Kiss The Girl

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Kagome let Arel guide her away from the bustling market area, her curiosity piqued by their mysterious lunch destination. The quiet hum of the underwater world enveloped them as they swam further from the crowd, giving them a moment to catch their breath and escape the prying eyes of merfolk who might be curious about their conversation.

As they swam, Arel couldn't help but steal glances at Kagome. Her inquisitive eyes and her curiosity about this new world fascinated him. He was well aware that everything she saw, touched, and experienced was new to her, and he felt a sense of responsibility to make her journey through Atlantica as enjoyable as possible.

When they had reached a tranquil spot, Arel turned to Kagome with a mischievous smile. "You still owe me lunch."

A playful glint sparkled in Kagome's eyes. "I haven't forgotten. So, where are we going for this lunch of ours?"

Arel paused, considering the options available in Atlantica. He wanted to choose a place that would be both secluded and meaningful. After a moment, an idea lit up his face. "Wait here for a second. I'll be right back."

Without waiting for Kagome's response, he swam away, leaving her to ponder their surroundings. She found a quiet spot among some coral formations and sat down, taking in the serene beauty of the underwater world.

Kagome's life had taken an unexpected turn, and she still needed time to process everything. The undersea world felt like a dream from her childhood fantasies, and now she was living in it. She couldn't help but smile as she observed the vibrant sea life all around her, creatures she had only seen in books and documentaries before.

A group of young mermaid children swam by, their laughter and playfulness filling the water with joy. Kagome couldn't help but chuckle at their antics, the innocence and carefree nature of their play reminding her of simpler times.

As she watched the mermaid children, Kagome couldn't help but wonder if she could truly make this underwater world her home. It was beautiful, enchanting, and full of mysteries, but it was also a world she was still learning to navigate.

"I'm back." Kagome turned to see Arel returning, a basket in his hand and a mischievous grin on his face.

"So, what do you have planned?" Kagome asked, her curiosity growing.

Arel's eyes lit up with excitement. "I thought we could have a picnic somewhere special. I can also show you some of my treasures."

Kagome laughed, intrigued by the idea. "A picnic sounds wonderful, and I'd love to see your treasures, Mr. Adventurer."

With their plan in place, Arel led Kagome through the underwater landscape, navigating through the colorful coral reefs and shimmering schools of fish. They swam together in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the serenity of their surroundings.

As they swam, Kagome couldn't help but notice how natural it felt to be with Arel. His presence was comforting, and she appreciated his thoughtfulness in showing her the beauty of Atlantica. Yet, she also sensed something more beneath the surface, a connection that went beyond friendship.

Eventually, Arel guided Kagome to a hidden cave behind a massive, iridescent clamshell, partially buried in the sandy ocean floor. He carefully opened the clamshell like door to reveal the enterence to the cave. He motioned her to follow him, and as she did she had her breath taken away by a cave, filled with a dazzling collection of treasures. Pearls of different sizes and colors, glittering seashells, and sparkling gemstones filled the hidden cave...but what really caught her attention was all the human objects. Things she knew that were only in the ocean from shipwreaks.

Kagome's eyes widened in awe as she took in the breathtaking display. "Arel, this is incredible!"

Arel chuckled, clearly delighted by her reaction. "I've been collecting these over the years. Whenever I find something interesting during my explorations, I bring it here. It's like my own secret treasure trove."

They settled down on a soft bed of seaweed, and Arel began to unpack their underwater picnic. He presented Kagome with a variety of delicious-looking underwater fruits and other sea delicacies. As they shared their meal, they began to open up to each other, sharing stories of their past adventures and dreams for the future.

Kagome was captivated by Arel's tales of exploration and the hidden wonders of the ocean. She couldn't help but admire his adventurous spirit and his passion for discovering the secrets of the deep.

As the sun's rays filtered down from the surface of the water, and breaking into the cave, making the objects shine and give the cave much needed light, Kagome felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She had found herself in a new world, surrounded by extraordinary beauty, and she had made a friend who made her heart feel lighter.

Arel watched Kagome with a fond smile, feeling a growing connection between them. He had a sense that Kagome was more than just a friend; she was someone who could help him navigate the challenges and expectations placed on him by his family. He couldn't help but hope that their adventures together would lead them to something more profound than friendship.

With their laughter echoing through the underwater alcove, Kagome and Arel continued to share their stories and dreams, savoring the moment and each other's company. The hours slipped away as they talked, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

Unbeknownst to Kagome, Arel couldn't help but harbor feelings that ran deeper than friendship. He found himself drawn to her in a way he hadn't experienced before, a connection that went beyond the camaraderie they had developed. It was a feeling he wasn't entirely sure how to express, and he wondered if Kagome felt the same.

Kagome, on the other hand, found herself torn between the comfort of their budding friendship

and the uncertainty of opening her heart to a new romantic relationship. Her past experiences, especially her complicated relationship with Inuyasha, had left her wary of love. She cherished the moments with Arel but hesitated to take the next step into something more.

As they shared their stories and dreams, both Kagome and Arel couldn't help but wonder about the path ahead. The underwater world of Atlantica was full of surprises, and their journey together had only just begun.