Ch. 5: Distributed Serum
The unknown man recommended the serum to make the coral more beautiful, and Corail’s face filled with delight.
Corail: “If we have this, the coral’s appeal will double right?”
Corail was full of pure happiness as he thought of doing something for both the coral and his country but…
(Is this really alright? To easily put so much trust in this…)
Man: “Of course!”
The man was all smiles, which only made me more uneasy, and I looked to Corail.
However, there wasn’t a trace of doubt in Corail’s expression.
Corail: “You’re a good guy, making a serum like this! Hey, let me see it!”
Man: “Eh…w-wait!”
Corail went to take the serum from the man’s hand, but he tried to pull it back…-.
Corail: “Ah…”
In the struggle, the serum fell from their hands and dispersed through the sea.
Then…-.
(The color is changing.)
In an instant, the coral became a more vibrant color.
However…at the same time, all of the fish in the area scattered away.
Corail: “…the fish are gone.”
OO: “Why did they leave…?”
Corail: “Why…? You, what did you do to the fish!?”
For an instant, the man’s expression was unpleasant…but he immediately started explaining himself.
Man: “As you can see, it simply made the coral more colorful. …and well, the fish that can’t tolerate it are collected and sold at the market.”
(That’s awful…!)
Corail: “How could you… I believed you because I thought it was for the sake of the coral! I’ll never forgive you!”
Corail’s miserable cry echoed in the quiet sea.
Ch. 6: Angel Skin
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.
END