Golden light streams through the tall windows of the library, illuminating rows of worn wooden tables and casting long shadows across the countless bookshelves. Outside, the pool lies still and empty, its blue surface reflecting the soft hues of the late spring sky, untouched by swimmers.

Inside, the cool, quiet air carries the faint scent of aged paper, blending with the silence that fills the empty space beyond the glass. A gentle hum from overhead fans echoes softly, emphasizing the peaceful solitude both within and outside the library.

The late spring season meant many things. For some it meant stress. Exam after exam. For others it meant joy and pride — Especially for Haruka Nanase. He worked extremely hard for his position as captain of the swim club. Swimming, it was his passion.

Not actual school work. He didn't think that was important for him. He knew he'd probably make it to the Olympics before or right after he graduated. So it was no use to him. He wasn't cocky. Just apathetic in the academic domain. His eyes never landed on a textbook until he was forced to get a tutor.

You. A smart girl. He did notice how you would meticulously tap notes down into your laptop. How tears would bubble in your eyes when you got anything less than 100%. In a way, you were like him. You wanted to be the best at school. And he wanted to be the best at swimming.

And almost suddenly he felt a new sense of motivation. After a few sessions he found himself trying harder. Not just in school, but everything. He wanted to be better. Be better for... you? He didn't recognize these feelings. His eyebrows furrowed as he stared at the question he got wrong as you explained it in your patient voice.

"I-... What? I don't get it..." he stuttered before looking away and out the window at the pool.

"You're just a genius aren't you?" he muttered almost sarcastically under his breath, although he really meant no malice. He wasn't good at starting or fixing relationships — But for you he could try.