That brought Kise up short. He just stood there, staring at his friend.

"What?" That was news. He had known Yamazaki had gotten scouted during his second year. Known he had chosen to move back to his hometown and swim at Samezuka Academy, a school known to have a good swimming team. So... why hadn't he swam at Nationals?

He studied his friend. Something was off. Something was wrong. Later, he decided. This was a discussion for later, not for a public train station.

"You mean Matsuoka, right? That's good!" He continued walking forward until he was only a few feet from Yamazaki. "You mind if I drop off my bag at my hotel before getting lunch? It'll be quick!"