Strange (REVISING)

Chapter 2, Worthless

[10:23pm]
[3rd]
[Jabberwalk Beach]

Kazuichi waved bye to Ibuki before walking into his cottage. He had no intention of sleeping, because of the nap he had taken.
He undressed before changing into some swim trunks. He snatched a towel from his bathroom and decided he would get the quiet time he wanted earlier.

The cold air stung Kazuichis bare skin, but there was no wind. Just a chilly atmosphere, but it was calming.
He walked himself to the beach in silence. The soft crash of waves was faint, but grew as he approached the beach.

The towel drifted down onto the sand a few feet away from the tide. Footprints approached the ocean where Kazuichi swam.

A healthy amount of time passed and Kazuichi decided to return to his towel.
He took his soaking wet hair into his hands and squeezed the water out.

Kazuichi scanned the ground for his towel, but it was not where he had left it. Suddenly, a figure came into view. Kazuichi stepped closer to the person. The full moon illuminated the person's features.

Gundham held out the towel, folded neatly.

What are you doing here? And why do you have my towel?" Kazuichi snatched the towel out of Gundhams hands.

"Is it a crime for me to enjoy the beach? You're not the only one on this island, mortal Kazuichi." And the bickering begans.
Kazuichi shook his head and sighed.

"Nope! You're perfectly fine, Gundham. You can fold whatever towels to want. It's not fucking weird or anything!" Kazuichi was obviously being sarcastic.
Kazuichi spread his towel out on the sand and laid down.
Gundham followed and sat down.

"Now you wanna sit with me?" Kazuichi laughed, Gundham sighed softly.
Kazuichi looked over at Gundham.
He was staring, again.

Only one thing was going through Gundhams mind at the moment. Why did he feel like this? It was.. so strange.

Kazuichi waved his hand in front of Gundhams eyes.
Gundhams eyes widened, embarrassed. "Didn't we talk about that?"

"We didn't talk. You shouted at me from your cottage and ran before I could address the situation." Gundham explained in a forceful tone. His eyebrows furrowed.

"Sounds like talking to me." Kazuichi shrugged.

"I came here to have a decent conversation with you, mortal, but I believe I've overestimated your ability to be mature." Gundham stood up.

"You really think we could have a mature conversation? Funny," Kazuichi said, getting defensive. He stood up to face Gundham.
Gundham scoffed.

"Why do you insist on being such a child?" Gundham began to raise his voice. He pointed and accusing finger at Kazuichi as he stepped closer.

"Why do you insist on being such an asshole?" Kazuichi matched the other boys tone. He took a step back in response to Gundhams advance.
Gundham laughed as if what Kazuichi said was outrageous.

"Me? Asshole? You're the one who picks petty fights with me." Gundham slapped his hand over his own chest to emphasize his words.

"At least I'm not a fucking weirdo who has his head up his ass!"

Gundham lowered his voice to a threatening, and deep tone. "You're nothing but a worthless rodent. I understand why no mortal wants to converse with you. I should've listened to Sonia." Kazuichi froze.

It felt as if he had just been thrown off a ship at sea.

Worthless?

He inhaled the metaphorical water through his nostrils. It stung.

Kazuichi pondered over the word. He was too distracted by the thoughts, memories, and feelings flooding his head to even consider a comeback.

Gundham walked away quickly, and disappeared into the night

The water entered his lungs, a hot, sharp, streak of pain trailed down his throat.

It's only a word. Kazuichi reassured himself from the comfort of his bed. Only a word. They had exchanged many hurtful words, why did this one pluck the wrong string?

Kazuichi curled up under his blankets.

His lungs pulsated, now acting as fleshy water balloons. He had only began to sink.