Her Red-Bellied Sea Slug (Part 2)

Seafolks or more aptly, seafolks who adapt to land dwelling, were creatures of habit, Tsumugu learned from having lived for several years with not just one, but two of such origin.

No matter how many decades have gone by, the rife whiff of the sea still clung stubborn as barnacles to his grandpa's entire being. He had a scent distinct from fishermen who smelled of the cloying odor of raw fish. When Tsumugu was younger and had just moved into Grandpa Isamu's house, he could not quite describe what the old man smelled of. It was not, by any means, a bad smell. It was a little after three months when Isamu first brought the then nine-year old Tsumugu out on the sea in his well-used tugboat. It took the younger Kihara a while to figure out that the perpetual frown etched onto the older Kihara's facial features did not always translate to disapproval or displeasure. A crumpled brow and a grimace would mean that the old man was being contemplative. A scowl succeeded by a swift downward motion of the head was really a sign of encouragement.

Hence, when Tsumugu attempted to follow his taciturn grandfather into his fishing vessel and received naught but a frown and a nod before returning to the task of untying the boat from the dock, Tsumugu interpreted it as an invitation to step on deck. He had yet to grow sea legs, so every slight tilt and toss of the sea vessel caused him a tad dizziness. He could feel the churning of the waves underfoot, as he managed to lean on the steel bars for support and navigated the path to the old man, who had moved to stand at the helm. The ancient motor chugged along and soon, the boat was knifing through the blue waters. Tsumugu focused on Isamu's ramrod-straight back from his vantage point. A moment later, that very same back pivoted and Isamu now met eye-to-eye with Tsumugu. "Hrgh." He emitted a low, gruff sound characteristic of grumpy old people, yet Tsumugu somehow understood it to mean, "Well, boy? What are you waiting for? Come closer!" Gruff as he was, Isamu was not indifferent.

Treading cautious steps, Tsumugu made to join his grandpa at the helm. The tugboat picked up speed, cool sea breeze brushing his cheeks and assaulting his olfactory nerves.

Then and there, young Tsumugu hit an epiphany.

It was inexplicable and inconceivable, even; it was overwhelming, but grandpa smelled of salt, brine, seaweed, kelp, sand, seashells, and the beach altogether. His grandfather was essentially the sea and its shore.

That was not the last time Tsumugu would experience it as Isamu taught him the trade and the young Kihara proved himself to be a reliable fishing partner, despite his age. Day after day, year after year, Isamu Kihara – wearing his frown like he wore his cap, that is, always – would be out on the sea and its briney scent he bore.

There were instances when Tsumugu witnessed a different side to his grandpa. The old man would stand unmoving in the yard, his gaze directed seaward, facial features smooth and relaxed. He was not smiling, nor was he frowning. He exuded a melancholic and wistful air, staying like that for a few minutes until minutes seemed to bleed into hours, until the fiery orange sun dipped into the sea and the pale moon climbed up and took over.

"Grandpa…?" Tsumugu, twelve years of age at the time, called out tentatively. "Won't you come inside? You'll catch a cold."

Gradually, as if he had reached the conclusion of a long dream, Isamu stirred from his position, before he finally turned away from the sea and trudged back to the patio, where his grandson awaited him patiently.

Years later, Tsumugu recognized that same yearning and unrest in another pair of aquamarine eyes. On days when they went home together, Chisaki would frequent the breakwater, finding a spot to sit and dangle her stocking-clad feet, the zephyr tugging cerulean locks of hair loose on particularly windy days. He stayed behind at a distance as that familiar sea scent wafted to his nostrils, Chisaki's own sea scent. Other times, when Tsumugu went home later than Chisaki and he would take the route along the seawall, he would sight her solitary figure on the beach. She would either be perched delicately on the outcrop of rocks as the waves slapped the boulders and sprayed her with saltwater, or she would be treading the white sand barefoot, while her shoes, stockings, and school bag were stashed away somewhere. The tide would swoosh in and seawater would reach up to her ankles, yet the ena on her skin would just as easily absorb it. In broad daylight, the ena glittered as if she was wearing a skin studded with a thousand sequins.

Tsumugu's voice caught in his throat, gazing at her, who was always, always gazing at the vast blue sea, entranced, like she was waiting for something or someone, yet at the same time, something was also preventing her from throwing herself into the depths of the water. Something was keeping her moored to land. Tsumugu could see and sense that conflict within her from Chisaki's expression and manner she was not even aware of.

There was an innate desire in their kind, Chisaki and his grandfather's, that despite years of living above, something, whether it was in their bones or blood or both, would forever tether them to their first home, the sea. Tsumugu resonated strongly with the feeling, because the same siren call beckoned to him, because the same seafolk blood also ran deep in his veins.


Tsumugu touched the doorknob and was about to twist it, only to pause at the mention of his name.

"I see. So, you were adopted by Tsumugu-kun's grandfather after the sea villages' hibernation. It must have been tough for you to be separated like that from your family and friends." The voice was Professor Mihashi's. Tsumugu's whole body pricked up in anticipation, listening.

Tsumugu did not have visual confirmation, but he grasped that she was shaking her head. "Not really," she ventured. "Yes, it was difficult at first and if it weren't for Tsumugu and grandpa's support, I would really feel stranded on land. But they took me in and gave me a second home and family. It's enough for now."

Tsumugu's face fell, despite Chisaki's words. It's enough for now meant she was wanting for more, that she would only truly be happy and contented if she could be reunited with her family and friends. If she had a choice, she would rather much prefer her underwater home over her current land living, if she had a choice. This would never be enough for her no matter how much time passed, Tsumugu knew. He dropped his hand to his side, clenching it into a fist.

"Is your ena okay?" Tsumugu heard the professor ask, concerned. "Do you need some saltwater?"

"No, thank you. I'm fine, Professor."

"Okay, but please do let me know if you feel any discomfort."

"Thank you," she reiterated.

"You know, Hiradaira-san, there's a pharmaceutical company developing a kind of energy drink made especially for sea people. Its properties are said to help you retain the salinity content of your body so that you'll last more without the constant need to hydrate your skin."

"That's interesting."

"I heard," Professor Mihashi lowered his voice to a confidential whisper. "They're naming it, Mermaid's Potion."

Muffled peals of laughter elicited forth from Chisaki. "Manaka would love it. Kaname wouldn't mind and might try it, but Hikari would definitely reject it because of the name-" Chisaki cut off abruptly in the middle of her sentence. In his mind's eye, Tsumugu could picture her with her chin drooping to her chest, staring at her hands in her lap. "But of course, they're not here." In that moment, she had voiced out one of the thoughts she would not confide in him.

Tsumugu tightened his fist for some time before he slowly unclenched it. At long last, he turned the doorknob, determined to enter the room. Heads turned at the sound of the door, Chisaki's and Professor Mihashi's. The room was devoid of other occupants, as most of the students and lab associates either had classes or commitments.

Chisaki smiled at his return and accosted him in the most natural way, "Tsumugu, welcome home."

"I'm back," replied Tsumugu without much thought.

At this innocuous but most compelling exchange of words, the professor glanced from Tsumugu to Chisaki and back.

Chisaki realized her slip and covered her mouth as she gasped. "Oh, I'm sorry. It just came to me out of habit."

Tsumugu acted like nothing happened and walked towards Chisaki. He deposited his bag on the table, and then stood by her chair, staring mutely at her. Chisaki did not expect him to blurt, "Are you okay?"

Chisaki's eyes grew wide. Her lips were slightly parted, the question of how he knew left unspoken. She was entrapped by his probing amethyst orbs. Chisaki was not particularly closed off, but she always tiptoed around any topic pertaining to that day when, against her wishes, her ties to her former life were severed due to an act of nature or was it more of an act of God? Everytime she was reminded of this, followed by transcient memories dredged up from her past, her heart would seize and crumple. Tsumugu and his grandfather understood what she was going through. He did not offer much in the way of words or actions, but Tsumugu never left her side during those five years. He was her life preserver, never letting her wade astray and keeping her buoyed above water. After what felt like eternity, Chisaki found her voice and the right words to say. "I'm okay now."

It was all Tsumugu needed to know.

Tsumugu turned to acknowledge Professor Mihashi who seemed to have ceased existing inside the room just moments ago. "I'm sorry, professor. Is it okay if I knock off early today? I have to take Chisaki back to the station."

"Sure, it's no problem. We can continue anytime, Tsumugu-kun."

"Chisaki? Shall we go now?"

"Mm." Chisaki nodded in assent and pushed herself up from the seat. She bowed respectfully to the professor. "Dr. Mihashi, thank you for your hospitality. I enjoyed my visit."

"Oh, no. It was a great pleasure to meet you, Hiradaira-san! I'm hoping Tsumugu might take me along to Oshiooshi to do some research, so it'll be my turn to visit then." The professor gave Chisaki a conspiratorial wink.

Chisaki went along and returned the favor with a wink of her own. "That'll be wonderful! I'll be sure to prepare a warm welcome."

Tsumugu finished storing his items in his bag and lifted the pack off the table. He made for the exit, Chisaki following his lead. However, by some coincidence, when Tsumugu opened the door, Kazama and Natsuki were standing on the opposite side, Kazama in the act of clutching the door knob. In his other hand, he was gripping a recyclable plastic bag.

"Oh? You're leaving already?" Natsuki asked. "We just bought some ready-made food from the commissary. Won't you stay and eat first before going?"

"Thank you for offering," Chisaki said kindly. "But I really must get back by nightfall. I'm a long way from home."

Kazama pulled off his 'regretful' expression. "Aww, that's a shame. I hope you'll find time to come again or maybe, we can go visit–" The freshman did not get to complete his sentence, as Natsuki elbowed him so hard in the ribs he folded over.

Chisaki chuckled, catching his meaning, nonetheless. "Yes, we'd love to have over some visitors."

Kazama and Natsuki stepped aside to let the two pass. Tsumugu allowed Chisaki to go first, but not before she paid one last bow to Kazama, Natsuki, and the professor.

As soon as the pair left the room, Natsuki allowed herself a sigh that was almost dreamy. "Who would've thought that the dark and handsome prince found himself a little mermaid?"

Kazama spit out the coke he was drinking. "Whaaat!" His reaction was less due to his senior's statement and more due to Natsuki herself, who barely made such statements.

Clack and then fizz. Natsuki had opened her own can of softdrink. She handed another can to the professor. "Well, look at them! It's like they came straight out of the pages of a fairy tale!"

Kazama gulped his coke, astounded. "Wow, Aihara-san. I never pegged you as the type who's into that."

Natsuki ignored Kazama. "What do you think, Professor Mihashi?"

The professor immediately recalled a certain scene that his two lab assistants had missed out on earlier. He only remarked, "Well, it's an interesting relationship." And one he would like to know more about, yet he did not say it aloud.


The train station was a thirty-minute walk away from the university; it took fifteen by bus and twenty by bike, yet Chisaki still insisted on walking. There was ample time for her to make it to the six o' clock train.

The two of them walked together unhurried, basking in sacred silence. It was closely reminiscent of their high school days when they commuted to and fro from school. Sometimes they would converse about the most mundane matters like what to cook for dinner, homework, tests, school events, etc., but mostly, they welcomed silence. After Grandpa Isamu collapsed, their conversations were interspersed with more silent gaps that silence grew to be an indispensable companion.

"I'm glad," Chisaki began. They were currently traversing parallel to a park-cum-playground, passing under the shade of the rustling trees. Distant shouts of zealous children, the creeeak of swings and seesaws, the thump-thump-thump of basketballs, and thunk of baseball bats drifted to them.

Tsumugu glanced sideways at Chisaki.

"I wanted to see how you were doing. I'm glad I visited you. From what I heard from Professor Mihashi, even though you don't show it, you seem to vastly enjoy your studies and work in the lab, but then again, it may be the professor being too enthusiastic."

"Oh, definitely," Tsumugu did not hesitate to agree, to which Chisaki burst out giggling, while he chuckled.

"He called you his what was it...?" Chisaki trailed off, tapping her chin lightly, then jabbed her index finger up in the air. "His 'best and brightest assistant'! Oh, is that a blush I spy on you?" teased Chisaki as she peered up at Tsumugu, who shifted to observe her directly. He looked at her face for a few seconds, and then his eyes traveled downward to her white sundress, down to her stockinged legs, then back to her face. Chisaki was becoming more and more conscious of their close proximity that she started feeling lightheaded, clammy.

"Chisaki?" He was right in front of her, but why did Tsumugu's voice sound so far away?

Tsumugu was now holding her up by the shoulders, calling out her name repeatedly, but she could not hear him no matter how much she strained, like her ears were plugged too tightly. Sights and sounds were dulled until she succumbed to darkness.

The next moment, Chisaki woke up gasping for air, her head breaking out of the water surface. She glanced left and right, throwing herself into a panic when she realized she was in an unknown place. Her vision fell on a familiar tan face and she finally calmed down. "Tsumugu, where am I?"

"In a bathhouse for sea people," answered Tsumugu, who was crouched over her semi-prone, half submerged figure in the shallow pool. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows.

Bathing pools for seafolks were different from the regular ones because the water was always adjusted to a cool temperature and filled with salt to emulate seawater.

"Oh." Chisaki drank in her surroundings, from the aqua-blue tiles to the walls painted with stylized waves. "Thank you for bringing me here." Her voice bounced off the walls, echoing much like it did when she was underwater. It felt like the slightest semblance of home, her sea home, which lent Chisaki some comfort.

"You fainted while we were walking. I should have immediately taken you here when I noticed that your skin was looking a little dry. Sorry."

"No, it's my fault. I should have said something. How long was I passed out?"

Tsumugu eyed his watch, estimating the time. "Only for about twenty minutes."

"I see." She threaded her fingers through the water, creating small ripples. She was a little engrossed in her thoughts when she registered movement on Tsumugu's part.

"I'll wait outside–"

Chisaki flung out a hand to grip Tsumugu's wrist quite forcefully, bringing Tsumugu to slam his knee hard on the ceramic tiles. A spray of water splashed Tsumugu's side, soaking a portion of his shirt and pants. Tsumugu was stunned.

"No. Stay, please."

Chisaki inclined her head towards Tsumugu and found herself fascinated by the play of light casting a pristine blue and white sheen on his skin. For a moment, it was almost like Tsumugu was underwater with her. Strange, how he seemed to belong. Chisaki also grew aware of her hand touching him that she instantly snatched it back as if electrocuted. She avoided looking at him and resumed stirring the water with her hand.

Tsumugu slid down to Chisaki's height, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet. "Do you know how I once found you dozing in the tub?"

Chisaki began to flush in embarrassment at the implication of his words but Tsumugu added, "With your clothes on, of course."

Chisaki's mouth shaped into an 'o'.

"My first thought when I saw you in that state was that you weren't breathing. I would have rushed in to lift you out of the water, except I remembered at the last moment that you were a sea person and it was normal for you. You looked so peaceful, like you were having a happy dream."

If not for the cold water, Chisaki was sure she would be blushing madly at this point. It was not like he had walked in on her naked. No, it was more than that. That he had seen her during what she considered a private moment, caused her heart to pound erratically. She did not know how to react properly to his words.

"Just now, you had that same appearance, like you were dreaming."

Chisaki hugged her knees to her chest, eyelashes fluttering as she gazed down at the ripples in the water. "I was dreaming of Shioshishio."

"In my dream, my parents, Hikari, Manaka, and Kaname, everybody was awake in the sea village. Manaka and I were exploring the coral reefs in search of red-bellied sea slugs, which are very rare. Then, Hikari, in his usual boisterous self, turned up along with Kaname. His arrival was noisy enough to disturb the fishes, you know, so Manaka would always scold him, while Kaname acted as peacekeeper. Hikari would make it up to Manaka in any way he could think of. This time, he had coaxed Manaka to play hide and seek in the old elementary school. The four of us raced all the way, making a deal that the last one to reach the school building was 'It'. Manaka was left behind. We were waiting for her at the entrance, when Hikari started tormenting her, 'Slowpoke! Slowpoke! Heh, you're It!' Manaka's face scrunched up and fat tears started rolling down her cheeks. She bawled, 'Hi-kun, you bully!' Hikari stepped closer to Manaka and boldly pinched her nose. 'Stop it, you crybaby! I'll volunteer to be It! You better hide well from me or else it will really be your turn to become It!' Then, Hikari grinned that infectious smile of his and soon, we were all laughing until our bellies ached..."

Chisaki fell quiet.

"And what happened next?" gently prompted Tsumugu, who had not spoken a word throughout her narrative.

Chisaki spoke in a pensive tone, "And then, I woke up and realized it was all a dream."

Chisaki cupped water with one palm and let it trickle down, rivulets of water running across her arm and on her knees. "I wonder if there ever will come a day when it'll stop being dreams or illusions."

"It will happen," Tsumugu said, firmly and resolutely. It sounded like a promise he would fulfill for her she did not know how and yet Chisaki could not explain, her heart soaring and swelling, how she believed in him.

Chisaki could only muster, "Mm."

Tsumugu unfolded his legs and got up from the floor. He stretched out his hand towards Chisaki. "Are you ready to go?"

Chisaki regarded Tsumugu for a while and finally leaned on him to rise to her feet. She took in Tsumugu's damp appearance from top to bottom and it dawned on her that she owed him an apology, albeit late. "Oh, Tsumugu. I did that, didn't I? I'm so sorry. "

"It's okay. There's a drying room."

But that did not erase the sorry look on her face even as they left the bath and ended up in the reception area, where the proprietor, a friendly-looking, middle-aged woman, attended the counter. She turned her attention on them. "Is your wife feeling better now?"

"She's oka–"

"Oh, he's not, we're not married–"

They said in chorus.

"Yet. We're only engaged," Tsumugu clarified. Chisaki's head whipped to the side, staring at Tsumugu in marked confusion.

"Sit down for a while, okay?" Tsumugu maneuvered an unprotesting Chisaki to the nearest wooden bench. Chisaki vaguely heard the sound of his footsteps going away, then the chink of coins being inserted into a slot, the beep of a selection being made, and the ker-thunk of the canned drink being spewed out by the vending machine. Footsteps approached her again. "Here, drink this." Chisaki accepted the warm can of coffee milk, disoriented still. "I'll just dry myself off quickly. I'll be right back." He disappeared through another door labeled, "For Drying".

"Your man seems like a sweet guy. I can see that he takes good care of you."

Chisaki had not quite recovered from her daze, but she managed, "Oh. Um, yes."

"But, you know, there's a faster and better way to dry up." The proprietor inferred suggestively.

Chisaki stared blankly, clueless.

"Hugging."

At that, Chisaki's face was tinged a rosy pink, from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.

"Oh come on, dearie. You don't have to be ashamed. I bet you've hugged and more plenty of times. Seafolks like us easily dry, so hugging our kind helps land people dry quickly too."

"I, um. We haven't–" Her mind was in a jumble as Chisaki struggled to form a coherent response, but she was saved by Tsumugu's reappearance.

"Tsumugu," croaked Chisaki, unable to control her blush.

Tsumugu noticed it but did not mention anything and just said, "Sorry to keep you waiting." He crossed the floor to address the woman. "How much is it, Ishibashi-san?"

Mrs. Ishibashi shook her head. "Oh, you don't need to pay, dearie. We already receive generous donations from our sponsors for the upkeep. All we ask for is your continued patronage."

Chisaki regained her normal speech. "Thank you, Ishibashi-san. It's a very nice and relaxing place you have here."

"Why, bless you. Oh, how you two remind me of me and my hubbie from our younger days. Bless his soul!" The middle-aged woman smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. Chisaki also noted then that she had sea-blue eyes.

"We'll be taking our leave now." Tsumugu shrugged on his coat and assisted Chisaki with hers.

"Come again soon!"

Tsumugu and Chisaki came out of the bathhouse and onto the sidewalk. On the outside, the structure was nondescript, designed typically like a regular bathhouse. The only distinguishing mark was a round symbol drawn with blue curvy lines and the words, "Saltwater". Chisaki had been looking it over when she realized that Tsumugu was already walking ahead without her. She jogged to catch up to him. She tried hard to dismiss the question inside her head, yet it neither refused to be asked nor did it want to leave her be. Yet, Tsumugu read her mind and eased it by telling her, "She assumed that we were married. I had to play along or otherwise she wouldn't have let me into the bathing pool unless I'm the same or married to one."

"I couldn't say either that we're siblings or cousins, because–" Tsumugu did not finish, only gestured to his eyes. They were aureate, different from the aquamarine hue of seafolks. It made all the difference in the world.

"Ah," Chisaki murmured in understanding.

"I didn't mean to take liberties."

"I know." She always knew, but she could not decide if it was a good or bad thing. "Thank you," she breathed oh-so-quietly and then lapsed into silence for the remainder of the walk.

They made it to the train station half past five, thirty more minutes before the next train bound for Oshiooshi arrived. The sky spread its dim shadow over the city. Chisaki bought her ticket early, but lingered first on one of the benches in the station, sharing a quiescent moment with Tsumugu.

"You haven't drank it," quipped Tsumugu.

Chisaki glanced down at the can she was rubbing between her two palms. "Oh, I'll just drink it on the ride."

Tsumugu's eyes wandered to the vending machine buzzing a low hum and then he rose up, Chisaki watching him pick the same coffee milk drink from the vending machine. He replaced the can in Chisaki's hands with the warm one he just procured.

"Thank you."

Tsumugu nodded, pocketing the other can. Then, there was another pregnant pause before he started with, "I'm sorry–"

"Thank you," interjected Chisaki.

"Huh?" Tsumugu looked questioningly at her, his forehead creased.

"You always say sorry. You don't use 'thank you' enough. You should use it more often. Besides, it feels nicer to receive gratitude and appreciation instead of apologies. Go on. Try it."

Tsumugu pondered on it. He was about to tell her, "I'm sorry for giving you a hard time." It meant a lot of things, like allowing her to journey a long distance just to bring him his belongings, letting her ena dry out to the point of losing consciousness, relying on her to take care of his grandpa who was not even her blood relation, leaving her alone at home, being powerless to bring back the things, people, person she loved. It meant so many things. He wanted to do something but did not know what and how.

But maybe, he thought, he could begin with this. He decided to give it a try. "Thank you," he ventured, "for coming." Tsumugu turned to face her and was rewarded with that breathtaking, beautiful smile.

Ah, this would do for now.

"You're welcome. That's what family are for, right?"

Tsumugu's features softened that he might as well be smiling. Yes, this would do for now.

"It's almost time," Tsumugu stated when he checked his watch and saw that it indicated five minutes to six. Chisaki nodded and the two of them stood up to move towards the gate.

"Make sure to eat properly, okay?"

"Do bundle up warmly."

"You should mingle more with your college acquaintances. They seem like nice people, even your professor."

"I'll miss you."

"Yeah." It was his only answer.

Chisaki studied his somber face, counting a few seconds before she turned her back, fed the ticket into the machine and pushed through the turnstile.

"Chisaki!" Tsumugu cried out.

From her side of the gate, Chisaki's head swiveled so abruptly almost like she had been anticipating it. Her feet were rooted to the spot as she replied in a hopeful voice, "Tsumugu?"

Tsumugu sucked in his breath. He seemed to be hesitant, a sight something rare. Chisaki urged him by uttering his name again, this time, more carefully, more deliberately. "Tsumugu...?"

"If you miss me," he began, voice low at first, then slowly gathering strength. "You can call me anytime and if I miss you, I'll call you anytime too."

Time seemed to have stopped ticking as Chisaki stared in wonder with bated breath, but soon, time restored its tick-tick-tick, then she blinked her eyes and released the breath she was holding. A warm feeling started from the pit of her stomach and worked its way up. She could not suppress the smile erupting on her face, evident too, in the translucent light reflected in her aquamarine eyes and by the pinkish glow on her cheeks. Chisaki was said to blush too easily, however, it was nothing but becoming of her.

"I will."

Underneath her feet, Chisaki felt the rumble of the train pulling into the station. The train hissed to a stop, followed by the whoosh of the sliding doors. Chisaki stepped inside, twisting around to catch sight of Tsumugu, waving goodbye to him as he waved back. A few minutes later, the gears kicked into action. The doors slid close, then the train started moving again.

She had only been gone less than a minute, yet he missed her already, his family. And he would not stop hoping if, someday, he could ask her to be his real family.

2/2 End


It's done! It took me more than a week to finish it, but it's done, at last. I thought it would be as long as the first part, but it's like the story just wrote itself and I realize that I've gotten almost 5k words in. I admit that small bit of Tsumugu and Chisaki's domestic life we glimpsed in Episode 17 did help me to write the latter part of the story. I hope I was able to stay as in-character as possible. I'd love to hear from readers.

If I have time, I hope to write a few more oneshots, more on Chisaki's perspective. So, please look forward to it!