The Crazy Art Called Love

16 | Beach Day

~~Lloyd's POV~~

"It's practically winter. Why are we here, Rumi?" I asked as Harumi dragged me towards the beach. My car was parked just a few feet away and it was 3 in the afternoon.

"We are going scuba diving." She exclaimed excitedly. I then looked down at my clothes when we came to a stop. "Don't worry. I have it all covered."

She went towards a beach chair and grabbed a paper bag. I took it in my hands and opened it to find a swim suit and diving gear.

"How did you—?" I got cut off by the sound of a boat approaching the shore.

"I have my ways, Lloyd. Go get changed! I'll meet you back here in 5 minutes." Harumi smiled before grabbing a different bag and heading towards the changing room.

The things I do for this girl. I rolled my eyes and smiled before entering the changing rooms. Once I stepped back outside on the sandy beaches, I spotted Harumi wearing a green rush guard and some pants.

"Do you really love green or you're just trying to match with me?" I teased and playfully nudged her shoulder.

"Please, even before I knew who you were I always liked the color." She laughed and we both made our way to the waters.

The boat took off into the middle of the beach as the instructor told us what to do and what not to do. Something about him got my suspicions rising but I decided to ignore it and enjoy the boat ride.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to do this during Christmas season?" I asked and checked the waters. We were getting farther and farther from the shore now.

"Well, if you get sick, I would be there to take care of you." Harumi laughed before ruffling my hair.

"We have arrived. Please don't forget to not damage the corals. Oh, and beware of the sea creatures." The instructor reminded us one last time before Harumi and I stepped on the edge.

"I'm ready if you are." She said before placing her breathing device over her head.

"Together on three." I stated and followed her actions.

I took a hold of her hand and we both jumped into the water. It wasn't even that cold, I guess it was only from the surface.

We swam through the sea exploring the different kinds of nature we could find. A school of fish passed by us and I looked over to Harumi who looked like she was smiling under her breathing device. We even encountered some sea turtles! The ocean is filled with wonderful creatures and it really should be taken care of. Harumi took out a camera and we began to document our adventure.

It was an underwater journey like never before and I couldn't help but admire the whole other world that exists below the surface. The crystal blue waters, the colorful and lively corals, and its wide range of inhabitants.

I did a few flips underwater which seemed much easier than on the surface. Overall, I really enjoyed myself in the presence of these creatures. An instructor then came down to us after what felt like a good hour and we both swam up to the surface where I was met with a cold breeze.

"That was fun!" Harumi cheered from beside me after she took off her breathing device.

"It was beautiful, Rumi. Why didn't we do this sooner?" I smiled as we both climbed back onto the boat. I reached a hand out to pull her in and we ended up falling backwards.

I laid on the floor with Harumi on top of me and we shared a small giggle. She rolled to the side with a small tint of redness on her cheeks before grabbing some towels. I sat up and she wrapped me in one as the boat made its way back to the shore. It was still cold and I started shivering before Harumi inched closer to my side.

"Are you cold?" I asked and she nodded.

"Freezing. Maybe we should have done this during the summer."

"Come here." I opened my towel and wrapped my arms around her figure.

Her feet were raised on the empty spaces of the boat beside us while her upper body leaned towards me.

"This feels nice." Harumi sighed in content and I smiled.

"Have you never been hugged before?" I asked as one of my arms went around her waist and the other around her shoulder.

"Not since I lost my parents."

"Really?"

"Well, the only time I do get hugs is when I'm with you." She stated and looked up to meet my eyes. I really hope she can't feel how fast my heart is beating right now.

I was lucky enough to receive hugs from my friends every once in a while but I can't imagine not having any for years on end. No wonder she was always excited when I hugged her.

I then noticed she was staring at my lips just like how we looked at each other at the night market. We're friends. But why do I want something more? This fake relationship thing is really turning into a blur in my head.

I leaned in and we were once again, inches away. Before anything else could happen, a huge wave crashed on my back making me jump at the splash.

We were drenched in water again which made the slight breeze that passed by feel colder than it should.

"I could definitely use a cup of hot chocolate after this." Harumi giggled and snuggled closer. I kept her warm until we reached the shore and once we got down, it seemed like this day was far from over.

"Where are you going?" I asked as she walked a different direction from the exit.

"Lloyd, you really don't think that's all we're doing today don't you?" She had a smirk on her face and my eyes widened. We're definitely getting sick.

~~Harumi's POV~~

"I cannot believe you rented a jet ski." Lloyd gaped at the sight of the water vehicle that was currently parked on the edge of a dock.

"Well we're here anyways. So I thought we'd have some more fun." I reasoned, to not make it obvious that I wanted to spend more time with him.

"I'll drive." He stated and grabbed the keys.

"I can't believe you don't trust me." I crossed my arms as he sat in front of the jet ski.

"I do trust you."

"Then let me drive."

Lloyd sighed and gave in. He moved back and gave me the seat.

"I got this, Greenie." I said confidently before revving the engine.

Apparently that can cause the jet ski to almost toss you backwards. I stopped before we fell but I didn't realize Lloyd had a tight grip on my waist until I couldn't breathe.

"Don't. Don't do that." He warned with a sigh of relief and rested his head on my back.

"Right. I know that now." I grinned. We finally took off across the waters and it was an amazing experience!

"Woo-hoo!" I screamed while Lloyd stood up from behind me. "I have to admit. I've never ridden a jet ski before."

"You seem like a natural!"

After jet skiing, we took a try at wakeboarding which soon became a competition on who can stay on the board the longest.

"Beat that, Rumi." He wore a smile on his face as I read the time from the stopwatch.

"It's on, Greenie."

We grew started to get comfortable with the cold air mixed with our wet suits which meant we could get more activities done.

"Still cold?" Lloyd asked after lighting up a green fire on top of a pile of wood. We were now on the shore eating some sandwiches. I could feel the sand start to get in between my toes which made me realize I should have brought a blanket.

"It's perfect. Thank you." I smiled and he nodded.

I placed my hands in front of the fire to try and warm them up. It was quiet, but a good kind of quiet. Until my mind brought up something I wish it didn't.

"Can you, by any chance, find out where my parents are buried?" I asked in a low voice.

"Of course." He responded but I could tell he knew I wasn't feeling okay. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Really, I'm okay."

"Rumi, you can trust me."

I knew that and I did. Which is what made telling him everything I thought about easier.

"She's right. I've never been to where they were buried. What if they're still alive somehow?" I continued to ask the questions I, myself, couldn't answer.

"If they were, they would be looking for you." Lloyd answered and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'll find out where they are I promise."

"Thank you. It would help."

We continued talking as the sun began to set behind the ocean. I rested my head on his shoulder as he twirled some marshmallows above the fire. He smelled like the ocean and I knew I did too.

"It's burning." I commented as the flame surrounded the marshmallow.

"Let it burn." He wore an evil smile and I shoved him playfully.

"Don't be evil."

"I'm not!"

"You killed a marshmallow." I crossed my arms.

"It was going to die anyways."

I laughed but before I could respond a familiar voice entered my field of hearing and I froze.

"Princess Harumi."

I turned around with wide eyes to find Hutchins and a group of guards behind him. Oh no.

"Hutchins!" I exclaimed and got up. Lloyd then stood by my side and tried to compose himself.

"I am taking you home. Right now." Hutchins declared as he grabbed a hold of my arm. "I do not know how you escaped the palace, but the Emperor and Empress have been looking for you."

"Please, it was just one day! I had to get out—."

"Save it for your parents, Princess. I am afraid I cannot do anything with your reasons." He sighed and I knew he was disappointed once again before dragging me with him.

"Lloyd!" I called back to see him standing with a frown on his face.

"Rumi!" He ran after us but the guards blocked his path with their staffs. Hutchins turned around and faced the boy.

"If you know what's best for you, stay away from her." He stated in a familiar tone. It sounded like the Emperor's.

"I'm sorry." Was all I could say before I got dragged into a car leaving Lloyd on the beach.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Harumi! Thank goodness." The Empress exclaimed as I entered the throne room in nothing but my wet swim suit. She went to hug me but then realized I was still dripping water and I smelled like the sea. "Where have you been? Do you realize that it is already 6 in the evening?!"

"I-I know but—."

"No buts, Harumi! You are a princess." The Emperor cut me off. I hate it when he jumps to conclusions and doesn't let me explain. "What were you doing out on the beach, with no supervision may I add?!"

"I was hanging out with Lloyd." I said with no fear whatsoever. Although I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried how he would look in the eyes of my adoptive parents now. We were still under inspection afterall.

"Lloyd? Your suitor?" The Empress raised an eyebrow. "How in the world did you manage to get past the guards?"

I bit my lip and refused to answer. Truth is, I asked the gardeners to help me sneak out and I didn't want them to get in trouble.

"I know you are excited about this new love interest of yours but we still do not approve of your relationship. Especially if it means you are sneaking out of the palace." The Emperor crossed his arms.

"I just wanted to get out and have fun! Is that a wrong thing?"

"When you are a Princess you do not get to have fun. Your responsibilities are more important than your personal life."

"I'm a teenager! And honestly, I've never felt like a person for the past years." I was not even thinking as I spoke. I was so furious that I simply said what was on my mind.

"What are you implying?"

"I'm saying that you need to let me have a life. If you want me to rule over Ninjago city, then I suggest you let me experience what it's like. Meet the people and see their problems first hand instead of sitting on a throne and waiting for them to come to us!"

I knew I made my point since they said nothing after that. It felt nice to stand up to them even if it means I would get in more trouble than I already was.

"Go to your room, young lady." The Emperor commanded in his usual cold tone. "And you will stay there until I say you can leave. Is that clear?"

"And we will arrange another meeting with Lloyd." The Empress added before nodding to her husband.

This was so unfair. I get in trouble for wanting freedom? Where's the justice in that?!

I turned around and stomped over to my room. I slammed the door shut before falling on my knees where hot tears escaped my eyes. I sobbed into my hands as quietly as I could so they wouldn't know they got to me.

My phone started ringing and I immediately picked up without having to check the caller ID.

"H-hello?" I asked through sniffles. My tears wouldn't stop falling no matter how many times I tried to wipe them away.

"Are okay? Rumi?" Lloyd's voice always brought comfort to me but I couldn't bring myself to stop.

I didn't respond. Instead, I cried harder.

"Okay, okay. Calm down, Ru." I could hear him try and help me. "Can I see you?"

I quickly removed the phone from my ear and placed the call on video chat. I realized he was still on the beach.

"What are you doing there?" I asked and tilted my head. My voice sounded weird and I couldn't breathe with my stuffy nose.

"Well, I want you to meet someone." He then turned the camera around and my screen was covered by a crab. "I named him crabby."

I smile at his attempts of cheering me up but it still didn't stop my crying.

"I wanted you to meet him because I thought he would help cheer you up. I don't like seeing you upset." Lloyd turned the camera around again and I saw his face. I still find him cute. "He also kept me company when you left."

"I'm sorry for leaving you there. Are you okay?" I pouted at the thought of him freezing and getting sick.

"Don't worry about me. What happened with your parents?"

"I'm locked in my room until they say I can come out." I sighed and wiped my tears. "I-it's not fair. I deserve to live my life right?"

"Of course. We all do, Rumi."

"Then why are they stopping me, Lloyd? Why are they treating me like I'm just someone they can control? I have feelings too and I can think for myself."

"Rumi, they're just doing what they think is best for you. No matter how hard they try and squeeze you, I want you to promise me you'll never give in."

"Why not? It seems like the easier option anyways. Maybe I should just do what they want."

"No one deserves to be told how they should live their life, Princess. We all have the power to choose for ourselves." Lloyd smiled and I realized I had already stopped crying.

"Thank you, Greenie. I needed to hear that." I returned his smile and wiped my face.

"Ninja never quit. And neither should you." I nodded at his statement before laughing.

"By the way, my adoptive parents are arranging another dinner for us. They want to talk to you." I informed him.

"Well, then. I have to prepare our story, Princess." He ran a hand through his hair and let out a nervous chuckle.

"Please, they won't find out anyways." I rolled my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to go back to that moment at the beach.

If I had inched closer, I would have kissed him right then and there. He wouldn't lean in if he didn't want it too right? But I was already more than happy to cuddle him on a boat even if the purpose of it was to keep warm.

"My friends are throwing a Christmas party on the 24th. Maybe I can convince your parents to let you go." He suggested and my eyes lit up.

"You'd do that?"

"Of course! You deserve to experience things like that."

"I can't wait." I was so excited my mind started coming up with different outfits I could wear.

"I need to get home. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Stay safe, Lloyd." I smiled and he nodded.

"I hope you feel better, Rumi."

"I already am, Greenie."