Asuka grasped on to the steel rails, breathing in the cold, salty air. The waves crashed against the ship as it sailed on ever so slowly. The stars gleamed, offering what little light, compared to the full moon. Asuka closed her eyes, taking soft, deep breaths, and just enjoying the feel of the ocean wind brushing against her skin.

"Mind if I join you?" Asuka opened her eyes and turned her head towards the voice that interrupted her few moments of peace. A young man, around her own age, with bright red hair gave a small smile, waiting for an answer.

"Of course." The man leaned against the rail as they both took in a second of silence, just enjoying the evening view.

"Asuka Kaneshiro-san, am I right?" The named person glanced in curiosity.

"Yes, but I'm afraid I don't know your name."

"Shinji. Shinji Araya."

"Araya? As in the tech corporation?" The man now had her undivided attention. Asuka furrowed her brows. "I wasn't aware that Araya-san had a second son."

"Well, as the troublemaker of the group, my father preferred for me to not have too much exposure."

"I see," Asuka looked back towards the ocean with a quiet smirk.

"Are you well-acquainted with my family?"

"Apparently not. Although, I did once have the pleasure of meeting your brother."

"Really?"

"Yes. At a party much like this." Shinji turned around, his back against the rail as he observed the said party. Bunch of chief executives and their families on a private yacht party. String lights. Expensive tuxedos and dresses. Glasses clinking. Smiles deceiving. Words flirting for engagements and consolidation.

"Not a fan?" Laced with sarcasm, Shinji chuckled.

Asuka softly shook her head and sighed. "Too much thinking. Too many responsibilities. But out here. The ocean seems to just...drown it all out." Shinji rested his head on his arm as he propped it onto the rail and faced Asuka, who was still looking out.

"Why do I get a feeling that this isn't about responsibilities?" Shinji said faintly. "What's bothering you?"

Asuka lowered her gaze. She was hesitant. "I just met you."

"And I feel like I already know you, don't you? Or is this just me?" Shinji was right. It's only been a couple of minutes since they were introduced, but this whole discourse just felt like two close friends chatting about day to day annoyances.

Asuka took a deep breath. "I had a friend. And I couldn't save him. It's been years, but I'm still filled with so much regret. I don't know what to do. I tried to just let it go and do my best here. Make my parents proud."

Shinji straightened up. "Well, your father is currently in there, boasting about how you'll soon inherit his hospitals."

Asuka gave a quiet tug on her lips. "I don't know."

"You're stuck in time, in a place you don't belong." Asuka met Shinji's eyes that seemed to carry less warmth than before. She focused on his words. "You're stuck in the past," Shinji whispered but Asuka's ears still caught his words and for the first time that night, the cold wind felt harsh and sharp on her skin.

"But don't worry. There's a reason for everything," His eyes quickly creased into a smile. "The reason why you're here. The reason why you couldn't save your friend. Everyone has a destiny to fulfill and that's just part of your destiny. Even a trip over a stone is part of your destiny." He placed his hand on Asuka's head as a sign of reassurance. "So don't worry. Just smile. Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru." Asuka's eyes widen at the familiar proverb. She was caught off guard for a moment before regaining her composure with a big smile of relief and disbelief.

"You're right. Happiness comes to those who smile." Asuka took a deep breath. "Well, then I should get back to my party. Thank you for this lovely conversation, Shinji Araya." He smiled in response as Asuka turned her back and headed for her parents.

"Asuka!" Asuka turned towards the familiar calling and was welcomed with the happy faces of her parents.

"Mother. Father," she greeted.

"Asuka, I'm glad you're here. You remember Araya-san, don't you?" The tall, lanky man beamed in anticipation.

"Of course. I actually just had the pleasure of chatting with your son, Shinji-kun."

"Shinji?" The man looked at her peculiarly. "Do you mean Seichi?" And, as if on cue, a stocky man with dark brown hair arrived to the conversation. "You remember him, don't you? From about a few months back?"

"Of course. Seichi-san, how have you been?"

"Great, and you?" the man gave a polite smile.

"Very well," Asuka smiled back. "But no, I mean your second son, Shinji Araya?"

"I'm sorry dear, but I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about. We only have one son." Asuka ever so slightly narrowed her eyes. They could be lying. Shinji said so himself that they don't like him being exposed, being the troublemaker of the family. Yet, something told her that they were in fact telling the truth.

"Dear?" her mother furrowed her brows in concern.

"I see," Asuka said softly before beaming a smile. "I'm sorry. I'm still a bit jet-lagged."

"Ah yes! Asuka returned this morning from Rwanda with our team of doctors. A small business trip to help out the orphans," Asuka's father shined with pride. Araya-san responded positively, as well as Seichi-san. Something about how proud they must be and how kind Asuka is, but to her, it was all just a flatline. She couldn't hear anything. She couldn't focus. All she could think about was Shinji. Asuka scanned the room to see even a glimpse of bright red, but nothing.

"Are you looking for someone?" Her focus was brought back to her group due to Seichi.

Taken aback, she smiled to cover her growing panic. "No. Would you please excuse me? I have to use the ladies' room." Seichi nodded. Asuka, as slowly and mannerly as possible, bolted towards her previous setting. Of course, he was gone. Asuka continued her search, frantically as her desperation rose. She checked every deck, every room, but no, he was gone. She circled back to her starting point, out of breath. She once again held on to the rail to steady her feet.

Could it be? Could he really be...him? I'm here, so why can't they be here? It's possible, right? Asuka felt a sudden sliver of hope but her head pounded with confusion. But where is he? We're miles away from shore. Lost in thought, Asuka looked down at the ocean, at the crashing waves.

"Looking for me?" Asuka gasped in fright and quickly turned around. Unfortunately, she could only catch a glimpse of that bright red for a sudden push that brought her crashing down against the water. Her back stung from the impact but the cold bit harder on her open arms. Asuka fought against the weight of her wet dress but as soon as she reached the surface gasping for breath, those cruel waves would overtake her. Asuka shut her eyes to prevent any more saltwater from stinging her eyes and continued to flail her arms. NO! The voice screaming in her head vainly encouraged Asuka to keep fighting but it was to no use. Am I just destined for tragedy? Her body drifted further away from the surface as memories quickly flashed before her. Mother. Father. Their smiling faces. Then, those blue haoris that she had always known. And those lightly colored cherry blossoms that fluttered down like snow.