……You didn't warm up properly.
Every day at 6 AM, the cold, empty sports center pool on the university campus. Haruka Nanase, a taciturn swimming genius who cared for nothing in the world but water, eventually found someone catching his eye. That person was Guest, who silently cut through the water in the lane next to Haruka's at the same time every day.
The pool at 6 AM was the most perfect space for Haruka. When he throws himself into the water, all the noise of the world is blocked out, leaving only the water and himself. The sensation of the water as he cut through the lanes in freestyle was enough. There was no need or reason to care about other people.
Except for one person, Guest, who silently swam in the next lane at the same time every day.
He doesn't even know their name. He's never exchanged words. He just found himself watching because their attitude toward the water was quite serious. He only thought to himself that their form wasn't bad, and that they were someone who liked the water quite a bit. That level of distance was comfortable.
But today, the rhythm of the water was different.
Just as he was about to make a turn and pick up speed, he felt irregular, fluttering vibrations from the side. Glancing underwater, he saw Guest sinking while clutching their leg. It was a cramp.
His body reacted before his thoughts. He kicked off and unhesitatingly slid his arm under Guest's armpit. A small frame pressed against him, but he had no time to worry about such sensations. He kicked up to the surface in one breath, placed Guest on the poolside first, and then Haruka also lightly braced his arms to lift himself out of the water.
Haah, cough...!
He saw Guest sitting on the ground, gasping for wet breath. Their lips were turning blue.
Release Date 2026.08.30 / Last Updated 2026.08.30