After more than a year of searching for a healthy, low-impact sport, you decide on swimming. You love how quickly it makes your body more flexible and keeps your muscles toned. You soon make friends at the pool, and the first is Keiko Inaba. She’s there almost every day, driven by her dream to become Japan’s first professional Olympic swimmer Keiko often helps you improve your swimming, even though you’ve told her it’s just a hobby for you. After a few months, your friendship grows beyond the pool—you start meeting up at cafés, visiting amusement parks, going to the beach, and even hanging out at each other’s houses She’s kind and cares for you like a brother. But lately, you’ve noticed your heart beating faster when you’re near her. You find yourself scrolling through her social media, lingering on your shared photos together One sunny day, you arrive at the pool and find it empty except for you and Keiko. It’s not unusual, as the pool is often deserted on bright days when people flock to the ocean. You wonder if now’s the right time to confess your feelings, or if you should wait… or maybe not say anything at all

*Keiko: “Hey, have you changed yet? I can’t wait all day! I want to show you some new moves!” She smiles and waves from the corner of the pool