𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜

07

KURIOSHI SEA. In the aquarium and surrounded by fish, it was as if you were transported to a new world. The blue glow of the environment left it feeling personal and somber. There had been a flip of a switch to Amanai Riko's mood upon coming down here from earlier. Earlier, when you all had been canoeing and eating food, she was delightful and all in. And now, as the minutes ticked by, there was a dawning realization in her. And you could tell easily. Because it was like looking at a mirror.

She had excused herself from the group, wishing to be alone for the moment. While Gojo and Geto were left to scan the proximity for any signs of risk, you offered to watch her from the shadows. So you did, trailing behind her and observing her.

In her white dress and her hands behind her back, she gracefully crossed the room, following in step with the large fish behind the glass. The lights reflected throughout the room, in its vibrant swaying color, a serenity of bliss. Amanai's blue eyes, so aligned with the waters, never pulled away from the sea animals. They watched intently the nature's desire, of the school of fish, and of the critters on the floor.

Yet she simply stood there. Grounded in place, locked at the feet, clipped of her wings of freedom. Like the fish, she was trapped in the tank. Like the fish, she had to fulfill her duty.

Just as you were about to step forward, a hand grabbed your shoulder from behind. You looked back, startled, to see that Gojo and Geto had showed up. Gojo slowly released his grip on you but continued to shake his head.

"Let her have her time." He stuffed his hands in his trousers, glancing over at the girl.

"I just want to talk to her for a bit."

"Do you think anything you say to her will make her feel better? It doesn't change the outcome of her fate," Gojo said.

"It's better than having her drowning in her own thoughts," you argued. "Maybe you wouldn't know what to say, but I... I can relate to her to some extent. She doesn't have to be alone through this."

Without waiting for a response, you headed off and made your way towards the girl. Using light, gentle footsteps, you stood beside her, not looking at her but at the large tank wall of fish instead. It was even more majestic up close, from their size to their details. It also felt like you were actually underwater, submerged and swimming alongside them.

"Amanai..."

"You can call me Riko."

You finally looked over, shocked by her approval of being on first name basis. Then, you smiled, eyes crinkling in warmth. It was as if the two of you were finally getting closer, little by little. In this mental difference, the gap had shrunk, and a bond formed. "Thanks, Riko. You can call me [Name] too."

She nodded, returning a smile, though the smile never reached her gaze. This newly formed bond... there was a time limit to it.

"So, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," she blurted. "Everything."

You hummed and nodded, putting your hands behind your back as well. "Me too. The thoughts are too loud and too quiet, right? I understand."

"Can I say something...?" she whispered. You gave her the go. "I keep trying to convince myself that I am... that I am ready to be assimilated. I pretend and make a big deal out of it. But no matter how hard I fake it, I don't ever feel ready. I'm scared, [Name]. I'm... scared."

Her hands were trembling. You reached out and took her hand in yours, gripping it tightly.

"I'll say something too," you said. "Though they would never admit it themselves, Satoru and Suguru, me as well, we can see and admire your strength. You're braver than all of us. There are not many people in this world who could deal with what you're doing. But you're here. With a smile and a hope for us. And there is nothing wrong that could erase that fact. Not even being afraid. As for your fear, we share that burden. You're not alone."