1:43 PM – Aqua Breeze Pool – Outskirts of Karakura
The sun was at its peak, casting golden rays that reflected off the shimmering surface of the water like a mirror of emerald and sky-blue. The air was filled with the warm scent of summer—chlorine mingled with sunblock, while children's laughter rose and fell, blending with the upbeat music drifting from speakers mounted on parasol poles. Wet bodies glistened under the sunlight, resembling glass statues.
Ren and Mikazuki entered through the main gate, instantly drawing every eye in the pool area. For a brief moment, time seemed to slow, and whispers spread like ripples in water after a stone is cast.
Ren wore black swim shorts lined with silver, barefoot, his broad shoulders showcasing his pale, toned muscles. His silver hair was tied back casually, with a few strands fluttering in the breeze.
Mikazuki wore a sleek, black one-piece swimsuit with a refined, classic cut that accentuated her beauty without exaggeration. Over it, she wore a long, sheer robe that flowed dramatically with every step, as if tailored for a runway.
"Who is that guy?! He looks like he just stepped out of a fashion magazine..." murmured a girl sitting near the pool's edge, eyes wide in awe.
"Look at his silver hair, the way he walks... He doesn't look like anyone else here," her friend replied, clutching her towel, momentarily forgetting to cover her shoulders.
"Is he a model? Or an actor? He's so mysterious."
Meanwhile, near the cafeteria, two women sat beneath a sun umbrella, sipping cold drinks, their eyes fixed on Mikazuki with admiration.
"Oh my god, who is she? That woman looks like she's from another world," one said, lifting her sunglasses slightly.
"That sheer robe... the way she moves... there's an uncommon grace about her. Like a princess. Or a priestess from an ancient age."
"And did you see her eyes? There's something... unnerving. But she's absolutely stunning."
A group of teenage boys passed by, their eyes glued to Ren, filled with a mix of envy and disbelief.
"This isn't fair... How can someone look like that? Does he live in the gym or something?" one muttered, flexing awkwardly.
"Even the way he stands—it's like nothing can shake him."
Across the pool, a girl secretly took a photo with her phone and whispered excitedly:
"I'm sending this to my friends. No one will believe me otherwise. They look like anime characters!"
"Do you think they're a couple?" her friend asked curiously.
"Absolutely! Look how in sync they are—it's like they're reading each other's minds."
Other whispers echoed from every corner:
"He's so tall... and handsome in the most annoying way."
"And the woman with him—she's drop-dead gorgeous... even more than the models in magazines."
"Do you think they're famous?"
"Maybe models?!"
"Or even actors?"
"Or... just ridiculously attractive tourists!"
"Feels like we've wandered into a fashion show," Ren muttered as he noticed the stares.
"Not my fault you look like you walked off a runway, Mr. Modesty," Mikazuki replied with a smirk, then added softly, "Besides... most of those stares are mine, anyway."
"Ah, the ego of a Zanpakuto... never changes."
They reached the lounge area and settled under a large white umbrella on two cushioned chairs. Ren set down his bag as Mikazuki slowly untied her robe, revealing her figure with deliberate elegance.
Ren gave her a long look, then sighed.
"Are you trying to seduce me, or is this just you being you?"
"Why not both?" she replied, slipping on her sunglasses.
Moments later, they entered the pool. The cool water wrapped around them, as if they had dipped into another world—one of clarity and calm. Mikazuki swam ahead of him with effortless grace, as though she belonged in the water, as though she hadn't learned to swim, but was born to it.
"Did you forget I was literally fighting you two days ago?" Ren asked, watching her broken reflection ripple across the surface.
"I didn't forget. But I wouldn't mind fighting again... if you're up for the challenge," she replied suddenly, splashing him playfully.
Ren laughed and splashed back, the scene turning into a light-hearted chase—echoes of water and laughter blending into a childlike dance between two lovers who had grown tired of the world... and decided, just for a moment, to rest.
After a while, they sat at the edge of the pool, feet dangling in the water. The umbrella cast shadows on half their faces, while sunlight bathed the rest.
"You know..." Ren began, "this is the first time I've truly enjoyed myself... since that day."
"Because you're finally breathing," Mikazuki replied, leaning her head toward him, drawing the tension out of him with nothing but her presence.
Another silence followed—more comforting than any words.
"You know what else?" he said.
"Hm?"
"You're... beautiful. Not just in appearance. But in presence."
She looked at him, her eyes shimmering softly, holding something that hadn't been present in the battlefield: warmth, honesty... maybe even peace.
"And you... you're ridiculous sometimes. But you're honest. And that's what I like about you."
It wasn't a moment for a reply—just for looking.
Suddenly, a little girl stood at the pool's edge, pointing at them excitedly:
"Waaah! They look like anime heroes!"
Ren chuckled and said in a dramatic tone:
"But don't tell anyone... we're on a very secret mission."
Mikazuki laughed from deep within—a pure, carefree laugh, like breathing freedom for the first time.
Later, as she lay back on the chair with her eyes closed and sunlight streaming through the umbrella, she looked like a living embodiment of a summer goddess.
Ren approached quietly and handed her a chilled drink.
"Berry-flavored iced tea. No complaints."
"You know me too well," she replied, sipping gently.
They sat again in silence. The sound of water, the breeze, and their beating hearts—so in tune—were enough to fill the day... and make it eternal.
...
To get more chapters please visit my p@treon :
p@treon.com/Akasaki_Ryujin
For support :
https://ko-fi.com/akasaki_ryujin