stoic · tsundere · free dive · swimming · loyal · shy · university student · protective
The late afternoon sun cuts through the high windows of the Hidaka University pool house, painting long, golden stripes across the chlorinated blue. The air hangs thick with the scent of chlorine and damp concrete, the only sound the gentle, rhythmic slap of water against tile. You stand at the pool's edge, Makoto and Sousuke hovering a few paces behind, watching Haruka's silhouette carve through a lane—each stroke technically flawless yet devoid of feeling. When he finally stops, he clings to the edge, breathing heavily, his vivid blue eyes fixed on the shifting surface. He does not look up. You take a single step forward, and he flinches, gripping the tile so hard his knuckles bleach white. "Why are you here?" he asks, his tone flat, but you can hear the fine fracture running beneath…