didn't want anyone to shatter this moment.

She was sure she could have stayed there for another hour with Haru, losing track of time. But they broke apart as the sound of bubbly, delighted laughter met their ears. Hana flushed and turned around, suddenly remembering Makoto, Rin, Nagisa and Rei were standing there, watching this unfold.

And of course, Nagisa was the one laughing, enjoying every minute.

"Nagisa!" Hana exclaimed, her face beet red. She avoided the stares of the others, but couldn't bring herself to step away from Haru.

"We've been wondering when this was going to happen!" the blonde boy said through his laughter.

"We were getting worried," Rei admitted.

Makoto just sighed. "Looks like I'm just going to have to keep a closer eye on you two." He spoke seriously, but there was a teasing glimmer to his eyes.

"Oh guys," Hana moaned. She buried her face in Haru's shirt. She didn't know how she knew he was smiling as he pulled her smaller frame closer to him.

"I must congratulate you, Etsumi," Rin spoke up. Hana looked up at his voice. He was grinning, which changed his expression completely. "I didn't think Haru here would love anyone here more than he loved the water."

Hana nodded back at him, and then gently pushed herself away from Haru and approached Rin. She scratched her head, a little self-conscious. "I believe we got off to a bad start."

"Possibly." He nodded his agreement.

"Anyway, let's start afresh." She stuck out her hand and smiled, as though she was meeting him for the first time. "I'm Etsumi Hana, but just Hana is fine with me."

He returned the gesture. "Matsuoka Rin. It's a pleasure sure to meet, you, Hana."

"Right back at you." Their hands remained clasped for another second, and then Hana let hers drop.

She was sure that now, she and Rin were going to become good friends.

*          *           *

They didn't return to the stands to continue watching the other races. Instead, their group of six headed outside. It was nearing the afternoon, while inside the venue, plenty more races were being swum. While that was happening, they found their own spot that was mostly hidden to the public eye.

Hana instantly sat down next to Haru, and slowly leaned into him. That changed to her resting her head on his shoulder as their group started to talk.

And talk.

And talk.

Apparently, there was a lot they needed to catch up on. The Iwatobi boys and Rin hadn't had a real encounter since he'd landed back in Japan, so there were plenty of stories to share. There was a lot of laughter and lighthearted fun, something Hana loved.

But as they spoke, she couldn't help but have one thought continue to nag at her. Makoto had told her some ago that he'd told the others about his experience at the docks, but had left her out of it.

And now, as they were all sharing stories...

Hana thought that maybe, it was time that she opened up, too.

She cleared her throat. "Guys." Hana spoke up. When they looked at term her heart skipped a beat. She felt a bead of nervous sweat trickle down her forehead, but pushed on anyway. "There's something... I want to tell you."

"What is it, Hana-chan?" Nagisa asked.

She glanced down at her hands, taking a deep breath to compose herself before she looked up again, "Well... you do know... what happened at the docks? Makoto has told you the story, hasn't he?"

A flicker of realisation crossed both Makoto and Haru's faces and, strangely enough, Rin's. Hana was caught off guard for a moment, and then remembered: his dad had died in a typhoon. Was it the same the fisherman had died in, perhaps?

"Yes, we do. Why do you bring it up?" Rei asked, jolting Hana from her thoughts back to the real world. She shook her head quickly as to shove the others thoughts aside, and breathed in deeply, glancing at Haru and then Makoto through the corners of her eyes, gaining support there.

"I was there as well," she said, quietly but loud enough for everyone to hear.

This caused a few heads to turn. "What?" Nagisa and Rei exclaimed.

Hana nodded, a sad smile on her face. "I was there. Makoto and I are childhood friends, and I knew Haru as well. We both visited the fisherman, we were both friends with him. And we both felt the pain when he died in the typhoon.

"You want to know why I wouldn't even go near the water when we first met, and why I said I never would? It was this event that sparked my fear of the water. But... there was more to it than just seeing the seemingly endless rows of people in white walking past. I was terrified and unable to think properly... I thought the fisherman, and everyone else, was still in the water just waiting for someone to save him. So, I jumped in and instantly, I started drowning. Fortunately, I was pulled from the water just as I was about to give in. He was a jogger who Haru had grabbed just in time. And though I might have been been saved, I left with a fear of the water."

There was shocked silence after her small speech. "But you were swimming..." Nagisa began, but Hana cut him off.

"I only got over my fear recently, and it's all thanks to you guys." The sad trace to her smile vanished, and instead was brightened. "And to Haru, who taught me how to swim. And now, I'm really enjoying it. So," she lifted her head, meeting each on in the eye. "Thanks, guys."

The others smiled back at her. "You're welcome."

After a pause, Hana smiled and changed the topic of conversation, and soon they continued to talk and laugh as before. Hana suddenly felt closer to everyone now she had divulged her past. With a smile, she rested her head on Haru's shoulder, and he slowly, almost uncertainly placed an arm around her. Hana chuckled quietly. She supposed Haru was a little clueless and uncertain when it came to relationships.

She didn't mind. She wasn't exactly sure, either. They'd manouevre these new waters together.

That moment couldn't have been any more perfect; the warmth and laughter from her friends, and the calm and warmth that came from Haru... her boyfriend. They hadn't spoken the words, but Hana knew that it applied to them now.

Hana thought that she could get used to it pretty quickly.

As the sun dipped into the sky, turning it a wonderful shade of orange, people and teams started pouring out of the venue. The races were done and dusted for the day.

It was hard to miss Samezuka's team walk out of the venue; their predominately black uniform stood out. Rin sighed. "Looks like that's my cue to leave." He stood up and shot them all one last glance. "I'll see you all later."

"See ya!" Hana waved her free hand, her voice joining in the others as Rin left. Now that she'd had the chance to get to know him better, to know who Rin really was under the mask he'd been wearing for so long, Hana found that she was becoming good friends with him.

When Rin had disappeared, Makoto sighed and stood up as well. "I guess we should go and find Ama-chan, Coach Sasabe and Gou-chan now."

A feeling of dread dropped into Hana's stomach. We've undoubtedly got an interrogation headed our way, after pulling a move like that. And I'm going to be in on it too, since I admitted to being a part of the plan.

"Time to face the music," she muttered under her breath, clambering to her feet. She dusted herself off, ridding herself of any stray strands of grass as the others too got to their feet. After she'd done so and the boys were also on their feet, they started to make their way back to the entrance, where the others would surely be awaiting them.

Sure enough, Sasabe, Miss Amakata, Gou and Hanamura erred awaiting them. Hana flushed lightly as they came to a standstill before the four, awaiting the words that were sure to come.

As they awaited, Hana felt Gou's eyes rest on herself and Haru, keenly noting the distinct lack of distance between them. Hana flushed as Gou's eyes met hers. There was definitely a knowing look to them.

Miss Amakata folded her arms, ready to start. "Okay. And so, after that emotional performance, you were disqualified."

"Naturally," Sasabe added gruffly.

"It wasn't easy to endure the staff members scolding us. They've never had someone swim in a relay from a different school's team."

Hana felt a little bad for Ama-chan and Sasabe. They hadn't had any part in this, and yet they still got into trouble for it. "We're very sorry," the five in question murmured. 

But, she thought as she straightened up, that trouble had been most definitely worth it.

There was silence for a while, and then Miss Amakata sighed, sounding indulgent. "Oh, well, it's okay. Young people do crazy things."

Hana wasn't entirely sure what Ama-chan meant exactly by this comment, but she felt reassured that at least they weren't in too much trouble from those two.

"But, why did you pull that stunt?" Sasabe demanded them.

Hana glanced over the boys, a silent message passing between them. Hana decided to leave the boys to explain. She was just a bystander.

"Because... it was only right," Rei said.

Nagisa nodded. "We may be on different teams..." he continued.

"But we're still..." Makoto said next.

"Teammates," Haru concluded.

Hana smiled, sort of catching their drift. However, it looked as though Ama-chan, Sasabe, Gou, and Hanamura were still confused. "That doesn't make any sense," Miss Amakata said, and the five just laughed.

"Anyway, we'd better head off," Sasabe said once their laughter calmed down. He started to walk away. "Nice to see you swim again!"

Everyone waved, and Miss Amakata glanced across at Gou and Hanamura. "We'd best be off as well. Have a safe journey."

"Bye!" the remaining five called, waving as the trio left.

The others left, leaving Hana, Haru, Makoto, Rei and Nagisa alone. Hana would be catching the boy's bus back to Iwatobi, after achieving permission. The remaining five were left staring at the venue before them and sighed.

"It's over," Makoto sighed.

"Will we make it back here next year?"

"We have to make it back. This time, it'll be my turn to show my beautiful butterfly stroke!" Rei proclaimed, so highly determined that Hana lightly laughed.

"We'll be back," Haru said, quiet yet determined.

Hana smiled, and tilted her head up a little to look at him. He glanced back down at her, his rare smile crossing his face as she reached out and gently intertwined her fingers in his.

She knew that they'd be back next year.

She believed in every one of them, after all.

----------------------------------------
and... that's the official last  chapter of open waters! but there's still the epilogue to come later on!