Ch. 1: A Sudden Kiss
Month of Calm…-.
The waves gently lapped at the sand, washing away the day into the red sunset…-.
At the invitation of Prince Orion, I had come to visit the Undersea Kingdom.
I wonder how I’m supposed to get to the bottom of the sea.
Within a cave that was our designated meeting place, I looked down into the sea that was so terrifyingly vast and deep that I couldn’t see the bottom.
It’s pretty, but also kind of terrifying.
Feeling discouraged, I peered deeper into the cave and saw Orion waiting.
Orion: “Been a while.”
OO: “Orion.”
Orion: “Find the cave okay?”
OO: “Yes. Thank you for coming to meet me.”
Orion: “Ready to follow me?”
I tilted my head in confusion at the sudden question.
Follow? But I don’t know how to get to the Undersea Kingdom.
OO: “…yes.”
Orion gave a satisfied smile in response, then gripped me tightly around the waist.
Eh?
Orion was so close, I imagined his long eyelashes could have touched my face.
OO: “Orion… ….nn…”
Before I had time to register it…
He kissed me before I even had time to close my eyes.
OO: “Wh-what was that?!”
Paying no heed to my question, Orion suddenly lifted me up and jumped into the cave waters.
Can’t breathe…
Orion continued to swim deeper and deeper.
Can’t hold it…
Unable to hold my breath any longer, I breathed out and…
OO: “Huh?”
I can breathe!?
Orion: “My country is far down at the bottom of the sea. I used my power so you can breathe on the sea floor. You should be grateful.”
S-so he kissed me so I can breathe?
The sun filtered down through the water and lit Orion up from behind.
I found myself smiling in the wake of that beauty.
OO: “It’s so beautiful…”
I spoke without thinking, and Orion smiled in satisfaction.