Tide Between Two Worlds

Return To Land

       Some time has passed since the journey to Tsuran City. True to the teens' word, Shuichi and Kiyoni managed to make it back home just in time to continue their studies. Once home, they couldn't stop reaching out to each other just to debrief and connect on a personal level. In fact, the bond between them was so apparent, they secretly started a relationship. However, much like most adolescent pairings, it didn't last. School and sports became the reasons why.

On an academic break, Kiyoni was making her way towards a local bookstore to check out a few study materials. Unbeknownst to her, Kuronue caught her via a window. Since high school had become so demanding, Kuronue was virtually left to his own devices while his best friend and former schoolmate did their own thing. It was surprising to see Kiyoni dressed so down but in a put-together kind of way. The combination of a black, midriff hoodie over an aegean blue tank top and medium wash jeans was definitely deviant of the school uniform of the recent past. With Kiyoni parked within the space of the storefront window and two bookshelves, there was no way Kuronue was going to pass on an opportunity to play catch-up.

       "Studying hard or hardly studying," he joked, startling Kiyoni.

       "Ah," Kiyoni shrieked, quickening the removal of her headphones, "Who th–? Misaki?"

       "'Sup?"

       "Eh, hi. Hey. You...you got a haircut."

Indeed, Kuronue did, going from shoulder length to short as a part of his fresh start for high school. It didn't look too bad as he brushed his hand through it. His style changed a little as well. A deep wash denim jacket over a white shirt was accessorized by a pair of greenish gray, corduroy pants and denim colored Chuck Taylors. Across the torso was a camera bag in case Kuronue wanted to take some pictures around town.

       "Yeah," Kuronue awkwardly confirmed, "There's a girl I have a huge crush on and she likes guys with shorter hair so chop chop. Still team 'no braids' for you?"

       "Yeah," Kiyoni confirmed, sheepishly picking at the small afro on her head. "Nothing in the school dress code said anything about having my hair a certain way and those products my mom bought are kinda working. Anyway, is there a chance?"

       "...Maybe? She doesn't even know I exist yet."

       "Oh, no. I'm sorry. Wow, it's been a while. I thought you'd be around Minamino."

       "Y-y-yeah. I thought so too but he's been so caught up with swimming, he's unreachable. Haven't spoken with him since you guys came back."

       "Oh..." Kiyoni realized, "yeah...s-s-sorry about...about that. I'm kinda to blame."

       "Eh? Why you?"

       "He didn't tell you?"

       "Tell me what–ohhh my god. You dated."

       "Shhhhhh," Kiyoni warned, feeling the heat rush to her face, "Yes. Yes, we...were together for a bit."

       "I knew it! I knew something would happen between you two. Wait, 'dated'? You're not..."

       "No. We...we broke up after about a month."

        "You don't seem too upset about it."

        Kiyoni took some time to get her wits in order, sniffling and bouncing on the balls of her feet, "I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry about it. Looking back, it was probably for the best anyway. I mean...he has more on his plate than I do so it is what it is. Besides, we're kinda on friendly terms now and it's kinda better this way. I know this because he still has the bracelet I made for him and he gave me this ring as a thank you gift. So no hard feelings."