Mermaid Swamp drabbles / oneshots

Rain - one shot

It was an average college day.

Well, it was average until Rin started seeing clouds forming in the suddenly dark sky.

What's worse is that Rin was at the park, going on a stroll without an umbrella.

'Ah shit...'

Rin thought as she furrowed her eyebrows.

—

As expected, the sky was pouring, absolutely demolishing the poor grass. Without a shelter, Rin can only hide under the tree, silently waiting for the rain to be over.

The unending pattering sounds didn't stop, making everything damp.  Even worse, the rain somehow metamorphosed into a fog, creating a misty, damp park. It's much more mysterious and gloomy compared to the usual sunny park, with sunlight plastered everywhere.

'Damp and gloomy...' Rin thought of some distant memories from some time ago.

'It looks just like...'

A few images flashed in her mind. Those memories, those times when she was barely surviving.

Horrified and isolated at the park, she looked at the ground, seeking some comfort. However, as she looked at the ground, a small puddle was mould.

'Wait, it kinda resembles a...'

Again, those recollections came into her brain.

'Shut the fuck up brain!'

Unable to stop those thoughts, Rin shouted at herself.

As if the world stopped operating, Rin couldn't find her source of breathing, causing her to panic.

'What if it happens again?'

'What if I'm lost again?'

Rin's breathing sped up, eventually accompanied by sounds of grasping, attempting desperately to inhale.

'What if I drowned-'

"Hold my hand, dumbass."

Just as Rin departs into her thoughts, a voice echoed into her ears. It sounded as calm as ever.

Glancing up from the ground, she saw Seitaro. Still unable to breathe, she gazed up at him, remaining silent.

"Are you-?"

Not even bothering to finish his sentence, Seitaro sat down with Rin. He held down his umbrella in front of Rin, shielding her from looking at the park.

"Rin, it's fine now. I'm here with you, we are out of there now. Just slow down your breathing and you'll be fine."

Slowly, Rin's breathing pace became steady while keeping her uncanny stillness, uncharacteristic of her usual loud self.

"Here..."

Seitaro muffled out before pulling Rin into a hug hesitantly — the first time he felt such frigidness in her body since they returned to their normal lives.

Rin returned Seitaro's hug progressively, even tightening her grip, burying her face into Seitaro's shoulder.

—

They stayed together until the sun resurfaced.

Seeing a glimpse of the sun. Seitaro pulled out of the hug and closed his umbrella.

"Let's go."

Seitaro said, ready to leave the park.

"Wait...!"

Hearing her expected raise of voice, he turned around.

"Thanks...for helping me out."

Seitaro smiled, "Then, let's go to the cafeteria and treat me some food."

"Fine...fine! I guess I do owe you one."
Rin rolled her eyes, walking with Seitaro.

"By the way, how the hell did you even find me?"

"Well, if you aren't in your dorm, ruling out the library first, you're definitely outside."

"Pfft — only an old man like you would spend all his time soaking in books."

Their voices faded as they stepped into the cafeteria, covered by the loud noises of other students.

—

But,

there is still one thought that's as clear as days,

'No... I'm the one who owes you...'

—