Chapter 23

Haru was never a touchy-feely person, Makoto noticed. Especially whenever Kisumi came by and he would hang all over Haru. Haru would brush him away with the most annoyed expression on his face. There was also Nagisa, who seemed to feed off of touch. He would often nuzzle his head against Haru to get his way and Haru would just stand there and let Nagisa nudge up against him. Not as peeved, but still preferring not to be touched.

Makoto had often been the only one who could physically touch Haru without getting an annoyed look, and even that touching was minimal. But during those times when they had touched, there was something that Makoto had always noticed.

Haru's hands were gentle, yet firm.

One of Haru's hands cupped Makoto's shoulder blade while the other was placed on his left side, keeping him upright.

"Go slow," Haru said softly. "You've been doing great so far."

Makoto nodded, gulping. He wiped the sweat from his brow and gripped onto Haru's arm. He took another step and let out a painful groan.

"That's it," Haru said softly, still holding onto Makoto and keeping his body upright. "Take another step."

Makoto whined and closed his eyes, his face scrunching up in a slight wince. He huffed, trying to catch his breath.

"It… it hurts," Makoto admitted.

Haru patted his good side. "I know," he said, and Makoto could tell he was being honest. "Just try again."

Makoto nodded and took another step, his body wobbling. Next to his side, Haru nodded, and Makoto understood his silence as keep going. They took more steps together, each more straining than the last, until they reached the end of the long hallway. Haru allowed Makoto to lean on him while he panted and wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Good. Now, we have to go down this hallway," Haru said.

Haru pointed down the adjoining hall, just as long as tiring as the first. Makoto whined a little from his throat and Haru gave him a hard stare.

"You heard what the doctor said last week. You have to make a few laps around the hospital before you can be discharged," Haru said.

Makoto closed his eyes and nodded, mentally preparing himself. He knew exactly why Haru had told him that.

Haru said that because he knew Makoto was tired of being in that hospital.

Haru could see it every time he visited: Makoto's sullen eyes, his sagging shoulders and broken smiles. Haru often asked if the nurses were talking to him enough out of fear of him getting lonely.

And if Makoto was honest with himself… the long days in the hospital were pretty lonely…

Makoto glanced at Haru, his friend's arms still holding him upright. His blue eyes were patient, staring him down and waiting for him to continue on his own down the hallway.

Things had been lonely.

But…

"There's… there are some things I want to say."

Makoto blinked at him, his brows creasing and his head tilting on the pillow. It was still dark, just the moon illuminating their faces. It was really late at night, Makoto knew but was unsure how late. It had to have been past midnight. He had fallen asleep while his dad was still here and just now woke up.

"What is it, Haru?" Makoto asked, more awake than before.

Haru chewed on his lip and averted his eyes, a light flush painting his cheeks. He visibly swallowed and then lowered his gaze, his eyes seeming to fix on Makoto's collarbone.

"Back in high school, you asked me what my greatest fear was," Haru started.

Makoto's brow quirked and he blinked, racking his brain to try and remember that conversation. Had he asked Haru that? When did he ask him that?

"You said it didn't have to be a thing. It could be a concept," Haru continued when Makoto remained silent.

Suddenly, it all came back to him. That conversation was right after practice on their way home from school. It had been stewing in Makoto's mind all day, but he had not gained the courage to ask. But when Haru had just finished his popsicle and thrown away the stick, Makoto found his voice. And Haru's answer…

Makoto chuckled a bit, his lip pulling into a smile.

"You had said that you were afraid of water disappearing from the world," Makoto said. His smile widened as he thought about it. "I mean, it's not the most usual fear, but it's nothing to be ashamed—"

"I lied."

Makoto's smile vanished from his face as his jaw dropped and he stared at Haru. He blinked rapidly at him and finally creased his brows. Had he heard right?

"E-Eh?" Makoto squeaked.

"I lied. To you," Haru said stiffly. He glanced up at Makoto, meeting his eyes with an intense expression. "That wasn't… isn't… my greatest fear."

Makoto paused and studied Haru's face, swallowing down the anticipation.

"Then… what is, Haru?" Makoto asked softly.

Haru's eyes narrowed sorrowfully, and Makoto worried that he would start crying. He gently reached out a hand to touch Haru's wrist, letting him know he was still there.

"Back at the training camp, when Rei was in trouble…" Haru started.

Makoto felt his heart stutter at the mention of that night. It was different than when Nagisa had scolded him earlier. Now, it felt completely different. Eerie. Somber.

Makoto squeezed Haru's wrist to try and stifle his own fear crawling up his spine.

"When I pulled you out you… you weren't moving," Haru started lowly. "I called your name over and over but you didn't move. A-And your breathing… it was so weak."

"Haru…" Makoto called softly when Haru began to shake and clench his trembling fists.

Haru took slow breaths, his hands opening and closing before finally resting on the bed. He kept his gaze down and avoided Makoto's worried eyes.

"My mind went blank. Everything felt like a weird blur. All I could think about was getting you to wake up again," Haru said.

He pulled his arms close to his chest and curled into a ball, his frame starting to shake.

"Ever since then… I've been terrified of losing you."

"Haru-chan…" Makoto called again, his heart breaking inside of his chest. He felt tears well up in his eyes and he shuddered, willing himself not to cry.

"Everything was fine for a while. You didn't get yourself in any danger," Haru said, furrowing his brows.

Makoto watched as Haru sighed and rubbed a hand down his face.

"Then, the fire happened. And you decided to quit school and join the fire station," Haru said, his voice shaky. "I was always against you joining. I was scared that you would get hurt, but…" Haru's eyes squinted, and his hand came up to clutch his shirt at his chest. "…I was too focused on my own problems to worry about yours."

Makoto was quick to shake his head and he reached out to grab Haru's fist.

"Haru, no… you didn't—"

"I did!" Haru snapped, making Makoto jolt his hand back.

Haru was finally looking directly at him, and Makoto could see that Haru's eyes were shimmering; a stray tear fell down his cheek. Makoto's breath hitched and he reached out to grab Haru's hand, pulling it from its fist and lacing their fingers together. He was surprised when Haru squeezed his hand back.

"I was only focused on myself and my own injuries!" Haru said desperately and breathily. "I should have pushed you to stay in school. That way, I could know you were safe. But when you joined the station, I never knew if you would come back to the apartment."

"Haru… I…" Makoto stuttered.

He swallowed down the lump in the throat and just took a second to breathe. He stared at Haru straight into his eyes and swallowed.

"I'm sorry, Haru."

There was a pause, Haru's harsh breathing slowing into light puffs. Finally, Haru sighed and lowered his gaze, his face softening.

"Don't apologize," Haru said softly, his anger gone.

Makoto watched as Haru quickly wiped his eyes with his fist and then stared back down at Makoto's chest, once again avoiding eye contact. He took a few quick breaths before letting out a quick sigh and finally glancing up to stare at Makoto with determined eyes.

"Makoto," Haru called, his voice firm and sure. Makoto's heart pounded in his chest, in awe at how direct Haru was being. "I want you to quit your job and come back to school."

Makoto gaped at him, his jaw dropped and brows raised. As Haru's request processed, Makoto's brows fell over his eyes and his jaw clenched. He felt tears prick behind his eyes and he inhaled a shuddering breath.

"H-Haru, I… I can't," Makoto said. He turned his head away and closed his eyes, his hand moving away from Haru's and clenching his fists. "I… I hurt your chances for a career, Haru. I mean… not only did I not get you out in time, but I was the reason for the dorm fire in the first place."

"You're wrong."

Makoto's eyes popped open and he turned back to stare into Haru's serious eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but Haru cut him off.

"Remember me saying that Koji did some research?" Haru asked, looking more intense. Makoto hesitated and then realized that Haru wanted a response. He nodded slowly and Haru's brows lowered. "He said that the fire wasn't caused by a pan left on the stove."

Makoto's eyes shot open wide. His jaw opened and closed, gaping at him with confused brows.

"Th-Then… what was the—"

"Koji said that the stoves were recalled, but the university never heard about it," Haru said. "They had faulty wiring."

Makoto gaped at him, his brows furrowed and jaw slack.

"S-So… that's…"

"You didn't start the dorm fire, Makoto."

Haru's blue eyes shined in the dark, lighting them and staring through Makoto's soul. A tear slipped out of Makoto's eye and he squeezed them shut to try to prevent more from spilling.

"It wasn't your fault. You understand that, Makoto?" Haru reached out and grabbed Makoto's hand, pulling it away from his eyes. "It wasn't. Your. Fault."

Makoto released a shuddering breath and a broken sob ripped through his throat. Haru's hand cupped Makoto's cheek and wiped away his tears with his thumb, and it only made Makoto's heart squeeze harder.

"You can come back to school, Makoto," Haru said gently, continuing to wipe the tears. Makoto blinked at him, more tears sliding down his cheeks. "I want you to come back to school."

Makoto sniffed and scrubbed his face with the back of his hand. He took a slow breath and glanced back at Haru with weary eyes.

"When you're healed up, I'll help you through the process. Get you readmitted and help you study for entrance exams," Haru said.

Makoto stared at him, his heart pounding and eyes wide with shock. His tongue was tied in his mouth and when he tried to speak, it only came out as a squeak. But Haru was there, grabbing his hand and staring at him with gentle eyes.

"What do you say, Makoto?"

"Makoto?"

Makoto was yanked back into reality by the sound of Haru's voice right next to his ear. He turned to look at Haru, whose brows were pulled tightly in a worried frown.

"Did you hear me?" Haru asked. When Makoto stared at him blankly, Haru shook his head and sighed. "I said, let's go down this hallway. We've got to get you discharged."

Makoto blinked at him, finally registering what Haru had said.

He had been lonely in the hospital.

But Haru has been by his side every step of the way.

"What do you say, Makoto?"

Makoto smiled fondly and nodded.

"Okay, Haru."

Haru tugged on the forest green cloth that covered his homemade bento as he stepped into the elevator. It was a light meal, filled with Makoto's favorites. He knew Makoto had been getting tired of hospital food and Haru thought he deserved something different.

When the elevator dinged at the right floor, Haru stepped off and headed down to Makoto's room. As he got closer to his room, he realized that the door was open. Haru quirked a brow, ready to barge in, when he heard a voice.

"Are you sure this is what you want?"

Haru froze in his tracks.

That voice sounded familiar. Where had he heard it before?

"Yeah, I… I'm sure, Captain." Makoto's voice.

Ah, so it was his Captain.

Haru backed up against the wall and peeked around the corner, catching a glance of Captain Mori and Koji standing beside Makoto's bed. Makoto looked tired, and his smile was forced. Meanwhile, Captain Mori looked gruff and Koji looked… dejected.

"Well," Mori said with a sigh and scrubbed his face. "I'll, uh… I'll let the Chief know."

Let the Chief know? What was going on?

"Mmn. Could you tell him I'm sorry I couldn't do this in person?" Makoto asked, his strained smile still painted on his face.

"Yeah, yeah," Mori said with a wave of his hand. "He won't care."

Makoto chuckled, a genuine chuckle, and then nodded. "Yes, I suppose you're right."

There was a beat of silence, Mori taking a step back to leave, until Koji finally took a step forward towards Makoto.

"Do you really want to do this?" Koji asked, his voice quivering.

Makoto hesitated, Haru barely seeing the shock on his face before it melted into a sympathetic smile.

"Mmn," Makoto hummed. "Sorry, Koji. I've already promised Haru to talk to you both about this."

Haru's heart jolted.

Makoto…

He was quitting his job.

"I know," Koji said with a sigh. "I know, I just… it won't be the same at the station."

Koji gave a lifeless chuckle and rubbed his eyes. He inhaled sharply and his breath stuttered a bit, and for one horrifying moment, Haru thought he was going to cry.

But Makoto reached out his hand to grip Koji's wrist, making him drop his hand from his eyes and look at Makoto.

"Thank you, Koji," Makoto said softly. "I will never forget all that you've done for me."

Koji paused, Haru unable to see his face. But then, Koji leaned down and pulled Makoto into a warm hug, his hand cupping the back of Makoto's head.

"No. Thank you, Makoto," Koji said.

Haru saw Makoto's arms come up and wrap around Koji, squeezing tightly.

"Mmn!"

Haru pulled back from the doorway and leaned his head against the wall, listening to their hushed voices from the room. He sighed and held onto the bento in his hands. His heart squeezed and ached in his chest.

After some heartfelt goodbyes, Koji and Mori emerged from Makoto's room, Koji pulling the door shut behind him. When the door shut, Koji met Haru's eyes and his brows rose.

"Oh— Haru!" Koji greeted.

Haru bowed slightly in response and then stared up at Koji's face. His eyes were red-rimmed and he had flushed cheeks. He looked miserable and yet seemed… lighter— as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Ah, here to visit Makoto?" Koji asked, trying for a smile.

"Yeah," Haru said. He glanced at Makoto's door and then looked back at Koji. "Did he… did he quit? Being a firefighter, I mean."

Koji's fragile smile crumbled and his gaze lowered to look at the ground. He nodded glumly and then tried for another smile.

"I knew it was coming, honestly. But, even though it happened, I still couldn't believe it," Koji said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "He'd become such a huge part of our family at the station."

Haru's brows upturned sadly and he glanced down at the bento in his grasp.

"I'm sorry," Haru mumbled.

Koji hesitated, looking up and studying Haru's face. Then, he smiled wearily.

"Oh, no, it's nothing to be sorry about," Koji said. "This is what's best for him, right?"

Haru glanced up at him and nodded, agreeing completely.

"Yeah, it is," Haru confirmed.

Koji's smiled widened and he nodded once.

"That's what I thought," Koji said. "Well… just…"

Koji glanced back at Makoto's door, peering through the window for a moment before sighing and turning back to Haru. His eyes were sharp and lines creased his forehead.

"Just… promise me something?" Koji asked.

Haru blinked at him and nodded, feeling his chest swelling.

"Just… make sure he's happy… okay?" Koji asked.

Haru's eyes squinted when he felt light tears prick the corners. He nodded furiously in response, the tears almost falling out.

Koji smiled and reached over to touch Haru's shoulder.

"Thank you," Koji said.

"Hirose, you ready?" Mori called from the opposite wall.

Koji turned to his Captain and nodded, humming in response. He turned to Haru and squeezed his shoulder once before letting go. He nodded his head in goodbye and started to walk down the hallway behind Mori.

Haru took a deep breath and turned to go into Makoto's room.

"Hey, Haru!"

Haru's hand froze on the door, his head whipping to see Koji calling him from down the hallway.

"Be expecting a phone call from me sometime this week! I've got something to show you!" Koji called.

Haru opened his mouth to speak, but it was too late. Koji took off down the hall to catch up to his Captain. Haru stood at the door, a little baffled. But he shook his head and slid the door open, entering Makoto's room.

"Oh, Haru!" Makoto greeted from his bed. "You're early today."

Haru nodded. "Class got out early."

He lifted up the bento in his hand and showed Makoto.

"Oh, is that a bento? For me?" Makoto asked, his eyes widening.

"Yeah," Haru said. "I made some curry, but with fewer spices. It'll be easier on your stomach."

Makoto took the bento gratefully, a huge smile on his face.

"Thank you, Haru," Makoto said.

Haru studied him as he unwrapped the bento.

Makoto's eyes were red as well.

"Hey, Haru," Makoto called as he took off the lid. Haru snapped his gaze to Makoto, giving him his full attention. "You want to share it with me? You made it, after all."

Haru glanced down at the bento box in Makoto's lap.

"Just… make sure he's happy… okay?"

Haru smiled and propped his elbows on the side of Makoto's bed.

"Sure."

"Well, everything looks good and you're healing pretty well, Tachibana-san."

The doctor glanced over Makoto's chart in his hands with a wide smile on his face. Makoto sat stiffly on the hospital bed, donned in a clean t-shirt with a jacket and a pair of jeans. Haru stood by his side, holding Makoto's bag for him.

"So, you're all free to go as long as you're sure the pain has decreased…" the doctor said with a soft expression.

Makoto lifted a hand to touch his stomach and he grunted slightly, sharply inhaling a breath through his nose. But he quickly recovered and gave the doctor a reassuring smile.

"It's a lot better now," Makoto said.

The doctor turned to Haru with a quirked brow.

"You live with him, correct?" the doctor asked.

Haru startled and then nodded. The doctor hummed and clapped a hand on Haru's shoulder, offering a kind smile.

"Make sure he takes care of himself, okay?" the doctor said.

Haru nodded immediately and firmly. "I will."

"Good. If you spot any swelling or redness, come in right away. I will see you at your appointment in a few weeks," the doctor said. He turned to the door of the room and walked through the doorway, turning his head back to look at Makoto one last time. "Take care, Tachibana-san."

Makoto smiled at him and bowed his head slightly. "Thank you," he said gently.

With those parting words, the doctor left the room, and Makoto glanced up at Haru.

"Ready to go, Haru?" Makoto asked. Haru nodded and watched as Makoto shakily stood on his feet.

When Makoto took a step forward, he stumbled slightly and Haru's hand shot out to grab his arm, stabilizing him instantly.

"Are you okay?" Haru asked, his face intense as he held Makoto up.

Makoto took a deep breath and readjusted himself to his feet, removing his weight from Haru's grip. But even when he could stand on his own, Haru's hand still clutched onto his bicep.

"I'm fine," Makoto said, blinking down at his feet. He felt Haru squeeze his arm and he glanced up at him, seeing the 'are you sure' question dancing in Haru's eyes. But Makoto smiled, understanding. "Really. I just lost my footing. Thanks for saving me!"

Haru hesitated and then removed his hand from Makoto's arm.

"Dummy," Haru said, and it made Makoto chuckle. He glanced towards the door and hummed, nodding his head towards the door. "There should be a cab waiting for us at the front," Haru explained.

Makoto nodded. "Mmn. Thank you, Haru."

They walked out of the hospital room and headed down the hallway to the elevator. Makoto could see Haru peering at him every few feet, watching his every move like a hawk. After they rode the elevator down in silence, Haru finally spoke up.

"Can you get around okay?" Haru asked as they turned down the hallway towards the front entrance.

Makoto nodded and smiled.

"Yeah. I mean, it still hurts a little, but I'm able to move around," Makoto answered.

Haru hesitated, his eyes looking down at the ground as they turned the corner.

"Will you go somewhere with me tomorrow?" Haru asked.

Makoto turned his head to look down at him, his lips parting and brows rising. He blinked a few times and then nodded.

"Sure, Haru," Makoto answered. "Where do you want to go?"

Haru bit his lip, giving Makoto a long side-glance.

"I want to go to the park."

Makoto waited by the front door of their apartment, his shoes already on his feet and a jacket over his shoulders. He waited for Haru to come out of their room, patiently at first, but he quickly grew antsy. He knew of a few parks in the area but was unsure of which one Haru wanted to go to. Or why.

Makoto sighed and anxiously rubbed the back of his neck. He was about to call out to Haru when he heard the sound of a door opening. And soon enough, Haru arrived in the living room, a backpack over his shoulders.

Makoto tilted his head and pointed at the backpack.

"What's the backpack for, Haru?" Makoto asked.

Haru adjusted the backpack over shoulders and tugged on the straps.

"You'll see," Haru answered as he shuffled to the door. He slipped on his shoes and tapped his toes on the floor before grabbing the doorknob. He glanced back at Makoto over his shoulder and gave him an expectant look. "Ready?"

Makoto paused and then nodded. He was unsure if he was ready, but he trusted Haru.

They left the apartment complex and headed down the sidewalk, Haru sticking close to Makoto's side. Haru led them down a familiar path, Makoto's brows knitting together as his chest tightened. At his side, Haru's hands clenched the straps of his backpack but his face looked calm.

They turned another familiar corner and Makoto felt his heart stutter and quicken. His stomach plummeted when they crossed the busy road and towards a street that they both used to walk down every single day. Makoto knew exactly where they were.

They were close to their old dorm building.

"H-Haru," Makoto called nervously.

"Just keep breathing," Haru said, glancing up at him. "Don't worry."

Makoto's heart fluttered and he nodded, following Haru down another street until they were almost at the lot.

Makoto gulped and held his breath, his hands curling into shaking fists by his sides. He closed his eyes and followed the sounds of Haru's footsteps until they stopped, probably in front of the lot.

"Makoto," Haru called, and Makoto's eyes only squeezed tighter. "Makoto. Look."

Makoto's eyes fluttered open, one at a time, and then shot open wide.

The building was gone.

There was only an empty lot in front of him.

Its only remains were a couple of stray bricks lying on the asphalt.

It's… it's gone, Makoto thought. It's all gone. Where… what…

"They finished tearing it down last week." Haru's voice sounded from next to him. "After new findings, they closed the investigation."

Makoto's jaw dropped, staring up at the cloudy sky where the building used to sit. A huge part of their lives was now nothing but a free lot, the empty space hollowing out something in Makoto's heart.

His chest pulled and then released, leaving Makoto feeling lighter. It was strange, seeing something like this that could make him feel this way.

"Makoto."

Makoto jolted out of his reverie and turned back to look at Haru, who was gesturing with his hand.

"Let's go, Makoto," Haru called.

Makoto gulped. He craned his head back to look at the empty lot one last time before turning to follow Haru.

"Okay."

They walked one block over to the nearby park. It was small, only providing some grass and picnic tables.

But Makoto remembered this park. He and Haru had both frequented this park for a quiet lunch in between classes. It was empty, especially since the air was frigid and the sky was overcast.

They came to a stop in a patch of grass near the center of the park, away from the benches and walkways. Haru took his backpack off of his shoulders and knelt down, unzipping the bag and pulling out a medium-sized cooking pot.

Makoto blinked down at the pot in his hands, thoroughly confused. Was he going to… cook something?

"What's… what's all this, Haru?" Makoto asked as Haru placed the pot on the ground.

Haru did not reply right away. Instead, he pulled out a stack of papers from his bag and sat down in the grass next to the pot. He patted the ground next to him, beckoning Makoto to sit with him. Makoto hesitated, his brows furrowing a bit. Haru looked serious, and Makoto knew that once he got his mind on something, there was no stopping him.

Makoto slowly got down on the ground and crossed his legs. He peered at Haru again with creased brows, wondering what Haru was up to.

Haru sifted through the stacks of papers and then plucked one out with the tips of his fingers. He handed it to Makoto, who took it carefully.

It was a newspaper article, dated from the previous year. The headline of the article was titled: University Fire Devastates Community.

Makoto felt his heart leap into his throat and his fingers crinkled the flimsy paper.

"This is…"

"It's the article about the dorm fire last year," Haru said, talking for the first time since they had arrived at the park.

Makoto gulped, his eyes reading the article. It described, in great detail, the fire that occurred on that fateful day last year. The article mentioned how several were hospitalized with minor burns, and only two were in critical condition.

Makoto winced.

He knew which students were in critical condition that day.

There were also pictures of the fire itself. Even though the paper was in black and white, Makoto could clearly see how red those flames were as they reached for the sky, and how the thick, black smoke billowed above in the air. He could even see the striking red fire trucks and the black and yellow uniforms of the firemen who came to their aid.

Makoto remembered it all.

Another piece of paper slid overtop the article and Makoto blinked rapidly at it. He glanced up to see Haru handing him another paper and Makoto took it with shaking fingers.

At the top were the words "East Tokyo Hospital," and then followed by several listings of procedures, including a surgery and several x-rays. Makoto's brows furrowed again as his eyes traveled lower to see the final costs at the bottom of the page.

"Medical bills," Haru said plainly.

Makoto cringed and risked a glance up at Haru.

"Haru… why are you—"

Haru thrust another stack of papers at Makoto without a word. Makoto took them and glanced through them.

Surgery dates.

Therapy sessions.

Healing progress.

They were all documents from all of the hospital visits that both he and Haru had gone through. It listed Haru's constant physical therapy sessions and their dates along with several doctor's appointments that Makoto had to go to so his burns could be checked on. It even included the shoulder surgery that Makoto had desperately kept a secret from Haru for so long.

Makoto winced and glanced up at Haru, his lip quivering a little. But before Makoto could say anything, Haru handed him two more documents. Makoto took them and glanced at the first page, his eyes widening.

It was a copy of Makoto's withdrawal confirmation letter from the university, dated only a month after the incident.

"Withdrawal letter…" Haru mumbled.

Makoto closed his eyes for a moment before quickly switching to the second document, seeing that it was from Haru's transcripts from the university.

Notice: Change in Majors Request Accepted

Makoto skimmed through the document, confused at first, and then realized that it was the official document that noted when Haru changed his major to Culinary.

"This… this was when you changed your major," Makoto said, and Haru hummed. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Haru shift, and the last of the papers were added to the stack in Makoto's lap.

Makoto blinked a few times down into his lap, a familiar paper catching his eye. It was crumpled and creased as if folded and shoved into a bag…

Makoto's heart stuttered and his hands shook.

It was the incident report.

That same, dreaded incident report had followed him back and was now staring him in the face.

He felt his chest tighten as his shaking fingers picked up the document.

Suddenly, Makoto was thrust back into his memories. He was standing in the kitchen of their apartment, Haru's spilled contents on the floor next to his bag, and in Makoto's hand was the wrinkled paper. The words are still burned onto the paper, making Makoto's spine cringe.

In conclusion, one of the students in the building is responsible for the fire…

Makoto felt a hand touch his knee and he was abruptly pulled from his haunting memories. He glanced up to see Haru staring at him with a comforting expression.

You're okay, Haru's eyes told him.

Makoto gave a curt nod and stared back down at the paper one last time before adding it to the pile on his lap. He picked up the last paper that Haru had handed him and gazed over it. He had never seen it before, but… it was an official document.

The top of it read, Stoves to Be Recalled.

Makoto's brows slowly rose to his forehead as he read the words down the page.

"It's the stoves I mentioned at the hospital," Haru suddenly said.

Makoto lifted his head and looked at Haru with wide eyes. Haru was staring down at the paper in Makoto's hands, his face calm.

"Koji went and got an official document made," Haru continued, and Makoto glanced back down at the paper. "This is just a copy. The real document went to the police station so they could fill out an incident report. A new one."

Makoto snapped his gaze back up to look at Haru, stunned by his words.

A new incident report?

So… So he would be…

"So your name won't be in those records anymore."

Makoto jolted, his fingers crumpling the papers in his hands. He started to shake and his shoulders rose up to his ears. He read the document over and over, the mark of his innocence slapping him in the face repeatedly as his eyes flitted over those words. He felt a variety of emotions wash over him like rain. Warm. Cold. Anxious. Relieved. Tears stung in his eyes and he squeezed them shut. He would not cry, he would not cry, he would not…

"Makoto."

Makoto glanced back up at Haru, his eyes shining with sobs threatening to burst out of his chest.

Haru got on his knees next to Makoto and gathered up all the papers and documents, stacking them and then placing them in Makoto's hands. Haru reached into his pocket and pulled out a box of matches, Makoto's eyes widening.

"We can leave all of this behind us, Makoto," Haru said.

Makoto's breath hitched, his blood roaring in his ears. His hands fumbled with the papers and they almost slipped, but Haru was quick to catch them, his hand gently holding Makoto's wrist.

"Once you've fully healed, we'll go back to campus and get you reapplied," Haru said.

Makoto fidgeted with the papers, his face twisting into a nervous grimace. A tear fell out of his eye and made it halfway down his cheek before Haru wiped it away. He focused back on Haru, his blue eyes steady and calm.

"We can do this, Makoto," Haru said. "Together."

More tears slipped from Makoto's eyes as he nodded, the lump in his throat preventing the words from escaping.

Haru nodded back and gently took the papers from Makoto's hands. He gently rested them down in the pot, the papers landing in a soft flutter. He slid open the box of matches and took out two, handing one to Makoto.

Makoto took the match with trembling fingers and watched as Haru struck his match and quickly handed the box over to him. Makoto gulped and struck his match as well, looking back to Haru with wet eyes.

Haru nodded once at him, Makoto nodding back.

Then, they both dropped their matches into the pot, watching as the flames quickly started to eat away at the paper.

Makoto began to tremble, watching as the words 'Incident Report' vanish into smoke before his very eyes. More tears slid down his cheeks but he found that he could not look away from the pot, light smoke gently rising into the air.

Suddenly, Makoto felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to see Haru eyeing him with subtle concern. Hot tears squeezed from Makoto's eyes and he whimpered, quickly inhaling a sharp breath to hold back the sob. Haru squeezed Makoto's shoulder, his thumb gently rubbing soothing circles, and turned back to the pot.

Makoto sniffed, thankful for Haru's concern.

"Thank you, Haru," Makoto muttered quietly.

Haru squeezed Makoto's shoulder again in response.

They both sat quietly as more smoke came from the pot, tiny flames dancing in the light breeze. Once the fire had dwindled, Makoto breathed a sigh of relief.

The papers had been reduced to nothing but ash.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

This is fine.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Totally normal. Nothing is wrong.

Breathe in…

Breathe out…

I can do this.

Breathe in…

I can do this.

Breathe out…

I… can…

Breathe… in…

Makoto was trembling.

His face was scrunched up in a nervous grimace and his fingers threatened to rip the papers in grasp.

The Admissions office was right in front of him with a large, happy WELCOME sign posted on the front door. It had not changed since the last time he stood in front of that building; his parents by his side and a bored Haru longing to be in a pool.

It was not much different… except for the burning scars that Makoto felt underneath his clothes.

Breathe in…

Breathe out…

Breathe… in…

"Makoto."

Makoto jolted at the familiar voice, his head whipping to the side.

Haru blinked at him, his demeanor calm and confident.

"You can do this, Makoto," Haru said. "We're just signing you back up for classes."

Makoto nodded rigidly and stared back up at the doors.

"I know, Haru," Makoto started, biting his lip. "But… but what if something happens again? What if I mess up or—"

"Makoto," Haru said firmly, quickly making Makoto's jaw click shut. "You're not doing this alone, remember?"

Makoto gaped at him, unsure of what to do or say as his nerves quickly began to take over. He tried to take slow, even breaths to calm himself. To distract himself. He started to even count the bricks on the side of the building, an old technique that Koji had taught him to relax, but even that seemed to be a struggle. He was quickly losing control and knew he would bolt if he would just calm down.

Suddenly, a hand came into Makoto's view. Makoto focused on the hand, his eyes roving up the arm and to Haru's face.

"Let's go in, Makoto," Haru said, his hand extended to Makoto.

Makoto could feel his heart quiver and then start to slow. He nodded, and then took Haru's hand.

"Together."

One year later…

Haru stepped up onto the block and breathed in the thick chlorine, the shimmering lane in front of him. He tucked his hair into his swim cap, pulling it snugly, and then lowered his goggles over his eyes.

Take a deep breath, Haru told himself.

He inhaled deeply and lowered his upper body until his fingers gripped the edge of the block, putting one foot back slightly.

Then release your air, pushing back from your bellybutton.

Haru pushed out his air, closing his eyes only for a moment.

Then, keep still. Listen intently.

Haru imagined a crowd of people waiting, watching. He imagined a voice echoing over the intercom.

"Ready!"

Haru leaned back a bit.

The water is alive…

Then, an imaginary buzzer sounded.

And Haru thrust himself into the water.

He dove in with a light splash, dolphin kicking in the water until he reached the surface, quickly falling into his stroke. He could almost feel it— the same familiar feeling that sent tingles down his spine.

Sure, the water was alive.

But Haru had never felt more alive in his entire life.

He made the turn at the far end of the pool, and voices from the past echoed in his mind.

"Haru-chan!"

Haru took a breath, slammed his hand into the water.

"Haruka-senpai!"

Haru's legs kicked, his foot flexible and limber.

"Haru!"

Haru was… free.

His hand slammed against the wall, sending water droplets flying. He reared his head back and inhaled deeply, his eyes automatically looking at the boards for results.

When Haru saw that the screens at the top of the wall were black, he sighed and allowed himself to relax. The imaginary crowd disappeared, and his three old teammates' voices faded. He sighed and closed his eyes, removing his swim cap and goggles from his head and whipping his head to fling the water from his hair.

"Haru."

Haru's eyes opened.

A hand.

There was a hand in his field of vision.

Haru's eyes followed the arm and then glanced up.

Torii stood above him with a cheerful smile on his face.

"Good work, Haru!" Torii said.

Haru blinked at him and then softly smiled. Just out of habit, he was about to tell Torii to stop using –chan. Luckily, he caught himself before the words left his mouth.

"Thank you," Haru said, taking Torii's hand.

Torii hauled him up from the lane and then placed his hands on his hips.

"You know, Coach says that if you keep it up, you could be in the running for the national team next year," Torii said.

Haru wiped his face and hesitated, studying Torii's face. His stomach was filled with butterflies and he did not trust his voice. He settled for a shrug and glanced away, the skin under his eyes reddening.

Torii chuckled and placed a towel on Haru's shoulder.

"Typical response," Torii said.

Haru pouted and started to dry his hair with the towel. He could faintly hear fellow members of his university team diving into their lanes and splash around. A few chuckles of laughter echoed in the room, and Haru could faintly hear doors clicking shut. It was just another peaceful Saturday morning practice.

"Say, Haru," Torii spoke again after a while. "Makoto usually comes to our Saturday practices. The team appreciates his advice and coaching. Where is he?"

Haru scrubs his scalp one last time before lowering the towel onto his shoulders.

"He got a part-time job just for the weekends," Haru said.

Torii's brows rose and he tilted his head.

"A new job?" Torii asked. "Where at?"

Haru hesitated and then sighed, shaking his head. Then, he lifted his gaze to peer at Torii.

And he smiled.

Koji sat in the break room, his shoulders slumped and his head down on the table.

It had been a long week. There were several calls, but most were just minor fires. There was even a call about a kitten falling down a storm drain and Koji had to clamber down the hole to fetch it. It was so tiny, its cute face mewling and whining. He wished that that Mako…

Oh.

Koji sighed and bonked his head against the table.

That ray of sunshine in the fire station had not been there in about a year. Koji longed for a fresh face in the station again. Someone bright. Someone who cared. The days in the past year seemed long and without any kind of meaningful conversation. It was like a dark cloud had descended on Koji's world.

"Ugh," Koji groaned, bonking his head on the table once again.

"Oi."

Koji rolled his head to the side to see Mori standing in the doorway, his hands on his hips and a strange frown on his face.

"Ah, Captain…" Koji murmured, lifting his head from the table. He could feel a bruise starting to form on his forehead.

"The new weekend recruits are here. I'll need your help training them," Mori said. He raised a brow when Koji sighed. "So stop sulking and go greet them."

"Yes, sir," Koji said.

As Mori slinked away from the door, Koji stood to his feet and groaned, stretching his arms above his head. He was in no mood to train new recruits, let alone meet them.

Koji turned down the hallway and entered the garage, where Mori was already speaking to the team on duty. There were quite a few men huddled together at the edge of the garage. The new recruits, Koji presumed. But he kept his gaze glued to the ground as he walked up to stand behind Mori.

"All right, everyone. Listen up," Mori started. "These are the new weekend recruits. They will be going through training today, so I expect you all to help guide them and show them the ropes. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Good," Mori said. "Ah, and this is Hirose."

Mori grabbed Koji by his shoulder and yanked him forward.

"He'll be leading your training today," Mori said to the group of recruits.

Koji glanced at Mori with wide, shocked eyes.

"L-Leading?" Koji squeaked.

"So listen to his instruction, all right?" Mori said, ignoring Koji's pleas.

"Yes, sir!" the new recruits said.

"C-Captain, I don't think I'm qualified to—"

Mori clapped Koji on the shoulder to shut him up.

"Good. Now, wait in the driveway. We'll get you started soon," Mori said.

The recruits all bowed and started to file out of the garage and to the driveway. Koji turned away from the garage door to face Mori, his eyes practically bugging out of his head.

"Captain, I'm not sure this is a good idea," Koji said. "I haven't… I haven't been myself lately, and… well… I don't want to teach them wrong. My heart's not in it."

Mori stared at him with a deadpan expression and blinked.

"You really need to find a girl, sheesh," Mori groaned as he wiped his face.

Koji's face burned. "C-C-Captain!"

"There's a reason I'm asking you to do this, Hirose," Mori said, placing his hands on his hips.

Koji blinked at him, his brows knitting together in confusion.

"And… and why's that?" Koji asked.

Mori hesitated, and then glanced at something just over Koji's shoulder.

Then, something strange happened.

Mori put on a rare, soft smile.

"Why don't you turn around and see for yourself?" Mori asked.

Koji paused and then slowly turned around.

His heart jolted and his eyes widened.

"M… Makoto?"

"Hehe! Long time no see, Koji!"

The End