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5[[folder: General]]
6* A lot of the Fan Yay turned out to be entirely correct once the actual series started airing. The boys are rather touchy-feely and are perfectly comfortable with each other's bodies. To say nothing of Nagisa deciding to skinny-dip for no reason...
7-->'''Young Rin to Haru''': Romantic, right?
8* The ending animation has - and this is true - the main four Iwatobi swimmers dancing together in (upon closer inspection) ''a [[WhereEverybodyKnowsYourFlame gay night club]] in the empty pool by the Taj Mahal''.
9** And Rin [[HeelFaceTurn beckons Haruka]] to skinny dip with him and the others in an oasis at the end of it.
10* [[http://sayasamax3.tumblr.com/post/57649807207/okay-but-can-we-just-appreciate-the-boys-sleeping This]] post dissects their sleeping positions in Episode five. [[https://web.archive.org/web/20130921201520/https://nu-pogodi.tumblr.com/post/57665522152/the-meaning-behind-makoharu-and-reigisa-sleeping This]] post dissects them even more. Basically, had they been sleeping in the original arrangement (Makoto and Haru in one tent, Rei and Nagisa in the other), there probably would have been some hand-holding and cuddling going on.
11** Speaking of tents, after Makoto suggested an arrangement where he would share a tent with Haruka, Nagisa immediately argued that he wanted to be with Haruka. Neither one of them simply backed down to let the other share with Haruka; they literally gambled over the chance to sleep next to him. ...Poor Rei.
12* It has practically become a LoveTriangle between Haruka, Makoto, and Rin with a BettyAndVeronica dynamic: Haruka (Archie), Makoto (Betty) and Rin (Veronica)
13** "You will swim '''for''' me."/"I want to swim '''with''' you." The parallel can't be coincidence.
14*** Makoto's words are actually a MeaningfulEcho of Rin's just before the original four were going to their final relay together. So it could be seen as the two most significant "swimming" relationships Haruka has.
15** In season 2 episode 6, Makoto even admits that he has some jealousy toward Rin in regards to Haru.
16* The guys filled their pool full of cherry blossoms, just for Rin.
17* The ending for the second season has Rin dressed as a cop enthusiastically gyrating his hips. [[http://ksexyncute.tumblr.com/post/90675062052 The fangirls were pleased]]
18* In episode 11, Makoto told Haru, "You’re not fine! That’s why we’re all telling you this! Nagisa and Rei and Rin... and me… It’s because we all love you. Because we care about you." It's true, Haru's friends all love him a great deal and are worried about him.
19[[/folder]]
20
21[[folder:Makoto/Haruka]]
22* Makoto and Haruka tend to act quite a lot like an old married couple, with Makoto completely comfortable walking into Haruka's bathroom when he knows him to be in the bath. Some of the looks Makoto gives Haruka are affectionate. ''Really'' affectionate. He also tends to say exactly what Haruka is thinking (something acknowledged in the light novel), and does a lot of small gestures to, for lack of a better term, take care of Haruka, like bringing him lunch or, more relevantly, helping him out of the water.
23* Haruka and Makoto's horoscopes are the most compatible to each other, among the others ones. They belong to the Water Element.
24** In the Chinese astrology, Cancer is associated to the Sheep, and Scorpio is associated to the Pig. As the Cancer and Scorpio are defined as the best compatibility, the Sheep and the Pig make the best compatibility too, in the Fire/Water balance.
25* The killer whale is a dolphin just like the dolphin Haruka represents. They are carnivorous mammals, belong to the same order of ''cetacea'' and family of ''delphinidae.''
26** The killer whale and the dolphin share some majestic attracts as their nicknames tell so, such as the "king of the sea" for the killer whale, and the "prince of the waves" for the dolphin.
27*** Haruka's first name may be a derived version of the word "iruka", which means "present" and "dolphin".
28* Makoto's character song [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGoom70NB60 Shiokaze no Friendship]] is ''dedicated'' to Haru and their relationship. Here is the [[http://miraclesmay.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/free-character-song-vol-02-tachibana-makoto-02-shiokaze-no-friendship-lyrics-tl/ English translation.]] This is Creator/KyoAni showing us just how much he treasures what they have.
29** Check out one of their [[http://miraclesmay.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/free-duet-song-series-vol-01-haruka-makoto-02-my-base-your-pace/ duets!]] The song practically drips with warm and fluffy feelings.
30*** Haruka and Makoto are the singers of an inedite song named ''[[http://free-anime.wikia.com/wiki/Water_Surprise! Water Surprise]]'', from ''SPLASH FREE'' single.
31* A rather subtle one in Episode 2. While discussing the opening of a Swim Club, Haru goes to get some tea and snacks. Makoto suggests squid, Nagisa wants chocolate, Haru says they'll compromise and make mackerel. What does he make in the end? Squid. Of course.
32* Episode 5:
33** Shows Haruka as caring about Makoto at least as much when he questions his comfort of going to the ocean despite his fear.
34** A fan [[http://miknaz.tumblr.com/post/56623091535/lets-talk-about-makoharu-and-ice-popsicle-pics dissection]] of ending cards and promo material points out that they always seem to be eating the same kind of popsicle - and these are always the kind of popsicles which are broken in two and shared.
35*** An operation we actually see them perform in Episode five: Makoto buys a popsicle at a corner store and hands half to Haruka, who takes it with the comfort of routine.
36** The bottom ending card also has Haruka wearing a shirt that Makoto wears in the next episode.
37* A [[http://miknaz.tumblr.com/post/56434638882/found-these-from-a-magazine-yokotanis magazine article]] has the scriptwriter describing Makoto and Haruka as 'being one set' and saying it's easy to make their discussions like those of a '''married''' couple.
38** Yoshimasa Hosoya (Sousuke's voice actor) comes to say in the [[http://makoharu-official.tumblr.com/post/103368642741/hosoyan-the-nature-of-rin-and-sousukes interview from ''Free! Eternal Vol.2'']] with Nobunaga Shimazaki (Haruka's voice actor) that Haruka and Makoto's relationship is [[spoiler:lovely]].
39--->'''Nobunaga:''' “Kinda like with a [[spoiler:boyfriend]] or [[spoiler:girlfriend]].”
40** Zakki-san and Akeno-san confess in [[http://malamirie.tumblr.com/post/95808832395/so-that-chat-between-zakki-and-akeno-san-from ''Iwatobi Channel Show'']] how Makoto loves Haruka.
41--->'''Akeno:''' This is just my personal interpretation, but when you think about the relationship between Haru-chan and Mako-chan in terms of [[spoiler:male-female]] relationships, it really seems to fit nicely.
42** The October 2014 magazine defines Makoto and Haruka as ''more than childhood friends and less than rivals''. That means that there's no need, or it is even "meaningless" for Makoto and Haruka to be rivals.
43* It's safe to say Episode 6 was filled with romantic subtext for Makoto and Haruka. Let's count the ways...
44** Haruka hears Makoto's scream while sleeping, and wakes up suddenly.
45** Haruka chooses to save Makoto.
46** Haruka getting within an inch of reviving Makoto with CPR.
47** Haruka orders Rei to drop the question about Makoto's fear of the ocean in order to protect him.
48** Haru and Makoto holding hands ''tightly'' as kids in Makoto's flashback.
49** [[http://31.media.tumblr.com/7df0bd8e17dcdface43e1b3a1c68d221/tumblr_mrjf5naWFc1rqk2buo2_500.png Haruka looking at Makoto]] the same way he looks at water. And if we consider how much he loves water…
50** Makoto telling Haruka that the real reason he wanted to join/create the swim club was because he wants to swim with him; "Without you, it's meaningless!" It was worded and framed like a love confession more than anything, and knowing how important swimming is to Haruka, it may as well have been. The shared look between them before Nagisa interrupts cements the imagery.
51** Nagisa compares Haruka and Makoto to ''a couple about to enter a haunted house'' when the group decides to stay at a creepy-looking rest house.
52** That [[http://atracaelum.tumblr.com/post/58282530662 look]] Makoto gives Haruka towards the end of the episode is certainly suggestive of... something. It's enough to leave Haruka a little stunned.
53* The drama [=CD=]s named [[http://free-anime.wikia.com/wiki/If_He_Was_Your_Boyfriend_–_Iwatobi_Side If He Was Your Boyfriend]] has Nagisa asking the Iwatobi group which one out of them all they would most want to date. Haruka picks Makoto immediately.
54** Makoto even remembers this track and talks about how Haruka would make a good husband when married in the [[http://http://free-anime.wikia.com/wiki/Original_Drama_%EF%BD%9EHaruka_%26_Makoto%EF%BD%9E Original drama ~ Haruka & Makoto ~]]
55* One [[http://wafflesex.tumblr.com/post/90495082807/can-we-talk-about-how-haru-and-makotos-seiyuus Haruka and Makoto roleplay]] features the seiyuus having [[spoiler: voice sex]].
56* One [[http://miss-entropicat.tumblr.com/post/84917903241/in-ancient-egypt-when-a-couple-got-married-it official art]] features the five boys stretched out on the grass. Makoto gives one four-leaf clover to Haruka.
57** The four-leaves clover is an uncommon, rare, unlike the three-leaf clover. Each leaf of the four-leaves clover has their own meaning: health, luck, love, and faith. [[http://psychiclibrary.com/beyondBooks/four-leaf-clover-superstition In Ancient Egypt, when a couple got married it was traditional to give them a four-leaf clover which was a blessing of their union and a representation of their undying love for one another.]]
58* Episode 7 once again has Makoto looking at Haruka [[LongingLook the way]] he quite often does, especially when [[TheRival Rin]] is involved.
59** Episode 8 even more so when Haruka came out to see Makoto after his backstroke medley. Makoto even waited patiently (albeit worried) for Haruka to come home.
60*** It also gives us ''Haruka'' who, upon finding Makoto asleep in the hall with his phone held in his hands, looks at him like [[http://s935.photobucket.com/user/Downsider51/media/Bildschirmfoto2013-08-28um234205_zps0e7d5286.png.html this]]. The whole sequence shows how much he cares about the team in general but Makoto is still special, apparently.
61*** Episode 7 symbolized Haruka's despair over being [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything swim-dumped]] by Rin by showing [[http://31.media.tumblr.com/a910a338376e6d46fb7092e1a7349e99/tumblr_msb595iquG1qehpn8o3_r1_500.gif the reflection of Rin in his eye swirling into darkness]]. When Haruka comes home, finds Makoto asleep at his door, and gives that previously mentioned look, with Makoto reflected in his eye, he remembers what Makoto told him before: "Without you, it's meaningless. I want to swim with you, Haru!" He then closes his eyes softly as if realizing something or making a decision, and ''then'' wakes up Makoto. Another really romantically frame scene.
62* We need to talk about Episode 9. ''Now!''
63** After the boys win their relay and Haru catches his breath, they all say how excited and happy they are. Nagisa actually uses the words "My heart was racing just watching!" No outward reaction from Haru ''until'' Makoto says "Mine's still racing!" Cue another one of [[http://s935.photobucket.com/user/Downsider51/media/Bildschirmfoto2013-09-06um160803_zps53dfa515.png.html those]].
64** Makoto - with some momentary hesitance - tells a clearly distracted and out-of-sorts Haruka that despite feeling a bit frantic about the relay, he was really happy swimming with Haru and everyone]] and [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/d569fa16c3b079ca195b7b91f9b1e956/tumblr_msmm6bHKhj1s2xq89o2_400.gif the thing]] [[http://31.media.tumblr.com/1365686f96b35671654839c6fd2ae8ff/tumblr_msmm6bHKhj1s2xq89o5_400.gif with the gazing]] happened again. Then Haru gives a speech/confession very similar to the one Makoto gave in Episode 6 about wanting to swim with Makoto and the others, saying that it made him just as happy. ''Haruka'' said right out that something made him happy, and he was visually and audibly choked with emotion about it. The parallels to Makoto's speech made the whole thing feel like confessing a LoveEpiphany. [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/dbe59ec10cb2e1d07f06f36bb921f538/tumblr_msmm6bHKhj1s2xq89o4_400.gif How happy Makoto looks]] really drives that impression home.
65** About that confession, the way Haruka's eyes shine when Makoto gives him that speech is something that yet Rin or ''[[CargoShip water]]'' have to give him.
66** Haruka won Makoto some goldfish, which is already sweet even without knowing about Makoto's backstory and the relevance of goldfish (also won at a festival!) in it. [[http://31.media.tumblr.com/0faafaebfb8a214fa61eadbbd0884e60/tumblr_msmqx5n3se1qeu03ho1_500.png This look]] seems [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/ded33f0d0d648f5890669194995b66bc/tumblr_mr6oy9RZdo1ri49q0o3_1280.png awfully familiar]]...
67* Episode 10 divises every present pairing: Nagisa with Rei, Goro Sasabe with Miho Amakata, and of course… Haruka with Makoto. While Nagisa playfully chases Rei with his firework pointed on him, Haruka picks fire from Makoto's firework, instead to pick one himself.
68** This gesture from Haruka kinda means he cannot or doesn't want to do anything on his own, as if he can get and do anything as long Makoto is near.
69** This zoom moment on the fireworks is much symbolic to define Haruka and Makoto as two souls apart from one united soul, with Haruka as the twin flame of Makoto.
70* So, how about that Episode 11?
71** [[spoiler: "Makoto... I appreciate you being here for me. Thanks."]] Haru's so flustered he has to go for a run immediately afterwards.
72** How about when Makoto says that he is nervous about being in a hotel room alone with Haru? What does he expect is going to happen?
73** More... innocuously, they come off more and more like a married couple with each passing episode, and it was really apparent in this one. They're ''inseparable'' up until Haru gets flustered and has to go for a run, Haru waits for Makoto when the latter gets winded climbing up some tall stairs, Haru turns to Makoto to hide his laughter when Rei does something funny... [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/6234f94d6ac1b22302c5f4fd35377550/tumblr_mtc8mngMTg1rc2n19o1_400.gif This look]] they share after Rei pleasantly surprises them is remarkably like a fond look between proud parents.
74 * [[http://static.tumblr.com/eb11a2ef576b6cf98fee71a7d5b956e5/8zuq3ig/S3xmzal4k/tumblr_static_makoharu_side_a.jpg There's also this.]]
75* ''High Speed!'' light novel has several moments:
76** A few days after Haruka has an accident and falls into a river, he returns to school. The first thing Makoto does is fuss and worry about him, to which Haruka initially responds with subtle annoyance, and when he looks away, the narration remarks that he does it as though he just doesn't want to see Makoto looking so worried. And then, similar to a certain moment in episode 11, he suddenly raises his voice and suddenly calls Makoto's name to stop him while he's fussing... only to say "Thank you" and then runs off, leaving Makoto stunned speechless.
77** The first thing Makoto thinks about in his fit of emotion after [[spoiler:his goldfish dies]] is how much he needs to see Haruka:
78--->Makoto needed to see him right now. ''Tomorrow is no good. I'm going to see him now''. If he didn't go, Makoto felt like he wouldn't be able to stay himself. ''I want to see Haruka''.
79** Afterwards, when he finds Haru and they have a short conversation, Haruka asks him if he needed him for something. Makoto tells responds him "Yeah, but I guess seeing your face took care of it" implying that just seeing Haru completely calmed him down. And although Haru asks him "The heck does that mean?" about his response, he ''smiles'' while saying it.
80** And then, later on, there's this line, making it clear that Haruka's mind reading abilities are just as strong towards Makoto as Makoto's are to Haru:
81--->Makoto looked into Haruka's eyes. He realized that the one whose heart was being seen through was him. That was how it had '''always''' been, since they were children. For someone who never talked about himself, Haruka certainly knew everything about Makoto. He made sure he knew everything.
82* Makoto picking up Haru at the beginning of '' Free! Eternal Summer'' as a call back to the very first episode. Not to mention the [[http://wreckingbally.tumblr.com/post/90666837601/theory-of-beauty-so-i-love-how-es-opens-with disappointed look]] Makoto gives Haru after seeing that he's still wearing his bathing suit in the bathtub.
83* [[http://38.media.tumblr.com/673b84729bbe24a4e1635877f86a8be9/tumblr_n86pj3o0Jf1qddbj7o1_500.gif Haru and Makoto exchanging smiles]]
84* In the ending, [[http://38.media.tumblr.com/89b068859a8a014a3fd7686f06fff3d0/tumblr_n83fs0mRv41qic25lo1_500.jpg Chef!Haru and Fireman!Makoto eating lunch outside of Chef!Haru's workplace]]
85* In episode 03 of ''Free! Eternal Summer'', the relay commentator states the pass from Haruka to Makoto as one "smooth baton pass" ; ''like "two bodies in '''perfect''' harmony"''.
86* In Nagisa's focus episode (Episode 5 of Eternal Summer), they come off like ''parents''. Their interactions, the "camera" angle and the general dialogue really makes it look like parents taking care of their troubled children (Nagisa and Rei).
87* Episode 6 of S2 focuses largely on Haru and Makoto's relationship.
88** In a flashback to their childhood, it's shown that Haru only joined the swim club because Makoto thought swimming would be meaningless without him.
89** Makoto outright states that the reason he wanted to race Haru is because he was jealous of Rin. Interpret that as you will.
90--> '''Haruka''': Why do you swim?
91--> '''Makoto''': Because I want to swim '''with''' you. And '''with''' all my friends."
92* Kisumi returns in episode 8 of S2, and Haru is very unenthusiastic about his appearance, especially when you consider that in ''High Speed! 2'', Kisumi seems to get along with Makoto very well and tries to enlist him on the basketball team. In one of Haru's flashbacks about Kisumi, there's a scene where Kisumi has his arm around Makoto, leading him away from Haru, and Kisumi turns back with his tongue sticking out, as though mocking him.
93** In a very tsundere fashion, Haruka says he'll only visit Makoto at the swim club if he has the time. The next day, Haruka has come to the swim club to give to Makoto his lunch. This takes place after Makoto informs Haru that Kisumi has reappeared, further fueling the idea that Haruka is jealous.
94** Kisumi appears in the [[http://makoharu-official.tumblr.com/post/103573038468/free-eternal-summer-drama-cd-vol-2-track-10-an track 10]] of ''Free! Eternal Summer Vol.2'' : An Encounter on a Winter Day., and Haruka again proves how far he can't stand him but comes along with because Makoto asks him for.
95** Kisumi states that Haru and Makoto haven't changed since they were kids; in High Speed 2, [[http://janeypeixes.tumblr.com/post/92188654074/high-speed-2-chapter-3-promise Kisumi said that originally he believed Haru and Makoto to be like brothers, but upon further inspection, he realized that their bond was stronger than that, like their hearts were connected.]] Seems things haven't changed.
96* [[https://twitter.com/otakomu/status/496917299152957442 This official art.]]
97* The new [=Spoon2di=] magazine art presents Makoto, Haruka, Sousuke and Rin standing around a sign post. Haruka and Makoto head to the "Eternal" direction.
98* In episode 9 of S2, Haru and Makoto share a hotel room yet again. There's even a scene where Makoto asks Haru for a towel just as he's getting out of the shower. Unfortunately, Haru has already left to go for a run. Also, note that the bathroom door isn't even closed when Makoto is showering.
99** Haru immediately looks over at Makoto after waking from his nightmare, almost as if seeking comfort.
100** Makoto's mind reading powers are stronger than ever in this episode. He seems to be the only one who can tell that Haru is stressed out about his future plans and the expectations others have of him.
101* In episode 11 of ES, we have Makoto holding on to Haruka's wrist throughout the entirety of their argument. He only lets go when dropping the bomb that he plans to move to Tokyo for university, essentially breaking Haru's heart.
102** Another thing to notice: even though we know Makoto is jealous of Rin, when he thinks Haru needs help, Makoto has no problem asking Rin for it. The pained look on his face when [[spoiler: he sends that text to Rin]] could be interpreted as "I love Haru, so even if that means giving him to you, I want him to be happy."
103* In Episode 12, Haru is so upset by his fight with Makoto that he doesn't even want to go near water. Rin can automatically tell that Haru is thinking about Makoto as well. As if to console Haru, Rin says that he has fights with Sousuke all the time. The conversation comes off as two friends talking about their respective boyfriends (or even two ex-boyfriends discussing their now-current boyfriends).
104** Haruka in Australia though, Makoto only wishes the best for him, even though their first fight ever just occurred the night before.
105** In the international swimming club, Haruka tells Rin he didn't bring his swim suit.
106* The final episode 13 of ''Free! Eternal Summer'' contains a lot of Makoto and Haruka moments. Most of them are related with episode 11 :
107** Makoto came all his way on his own to meet Haruka and Rin from Australia. Haruka seems nervous about looking at Makoto, still feeling distressed about his first fight in episode 11. Haruka is the only one Makoto welcomes with "okaeri", which means "welcome back". After an emotional pause, Haruka replies to Makoto with "tadaima", which means "I'm home".
108** While both of them are standing by the pool, Haruka apologises to Makoto for everything he said in episode 11. Makoto of course forgives Haruka, and apologizes in turn for not having told Haruka first about his plans to leave for Tokyo.
109** The look Haruka gives to Makoto as he talks about his dream for the future, can't be described as anything other than [[http://shigino.tumblr.com/post/98313092322 completely smitten]].
110*** Bonus points for attracting [[http://cheezburger.com/8345495552 this fan reaction]].
111** During the final relay, the animal guiding Makoto is a dolphin.
112** This time, Makoto pulling Haruka out of the swimming pool is really longer than usual, as they are seen gazing and smiling at each other while still holding hands.
113** Haruka and Makoto both move to Tokyo, and Makoto comes to Haruka's house to pick him up in time for their flight. Makoto calls Haruka "Haru-chan" again while pulling him out of the bathtub again. During the credits, Haruka and Makoto are seen eating together in a restaurant at night, while Haruka helps Makoto with his studies.
114*** Haruka and Makoto now in Tokyo town are known as "Harumakotokyo".
115* In the new drama CD named ''Free Wake Up Ambush'' [[http://paradigmation.tumblr.com/post/97654812902/track-9-free-wake-up-ambush-part-4-rin-hah part 4]], Rei and Nagisa convince Makoto to kiss a mackerel that they believe is Haru, in order to turn him back into a human. The reason Makoto is chosen is because they think he most resembles a prince. True love's kiss breaks the spell?
116--> '''Nagisa''' : A '''prince'''’s '''kiss'''… Mako-chan.
117--> '''Rei''' : Makoto-senpai.
118--> '''Makoto''' : Eh!? Me?!
119--> '''Rei''' : You can do it, Makoto-senpai!
120--> '''Nagisa''' : At this rate, Haru-chan might die! There’s no water on the bed!
121--> '''Makoto''' : Ah… I-I got it. This is for Haru’s sake!
122** This action recurs in the [[http://paradigmation.tumblr.com/post/97654916127/track-11-free-wake-up-ambush-part-5 part 5]] of ''Free wake up Ambush'', when Nagisa pushes Makoto to do CPR on Haruka because he is not breathing (sleep apnea, according to Rei).
123* [[http://paradigmation.tumblr.com/post/97699427527/track-1-haruka-and-makoto-on-a-snow-day Haruka and Makoto on a Snow Day]]. The entire track, from sleeping in an igloo together, to Makoto forcing his clothes on Haru.
124* The special [[http://twominionme.tumblr.com/post/97903052468/translate-haru-this-is-makoto-whats ''Free! ES Talk'' track]] from the ''Free -Eternal Summner- Bonus CD 1'' shows how well Makoto understands Haru, to the extent that Haru cannot directly lie him:
125--> '''Makoto''' : Haru, can you control yourself?
126--> '''Haruka''' : Eh!? I can…
127--> '''Makoto''' : Answer it while [[spoiler:looking at my eyes]].
128--> '''Haruka''' : I… can't…
129--> '''Rei''' : As expected from Makoto-senpai! He can recognize Haruka-senpai’s actions earlier!
130* In a new interview, Director Utsumi states that she believes that Makoto is Haru's [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/98965904626 other half]], rather than Rin. (Rin's counterpart, instead, is Sousuke.)
131* New official [[http://otakomu.jp/archives/175609.html/img_0795 art]] that looks suspiciously like a date.
132* Even more official [[http://tokyo-fujoshi.tumblr.com/post/104846581181/quick-translation-of-pash-article#notes art]] and a quick magazine blurb that underlines their need to be close.
133* The ''Free! Boys Recipes'' contains Haruka and Makoto [[http://makoharu-official.tumblr.com/post/101100961263/translations-maihor-from-otomedia-free-boys personal pages]] and describe Haruka and Makoto as their most important ingredient needed.
134* In the [[http://makoharu-official.tumblr.com/post/103581009168/free-eternal-summer-drama-cd-vol-2-track-4 track 4]] of ''Free! Eternal Summer Vol.2'', Haruka sewed an envelope to accompany the charm of Nagisa and Rei, and made a '''perfect''' portrait of Makoto (according to Nagisa). Haru also take Makoto to see the stars as a way of helping Makoto relax before his exams.
135* In the [[http://makoharu-official.tumblr.com/post/103573038468/free-eternal-summer-drama-cd-vol-2-track-10-an Free! Eternal Summer Drama CD vol.2, Track 10: An Encounter on a Winter Day]] : Makoto and Haru are shopping when they run into Kisumi, who invites them to eat dessert. Kisumi attempts to feed Makoto, which Haru doesn't seem to appreciate, if Kisumi's "Don't be mad! Don't be mad!" is any indication.
136* One [[https://twitter.com/Free_ensky/status/533097194023174144/photo/1 merchandise BOX]] features Makoto and Haruka with matching flowers on the right side of their chibi heads.
137* In the OVA, Makoto and Haru are locked in a tense standoff for several minutes, completely unable to shoot one another because they know each other so well. Later in the episode, Nagisa starts to say something potentially embarassing about Makoto and Haruka, but is cut off by their flustered interjections. What was he going to say?
138* At a recent seiyuu [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/114313543856 event]], Haru is asked by Nagisa to take Makoto's order as practice for their upcoming maid cafe. Makoto doesn't even have to speak, Haru is able to intuit his order just by reading his mind. Telepathy at work!
139* The official [[http://donamoeba.tumblr.com/post/120250960304/translation-official-makoharu-mook-original mook]] features Makoto as firefighter and Haruka as cook worker half-fish.
140** Rin is suspiscious about Makoto glaring at the bathroom where Haruka is.
141** Makoto takes Haruka to the sea and swim together. Makoto fears Haruka has come back to his home and searches for him, and Haruka replies from beneath to Makoto's call.
142** Makoto rushes in the restaurant in fire Haruka was working to save a child, and Haruka comes inside as well to save Makoto by wrapping him of his water body through flames.
143** Haruka tells Makoto he fell from the clouds as rain and flew himself as a river through pipes to Makoto's house.
144* Don't even get started on the promo pictures featuring these two for Free! Starting Days.
145* The Anime/HighSpeedFreeStartingDays movie is more or less a teen love drama between them:
146** In the beginning, we have the usual exchange of Makoto helping Haru out of the pool. Then Makoto waits for him as Haru gets ready, and gets fussy over Haruka's unbuttoned collar. They then travel through the cherry blossom trees, the petals swirling around them.
147** Both are displeased when they find out they're in different classes, though Haruka tries to [[{{Tsundere}} cover it up]]. Which is then blown when Makoto's old friend from elementary glomps Makoto, causing Haru [[CrazyJealousGuy a great deal of discomfort]] and he leaves sulking.
148** During lunch, Makoto comes to visit Haruka's class. When he sees him with his classmates who are being their rowdy selves, Makoto just stands there, looking left out. Haruka takes notice, but Makoto just smiles. And then Makoto's dragged away by his classmate and it's Haru's turn to look lonely.
149** The movie's had sprinklings of drama, but it doesn't fully blossom until the moment Nao asks Makoto if he likes swimming, and teases "It's not just because Haru's there too?". Makoto's so shocked he ''doesn't offer to help Haruka out of the pool''. Haru knows that something's up, despite Makoto trying to hide it.
150** After being questioned by Nao, Makoto becomes very uncomfortable to be around Haru, to the point he quickly makes excuses to leave him on the stairs. Next we see him, he's laying on his bed, contemplating Nao's question, and blushing while hugging himself, denying the implications thereof.
151** Makoto's behavior is straight-up reflective of someone struggling with their sexuality, and coming to realize their feelings for their best friend may not be just platonic.
152** Haruka is very concerned about Makoto's sudden low stamina.
153** When Makoto throws Haru's words of the past not meaning anything for the present back at him, Haru just looks like he's about to cry. And after that is when he starts to really crumble in the movie.
154** Despite their spat, Makoto still offers an invite to eat dinner at his place to Haru.
155** He also still leaves food for Haruka, out of concern for his health.
156** When Haru finally snaps he grabs Makoto's arms and lets out his feelings of how he hates seeing Makoto force himself to change, and follows it up with "Makoto is Makoto!"
157*** Immediately after that, Makoto flashes back to him and Haruka when they were younger and happily playing in the river, and comes to his realization right there. Makoto gets right up in his face and tells Haru to come with him, dragging him downstairs.
158** The pool scene.
159** Makoto [[http://66.media.tumblr.com/80c0ab0ba348e828281d42cda27b23d4/tumblr_inline_oaxujsJE6R1qiueab_500.png admits]] to Haru that his feelings become more muddled when around him, which was why he avoided him.
160** And after that, he states that while he does love swimming, he wants Haruka with him. [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cov7zgCVUAEzwW-.jpg He loves swimming and Haru-chan, and that's why he wants to swim together with him.]]
161** Haruka's reaction is for his eyes to shine, and he blushes. His movement becomes more delicate, and after telling Makoto to drop the -chan again, he replies "Of course we'll swim together." Which brings utter delight to Makoto's face.
162** After Haru collapses, Makoto just freaks out and rushes straight towards him, calling out his name. And when Haru wakes up in the hospital, Makoto's standing there teary-eyed and hugs him!
163* [[http://donamoeba.tumblr.com/post/139489855084/translation-haruka-and-makoto-on-an-early-summer One of the Drama CD tracks]] is about them going fishing, swimming in a river (the same river Makoto flashbacked to in the movie), Makoto removing weeds from Haru's hair, and getting into a splash fight. And it concludes with them seeing a rainbow!
164[[/folder]]
165
166[[folder: Rin/Haruka]]
167* Rin's interactions with and about Haruka. ''All of them'' sound either like a scorned lover that tried to move on or wants to get more out of the other again. Haruka in turn is like a lover that does what he wants and refuses to conform to Rin's ideal. What they talk about is regarding swimming, but has a heavy context of a romantic relationship that can't be maintained because their personal philosophies branched out and became too different.
168* In the ED, the sequences where the boys are dressed in various Middle-East cosplays, where it is clear that Haru is searching for something he desperately needs and dearly wants, and it is made clear in turn that Makoto, Nagisa, and Rei don't have it, and can't give it to him, but... Rin has it, in ''abundance'', and he knows it, and Haru reacts hungrily...and Rin lets him have it. Maybe you guessed it, we're talking about Haruka's favorite thing in the world: water. True, the visuals of the ED operate on multiple levels, but the ShipTease level is blindingly obvious.
169* The end cards for the [[http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/free-anime/images/4/45/Free!_Episode_1_End_Card.png/revision/20131003145724 first]] and [[http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/free-anime/images/a/a9/Free!_Episode_2_End_Card.png/revision/20131003150609 second]] episode, where Haruka is staring longingly at Rin (both as a kid and as a teen).
170* Haruka's [[http://grimmfeather.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/translation-free-character-song-vol-1-haruka-%E3%80%8Cjoy%E3%80%8D/#more-1199 JOY]] and Rin's [[http://grimmfeather.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/translation-free-character-song-vol-3-rin%E3%80%8Cbreak-our-balance%E3%80%8D/#more-1359 Break Our Balance]] both show how fixated they are on each other.
171** In the second character song set, Rin got another song about Haru called [[http://miraclesmay.wordpress.com/2014/08/31/free-eternal-summer-character-song-vol-03-matsuoka-rin-01-over-the-dream-lyricstl/ Over the Dream]].
172** In Sousuke's character song Just Wanna Know, there are lyrics which say "What your eyes are reflecting is the motive that moves you." Rin's eyes in both s1 and s2 reflect Haruka a lot, leading some people to believe in this verse, Sousuke is talking about Haruka. It seems likely, since Rin does say Haruka fires him up and motivates him.
173* This...very dubious quote from Rin in the first episode, when talking to Haru.
174-->'''Young Rin:''' I'll show you a sight you've never seen before.
175* Still in episode 1, we have this flashback of the boys deciding to bury the trophy they won, young Rin turns to Haru and delivers the beautiful "'''Romantic, right ?'''"
176* When Rin said he will go to Australia to train to be an Olympic swimmer, Haruka looked visibly upset that he'll move away.
177* Haruka ''quit competitive swimming'' because he hurt Rin.
178* Rin initiated a conflicted moment with Haru in Episode 4, complete with slamming Haruka against a fence and getting very in his face.
179-->'''Rin''': I need a real race. Or else... I can't move on.
180-->'''Rin''': You ''will'' swim for me.
181* Rin being able to ''smell'' Haruka's presence in Episode 5.
182** More than likely, this is the case. But do remember that he smelt mackerel, not Haru, and that his team was having mackerel for dinner. So it ''could'' have been that. (Don't think so, but let's be fair here).
183* In Episode 7:
184** Haru getting absolutely fixated on a secret photo Gou took of Rin during their ocean training. The picture dramatically escapes his hands, the wind taking it away from him.
185** Rin dreaming about sneaking into Haruka's house, and only entering the event that Haru is competing in in the tournament even though he's good enough that he could have entered other events as well.
186** In the end of the episode, Rin won the qualifying relay they both raced in and swore he wouldn't swim with Haruka again. Haruka looked like someone who gave his heart out and felt used just to release the mental stress Rin harbored.
187* Haruka and Rin spent all of Episode 8 reminiscing about how much their relationship had changed since they were kids. Haruka being hit particularly hard with why he didn't feel free of Rin's expectation of him.
188** And in the end, Haru made the closing monologue, "I don't need an answer right away. For now..." after their eyes met.
189* Episode 10's flashbacks show that Rin has been singlemindedly trying to get Haru to swim with him even when they were still in elementary school, though Haru initially seemed suspicious of and annoyed by Rin. By the time they reunite a year later, Haruka runs over to Rin to greet him, chides him for not calling, even smiles and tries to make small talk with him. Rin's influence seems to have drawn Haru out of his stoic shell. Too bad that it's also Rin's influence that also does the exact opposite.
190* This is an actual [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/57136685017/high-speed-chapter-7a-summary-race quote]] from ''High Speed!'': "Rin can’t move a muscle, can’t glance away. '''His heart is completely stolen away by Haruka''', slipping through the water with wings spread wide like some great sea bird soaring through the sky."
191* ''All over the place'' in episode 12. First, Haruka being the first to react once Rin feebly gets out of the pool, looking absolutely ''horrified'' for Rin. When he goes to confronting Rin by the tree. Rin is so distraught, he grabs Haruka by the collar and tries to punch him, only for them to fall to the ground and start [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything rolling together on the ground.]] After Rin sees Haruka's message in the dirt, he begins crying while straddling Haruka in a suggestive position. When Haruka invites him to race in the relay, it shows Rin turning to Haruka with tears in his eyes, CherryBlossoms flying everywhere when Haruka stretches out his hand. After they win the relay, he runs to Haruka, tackles him with a hug, and cries ''again'', thanking Haruka for "the best sight I could have ever asked for." They are shown running into the distance with the rest of the Iwatobi members at the end of the episode.
192** At the beginning of episode 12, Haru was thinking about Rin. When they were children, Rin wrote "for the team" on his brick for the cherry blossom tree and Haru wrote "free." In the present day, Haruka crouched down and wrote Rin's message in the dirt with a stick in front of a similar looking tree. Later, when they have their fight, Rin sees the message in the dirt and starts to cry. He questions Haru why he wrote that instead of "free." In that moment, he probably realized Haruka was thinking about him.
193** Haruka crumples to the ground and nearly cries when Rin quits swimming again. Makoto tries to get them all to focus on their race, but Nagisa and Rei both know there's no way Haru is going to be able to swim when he's so upset.
194** Haru also says that Rin is the one he wants to swim with. Rei offers to give up his spot on the relay to make it happen.
195** Not to mention that when the rest of the Iwatobi team finds them, they seem to ignore the fact that Rin is straddling Haruka. As though it were the most typical thing in the world.
196** When Haruka and the gang are looking for Rin, the rest of them yell out for him, but Haruka is ''screaming'' for him to the point where people on the street are staring at him. He has a panicked look on his face. It's probably the most emotion he's ever shown.
197*** Also, after a few minutes of looking, he knew exactly where Rin would be.
198* Many of Rin and Haruka's scenes are framed very romantically. The cherry blossoms, meeting across a train track as a train goes by, ect. These scenes wouldn't have been out of place in a shoujo anime (and in fact, many people have drawn parallels to other anime series such as ''5 Centimeters Per Second''.)
199* In a magazine, Rin won an award for "sexiness" and they briefly [[http://kudouusagi.tumblr.com/post/72804217578/cast-comment-matsuoka-rins-voice-actor-miyano interviewed]] his voice actor, Creator/MamoruMiyano. Miyano talked about what other awards he'd like to see Rin win in the future and he said: "I’d like to improve my sexiness and receive this award again next year. But I think Rin has a lot more attractive things about him so next year I’d like to get the “stoic award” and “the way he takes off his clothes is attractive award”, “the likes swimming award” “but he likes Haruka more~ award” I want to collect them all!"
200* The drama [=CD=]s have a lot of great Rin/Haruka moments. For instance, there's one where the boys are reminiscing about their younger days and how Rin used to make a rainbow by splashing around in the pool in a certain way. At the end of the track, Haru gently asks him to make a rainbow again, then jumps into the pool. Rin, who had been flustered, responds (to himself, since Haruka jumped into the pool,) "Heh okay, I'll make a rainbow for you."
201** There's another track where the boys want to compete against each other in a volleyball game. The loser has to play a punishment game where they try to make Haruka laugh. Rin attempts to lose the game on purpose just to get the chance to try and make Haru laugh. This is Rin Matsuoka, the boy who lives for competition, especially against Haruka. He never loses on purpose.
202* In the drama portion of the duet CD, Haru asks Rin if he wanted to pull out a separate futon or if he'd prefer to sleep together with him in the same bed - like they used to.
203* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj5iK1SydAA Another drama CD]] starts with Rin sleeping over at Haru's house and just escalates from there, from Rin wanting to look at Haru's PornStash [[spoiler:(which is actually just [[CargoShip pictures of hot springs]])]] to [[spoiler:Haru whispering "Good night, Rin" at the end]].
204* Not to mention that [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BgkBYxeCYAA3HEY.jpg this]] is the cover art for their Duet CD. Rin looks positively smitten.
205* When they were kids, Rin wrote this essay for the Iwatobi year book: "My Shining. Iwatobi Elementary School is irreplaceable to me. The brilliance of everything in turn causes me to shine. The sparkling windows, the fluttering butterflies weaving their way through the school garden. All of it dazzles and makes me shining. That is where I also found my other Shining. If one day we can fly to the ends of the earth together, then the light that spreads infinitely will…" The essay cuts off there. Many fans speculate that he's talking about Haru, because Rin has thought about Haruka [[http://kudouusagi.tumblr.com/post/79686436334/iwatobi-elementary-is-an-irreplaceable-location using similar terms]] before.
206** In an [[http://great-blaster.tumblr.com/post/98157403770/miyano-since-were-done-with-voicing-the-series interview]] with Shimazaki, Haru's voice actor and Miyano, Rin's voice actor, Shimazaki said "When (Haruka) first felt that Rin was a bright presence, that's what it was. In his nightmare, he sees Rin holding his hand out while this huge light shines from behind him. So, him thinking that Rin is bright is him thinking that the world (that Rin is in) is a bright one." In a way, it's like Rin is Haruka's "shining" too.
207* They had some flirty dialogue the first episode of the second season.
208--->'''Haruka''': Trying to ambush me here, Rin?
209--->'''Rin''': I can give you a handicap if you want.
210--->'''Rin''': You're actually pretty fired up, aren't you?
211--->'''Rin''': I'm going to make that cold face of yours heat up
212--->'''Rin''': See? You're all fired up now.
213* Rin and Haruka are [[http://40.media.tumblr.com/00070def5cfdd4fd177de46385492003/tumblr_nbxpoyxgeN1ts691ao2_1280.png arguing]] in the ''Future Fish'' ending.
214* In one scene Sousuke was talking about Haru with Rin and says "I can see why you're so infatuated with him." It's definitely worth it to note that the way he says it is the exact same way you'd say "I can see why you've fallen for him" in a romantic sense. Rin's reaction is very far from subdued.
215* Season 2 episode 6 has a moment where Haru is staring at Rin across a parking lot and when Rin notices, he smirks in a suggestive way.
216** Makoto is jealous of the relationship Rin and Haruka have as he tells Nagisa at the end of Season 2 Episode 6 while watching Haru and Rin from a distance.
217*** An interview points how far Makoto watches at Haruka "growing faster with each race against Rin, is his greatest rival and a precious existence to Rin."
218* Kisumi mentions how lonely Haru was without Rin: "I remember how down you got after Rin left for Australia"
219* In ''High Speed! 2'', the second Free! light novel, Rin writes a note to Sousuke from Australia but it is later revealed the note was intended for Haruka, Rin was just too shy to send it. Instead he erased all the references that it was addressed to Haruka and sent it to Sousuke instead. (Though it's implied he knew Sousuke would show Haru.) The letter talked about Rin's hardships in Australia and also about how Haru was still his inspiration for swimming: "I haven’t forgotten it—not any of it. I remember it all. He’s still there…swimming in front of me. And I’m going to swim as fast as him—as fast as Haru!" Sousuke shows Haru the note and Haru is left speechless and couldn't tear his eyes away from the last sentence.
220* It is revealed from ''High Speed! 2'' that Rin's grandma knows about Haruka, because Rin apparently wouldn't stop talking about him. After Rin went to Australia, a family friend came over to visit his grandmother and discuss Haruka. She had to say about him: “It’s the boy Rin went so far as to transfer schools chasing, after all. You can’t imagine how shocked I was when I heard that was the reason!”
221* [[http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/54/27/d8/5427d837c3e24ebcdfa9e13c58a7843a.jpg There is this official art.]]
222* In the 11th episode of Season 2, Sousuke decides to confront Haruka about his plans for the future, or more precisely the complete lack thereof, even going as far as telling Haru whom he positively hates and still "doesn't acknowledge" to "stop wasting time and go forward" because he's afraid Rin will definitely quit swimming and give up on his dream if Haruka doesn't "take a step" towards it too.
223** In that same scene we have Sousuke saying to Haru: "If you stop, Rin could end up stopping too", "You are important to Rin, you understand that, don't you?", "He needs you".
224* In the preview for episode 12, we can hear Rin deliver this line to Haru: "From the moment we met, my world has kept expanding. This great big world that goes on forever... and if you'll only look up, I know you'll see it too Haru". Come on !
225** Actually, everything about the preview. We see Rin is going to take Haru to Australia for his one week off, in something fans on Twitter have been calling "Harurinralia".
226* As predicted, Episode 12 was basically a [=RinHaru=] fest:
227** Rin shows up on Haruka's doorstep and decides to take him to Australia, doesn't even tell him why, and Haru just follows him like it's not a 10+ hours flight to another continent. Just let the enormity of that sink in.
228** They sit by the fountain at Hyde Park and Rin apologizes for "ignoring how Haru felt and forcing his own feelings" on him during their fight at Regionals. In that same scene, Rin tells Haru "You know I've always... admired you". What's interesting here, well aside from the obvious, is the use of the verb "to admire". Now in the original japanese version, Rin uses the verb "あこがれる" which means not to simply admire but '''to long for, to yearn after, to admire, to be attracted to, to adore'''.
229** Rin then takes Haruka to the beach he used to go to when he was younger and tells him about his time in Australia in general and how coming to the ocean always made him feel better because across that ocean were Sousuke (his, by his own admission, alter ego and best friend) and Haru (his... what exactly?) and it made him feel closer to them.
230** Next, Rin takes Haruka to his Australian foster family, Lori and Russell:
231*** Before they even knew Haru was there (they hadn't seen him yet), one of the first things they asked Rin when he arrived is if Haru and him were still in each other's lives.
232*** We learn that Rin used to talk about Haruka A LOT during his time in Australia. Russell and Lori knew about Haru's eating habits, his attitude, the colour of his eyes that Rin had described to Lori as "clear as water". They stressed how much Rin used to admire Haru and basically couldn't shut up about him.
233*** Lori [[BreakingTheFourthWall literally winks at the camera]] after telling Haru that Rin "was always full of admiration" when Rin talked about him.
234*** As Lori recounts to Haru some of the things Rin used to tell them about him, she winks at Rin suggestively. Rin blushes in embarrassment, says "hey now..." and turns away from Haruka to hide his blush. When Haruka asks him to translate to him what Lori said, Rin is so embarrassed that he doesn't want to.
235*** Immediately after that, Russell asks Rin if he's got a girlfriend in Japan, to which Rin gives us a very eloquent "Umm... that is... uuuh". Russell laughs a bit and tells him "I guess that's a no then". During that exchange, the "camera" is focused on Haru.
236** The hotel room Rin booked for Haruka and himself turns out to [[ThereIsOnlyOneBed only have one bed]]. Naturally, they both have no choice but to share. Haruka doesn't seem bothered at all by this.
237-->'''Haru''': I guess these things are normal here.
238** According to WordOfGod, [[WhatCouldHaveBeen there were plans]] to have a scene involving the room's [[ShowerScene glass shower]]. [[CensorSteam Oh]], [[MyEyesAreUpHere the]] [[ShowerOfLove possibilities]].
239** While they're in bed together, Rin decides that it's the perfect moment to talk about feelings, and romantic music kicks in.
240--->'''Rin''' : Hey, Haru. I told you I’ve always admired you, right? You might not remembered it, but I still remember, the day I first met you.To be honest, it had never occurred to me that I could lose to someone. But any frustration I felt vanished when I thought“There’s someone more amazing than me. I want to be able to swim like him.” That’s why it’s hard for me when you’re not always there ahead of me, showing me what path I should take. '''Without you, I have nothing to aim for''', you know?
241--->'''Haruka''' : I remember it, too. That tournament…
242--->'''Rin''' : Do you remember the freestyle race we swam during that tournament this spring? When we tied and set a new tournament record together?
243--->'''Haruka''' :Yeah.
244--->'''Rin''' :I was testing you then. I wanted to see if that was really the farthest you could go. And when I sensed you coming up from behind me, I knew for sure. That you were definitely going to enter the same world as me. Hey Haru, during that race, did you feel something, too?
245** Rin tells that [[http://malamirie.tumblr.com/post/97592617025/rin-bragging-after-he-and-haru-get-back-from Haruka was so tired he even slept on his shoulder and mumbling some crap about Iwa-moge's search for sacred saba.]]
246* Episode 13 included a lot of Haruka and Rin moments.
247** Once they got back from Japan, as Rin was leaving to go back to his own team, Haru stops him and thanks him. Rin responds with an extremely cute smile and blush, since he didn't seem to be expecting it.
248** Before he left, Makoto Rin and Haruka were all looking at the outside of the national pool building together. Rin is the first to look away from it, instead looking at Haru (who is still looking forward) and smiling softly.
249** Haru talks about how his trip with Rin opened his eyes to how big the whole world was, and how Rin helped him find his dream.
250** Sousuke and Rin discuss how Rin took Haruka to Australia. Sousuke calls it "going overboard." Rin smiles and says it was worth it while looking across the pool at Haru and Iwatobi. Sousuke follows his line of vision and also smiles, saying "I see."
251** Haruka writing "For the future" in the sand is a call back to season 1's "for the team."
252** When Rin punches open the door for the sakura pool, there's a zoom in on Haru and his reaction alone.
253*** Once they're inside, they share [[https://33.media.tumblr.com/08474bf5fc23158ba3d8694dda4d7f9d/tumblr_ncfnopNZKh1sosa7yo1_500.gif this look.]]
254** The very last scene of the episode is Haruka and Rin standing side by side in the middle lanes of the World Championship in Rome. Rin and Haruka look at each other and share a smile before the race starts. We see Haru jumping into the pool, and then "For the Future" is written across the screen - the same as what he wrote in the dirt earlier. Rin and Haruka's futures are definitely intertwined, as they're taking the same path in life.
255*** It's been noted that Rin and Haruka are wearing the same [[http://skania.tumblr.com/post/98639137090/im-a-slow-poke-but-sorceressdream-pointed-out style of swimsuit]] in the last scene. It implies that they're on the same team now.
256* A new magazine cover for Spoon2di has art of Rin, Haruka, Sousuke and Makoto standing around a sign post. The signs closest to Rin and Haruka, which say Future and Free, are also the only two signs pointing in the same direction. Rin heads to the Free and Future direction ; Haruka heads to the Eternal direction.
257* This magazine's [[http://33.media.tumblr.com/26963c0c4f1f1722b1e65109c042ebee/tumblr_nd49pm6n2n1titp45o1_1280.jpg cover art]]. The full poster has all the boys, but Haru and Rin are floating so close together that they're touching each other and Haruka's arm is overlapping Rin's. This has led some fans to believe that they're holding hands.
258* In regards to Season 2 in general, it's worth noting that in ''every single episode'', there is a reference to their relationship and they don't even interact in all of them.
259* A quote from Pash magazine states: ''"Rin, who’s had a clear vision of wanting to swim at the international level ever since he was a child, set off for Australia right after graduation, vowing to get revenge in the place where he’d once experienced bitter failure. He now spends his days globetrotting with Haruka, who said he wanted to swim '''together with''' him. From now on, they’ll likely continue to be great, close friends who '''compete''' while influencing each other, as well as rivals."''
260** The part of Rin's vow to revenge in the place he's been defeated for the first time is a memory about his loss against Haruka during their first tournament.
261--->'''Rin:''' It's time for revenge!
262* In a [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/100069066391/so-the-samezuka-channel-cd-that-comes-with-each drama track]], Haru and Nagisa get part time jobs at a fast food restaurant. Rin enters and is surprised to find Haru working there. Rin teases Haru a bit about his uniform (leading to a long "hmmm" that sounds like he's checking Haru out) and Haru teases him back by taking his order before Rin can actually order anything. In the end, Rin doesn't order any food, but instead orders a smile from Haru. Not just one smile, but ten of them, and they have to be Haru's best smile. Haru just replies that smiles are out of stock (causing him to get in trouble.) The whole thing comes off like Rin is flirting hard with Haruka.
263* Through the [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/102939816871/haru-and-rin-interview-es-dvd-vol-3 character interview]] of ''Free! ES Vol.3'', Rin replies to Haruka he wished Haruka would be the last person to confirm how far he is the weirdest (of his team)
264* Haruka said to Makoto that Rin called him to come to the cherry tree of their elementary middle school seen in the season 1, to talk about their early years together.
265** Haruka reminds Rin they competed to see who was taller during their physical examination.
266** Haruka states how ''annoyingly persistent'' Rin was.
267* Rin calls Haruka "fess-up" in the [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/102939816871/haru-and-rin-interview-es-dvd-vol-3 character interview]] of ''Free! ES Vol.3'' and the [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/103548356521/matsuoka-lin-track-13-for-the-team-for-the track 13: For the Team, for the Future]] drama.
268* Haruka and Rin are confirmed [[http://parry-repost.tumblr.com/post/102309751464/may-i-ask-you-to-translate-a-small-piece-from eternal (destined) rivals]].
269** A ''Free! Boys Recipes'' states in both [[http://makoharu-official.tumblr.com/post/101100961263/translations-maihor-from-otomedia-free-boys Haruka]] and [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/97125761341 Rin]]'s personal pages that they are rival ingredients.
270** Zakki-san and Akeno-san confess in [[http://malamirie.tumblr.com/post/95808832395/so-that-chat-between-zakki-and-akeno-san-from Iwatobi Channel Show]] how far Rin is Haruka's '''true''' rival.
271--->'''Hiroko Utsumi:''' “[…] But I believe that, even if Haruka and Rin are walking different roads or in different locations, the kind of relationship where they’ll be sure to come to heads wherever they may end up in the future is very ‘them’. Rather than being together all the time, I have a stronger image of them—in their separate locales—urging each other on and reuniting at a meet to battle it out.”
272--->'''Hiroko Utsumi:''' […] in the end, no matter how far apart they are, no matter how much they clash, they end up returning to each other. I am personally fond of relationships between those who are rivals, yet friends, and so I was appealed by the '''passionate''' relationship between these two.
273--->'''Hiroko Utsumi:''' In the end, no matter how far apart they are, no matter how much they clash, they end up returning to each other.
274* In a [[http://sharkbait-muses.tumblr.com/post/114498466755/saerigraphie-dialogue-translation-posted skit]] during the March 2015 live voice actor show, Rin tries to get Haru to compete with him. As an incentive to Haru (who is uninterested), he offers to let him swim in the Samezuka pool if Rin loses. Haru is totally on board (as Makoto says " Haru’s mind is totally made up!") but for no apparent reason Rin decides to add a second incentive. "Plus, if I lose... I’ll wear the maid outfit and get you to carry me in your arms." There was really no need for that, because Haru was going to compete anyways.
275** During another [[http://sharkbait-muses.tumblr.com/post/114430254170/aaaah-i-just-saw-this-on-twitter-and-remembered skit]], Rin and Haru's voice actors were competing against each other while in-character as Rin and Haru. "Haru" tripped and fell, so Rin stopped in the middle of the competition to wait for him, yelling out "Hurry up and come on, Haru!"
276* For the cover of their mook, Rin and Haru are both holding onto each other's wrists. They're also looking at each other.
277* Rin and Haru were given the last Side A picture for the season 2 BD. Rin is [[https://40.media.tumblr.com/1ee862727549147fe8d3f1f316e015e4/tumblr_nlckwpPdSM1r7k9lao4_r1_500.png casually draping himself all over Haru.]] As usual.
278* Some New Year's official art featured them [[https://36.media.tumblr.com/99c06aa18349d524cbb9e298eff05c45/tumblr_nhgdzbsS5D1sffapwo1_500.jpg linking arms.]]
279* In a [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/117946182191/things-haruka-reacts-to-in-spoon-shimazaki Spoon2di article]], Creator/NobunagaShimazaki (Haru's voice actor) states that Haru reacts to "water, swimming, mackerel, and 'things relating to Matsuoka Rin.'"
280* In an interview in the [=HaruRin=] mook, Mamo [[http://kudouusagi.tumblr.com/post/125765170962/02-random-talk says Rin and Haru]] feel like a “destined pair”.
281* In the story of the mook, Rin takes Haru on a "date" of sorts. Haru is a mermaid who spends all his days working in an aquarium and Rin was uncomfortable seeing him cooped up day after day. Rin takes him out to see some sights he's never seen before, including a penthouse, a sakura tree (a storm kicks up the petals and Rin laughs and removes a petal from Haru's cheek), and an amusement park. Haru asks Rin why he's showing him all these things and Rin says it's because he wants to share his feelings. "“Hey, Haru—don’t you ever feel like that? Like, ‘I really want to show this thing I love to someone else!’…?”"
282* One of the directors at the [=KyoaniDo=] event called Rin and Haru's trip to Australia "the infamous honeymoon episode."
283* Despite Rin being absent from the majority of Anime/HighSpeedFreeStartingDays , he does still have a big influence on Haru:
284** Haru misses Rin a lot, there is a scene where he imagines Rin swimming instead of Asahi - he's so upset that he has trouble swimming afterwards.
285** Rin writes a letter to Haru, but loses his nerve at the last minute and switches the letter to send to Sousuke. Sousuke sees the erase marks Rin made and realizes the letter was originally intended to be for Haru. When Haru reads the letter his eyes shine and he blushes, thinking "Rin, I.. I want to be like you too!"
286[[/folder]]
287
288[[folder:Haruka/Ikuya]]
289Being one of the main relationships in ''Dive to the Future'', the show certainly makes good on reminding the viewers of that.
290* Ikuya's whole beef with Haru boils down to a childhood promise that never got fulfilled, similar to the situation with Rin in the beginning of the series.
291* On one piece of official artwork, Haru, Makoto, Rin and Ikuya are lying together, with Ikuya very close to Haru.
292* In episode of ''Dive to the Future'', Haruka and Ikuya stargaze while everyone is asleep. Ikuya also leans very close and moves in so fast it's easy to mistake for a kiss.
293* There's a scene of Haru doing a BridalCarry to Ikuya underwater in episode 2.
294* In an interview with ''Animage'', Masahiro Yokotani mentions that Haru is "like Ikuya's FirstLove" if you compare their relationship to a {{shojo}} romance.
295* Hiyori compares Ikuya as the prince who falls in love with the princess, Haru, instead of the little mermaid.
296[[/folder]]
297
298[[folder: Rei/Nagisa]]
299* This [[http://media.tumblr.com/8d911fb0b28733136758c5ae7a5dda0d/tumblr_inline_mwfff2cqsF1r6onvc.png official art]].
300** [[http://i.imgur.com/JFsSGru.png Don't]] [[http://i.imgur.com/2XryLqW.jpg forget]] [[http://i.imgur.com/XowZ1hK.png these.]]
301* Episode 3. Just...90% of Nagisa and Rei's interaction, the peak of which has Nagisa outright calling Rei beautiful.
302** To take a quote from a comment on tumblr: "he literally flirted with Rei until he blushed his way onto the swim team".
303** Rei also tells Nagisa to take responsibility.
304*** The ending card has a drooling Nagisa [[SleepCute sleeping]] on Rei's shoulder.
305* In episode 4 there is a "Blink And You'll Miss It" moment when the boys changing at the shopping center. There is a barly one second shot of Rei with the swimsuit not...all the way up. Nagisa makes a certain noise that sounds quite gleeful.
306* From Episode Five :
307--->'''Nagisa''': Aww, I wanna sleep with Haru-chan...
308--->'''Rei''': You don't want to sleep with me?
309** Nagisa was very concerned about Rei throughout the episode, offering him help to stand after the long distance swimming and constantly asking him if he was alright.
310* In Episode Six, Nagisa comes along Haruka to save Makoto and Rei. Nagisa goes to save Rei.
311** Nagisa sort of picks on Rei by making him open the scary fridge and forcing him to tell them an embarrassing story from his childhood...and he says if Rei ever leaves his underwear in the locker room he'll go get them for him.
312** After the four are reunited from being separated, Nagisa is the one to defend Rei when Haruka asks him why he went swimming in the ocean at night, saying Rei wanted to catch up to the rest of them.
313*** A post on tumblr said what that scene was trying to say was
314--->Haruka: How dare you put my boyfriend in danger.
315--->Nagisa: What did you say to my boyfriend?
316* And now there's apparently a [[http://paranoid-rhythm.tumblr.com/post/58711221720/a-translation-of-the-one-of-the-previews-for-the drama CD]] featuring Nagisa trying to convince Rei to let him help shave his junk to improve his swimming speed.
317* Nagisa's original affectionate behavior of hanging over Haruka transferred to Rei once he joined the swim team.
318* [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything Episode 8 has Nagisa and Rei showing up late together for the qualifying meet. The others ask what they were doing, and they look at each other and smile]]...before they explain they were practicing the changeover for the relay that day.
319* In the drama CD, when Nagisa talks about who he'd date out of the team if he was a girl, he immediately states he wouldn't date Rei, Rei then asks why and Nagisa explains it's because he'd nag him. Rei then proceeds to list the things that qualify him as a good boyfriend, as if trying to persuade Nagisa that he should date him if the event was to arise.
320* Also in the drama CD, Rei asks Nagisa about his and Haruka's first meeting, he phrases it as "I want to ask you something" and Nagisa says he'll tell Rei anything and immediately starts listing facts about him, such as his birthday, star sign, and likes/dislikes.
321** A note: This is a classical way to present yourself as a potential suitor in Japanese culture. Yeah...
322* Nagisa and Rei spend most of Episode 9 trying to keep Rin away from Haruka. Rei shadows Rin and updates Nagisa over text message. The fun comes in when Nagisa receives the texts and imagines Rei in dramatic, sexy poses surrounded by bubbles and sparkles.
323** Also at the end of Episode 9, there's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it shot of Rei giving Nagisa a shoulder massage and is helping him stretch.
324** In general Rei and Nagisa are getting along very well in this episode, with Nagisa teasing Rei a little less and Rei handling what teasing he does get much better.
325* In Episode 11, the gang goes over to Rei's house when he misses a swim meet, and someone asks if anyone has been to his house. No one has except Nagisa, who says he lives nearby and "has stopped by a few times."
326** At Rei's house when they all enter his room, Nagisa casually lies down on Rei's bed, as if it's the most normal thing in the world.
327* Spoon 2Di's new cover has the boys all [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/62357650892 holding hands]], but Rei and Nagisa are the only two who have their fingers interlocked...
328* [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/64133223809 Rei's horoscope]] basically says Nagisa is the most compatible with him. Leo and Sagittarius belong to the Fire element.
329** In the Chinese astrology, Leo is associated to the Monkey, and Sagittarius is associated to the Rat. These animals are complementary.
330* Let's not forget this rather dubious (when out of context) exchange from the drama [=CD=]s
331---> Rei: Nagisa-kun? What are you doing with that hand?
332---> Nagisa: I'm going to make you slimy, Rei-chan...
333** Actually, it's fairly dubious in context. Never mind.
334* Everything in their [[http://free-anime.wikia.com/wiki/Vol.2_Nagisa_Hazuki_%26_Rei_Ryugazaki duet CD.]]
335* ''Everything'' about episode 3 of ''Free! Eternal Summer'', but the highlight is the way Nagisa's speech to Rei begging him [[spoiler:not to quit the team]] came off strongly as a AnguishedDeclarationOfLove, and very romantic framing of the scene in general. And the way Nagisa was the only one to stop Rei from running off in that scene, by grabbing and clinging to his leg.
336** And in episode 5, [[spoiler: where Nagisa might actually be forced to quit the team]], Rei returns the favor by passionately declaring that [[spoiler: there's no way he'll let the person who cajoled him onto the swim team in the first place leave the team behind]]. He blushes after he says it, too.
337* Hell, episode 5 of season 2 has this in spades, what with it being a focus episode for Nagisa. In fact, when Rei first hears the news that [[spoiler: Nagisa had left home]], the first thing he does is rush over to Haru’s place and ''demand'' to see Nagisa.
338* Episode 6 of ''Free! Eternal Summer'' has Rei and Nagisa striking a pose together, proudly showing off their matching swimsuits.
339* Haruka and Makoto are praising Nagisa, but Nagisa doesn't start blushing until Rei praises him in episode 13 of ''Free! Eternal Summer''.
340* The 2015 calendar contains one poster of Rei and Nagisa.
341* The November fanbook contains one official art of Rei and Nagisa.
342* Nagisa and Rei have their own ''Free! Sugar Cake'' [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/103880301351 CD track]]. Their animal is Iwatobi. They fall asleep while embracing (hugging).
343** Nagisa chooses to count Iwatobi. Rei pursues the count with fifteen butteflies.
344* Tsubasa (Nagisa's voice actor) and Nobunaga (Haruka's voice actor) come to say how far Nagisa and Rei "did get close to naturally look like a couple'', in the [[http://digivice.tumblr.com/post/100561533780/free-es-radio-cd-1-summary-by-damenin radio CD]] of ''Free! ES Vol.1''.
345* The Rei and Nagisa [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/106597712596 mook]] stars the two on a distant planet.
346** [[spoiler: Rei was sent to a distant planet and he couldn't stand the loneliness so he built a Nagisa android to keep him company while the one on earth is living his life.]]
347** [[spoiler: It was all a dream. Rei hugs Nagisa and cries in the end saying that he's glad he's all right.]]
348* [[https://unkonageki.tumblr.com/post/120618795942 This track]] from the drama cd, which includes Nagisa hugging Rei while exclaiming "I love you, Rei-chan!", as well as describing a dream he had where Rei turned into a sheep and Nagisa pet his soft, fluffy fur.
349* [[https://youtu.be/_ePLr5_XM3k THIS]] ImageSong from their duet CD. It can’t even be called subtext. The uploader calls it “the cheesiest love song [they’ve] heard in a while.”
350* In season 3, Nagisa and Rei become TeamMom and TeamDad respectively to the first-years, looking at each other fondly in Episode 5.
351* Season 3 episode 11 has the two walk down the hall talking, when [[http://bakughoulz.tumblr.com/post/178260075021/ep-11-basically-confirmed-reigisa flashbacks]] of just the two play with sweet music in the background.
352** Later during, the reactions focused on for Rei and Nagisa's race's are each other.
353[[/folder]]
354
355[[folder:Sousuke/Rin]]
356* Everything about their relationship, from the way Rin is remarkably at ease with Sousuke, more than we've seen him be with anyone, even post CharacterDevelopment, their elaborate secret handshakes and rock paper scissors matches showing how in sync they are with another, to the way Sousuke threatens Haru for Rin's sake both like an overprotective partner and a jealous ex.
357* Director Utsumi confirms in a paragraph of an [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/99824561294 interview]] that Sousuke tells Haruka ''“I would never have done something like that to Rin,” because he had the feeling of “because I want to be the one to swim '''with''' Rin.”''
358* The two songs "[[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/99814001221 Just wanna know]]" and "Last Race towards Tomorrow" are meant to Rin.
359* From Australia, Rin sends letters to Sousuke only.
360** In ''High Speed! 2'', Rin even talks to Sousuke about Haruka.
361* Rin tells that him and Sousuke were often arguing, though Sousuke never raised his hand to him.
362* In the 3rd episode of ''Eternal Summer'', they both discuss their preference for being [[AccidentalInnuendo on the bottom]] [[ItMakesSenseInContext (while discussing sleeping arrangements for a shared bunk bed).]]
363* Episode 04 : Sousuke asks Rin to give the other half of his cola [[spoiler:he paid]].
364** The way Sousuke [[http://38.media.tumblr.com/1e72807f4c55bc14b9674062ee8eee3c/tumblr_n974ipyatV1sy8enio1_500.png looks]] [[http://38.media.tumblr.com/3d4433923c1b57f8f70916fedf42b311/tumblr_nazakiauCu1qhv7m1o3_500.png at Rin]] should [[LongingLook seem familiar.]]
365** The ending card features Sousuke and Rin as football opponents.
366*** The scene occurs back in the [[http://makoharu-official.tumblr.com/post/103573038468/free-eternal-summer-drama-cd-vol-2-track-10-an Track 10]] of ''Free! ES Vol.2''. Kisumi reminds Sousuke, Haruka and Makoto about how amazing it was to see Rin and Sousuke as opponents. Sousuke guarded most of the shoots as the goalkeeper and told to Rin that ''he was the most invincible regardless of what sport it was''.
367* Let's just do this the fast way and say the entirety of episode 10.
368** Sousuke reveals to Rin that he didn't want to see him, because Rin was the only person Sousuke didn't want Rin seeing him so broken.
369** This line deserves special mention:
370---> '''Rin:''' Why didn't you tell me this earlier?
371---> '''Sousuke:''' Because I knew you would cry.
372*** The dub version is quite touching as well.
373---> '''Sousuke:''' Because if you would've known, it would've broken your heart. ''[Rin starts to cry and leans into Sousuke's chest.]''
374** Another moment of note comes right at the end. [[spoiler: Sosuke says he's finally found this 'it' he's been on about and Rin promptly proceeds to cry again, then knee him in the butt, saying "about time."]] [[DoesThisRemindYouofAnything Wait, what?]]
375** Plus the revelation that [[spoiler:Sousuke literally came to Iwatobi, that is to say, moved back to his hometown and transferred schools, ''just so he can be with Rin''.]]
376** This episode starts to talk about the "other self" subject :
377*** One of the two sound tracks of episode 10 is titled "Other Self".
378*** Mamoru Miyano said that Sousuke is someone [Rin] can be his '''true''' self with."''
379*** Director Utsumi confirms in one [[http://eternaldorks.tumblr.com/post/99068299292/aitaikimochi-update-rins-other-half-is interview]] that Rin's other half is Sousuke.
380--> '''Hiroko Utsumi:''' As for Rin, it’s clear that the person who understands him the most is Sousuke, and High☆Speed has iterated time and again that Sousuke is Rin’s other self.
381* Episode 11 of ''Free! Eternal Summer'' shows :
382** Momotarou acts as a curious shipper of them. First, Momotarou comes in their room to ask them first if they live near to each other. Second, he asks them excited if Rin and Sousuke will go back together.
383** The discussing of Sousuke with Haruka concern Rin again, and Haruka suddenly asks why Sousuke is always concerned about Rin. A way to tell Sousuke seems to be selfless, because he [[spoiler:always talked to Haruka about Rin in the entire season 2.]]
384* Though Sousuke does not make an appear in episode 12 of ''Free! Eternal Summer'', Sousuke does make two cameos when Rin talks about:
385---> '''Rin:''' It's just one little fight. Sousuke and I fight all the time.
386---> '''Rin:''' But when I came here and saw the ocean, I felt calmer. Because I knew that just beyond it, You and Sousuke were there. […]
387* In Episode 13, Rin tells Sousuke [[IWillWaitForYou he's going to be waiting for him to come back]]. He also uses a phrasing which Sousuke earlier used giving advice to Nitori, and which he described as something Rin would say. In ''High Speed!'' and the flashback to it depicted in Episode 4, Rin describes Sousuke as the person who understands him most. It seems that he was right about that. (In the same scene, in the novel, Rin also says he can't love or hate him because Sousuke is like a part of himself).
388** Hatta-san tells in an [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/98809805926 interview]] that Sousuke kinda adopts the same way for Rin in Australia to feel calmer by looking at the sea. Sousuke is thinking about Rin.
389* One official ''For the Future'' long [[http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/663745 poster]].
390* Sousuke [[http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/665396 plays with Rin's tied hair]].
391* The [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/100085694316 character interview]] occurs after episode 03 :
392*** Sousuke tells that Rin sometimes skateboards. The A side of Free! ES DVD includes one [[http://sou-katsu.tumblr.com/post/102867248913/photo-of-the-jacket-and-contents-for-free-es official art]] of Sousuke with Rin skateboarding.
393** Rin asks Sousuke about what he would do if they were not a part of the swimming academy. Sousuke replies that he would content to do whatever Rin would do.
394** Rin and Sousuke replies to each other in a perfect synchronisation that they ''haven’t really thought of anything besides swimming''.
395** Sousuke replies to Rin that he always wins at rock-paper-scissors because he loses at it on purpose.
396* A [[http://hailsousuke.tumblr.com/post/98521522288 magazine page]] features the four default merchandise pairs for the series. Sousuke and Rin are together.
397** Every magazine always feature two pages about Sousuke and Rin.
398* Sousuke and Rin's voice actors say that ''Sousuke loves Rin so much''.
399* One [[http://its-saya.tumblr.com/post/101408747393/if-you-was-a-girl-who-would-you-be-dating-with Tumblr billet]] translates that Yoshimasa Hosoya (Sousuke's voice actor) affirms that ''Sousuke doesn't look at anyone beside Rin''.
400* The [[http://donamoeba.tumblr.com/post/101323885199/translation-sourin-mook-original-drama Mook drama]] is a Future Fish drama. Sousuke tells to Rin he [[spoiler:has a dream]] where he and Rin are cops.
401** Rin reveals to Sousuke he comes to the police office only to be with him.
402** There was a part where the two are handcuffed to pipes in the storage of an airship and it gets flooded. Rin gets free by getting a key from the pocket on Sousuke's shirt that he rips with his teeth.
403** Sousuke and Rin do have the ability to share a talking with their eyes, in the same manner as Makoto and Haruka do just by looking at each other.
404** Sousuke nearly runs out of air and Rin comes in close to his face to give him air when [[spoiler:the pipe breaks and Sousuke swims to the surface.]]
405** Rin and Sousuke perform a somersault kick in a perfect synchronisation.
406*** That action only appears in dreams. It might have reccured in Momotarou's dream in the ''[[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/103637597116 Free! ES Vol.3 : Shark Meeting]]''.
407* All mooks feature one selected pair and even show them wearing matching bracelets. Rin and Sousuke's mook drama is titled ''Rin and Sousuke's Charm.''
408* The mook interview with Sousuke and Rin's voice actor writes that Sousuke's best wish is go on with Rin.
409** Mamoru Miyano (Rin's voice actor) claims that Rin [[spoiler:occupies ''a lot'']] Sousuke's thoughts:
410---> '''Yoshimasa Hosoya:''' There are many different definitions of what it means to be a “best friend,” but in Sousuke’s case, he is wholly [[spoiler:committed]].
411** Hoyosa figures that Rin's strenght is his charming point to Sousuke.
412** Mamoru Miyano concludes that everything Sousuke did was for Rin.
413---> '''Yoshimasa Hosoya:''' Yes. He didn’t want Rin to worry about him. But then hiding those things doesn’t mean that it’ll get better.
414---> '''Mamoru Miyano:''' ''“Everything I did was for you,”'' is something that he wouldn’t say at all, right?
415---> '''Yoshimasa Hosoya :''' I think it’s amazing that to Sousuke, Rin’s strength is so great that it pierces through Sousuke’s own mentality and because of that, he decides that ''“Even if I don’t know what will happen, I just want go on '''with''' Rin.”''
416** The November 2014 fanbook includes one [[http://drawn4life.tumblr.com/post/98469731331/i-think-rin-gave-sousuke-his-trademark-necklace official art]] of Rin with Sousuke wearing his necklace.
417* Sousuke and Rin are hosts of their own [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/103878852381 CD track]] of ''Free! Sugar Cake''.
418** Rin points of too great Sousuke's power is, with ''"such a "nice" voice"'' and ''a "delicate" breathing which could even resonate in his dreams''.
419** Rin counts fifteen sharks. Sousuke pursues the count with fifteen sharks.
420* Rin stops Sousuke to talk about a previous ''certain'' lunch Rin was doing things at Sousuke's ''own pace'' in the [[http://donamoeba.tumblr.com/post/103623960889/translation-track-01-same-kai-shark-team track: Team Shark gathering]].
421** Momotarou dreamt about him fighting a huge cow, when Rin and Sousuke came to save him, and took him with them on a journey.
422* The [[http://pastebin.com/Ti5EVnEY track]] from ''Free! ES Vol.3'' is Haruka's dream, and includes Rin and Sousuke as cops probably.
423** Sousuke comes from behind Rin and replies about their strong friendship.
424** Rin and Sousuke combine their powers into a double change named ''The Butterfly Cross of Friendship'' to target and shoot at Iwatobi with laser sounds.
425** Rin and Sousuke perform a rider kick.
426* Rin and Sousuke made one same dream, in their own versions, in the track 1: [[http://donamoeba.tumblr.com/post/103562744809/translation-free-dozing-off-part-4-golden-rin Golden Rin and Silver Rin]] and the track 4 [[http://donamoeba.tumblr.com/post/103564578219/translation-free-dozing-off-part-1-golden Golden Sousuke and Silver Sousuke]] from ''Free! Dozzing''.
427* Though Sousuke is not with Rin for the second time in the [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/103548356521/matsuoka-lin-track-13-for-the-team-for-the track 13: For the Team ; for the Future]], Rin introduces him to Haruka about what he said that swimming is an individual sport at elementary school.
428* One [[https://twitter.com/Free_ensky/status/533097194023174144/photo/1 merchandise BOX]] features Rin and Sousuke with matching pink creatures.
429* The [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/97125761341 Free! Boys Recipes]] titled "How to make a Rin Matsuoka" and "How to make a Sousuke Yamazaki" states Sousuke and Rin as their most important team ingredient to each other. Their rival ingredient is Haruka.
430* The 2015 calendar contains one [[http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/667411 official art]] of Rin with Sousuke.
431* During the HotSpringsEpisode in ''TakeYourMarks'' Rin and Sousuke respectively act like the TeamMom and TeamDad to Ai and Momo.
432[[/folder]]
433
434[[folder: Rin/Nitori]]
435* [[http://great-blaster.tumblr.com/post/58678083780/sample-for-the-2nd-drama-cd-featuring-rin-and This sample from the drama CD.]] Nitori really sounds like he has the ''biggest'' crush on Rin. Not to mention that "Top or bottom?" conversation.
436-->Nitori (referring to the bunk beds): Matsuoka-senpai, top or bottom? Which do you prefer?
437--> Rin: '''[[AccidentalInnuendo WHAAAAAAAA?]]'''
438** And the conclusion: "Matsuoka-senpai likes the bottom."
439* The entire "roommate diary" clip series on the drama CD, entirely about Nitori writing about the things Rin does and how perfect he is.
440* Another from a drama CD, a culture festival involves Rin having to [[spoiler: dress up in a maid outfit]]. Nitori goes on the entire time about how pretty he looks.
441--->Nitori: Your legs that I can glimpse [[spoiler: through your petticoat]] are so tight and wonderful!
442* In Episode 7 he seems very concerned about Rin only swimming in the same event as Haru in the tournament. So much so that it kinda comes off as jealousy.
443* Also in Episode 7, Rin was comfortable enough to tell Nitori the story of his father's Olympic dreams, and how he died, outside of the original Iwatobi swimmers.
444* Nitori deeply cares about Rin and sticks to him like how Makoto sticks to Haruka, always asking if Rin is okay, and helping his training during practice.
445** In Episode 9, he has demonstrated that he knows when to give Rin space and respect that he wants to be alone at times, and he understood this without being told, when he usually needs to be.
446* In episode twelve, after having spent the last several episodes yelling at Nitori when he tries to help and refusing to open up to him, Rin apologises and asks to train with him the next day. The look on Nitori's face is nothing short of joyous.
447** Immediately topped by Rin starting to call him Nitori like usual-- and then correcting himself to [[FirstNameBasis Ai]]. Not only is he calling him by his first name (which is Aiichirou), he's calling him by a shortening of it which [[GenderBlenderName sounds like a girl's name]], bringing him into [[ThemeNaming the group]] and making him no longer second-string. Ai returns the favour and starts calling him "Rin-sempai" rather than "Matsuoka-sempai".
448** Almost certainly a coincidence, but many people have noticed that the kanji for the Ai part of his name literally means 'love', making the whole scene just a little bit cuter.
449* In one of the drama CD sketches, Rin and Haruka decide to have a competition to see who can swim the fastest. After undressing with characteristic quickness, they set off, but reach the end at the same time. The other boys pass this off as a tie but then Nitori exclaims that Rin was the one to get undressed faster. Rei claims that they can't be sure...until Nitori declares that he's been recording everything the whole time. Sure, it made sense to record the swimming, but why did he need to record the undressing, even before Rin and Haruka had tied...?
450* In Eternal Summer, Rin encouraging Ai and asking him to not call Rin "captain".
451* Let's not forget that one of Ai's character songs is literally titled 'He's so perfect!!'. You get zero points for guessing who it's about.
452** [[https://miraclesmay.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/free-eternal-summer-character-song-vol-07-nitori-aiichirou-02-hes-so-perfect-lyricstl/ Here]] are the lyrics for said character song.
453[[/folder]]
454
455[[folder: Other Pairings]]
456!!Haruka/Nagisa
457* Nagisa's reasoning for enrolling in Iwatobi High was so he could watch Haru swim and to swim with him again.
458* In Episode Five, Nagisa says he wants to sleep in a tent with Haruka, saying he thought Rei was the type of person to grind his teeth while he sleeps; if that was the case, wouldn't sharing a tent with Makoto also solve that situation?
459* The ending card of Episode 6 has Haruka and Nagisa comparing [[spoiler: tan lines.]]
460* In the drama CD, Nagisa reacts with shock to the fact that Haruka picked Makoto as the one he most wanted to date, and quickly says he'd make [[TrademarkFavoriteFood mackerel]] for Haruka if they dated in order to change his mind (and it worked).
461* In the drama CD, it depicts how Nagisa and Haruka first met, which involved Haruka giving his swimsuit to Nagisa because one of his sisters put in one of theirs in his bag and said he hated swimming. After telling the story, Nagisa discovers his sisters pulled the same prank on him and Haruka once again offered him a swimsuit (this time a spare), Haruka acted as he didn't remember the event, but after lending a suit to Nagisa, he said he didn't want to hear him say he hates swimming. Nagisa is happy to see he remembered their meeting and hugs him, making them fall into the pool and proclaiming aloud, "I love you, Haru-chan!"
462** In the same drama CD, Rei asks about Nagisa and Haruka's relationship, Haruka says "relationship" in a confused tone that sounded as if he thought by "relationship" Rei meant if he and Nagisa were in a romantic relationship.
463** Also in the same drama CD, Rei asks why Nagisa is emotionally attached to Haruka.
464* In Episode 9, after winning the relay and Haruka gets out of the pool, Nagisa exclaims aloud "I love you, Haru-chan!" and hugs him, wrapping his legs around his waist and clinging onto him.
465** It's also worth noting that he used 'aishiteru', which carries far heavier romantic connotations than 'daisuki'.
466* In Episode 5 of Eternal Summer, Haruka has no qualms letting [[spoiler: a runaway]] Nagisa stay over at his house for the night.
467** Really, from the fact that Haru is the one Nagisa comes to first [[spoiler: for help when he's in a crisis]], to the fact that Haru is the one who consistently takes his side compared to Makoto [[spoiler: and the first to ''offer'' that help without caveats, multiple times]], and also the one [[spoiler: to call Ms. Amakata to make sure she knows what's going on and can help them get the situation with Nagisa's parents resolved safely]], Haruka's way of showing that he cares about Nagisa is subdued, but unmistakable.
468** It's even speculated that [[https://31.media.tumblr.com/e6c88dfb785b0f473230f5aba6e85e59/tumblr_inline_n9jd1dU4P31qk90sh.png the cats that show up throughout the episode]] symbolize Haruka's protective attitude towards Nagisa.
469
470!!Haruka/Rei
471* Anyone else felt like Rei's been shot by cupid when he watched Haruka swim for the first time?
472* Rei was the only one who said Haruka's sketch of Iwatobi-chan was beautiful, Nagisa and Makoto look at him questioningly.
473* Rei looked at Haru in the end of Episode 4 gratefully for his inspiration to try the butterfly style.
474* Episode 8, Rei was the first person who wanted to look for Haru after his freestyle lost.
475** The ending card has Rei eating some cooked meat off Haru's chopsticks.
476* In episode 9, Haru had no apparent interest in going to the squid festival before hearing that ''Rei'' personally wanted him to come. The way Rei's face lights up when he sees that Haru came after all is just plain cute.
477* In Episode 11, Rei made a very passionate speech against Rin for antagonizing Haruka to the point he quit swimming in middle school and upseting him during prefecturals.
478* Episode 3 of Eternal Summer made Rei/Haru fans very happy too. From the reiteration of the fact that Haru is the person Rei looks up to most as a swimmer and as a teammate, to the fact that Haru, in one of his rare moments of emotional candor, pleads for the person who, in his own words, ''saved'' both himself and Rin not to leave the team. The high point of the episode is the point where Haruka acknowledges all of Rei's hard work [[spoiler: practicing all of the swim strokes that he previously couldn't swim at ''all.'']] Rei looks like he's so happy he might weep.
479* "I really love [[spoiler: the way]] you [[spoiler: swim]], Haruka-senpai."
480* Episode 10 of Eternal Summer features another Rei/Haru ending card, this time of Haruka and Rei crouching beside a stream to look at a mother duck and her baby ducklings. Innocent enough, but notable because they're the only relationship besides Makoto/Haruka, Rin/Haruka, and Rei/Nagisa (the big 3 pairings of the show) to get more than one ending card. Someone at Creator/KyoAni must really like them.
481* In episode 13, Rei is completely worried about Haruka's state. Nagisa even repeat it to Haruka.
482-->'''Nagisa, to Haruka''' : Jeez! Rei-chan was '''really''' worried about you, you know.
483-->'''Rei''' : N-Nagisa-kun!
484
485!!Rin/Rei
486* Episode 11 brought out Rin/Rei in full swing. The two get off on the wrong foot right away but [[spoiler: during their confrontation, Rei answers to Rin why he's concerning himself and explains that he wants to be the best team and the team effects him. Rin pretty much has an epiphany right there since Rei's response mirrored the one his child self gave during their relay in elementary school. It shows how he sees his old self in Rei. This is significant because until this point NOBODY was able to get through to him.]]
487* Also in Episode 11 [[spoiler: even though he just met him, Rin asks Gou for Rei's number and calls him out in the middle of the night to talk.]]
488** Despite knowing Haru, Makoto, and Nagisa far longer, Rin decides to open up to Rei [[spoiler:about his experiences in Australia.]]
489* Episode 12 has Rei [[spoiler: give up his spot on the relay so Rin can swim with his friends again.]] After this, in the end credits, Rin calls Rei by his first name without any honorifics, signifying that the two have at the very least become friends.
490* Episode 2 of ''Eternal Summer'': Rin's "You don't want to get bitten" line to Rei was already quite suggestive, but the even more suggestive [[http://i.imgur.com/gTJNDAJ.jpg expression]] he made during the delivery turned the effect up to eleven. Not in the least surprisingly, this line spawned an influx of fanwork.
491* In Episode 3 of ''Eternal Summer'', the team suspects Rei of a girlfriend and then being in love with the track team captain when he suddenly starts to behave suspiciously, constantly running off and excusing himself by saying he has 'an errand to run' every day. It turns out [[spoiler:he was meeting with Rin in the afternoons after practice, and that Rin was helping him learn and practice the other strokes that he didn't know how to swim. In the scene where we see them practice they're very friendly and comfortable with each other too.]] To top it off, [[spoiler:it turns out the cookies Rin was eating and seemed protective over were not made by Gou, but by Rei, in return for the lessons, and that he specifically baked them with Rin's health requirements in mind.]]
492* The preview for episode 8 is intended to mirror one of the previews in the first season, with Rei mangling the pronunciation of English words and Rin correcting him. The words in the first season are "All Out", whereas the words in the second season are... "[[http://yabai-feelings.tumblr.com/post/94639663535/free-eternal-summer-episode-7-episode-8 Kiss Me]]". Said several times in increasingly lower and more breathy voices and finished off with an English "perfect body" from each of them. Fans were ecstatic.
493** [[http://free-free-at-last.tumblr.com/post/126194651931/the-free-dubs-take-on-kiss-me The English dub ratchets this moment up a notch.]] "Oh, ''yeah.''"
494* The horoscope of Rei is the most compatible for Rin's.
495* In the OVA Rei more or less asks Rin to avenge him after [[spoiler:Nagisa shoots him with a squirt gun and then Rin goes and swears revenge.]]
496
497!!Makoto/Nagisa
498* In Episode 1, Nagisa casually strips naked in front of Makoto before cheerfully jumping into the pool. Afterwards, he pulls Makoto into the pool with him , forcing Makoto to take off his shirt and they have water play fight. With Nagisa being Nagisa, he's pretty much flirting with Makoto in that whole scene.
499* In episode 05 of Free! Eternal Summer, Nagisa comes to Makoto's to want to play. During the interrogation, Nagisa lies to Makoto. When Nagisa sees everyone defending him, Makoto wants to protect Nagisa.
500--> '''Makoto, to Nagisa''' : Nagisa! Hide behind me!
501* In episode 13, Makoto pets Nagisa' head to confort him. During the relay 400 meters, the animal guiding Nagisa is a killer whale.
502
503!!Makoto/Rin
504* In Episode 2, Makoto is the first one to get a hold of Rin's number (probably from Gou) and call him.
505* One of the first times Rin has a feeling that isn't anger is in Episode 5, when Gou tells him that the Iwatobi team is training in the ocean. Rin looks concerned and asks if Makoto is okay before quickly throwing the {{Tsundere}} mask back on.
506* In episode 1 of 'Free! Eternal Summer', Makoto with the others prepare a surprise for Rin to swim in a swimming pool all covered by cherry blossom petals. Later, Rin asks Makoto and Haruka about their futures.
507* In episode 9, Rin finds Makoto at the door and stays to ask him about his future.
508* In episode 11, Makoto sends a message to Rin. In episode 12, Makoto says to Nagisa and Rei he talked to Rin about the situation with Haruka. It is unknown if Makoto told about his fight with him.
509* In episode 13, Makoto comes all this way on his own to welcome Rin and Haruka back from Australia. Rin is enjoyed to see him.
510-->'''Rin''' : You came all this way to meet us ?
511** Later at the end, Rin invites all the Iwatobi members to swim a swimming pool all covered by cherry blossom petals.
512* One CD track named [[http://shiroxkagami.tumblr.com/post/97716444741/makoto-and-rin-with-a-black-cat-rin-yo-makoto Makoto and Rin with a black Cat]] features Rin, having sent a call to Makoto to come to Samezuka in order to help him with his cat always scratching him, since he learnt that Makoto is used to handle cats.
513* In ''High Speed'' the two of them are clearly very good friends, but during the scene when Haru [[spoiler:falls into the river]], it's Rin who is paralyzed when he notices how terrified Makoto is and how much he's shaking even though he appears calm. Later, when they leave the hospital, Rin says he is worried, and Makoto says that Haru will be fine, Rin tells him that it's Makoto he's worried about.
514
515!!Makoto/Rei
516* In one of the [=FrFr!=] shorts, we find out that Rei chose to borrow the penguin speedo from Nagisa because he felt it was the best out of the options Nagisa presented for showing off his legs. He specifically decides this after asking both Haru and Makoto for advice on picking out a swimsuit and Makoto calls his legs beautiful.
517* Further the quarrel with Nagisa wanting to sleep with Haruka in episode 06 of Free! Iwatobi Swim Club, Makoto and Rei sleep together in one same tent. Later in the night, Rei is trapped into a storm and Makoto runs to save him since Rei doesn't float.
518** After failing to save Rei but saved by Haruka in episode 06, Makoto hurries to search for Rei. Later, Rei asks about Makoto's change state when he was swimming to save him.
519* In episode 03 of Free! Eternal Summer, Makoto replies to Nagisa not to let Rei leave the swimming club. Later, Makoto organises one meeting at Haruka's home.
520* In episode 13, Makoto pets Rei's head while sobbing.
521
522!!Momotaro/Rin
523* The cleavage incident. Specifically, Momotarou happens to enter Rin's dorm room when the latter is lying down, dressed in a tank top. The 'cleavage' Momotarou refers to is in fact Rin's ''collarbone and upper chest''. An oddly suggestive choice of word, Momotarou...
524* In episode 13, Momotarou appears all excited from behind Aiichiro and asks Rin about a souvenir from Australia, that Rin puts on Momotarou's head to mean he didn't forget his earlier request before to leave.
525--> '''Momotarou''' : Rin-senpai! Can I have my souvenir, please ?
526--> '''Rin''' : You're annoying. Jeez!
527
528!!Momotaro/Nitori
529* Momotarou rushes in the bedroom to ask Nitori for the upper bed.
530* Momotarou asks Gou to call him "Momo" until Nitori comes to call him "Momo-kun".
531* After a little talk with Sousuke, Nitori walks in their bedroom to cheer on a sleeping Momotaro to swim relay with him soon. Momotaro opens eyes and promises Nitori to win, as he heard him.
532* Momotarou envies Nitori for having been coached by Sousuke.
533* An ending card featuring Momotarou chasing Nitori afraid of toads.
534* In episode 10, Momotarou runs to search for Nitori about his won race.
535* [[http://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/110637117521 Their mook]] is a dream of Momo's where Momo and Nitori are a pair of thieves. Nitori comes up with a plan so Momo can "steal" Gou's heart, where Momo will "save" Gou from Nitori. However, just as the plan is succeeding, he sees Nitori surounded by police on another building. Momo chooses to leave Gou so he can save Nitori, and he rescues him by carrying him in his arms and flying away. When telling Nitori about his dream, Momo declares that he would definitely go save his "important senpai" instead of Gou.
536* OVA episode 14:
537** Momotarou ends up calling now Nitori "Ai-senpai",
538** Nitori is aware of Momotarou's love to chase bugs and use it as a ruse.
539
540!!Momotarou/Nagisa
541* Their approach in the OAV episode 14 confirms one or many previous encounters:
542** Nagisa calls Momotarou "Momo-chan" that Momotarou replied him affectionately by calling him "Nagisacchi",
543** Nagisa rushes to Momotarou dressed as a maid and pulls up his dress to see his pants, replaced by his swim suit,
544** Nagisa is aware of Momotarou's love for chasing bugs and stops him not to be tricked by it from Nitori.
545
546!!Nagisa/Rin
547* Track six from Free! Eternal Summer Drama CD Volume 1 is [[http://moeblobmegane.tumblr.com/post/97722189908/nagisa-and-rins-day-off basically them going on a date.]]
548
549!!Sousuke/Nitori
550* In season 2, Sousuke seems to be the one Nitori opens up to about his difficulties and sadness at not being able to improve.
551* Sousuke takes the time to coach Nitori late at night (then gets tsundere when Rin teases him about it later).
552* The endcard for season 2, episode 11 features Sousuke helping Nitori with weight training.
553
554!!Sousuke/Nagisa
555* Nagisa quickly knew about Sousuke as Rin's best friend and rival of Haruka. From Yamazaki-kun, Nagisa ends up calling him "Sou-chan" in episode 9,
556* They encounter first in the last special OVA episode 14:
557** Nagisa sees Sousuke coming next to Rin and calls him Sou-chan.
558** Nagisa buys and wants to feed Sousuke,
559** Sousuke presses Nagisa not to be touched by water gun,
560** Nagisa tells Sousuke he was always curious about Sousuke and wanted to talk with him.
561
562!! Sousuke/Makoto
563* Makoto and Sousuke arrive together at Samezuka academy in the [[http://fencer-x.tumblr.com/post/103548356521/matsuoka-lin-track-13-for-the-team-for-the track 13: For the Team ; for the Future]]. Makoto tells he and Sousuke just ran into each other.
564* Many moments in the OVA seem to play off of these two as well (though, to be fair, the OVA was shipping fodder for every pairing). They even make it to FirstNameBasis within a couple of seconds.
565--->'''Makoto:''' So even Yamazaki-kun can't resist Nagisa's charms, huh?
566--->'''Sousuke:''' What's with the '-kun'? Just call me Sousuke.
567--->'''Makoto:''' All right. Then you can call me Makoto, too.
568
569!!Sousuke/Haruka
570* In 'High Speed! 2' light novel, Haruka invited Sousuke to talk about a letter written by Rin from Australia meant to Haruka.
571* Also in 'High Speed! 2', Sousuke goes to Haruka's house to return his lost keychain and eats the food Haruka makes him.
572* Sousuke and Haruka only encounter when nobody is around and are focused on Rin's behavior:
573** Sousuke comes to Haruka and warn him not to ever get in Rin's way and leaves,
574** Sousuke confronts Haruka again to make him move forward and keep swimming for Rin.
575* So far as Haruka and Sousuke only went to fight, they team up together with Nagisa and Momotarou:
576** Sousuke is about to lose against Rin and Haruka arrives to give him a new water gun,
577** Sousuke rushes to protect Haruka to be out,
578** From "Nanase" and "Yamazaki", Sousuke and Haruka end up adressing each other by their first names.
579--> '''Haruka''': Bye, Sousuke.
580--> '''Sousuke''': Bye, Haru.
581
582!!Kisumi/Haruka
583* In episode 8, there is a flashback to 'High Speed! 2' where Kisumi attempts to feed Haruka in front of all their classmates.
584* When Kisumi sees Haruka in episode 8, he greets him very affectionately by repeatedly initiating physical contact.
585
586!!Kisumi/Sousuke
587* Every time Kisumi meets Souosuke (shown in the flashback of episode 8 and in the OVA), he immediately runs over to him and puts his hands on Sousuke's shoulders in a very friendly manner.
588* In the OVA, Sousuke and Kisumi meet again during the water fight when Sousuke gets lost in Samezuka.
589** When Makoto shows up to attack Sousuke in the game, Sousuke uses Kisumi as a human shield by grabbing him and covering his mouth, resulting in a whole lot of physical contact. He later says they're "even", implying it was payback for Kisumi spilling his secret to Makoto and Haruka.
590
591!!Miho/Gou
592* In general, they have a chummy student/teacher relationship
593* Sleep in the same room in the BeachEpisode, and Miho seen scooting closer to Gou in their sleep and accidentaly nudge her cheek.
594* Seen holding hands while cheering for Iwatobi.
595
596!! Kisumi/Asahi
597
598* Kisumi and Asahi pretty much have BelligerentSexualTension, with Asahi often losing patience with Kisumi and Kisumi playing along with Asahi. In the ''High Speed!'' movie, Kisumi is very amused by Asahi and often acts as TheGadfly, teasing him and boosting his ego on purpose (i.e. "You took your time to explain it to me! You're a really nice guy, Asahi!"). He does it partially out of convincing Asahi to join the basketball team, but he mostly stays just to see his reactions.
599** Asahi makes fun of Kisumi about his name, only for Kisumi to turn it back against him and calling him a pervert.
600** Asahi is horribly offended when Ikuya calls him a monkey, and even more so when Kisumi laughs.
601** When Asahi gets mad at Ikuya for stealing his lunch spot, Kisumi offers his lap for him to sit on.
602* ''Free! Timeless Medley'' and ''Free! Take Your Marks'' reveals that Asahi and Kisumi have kept in touch after Asahi had moved away. They even promised to meet up (even though Asahi mistyped when they would meet up).
603* In episode 0 of ''Dive to the Future'', Asahi visits Kisumi at his uncle's realty to give him gifts after attempting to visit him at Iwatobi. Kisumi invites him out for tea but is noticeably glum when Asahi turns down his offer.
604* Asahi is irritated and grabs Kisumi in a headlock when the latter says he's too busy with other clubs to help them get in touch with Ikuya. "Who's more important, your friends or your clubs?"
605* Asahi and Kisumi babysit Asahi's nephew, Tsukushi, together.
606
607!!Hiyori/Ikuya
608* Hiyori in general is [[{{Yandere}} very possessive of Ikuya]], and constantly unfairly comparing other swimmers to him. When the other boys try to check on him after he's nearly drowned, Hiyori blocks them off and pushes them away like a protective boyfriend.
609* When Hiyori first met Ikuya, he's absolutely dazzled and stares at him like it was LoveAtFirstSight.
610* Hiyori compares himself to the little mermaid and the prince (her LoveInterest) with Ikuya.
611* When Ikuya is down, Hiyori drags him from the slide just to do a WallPinOfLove.
612
613!!Gou/Isuzu
614* Isuzu Mikoshiba reacts very similarly to her brothers upon meeting Gou, calling her cute.
615* The two girls hit it off immediately thanks to their shared interest in muscles. Not long after they met, they had a sleepover (with Ayumu, but still). [[https://free-anime.fandom.com/wiki/Isuzu_no_Heya In the drama track detailing this]], Isuzu invites Gou to touch her muscles, and the latter is very impressed.
616--> '''Gou:''' Woah…it’s so hard! It’s so refreshing to see girl’s muscles! This is actually quite nice…
617[[/folder]]

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