Makoto Tachibana

I shook myself awake, wiping the drool from the corner of my mouth. I looked up. The clock on the classroom wall read 7:03 and I cursed under my breath before shoving all of my desk's contents into my bag and running out the doors.

"Tachibana-kun!" I called, running to the edge of the pool, "I'm here! I'm sorry I'm late."

I looked around, The pool was deserted, even Haruka, who normally stayed for an extra half hour after practice was officially over, was nowhere in sight, and I slapped myself in the forehead before checking my watch. 7:12.

"I guess Makoto went home with me." I sighed, readjusting my bag on my shoulder before I felt a pair of strong arms lace around my waist and a sudden weight rested itself on top of my head. Makoto's voice soon followed.

"What took you so long?" he asked, a pout apparent in his tone.

"I kinda fell asleep studying while I was waiting for you." I explained, chuckling sheepishly, "I'm really sorry that you ended up having to be the one to have to wait up for me instead.

Makoto shook his head, assuring me that he didn't mind even if I was over a half hour late. I thanked him with a soft, quick peck on the cheek, and I asked him if he was ready to go home, to which he replied yes to in relief.

He let go of my waist as he turned around to go, shaking the extra water from his olive locks. I found myself staring at him and his perfectly sculpted features and balanced proportions, wondering how I was able to get him to look at me the same way I looked at him. Makoto stared back at me, and flashed one of his signatures shy grins. I almost melted.

Makoto reached down and took my hand in his, when a cool autumn breeze swept my hair up and sent shivers through me. I felt Makoto's warm hand tighten its grip, and moments later, Makoto had pulled his track jacket out of his bag and he held it out to me. I took it gratefully, slipping it on. It was extremely large on me, but was also comforting and smelled like Makoto. I moved from holding his hand to hugging his arm, and I whispered to Makoto.

"Maybe I should be late more often."

"NO. I mean- It's gets kinda dark, and I-"

I went on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"I'm kidding."

Makoto laughed nervously and we walked the rest of the way home in blissful silence.