Miyako Diaries 3: Kurima Islet Cove (Patreon)

Across from the main Island via a mile-long roadbridge, Kurima Islet Cove is  a small, tranquil inlet that is on the northeastern shore of the dwarf island of Kurima. Complete with miniature fishing docks and a very humble breakwater (normally empty, except for the occasional minivans from the diving schools), it does have a great view of the wide clean strip of Yonaha Mae-hama and, looking toward north, of Kurara Villa's unpretentious skyline as well as the gentle curves of Irabu Island out in the open sea. Its coral reefs give the Cove its distinct light greenish color, and also are a home to a variety of tropical fish and other marine species that enchant its unexpecting visitors.

Chihaya opened her eyes to the halo of the shimmering sunlight above, blinking a few times to regain their underwater focus.  The tingle from the salt didn't bother at all - nor did the seawater that had quickly filled up her nostrils. the novice divers were distant now, their bodies and fins just small clusters in the backlight. Maybe around thirty feet deep now, she judged, and pondered if she should exhale a bit to lose more buoyancy. With her lean, trim body, Chihaya could choose to sink with none of those bulky weight pouches that the OWD candidates had to use. But no, she decided, and would continue on with this dead slow pace, descending along the valleys of the reef all the way to the soft seabed. Maybe she could take a nap there, the dimming light and the warmth of the water were almost inducing Chihaya to sleep. Chihaya closed her eyes again, wondering what it was like to need to breathe.