For The Stars Have Sinned

That morning, I woke up groggily. The first thing that I saw was the ceiling of the cottage made of plywood and planks. The gentle and salty sea breeze coming from the open window swept past the entire bed space. I blinked and sat up. I looked around but I didn’t see anyone.

The design of the items was familiar and I knew that I was inside Vine’s cottage. The last thing I remember was last night we watched a movie. When I was in between awake and asleep, I smelled a perfume and everything went black. I shook my head and got up.

I entered the bathroom. I turned on the shower but no water came out. Sighing, I reached for a robe and put it on. I peeked into the bed space and looked up at the wall clock. It’s still six in the morning. That’s right, the water in the sea is still cold at this time.

I haven’t used the bikini I wore last night so I plan to take a bath in the sea. I left the bathroom and went straight to the living space. Vine is not in the living room. Surprisingly, they woke up early.

I came out of the cottage and breathed in the fresh air. A smile made its way to my lips. It’s sunrise and the gentle breeze ruffled my bird’s nest hair. I smoothed my hair while walking to the sea side.

There is a staircase there going down to the big rocks that are constantly being hit by sea waves. I slowly climbed down a big rock. The surface was smooth and wide so I thought of sitting there. I yelped at the coldness of the water when I soaked my foot in the salt water.

Chuckling to myself, I looked up at the sky. The sun has risen in the east and there are a number of birds flying above. The wind is cold kissing my skin.

I slowly removed the robe and placed it on top of the stone. I was about to dive in the cold water when someone spoke, “The waves’ too high. It’s too dangerous for you to swim this morning.”

I was startled. I looked over my shoulder and saw Levi standing on the bank, right behind me. “H-Hey,” I greeted and smiled awkwardly.

The wind blew and I shivered from the cold. I hugged myself and I could feel the redness on both my cheeks. I just remembered that I was only wearing a pair of underwear.

I was about to step off the rock I was standing on but I didn’t realize how slippery it was. I screamed and fell directly into the sea. I felt the embrace of cold salt water on my skin.

I tried to move my arms and legs but my body quickly sank to the bottom. Gradually, the previously cold water was replaced by heat. My foot stepped on the sand at the bottom of the sea. My heart pounded hard.

It’s been a few years since I last snorkeled in the sea and went diving. Even before Vine came into my life, I was busy outside of the house. I always go out of town to unwind. My life took a great turn when I started fangirling. I realized that since then I have been inside the house to watch streams.

I miss walking under the sea. I stepped my foot towards a deeper part, but before I got far, my body gradually floated upwards.

I swam to the side where the rocks were. I immediately reached for one and carried it. My feet hit the sand again. The corner of my lips curled up. I was walking for a few minutes when I felt something strange. It’s like danger’s coming. I looked up and saw Levi swimming down to where I was standing.

I let go of the stone I was holding. Fortunately, it fell slowly so I was able to avoid it with my feet. I looked again at Levi who was now walking under the sea, coming closer to me.

My heart beat faster when both our gazes met. What is he doing here? And what’s with that frown? Why does his gaze too intense? Did I do something bad?

I let the sea itself pull me up and he’s doing the same. We were floating slowly towards the surface of the sea.

But I was startled when he suddenly swam closer to me. My lips parted as he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to his body.

My ears’ buzz at the sudden change of atmosphere. My chest tightened as I slowly ran out of air. I tried to swim faster to the surface of the water but he held my arms. I was caged in his arms. What he was doing was literally suffocating so I pushed him. But his body didn’t move away, instead he moved his lips close to mine.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I was completely stunned when he kissed me under the sea. I forgot to struggle, even forgot that I was running out of air. All I could think of at that time were his soft lips pressed against mine.

In the midst of my confusion, he squeezed my hand. That’s when I came to my senses and immediately opened my mouth to protest. I forgot I was under the sea. The good thing… he transferred air into my mouth through that kiss.

My grip on his arm tightened. Even though it was embarrassing and awkward, I can’t deny that what he did helped me sustain myself. But these actions were not enough. We still had to go up to breathe properly. He held my hand and pulled me along him towards the surface of the water.

I was catching my breath when our heads popped out of the water. Levi’s arm was still wrapped around my waist while his other hand was holding the back of my neck.

My heart couldn’t stop beating so fast. I could hear it beating in my ears. “T-That… I’m sorry,” I apologized to him. It was my fault for putting myself in danger and he did that to save me.

He stared at my face while panting hard. His gaze was so deep that I held my breath for a second and my cheeks burned hot in embarrassment.