Finally got around to translating the MakoHaru Mook! I feel like this Mook was longer than the others, but maybe that’s just me. Anyway, enjoy! (scans courtesy of sunsyhore)

For my other Free! Mook translations, please see the following:
SouRin Mook Original Story
Reigisa Mook Original Story
MomoTori Mook Original Story

O Wharf

At a burning warehouse, a firetruck siren rings as firemen exit from the firetruck. Among the firemen is Makoto. He wears fireproof clothes and holds onto the fire hose as water sprays intensely out of it, directing the water to the flames.

O In front of Makoto’s Apartment at Night

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and after finishing work, Makoto returns back to his house.

Makoto: Ah, today was pretty tiring~

O Inside Makoto’s Apartment

Makoto takes of his shoes and takes of the top of his clothes.

Makoto: Well then, guess it’s time for a bath~

As soon as he says this, the bathroom door opens and there sits someone in the middle of the bath tub.

Makoto: Waaa—?!

Haruka is sitting in the bath tub.

Haru: You’re so loud…

As he turns around, he waves his fin in the air.

Makoto: You’re…a merman!?

♦♦♦

O Inside Makoto’s Apartment’s Bathroom at Night

Makoto and Haruka are in the bathroom.

Haru: I’m not a merman. That stuff is for legends only. I’m an entity that exists between that of a fish and human.

Makoto: So uh… that means you’re…half fish…?

Haruka nods. Makoto cannot believe these circumstances.

Makoto: So um… then uh…how exactly did you get here? Did you…well, walking would be impossible, since you have a fin and all uh…

Makoto spares a glance at Haru’s lower half.

Haru: Well, I do have legs.

As he says this with a tug, he pulls the drain out of the bath.

*gurgle gurgle*

The water of the bath tub starts to drain and when the water disappears, Haruk’s fish tail disappears and in place of it are two legs.

Haruka: This is how I am if I am not in water…

Makoto is surprised.

Makoto: So you’re…really half…fish?!

Haru: That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!

Just at that moment, the door rings.

*ding dong*

Makoto: I wonder who that would be at this late hour. Ah, you stay here! Don’t leave!

With that, Makoto leaves Haru behind in the bath.

*ding dong ding dong ding dong*

The door bell keeps ringing.

Makoto: Okay! Just give me a second. I’ll open the door now—

Makoto opens the front door and there stands Rin.

Makoto: The police!?

Policeman Rin glares into the apartment.

Rin: Hey, did a suspicious guy pass by here?

Makoto: !!!

Makoto sneaks a glance at the bathroom door and is uneasy.

Makoto: Um…well you see… no one came by…

Rin: Oh really? Then why were you eyeing the door to your bathroom just now?

Makoto: Ah, that’s because I uh…was thinking of taking a bath just now. Hahaha, I was just thinking about whether or not the water would have filled the tub yet. Ah, if you would please excuse me– !

Makoto quickly closes the door with a bam and locks it. He hurries to the bathroom.

Makoto: The police was just here! Don’t tell me they’re after you?!?

Haru: Yeah…

Makoto: Wait, that’s not what I meant though!

Haru looks on wearily.

Haru: Well you see, I was just taking a dip at the park’s fountain when a policeman saw me, so I just tried to escape. Nothing big.

Makoto: You mean the policeman just now? So he must be the one you were referring to and that’s why he came here to chase you? But more than that, why exactly were you in a water fountain in the first place?

Haru: It’s just, whenever I see water I just want to dive in. I can’t help myself!

Makoto: Is that because you’re half fish? Could that also be the reason why you’re in MY bathtub?

Haru: When I was on the run, I saw your bathroom through the window and saw a nice tub, so without thinking I just kind of…entered!

Makoto can’t believe what he’s hearing.

Makoto: Without thinking eh?

Makoto sighs.

Makoto: In a normal situation, I would have definitely called the police, but…in either case please get dressed. I think the policeman went home, so you should return to your own house as well.

Haru: I don’t have one.

Makoto: Eh?

Haru: I don’t have a home to return to.

Makoto: ……..

Makoto sighs heavily again. He brushes it off and looks at Haru.

Makoto: I guess there’s nothing we can do about that, so for the meantime, you can stay here.

Haru (without thinking): Is that all right?

Makoto: Well, I mean you don’t have a home right?

Makoto smiles softly and Haruka nods slowly.

Makoto: All right, then it’s settled! Oh, by the way my name is Makoto. Um, what’s your name?

Haru: Nanase…Haruka.

Makoto: Ah, so Haruka!

Haru: (looking annoyed) Call me by my name.

Makoto: Ah, then Haru!

Haru: …..

Makoto: Haha, well, it’s nice to meet you, Haru!

Makoto extends a hand out. Haruka looks at Makoto hesitantly but eventually shakes his hand.

O In Front of Makoto’s Apartment the Next Day

At night, the flower petals from the cherry blossoms start to fall. Makoto returns home after work.

O Inside Makoto’s Apartment

Makoto: I’m home—

Makoto opens the front door and is instantly bombarded with a very pleasant smell.

Makoto: …?

After looking, Makoto finds haru dressed with an apron cooking food. There are already several dishes waiting for them on the table.

Makoto: Ahh it looks so good! Did you make all of this, Haru?

Haru: Hm, well anyone can cook.

Makoto: That’s not true—I definitely can’t! But thank you, Haru.

Haru: Whatever. It’s not like I’m cooking especially for you or anything. I need sustenance as well.

As he says that, he washes his hands in the sink. Makoto watches on as the water runs over Haru’s hands.

Makoto: It’s okay for you to touch the water though?

Haru: If it’s my upper body, then yeah. It’s only when my feet touch the water does it revert back to it’s former appearance. But since I’m wearing an apron, it’s fine.

Makoto: I see…

Haru: Anyway, let’s eat.

Haru takes off the apron and seats himself at the table.

Makoto: Let’s eat!

Makoto situates himself at the table as well. The two sit opposite each other and start eating.

Makoto: This is really good! I’ve never tasted such great food before. I don’t think I would ever visit a restaurant now! Haha—

Haru: What’s so funny?

Makoto: No, it’s nothing. I was just thinking that if I were to be with someone like this and be able to eat dinner with them and such, well, wouldn’t that be nice?

Haru: (Haru cannot comprehend the meaning of that).

Makoto glances at Haru.

Makoto: Now that you mention it, Haru…

Haru: …?

Makoto: Since you mentioned that you don’t have a home to return to, how have you been living up until now?

Haru: I’ve just been traveling around the world, living here and there…

Makoto: How about your parents?

Haru: Don’t have any.

Makoto: Friends?

Haru shakes his head.

Makoto: So, you’ve been alone all this time?

Haru: Yeah…

Makoto sees Haru’s meek expression and thinks about what Haru had to go through.

Makoto: …..

Haru: What’s wrong?

Makoto: Ah, it’s nothing. Well, at least now you’re not alone anymore.

Haru: It doesn’t bother me, either way.

Makoto: Now, that’s not good! Being alone is boring! For example, eating with someone else is fun, right? Having a lot of friends is way better and more fun than being alone!

Haru: (does not completely comprehend)

Makoto sees Haru like this and his heart hurts.

Makoto: Haru…

Haru: …?

Makoto (in a monologue): I know that you’ve been alone all this time and probably cannot understand this, but what I meant to say is that I want to show you want it feels like to not be alone anymore, Haru…

Haru: What’s this? What happened?

Makoto comes back to his senses.

Makoto: Ah, that’s nothing! Uh… right! Anyway, Haru, I was thinking maybe I could ask a scientist friend of mine about your body condition. I feel like he would know something about this. Ah, also I wanted to ask my astronaut friend as well!

Haru: (looks a bit troubled)

Makoto: Ah, you don’t need to be worried! The two of them are very good friends who don’t mind these things. I think that I can explain your situation to them very well. Ah, that’s right, that’s right! I totally forgot that I have a really nice dessert left over!

Makoto stands up and opens the drawer and looks inside.

Makoto: Hmm…where oculd it be. It should be here…ah there it is! It might be a little too sweet but…

Makoto reveals a cookie jar and sets it on top of the table where the plates were not crowding. But Haru is nowhere to be seen.

Makoto: Eh?

He hears sounds coming from the bath room.

*splash*

Makoto: Haru…?

Makoto enters the bath room and finds Haru soaking in the bath tub. Makoto snickers.

Makoto: Do you really like the bath tub THAT much?

Haru: Not really…

Haru looks away, and has blue eyes that shine like sapphires.

Makoto: —

Haru’s fin sways in the bathtub. Rainbow colored shining scales cover his body from his stomach to his feet.

Makoto: …..

Haru: What’s wrong?

Makoto: Ah, just… I was just thinking about how I’d like to see you swim in a vast ocean instead of staying in this cramped bath tub.

Haru: The ocean…

Makoto: That’s right! How about when it gets warmer, let’s go together!

Haru: All right, I’ll go.

Makoto smiles with mirth.

O At a Restaurant, X Amount of Days Later

During lunch time, Makoto’s scientist friend, Rei, and his astronaut friend, Nagisa, are situated at a table with them.

Rei: Eh–? Half fish? Ha..ha..ha..! Something illogical like that can never exist! It’s just a fantasy, mermaids and half fish humans and what not. All of that is stuff that you hear in legends.

Makoto: Ah ha ha…that’s what I thought…

Makoto seems a bit disappointed.

Nagisa: But then, if such a thing were to exist, I would definitely like to be friends with him! And I bet that half fish man would be really beautiful too, right, Rei-chan?

Rei: Indeed that does hold very…deep meaning. That is, if such a thing existed of course.

As the two converse, the waitress brings over their lunch and places their food in front of the three of them.

Nagisa: Wow, looks good!

Makoto, Nagisa, and Rei: Let’s dig in!

They gobble their food.

Nagisa, Rei: This is so good!!

Rei: But it seems like the flavor is a bit different than previous times…

Makoto realizes something.

Makoto: Eh…? This taste is…?

It’s the same taste that Haru made at his house. When he glances at the kitchen, he sees Haruka there cooking.

Makoto: Haru? Why are you…!?

♦♦♦

Haruka approaches the table where Makoto and the others are sitting.

Haru: I wanted to at least pitch in for rent.

Makoto: Well if you would like to work, you should have told me! You totally surprised me right there.

Nagisa: Hey hey, who’s this? Is this cook person Makoto’s friend?

Rei: Yes, please introduce him to us!

Makoto: I actually did want to introduce you two to him a while back but…well let’s just say that some stuff happened and he’s been staying with me since last week…

Haru: Half fish…

Makoto (butting in): Nanase Haruka-kun! Please call him Haru!

Nagisa: Nice to meet you, Haru-chan! I’m Nagisa!

Rei: My name is Ryuugazaki Rei. I’m the city’s scientist!

A lone police officer watches the lively table where Makoto and his friends are seated at. He stares at Haruka.

Rin: There’s something…odd here…

He stands up and approaches Makoto’s table.
Makoto tries to warn Haruka, but Rin stands right in front of Haruka.

Rin: Yo, you’re Haru, aren’t you?

Haru: So what if I am?

Rin: I’ve been looking for this mermaid I saw at the fountain the other day, and that mermaid just so happens to look EXACTLY like you…

He says this and lifts Haruka’s chin up.
Haruka gets annoyed and shakes him off.

Haru: It’s just your imagination. Aren’t you a bit young to be spacing out like that?

Rin: Ha, so that’s how you are, ey? Too bad for you, I never forget a face once I see it.

The two glare at each other. Makoto tries to calm the tension.

Haru: And besides, I’m not a merman, I’m half…

Makoto: (cutting in again) WAHHH!!! There’s no such thing as a merman!

Rei: That’s right Mr. Policeman. Saying something like that is highly illogical…

Rin: No matter if it’s illogical or not, I saw that with my own eyes, and I will DEFINITELY catch him.

Nagisa: So what will you do after you’ve caught him?

Rin: Hm, I wonder…

Rin grins.

Rin: I heard that the flesh of mermen has the power of eternal youth. So then…

Makoto: So then…?

Rin: I thought maybe I should give it a taste.

Rin reveals his shiny shark-like teeth.

Haru: —!

Makoto and the others hold their breaths.

Makoto: Bu…but…Haru isn’t a merman! Look, he has legs!

Makoto tries his best to distract Rin, but Rin glances at Haru’s legs.

Rin: Well that may be true, but I’m not buying into that.

He sneers at Haruka.

Rin: That merman is my prey. One of these days, I’ll catch him by his tail and make him mine.

Haru: ……

Rei: Well, if you’ll do that then wouldn’t you want to catch him by his tail but by his fin instead?

Nagisa: Very true~

Rin: Shut up!

Rin snickers and looks at Haruka.

Rin: I’ll be waiting until then.

With that, Rin takes his leave. Makoto looks worried.

Makoto: …..

O In front of Makoto’s Apartment

The seasons have changed, and it is now the beginning of Summer. Makoto holds some bags on his back.

Makoto: So I’ve got our clothes to change into, lunch boxes, towels, picnic cloth, swim suits… Ah Haru, the swim suits!

Haru: Those are not necessary.

Makoto: I guess so…But um, just in case I’ll bring mine…

Makoto stuffs Haruka’s swim suit into his bag. Just then, the front door rings.

*ding dong ding dong*

Makoto: Yes–!

Makoto opens the door and there stands the policeman Rin.

Rin: Yo, I’m here again.

Makoto: Um…for what purpose exactly? We were just about to leave here er…

Rin: I just had something I wanted to check out… Let me come in.

Rin holds a water bottle in his hand and shakes the bottle as he enters the house.

Makoto: Wait, just wait!

Makoto tries to stop Rin, but Rin approaches Haru and stands in front of him, still shaking the water bottle in his hand.

Makoto: No way…

Makoto realizes what’s about to happen and tries to stop Rin.

Rin: Hey now!

Rin ‘accidentally’ spills the water bottle on the floor. The water spreads on the floor and approaches Haruka’s feet.

Makoto: —!

Rin: Oh, my bad! Spilling it and all…

The water spreads out on the floor and touches the tips of Haruka’s feet. Scales begin to form on his face.

Haru: (in pain) Guhh—!

Rin grabs Haru by the collar and grins.

Rin: I knew it, you’re my merman!

Makoto: Haru…!

Makoto tries to pry Rin from Haruka, but at that moment—

Nagisa: Mako-chan, Haru-chan!

Nagisa and Rei come flying in.

Rin: Wha… what the!?

Rin is surprised and right at that moment, Nagisa pulls Haruka away from him.

Nagisa: Haru-chan, come here!

Nagisa hurries Haru into the bathroom and locks the door.

Rin: Hey, you bastard, open up!

Rin beats down on the door, and Rei sees that Makoto looks very worried.

Rei: I was out buying lunch with Nagisa when we saw that the policeman was headed your way, so we decided to come save you guys!

Makoto: Save us…?

Rei: It’s okay! Coincidentally, Nagisa-kun bought grilled salt mackerel today, so I believe we can use this accordingly. Leave it to us, please!

With that, a cry can be heard from Nagisa coming from the bath room.

Nagisa: (pretending to be startled) Oh nooo~~!

Rin continues banging on the door.

Rin: What’s going on in there? Open up! Hey!

With a final blow, Rin throws the door open to the bathroom, but…

Rin: What the hell…? This is…!

Rin is shocked. In the midst of the bubbles lies a grilled mackerel.

O In an Alleyway Behind the Apartment

From the bath room’s window, Haruka jumps and lands on the floor. Makoto comes running with their bags.

Makoto: Let’s go, Haru!

They can hear Rin’s voice from the inside of the bathroom.

Nagisa’s voice: (in a fake voice) Haru-chan is…Haru-chan became like…THIS?!?!!

Rin’s voice: You idiot. There’s no way that could happen! Where did you take Haru!?

As their voices started fading away into the distance behind them, Makoto and Haru approach the train station.

O In a Train heading towards the Ocean

Makoto and Haru sit side by side.

Haru: Why did you do that?

Makoto: Why did I do what?

Haru: Why did everyone come to save me?

Makoto laughs.

Makoto: There doesn’t need to be an explanation for friends helping each other out.

Haru: …..

Makoto: Besides, look over there! The ocean is coming into view!

From the outside of the window, the ocean horizon comes into view.

Haru: …..

Haruka’s eyes shine blue. Makoto sees his expression and smiles.

O At the Beach

The sand shines purely, and the ocean is a brilliant emerald green. From there, it seems as if the sand is gently and quietly being caressed by the waves. Makoto and Haru stand there with no one else beside them.

Haru: I’ve never seen this place before.

Makoto: I know right! It’s a very secret spot, and I thought that I would love to have you swim here!

The waves call out to Haruka and he slowly approaches them.

Haru: …..

As he slowly descends into the water, Haruka’s body changes. The sunrays catch his glistening scales, making them shine. He swims gracefully in the sea, and Makoto is captivated by his mermaid like appearance.

Makoto: I’m so glad we were able to come here.

Makoto follows Haruka into the ocean, and the two of them swim together.

O In the middle of a glistening Ocean

There are fish of all sorts of colors. The coral are also extremely vibrant. Makoto and Haruka swim through this scene peacefully together. Makoto closes his eyes as he lets himself get pulled by the water. Haruka looks blissful and swims away.

Makoto (to himself): Wait, Haru….

Makoto tries to catch up to Haru but a school of fish block him.

Makoto: —!

In that moment, Makoto cannot see anything. When the school of fish have left, Haruka seems to have disappeared.

Makoto (to himself): Haru?

Makoto has lost sight of Haruka in the midst of the sea.

Makoto (to himself): Haru…? Haru!!

Makoto frantically searches for Haruka amidst the seaweed and coral.

Makoto (to himself): Don’t tell me you’ve returned to your home in the sea…

Makoto becomes very uneasy.

Makoto (to himself): Haru! Where are you, Haru!?

Makoto desperately searches for Haru again, but he is nowhere to be found.

Makoto: Haru—!

Makoto’s breath is running out in the ocean, so he has no choice but to surface.

Makoto: Gah!!

As he takes a breath, he begins to search for Haru but to no avail.

Makoto: Haru… Haru!

Makoto yells for Haru and at that moment…

Haruka’s voice: What’s wrong, Makoto?

Surprised, Makoto looks down to where the voice came from. From the top of the sea, he can see Haru beneath him.

Makoto: Haru…

Makoto breathes a sigh of relief.

O Back to Everyday Life

Makoto works as a fireman while Haruka works at a restaurant. At night, the two have dinner together in the apartment they share and afterwards play games and etc. Sometimes, Nagisa and Rei comes over to join them, and Nagisa receives sweets from Haruka while Rei comes to inspect Haruka’s tail. Of course, Rin also keeps a sharp eye on Haruka.

Their every day normal life continued on, until one day…

O At a Fire Department

Makoto is on duty when the fire alarm sounds.

Announcement: There has been a fire at a restaurant on Iwatobi Street!

Makoto: …..!

O Infront of a burning Restaurant at Night

The fire alarm sounds as fire trucks arrive at the scene. Makoto comes down the truck and stands in front of the restaurant.

Makoto: Haru!

Luckily, Haru had escaped and was safe. He glances at the flames in shock.

Haruka (coming to his senses): Makoto…

Makoto: Thank goodness you’re safe…

Just then, Makoto hears something.

Mother: Please, someone, anyone, please help! My child is still in that building!

The mother cries out.

Fireman: But the flames are too intense, we cannot save him. Makoto hears this and without hesitating, dives into the flames.

Fireman: Hey wait! It’s dangerous!

Haru: Makoto…!

O Inside the Flames

Makoto searches for the child.

Makoto: Hey! I’ve come to save you. If you’re there, please let me know!

However, Makoto cannot find the child anywhere.

O In front of the Burning Restaurant at Night

Haruka and the others look on worried. They can hear a child crying and see the mother running to her child who was safe among the evacuees.

Mother: I’m so glad you’re safe!

The mother holds her child, and Haruka watches on.

Haruka: Makoto…

O Amidst the Burning Flames

The burning ceiling is about to collapse.

Makoto: Ahh!!

Makoto becomes surrounded by flames as he is stuck in between a pillar that fell on him.

Makoto: Guh…

His fireproof gear catches on fire as well.

Makoto (to himself): How pathetic. I couldn’t even save this child, and now I’m about to die here…

As Makoto’s conscious starts to slip away, he thinks he sees the shape of someone approach him.

Makoto (to himself): Hahaha, man, I’m even starting to see things now…

As Makoto is about to fully lose consciousness, he hears a very familiar voice call out to him.

Haruka: Makoto…Makoto! Hang in there!

Makoto: Haru…ka…?

Haruka: The child is safe. We gotta get you out of here quick!

As he says that, Haru moves the burning pillar away. Steam rises from Haruka’s arms as the water evaporates. Makoto hurries and tries to free himself from the pillar. He glances at Haruka and notices that he is not wearing any fireproof clothes. Because of the wild flames, Haruka’s body suffers injuries. Makoto sees Haru like this among the flames and…

Makoto: Why…….

Makoto yells out in anguish.

Makoto: Why did you come to save me!?

Haruka: I figured I should do this.

Makoto: But why!

Haruka: Because there doesn’t need to be an explanation for friends helping each other out.

Makoto: —!

Haruka: This time, I will be the one to save you.

With that, he embraces Makoto and shields him from the flames. At that exact moment, Haruka’s body becomes water and engulfs Makoto.

Makoto: —!?

Haruka’s voice: Take this opportunity and run now!

Makoto can hear Haruka’s voice even though he became water.

Makoto: But then Haru you will…!!

Haruka’s Voice: Go!

Makoto: !!!!!

As the water that Haruka changes into engulfs Makoto, he takes this opportunity and runs through the fire. Haruka’s body slowly evaporates.

Makoto: HARU!!!!!

Makoto cries out heartbroken.

O In front of a Burning Restaurant at Night

Makoto bursts out from the burning flames, but the water that was surrounding Makoto had more or less evaporated.

Makoto: Haru…

From his eye falls a lone teardrop. That was the last of Haruka’s body as water. Makoto looks up at the sky and sees it full of stars. Haruka’s evaporated presence slowly ascends to the heavens.

O At Makoto’s Apartment

Makoto stares at his empty room without Haru in it. Everytime he looks at the bath tub, he is reminded of Haruka, leaving a gaping hole in his heart. He painfully bears through everyday in this state.

The seasons change once more, and the season for the cherry blossoms comes around. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in front of Makoto’s apartment, and the flower petals are scattered.

On that day, as Makoto returns home after work, as he gets ready to take a bath, he enters his bath room only to see…

O On the Street where he lives at Night

Makoto: Ahhhh?!?!!

Makoto cries out in surprise.

♦♦♦

In the bathroom sits a man in the bath tub.

Haruka: So noisy…

Makoto: Haru!? Why?!?

Haruka: That took longer than I thought…

O Haruka’s Flashback

On the night of the fire, Haruka evaporated into the night sky and became one with the cloud. He then becomes rain and falls back to the ground, and the water he falls with becomes rivers, dams, and then gets filtered through various pipe systems until it finally makes hi way to Makoto’s bathroom and…

Haru: And basically before I knew it, I ended up here!

Haruka looks at Makoto shyly as he says this.

Makoto: Haru…

Tears form around his eyes and Makoto smiles happily. He extends a hand out towards Haruka.

Makoto: Welcome home, Haru.

Haruka: I’m home.

Haruka clasps Makoto’s hand.

O In Iwatobi at Night

And then, in reality, underneath a sky full of stars sits the Iwatobi ocean.

O In Makoto’s Room at Night

Haruka and Makoto fall asleep while playing video games. They sleep on peacefully. For us, we do not know who was the one having that dream, but all we can see is the two of them peacefully sleeping without any worries at all.

—–

Translator’s Notes: Wow this one took me longer than the others to translate, so for those of you who waited, I’m so sorry for the wait! I hope you enjoyed it though. I didn’t read the story until I did my translations, and holy crap this was so gay LOLOL. Makoto being heartbroken and living everyday ala ‘it’s meaningless without you’ was so sad BUT YAY FOR THE HAPPY ENDING!