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The gentle crashing waves against the bright, almost pure-white sand created a beautiful scenery with the rising sun. The sky bled a gorgeous orange hue. Salty air pressed against his soft pale skin. And the figure of a person, a mermaid to be specific, sat against the scenery tied everything in.
Even from a distance, Rui could recognized who she was. With a smile creeping up from his face, he picked up his pace, just enough to meet her a second sooner.
"Nene," he called out softly with the whistling wind. "I'm glad to see you're here again."
The green-haired girl glanced up, the familiar face leading her to smile. "Rui," she greeted. "I told you I'd be here, just like everyday."
He laughed, taking a seat beside her. "I know, I'm still happy to see you."
"I am too," she shared, her head slowly resting against his shoulder. Feeling the warm sun press against her skin as it rose from the horizon, Nene's eyes slowly came to a close. Finally, a moment of peace.
But, she couldn't keep the peace forever. "I'll be leaving soon," she told him, her voice low and quiet. "Maybe off to another kingdom."
Rui's gentle smile dropped to a frown. "Is that so?" he asked. "I guess there was nothing you could do or say to change his mind?"
"I'm afraid not," she sighed. "It's for the best anyways."
Rui's eyes shifted away, the lump in his throat growing more and more apparent as they sat basking the morning glory. He should say something, right?
"Let's enjoy today then," he spat out. "You still have places to see, right?"
Her head shifted towards him, a look of confusion plastered on her face. "I suppose? But, how will we—"
Her question was swiftly interrupted. The young man got up to his feet and hoisted her up into his arms like a bride. "I'll bring you around, it's no worries."
Her face flustered into a tomato red shade as she clung on to his neck, burying her face into his chest. "Rui! This is too much!" she whined as she felt him begin to walk.
"I'm not hearing it~" he sang, smiling softly as his feet tread through the sand.
His persistence was annoying yet endearing. Seeing that smile on his face left her feeling reassured. Even if she has to leave, he'll make sure she'll leave with a smile.
The rest of the morning and afternoon were spent with laugh. Each destination was one check from her bucket list. He was even sure to splurge on her favorite sweets or new delicacies she wanted to try. Never once did his eyes laid off her; he wanted to capture every reaction she could give today. A bright smile, a sour pucker, a disgusted look, everything was something he wanted to witness and cherish. Now knowing that the next few days will be their final day together, he wanted to hold these moments close to his heart.
The same went for the little mermaid. She adored his desire to make her smile or his outlandish actions to have his way. Behind her smile, Nene was worried about her friend. He was neglecting duties left and right, dragging her along like he had no care in the world. It would be difficult for either of them to find a friend, how will they manage?
But, each bite of sweet and each new destination distracted her from the thought. In these last moments together, she wanted to hold him close, feel his warmth against her cool skin. She wanted to watch as the young prince made these moments special for them both to remember.
And on the last day, they shared a cool treat in the warmth of the setting sun. Both her tail and his feet were submerged in the sea, hand overlapping with one another as they enjoyed the peaceful sunset.
"I think I've seen more of the human world than ever before," Nene joked, her tongue pressed against the cool, soft texture of the ice cream. "And now I think I'm really gonna miss the treats you humans make."
Rui laughed, his fingers curling around hers. "If you get sick of that place, you can come back any time. I'll make sure to have all the food ready when you return."
The mermaid giggled at the notion, her eyes drifting to the setting sun as her fingers curled around his too. "I can't wait."
They both remained silent, each wanting to say something they could never dare to utter. Their gaze could no longer stay on the other, the fear of letting go becoming more apparent.
"I… I should probably go now," Nene whispered, taking one final bite of her cone before shifting towards the sea.
Rui felt her fingers slowly drift away from his. The lump in his throat becoming obvious.
"Nene…!"
She froze, quickly turning back to face her friend. "Yes?"
His heart fluttered, but quickly, he glanced away. "I'll miss you…"
Nene's excited smile dimmed to a hesitant one. "I'll miss you too…"
And, just like that, she dove back into the water, swimming away.
Rui fell silent, the guilt and regret clawing at his chest as tears formed in his eyes. Yes, he'll miss her, but he wanted to tell her the truth.
He wanted to tell her to stay, to let someone else deal with the conflicts just so long as she stays within his grasp. He wanted to be selfish, ask her to abandon her role and be with him. But, could he really ask her that? He couldn't even fathom the thought of leaving his kingdom, how could he demand the same for her?
If anything, the deepest regret that would haunt him every night would be the fact he never confessed. He never spoke those three simple words. Maybe she wouldn't have felt the same but, the hope of her reciprocating would linger with him.
He hoped, if someone would grant him this, to see her once again and tell her the truth. Maybe at a better point, maybe when they were both ready.