[Haru] Following the wind.

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

Rin always hated when he gave himself this much time to think. Any time his head cleared from the day enough to actually catch up with him, it was like everything started crashing around him. Every negative thought he had started seeping in. Every single perceived misstep from his day or week, or whatever seemed to plague him. It was feeling a bit llike when he had been back in Australia. Loneliness tended to grip him strong and unforgiving. Having Sousuke around was a blessing this time around, of course. Having his best friend was grounding at least some. Even the meeting with Makoto not long ago helped a lot, but still something seemed missing.

When he left campus he had done so only to clear his head. It was on autopilot that he let his feet take him to the train station. His feet moving without him knowing where he was really headed. It didn't hit him until he reached the playground where he was going. He chuckled at himself, shaking it off before crossing the area. He sat in one of the swings and let it rock forward and back. When he had been finishing highschool he had expected to go back to Australia, but with how he was feeling now despite the fact that he had three friends attending school with him he was glad he hadn't chosen that path.

His week had been hard, but it was a rest day so he was taking it easy. He almost had to, because Sousuke would wring his neck if he overtrained. He didn't mind, however, he could use the break. It was a bit chilly, though it was to be expected in the dpringtime. The breeze was chilling as the sun jsut started setting. It was nice to be back in a familiar. place. He just needed to stop letting his mind wander.

#315
I feel like it's a little meh but here ya go

Haruka Nanase

ψ

[Haruka Nanase]

haruka nanase ,

APPLICATION, PROFILE The sun was beginning to set when Haruka finally stepped off the train in Iwatobi. The warm, orange and pink rays cast across the surroundings in vivid colour, a gentle, welcome sight, perfectly blending in with the soft birdsong in the background, the breeze that ruffled the leaves in the trees. He loved when the weather was calm and inviting, even if in this case the setting sun was bound to make that breeze a little less welcome. He loved how the town looked, and how it always brought such a sense of peace upon him; when he came home to relax, he sure got what he asked for. His goal for this bout of two days off was to go visit his parents, and perhaps go and see if he could pop into his old school and see his old friends. He was curious about how the swim club was doing, and if they had new members. He missed it dearly, but there was not really anything he could do with it at this point. As his mind wandered as he walked, he thought back to all the training and fun they had before they had graduated, and such brought a smile to his face. The more he progressed with this new path on life, he found he was missing the before. And even though he did enjoy all the things he was learning now, he had a feeling he would always have that dull pit in his stomach that would ache on the reminder of his old swim club. Haruka shifted the bag he carried to the other shoulder, wordlessly walking the path to his parents house. He thought this visit would excite him, but all he found was a bundle of emotions, and very little excitement. He was happy to see his home, but felt sad. He was also so tired from his long week, but the travel had left him wide awake, and he didn't feel quite like settling down at home just yet. So, on a moment's decision, he changed tactics, and made way for the playground. It was a highlight of his young childhood, and as he had gotten older, it had become a nice place other than the pool to wind down. Nothing would ever relax him like a nice body of water would, but the gentle motions of a swing could come darn close. Dropping his bag by the entrance as he entered, he then looked up and instantly froze, realizing he was not only not alone, but that he was very sure he recognized that figure. "Rin?" He breathed, confused as to what the other was doing here - although the same could be said for him himself - and for a moment he was wondering if his tired mind was playing tricks on him. So he approached, straightening a bit when he realized it was in fact not a delusion, and that it actually was his good friend. "Rin!" All previous thoughts of exhaustion or his week were gone, and replaced by a bit of excitement to see one of his friends. Rin Matsuoka

jellyfish princess @ adox

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

The red-head's ears perked up somewhat when he heard his name. At first he thought he was hearing things, but then he heard it again, and saw where it was coming from. A slurry of emotions swelled in him when he saw Haru. The strongest pulling a wide grin onto his features. He'd missed Haru, quite a bit. He knew it was partially his fault that they hadn't talked much, or at all really, since they went off to college and really it was a shame. Haru was one of the biggest reasons he chose to stay in Japan. He wanted to help Haru reach his goals, and he could only hope the lined up with his own. He wanted nothing more than to swim around the world with the blue eyed boy. 

It was like the negative thoughts had all just been shaken from his head the moment he saw Haru standing there. It was kind of stupid, he was sure, that one person could make him feel so much better by just existing near him. He wasn't going to complain though. "Haru!" he called, a fond tone to his voice as the other approached.

His relationship with the other swimmer was one that caused him much grief in the past, but now it seemed like they were on more or less good terms. He felt terrible about how everything went down, when he came home that first time from Australia and then when he came back and attended Samezuka. He knew he treated his friends awful, especially Haru. He wouldn't have blamed them if they had hated him. Yet they seemed to forgive him. Enough to let him swim a relay with him. It got better after that, and for that he was glad.

Now if felt a little bit like that time. He wasn't as conflicted and confused as he had been before but still a little bit of that doubt eased it's way back in. They hadn't spoken in a while, and he was pretty sure that wasn't normal for friends. Most likely he was overthinking this like he did most everything. 

He tried pushing all of that to the side now, though. Now he was just glad to not be so alone here. It was especially amusing that they seemed to have the same idea. "I wouldn't have thought I would run into you here of all places." he said, even if he was ignoring a surge of emotion he refused to put a name to. One that showed up every time he saw Haru. The ache in his chest only strengthened when the other got closer, but he could ignore it for now. Like everything else with him, it would only burst out in a surge of emotion at the worst possible moment but for now he was content with clamping down on it.

#480

Haruka Nanase

ψ

[Haruka Nanase]

haruka nanase ,

APPLICATION, PROFILE When he heard the other call back to him, that was the final confirmation that he needed, and he began to approach his long time friend, that excitement building. He was finally getting to see all his friends that he hadn't seen since graduation, and it was filling that depressing void in his heart with renowned hope and joy. He was hoping that someday he would come across the other and get to hang out with him again, for their bond had grown stronger after all the hard times in the past. There was no resentment anymore, no regret or mutual hard feelings after all that had happened, and he was so glad, because it had made the full circle of friendships stronger, and he liked that. As he approached, he found that despite his enthusiasm about crossing paths, he wasn't sure how to initiate conversation, or what to say. He returned the smile Rin wore with a small one of his own, his eyes the true indicator of his delight. He paused before Rin, just far enough back that he wouldn't accidentally be kicked should Rin actually put effort into swinging. He was glad that he wasn't going to be alone with his thoughts and worries, and that he would be an ample distraction. Perhaps he could remain out late enough that he would arrive home just in time for bed; that was one of his biggest desires right now, that is, next to spending time with Rin. "I wouldn't have thought I would run into you here of all places." Perfect, Rin had a conversation starter. He was forever thankful for those that knew he would rarely be the person to initiate. Haruka gave a shrug as he moved to sit on the swing beside Rin, absently giving it a little bit of effort, just enough to move. "I could say the same thing to you." He responded, looking over at the other with a soft smile. "Must've known we'd both be here or something..." The breeze was a bit chilly on his bare arms as he put a little more effort into swinging - why did he not wear a sweater was beyond him at this point - but he paid little mind to it, focusing his attention on Rin, eyes watching him as he moved back and forth. "Why are you here?" He questioned, tone nothing but interested, curious as to what brought his old friend back home. He was sure that Rin would've been just as busy as he had been, but, to be fair, the other also probably had days off too. "Missed home?" He knew he sure did. Rin Matsuoka

jellyfish princess @ adox

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

It was great just being able to hear the other's voice. He hadn't really let himself think about how much he had missed Haru in particular but it was all catching up to him now. If he was reading the other right he was happy to see him too, but he was never quite as good with sussing out other people's feelings as he would like to be. He always felt bad when it turned out that one of his friends was suffering and he hadn't been able to tell. It made him feel like a bad friend. With Haru one would think it would be more difficult but he was starting to get the hang of it, or so he hoped. 

Rin hmmed at the questions, pushing himself on the swing, though his feet were still on the ground. No, he wasn't missing home. This place stopped being that a long time ago. Well before high school. He couldn't say that he actually knew where home was anymore, but he felt a little less homesick when he was around Haru.. .and the others of course. "I don't know, I was feeling a little low so I went for a walk to try and clear things." He said, waving his hand in a vague gesture. He sighed, looking over at Haru beside him. "I just kind of started walking and ended up here." He explained, shrugging his shoulders. It wasn't home he was missing it was a feeling. The closeness of him and his friends but he didn't know how to put words to that, or maybe he was just a little too proud to admit it. 

"I thought about dropping in on Gou before going back, but that was because I was here already and not because I came to drop in at home." He explained further. He didn't feel at home there, which was stupid. His mother and sister were nothing but welcoming, but he felt more like a guest than someone who was supposed to have lived there. Whenever he came to this place it was trying to grasp as something that was probably long gone to him. The closeness that was their little group when they were kids. 

"So what about you? What brings you back here?" He asked curiously. He could guess it was the homesickness that seemed to be plaguing many of the freshman students at the university. Makoto had sure been feeling it the last time he'd talked to him, over lunch. It had been nice even if it struck him that there was something deeper than homesickness that was bothering Makoto. Figuring out what was wrong with Makoto was almost as hard as reading Sousuke. That was troubling to him, for reasons he couldn't quite put his thumb on. "Missing home?" He asked curiously, it would make enough sense. Haru had lived here all his life, and even though they weren't exactly far it was all new. 

#495

Haruka Nanase

ψ

[Haruka Nanase]

haruka nanase ,

APPLICATION, PROFILE His fingers tight on the rungs of the swing, Haruka watched Rin, as the other made some sort of thoughtful noise, appearing to mull over the questions he had asked. To him, it had been just simple conversation, but he could tell that the other was putting a little more thought into it. He didn't push for immediate answers; remaining quiet as he put little effort into the back and forth movement, going between watching the setting sun, and Rin's face. "I don't know, I was feeling a little low so I went for a walk to try and clear things." Switching his focus back to Rin, he caught the hand movement. 'Totally understandable.' Was his internal response to the answer, nodding slowly to show he was paying attention. "I just kind of started walking and ended up here." That was also an understandable thing; this was a place many kids in the neighbourhood spent a bunch of their days. It sort of became an autopilot response once they got older, and considering it had been his go-to as well, he was in absolutely no position to judge in the slightest. He wanted to question the very first part of Rin's response, curious and slightly concerned as to what could be dragging his friend down so he felt a bit low, but he could tell the other had a bit more to say, and so he waited patiently for a chance to fully break in with more questions. "I thought about dropping in on Gou before going back, but that was because I was here already and not because I came to drop in at home." Another slow nod from Haruka followed the further details. He knew Rin always had trouble feeling welcome at home; it was not hard to read that off of him, and he had realized that years ago. He could only hope that he would at least go and visit his sister and mother; Gou was bound to be missing Rin, something that was probably a similar feeling to the ache that missing friends gave himself, and those he had run into at this point. "I bet she would appreciate it." Was Haruka's response after a brief moment of thought, choosing his words carefully. He was about to add to that, but he closed his mouth when Rin turned the questions back on him. He blinked a few times, turning to stare once again at the setting sun, the bright orange rays that haunted the horizon. "I guess, yeah." He said slowly. "I came to see my parents." He trailed off, a small shrug joining his brief response, realizing that was almost an excuse; he had honestly came home just to escape all the pressure and time-sensitive things that lurked in his new home. Everyday was planned out so specifically, that even his free time was scheduled, and he was still struggling to get used to the drastic change in lifestyle. Looking back at Rin, he was quiet for a couple more moments. "You doing okay?" He couldn't think of any better way to word that question, but it was a question that burned in his mind. After the whole frightening ordeal with Makoto, he had found he was growing more and more worried about the friends he had yet to run into. It seemed the change was hard on many, and he could only hope that that 'little low' Rin mentioned was something small, something simple. And even if it wasn't, he had his fingers figuratively crossed that he was at least surviving, even if struggling. He could help with distraction from the smaller things, but the large scale concerns and worries, he always found himself uncertain how to approach it. But, Rin was also one of his closest friends, and he was damn well going to try his hardest and figure out what was up, and what he could do to help. There were no regrets in his mind for having made the split second decision to come to the park. He knew deep down that he was using the park as an evasion tactic; as he was honestly nervous to head back home to his parents, even if he also was excited to see them too. Now he had an excuse, and he had a friend to spend time with, a friend who he had missed in the brief time they hadn't seen each other. He would never fully realize how much he missed certain friends, until he was with them once again, and the heartache was there, pushing him forward to keep the conversation going, to keep the time together lasting. That was one of the biggest reasons why he pushed with the three worded question, why he sat on the swing and put his time so quickly, so eagerly into conversation. He had missed Rin, and it was all growing so clear to him. Rin Matsuoka

jellyfish princess @ adox

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

Rin hummed in agreement. Because, yea, Gou would be ecstatic to see him. Quite frankly he missed his little sister a lot too. She was important to him even if they weren't as close as he would like them to be. They used to be, back when they were kids before he went overseas to train. They did everything together and he had told her every big secret he'd had as a child. Even when those weren't all that big in comparison. Now it seemed like they were a almost strangers but he didn't know how to fix it. He wanted to desperately, and it was clear that Gou didn't have the same sort of feeling. She seemed to fall right back into the pattern of things while he felt like he was bumbling through every interaction. "I know." he said simply, he'd just have to make sure they didn't con him into sticking around for dinner. Because he knew his family, nothing on their table would be in line with his approved diet and he'd already cheated that day he saw Makoto. 

Rin nodded at Haru's reasoning for being here. He was never really sure how close Haru was to his parents but considering he came here to see them it had to be fairly so. It seemed homesickness was a running theme, not that he blamed any of his friends, or classmates for that matter. It was always a trying experience to adjust to life in a whole new place with different faces and schedules. He was feeling it too, even though this trial was much less difficult than ones in his past. When he felt lonely he could track down his family, or even Sousuke, Makoto or Haru. Hell, if he wanted he could make the trip back to Samezuka and it would be easy enough. In Australia he was in a whole different country and separated by an ocean. It had been a far worse experience. 

Rin was a little taken aback by the question. It was simple enough really, but he honestly didn't know how to answer. He had been feeling low when he had decided to take his walk. However, it was nothing new or pressing. He'd sort of grew accustomed to the pit of loneliness that tended to settle into his chest. "I think I'm okay. At least, I will be fine. I've just kind of haven't had time to see anyone lately, and was feeling a little lonely, and stressed out and kind of needed the air I guess." He said with a small sigh. He didn't know why that meant wander all the way out here where he'd still be alone but it had all turned out alright in the end Haru was here. And so was that fluttery feeling that he refused to put a name on and honestly he didn't know how to even begin to start unpacking that load of baggage. Now wasn't the time anyways. 

There were days he wished everything could go back to being simple. The way they were when they were kids, before he went overseas. He desperately missed being so carefree with his little group of friends. He missed not having the true weight of his life's goals resting on his shoulders. It felt so simple back then, but then he also didn't know what it would take to get there. "I'm feeling better now, at least, since you showed up." he said, and it was an odd thing to admit to, but it was true. Haru's mere presence made his day better these days no matter the situation. It hadn't been true right at first when he came back but they figured that stuff out. Now it was better, and he was glad. Honestly he didn't think he could take being estranged from the others for much longer, even if it was mostly his fault.

#653

Haruka Nanase

ψ

[Haruka Nanase]

haruka nanase ,

APPLICATION, PROFILE The two words Rin responded with, that had followed Haruka's statement about Gou, brought a little sense of relief to Haruka, knowing that at least that had put it in the other's friend that he really should go and visit home, as much as he wouldn't want to. He had seen how sad Makoto's siblings had been when Makoto had left, and Gou admired her brother nearly as much as those two little ones admired their big brother. It almost made him wish he had a sibling. When he was younger he had never thought of it, as his friends were more like siblings than anything, but when highschool and further had approached, it had made him wonder just what it would've been like with actual siblings. He could tell that his question had come a bit of a surprise to Rin, and it made him question whether or not he had been too direct with his wording. "I think I'm okay. At least, I will be fine. I've just kind of haven't had time to see anyone lately, and was feeling a little lonely, and stressed out and kind of needed the air I guess." A sigh followed the explanation, and he honestly felt bad for Rin. He could understand the feeling, but at the same time, he knew that he didn't understand. His expression was sympathetic, as he turned to watch the sun again for a few moments. It was not surprising that Rin was feeling the weight of all the changes that had happened lately. He'd have been surprised if Rin hadn't been feeling lonely or anything of the sort. He was feeling even more glad that he had taken the detour to the park. If he had learnt anything from the past few weeks, it was that letting other people talk about their problems helped immensely, even if the results were nothing but delayed. "I'm feeling better now, at least, since you showed up." This caused a grin to spread on Haruka's face, as he quickly glanced at Rin, feeling rather touched by the statement. He wasn't sure how to express that, but it was such a nice thing to hear, something he hadn't heard in a while. Frontwards, backwards, he kept his eyes on Rin for a few moments longer, before shifting them again, still smiling. "I'm glad." Was his simple, quiet response to both of Rin's responses; he did not have anything else he could voice in response to that. All he could do as he thought about what had been said was continue to swing, feet forwards, feet backwards, cold breeze on arms. "This place hasn't changed much since we were kids, has it?" He breathed, feeling nostalgic as he looked over the slides, the swings, all the playground equipment they had spent many hours upon. Their group of friends had literally been the ideal children in terms of being active; swimming, at the playground, at the beach. Not much had changed in that sense as they had gotten older. He was quite sure most of them were still swimming, if not all of them. And that thought was what prompted his next question. "Have you had a chance to go and visit the pools we swam in as kids?" Blue eyes trained on Rin again, his question was once again nothing but curiosity, a conversation striker, a reflective moment into their past. He himself had yet to go and visit since he had graduated, and there was a heavy sense of guilty that always came with that realization, each and every time. "It makes you wonder how everyone is doing..." Just like he had been wondering how Rin had been doing, how anyone he had come across was doing. He could only keep his fingers crossed and hope everyone was doing okay, or those that he happened upon weren't lying to his face. Rin Matsuoka

jellyfish princess @ adox

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

It could be so difficult to read Haru some days, and that frustrated him quite a bit. Today, however, it seemed a little bit less of a mystery than usual. The smile on Haru's face seemed to be infectious. It seemed like a bit of a rarity for Haru to smile, and when he was the cause of one of them it warmed him. His own lips were tugging up in a smile. It felt like a lot of the things weighing on him dispersed even if it was only for a little while.

His eyes scanned the playground, the fond smile permanently on his features. He had so many nice memories of this place. It was one of the few places where his memories were mostly happy, and not the other way around. "Not at all. It's kind of amazing." he said with a small laugh. It would be sad, when one day this place rusted out and it would finally have to change. For now it was like a memory preserved in time. They changed but this place wouldn't for a long time.

The next question made Rin a little sad. Mostly because the answer was no. He hadn't really had time to do much at all. With training, work study, practice and classes his schedule had been filled to the brim. It's why he was so glad to have an off day. Luckily it wasn't just from training but from everything. Like the stars had aligned and given him a full day of not having to worry about it.  However it also gave him time to think, which led him here. Overall, it had a fairly good outcome. 

"I haven't, but I'd like to." He said, looking at Haru. "I haven't gotten in the pool for anything other than practice since we graduated." Rin said, scrubbing his face in his hands. He found practice enjoyable because he found swimming in itself enjoyable. He did not like that he hadn't been able to do so recreationaly in a while.  He hadn't just gotten in the water to laze around or race a friend. It had been about moving faster getting better and it just wasn't the same. "I miss it. Goofing around in a pool with you guys." He said, his smile widening at Haru. Those were his best memories. Out of anything, the times where they could just have fun and it wasn't about anything but them. They really needed to figure out a time where they could all get together and do that, but with all the different schedules going on he knew it would be tough. 

#441

Haruka Nanase

ψ

[Haruka Nanase]

haruka nanase ,

APPLICATION, PROFILE "Not at all. It's kind of amazing." It was a mutual contentedness that seemed to come from the playground, and he quite liked it. A laugh had followed Rin's words, and it only made him feel more happy with his decision to come to the park, the place where things seemed to remain still in time, only difference as the years went by being how the equipment seemed to shrink as a result of him and his friends growing. There was still the huddle of trees off to the side, and the missing chip of paint from one of the structures, and it was so familiar, and so wonderful to see. He could remember climbing those trees, picking at that paint, and no one appeared to have dared touch them since. When he had asked the next question, one more direct than the last, he could tell that it struck something within Rin, and for a moment he wondered if the wording was off, and he could've phrased it better. 'If I had to guess, you're probably even busier than I am.' He mused as he watched Rin, patiently awaiting a response, one of which he didn't have to wait long for. "I haven't, but I'd like to. I haven't gotten in the pool for anything other than practice since we graduated." Ding ding ding, he was right. There was so little time in the day, so he had had no doubts about it, and Rin had just confirmed his theory. He shared the desire to get in a pool for something other than speed, strength, all those things that were being drilled into his head each and every day. "I miss it. Goofing around in a pool with you guys." It seemed that they were on the same train of thought regarding the pool and all, for Haruka missed that greatly as well. He returned the smile Rin gave him, his own not as wide, but just as genuine and happy. "I do, too." He responded without pausing, staring at Rin for one moment more, before he cast his eyes across the playground, thinking back on all the stupid stuff they had done in the pools when they were younger. "But, I don't have any doubts we will get to do that again." He sounded so confidant, and he felt that as well. He was very sure that the opportunity would spring up again, even if one of them had to force it to happen. "Whether it is just you and I, or the whole team, it will happen. I just know it." He trailed off, wondering just how hard that would end up being. If it was just a few people, it sure would be easier, and he would never be adverse to just him and one other doing whatever they may decide in a pool. And on the same front, he also hoped he'd get to race Rin again someday. He loved the thrill it gave him, and they both seemed to be past the stupid, bitter arguments over it. "We should go crash it someday. Plan on it." He flashed another small smile at Rin. He then decided to change the subject again, still curious about many things. Might have been only a few weeks, but he hardly had gotten to talk to Rin. "How has your training been going, anyways? Doing well?" That curious expression was back. It was still hard to tell exactly how Rin was doing, and he did have that small bit of him that was still concerned over his friend, mind still reflecting back to the earlier bits of the conversation. At least it seemed that company was a big help; he could easily be some sort of company. Rin Matsuoka

jellyfish princess @ adox

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

Rin kicked away from the ground to swing a little more, still a more or less gentle back and forth and not quite a full swing. He couldn't help but get a little caught in the moment. They'd had a lot of fun here as kids. The nostalgia was starting to get the better of him, but he didn't mind so much. It was better than letting his mind settle on the fact that everything was going to get harder from here on out if he wanted to achieve his dream. He was good but he still had a lot of ground to cover before he could be considered on an Olympic level. It was beautiful here, even if most people would just see a wearing down playground. A place for children to run around and be carefree. It had been a long time since he felt that carefree about anything.

Rin couldn't help the swell of fondness that washed over at him at the other's words. They were so reassuring. It gave him hope that his life wasn't just going to be one monotonous day after another, that he still had someone who was going to be by his side. Even if it was just the two of them getting to swim together for fun was exciting, though, there was always an odd feeling that cropepd up when he thought of swimming with Haru. The usual thrill of a good race to be had, the challenge and a now-familiar sight that never got old, but there was something more. It was always something more with Haru and he never really could wrap his head around it. "I'm holding you to that." He said, seriously. He would too, because he knew he could use the time to just hang out with Haru outside of the mandatory practices. "It'll be great I'm sure." He said, and he was pretty sure he hadn't smiled this much in a long time, if the way his face was starting to ache was any indicator. It was such a nice feeling.

There was a pause when he was asked about his training but he nodded, it was only natural that it would come up, an important topic to him. "It's going really well. My times are improving and I feel like I'm making progress." He said a smile pulling at his features. A lot better than the few years in Australia had ever did for him, and he was pretty sure he would have been making a mistake going back. It was really the driving force for him staying here. That, and the fact that he couldn't bring himself to leave his friends behind again. Especially not Haru. 

"What about you, how's your stuff going?" He asked, looking back over to Haru. He was genuinely curious about that. They rarely swam side by side anymore it seemed, and he'd been so caught up in his own little world that he didn't really notice Haru's progress. He felt a little bit bad for that, but then again, Haru had to ask him how he was doing as well so maybe it wasn't that bad. He wanted to be able to swim side by side with Haru all over the world, and he could only hope that Haru wanted the same things as him. 

#557

Haruka Nanase

ψ

[Haruka Nanase]

haruka nanase ,

APPLICATION, PROFILE When Rin declared he was holding Haruka to his promise, it made him feel even more assured that it was something he could make happen. He could make it happen, and if he were to falter, he now had a memory to reflect back on, to use as motivation to get something organized. He had made a promise, and he refused to back out of a promise, ever. It made him really excited. His fingers tightened on the rungs of the swing, as he thought about the idea that he was going to get to swim directly with Rin again. Haruka found it was hard to keep the excitement off his face, not doubting that it lurked somewhere on his expression; but he didn't care. He had no reason to hide behind his usual expressionless facade; he was content at the moment, and he wasn't ashamed to show it. Rin didn't respond right away to his question regarding training, and he took that opportunity to give a little effort into his swinging, getting a tiny bit of air by the time Rin responded. "It's going really well. My times are improving and I feel like I'm making progress." Watching Rin as he went back and forth by the other, he was relieved to hear a positive response. "I am glad." He was very glad; he was so happy that Rin had decided to stay close, and that he hadn't moved to Australia. For even if he had enjoyed the trip there, he personally would never have been able to move, and chances are, things would've changed drastically between the two again, something he was terrified of. "What about you, how's your stuff going?" It was his turn to pause when that same question was relayed back to him, his expression blank for a moment as he thought of a response. 'Hard? Tiring? Thrilling?' So many options to choose from, it was a challenge for sure. It was so different than what he was used to, and it had still been such a short time, that he was not sure exactly what he thought of it. In high school there had been training and everything, yes, but this was on a whole different level. He was learning so much, but he was so tired after each day. "It's going good." Was his final, honest response. It was going good, that was for sure. "I've learnt a lot..." An understatement; he shrugged, unwilling to go into details, as he was still so uncertain. "It is nice to be able to swim everyday." Soft smile returning to his face as he looked away from Rin, closing his eyes as the breeze from the swing momentum ran down his arms. "That will never get old, that is for sure." He then reopened them, and returned his gaze. Now was the time for the important question. "Are you still planing for the Olympics?" He had to ask it; it had always been Rin's goal, but he wanted to check, to make sure that he still had his mind set on it. He had so much potential, and he did not want to see his friend waste it. Rin was so fast, and so strong; he had no personal doubts on the training side of it. He was more worried that the stress of it as things progressed would get to Rin. "I hope you still have that goal going." Another gentle smile. Rin Matsuoka

jellyfish princess @ adox

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

Rin couldn't put to words how nervous he was about Haru's answer. What if he hated it? What if he was miserable training and he really did just want to do his own thing. He knew it could be intense and occasionally he even felt like he wanted to give it all up. That feeling only lasted for a few moments when it did come around though, and only when he had particularly bad days or when he had to train even though he had a cold, or a something major. It was a fleeting feeling before his dreams reminded him why he couldn't actually live without this in his life. Swimming was such a large part of him that he didn't know what he would do if he had to give up. It was why he worked so hard, but didn't push himself over his limits. He was pretty sure Sousuke would literally kill him if he hurt himself over training.

He let out a little breath he hadn't realized he was holding when Haru finally gave his answer. Relief flooded through his system at his response, and it was good that Haru was learning, and that everything was going well. He had prepared himself for the worst but it seemed like that was for naught. "That's good, I want to keep swimming with you Haru. For as long as possible." He said, looking over at the other next to him. Swimming was his life, and it wasn't something he wanted to have to do without Haru. It was always the most exhilarating when he and Haru were placed side by side in their lanes. He never wanted to lose that feeling.

"That is still the goal, I don't think I could give that up. It's been my dream for so long." He said, looking up to the sky. The sun was getting lower but the stars had yet to come out yet. The few tiny clouds shifting about in the sky were pretty thought. He'd wanted to do it for his father, but it became more than that over the years. His father was still a driving force, but he wanted that dream for himself too. And if fate was kind, he'd have Haru by his side as well. He didn't want to pressure the boy into something he didn't want, however. He wanted Haru to be happy, first and foremost, but he could still hope and dream. 

#410

Haruka Nanase

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[Haruka Nanase]

haruka nanase ,

APPLICATION, PROFILE There was nothing like the warm, content feeling he felt when Rin seemed very pleased by his answer to the training question. It was always nice to hear that Rin still wanted to swim with him, beside him, and that all the rivalry and problems in the past had not created a barrier too tall to scale. Bit by bit they had climbed it, and now he had such a close, wonderful friend, and a person he could glance at across the lanes, and find motivation from. Even if he had no official real goal in mind yet, he knew he had to keep going, until he found it. And having Rin by his side only made it better, easier, and gave him more hope he'd find that one thing he wanted to strive for. "That is still the goal, I don't think I could give that up. It's been my dream for so long." Rin looked wistful as he glanced at the sky, and Haruka followed his gaze, watching the rays of sun that were slowly depleting. He was glad, so happy that it hadn't been lost in the crazy that was adult life. He knew how much that goal had meant to his friend when they were younger, and he had been so worried that multiple factors would change it. But nope, it was there, strong as ever, and prominent, and that was good. "I hope you make it someday." He murmured fondly, thinking on about how neat it would be if he had a friendly face to cheer on when the Olympics came around. It would be such a new, neat experience, that was for sure. "I would love to see you participate and learn so much from it." He looked down at Rin, face rather solemn, but he knew Rin could read him well enough to see the subtle joy and hope he had within. He believed deeply in his friend, and couldn't wait for that day when Rin made it in. "Who knows," A simple shrug. "Maybe someday you might place high in it." 'I know I believe you could do it.' Rin Matsuoka

jellyfish princess @ adox

[Rin Matsuoka]

[googlefont="Courgette"]

you walked in and I think my heart done skipped a beat

There was a warm content feeling that bloomed from Haru's encouragement. If Haru believed he could do it then he believed him. It was stupid really but he had looked up to the other swimmer in one way or another for such a long time. "Thanks Haru, it means a lot." he said with a smile. There was something eating at him though. The way he said it implied that he would be going it alone. He wanted Haru by his side, on that stupid starting block, on his team. He knew he'd never get the same rush without him, Olympics or not. He didn't know how to figure out what he was thinking without sounding pushy. He knew there was a time to push and a time to leave well enough alone, and taking Haru to Australia had been a time to push. This? He wasn't so sure of. 

"What about you? What are your plans after Uni?" He asked curiously. That was safe right? It wasn't prompting for a particular answer just curiosity. Unless Haru hadn't really figured all of that out. Still, it would have ate at him if he didn't ask. He just hoped he didn't upset the other. It was stupid to worry about, but he was terrified of screwing up and pushing Haru away again. He couldn't do all of this without the other, it was that simple. Who knew what would happen when they left University, he had goals and dreams and hoped but there was so many things that could happen in the meantime. It was stupid to focus on that stuff, however, he had his goals now. Giving up before he could make anything of them would just be foolish. More than foolish, lazy. That was something he refused to be known as.

The red-head shifted in his swing, content to just sway back and forth on it in the other's presence. It was hard hours and stress on levels he'd only experienced a few times in his life but this made it worth it. He knew he chose a hard road when he got on it as a child. Having time like this to just be was nice though, especially with Haru at his side. He could dwell on that, should dwell on that but he didn't. Determined to enjoy it while it lasted.

#394

Haruka Nanase

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