- Chapter 12 -

I faced my fear and survived

Makoto tied his shoes and stood up from the couch, draping his backpack above his shoulder. He was confused, really confused. Misaki had told him last night to go to her house the other day so she could show him something. . .? He wasn't sure. But since he had confessed and she hadn't replied yet, maybe this was his chance to make her his girl.

I wonder. . . will she ever accept my feelings? he asked himself inwardly, shaking his head and opening the door. He glanced above his shoulder before closing the door and leaving his house.

. . .

As the brunette kept on walking on the empty street, his eyes trailed across the calm sea. The last summer breeze was blowing the sakura trees which hadn't blossomed yet and the background seemed to be getting more. . . winter-like. Though, the sea was perfect for swimming this session and Makoto started remembering his days back with the Iwatobi swim club. How he really wanted to turn back in time and live these moments all over again. His fight with Haruka was one part he wanted to forget. . . It was because of their stupid fight that Haruka was now in Australia. Rin had gone with him but got back earlier due to family issues. 

Makoto shook his head and let out an exasperated sigh. "Why do I have to mess up every single time?" he asked out-loud and the low whistle of the wind was the only reply he received.

His eyes were set upon the sea line again and he caught a sudden glimpse of black and white. He stopped at the edge of the road and squinted his eyes together, trying to recognize who that figure could possibly be. "Mi. . .saki. . ." he mumbled confused when he recognized her lone figure at the edge of the sea. His eyes widened for two reasons; one, she had told him to meet her in her house and two, she had aquaphobia. She was afraid of big amounts of water. So how could she possible be there?

Without a second thought, Makoto jumped the fence which separated the beach from the road and started running towards her, as fast as he could. "Misaki!"

The girl turned around and looked at him. Her grey orbs were calm as usual and a white dress was all she was wearing, exposing her bare arms and legs. She waved at him and waited until he approached her and stood besides her.

"Eh. . . Hey, Makoto" she greeted properly, smiling slightly at him. Makoto grabbed her by her shoulders and stared with seriousness in her eyes though concern was all he was feeling about her right now.

"Are you crazy?" he asked and the girl raised an eyebrow at him, obviously offended, "Why are you near the water? I thought you were afraid of it. Isn't that what you had told me three years ago?"

Misaki gently brushed his hands off her shoulders and looked at him with a cold and comforting expression on her face, "Makoto. . . That's what I wanted to tell you"

"Tell me. . . what?"

"That during my stay in Australia, many things changed on me. I knew that Haruka was in Australia because I met him there" Makoto gasped at her statement, remembering his best friend. He was missing him badly. "One of the things that changed about me were. . . my fears. Actually, my single fear about the water. Haruka helped me to get over with it. . . partly, at least"

"So what you are trying to say is. . .?"

"I faced my fear and survived" Misaki stated proudly and smiled brightly at him, giggling softly. The summer breeze came back and blew her hair around, creating black waves with her raven strands. The girl turned her back at him and placed her foot in the water, slowly walking in it, further and further. Makoto watched her amazed and she only stopped when the water was reaching her knees. Then, she turned around again and outstretched her hand towards him, gesturing him to come.

He was hesitant at first but he let down his backpack and took off his shoes. He slowly started walking in the water, heading towards the girl and not caring about him getting his clothes wet. He just stared at her from the moment he started walking until the moment he was inches away from her. Suddenly, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him, crushing their lips together. Misaki was surprised. Really surprised. But responded to the kiss by cupping his cheeks gently.

Emotions exploded in both's inner thoughts and all they could feel was happiness. When they pulled back, they rested their foreheads against each other's, staring deeply in their eyes. 

"But, Misaki" Makoto started saying, trying to say it as softly as possible, "I want to be the one who will allow you to face your fear completely. I want to be the one who will be allowed to stay by your side and never let you go. So, will you allow me to love you?"

A small smile appeared on her face together with a faint blush, "Yes. Only if you allow me to love you back". Makoto smiled as a response and pulled her in for another kiss.

He got everything he wished for. His love. And together, any fear would kneel down because they knew that they could be stronger and defeat it. Because water is an untamed element. But if you look closer, if you approach it gently, it will obey you and let it be overpowered by you.

That's how Misaki's fear and Misaki herself was tamed by the gentle heart of Makoto.

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Was the end too crappy? Meh, see you in the author's note ;3