12 — Stars Upon Water

The aquarium was dreamlike, the marine life swam lively with color and motion. The scent of sea salt and the low ambient hum of the building wrapped around Sera and Ame as they stepped into the grand hall of the downtown aquarium. Glass walls shimmered with soft blue light as colorful fish darted through towering tanks that stretched toward the ceiling. The moment the automatic doors closed behind them, the sounds of the street were replaced with the soothing quiet of rippling water.

Ame’s fingers were still interlaced with Sera’s, their hands lightly swaying between them as they walked in. Sera peeked sideways at her, a small, nervous smile forming on her lips.

“….You're still holding my hand…” she said softly, her voice a mixture of surprise and shyness, eyes slightly averted but full of warmth.

Ame turned her head toward her without missing a step. “Yeah, what about it?” she replied in that effortlessly smooth tone, her gray eyes unreadable but amused.

Sera blinked, grinned, then tightened her grip on Ame’s hand. “Nothing…” she beamed, her face glowing with that kind of joy that couldn’t be hidden even if she tried.

Together, they began strolling through the first exhibits—rows of vibrant reef fish and coral tanks, where clownfish wove through anemones and lionfish floated with their delicate fins. Sera would press her face up close to the glass with childlike awe, her breath fogging the surface as she pointed out her favorites.

“That one! Look at its lips! It’s pouting!” she exclaimed, laughing as she leaned in.

Ame chuckled, slipping her phone from her coat pocket. “Hold still,” she said gently, stepping back to snap a quick picture. Sera turned just in time to catch her and struck a silly peace sign pose, eyes wide and lips puckered in a playful imitation of the fish.

They wandered deeper in, taking their time at each stop. When they came upon a tank filled with zebra shark pups—soft, speckled, and gliding elegantly—Sera clasped her hands together and nearly squealed.

“They’re so cute! Ame, come here!”

Ame stood beside her, cutely studying the pups with interest before nudging Sera lightly with her elbow. “We should take a picture with them.”

Sera lit up. “Ooh, yeah! Should we ask someone?”

They found a kindly couple nearby and politely asked for help. The stranger smiled and took their phone, snapping a few shots as Sera and Ame stood arm in arm. Sera grinning ear to ear while Ame posed with her usual composure had a smile curl at her lips. They both thanked the couple warmly, checking the photos and nodding with satisfaction.

They made their way toward the seal show in the center arena, where people were already gathering. The show began with lively music, and soon, two adorable harbor seals bounced onto the platform, flapping their flippers and honking playfully. Trainers guided them through flips, waving routines, and a hilarious moment where a seal “painted” a canvas with its nose. Sera couldn’t stop laughing, clutching her stomach, while even Ame cracked into genuine giggles, her laughter low and velvety and entirely unguarded.

When the show ended, the sun had dipped lower outside the building’s frosted glass windows. It cast a golden hue through the wide atrium as they approached the aquarium’s main attraction.

The underwater tunnel.

They stepped inside the glowing archway, a curved path surrounded on all sides by sapphire water. Giant stingrays floated overhead like ghostly kites, schools of fish rippled by in hypnotic waves, and a gentle blue-green shimmer danced over their faces with every step.

Sera clung to Ame’s arm now, leaning into her side, resting her head softly against her shoulder. Ame didn’t move away; she merely shifted her stance to make Sera more comfortable, her hand lightly resting atop Sera’s.

“It’s like we’re in a dream…” Sera almost unconsciously murmured, her eyes wide as she gazed upward at a passing sea turtle.

Ame nodded, tilting her head slightly as she watched the light glint off the glass. “It’s so peaceful,” she whispered. “It’s like were with them…”

They walked slowly, stopping now and then just to watch. One moment, a blacktip reef shark swam silently by above them, its body casting a ripple of shadow across the floor, and both girls looked up in silent awe.

Eventually, they reached a bench nestled to the side of the tunnel—semi-enclosed and surrounded by glass. They sat down together, their shoulders brushing, their legs almost touching. The sound of water filled the silence—the soft bubbling, the distant creak of the currents, the rhythmic swaying of plants in the tanks.

Sera closed her eyes for a moment, letting the serenity wash over her. Ame did the same, her posture relaxing completely for the first time that day. Their backs leaned gently into each other, quiet and still. It felt like the kind of silence that needed no words.

“…Ame, thank you. Today’s been really special,” Sera whispered eventually, eyes still closed. “I could never have imagined us here…and so soon.”

“No, thank you for letting me know…” Ame said softly after a pause. “Today’s been one of the nicest days I’ve had in a while.”

Sera slowly turned her head to glance at her, her blue eyes shimmering with reflected light. “Even with the screeching seals?”

Ame smirked, her lips twitching. “Especially because of them.”

They both laughed quietly, the sound mixing with the tranquil murmur of the aquarium.

Sera sat up a little and looked around one more time. Her heart felt full to the brim—overflowing, even.

It had been a literal date with Ame Misaki.

She had spent an entire day by her side.

As they rose to leave, Sera found herself slipping her hand into Ame’s once more—this time without any doubts and Ame looked down at the motion, gently squeezing her hand in response.

The train ride home was warm and silent. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks beneath them, the soft sway of the car, and the dim yellow overhead lights created a sleepy atmosphere as the city blurred by outside.

Sera sat beside Ame, shoulder to shoulder, her phone in her lap and a gentle smile still lingering from the day. The moments shared at the aquarium hadn’t left her—especially the tunnel. She peeked at Ame beside her, who had gazed calmly out the window. Sera looked down at her phone, opening her friends’ group chat.

June would start saying: “Alright, I’m gonna hop on! Ren’s in the lobby already who’s down?”

“Born ready. Bow down to the king of this game.” Luca texted.

“Luca is trash guys.” Ren would disagree.

“Seraaaaaa! Get on, were having a small tourney!” June clamored.

“I’m so down, give me fifteen minutes!” Sera responded, tucking away her phone away just as the train slowed to their stop.

Back at the apartment, things felt wonderous. Ame turned to her at the door, unlocking it with a soft click.

“Today was fun, Sera. Thank you.” she said quietly, a bit more sincerely than Sera had expected. As always her expression was composed, but the tone behind her voice was warm.

Sera grinned. “Of course. I had a great time. Like… really great.”

They stepped inside, slipped off their shoes, and moved into their familiar, cozy routine. Dinner was quiet and easy—leftover curry and some fresh rice. They talked a little. Laughed once or twice. The warmth of it all made Sera’s heart flutter. Afterward, they both did their usual nightly rituals and head to their rooms.

At their bedroom doors, they faced one another in the dim hallway light.

“Goodnight, Sera.” Ame said softly, her eyes glittered in warmth.

Sera gave her a small wave and a sleepy grin. “Night, Ame.”

In her room, Sera plopped onto her bed, headset slipping over her ears as she booted up her console.

“Okay, okay! I’m here let’s go!” she said into the mic.

The voice chat came to life.

“Finally!” June cheered.

“Holy…with Sera we might actually win a round…” Ren added.

“Oh please—Sera can’t save you from my wrath,” Luca gloated dramatically.

Sera giggled. “Luca, you suck!!”

The game kicked off. Laughter and chaos ensued.

Meanwhile, in her room, Ame sat on her bed with a few open folders of papers, trying to read, trying to work, but her mind was adrift. The words blurred together. Her eyes kept drifting toward the dim light under her door.

The same soft ache returned to her chest.

Why do I always feel like this? she thought.

She glanced toward her pillow—the same one she had been clutching the other night. Her fingers curled around it again now, instinctively, like she was trying to hold something—or someone.

Her thoughts spiraled. She’s just in the other room… She’s probably smiling right now. Laughing.

She could hear her, actually—Sera’s muffled giggle pierced through the wall.

Ame’s lips curved slightly at the sound. She was always so cute.

But instead of soothing her, the thought stirred something deeper. A deep longing.

I want to be next to her again…. like before.

She tried to convince herself to wait.

We already spent the whole day together... she must be so tired of me... right?

Still, the emptiness beside her in bed felt heavier tonight. The silence around her contrasted too deeply with the joyful noise coming from Sera’s room.

Her heartbeat faster. She couldn’t sleep alone again. Not tonight.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she slipped out of bed, wrapping a light white cardigan over her shoulders. Tiptoeing barefoot across the hall, she stood in front of Sera’s door.

For awhile, she raised her hand, hesitating.

After a few seconds of contemplation she would finally gently knock.

Inside, Sera was mid-match, laughing triumphantly. “YES! Finally broke your win streak, Luca!!”

Ame waited. No response.

She knocked again—firmer this time.

Sera blinked and glanced over. “…Hang on guys!”

She quickly muted her mic and pulled off her headset. Just as she stood, she heard Ame’s gentle voice.

“S-Sorry... S-Sera…” came a soft voice from the other side.

Sera immediately opened the door, her expression shifting to surprise as she took in the sight of Ame in the hallway. Her face was flushed pink, her hands clenched slightly at her sides, eyes cast down as if ashamed to be there.

“Ame..? Hey…? What’s up?” she asked gently, brow furrowing with concern. She stepped aside to make space in the doorway.

Ame looked down at her, eyes glassy with hesitation.

“I’m sorry…I… I just…” she started, her voice so soft and barely audible.

“Can I—” Ame’s eyes flickered away again, biting her lip.

“Can I sleep with you tonight…?”

The moment hung between them like an invisible thread.

Sera stood in the doorway, the headset still hanging loosely from her neck, eyes wide and cheeks flushing fast. Did Ame… did she just ask to sleep with me?!

Ame couldn't bring herself to look at Sera—her gaze locked somewhere over her shoulder, face burning hotter than she'd ever remembered. Her hands trembled faintly at her sides, and a knot twisted in her stomach.

I interrupted her game, didn’t I? She was having fun…

This was so stupid. I’m so helpless. She’s going to think I’m clingy, needy…. her mind swirled.

It felt like Sera was taking an eternity to respond. But in truth, it had only been a few seconds.

Sera blinked. Her mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out. She stared at the flushed, utterly beautiful woman in front of her—so vulnerable, so shy—and something warm bloomed deep inside her chest.

“S-Sure!” she blurted out, too fast, too loud. Before she could second-guess herself, she reached forward and grabbed Ame’s hand, fingers threading between hers.

Ame let out a surprised gasp and a soft, high-pitched squeak—almost like a frightened animal—and stumbled slightly as Sera gently pulled her into the room.

The door shut behind them with a soft click. In her mind, Sera was screaming.

I’M GOING TO SPEND THE NIGHT WITH AME?! IN MY BED?! AND SHE ASKED ME?!

She fought hard to keep her face calm, but her entire body was jittery with nervous electricity.

Snapping back to reality, Sera turned to Ame, still clutching her hand. “Hey, um… is it okay if I just finish this last round and say bye to my friends?”

Ame gave her the smallest, most adorable nod—her face a deep, crimson red, barely visible in the glow of Sera’s lamp. She didn’t speak, but the shy, understanding look in her eyes made Sera’s heart skip.

“O-Okay. I’ll be quick!”

Sera scrambled back onto her bed and slipped her headset back on, turning the mic on again.

“Sorry guys! I’m back for a second,” she said, voice cracking slightly.

“Where’d you go?” Ren asked, before letting out a triumphant cheer. “Woo! Victory is mine!”

Luca groaned. “BROOOO are you kidding me?! I was literally about to—nope. I call hacks, your hacking, there is no way you could beat me, I’m gonna report you, this was rigged.”

Sera laughed, though a bit too nervously. “Sorry, I gotta go. For real this time. Something came up.”

“Awww,” June said. “No worries! See you tomorrow?”

“Totally!” Sera smiled. “Night, guys!”

“Night!” they all echoed.

She quickly turned off her console, slid off her headset, and began tidying up. But as she turned back toward her bed, her heart leapt straight to her throat.

Ame was already in it.

She lay on her side, curled slightly, clutching one of Sera’s pillows like it was a lifeline. Her long, jet-black hair fanned across the pillow, and her pale skin glowed in the soft room light. The way she shyly hugged herself, her face buried just enough, was… devastating.

She looked so soft… so adorable… so vulnerable. Sera almost staggered.

She’s in my bed.

In my bed.

Oh god—

Just then, Ame turned her head slightly and murmured, “S-Sorry... Sera, I didn’t mean to interrupt your time with your friends…”

Sera’s eyes nearly popped out of her skull.

“I-I-It’s totally fine, Ame!! Don’t worry!!” she stammered, voice way too high-pitched. She winced, hesitating to get in bed.

Ame blinked slowly at her, then nestled further into the pillow, waiting.

Sera took a deep breath, pulled her shirt down nervously, and slowly climbed into the bed. Her movements were stiff, almost mechanical. She laid on her side, careful to leave a little respectful space between them.

Okay. Just breathe. Breathe. She’s on the other side. There’s space between you and her so everything’s under contro—

She heard the soft rustle of sheets.

Then felt her body.

Ame shifted slowly, inching her body across the small space like a magnet being drawn. Sera froze, her whole body tightening. And then—

A warm, soft delicate press against her back.

Sera jolted, her limbs seizing as if she’d been hit with electricity.

Ame, soft as a breath, wrapped her arms shyly around Sera’s waist. She clutched her close—like that pillow from nights before—and rested her cheek lightly against Sera’s upper back.

Sera gasped, followed by a tiny squeal that she quickly tried to smother.

“Sera… you’re so warm…” Ame cooed in that hushed, sleepy tone. It was too much. It was absolutely too much.

Sera’s mind went blank. God this woman is going to be the death of me.

“T-t-thanks I hope—your comfortable…” she managed to stammer, each word hitting the air with awkward tension.

“Very…” Ame purred softly, sounding like a content kitten.

Sera didn’t know how she was alive anymore. Her brain had stopped functioning entirely.

Desperate for some structure, she fumbled for the blanket and gently wrapped it around both of them, careful not to jostle Ame too much. She still faced away, trying to regain control of her rapidly accelerating thoughts, her body so hot she thought she might melt.

And then—Ame clung tighter, as if Sera were her most precious plushie. Sera nearly choked on her own breath.

She slowly, carefully turned to face her.

Ame’s face was bathed in the soft darkness now, features gentle, eyes closed, arms curled tight around her like she was the only thing keeping her safe. There was something so utterly innocent about that. Almost angelic.

And all that panic, all that static, simply… stopped.

Sera leaned forward, heart pounding so loud she was sure it could be heard and gently pressed a soft kiss to Ame’s forehead.

“Goodnight, Ame…” she whispered, her voice full of affection, a tremble of awe in it.

Ame responded with the smallest, happiest sound—a muffled purr—and nestled her face into the crook of Sera’s neck. Her arms tightened around her, her smile wide and unguarded.

Sera blinked, body suddenly warm and still, encasing them both in the safety of the moment. She tightened her own embrace, wrapping her arms around the woman now falling asleep in her hold.

This was exactly what Ame had needed.

And though Sera’s thoughts raced, her cheeks burned, and her body vibrated with nervous joy, it was the most peaceful she had ever felt. She didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to wake her.

Eventually, her breathing slowed, and that same warmth began to pull her under as well.

The two of them, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s arms, slipped into a deep sleep, surrounded by quiet comfort they shared.