Prologue: Is it my best friend?

Chisato's POV

The sand on the beach was soft, and the sun was setting in the most perfect way. It wasn’t the first time I had seen this view—I’ve been here for a few months now—but today, for some reason, it looks especially beautiful. Takina’s eyes gleamed under the sunlight. She had dark circles under them and looked a bit tired, yet there was also a sense of peace in her expression as she gazed at the sunset.

"Takina, did you miss me while I was gone?"

Takina reacted to my question but didn’t look at me. Instead, she stared at the sand, as if hoping to hide within it.

"LycoReco isn’t the same without you. Everyone misses you a lot."

"Hm… But that wasn’t my question."

Takina’s eyes remained fixed on the sand, but I could tell she was nervous. She’s so cute when she’s nervous.

"You know, Takina… I’ve seen this same sunset every day since I got here, but I don’t know why—today, it looks even better. You were really lucky to have arrived on this particular day."

Takina’s eyes finally turned toward me.

"Chisato, you’ve had your back to the sun since we arrived at the beach. You’ve only been looking in my direction. How can you say this sunset is the best if you haven’t even paid attention to it?"

Takina’s words took me by surprise… Is that true? I lifted my gaze, and the scenery before me was without a doubt the most beautiful. But she was right—the sun wasn’t in this picture at all… Only Takina.

"Okay! Enough of this." Suddenly, I was the one feeling nervous. "So, what was the plan after finding me?"

"To take you back to LycoReco. Everyone’s waiting for you… You left without saying a word!"

I could tell Takina was upset with me.

"I just didn’t want to see everyone’s faces while I was on the verge of death! I’m not good with goodbyes…"

My excuse didn’t seem very valid to her.

"But… maybe it’s because you’re my best friend, but I’m really happy you came looking for me. I missed you, Takina."

Suddenly, something I hadn’t had the chance to witness many times happened—Takina’s eyes began to fill with tears, and she quickly tried to wipe them away.

I threw myself at her, dragging her into the water with me. It was a little cold, but it felt nice as we fell in, and Takina was right by my side.

"What's wrong with you?! Chisato, my clothes! We didn’t even take off our shoes!"

"If you do this, you can’t tell," I said as I ran my hand over her wet face. The tears were gone, but now Takina was redder than ever.

"Don't you think that’s one of the best things about the ocean?"

"Chisato… I seriously can’t stand you."

"But you still miss me, don’t you?"

I couldn’t resist teasing her—Takina always had the best reactions.

She looked away for a few seconds, and I saw her hands dig into the sand with force.

"Yes, I miss you. I want to be by your side."

Takina’s words caught me completely off guard. Even though she said it without looking at me, I found myself suddenly sinking my head into the salty water.

"Eh?! Chisato?!"

Wait, Takina… Why… Why am I so happy that I feel like crying? My chest fills with an inexplicable warmth. Why do I feel this way? Why do I feel like I want to laugh and cry at the same time?

I emerge from the water, my resolve restored.

"You're not playing fair, Takina."

"I have no idea what you’re talking about, Chisato."

But she had a huge smile on her face.

"Sure, partner. So, are you taking me back?"

"Or I’ll follow you wherever you go."

I stand up upon hearing her words and extend my hand toward her.

"Let’s go, partner! Follow me!"

Takina started reaching out her hand, but I grabbed it before she could fully do so. We ran out of the water, and behind us, the sun disappeared completely.

It was funny—because even though the sun no longer shone above us, the warmth I felt inside as we ran together was so intense that it seemed like the sun was right on our side.