FMS Episode One 5 (Patreon)

The dock was on a somewhat rocky terrain with a good view of the sea, adjacent to the inn’s main building and below Chihaya’s room window. Clotheslines fluttered in the evening breeze, and the moon, just rising above the horizon, shone down on the calm ripples of the sea. Moonlight shone like a pool of honey on the otherwise pitch-black sea. Aya was seated on a ledge, with the night sea breeze gently blowing on her hair. Chihaya could hear the tide lapping on the sandy beach below.

"It feels so nice."

Chihaya said, halting beside Aya's slim silhouette.

"Just like mom said. It’s great to be out in the evening on the Island."

“Uh-huh,” Aya nodded. Then silence resumed.

Chihaya thought, now, it’s time to be a little bold.

"Aya-chan, did you remember me?"

"Yeah." Aya affirmed.

“Oh good. Then it’s great to see you again. Although, I don’t have any siblings either. So I won’t be much of a “big sister” even if I tried to be.”

Silence again. The girls stayed in place, both continuing to feel the breeze on their bodies.

"I was waiting. All along. Since that time," Aya muttered, suddenly.

“Huh?”

Chihaya asked, but in lieu of responding Aya stood up from her rocky seat, turning and facing her cousin. Then she produced something out of her dress pocket. She held it with her both hands and handed it to Chihaya.

“Here.”

Chihaya received the gift and studied it in the moonlight.

It was fluorescent yellow, a beautifully petrified starfish. Each jagged edge of its arms shone like a jewel in the faint light.

"It's beautiful," Chihaya gasped.

"You can have it. I found it in my Secret Base."

"A secret base?"

"Right." The initial shyness now had faded from Aya’s tomboy face, replaced by a befriending smile. Pearl white teeth showed between her lips.

"Chihaya onee-chan, let's go out to the ocean with me tomorrow."