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The boat turns out more comfortable than Koichi expects.
Surprisingly, Jotaro is attentive enough to bring extra blankets along, layering the small deck of the fishing vessel with numerous quilts and cushioning. It certainly helps against the morning’s biting cold, Koichi thinks, swaddled neatly against one of the low seats.
The vessel rocks amongst the waves, and although the dizzying motion is foreign to him, Koichi doesn't find it totally unpleasant.
Jotaro, as to be expected, appears unfazed by the constant rocking. Koichi might even go so far as to say that he looks pleased, his permanent scowl softened to a strange kind of look, almost content, as he watches the foaming waves.
Koichi swears he can even hear the man humming sometimes, his attentions focused on unloading their equipment. The sound was low and lacking in rhythm, yet somehow it was also comforting. It helped to ease Koichi's nerves, prompting him to recline against the back of his chair.
Jotaro's quiet disposition had always been a bit unnerving, especially since Koichi wasn't used to being a conversation starter. Yet surprisingly, the more time he spent with the man, the more Koichi could find comfort in the familiar silence.
'Mr. Jotaro is good company in his own way,' Koichi thinks to himself, before getting to work on his own fishing rod. Jotaro had been kind enough to let him borrow one after all, so he was eager to make the older man proud. Even if this was his first time fishing, Koichi was still determined.
Clearly out of his comfort zone, Koichi fidgets with the tackle box for a moment, unsure which type of lure would be best. There were a wide array of choices; all different sizes, shapes, and colors.
Vaguely, Koichi is aware of Jotaro's eyes on him, the man's stony expression unreadable as always. The boy tries not to let his panic show, as he fears making the wrong choice. Just as Jotaro seemed ready to say something, Koichi makes a decision.
"T-This one!" He blurts out hastily, voice full of nerves once again. The small lure sparkles in his shaky palm, the semi-transparent color dazzling thanks to the sun's rays.
Jotaro observes it thoughtfully for another moment, as Koichi feels his face start to burn.
"I like that one." The man offers simply, nodding in approval, "good choice."
His words are few, and yet Koichi can't help but feel thrilled by such praise. Able to breathe normally once again, he tries to secure the lure upon his borrowed fishing rod.
However, the slippery texture quickly proves more difficult than Koichi had anticipated, and he finds himself struggling just to keep it in his hands.
“Um. How do I…?” Koichi sheepishly begins, his words catching in his throat again.
Jotaro, line already cast and rod long ago secured, realizes that maybe Koichi’s never tied a fishing lure before, so he quickly moves to assist the boy.
While Koichi doesn't object to the man’s guidance, his face burns from needing aid to complete the deceptively simple task.
“Like this,” Jotaro instructs, taking the loose end of the fishing line and slipping it seamlessly through the lure’s narrow eyelet. Clearly experienced in such a field, the speed in which Jotaro manages a series of loops to form a perfect knot mesmerizes Koichi.
Jotaro hands it back nonchalantly, apparently unaware of the impressiveness of such a feat, before settling back into his seat.
"Thank you, Mr. Jotaro." Koichi beams, finally able to cast his line, "that was pretty cool!"
Jotaro offers a subtle hum in response, raising a steady hand to adjust the brim of his hat.
The hours pass them by slowly, amiably, and before either of them realize it, the sun is beginning to crown on the horizon. It provides a welcome bout of warmth as the clouds disperse around the golden halo of sunlight, turning the sky a more familiar blue.
Soon, Koichi's attention is invested in the view, rather than actually fishing, and he finds himself tempted to stoke the embers of conversation. It isn't exactly an uncomfortable silence, but Jotaro's quietness has a different kind of depth to it.
Certainly not the type of casual, pleasant quietness that ensues in homeroom or at the dinner table with friends, where everyone is comfortably going about their own business. If he could describe it, he would brand it as a weighted, downcast type of quiet.
That isn't the best thing to open a discussion with, though, he decides.
"You know, Mr. Jotaro, there have been dolphin sightings by some of the fishermen in Morioh. We might get lucky!" The chipper blonde hopefully informs him.
"Mm. It's unlikely. They won't be around these parts this time of year." The other man corrects him in that calm if not slightly blunt manner. Koichi begins to chew his cheek.
"Josuke says you're here to study the marine life." Koichi quickly saves himself, "did you know that there's a particular type of starfish only found in these waters?"
Unexpectedly, rather than another aloof reply, Jotaro smiles and begins to divulge the details of his research at length.
Koichi is shocked that he'd been lucky enough to touch upon the subject in hopes of conversation, only for it to turn out to be something that the reserved man seemed keen on talking about.
Delighted that he'd succeeded so quickly in coaxing Jotaro to open up, Koichi listens intently, nodding and offering subtle indications that he is taking in every word.
As expected, Jotaro is the first to bait anything, but even that doesn't distract him from their discussion. Koichi is surprised again to see that after reeling in what he considered to be a pretty impressive catch, the man simply unhooks it and casts it back, handling the large fish with expert care all the while.
By the time Koichi manages to get a bite of his own, the sun was hanging low in the sky, and he'd long since given up on the idea. Needless to say, he’s met with quite the surprise.
With a somewhat shrill sound of delight, Koichi immediately straightens in his seat, now at full attention.
“I-I got one, Mr. Jotaro! I actually got a bite!” He announces proudly, eyes wide. His excitement appears to be contagious, as soon enough Jotaro finds himself leaning forward in his seat, peering over the railing and at the water’s surface.
“Steady, Koichi. Reel it in carefully at first.” He advises, nodding approvingly when Koichi heeds his words and keeps a steady pace. Soon, the sound of rapid splashes can be heard from below, and Koichi’s grin widens.
At Jotaro’s urging, he quickly changes speeds and reels it in faster, feeling the full weight of his catch now that it was pulled from the water. He never thought he'd feel so excited to be fishing as his heart fluttered wildly within his chest.
One final tug of the rod and Koichi is finally able to see his prize, flopping haphazardly on the line as it's pulled up and over the boat rails. He lets out a triumphant cry at the sight of it; a large, brightly colored fish, it's orange and golden scales shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.
Speechless, Koichi looks to Jotaro for approval.
The man gladly returns his smile.
After only a brief pause, Jotaro moves to help the boy loosen the hook, promptly placing the fish into a large bucket at their feet. Koichi stares in wonder at the animal as it wiggles curiously, its fins ruffling gently in the water.
“It's beautiful,” Koichi admires in awe, half tempted to reach into the water and stroke the animal, though he knows no good will probably come of it. “I...I never thought I'd actually catch something… thank you, Mr.Jotaro." He laughs at himself, feeling sheepish at the very thought.
Jotaro seems to disapprove, though, as he slowly shakes his head, extending a gentle hand to rest upon the boy’s shoulder. Koichi pauses.
Jotaro’s face appears to soften for a moment, his eyes growing unusually gentle, as another rare smile graces his lips.
“I knew you could do it, Koichi. Good job."
Somehow, Koichi’s grin manages to get even wider.