Sousuke didn’t even stop to see what Ryouta’s reaction would be as he passed him. But he knew he wasn’t exactly biting easy prey; the other boy was fast and he flicked his eyes to the side to confirm the distance. Not too far behind, but his edge still was enough to give him the advantage and ultimately the victory. He hit the water, legs cutting through the surf until it was to his knees, then shoved forward and dove in, form as perfect as always.

This was his element and almost immediately tension and everything else rolled off him. Curving in the water, he shifted back to his feet and stood up a few minutes later, letting the water drain down to the surf brushing over his thighs. It felt interesting, without the snug fit of his swimsuit clinging to him, but by no means was it a negative feeling either. Drifting backwards, he was distracted by the freedom of it.

At least until a wave of water caught him on the face. Oh so that’s how it was going to be? Teal eyes turned to look at Ryouta, a challenging light flicking in them before both hands slipped into the water. And then heaved upward, throwing a wide splash back at him. Just like a kid again.