Drifting on the Lost Seas — III
'When did he get here?'
Before Haru could ask, Akira hurriedly grabbed his hand and pulled him back.
Not wanting to disturb the silence or risk alerting the sea monster, Haru didn't say anything and let Akira drag him back toward the lower deck.
As he was being pulled, Haru glanced over at the mermaid figurehead where Kenji had been moments ago.
'Sigh… there's too much happening right now…'
When they finally reached the lower deck, Akira collapsed to the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably.
"Are you alright?" Haru asked softly, keeping his voice low.
"D-Did… it see us?" Akira muttered, his words trembling as much as his body.
Fear radiated from him, so thick it was almost suffocating.
"It shouldn't have," Haru replied, though he couldn't say it with certainty.
He knew Akira had seen the same thing—the monster that had dragged Kenji away. After a moment of hesitation, Haru forced himself to ask, "Is Kenji—"