28 December 2020 

Shirahama

Today, I got to know the fine, white sands of the beach, having encountered its wild neighbour yesterday. My travelling companions and I looked like tourists, not the successful hunters of a Biblical monster.

"There it is," a lifeguard pointed to our destination, and waved away our thanks.

Waves lapped at the feet of Senjojiki, a geological formation that had me enthralled. Stopping for a moment, we took out photos from different angles before treading carefully. My heart thrummed when Hansol placed his hand underneath mine and clasped my fingers before helping me jump over gaps in the rocky formation that my legs were too short to reach. I almost kissed a lichen-encrusted boulder but he caught me in those deft arms of his.

"Why am I more worried about you here than when we were metres above a trench?" the rapper shook his head, slight droplets from the crest of the sea having been launched there.

"I guess my movements are more fluid in water," I joked and his face split in two at the ridiculous pun.

"C'mon Ariel," the Seventeen member urged us to follow Heejin and Kyuhyun ajusshi. She was Umji's favourite Disney princess and I wondered how she'd be green in the face at my confession. I didn't want to keep this a secret from my sisters and truth be told, I had no idea if the heartache I had faced at the mutual breakup with Jeongguk was now becoming my precious pearl.

We had brought a picnic basket to Engetsuto, sitting on a dry rock as we watched the burst orange of the sun sink through the eye of the needle.

"Sugoii," I breathed out, thinking of the shoujo I had read when I was younger.

The next day, we completed our stroll of the coast. Sandambeki Rock Cliff was like something out of a novel, the rock having formed in a treacherous cubic formation. I stuck close to the bright white palisade fencing, not needing a warning from the merfolk. The Sandanbeki cave was close by.

"When mermaids were caught by fishermen against their will, they made this their base," the sea mage pointed to the pools leading to the sea. Limey water dripped from the stalactites above, sending a ghostly echo through the walls and a ripple on the still surface.

After gingerly teetering on the uneven rock, we ascended and I was stunned to see the Kyoto University Aquarium before us.

"Family secret," our custodian for the trip smiled secretively at us before beginning a tour. I learned many interesting things about marine life save for that which really enthralled me- the merfolk. But I wouldn't find any information about them here.

Day 3 of the vacation was spent at Adventure World. Contrary to the name, this was an animal- friendly zoo. I gushed when I saw the baby panda, Mono, and I swear he waved at me before falling over. That made me even more hopeful that scientists would keep them safe from extinction.

After a tour of the Minakata Kumagusu Museum, we were told that Energy Land would be open and we rushed to the amusement park. It was just the youth, our custodian saying he couldn't handle the crowds and noise. Heejin, Hansol and I enjoyed the rides, snacks and other attractions, returning to the cottage only when the gates had closed.

"The NYE Party will be more exciting," Heejin promised as we walked to our room after breakfast. I had grown closer with her as I braided shells in her pale blonde hair. Accessories like these were liabilities underwater- long hair could get tangled on sharp rocks, in spiny fish, in seaweeds, etc. So, mermaids often tied their hair up in boring buns. "Maybe I'll cut my hair like yours soon."

"Oh yeah, I have a lot of cute hair clips I can give you," I opened a bag with said pieces. As I looked at the neatly-organised bag, I was reminded of how my ex and I were similar in this way. The memory passed fleetingly, like a balloon slipping from my hand. But the child who had sobbed her eyes out had grown into something more powerful- the killer of a denizen.

"I can see why he likes you," the sea mage chose her favourites.

"Hansol does?" I looked for something to keep my hair off my face. Usually, I let the strands fall to hide the blush on my cheeks but I didn't want to hide my feelings anymore. The butterfly decided to try out her wings in this whirlwind of emotions.

"Yeah, you should totally go for it," she gave my outfit a once-over before pushing a dark red lip tint toward me. I nodded, sliding the colour over my mouth. Heejin was definitely in my corner- I looked like I meant business.

"You've been to this park before, haven't you?" I whispered conspiratorially and she smirked before giving me the layout.

Hei-sogen was a path meandering through a forest of cherry blossom trees, with neon pink lanterns that probably cast a soft glow at night. The Seventeen member and I rambled about everything and nothing, and we were mutually distracted by the beauty around us. When we reached the end of the trail, I chided myself for not attacking and vowed to win him over tomorrow.

"There's a fireworks festival tonight," Kyuhyun ajusshi talked with one of his friends, who he had run into at the park. We took a slow amble toward the town, the beach being closed off to prevent any drunken drownings on this night.

"Any resolutions?" my crush and I were finally alone after signing autographs for fans who had spotted us. Luckily, they didn't take out any photos as this would spark wildfire rumours online, damaging our careers.

"I'm ready to love," I ignored everyone else and focused only on him.

"Let me," it was only now that I noticed the heart-shaped beauty mark on Hansol's hand. As everyone began counting down to the Gregorian New Year, I leaned into him and closed my eyes. Our lips brushed and I held onto his slim waist, feeling as if the ground were melting below us and only he could buoy us from disaster. Opening up my heart, I let the rapper know that his name was a melody resounding in my heart all day. When we pulled apart and I saw the sparkle in his eyes, I knew he felt the same; possibly more.

"Congrats," the sea mage clapped, the sound being overpowered by that of the fireworks. Hansol didn't say anything, he just took my hand as we saw flowers blossom in the sky.