Miyume listened thoughtfully to his words, relieved that he'd sat back down, at least. She got up briefly, straddled the bench, and sat back down so she could face him directly. She was still very close and the only obstruction between him and her panties was the cloth of her uniform skirt.

And of course, the archery club members still practicing on the range.

"I love the ocean," she said simply. "It's beautiful. Some places are deep, dark, and dangerous. Some things appear twisted and grotesque but if you educate yourself about them, you understand them more. And understanding is the ultimate enemy of fear."

A short pause.

"Can you tell me more about what these deep, murky waters are like? I want to understand so I won't be frightened."