Ch. 6: Angel Skin (SUN)
The sea echoed with Corail’s cry of grief…
Hearing the disturbance, people came rushing and seized the middle-aged man.
Corail: “Everyone! We have to hurry and protect this coral and the fish! If we don’t… the damage will spread.”
Seeing Corail’s serious expression, everyone gathered turned serious as well.
I have to do something too…!
OO: “Corail, is there anything I can do…!?”
Corail: “OO…thanks! Then, with the sea water and protecting the fish…-“
In that way, the entire day was spent fervently taking steps to fix the problem…-.
Several days passed.
Somehow, we were able to get the problem under control, and I was once again invited out to see the coral reef with Corail.
Corail: “We couldn’t really take our time to look at it last time.”
OO: “…yeah.”
I’m glad Corail is smiling again.
Arriving at the coral reef, it was as if the incident had never happened and a small boat sat on the sea floor.
OO: “What’s that?”
Corail: “Hehe, it’s our sea ship that we’re working on so people can enjoy the coral. Come on, get in get in!”
Corail took me by the hand and we carefully boarded the ship.
OO: “Wow…you can see everything from in here.”
Corail: “And that’s not all!”
Corail spoke happily… then the ship slowly began to move.
OO: “What…?”
Corail: “Hehe, look.”
I followed Corail’s gaze just as the ship suddenly started playing music…
Seemingly lured by the music, the fish came out of the coral and started swimming around as if in a dance.
OO: “Wow! It’s wonderful!”
Bubbles rose to the surface of the water, reflecting the light and making the coral sparkle.
The fish swam beautifully, going in streams around the coral.
How beautiful…I’ve never seen anything like it.
I felt my heart swell at the sight.
Corail: “And this way the coral and the fish can stay healthy!”
Corail’s voice was full of relief, and his smile full of happiness.
Corail: “It’s thanks to you being here that I was able to do this.”
OO: “I didn’t do anything… but I’m really glad.”
I found myself caught up in Corail’s smile and smiled back.
In the soft atmosphere, the two of us looked out at the sea bathed in soft colors.
Corail: “…ah, look over there!”
OO: “Where?”
Corail: “There, at that pale pink coral.”
Corail brought his cheek nearer to me and pointed outside the glass.
I followed his finger, trying to calm the loud beating of my heart.
OO: “Wow…what a beautiful color. It’s kind of cute.”
Corail: “Yeah, that’s called Peach Coral.”
Lined up among the duller shades of coral, the pale pink stood out.
Corail: “The Peach Coral is also called Angel Skin.”
OO: “Angel Skin…?”
Speaking of angels, I kind of think Corail looks like one.
The thought came to me as I snuck a peek at his profile…
Then Corail slowly turned to look at me.
Corail: “An angel… kind of like you OO!”
OO: “I-I’m not an angel!”
Corail: “Yes, you are. I mean, you’re cute just like an angel.”
My heart was beating so loud I feared Corail could hear it.
Corail: “Look, even now your cheeks are all pink and super cute. Really, thank you, for protecting the coral and fish with me…-”
I looked into Corail’s eyes, which seemed to shine with all the light of the ocean and…
I felt as if I would drown in that clear, pale blue.