FMS Episode One 31 (Patreon)

After the match, Chihaya and Aya decided to relax holding on to the edge of their inflatable raft.

While their bodies were cool, shoulders and up that were out of the water dried quickly in the scorching island sun.

"It was a good match," Aya said, still out of breath. "I was really at the end of what I could do."

"But you still beat me easily," Chihaya replied.

It has been three weeks since Chihaya came to the island. Her once pale arms and legs were now sunburnt and as dark as Aya's. She also improved her swimming skills substantially, now capable of diving down to the sandy ocean bottom with her eyes open. There was no longer the burning sensation in her eyes even with no goggles.

"And why were you doing that handstand in the sea?"

"Oh," Aya smiled. "Not a big deal. I thought I would leak less air if I was upside down."

"Ha," Chihaya was dumbfounded. "Then what was that cheek puffing about?"

"Breathing underwater."

“Breathing…underwater?”

"Yes. When you’re holding breath too long and in pain, just push air in and out of your mouth and chest and pretend you are breathing. It works pretty well."

"..." Chihaya felt silent. It was unknown how much of a potential this girl had.