RQ: HarukaXReader

'Come on! It’s just water! Water can’t hurt you . . . . . Except drown you!!'

“Yeek! I can’t do this!” The girl shrieked, jumping away from the pool’s edge. (y/n) is a second-year student in high school, her (h/c) hair shone in the spring sun, her (e/c) eyes, although beautiful, held fear in them at the moment as she looked at the pool that had recently been built by the new swim club members.

“This is ridiculous, I can’t even get close to it without freaking out . . . . “

(y/n) had a fear of water. It all started when she was young, she took swimming lessons and loved it once she was in the water. But one day, while she was practicing a stroke, she didn’t focus and hit the wall of the pool with her head, almost knocking her out and making her body unresponsive for a few moments, but those few moments felt like an eternity for someone underwater. She remembered looking up to the surface that held the oxygen that she so needed to stay alive, but her body wouldn’t respond to her commands. Luckily the coach noticed her drowning and managed to save her before she ran out of breath. Ever since that day, she never went near a pool again. But she deeply missed the feeling of being in the water, and attempted to get over her fear, but all her attempts failed.

She slowly walked to the edge of the pool again and looked down at her reflection.

'This is the closest I’ve ever gotten in the past years, I’ll never be able to swim again . . . .'

“Can I help you?” a voice suddenly asked behind her. (y/n)’s eyes darted to the side and saw another reflection in the water. Startled, she jumped to her feet.

“Eeek! I-” but as she tried to turn around, her foot slipped and she began to fall. But before she could hit the water, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm, yanking her forward onto a firm chest. (y/n) looked up and stared into deep blue orbs. She knew this person. It was one of her classmates: Haruka Nanase. He was an interesting boy with an abnormal love for the water. She blushed hard when she noticed that he had already stripped down to his swim shorts, thus she was being pressed again his bare chest.

“Uhhh . . . . .” was all she was able to say.

“You ok?” Haruka asked, his face completely neutral.

“Y-y-y-yeah, th-thanks.” Haruka released her, “No problem. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing here?”

“Ugh . . . . . . . well . . . . .”

“Did you want to join the swim club?”

“Huh? Um . . . . I would to be honest, but . . . .”

“But what?”

“You see, I kinda . . . . have a fear of water . . . .”

“Hm, then why would you be here?” (y/n) deeply sighed, “I was hoping that I could get over it, but the only think I’ve been able to accomplish was just to stare at the water from the pool’s edge. At this rate, I’ll never be able to get over my fear.”

“Why?”

“Huh? Why what?”

“Why do you want to get over your fear so badly?”

“Because . . . . I want to swim.”

“Do you . . . . enjoy swimming?”

“Yes, well, I used to at least.” (y/n) was silent, but then spoke up with an idea on her mind, “H-Haruka.”

“You know my name?”

“Y-yes, we’re in the same class after all.”

“Hm.”

“Anyway, I’ve noticed that you swim very well.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve seen you swim during your club hours . . . . . ugh, I-I-I wasn’t being a creeper or anything! I just really enjoy watching you swim! Ugh, ok, maybe that does sound a little creepy, but I’m not a creeper or stalker or anything like that!”

“. . . . . . I didn’t say you were . . . .”

“Ack! . . . . . . . . Anyway, I was hoping that you’d be able to help me with my fear and teach me how to swim . . . . .”

“Sorry, I only swim free style.”

“That’s fine! Any style is fine!”

“I’m not a teacher, you should go fine a proper swimming instructor.”

“You say that as if I haven’t tried that already. Every teacher I’ve tried gave up on me thanks to my fear.”

“I’m not a teacher. I’m sorry.”

“Awww, don’t be like that Haru-chan!” a voice said behind Haruka. (y/n) looked. It was a rather short blondie. His eyes were a mix of red and pink, he was rather short, only coming up to Haruka’s chest.

“If she needs help with swimming, why don’t you help her?”

“I’m not a coach.”

“But you helped Rei-chan.”

“He’s part of the swimming club.”

“Well,” blondie turned to (y/n), “do you wanna join the swim club?” he asked.

“Um, well I would if I knew how to swim. But if he doesn’t want-”

“There you go Haru-chan! If you teach her she’s sure to join the club!”

“Please don’t use ‘chan’ in my name,” Haruka said in a calm, yet firm voice.

“What’s going on here?” Now a boy with olive green hair and eyes with a blue haired and purple-eyed joined in on the conversation.

“Oh, a new face, are you gonna join the swim club.” Before (y/n) could answer, blondie spoke up, “She wants to, but she doesn’t know how to swim.”

“Ah, much like Rei, eh?” The boy walked up from to (y/n), “I’m Makoto, captain of the swim team,” he gestured to the blue haired boy, “this is Rei, our newest member,” then to blondie, “and that’s Nagisa. I see you’ve met Haru.”

“It’s nice to meet you all,” (y/n) said with a bow.

“Well then, if you really wish to join the swim club, come back tomorrow in swim gear and we’ll see what we can do for you.”

“Huh? You mean it!?”

“Yes, I promise we’ll all pitch in to help you. Right Haru?” Haruka looked away, “Whatever, you’re the captain.” (y/n)’s eyes shined with excitement.

“Oh thank you Mako-kun! I’ll totally be here tomorrow!” (y/n) began to speed off towards the exit before remembering her manners and bowing before leaving.

“My, she’s quite the upbeat spirit isn’t she?” Makoto commented.

“It’d be awesome if we could get a girl to swim with us!” Nagisa said.

“And why would that be a awesome thing?” Rei asked, wondering where the shortie was going with this.

“Think about it! Wouldn’t we get more members if we had a female swimmer, (y/n) in a swimsuit will surely attract all the guys around here. After all, she’s so cute!” Rei couldn’t help it, he had to facepalm, “Nagasi, I’ll never understand how that brain of yours works.”

~0~

'I can’t believe it! I’m gonna learn how to swim! And by very attractive guys while I’m at it!' (y/n) thought as she went into the sports store. After she remembered that she had no swimwear whatsoever, she decided to drop on by to buy the local sports store to get a cheap swimsuit. She scanned the female section of swimwear.

“A bikini is completely out of the question, I’m going there to learn how to swim, not to show off skin or anything.”

She was examining the one-pieces, trying to find one that was cheap and her style. Her eyes caught sight of a pure purple one. The color reminded her of the strips on Haruka’s swim-trunks. She slightly blushed as she plucked it from the rack.

“Haruka . . . . . his form is so perfect when he swims. Could I ever be as good as him someday?” she said to herself. She walked over to the fitting rooms and tried on the swimsuit. It fit perfectly and was comfortable to wear.

“I really can’t wait to learn how to swim!” she cried happily as she gazed at herself in the mirror

~0~

“Ugh, I can’t do this,” (y/n) mumbled to herself as she stared at the pool’s water. She had arrived at the pool before the swim club after school the next day. But now she was getting cold feet as she stood in her new swimsuit.

“Oh! (y/n), you’re here early. Cute swimsuit.” (y/n) turned her head, Makoto, along with a red haired girl, was approaching her.

“H-h-hello,” (y/n) said shyly with a bow.

“Heh, there’s no need to be formal,” Makoto looked at the red haired girl, “you didn’t meet her yesterday, so I’ll introduce you, this is (y/n), she wishes to join the swimming club.”

“Ah hi! It’s great to see more people wanting to be members. I’m the manager of this club, call me Kou!”

“Her real name is Gou," Nagisa corrected.

“It’s Kou!!”

“Haha!”

“Um, Mako-kun, there was something I forgot to mention yesterday.”

“And what would that be?”

“Well, not knowing how to swim isn’t my only problem.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“It means she’s scared of the water,” a familiar voice said before a splash was heard next. It was Haruka, he’d dove into the water after he answered Makoto’s question.

“Haru-kun! You need to stretch before diving in like that!” Gou scolded, walking towards the end of the pool where Haruka is to end up. Makoto chuckled, then turned his attention back to (y/n).

“So you have hydrophobia?” (y/n) nodded once, “well, it’s never too late to try to get over it.”

“I’m no sure about that, I’ve been trying to years, and yet nothing.”

“Looks like we have alot of work to do then.”

~0~

“Come on (y/n), I’m not gonna let anything happen to you,” Makoto said for the hundredth time. (y/n) had absolutely refused to get into the pool, even if it was at the shallow end.

“I-I-I-I-I can’t do this!” she shouted with fear, running away fro the edge. Makoto sighed deeply and let his arms drop to his sides, he was in the pool and tried to coax (y/n) to step in. Nagisa was busy with Rei and Haruka was doing his usual thing while Gou just watched. Even though he was swimming his laps, Haruka noticed the trouble Makoto was having. He pulled himself out of the pool and walked to to
the shivering girl.

“(y/n).” She looked at him. He held out his hand, “Come on, we’re all here, you have noting to fear.” Before (y/n) could say anything, Haruka wrapped an arm around her waist and walked her to the pool. (y/n) tried to struggle out of his grip, but he was far stronger then she was. When they were at the pool’s edge, Haruka said to Makoto, “You lend a hand to Nagisa, I’ll help (y/n).” Makoto was surprised, but smiled and agreed, he swam over to the other boys and wished the two good luck. Haruka jumped into the pool and walked to the edge, positioning himself right in front of (y/n).

“Start with sitting on the edge and letting your legs get wet.”

“Uhhh . . . .”

“It’s ok, I’m right here.” (y/n) looked into Haruka’s eyes and actually saw a little glimmer of caring in them. Gulping, she slowly sat down and dipped her legs into the water, shivering from the temperature and fear.

“H-H-Haru-k-kun . . . . . I-I don’t think-” Haruka placed a finger on her lips, cutting her off.

“Don’t say it. You’re doing fine.” (y/n) blushed, then slowly nodded.

“Get used to it, there’s no rush.” Haruka stood there as (y/n)’s fear gradually began to diminish with the time her legs were in the water, adjusting to the temperature and feeling a little more comfortable.

“How are you feeling?” Haruka asked after a few minutes.

“A little better.”

“You wanna come in now?”

“EH!? I don’t think I can!”

“I’ll . . . . . hold on to you . .” Haruka said, turning his head so (y/n) couldn’t see that he had a faint blush on his own, stoic face.

“Huh?” Haruka didn’t wait for her to agree, he firmly, yet gently, grabbed (y/n) by her sides and lifted her small frame up and then down into the pool. (y/n) acted on instinct and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“H-H-Haruka!!? I-I-I’m not ready!!” she cried, clinging on to him for dear life. He ignored her, lowering her into the water until her feet were touching the pool floor. She now shook violently.

'Did I maybe go too far?' Haruka wondered. He was getting a little impatient with (y/n) to tell the truth. After all, he didn’t, and will never, understand how great her fear for the water is, since he himself pretty much lived in the water. With hesitant fingers, he stroked (y/n)’s hair.

“(y/n), nothing’s happening, you’re ok,” he said soothingly into her ear as he held her close. (y/n)’s heart began to beat a mile a minute, not only was she being held by Haruka, but he was also being really nice to her. This was a side of him she’d never thought she’d ever see. Her shaking began to cease, but not completely.

“I-I’m sorry . . . .” Her apology caught Haruka off guard.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“You must be frustrated with me, with my fear of the water and all. Every coach I tried always gave up on me because of it, but,” she looked up, “I really want to get over it, because I want to swim.” The determination in her eyes caught Haruka’s attention. He’s ever seen anything like it.

“Do you want to get out for a moment?”

“Th-that would be nice.” Haruka led (y/n) to the pool edge and helped her out. Unknown to them, the other members of the swimming club have been examining their time together from the other side of the pool.

“Heh, Haru-chan seems interested in this girl huh?” Nagisa commented, standing in the pool to watch the scene before him.

“Huh? Why would you say that?” Rei asked, pulling himself out of the pool after practicing some butterfly strokes.

“He’s actually pretty gentle with her, I’ve never seen Haru-chan like this before.”

“Hm, he does seem to be treating her rather nicely.”

Back to Haruka and (y/n), she sat with her legs in the water. Haruka surprised her by getting out and sitting beside her.

“Uh Haru-kun?”

“Hm?”

“Wouldn’t you prefer to be swimming than sitting here with me?”

“I don’t mind.” (y/n)’s blush returned to her face. They sat in silence until (y/n) mumbled, “Th-thank you, Haru-kun.”

“Hn.”

~0~

Practice was over for the swimming club, but Haruka continued to swim long after everyone else went home. And (y/n) stayed to watch him, marveling on how his form was so perfect and how beautifully he swam. He emerged from the water after being under for quite a while. He looked over to where (y/n) was sitting and was surprised to see that she was still there, she had changed back into her school uniform, but kept her legs in the pool while she watched him. He dove back under and swam towards her, surprising her when he popped out right in front of her.

“Yeeek!”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t worry, you just startled me.”

“Shouldn’t you go home?”

“Uh, yeah, it’s getting late after all.” She stood up and shook her legs dry before putting on her shoes and socks. Haruka got out from the pool.

“I’ll walk you home.”

“Huh? Oh! No, it’s alright, I’ll be able to walk home by my-” Haruka placed a finger on her lips.

“I’m walking you home,” he said firmly, but gently at the same time.

“Um . . . . . ok.”

“Give me a minute.” Haruka walked into the boy’s locker room a change.

~0~

'OhmyGodohmyGod!! I’m walking home with Haru-kun!!!' was all that went through (y/n)’s mind as she and Haruka walked the streets to her house. Once again, it was silent between them, until Haruka broke it.

“Tell me something.”

“Huh? What?”

“Why are you so scared of the water?”

“Oh, that. It’s a bit of a long story.”

“I’m listening.”

“Well . . . . . . I wasn’t always afraid of the water. There was a time when I loved being in the pool, heck my teachers would literally scold me for being in the water too long after classes were over. But then, one day I was practicing a stroke, and I didn’t see the pool’s wall coming up at me until it was too late. I was almost knocked out,  and even though I was still conscious, I couldn’t move. I will never forget that moment, looking up at the pool’s surface, not being able to do anything. Being helpless. Ever since that day, I stayed away from pools and oceans.”

“I see.”

“It’s a pathetic story, I know. Someone who swims so well like you could never understand.”

“You’re right about one thing, I’ll never understand your fear of water.” Haruka
reached out and stopped (y/n) by placing a hand on her shoulder, “But you’re wrong on another thing, it’s not a pathetic story. You’re trying to get over this horrible experience and that shows how brave you are. And . . .  . I’m willing to help you out any way I can.” With each word Haruka spoke, (y/n)’s cheeks got redder and redder.

“Y-y-you r-really think so?” Haruka nodded.

“Th-thank you Haru-kun. But if I may ask, why are you so willing to help me? I mean, we may be classmates and all, but you don’t know me very well.”

“You wish to swim, that’s reason enough for me.”

“O-ok.” Haruka hesitated for a moment before holding out his hand, “Come on, it’s getting dark, we better get you home before then.” (y/n) smiled through her blush as she took Haruka’s hand, it was so soft and warm and not what she was expecting.

“R-right.”

~0~

Next day . . . .

“Ah! (y/n)-chan! You’re back!” Nagisa shouted when he saw (y/n) appear from the stairs in her swimsuit. She was still nervous, but a little more confident thanks to Haruka’s words yesterday.

“Y-yeah, I . . . . wont give up.” Makoto heaved himself out of the pool and walked to (y/n).

“Well Miss (y/n), ready?” he asked with a friendly smile. Before (y/n) could answer, Haruka appeared at her side and gently took her wrist, leading her away from the others without a word.

“Huh? What’s with Haruka-sempai?” Rei asked.

“Heh, looks like Haru-chan has a little crush.”

“Eh? Haruka-sempai?”

Nagisa just giggled to himself while Makoto smiled even bigger seeing the two.

Haruka jumped into the pool.

“So, how do you wanna do it?”

“I . . . . wanna get in.” Haruka raised an eyebrow, but nodded and held out his hands. Gulping to herself, (y/n) sat at the edge and allowed Haruka to carry her into the pool. She at first clung to him, but then, he felt her grip become weaker as moments passed. Even though her grip has loosened, it wasn’t gone. Haruka suddenly rested his cheek against the top of (y/n)’s head and nuzzled his face into her hair, resulting her in letting out a little squeak.

“H-Haru-kun?”

“Hm?”

“Um . . . what are you doing?”

“Nothing,” came his simple response. He slightly sniffed her hair.

'Smells like (favorite shampoo scent). So sweet.'

They stayed like that for a while, Makoto, Nagisa, Rei, and Gou marveled at the sight of the often neutral and emotionless boy holding this girl close to him.

“Yup, it’s clear, Haru-chan really likes (y/n),” Nagisa said, smiling his signature smile.

“OH what a lucky girl,” Gou sighed, eyes sparkling in a strange way, “being close to those wonderful biceps.” Makoto sweatdropped at Gou’s comment, but then looked over at the cuddly couple standing in the water.

“Haru does seem to have a soft spot for (y/n), that much is certain.”

~0~

(y/) finally managed to let go of Haruka after some time. She came by every day after school to practice, and she was soon floating on her own. Although when she did her strokes, she had the boys hang on to her hands, but she was getting there. Even though everyone in the club helped, Haruka worked with her the most.

~0~

One month later . . . .

(y/n took in a deep breath as she broke through the surface of the water and touched the pool’s side.

“Yes! You did it (y/n)-chan!!” Nagisa cheered.

“You finally swam your first lap, congratulations,” Makoto said, giving her a huge smile. Rei just simply grinned and nodded.

“Thanks you guys,” (y/n) said, climbing out of the pool. Over the month, she’s been practicing and got better and better as time passed. Course there were times when she felt like giving up, but the motivation and support she got from the swim team helped her to just keep trying. Today she’d finally managed to swim back and forth in the pool, without any assistance.

“This calls for a celebration!” Makoto said, “how bout we grab a bite to eat togather, anywhere you want, our treat.”

“Huh? Are you sure? That seems a bit much.”

“Nah, you’re our friend after all, and the newest member of the swimming club.”

“Eh? You really want me in your club?”

“Of course, right guys?” Everyone agreed as they crowded around (y/n).

“Oh thank you. I’d be honored to be in your club.”

“This is great! I wont be the only girl now!” Gou exclaimed happily, “now I have someone to talk about guy’s muscles,” she mumbled to herself.

“Now you can swim in competitions and relays!” Nagasi said.

“You sure they’ll allow her though?” Rei suddenly stated, “I mean, she’d have to
compete against guys after all.”

“It doesn’t say anything about girls not being able to compete against guys in the rule book,” Nagisa said.

“Hm. I’d better look that up,” Rei said, readjusting his glasses.

“Anyway, where do you wanna eat (y/n)?” Makoto asked, “it’s about time for club activities to end.”

“Um, how bout anywhere with (favorite food)?”

“Ah! I know a place that serves that! Then it’s decided.”

~0~

“Ah~ That was so good,” (y/n) sighed contently as she and the swimming club exited the restaurant.

“Heh, did you see the look on Rei’s face when I tricked him into eating that yellow wasabi?” Nagasi asked, bursting into laughter to the memory. Rei became red with embarrassment.

“H-hey! You told me it was mustard!!”

“Hahahahaha!” Everyone erupted into laughter, even Haruka managed a little chuckle. The sun was setting and everyone parted ways, except for Haruka and (y/n), Haruka offered to walk (y/n) home. As they walked side by side, Haruka looked to the side and saw the ocean, the way it sparkled and had the sunset’s reflection in it. It was simply breathtaking.

“Haruka? You there?”

“Huh?”

“You seemed to be spacing out, is everything ok?”

“Yeah.” An idea suddenly struck Haruka. He took (y/n)’s hand, stratling her by how sudden he did it.

“H-Haru-kun!?”

“Follow me.” He pulled her behind him as he walked down the path that led down to the beach. He continued until they were close to the water, where he felt (y/n) pulling back, making him stop.

“(y/n)?”

“Haru-kun, I may have gotten over my fear in the pool, but I don’t think I’m close to ready to be in the sea,” she said, looking down at the ground. Haruka was silent for a moment, then he surprised (y/n) by not only striping down to his swim-shorts, but also by picking her up bridal style. (y/n)’s face rivaled a tomato as she found herself being close to Haruka’s wonderfully toned chest.

“H-H-Haruka!?”

“Is this better?”

“Y-Yeah, but I’m so heavy.”

“You’re not.” He began to walk towards the sea with (y/n) in his arms. She shook from fear.

“Close your eyes if you’re too scared.” She didn’t have to be told twice. (y/n) shut them tight and buried her face in Haruka’s chest. He kept walking until the water was just below his waistline.

“(y/n), open your eyes, if you don’t, you’re gonna miss this. Hesitating for a moment, (y/n) did as she was told and gasped. Before her was the most beautiful sunset she’s ever seen. And to think she was missing this because of her fear of water.

“It’s so . . . . beautiful . . .”

“Not as beautiful as you.”

“Huh?” (y/n) looked up to question Haruka, only to feel his lips against hers when she did. Her eyes widened, but after she got over the shock, she found herself kissing him back, his grip on her body tightened as he deepened the kiss. When they parted, (y/n) didn’t know what to say. Truth be told, she had fallen for the water addict over the course of the month. The way he would always be there when she panicked, when he held her as she practiced her strokes, how he kept her going his his words of encouragement. It was as if he cared about her.

“Umm . . . .”

“I . . . love you, (y/n),” he said, looking deep into her eyes.

“D-do you really mean that?” Haruka nodded, a small, rare smile gracing his lips, “Even more then water.” (y/n) had to giggle, she then wrapped her arms around his neck, “I love you too Haruka,” she whispered into his ear, “thank you so much for everything you’ve ever done for me.”

“It’s nothing. Your passion on learning how to swim was more then enough reason. And it also made me fall for you”

They stayed like that, until Haruka put (y/n) down into the water. She didn’t shriek or cling to him, instead, she cheered and tackled him down, landing them both into the water and getting them wet. She laughed as he chuckled, they shared a wet kiss and splashed and played around in the sea.

She finally conquered her fear.

She was finally free.