Kiss The Girl

Chapter Thirty

Time seemed to slip away in the tranquil alcove as Kagome and Arel continued their picnic, sharing stories and laughter. The underwater world around them felt like a magical haven, sheltering them from the cares and worries of the surface world. Sunlight filtered through the water, creating patterns of shimmering light on the cave's walls, casting a soft, ethereal glow on their faces.

Kagome couldn't help but be captivated by Arel's tales of his underwater explorations and the hidden wonders he had discovered. As he recounted his adventures, his eyes lit up with a passionate glint that mirrored the beauty of the treasures surrounding them.

"You seem to like getting into trouble," Kagome said, her amusement evident in her voice. "Though i think your adventures turn out amusing and fun in the end."

Arel nodded, his gaze fixed on Kagome. "It is fun....though some moments I don't know how I get into those situations..." His blue eyes seemed to glow as he looked at her, "But....to be honest Kagome, it's even better to share moments like this with you. I enjoy them more than my adventures..."

He paused for a moment, before turning his attention away from her again, "I've always been a bit of a loner, but having you here has made everything feel more alive."

Kagome smiled warmly, touched by his words. She couldn't help but think about the strangeness of her situation. Just a few weeks ago, she was a human on land and now she was sitting in an underwater cave, sharing a picnic with a merman. Life had taken a surreal and unexpected turn.

"I'm grateful to have met you, Arel," Kagome replied. "This is an adventure I never expected, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Arel reached out to touch a nearby strand of vibrant coral, the colors shifting and dancing as if responding to his presence. "You know, the ocean has its own way of telling stories. Every creature, every piece of coral, every sunken ship has a history, and I'm just fortunate to be a part of it."

Kagome glanced around at the shimmering underwater world. "It's like a different universe down here. I've seen some incredible things during my travels, but this... this is something else entirely."

As they continued their conversation, Kagome shared stories of her travels making sure not to mention anything that was too...human. Arel listened with rapt attention, his curiosity piqued by the travels.

The soft rustle of seaweed beneath them and the gentle lapping of water against the cave walls created a soothing ambiance. Kagome's heart felt lighter than it had in a long time, and she couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn her life had taken.

Arel reached out and picked up a small, iridescent seashell from the sandy seabed, offering it to Kagome. "A little token to remember this day," he said with a grin.

Kagome accepted the seashell with a grateful smile, turning it over in her hands. It sparkled in the dim light, a symbol of the day's unique experiences. "Thank you, Arel. It's beautiful."

Arel grinned, his eyes locked onto Kagome's. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kagome. And there's so much more to explore in Atlantica. You haven't seen anything yet."

Kagome's gaze turned thoughtful as she looked at him. "Arel, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, anything," he replied, his curiosity piqued.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You mentioned earlier that some merfolk befriend others for the wrong reasons. What did you mean by that?"

Arel's expression shifted, his eyes clouding with a mixture of sadness and frustration. He took a deep breath before answering, choosing his words carefully. "In Atlantica, especially among the noble families, there can be a lot of pressure to form alliances, whether through friendships or marriages. Some merfolk might approach you because they see an opportunity to gain something from the connection, whether it's political influence or personal gain."

Kagome nodded, understanding the complexities of such a society. "And you've experienced that?"

Arel nodded, his gaze turning distant. "Yes, I have. There have been times when I thought I had made a genuine friend, only to discover their true intentions later. It's made me cautious and selective about whom I trust."

Kagome's heart ached for him. She could sense the weight of those past betrayals in his words. "I'm sorry you've had to go through that, Arel."

He gave her a wry smile. "Well, that's why Flounder is my closest friend. He's one of the few I can trust completely."

Kagome couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness toward Arel. He deserved true friends who cared for him genuinely. "You know, Arel, I don't have any ulterior motives. I'm here because I genuinely enjoy your company, and I value our friendship."

Arel's eyes met hers, and he felt a warmth spread through him. Her words were like a soothing balm to his wary heart. "I appreciate that, Kagome. You've brought a lot of brightness into my life since you arrived in Atlantica."

Their eyes locked for a moment, and the unspoken feelings between them hung in the air. Kagome's heart raced as she sensed a growing connection, one that went beyond friendship but was still shrouded in uncertainty. She didn't want to mention those feelings just yet. She knew Arel was making his emotions clear to her, but....she needed a bit more time to adjust.

As they settled back against the bed of seaweed, Kagome couldn't help but let her thoughts wander. The underwater world had brought her into Arel's life, and she marveled at the unexpected twists of fate that had led her here. She wondered about the surface world she had left behind, the friends she had temporarily parted ways with, and the adventures that still awaited her.

Before they could delve deeper into their emotions or their musings could lead them down an uncertain path, a distant sound echoed through the water, breaking the moment. Arel's eyes darted toward the entrance of the cave, his expression turning serious.

Kagome followed his gaze, her senses on high alert. "What was that?"

Arel stood up, his instincts kicking in. "It sounds like trouble. We should investigate."

Kagome gave a soft laugh, but let Arel take her hand and drag her to what she felt like was going to be a small adventure which he seems to always find himself in.