Prompt: "JinxMicchi, at the beach with Karin and co., with Jin attempting to teach Michiru how to swim (or float on water. Either way)."

…I cheated a little bit. Don't hurt me. This is for the lovely Seena58. We should totally elope in Vegas. ♥


Twixt Sky and Water

Even to this day, he has memories of sparkling blue water and waves softly crashing onto sand, making ripples and rifts. The moon was full and the night was quietly beginning, the only noise being the numbing repetition of waves upon earth. Because he knew that what he was doing really wasn't fair, affecting other peoples' lives in such a way. The poor boy never really had a chance.

His name was Kuga Jin, and he was an idol. He was in love with Hanazono Karin, but he didn't have a chance at her, because Kujyou Kazune was there, and so was Nishikiori Michiru, who was quietly guiding them.

Perhaps he made a bad decision…? But it was too late to see it through now, because they had seen a glimpse of the future. And yet, if their journey had proved anything, it was that the future could be changed.

He can still hear voices tumbling through the air – "No, you idiot, that's not how you do it! Your legs are supposed to—there, that's better" – the voice of an exasperated teacher and a teasing friend. He can still feel the kiss of water on skin, and lips on lips (and other sinful places), and he can still capture the emotions – of being a replacement; of being second best.

He sinks to his feet and lets the ocean water lap at his toes, his shirt fluttering in the breeze. Night descends fully and mismatched eyes stare at the sky, before they are closed and his head is dropped, curled into a loose ball.

A streak of light attracts his attention – a star is falling, the night's tears, tears of dusk and twilight. He smiles faintly and whispers to himself: "I wish this wasn't replacement love…"

And suddenly he is transported back to a time where the blue water swells onto sand. He's just finished learning the basics of swimming and is venturing out into the ocean with no floatable device, just faith and a dark-haired boy with golden eyes like the stars. But just as soon, he is back again, staring at the horizon, where sky and water meet in blissful union and what beauty can never be captured or touched remains.

He feels like he's chasing the horizon, but he can't see what's right in front of him.


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