Rin calls us together. I'm already tired. I went on an extra long run, having met up with my brother in Iwatobi town. My feet are sore. I still have to train though. It's almost at the time where we cannot strain our bodies but in recent weeks I have missed more training than I can afford. Hence why since school started Makoto and I have only gone out once. He's promised to take me out after perfecturals. But he hasn't been texting me very often.

"Everybody listen up. It's nearly time to submit our entries for the prefectural tournament. With that in mind, I'm thinking of changing how the entrants for the relay are to be selected this year. I want to make it clear that this is only in reference to the main team. Captain Mikoshiba Mei is to chose her entrants however she choses. However, I want to do this my way. Normally the four spots go to the four people with the fastest times. That would be Aoi, Kaito, myself and Sousuke. But this year, whatever your speed, if you would prefer to focus on your individual events you do not have to enter the relay." I beam at Kaito. Since the movement of the old third years into Graduate's house, he was given the title of fastest at breaststroke. He too is relieved.

"I'll pick the relay team out of those who want to be in it." with that Momo and Nito' look astounded. Momo worked out I had faked my injury when he saw me on my run, he passed me by on my way out to meet Rei at town and run a mini circuit before returning to Samezuka before practise at eleven.

"Of course it goes without saying that you will need both speed and drive in order to be chosen. What I'm proposing is probably wrong to suggest, as your captain. I know the best way to do this is with fastest times, as we have done. But I want you to understand what a relay means to me. I want to swim in a real relay with teammates who really want to be there." I hiccup at Rin's words.

"Anything else would feel meaningless even if we did win. That's why I want you guys to match my feelings. So, everybody who honestly wants to compete in the relay, step forward. We'll start from there." Rin smiles.

Nito', Momo and Sousuke step forward. I beam at them.

Rin grins at the teammates he had at the public relay.

I lean on the wall.

"You said that exact thing the last time you tried to get a relay team together at Iwatobi SC." I state.

"Both times you ended up in a relay." he nods, smirking. I nod at him.

"Anything to add Captain Mikoshiba?" Rin asks.

"Nope. Girlies, you don't want in on this relay do you?"

"Actually." Kuruno-kun speaks up, voice icy. "I do and I think it's highly unprofessional to make the relay team up after one use of the team."

I glance at Sakura Kuruno. Something about her is almost...OFF. I cock a brow at her. What is she implying? Does she want a space on the relay team?

"Whatever you say but this is my team." Mei-chan states.

"What do you want?" Ami asks my sharp roommate.

"If you want in on the freestyle you have to beat Hika'-chan. If you want to swim butterfly you have to beat me and Aoi-chan. Since she is my reserve. And breaststroke you'll have to take on Ami-chan and back..." Mei-chan is cut off.

"Backstroke."

"Oohh." the girls muse.

"Ryugazaki-senpai, you up for this?" I am cautioned by Momo.

"Momo, I didn't hurt my foot yesterday." I assure him.

"You sure?" I nod.

"You really don't know who you're racing Kuruno-kun. Aoi-chan hasn't swam a serious race since Nationals. She's still butchering her PB with minimal effort. SHE has Aoi's back and she is making Aoi stronger."

A crowd begins to gather. Many people have talked about my achievements. They're most likely curious as to whether it's true.

"Shizu's behind me." I smile at the roof, as if I can see the sky.

"Oh wa wa, woopdey fucking do." I flinch. What?

"Uhh Mei-chan." Hika-chan nudges my original roommate. She looks around and takes hold of my arms. Mei has a strong hold in my wrists so I cannot hurt Kuruno-kun.

"OI HINATA! GET THE FACULTY ADVISER!" Rin shouts.

"Hai!" the blond flees, eager to return with haste so he can continue to observe this.

"It's been three years now Chouko." I wince at the use of my middle name.

"How did you know-." I am cut off by my teammate.

"Uh oh." Hika-chan sees that Kaito and Nito' are restraining Fubuki. My clementine haired friend was actually dragging Nito' along behind him until Kaito stopped him.

"GET OVER IT. You let her die. You're sorry. You're regretting it? Good. Your fault. It's not 'Shizu' making her stronger. It's nothing. It's an ILLUSION. Just like the idea that SHE WASN'T TO BLAME."

WHACK.