Love Lesson

Soon enough, Imai and Nico parted ways with Conis.

But before they were able to leave, Conis had given them plenty of gifts such as pumpkin bowls, and cups for them to use. Although Imai declined it, Nico seemed pretty enthusiastic about it.

And since Conis is an angel, she even provided them with a lot of tea for them to drink in the future. It was said that the tea would help them sleep better and would replenish their energy quicker.

The rest of the angels gave Imai and Nico their thanks for saving them. Apparently, Enel didn't let them eat or drink unless they finished all their work. Some of their relatives had died from working without any protein at all.

At least in the end, they were all happy again.

Soon enough, Imai and Nico were back on the sea.

"Well, that was quite an adventure." Nico said, drinking tea out of the pumpkin cup.

"You know, I still can't get used to the sight of you drinking tea out of a pumpkin cup." Imai said while shaking her head.

"Oh, come on. You don't like it? I think it's cute." Nico said.

"It's cute, but it's not to my liking." Imai said.

"Then what is to your liking?"

Imai glanced over at Nico and smiled, "If a picture of your face was on a cup, I'd carry it around with me wherever I go."

"Your attempts to flirt with me will only end up with you being rejected. I suggest you give up." Nico said with a chuckle.

Imai pouted, "At least act like you're flustered to make me feel better."

Lately, Nico had been denying her attempts to flirt with her. Though it wasn't surprising considering their age gap. Nico was thirty and Imai was twenty two. Nonetheless, it's not like they harbored romantic feelings for each other.

They still had adventures to go on.

"Hey Nico."

"What is it?"

"What are your thoughts on love?"

"What's with the sudden question? Do you happen to be in love with someone or something?" Nico asked with curiosity.

"Haha, no. I'm just wondering what you think of love. Like if you'll ever find the one for you, you know?" Imai said as she leaned on the railing beside Nico.

"Hmm, I think love is pretty complicated."

"How so?"

"When you love somebody, you're willing to do anything for them. But you also have to consider if your significant other is willing to do anything for you too. So it's basically a form of commitment."

"I understand. Let's say they're both committed, then what?"

"Then I think they'll do fine together. But because love is such an intense emotion or feeling, there's bound to be some problems."

"Like what?"

"As in trust, affection, boundaries, and the needs of each other. You have to trust the person to not be interested in anyone except you, only show affection towards you, set boundaries so the other doesn't get uncomfortable, and satisfy the needs of the significant other."

Imai stared into the sky and muttered, "That sounds like a lot of trouble, maybe it's better not to get involved with romance, and stuff relating to it."

"Hmm, I wouldn't say so. Before you date someone, you have to become friends with them, and start learning about each other then building up trust. So most of the time, that part is already covered. The rest is up to fate and commitment."

"Oh, that's true." Imai said as she wore a playful smile. "Since you know so much about love, have you ever been in love before?"

Nico's melodic laugh entered Imai's ears.

"Being in love is too hard for me, especially of what has happened in the past. Trusting people is hard, but I've managed to trust you, and the others."

"I guess it's pretty hard for you to love, maybe it's better off for you to be single forever."

"Hey! Don't say it in that tone! You make it seem like it's a bad thing!" Nico exclaimed as she playful pinched Imai's cheek.

"Haiiiii! Haiiii!"

"Hmph."

"Ah, I was just joking!" Imai said with a laugh. "I get it, you're single because you want to stay single, I respect you!"

"I'm glad you understand." Nico said with a smile.

"But do you think I'll ever meet someone that's meant for me?" Imai asked, the playful expression had disappeared.

"Do you want to love?"

"I mean, yes, that's what makes someone human. Though I guess I'm not considered human anymore."

"That's not true, you're still human."

Imai couldn't say anything due to Nico's stern face.

"Then I'm human. But yes, I want to love, I want to feel what it's like to be head over heels for someone. The feeling of wanting to protect them with your life and do anything for them. I want it!"

"You'll find the one for you, don't worry. You're still young, there's plenty of women out there for you anyway."

Imai's shoulders suddenly drooped down as she had a dejected look on her face.

"Ara? What's with that expression?"

"All the girls I've met ran away from me, they think I'm just a killer." Imai replied with droplets near the edge of her eyes.

Nico quickly wrapped her arms around Imai and stroked her head.

"It's okay, they don't understand the true side of you." Nico said with a thought, 'You are definitely a killer though.'

"I know what you're thinking of." Imai said as she looked at Nico. "Honestly, it's okay. I don't know why I decided to talk to women that don't know what the real world is like anyway."

"True, it's time for you to upgrade."

"I already did."

"Hmm?"

"You."

"Once again, your flirting won't get you anyway. I've been taken by my desire to find the poneglyphs."

"I get it, I get it. I'm just having fun."

Suddenly, their boat started rocking around. The waves had suddenly become stronger when it had been calm a second ago.

"What is happening?"

"WOAH! There's a big snake!"