Waves Of Love(GL)

Chapter 5

Akari's POV     

                   "Lost in the woods"

I can't believe I ran into that tall, grumpy woman again. Why do I keep seeing her? It’s not that I hate seeing her, but every time I do, I feel something strange—and awkward.

Is this really just a coincidence?

Anyway, while I was busy capturing the beautiful sceneries around the island, I didn’t realize where I was.

Holy moly.

Just earlier, I was admiring the breathtaking views and chatting with the kind and lively locals. They were as friendly and talkative as ever, making me feel at home.

But now?

I’m lost.

Holy cow! How do I get out of here? It’s almost five in the afternoon!

I kept walking, hoping to find a way back—or at least a hut where I could rest. I was exhausted, starving, and thirsty. Luckily, I brought my small backpack with three sandwiches and a tumbler of water—though it was already half empty.

As the sun dipped lower, panic started to creep in.

I can't spend the night here!

I quickened my pace, trying to shake off my growing fear, but the more I walked, the more I realized I was still deep in the woods. My eyes burned with unshed tears, but I couldn’t stop them for long.

Otousan… Oniichan… I’m scared.

Tears streamed down my face, but even in my fear, I pushed forward—until I suddenly heard something.

A crackling noise. Footsteps.

I checked the time on my phone. Almost six in the evening.

At this hour? In this dark, unfamiliar place?

Could it be a wild animal?

A few moments later, I spotted a faint light in the distance.

I ran toward it.

"HELLO?! IS SOMEONE OUT THERE?! PLEASE SAY SOMETHING! I'M SCARED!" My voice cracked as I cried out.

Seconds passed before a voice finally answered.

"YES! SOMEONE'S HERE! A-ARE YOU LOST TOO?! J-JUST STAY WHERE YOU ARE! I’M COMING TO YOU! O-OKAY?! DON'T MOVE, AND KEEP YOUR FLASHLIGHT ON!"

A woman’s voice.

Relief flooded through me.

"THANK GOODNESS! I THOUGHT I WAS ALONE!" I sobbed.

"MISS?! A-ARE YOU OKAY?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ALL ALONE?! IT'S DANGEROUS!" she called out as she approached.

"THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE HERE! UH, I… I GOT LOST! I CAME TO THIS ISLAND ALONE, A-AND I WAS SO CAUGHT UP IN EXPLORING THAT I DIDN’T NOTICE WHERE I WAS GOING." My voice trembled, my whole body shaking. My vision blurred with fresh tears.

"HEY, HEY! DON’T CRY! YOU’RE NOT ALONE NOW, OKAY? I’M HERE!" she reassured me. "UHM… I GOT LOST TOO. COME WITH ME, AND WE’LL FIND A WAY OUT TOGETHER."

She covered her face as I pointed my flashlight toward her.

"AND MS.—YOUR FLASHLIGHT, PLEASE?"

I quickly lowered my phone. "I-I'M S-SORRY—" I stuttered, but then I froze.

Wait.

I recognized this woman.

We both gasped.

"YOU?!" we exclaimed in unison.