Chasing Light in Dark Waters

Dylan

Sunlight is streaming through the window as I roll sideways to avoid the blinding reflection. I begin to regret not pulling down my curtains last night before passing out as the light continues to fill my room with unnecessary brightness. The tousled hair and pillow lines on my face meant I had a deep sleep. Still wrapped in a thick blanket, I squint my eyes to check the time on my phone.

7 AM. Not too bad, I still have time to spare.

I’m already used to waking up at an earlier time than this every single day to go to university. But unlike any other days, I hardly got any sleep last night. I got up and looked around my room as I see the cabinets and drawers still open from the rummaging and searching I did until early in the morning. I could've cleaned all this if I didn't pass out while packing for today's flight. I had tons to bring since I'd probably be staying in the new country for a few years until I finish what I went there for.

I've seen pictures of the place I'll be staying in, and it got me really excited. Finally, I was given the chance to do my research somewhere I've always dreamed of since I started studying Marine Biology. I may be far away from home but I will be nearer to my dream.

The smell spreads across the room the moment I opened my door. It is that inviting smell that wakes me up every day. "Hmm, breakfast...” I whispered. 

I hummed a familiar song as I cleaned up my room before eventually going down the stairs, making sure that I don't miss a step. I see my dad reading the newspaper on the table and sipping his coffee, while my mom is still in the kitchen. I'll miss waking up to such a warm view every single day. 

The constant routine at home in the morning is like me and my dad debating about current events, while my mom sits there with elbows on the table as she listens to every word we say. By the time we face her and ask who she thinks has a better perception of the topic, she'd leave us laughing while saying...

“You two are much alike." I agree. I am just like my dad. 

But today is the last time we could do it. Mom spots me going towards the kitchen to help her, but she immediately signals for me to take a seat on the table. Dad lowers down his paper and grins as he talks about what's in the news, like how he usually starts our morning conversation. Mom smiles as she places food on the table.

To be honest, today's table is filled with so much food. I don't even know if we can finish everything by the time I had to leave.

"Mom, there’s so much food." I said, “Can we finish it all?"

She rubs her hands together as she scans the table, we both laugh when she glanced at me and shakes her head no. 

"I wanted to prepare all the food you like since this will be our last meal." She says in a sad tone, that it almost makes me not want to leave.

"Mom, this is not our last meal. I can visit you during my breaks, remember? I promise to go home during the Summer break and Christmas." I assured her.

"Nonetheless, this is better. Please eat as much as you can, Mira." She starts by putting food on my plate. 

"Your mom's right. It would be a long time until we see our daughter's pretty face again." Dad teased while adding more food to my plate. "Let me experience doing this too before you go."

"You know I'm always thankful for...” I started saying when my dad interrupted.

"I know daughter, you got it from me. Now, use those good genes to bring someone home when you visit us during your break. Preferably someone as good looking as your dad," He said while laughing and patting me on the head. "I'm going to miss you, dear. Please be safe wherever you are and whatever you are doing."

I hugged both my mom and dad, "I'm going to miss you too."

Breakfast was delicious and fun until it was time to leave for the airport. I'm leaving the house that I've been staying in for my whole life. A new chapter for me is about to start, at least for now.

I held back my tears as mom cried while I pull my luggage out the door. The taxi has been waiting for a few minutes and I chose the scheduled flight to allow me an amount of time to settle at the new place I'm staying in. I probably need to clean and fix my things once I arrive. I checked my bags and made sure that the most important cleaning items are in place.

I waved my mom and dad goodbye while they do the same. For the last time, I examined the facade of our house. The flowers that my mom has carefully taken care of through the years, the little swing that my dad made for me when I was younger, and the door that opens to what I call home. I’m taking these happy memories with me and hopefully make new ones in Korea too.

After one last look, I got inside the taxi.

"To the airport, please."

I'm on my way to Jeju Island to stay there and do my research at the Marine Institute. Since I was a kid, I've been most interested in Wholphins, which is why I decided to study Marine Biology at the university. It’s been my dream to live near the sea and go out every day to explore more of the underwater world. 

Staying on an island with one of the best Marine institutes in the world is what I'll be doing for a few years. Would I stay there permanently? Not my original plan but who knows? I might find a reason to stay.

Aside from having a chance to do my research in a technologically advanced institute, I also heard that there have been sightings of Wholphins in Jeju. If I can find them, then I can study them.

“Mira, you can do this,” I muttered to myself.

*

“Faster Brook!!! Come here!!” I shouted as I see the other shaking while climbing up the steep row of rocks.

“Do you have to go to this extent?” he asks with a worried look on his face yet continues to ascend one point higher.

“Yes! You know this is important! A lot of people rely on me  every day, if not at least every week.”

“What are you talking about? You’re just taking photos to post on your Instagram.” Brook complains, but still carefully holding on to the equipment.

“Exactly! My followers are expecting me to post high-quality photos! Now, take photos of me with the perfect view of the ocean and the sun in the background.” He sneers at me but as long as I get to have those quality photos, I could care less.

 I posed for a picture and my friend just scoffs at me as he looks through the lens and finally clicks the shutter. I changed my pose and emotions for each photo and I can’t help but feel satisfied with the results.

He shows me the pictures and though I hate him most of the time for his nagging, he really captured the images I wanted. The perfect angle with the sun hitting my face, and the sea behind me. Definitely worth the short hike!

“There, done. Can we go back down now? Not only did you wake me up from my sleep for this but you also had to make me climb these steep rocks.” he says, still shivering from the height.

“How about two more shots?” the other shot me a glare instead which means he hates the suggestion.

“Ey, shut up Dylan!! I’m going down! You’re lucky the tides are low today, if not the water will reach up to here.” He points at the area where he is standing while still steadily holding on to our stuff. 

The rock formation is near our place, walking distance if you may. Behind it is the shore that leads to our house while the front faces the sea. No one would dare miss such an opportunity when the water retreats back like what it did this morning. 

A low tide, one of nature's ways of helping us enjoy the rock formation.

This place is usually unreachable to people when the waves are crashing with it, that’s why several warning signs are placed on the shore right next to it. Luckily, no one has even had the courage to challenge those warning signs to swim towards these rocks. If they did, it would spell all kinds of danger. And we wouldn’t want people dying and bodies floating near our place. It would not paint a nice picture worth posting on my social media.

“So?” I eventually responded to Brook.

I looked at him with a dumb expression. Why would that matter? It’s not like I’m going to drown if the water reaches the rocks. Also, water will certainly rise mid-day. It’s too early to be cautious.

“SO?!? You’re seriously asking? You’ll get wet dumbass!” he rolls his eyes once more. "Your precious camera will get wet too. This is not waterproof and you know that!"

If he wasn’t my best friend, I would’ve pushed him off the rocks there and then. But it will be such a waste because he takes good photos and videos of me plus we spent a number of hours crying just to afford that camera he’s holding.

I watched him go down and felt relief when his feet touched the ground. The camera is safe, and well I guess my best friend is too. I followed behind him as he climbs towards our beach house and eagerly sits in front of the computer upon entering.

After handing me the camera, Brook went out once again to hang out at his favorite spot. He sat at the end of the cliff just a few steps away from our house, where you can feel the ocean breeze touch your face and hear the waves of the ocean underneath. I can’t blame him for staying there most of the time, it’s relaxing. He often describes it as the breeze that gently tosses his hair accompanied by the music of the waves. It was perfect and we both agree.

When we were younger, we played a lot at that same cliff. We’d jump off of it and land in the sea. We still do it nowadays, but not as much as we did a long time ago. There are tons of new places to go now, every few years new theme parks, cafes, restaurants open on the island. More tourists are also coming to the island, though I don’t really know if I should be happy about it or not. 

I like the peaceful island that existed when we were young but I also enjoy going to the new establishments built on the island. Or maybe it's just the people that visit the island that I don't really like. Sometimes, we do encounter annoying tourists.

Oh well,  I just feel lucky to have purchased the house and the beach in front of it before anyone else did. It was sort of private because you can only reach our place by boat. The rocks also make it hard to pass through and it blocks the people from viewing us even if we swim below. We’ve never even once regretted buying it.

“What’s with the spacing out? Aren’t you done yet?” Brook asks out of the blue. I blinked at the screen in front of me. All the photos have finished transferring to the computer.

“What? Ohh... I was just waiting for all the photos to be transferred to my phone.” I pointed out.

“You’re not going to edit them?” He asks wide-eyed. 

“Uhm no? I’m beautiful either way. This face needs no edit.” I said while making the mouse do a circular motion around my face. "This? Already perfect." I laughed but I acknowledge that what I said is true.

“Don’t be so cocky, I bet without that charm of yours.. you’d be unnoticed. Would you even have that number of followers? Hmm... I’m guessing no?” he says with a mocking laugh.

“Speak for yourself, girls call you sparrow. What does that even mean? And you also use your charm when you make vlogs.” I snapped back at him.

“Oh I’m sorry, are you jealous that you don’t have a term of endearment?” 

“I’d rather not if it’s just going to be a sparrow,” I said, clearly making a point that his so-called term of endearment is lame.

This will go on forever, I thought. Fortunately, my phone beeps as it notifies that the transfer of files is done. I scanned through the photos and tried to pick the best ones to post on my acct. This is a bit hard, I like all the photos!

“Say, Brook, which one..” before I can even finish, the other shook his head and said, “Oh no, I am not doing this with you again.”

“What? You just have to choose the best one!” I said, attempting to walk closer to my friend.

“You choose on your own. Besides, any of those photos are worth posting.” He said while walking backward, heading for the door that leads outside.

“So you agree that I am good looking?” I said as I wink towards the sparrow.

“You’re forgetting something.. Hmm, what is it? Oh right! Those photos look good because I took them.” He stops for a moment and proudly pointed at himself.

“Your photos won’t look as magnificent if my face wasn’t in it,” I said like the snob I am.

“Obnoxious,” he whispers.

“What did you say?” turning my gaze from the phone to him.

“Nothing... I said, isn’t it obvious? Of course, the photos were perfect because of you.” He continues to head for the door. 

“Whatever... Why don’t you try to at least upload a profile photo for yours?” I said in hopes of making him stay and open his account. I really need to choose from all the photos and this is the only thing that could probably make him stop from leaving the house.

“i********: is not my thing, okay? Vlogging is so much better.” He responded.

“Yeah cos you put me in every video to do random challenges with you,” I said. Specifically pointing out that he used me to increase the views on his channel. I helped him grow his channel so he needs to help me in choosing a photo, as simple as that.

“Don’t sweat it Dylan haha if you’ll excuse me, I’m going out for a swim. Wanna come?” He said while holding the door open.

“You go, I still have to choose what photo to upload,” I answered in defeat.

He shook his head as he exits the door and as if wanting to join the fun, my eyes peeked through the window. He looks back to wave at me before jumping off the cliff to swim.

The house became quiet and after much contemplation, I tapped on one photo.

I opened the app on my phone and uploaded the photo I chose with the caption, 'The perfect view to wake up to. ^^'

Within a minute, likes and comments flood my notification. Opening the app once again, I gave hearts to a few comments.

One follower commented, 'Wow, so good looking!' while another pointed out that, 'The view is perfect, and so is you ~'  I love reading and staying in my comment section. When I see comments like 'I hope to visit Jeju and see you ^^' and 'So handsome What can I do?

Whatever you're planning, I hope it fails. Brook suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

"Shut up."

The unbelievably good looking stranger is looking out the window as she takes sips from her coffee. This is my chance. I told Brook that we should go home and finish our coffee on the way. He unsuspiciously agreed and stood up from the table. On our way to exit the café, I pretend to clumsily trip on something pouring my americano on the stranger.

“Oh my, I’m really sorry,” I said while I reached out to give her my handkerchief. I was expecting that she would be furious that I broke her peaceful alone time.

“Don’t worry, it’s okay.” She said with a kind smile. My soul has been cleansed by her smile, I can not believe I would meet such a person tonight. For the first time, I am thankful that Brook bothered me and woke me up to eat here.

“But I got you wet, is your hotel near here? We live nearby, I can grab you something to change into if you can wait.”

She took the handkerchief from my hand, “This hanky will do. I also live nearby, so please don’t worry too much.”

“Ah really? Did you come here for a vacation?” I asked while peeking at the door to see if Brook left me already. He’s still there, good. He can wait.

“No, I’m going to do my research at the Marine Institute.” She’s still cleaning the coffee off her skirt then she pointed outside. “I live there, so don’t be too guilty about the coffee.” She flashes me another smile and my heart melt.

The house she is pointing to is actually near our place, well on opposite sides and separated by water. I was about to ask more questions when Brook suddenly tapped on the window.

Are you going to flirt while I stand here outside? Let’s go.

Okay, in a minute.

I really wanted to ask her more questions but she might see through me. What if she thinks I only spilled the coffee to start a conversation with her. 

“It seems like your boyfriend is waiting.” She said as she handed the piece of cloth back to me. “Thank you for this, see you guys around.”

“You’re welcome and sorry again for the coffee. I’ll make it up to you and also he’s my *best*friend and I like girls, just wanted to make that clear. By the way, I’m Dylan and that is Brook.”

“Nice to meet you, please call me Mira.” She said while reaching her hand out for a handshake. I was nervous and happy at the same time that I got to meet her.

I dragged my heavy feet as I walked out the door. I don’t really want to go, I just wanted to sit across her and ask her to tell me more about herself. What is her research about? I know a lot about the sea, I could help her a bit. Actually, I can help her a lot.

“Way to go, Dylan. That was actually smooth? So, who’s this new crush of yours?” He teasingly asks.

“Apparently, she is a researcher at the Marine Institute,” I said in a worried tone.

“Oops, your big crush spells danger.”

“What danger? Look at her manners, she won’t even dare hurt a bug.”

“You say that, but it’s better to be careful. Researchers often go through length just to prove their theories and put their names out there.”

“I feel like she’s different.” I turned back and see Mira still looking out the window. I waved back at her and she nods as she waves back at me.

“You’re blind because you’re whipped. Remember the other researcher we met in Massachusetts when we were traveling. That one was crazy as f*ck, I don’t want to say  that I’m relieved that he already died of old age but I am.”

“Hey Brook, not all scientists are like that,” I said in defense.

“Tell me that when you’re sure that she’s not going to dissect you to find answers,” he said. Rolling his eyes and walking even faster, he warned me one more time. "You better be careful and think with your mind and not your heart, Dylan."

“I’m telling you, my instincts say she’s different,” I responded.

Brook just gave me his whatever look and continued walking towards the shore. “Let’s just go home, I don’t want to hear about your big crush anymore.”

He jumped in the water first and as I was about to dive after him, he splashed me a big wave of water with his tail and swam passed the rock formations as fast as he can. I paddled speedily to catch up to him but before I can even reach the shore he’s already turned his tails back into legs.

I know he’s just worried that we’ll once again be chased by some crazy scientist who wants to cut our tails in parts. Maybe he’s right, maybe I should just avoid Mira. Maybe marine researchers are all the same. Should I just forget about her?

Yes! Brook answered while looking at me.

I am asking myself and not you, Brook. I told him as I slowly followed behind.

If you're not asking for my opinion then don't let me hear your thoughts! He snaps back.

I used to think that this telepathic ability of ours is awesome but now I kind of hate it. It works to our advantage most of the time, but sometimes Brook is just annoying. Okay, don't let Brook hear that. 

*

“Hmm, not his boyfriend huh?” I whispered as I take another sip.

“How fortunate.”