"Zelda, where's your car?" are the words that wake me. I don't have to open my eyes to guess who's standing in front of the couch.

"I've missed you too, Riju," I mumble into the pillow.

"Your car isn't parked in the driveway, how did you get here?"

"I came home with Urbosa last night," I sit up, every muscle in agony. In front of me stands a beautiful girl with a long braid and a vast smile on her face.

"Can you call someone to pick us up then?" she asks.

"Pick us up? What for?"

"I want to go horseback riding with you, or wakeboarding, or--oh, we could go to the aquarium and look at the seals!"

"What time is it?" I tap my phone but it doesn't turn on. I forgot that I haven't charged it in pretty much two days. Have I really been away from home for that long?

"It's noon."

"What?" I jump up in a heartbeat. I've never slept in that late. "Do you have an iPhone charger?"

"Yes."

"Can I borrow it?"

"Only if we do something fun today."

"Sure," I sigh and give her a tired smile. It'll be fun to spend some time with her after all this time. I sort of see her as my little cousin.

Moments later Riju returns with a charger for my phone. When it turns on, the time says 6:46 AM."

"Didn't you say it's noon?" I look at her smug face.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"So you'd be up faster."

"You're evil."

"Evil is a substitute word the weak use for uncharitable genius. So when can we leave?"

"What's the hurry?" It's six in the morning, where does this child get the energy from?

"Urbosa is going to be back from her morning run soon. She wouldn't want me to go. So we have to leave before she comes back."

"I need some context," I rub my face and stretch my sore body.

"Mother passed away."

"Oh my... Riju..." I had no idea. "I'm... so sorry."

"I'm okay, it's been over a year. But she was the chief of our town and somehow they expect me to become a chief too now."

"Who is they?"

"Everyone. The town, my family. They said I should spend a few weeks at Urbosa's, since she has been a coach and a great leader all her life. But I just want to have fun every once in a while too, you know? I haven't hung out with my friends in forever. With you being here, this is my one shot at a day off from training."

I can't help but recognize myself in her desperate eyes. An unwanted destiny is being forced upon this young girl just like it was on me. Going against Urbosa's rules would be disrespectful and I'm not looking for any more family drama, however... Riju deserves to have a fun day like my beach day yesterday.

"You never told me about Urbosa's rules," I instruct her and her eyes light up. "I woke up early and asked you to hang out with me today. That way neither of us will get in trouble. Hopefully."

"Thanks Zelda!" Riju jumps into my arms. "But we still need a car."

"I know..." I say, opening iMessage on my phone to send a text.

"Who's that?"

"The only other person who'd be up this early on a Sunday."

While we're waiting for our ride I head to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my hair. My cheek is still a little red from the slap. It's almost unnoticeable but I can see Ganon's handprint on my skin. I wish I could just wash it off like dirt on a sweatshirt. It's my own skin, but knowing who touched it makes it feel soiled. What a day... It started and ended in disaster, but the middle portion was pretty great. I didn't expect my first date to be a martial arts class in an old apartment complex or eating cold burgers in a secluded park at night, but I can't stop smiling when I think about it. It was perfect in every way.

"A car's here!" Riju calls for me after ten minutes have passed.

I've been trying to find some make up in the bathroom to cover up the mark but Urbosa's skin tones don't match mine. I return to the living room, Riju has already opened the door.

"Declare your business but come no closer," she tells the young man in front of her.

"What is your name?" she asks when he doesn't respond to her demand.

"Link," he answers politely.

"Link? And what is it you've come all this way to do?"

I join Riju at the door. Link is wearing his track jacket and black tights under his shorts. I feel bad for interrupting his workout but I knew he would be the only friend who would be awake this early. If Malice hadn't told Ganon about Link's car last night, I wouldn't have know that he had one. Thanks Malice.

"You have to excuse her, Riju is practicing to become a chieftess," I apologize to Link, then look at her and say, "He's our ride."

"Him? A boy?" she gasps in excitement. "Forgive me for staring," she glances up at Link. "I attend an all girls school, so this is exhilarating to say the least!"

Riju is the first to run to his car and claim shotgun, giving Link and me a moment of privacy. His face didn't get injured last night, but his hands did as well as his torso.

"Link, I... I feel so horrible for yelling at you last night," I look down at our feet. "I didn't mean to call you stupid, I just needed to say that to make you leave. I didn't want you to get in trouble. I wanted to text you afterwards to make sure you're okay, but my phone was dead. I'm really sorry about all of it. How are your knuckles?"

I take his hands into mine to examine the wounds. His left hand looks bad. This is my fault...

"Stop, I'm fine," he takes his hand back to gently place it on my cheek. "Your face..."

It still hurts a lot but I try not to flinch when his thumb brushes over my bruise.

"I'm going to kill him," he says under his breath.

"Don't. You have to stop fighting Ganon. He said you're even," I say but Link's anger doesn't vanish.

"We're not even. He's a dead man."

"You're going to get in so much trouble if you keep getting in fights. I worry about you, Link. I don't only worry about you getting expelled, but about you getting seriously harmed. That guy is dangerous. He beats Malice."

"She's... She is choosing this for herself," he says carefully.

"I don't think so... I think she's scared of him even if she won't admit it."

Link shakes his head. He looks furious, trying hard to keep himself collected.

"Malice is smart and she knows how to fight... And I..." His jaw tenses as he looks at my bruised cheekbone. "I really don't care about her right now. Ganon will pay for what he did to you."

"Please let it go."

"How? This is not okay."

"I know, but worse things will happen if we push it."

"I don't fear him. He's going to regret having laid his hand on you."

I nod, even if I disagree with his approach to problem solving, I know there's no use of arguing. We head to his car. It's old and has likely less value than my laptop but it's in good condition. The ride to campus is anything but quiet. Link doesn't say a word in Riju's presence but that doesn't stop her from having full length conversations with him. She tells him all about her school, her friends, her plans. Meanwhile I send a text to Urbosa telling her where we're going. Riju wanted it to be a secret so that she wouldn't disappoint Urbosa, but I am okay taking responsibility and saying it was my idea to have a fun day at the aquarium. I am convinced that Urbosa won't mind, especially after her pep talk last night.

"Thanks for the ride," I say when we are parked next to my car. His eyes meet mine in the mirror. If I was sitting next to him, I would give him a hug right now. Perhaps not. But I would hope that he would give me one. I hate being so shy around him.

"You should come to the aquarium with us!" Riju says more as a command than an invitation.

"Oh, er, Riju, I think Link has other things to do today," I tell her, knowing Link won't speak up.

"No he doesn't," she decides for him. I think she's getting a bit too attached.

Link smiles at me and shrugs. He's sweet for giving in so easily, but he could get recognized and I can't risk that.

"Come on Zelda, he wants to come," Riju presses.

I roll my eyes at her.

"Link, do you happen to have your disguise with you? The cap?" I ask and he nods.

"Would you mind wearing it?" 

He shakes his head sideways.

"Okay... Link can come," I sigh. Riju takes a breath to share her thanks with me but I cut her off. "Under one condition!" I say quickly and smirk at her. "I ride shotgun."

"Deal," she jumps out of the car and switches seats with me.

Will this be another decision I'm going to regret? The aquarium is dark and I doubt many students or sports fanatics will be there. I'm still going to be very cautious.

Riju connects her phone to Link's aux and plays her favorite music while we're driving to the aquarium. She wants me to sing out loud with her. I can feel Link's eyes on me whenever she begs me to sing, but I decline each time. Maybe one day.

In the parking lot of the aquarium Link and I search the trunk for his cap. It's a big mess consisting of sport bags, training shoes, water bottles, towels, all kinds of balls, and other gym clothes. He finds the cap and puts it on.

"Why do you have a scarf in your trunk? It's 80 degrees out."

"It's cold in the mountains," he says.

"You never clean out your car, do you?" I tease. On the other hand, he's always prepared for any terrain.

I grab the scarf and the beanie next to it and put them on.

"What are you doing?" he asks bewildered.

"Disguising myself. I don't feel like getting recognized either," I say to his amused face. I also think it's unfair if he has to be the only one hiding. It must be so exhausting to seek the shadows.

"Where is my disguise?" Riju jokes, then urges to hurry up already.

She insists on walking next to Link. Before we enter the building, I take a moment to talk to Riju about our secrecy.

"You can't call us by our real names in there," I tell her.

"How come?"

"Link and I don't want to get recognized."

"I get that. I'm pretty famous at my school too," she says, looking at Link. "What are your alter egos then?"

"Er... Call me... Sheik," I say to her.

"Wairudo," Link tells her.

"You got it," she grins and walks to the entrance.

"Wairudo?" I arch my brow.

"Means Wild in Japanese. I was once on a team with another player named Link, so we both got a nickname to prevent mix ups."

"Was this when you played for the national league?"

"No, we were still in High School."

"Was your team good?"

"Yes. We were Musō, the Warriors, and went to the nationals every year."

I'm getting a lot of funny looks from other visitors inside. It's the middle of September and this strange girl is walking around with a beanie and a scarf. At least it's not hot and sunny out today; dark clouds have been lingering in the sky all morning.

Link, Riju, and I walk through the dim hallways underwater. Riju is in awe, stopping at every new animal she spots to read about it. I'm carrying a little brochure myself and don't hesitate to share interesting facts with the group.

"I've never been a fan of zoos and aquariums," I tell Link and Riju. I don't think Riju is listening, for her eyes have been glued to the 300 pound sea turtle floating above our heads, but Link's eyes are on me as if nothing else existed around us. "Just knowing about the animals' natural habitat spoiled a place like this for me. I would always feel like I was sponsoring animal cruelty. But this info guide actually points out that the aquarium's live exhibits have a mission to induce ocean conservation."

I smile at the brochure, ready to dive into the next paragraph when something touches my hand. Startled, I look down at my hand enfolded in Link's. Why is he...

"You should look up, not down," he whispers to me.

I've found the resemblance of the ocean in his eyes in the past, but with the reflection of the water dancing on his face they really do look like that. He looks up and I follow his eyes to the two turtles that are swimming leisurely above us. I've got to admit, looking at them like this is much more fascinating than reading about them.

"Where are the seals?" Riju interrupts my thoughts. For a moment I forgot she was here. I forgot everyone was here.

I take my hand back, not because I don't so dearly want to hold Link's hand, but because we are surrounded by a dozen people. Nobody seems to have recognized either of us so far and I can't risk that to change.

"The seals?" Riju repeats.

"Let me look at the map," I say to her, opening the brochure again. "If we follow this hallway, it'll lead us outside right to the seals."

"Perfect! Let's go," she hurries with a grin.

On the map I see a dark room right before the stairs that lead outside.

"What's in here?" I wonder, leading us there.

"Probably just a store room. No life's in here," Riju detects but she is wrong.

The three of us are the only ones to enter that room. It has a black floor and is anything but lifeless; glowing jellyfish move smoothly through the encircling murk.

"This is not what I remember seals to look like," Riju says, kindly reminding us that she has no interest in these creatures.

"The seals should be right down these stairs," I turn away from the luminous invertebrates to accompany Riju but Link holds on to me, not moving from his spot.

"What is it?" I ask him.

"Do you think we could catch up with her in a minute?" he asks quietly.

"You want to leave her alone? She's only 12."

"If I'm old enough to lead a whole town I think I'm old enough to be left alone for a moment," Riju argues from the door.

"It'll just take a minute... We need to talk," Link says, looking at me with an unreadable face.

I'm growing nervous. What could be so important that it has to be discussed right now? Leaving Riju alone is not an option I fancy but if I disregard Link's request I might ruin what we have. It must be something urgent, I better take it seriously.

"Would that be okay?" I ask Riju.

"Sure, take all the time you need."

"Wait by the seals, don't go anywhere else."

"Ay ay, Captain," she salutes us and leaves the small room.

"What's wrong?" I ask Link in a low voice once we're alone.

"You look ridiculous," he mocks with a soft smile.

Link steps closer and removes the scarf and beanie. My hair must be a mess but I don't really care right now.

"What did you want to talk about?" I mutter, not any less nervous.

"Just that you look funny." His hand cups my cheek. He is close enough for me to feel his breath on my neck and the peak of his cap over my head.

"Just that?" I ask in a whisper.

"Just that," he says, looking at my lips.

Not here. Not now. I need to distract him, get him to pay attention to something other than my lips. If I just kiss him every time we're alone I might as well date him. But that can't happen. I'm so torn. Why does he do this to me? Granted, I did the same thing under the bleachers last night but... Ugh, I need a distraction.

"The... the jellyfish," I stutter, unable to leave his gaze, "they are... beautiful."

"Mhm," he agrees very calmly, not one bit distracted. He brings his chin closer to mine.

"Link..." I shake my head softly.

My heartbeat exhilarates with every inch of space that disappears between us. I'm trying to breathe evenly but when Link is so close to me I lose utter control over my body and mind. It's scary, thrilling, and amazing all at the same time. I can't walk away or tell him to keep his distance, his charm is gravitating. I lean in. He's not coming any closer, he is not kissing me, he is just teasing me, waiting for me to give in first. And we both know I will. I try to remind myself of the risks and rules I set, but my headspace is empty.

My lips touch his in the darkness, accompanied by the colorful lights of the jellyfish. He kisses me back and holds me closely. And that is all I can think about.

The faint, grumbling sound of thunder travels through the hallway and into the room we stand in.

"Hear that?" Link looks up at the dark glass.

"That was thunder, wasn't it?"

"No, that's what it sounds like when a blue whale gets hungry," he says.

"They don't have whales here, smart ass," I roll my eyes at his smug face. I love it when he's silly. Such a contrast to the serious and angry Link I see when he's fighting, be it in a stadium or behind the sports building.

"We should go find Riju," I groan. I'd rather be alone with him right now. When I get home I should probably go over this whole no-relationship scenario again. How long can it really work and what good does it do to either of us if we just keep dating like this? We don't have a future together unless we pull this secret dates stuff off until I am no longer under the control of Father's rules. Is our relationship doomed? Would it be best if we just end... No. I am not ready to give up on this. Perhaps it's the spell of his perfect eyes gazing at me, but for the first time in my life I am willing to take a risk. For us.

One last kiss before we have to go back... Why can't we be the only people on this planet? Just for a day.

"This could count as our second date," Link says, holding me in his arms.

"A babysitter date," I shake my head with a chuckle. "I think she has a little crush on you."

"Jealous?" He teases.

I roll my eyes at him.

"One last kiss before we go back out," I whisper.

His kiss is gentle and slow, my heartbeat light and fast. Our lips part by inches. Never have I felt this way about anyone. I was never really interested in kissing or holding hands with somebody, all my life I've been focused on school. Until now.

"Okay, one last kiss, for real this time," I kiss him again.

I would study on weekends. Or read. All day long I would work on myself and expand my knowledge. Now I am spending my Sunday in an aquarium, unwilling to end this kiss. Fortunately, I never specified duration; a kiss is a kiss, whether it lasts a second or a minute. Let me just cherish this for a little while longer.

My back against the glass wall, my arms around Link's back, he kisses me as if it was our last kiss, as if the end of the world was waiting for us on the other side of that door. I would be happy spending my last minutes by his side. Without even trying, he makes me feel alive.

We go back out into the hallway and down the stairs. While Link and I were... talking... it started pouring outside. I leave the beanie and scarf off for now, it's cool outside but not cool enough to wear winter gear and most visitors are inside anyway, waiting for the weather to calm. 

Riju is standing by the seals but she's not alone. Somebody is by her side, sharing a black umbrella with her. Link and I walk over to her in hasty steps, eager to get her back indoors before we're soaked.

"Riju, let's--"

"Look, that one down there is wearing a red bow!" Riju cuts me off and points at one of the seals. "I've named her Patricia!"

"That's great. But listen, I didn't pack an umbrella, so how about we go back inside until it stops raining?"

"You can stand under mine," a familiar voice offers and I look up at him in shock. Eyes as gray as the sky smile at me. Until he spots Link standing behind me and his smile turns into a frown.

"Pik! H--hi," I greet him nervously.