He's... Out of This World...

A mild breeze ruffled the leaves; the trees swayed oh-so-elegantly as the sound of cicadas echoed through the entire forest. The sun was slowly rising from the horizon as it emitted shining rays all over the land.

Weather can be such a beautiful thing. I just like how it can be a contrast to a person's mood, although that's most likely just my opinion; in no way am I saying it's a fact.

Our walk had been going smoothly; in fact, it was even better than I'd hoped. She actually really enjoys talking about anime, which means I don't have to feel like I might bore her to death with my pointless chatter.

Putting that aside, the trees began to thin out as we slowly approached the riverbank. In our line of sight were the pristine waters of the cerulean river. The air seemed to change as we walked through the last line of trees and out into the warm sunlight.

On the water, there were various stones. Some looked like they were for skipping, while others created a path to walk to the other side. Far across the bank, there was a trail that led to a majestic mountain.

From where we stood, the mountain's peak looked as if it might pierce the heavens. Truly a magnificent scene to behold.

I'm starting to sound like her, aren't I?

The earthy, slightly humid scent of wet soil and mossy rocks was befitting of the peaceful stature of… nature.

“This scene is so—”

“Lovely,” she chimed in while looking straight ahead.

“Y-Yeah.” I blushed a little, seeing as my own skill was used against me. Completing each other's sentences might be a little weird, but I think it means we're growing closer. I deactivated my blush; what am I, an android?

“Do you wanna soak your feet in the water?”

I asked while glancing at her with my left eye. She stayed quiet for a while as her eyes shook a little; it was as if she was scared of the crystalline liquid that streamed almost endlessly. After a short period of time, I questioned, my tone worried,

“Chiyoko-san, are you okay?”

She turned her head as her eyes met mine. Then she murmured,

“S-Sorry, I was spacing out. What did you say before?”

“I asked if you would like to soak your feet in the water, or would you not like to?”

“No, it's fine. I don’t mind.”

I smiled and nodded in response as I took a few steps towards the water. I dipped my feet, and instantly a cold sensation travelled throughout my entire body.

“That's way colder than I thought.”

It was definitely cold. Kind of like when you put your hand into melted ice; yeah, that chilling sensation. Just by placing my feet into the water, I felt a great sense of victory. It's weird, but that's exactly the way it felt. I never knew I liked water, seeing as I've never gone to the beach at all.

From what I've seen and heard on TV, the beach is supposedly really fun. Swimming in the water, taking pictures with friends, playing water sports, sunbathing, and all that other stuff does sound like fun, but here's the problem: I've never had friends that I could do that stuff with, meaning there was no point in ever going to the beach.

I mean, going with Mom and Miyu would be fun but, I've just never considered it. Mostly because I'd feel ashamed of seeing my sister in a swimsuit.

And also because Mom doesn't have the time. When you're an animator, you hardly get the time to go on such trips. You have to pick up project after project, but that's also part of the fun — or at least that's what I believe, since I haven't experienced the exhaustion animators go through on a daily basis.

I simply have never gone to the beach because I'm a loner; that's the most simple and most straightforward reason. I'm a sad fellow. Trust me, I know.

I walked around, feeling the pebbles and soil under my feet. Then I stepped on a rock that was covered with moss and fell backwards like one of those insanely bad actors who can't even do a simple scene. Please don't cancel me.

The water splashed violently as Chiyoko hurried to my side. I blinked once, and she was right next to me in an instant.

“Hiroshi-san! Are you okay? Are you not hurt at all?”

Chiyoko queried, her expression full of concern. I couldn’t hear her clearly since my head was also in the water. For a river, it sure was surprisingly deep. I tried to breathe, but instead of air, only bubbles appeared as they rose to the surface. I stood up as she kneeled right beside me; I then offered my hand to her as I coughed lightly.

“Sorry for worrying you like that. I'm a clumsy fool, aren’t I?”

“Hiroshi-san, you… are so weird.”

“I'm weird?” I questioned as I took a few steps back while fake tears welled up in my eyes and my lip quivered a little.

“I meant weird in a good way.”

“Weird is never a good thing, my lady.”

“Well, I believe it can be.” Her lips curled up as a warm smile appeared simply on her pale, doll-like face. I pulled her cold hand gently as she rose. Then she thought,

This boy,

I slowly backed away from her, then I dipped my hands.

“Are you ready?”

“Ready?”

I splashed her as she jumped back with lightning-fast precision. Her speed and agility made her look like a superhero or an anime character. I guess my dream of being the main protagonist ain't coming true anytime soon; how sad.

“Whoa, that was awesome! I wanna see how quick you can dodge this time.”

He's not like anyone I've ever met,

“I'll make sure to dodge each time, Hi-ro-shi-san.”

He's… out of this world…

[To Be Continued…]