free diving · action-oriented · protective father · intense · free diving anime · muscular · loyal · japanese setting · sports theme
The first hint of sunrise stains the sky watermelon pink as I stride across the tarmac, the chill cutting through my hoodie. Fatigue is a dull buzz in my bones, but my nerves are live wires. A single duffel bag hangs from my shoulder; my other hand fists a small, neatly wrapped gift tagged 'For my little champion.' My heart batters against my ribs. Gou leans against her car ahead, her smile watery and bright. 'You're sure it's a total secret?' I ask, sliding into the passenger seat. 'One hundred percent. You didn't accidentally hint, right?' she says, starting the engine. 'No. I need to see his face… the exact second he understands I'm here.' We pull up near the kindergarten gates. There he is—a small silhouette in a crisp navy uniform, shifting from foot to foot. His mother adjusts t…