Ch. 2: Strolling in the Sea
Corail: "You’re so cute when you blush like that OO!"
Corail smiled innocently, and I ended up sinking into silence but…-.
A sudden question crossed my mind, and I slowly started to speak.
OO: "So… is the sea your kingdom Corail?"
Corail: "Nope…not really. My kingdom is in the sea."
OO: "In the sea?"
As I spoke, I looked out at the clear, blue sea that spread before me.
If there's a kingdom in the sea does that mean… you dive to get to it? What should I do? I'm sure I can't hold my breath for that long…
Uneasy, I looked at Corail.
As soon as our eyes met, Corail suddenly drew me in close.
Corail: "OO."
OO: "…!"
In an instant, Corail's face was very close and our noses touched.
OO: "C-Corail. Wait!"
I tried to move away as our lips seemed about to touch.
Why is he doing this all of a sudden!?
As I tried to control me heart, which gave a little start, I stared at Corail and…
Corail: "Huh? You don't want a kiss?"
He asked that with a mischievous smile.
That smile is so not fair…
Though I was thinking that, I couldn't say anything…and Corail silently took my hand.
Corail: "Then let's hold hands."
OO: "Eh!?"
Corail: "That’s fine, right?"
I was still fretting as Corail spoke. Then, still holding my hand, he started walking towards the sea.
OO: "Wait, I can't breathe underwater!"
Even so, the water level gradually rose towards my head….
I readied myself and took a deep breath.
…what do I do? I definitely can't keep holding my breath…!
I looked at Corail, praying he would notice in the water.
Corail: "Relax, take a breath."
[CHOICE]
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Squeeze eyes shut (SUN)
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Shake head (MOON)
Corail was serious as he spoke, and I nervously opened my mouth.
…huh, it doesn't hurt. I can…breathe!!
I looked to Corail in surprise.
Then Corail grinned at me.
Corail: "It's because we're holding hands. You can talk too!"
No way…
Hearing that, I slowly tried to speak.
OO: "Ah…you're right."
Corail: "See? I wouldn't lie to you."
Corail spoke with a satisfied look on his face…-.
…
……
After enjoying a little stroll through the sea, I could see the castle.
Corail: "That's Coralia's castle!"
Corail squeezed my hand and started walking even faster towards the castle.
Nearer the castle, fish seemed to be excitedly swimming around all the beautiful coral.
Though I wanted to believe Corail…
I'm too scared, I can't.
I tightly closed my eyes at the thought, and felt him once again cup my cheek in his hand.
Corail…?
I opened my eyes to find Corail looking at me closely.
Corail: "It's alright, trust me?"
Even with Corail telling me that, I didn’t know what to do and slowly shook my head.
I’m scared…
Then Corail’s face fell slightly and he looked a little sad.
Corail: “You’ll really hurt yourself if you do that. Please, try to breathe.”