003: Happy birthday to me? (Backdated to Feb 2nd)

[sharknado_swimmer]

If the days here are the same as back home, then...

Happy birthday to me, huh?

17 doesn't feel that much different than 16, I guess.

[Action]
[Rin hasn't gone out of his room much today. Totally not brooding, of course. He's left the door open a crack so not-Haru's bunny can hop in and out. Said bunny nuzzles against his hand and he scritches his ears absently.]

Not like I'm not used to being alone on my birthday...

Comments

[aqueousliving]

[Mackerel looks up at the sound of his name, but continues to gnaw on the carrot top while nestled in Haruka's arms.

Haruka still isn't really used to this Rin. The Rin he remembers most clearly is the Rin who had pushed him to join the relay, of course. But he continues on.]

What do you want to eat?

[It's said sincerely.]

[sharknado_swimmer]

[Rin looks fully at Haruka, trying to gauge whether he's being serious or not. Finally he shrugs and stands up, shoving his hands in his pockets.]

I dunno. Meat of some sort. Can we find that in the store here? Maybe even just some burgers or something.

[The idea of going out and actually doing something is making him a little more cheerful already, though he's trying to play it off.]

Maybe you can show me that swimming simulator you talked about too.

[aqueousliving]

[So serious. Now that Rin is up and moving, Haruka crouches and lets Mackerel onto the floor. Since Mackerel has a carrot top to gnaw on, he doesn't protest and continues to bite on it noisily.]

If we can't, the guys next door have some.

[Probably. All he knows is that Jean and Marco keep food in their rooms and that's Weird. Haruka's expression remains the same flat expression when he says his next words, though--]

Sure, if you can keep up.

[A challenge??]

[sharknado_swimmer]

[A challenge! Rin grins at seeing a bit of the Haruka he knows coming back.]

Shouldn't I be saying that to you?

[aqueousliving]

[Haruka turns. It might be hard to read his expression and demeanor, but a part of him is glad for the response.]

Let's go.

[...Another part of him, deep down, is worried about a repeat of that race in middle school, but he focuses on the task at hand, which is getting his swimming stuff ready before Rin!!

U ready to go, bro?]