The morning sun spilled gold over the waters of Semporna, scattering diamonds across the restless sea. The air smelled of salt and damp wood, the jetty creaking under the weight of fishermen and divers preparing for another day.
Kasturi clutched the straps of her small backpack, standing stiffly at the edge of the pier. The sound of gulls circled above her while waves licked the pillars beneath her feet. Her heart refused to calm, each beat a hammer against her chest.
Today wasn't just another day.It was her first dive.
She had read countless textbooks, highlighted diagrams of coral reefs, memorized Latin names of fish. But nothing in her neat, nerdy study life had prepared her for the real ocean stretching endlessly before her.
She whispered under her breath, "Ya Allah… it's beautiful…"
The breeze answered, brushing against her cheek like a gentle welcome. Kasturi let out a small laugh, tucking stray hair behind her ear, before a deep voice interrupted.
"Miss Kasturi, don't wander too far. The boat's about to depart."
Encik Rahman, the supervising officer, gave her a brief look, half stern, half amused. Kasturi instantly flushed and nodded.
"Sorry, encik," she replied, shuffling quickly toward the research boat.
Already, crew members were lifting oxygen tanks, wetsuits, waterproof cases of cameras and sensors. The metallic clink of gear and the smell of engine oil mixed with the salt air, creating a heady cocktail of anticipation.
Scene 2 – Toward Mabul Island
The boat roared to life, churning white foam as it cut across the turquoise waters. Kasturi sat near the edge, hugging her knees as she watched the shore shrink into the distance.
The ocean glimmered under the morning sun, shifting shades of blue and green. Silver schools of fish leapt in synchronized arcs, while seabirds skimmed the waves.
Kasturi's lips curled into an unrestrained smile.
"First time diving?" a warm female voice asked beside her.
Kasturi turned to see Kak Aida, one of the senior staff, already suited in half a wetsuit with her mask resting around her neck.
"Yes, kak," Kasturi admitted sheepishly. "I usually just watch videos… this feels unreal."
Kak Aida chuckled, eyes soft. "Don't worry. You'll remember this day for the rest of your life."
Kasturi tried to laugh along, though her nerves still thrummed beneath her skin. The salty air tangled her hair, whipping it across her glasses. She tightened her grip on the boat's rail, trying to steady the flutter inside her chest.
Scene 3 – The First Descent
When the boat anchored near Mabul Island, the water beneath them was so clear it was as though the world had been painted in glass.
After the safety briefing, Kasturi slipped into her wetsuit. The fabric clung awkwardly to her petite frame, and she wrestled with the straps of her oxygen tank until Kak Aida helped secure it.
The moment came.
She bit down on the regulator, tightened her mask, and jumped.
The ocean swallowed her whole.
Instantly, her world changed. Sunlight speared through the water, illuminating a kingdom below—corals blooming in impossible colors, schools of angelfish darting like shards of glass, a turtle gliding with ancient grace.
Her lungs tightened in awe. SubhanAllah… this is paradise.
She moved clumsily, flippers pushing against the pull of the sea. Yet the deeper she went, the more she felt her heart slow, entranced by the majesty around her.
Scene 4 – The Man in the Current
Among the divers, a figure swam effortlessly. Not burdened by tanks or heavy gear, but moving with natural precision.
A young man, skin bronzed by the sun, hair slicked black and wild, wearing only a fitted singlet and board shorts. His strokes were clean, powerful, yet relaxed—like the sea itself embraced him.
Kasturi's gaze snagged on him. Her breath almost stuttered through the regulator.
Who swims like that… underwater… without gear?
He turned slightly, and his lips curved into a grin even beneath the shifting light. Calm. Certain. Easy-going.
Kasturi panicked, looking away as though caught staring, her face heating despite the cool water.
The young man approached, noticing her fumbling near a spiky sea urchin. With practiced ease, he reached out, gently guiding her hand away. His eyes met hers, and his hand signal was clear: Be careful.
Kasturi nodded, embarrassed, and followed his steady pace.
When they surfaced moments later, she coughed, tugging her mask upward.
"You alright?" His voice was rich, casual, like the roll of distant thunder.
"Y-Yes, I'm fine," she sputtered.
He laughed softly. "Good. I'm Lekir. I usually guide divers around here."
"Oh… Kasturi. A trainee… from the university."
Lekir offered a playful salute with two fingers. "Welcome to my world, Kasturi."
Then he turned, swimming back toward the boat, leaving her floating stunned, the sea wind cooling the warmth on her cheeks.
Scene 5 – The Obedient Breeze
Later that afternoon, Kasturi sat outside the dormitory, her wetsuit draped across the wooden railing. The fabric clung damp and heavy, refusing to dry.
She sighed, lifting it with both hands. "Lambatnya nak kering…"
As if responding, a gust of wind swirled suddenly, brushing over the wetsuit. Within seconds, the dampness faded, replaced by surprising dryness.
Kasturi froze.
"…Eh?"
She glanced at her palm, then at the air. Experimentally, she raised her hand again, focused, and exhaled slowly.
The breeze circled, playful, tugging strands of her hair before caressing the fabric. This time, her hair lifted lightly as if combed by invisible fingers.
Her chest tightened in disbelief.
"This… this isn't normal," she whispered.
Fear prickled along her spine, yet deep beneath it pulsed something else—excitement.
At least I won't need a hair dryer anymore, she thought weakly, hugging the damp towel to her chest.
Scene 6 – Restless Night
The dormitory creaked with the lull of night. Cengkerik chirped in the grass. Waves whispered against the shore.
Kasturi lay on her bed, staring at the wooden ceiling. Her mind replayed two images: Lekir's calm smile underwater… and the small whirlwind spinning above her palm.
She groaned, covering her face with her pillow.
I just met him. Why does my heart act like this? Nerds don't get crushes, right?
The thought was absurd, yet the heat in her chest was undeniable.
She sat up suddenly. Her roommate's soft snores filled the silence.
Carefully, Kasturi crept to the window, pushing the wooden frame open. The sea breeze slipped in, cool and inviting.
"Bismillah…" she murmured, extending her palm.
A current stirred. At first faint, then swirling tighter—until a mini vortex hovered above her skin, enough to lift a scrap of paper from the desk.
Kasturi's eyes widened. She clamped a hand over her mouth, holding back a squeal.
The paper twirled midair before settling gently back.
Her knees weakened. She slumped to the bed, heart racing.
This is real. This… is me.
Sleep eluded her for hours. The breeze seemed to hum softly outside, like a secret waiting to be unraveled.
Scene 7 – Morning by the Shore
The next day dawned bright, the sea shimmering like glass. Pelatih gathered on the sand for snorkeling drills. The salty wind carried the laughter and chatter of young divers tugging on their bright vests.
Kasturi fumbled with the strap of her life jacket, too tight across her petite frame. She muttered under her breath, tugging helplessly.
A shadow loomed.
"You're going to choke yourself if you pull it like that," a calm voice said.
She looked up. Lekir stood there, hauling a heavy crate of gear with one arm, his other hand holding out a correctly sized set of fins. His hair was damp, sticking to his forehead, his white singlet already clinging from the seawater.
"Try these," he offered casually. "The size should fit."
Kasturi blinked, startled. She accepted the fins quickly, her fingers brushing his for the briefest moment.
"T-Thank you."
He nodded, already turning to shout instructions at the group. "Remember, test your mask first! If it fogs, spit or rinse, don't panic underwater!"
Kasturi slid the fins on—they fit perfectly. She bit her lip, hiding a smile.
Scene 8 – The Ocean's Embrace
They entered the water again, sunlight refracting like liquid diamonds. Kasturi steadied her breathing this time, remembering every hand signal.
Beneath the waves, she felt less clumsy, more attuned. Corals stretched below her like a rainbow forest. Tiny clownfish darted among anemones, while shadows of barracuda passed above.
Lekir swam ahead of the group, movements precise, guiding them with small gestures. His presence was calm, unshaken—even when another trainee panicked as water seeped into his mask.
Kasturi watched as Lekir moved swiftly, placing a steadying hand on the trainee's shoulder, signaling calm, helping him adjust before leading him safely to the surface.
When they resurfaced, Kasturi gasped for air, admiration blooming silently.
He makes it look… easy.
Scene 9 – A Breeze Within
That evening, Kasturi sat alone by the shoreline, watching the horizon blaze orange. Her wet hair clung to her cheeks.
She raised a hand. Focused.
The breeze shifted, wrapping around her, drying her hair in gentle strokes.
Her heart pounded as realization rooted deeper.
This isn't a dream anymore. The wind listens to me.
The waves rolled endlessly before her, whispering promises of secrets she had yet to uncover.
And somewhere beyond the peaceful shore, eyes were already watching.
Hidden in Semporna, a shadowed figure spoke quietly into a radio.
"She's here. The girl who turned the storm."
The reply crackled with static—an order cold and sharp.
"Keep your eyes on her. Do not act yet. We need to be certain."
The tide shifted. The game had only begun.