CH7 So ghosts can wear swimsuits too Part 1

So there you have it. That’s my past. My story,” I said, staring up at the night sky, the stars shimmering in the vast expanse above us. The air was cool, the distant sound of the city barely audible from where we sat. The weight of everything I had just shared hung in the air, heavy but somehow freeing.

Beside me, I heard a soft sob. I glanced over and saw Aya. Tears streamed down her ghostly cheeks, shimmering faintly in the moonlight. Even ghosts cry, huh? I thought to myself. They were human once, after all.

“That’s… that’s just awful,” Aya managed between sobs, her voice cracking as she tried to hold

back more tears. Her ethereal hands covered her face, but the sorrow was written all over her.

I looked down at my hands, feeling the weight of everything I had been through, but there was a strange sense of relief in finally telling someone. Even if Aya was a ghost, even if she didn’t belong to this world anymore, she was here with me, and for once, I didn’t feel completely alone.

“I’m sure you had it rough too,” I said softly. “Maybe even worse than mine. Being a ghost, wandering this world without anyone noticing… no memories to hold onto. That must be its own kind of hell.”

She sniffled, wiping her face, though the tears still sparkled around her. “Well, now I have you,” she said with a bittersweet smile. “But it’s a shame… I can’t even share my own life with you, because I don’t remember it.” Her voice was fragile, like the memories she had lost, slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.

I turned to face her, meeting her gaze, and for the first time, I felt something solid beneath the surface of all the chaos in my heart. “You have me, Aya,” I said, my voice more resolute than I expected. “I don’t care what it takes, or how long it takes—I'll do everything I can to help you. I’ll help you find peace.”

Her eyes, though clouded with uncertainty, softened at my words. We sat there for a moment in silence, the cool wind rustling through the trees around us. Above, the sky stretched on endlessly, an expanse of stars and unknowns, like the future we couldn’t quite see but somehow had to face.

She rested her head on my shoulder, a quiet gesture of comfort in a world that had given us little. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice soft, almost like a breeze. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

I stared out into the distance, feeling a strange connection between us—two souls, both lost in

different ways, yet tethered together by some invisible thread of fate. Maybe I wasn’t sure

what the future held, and maybe I was still broken in ways I couldn’t even articulate, but for the

first time in a long while, I had a purpose. A reason to keep going.

Together, we sat there in the quiet night, neither of us saying anything. The world felt vast and uncaring, but in that moment, it was just the two of us—two broken souls trying to find our way through the darkness.

Moments passed, and the silence between us deepened. I stared at the distant city lights, their faint glow flickering like stars fallen to earth. The weight of everything I had said still hung in the air, but now there was something lighter within me, too. It wasn’t much, but maybe just sharing my story with Aya was the start of something new.

I pulled out my phone, its screen lighting up my face in the dimness of the night. The clock flashed back at me: 11:03 PM.

"Man, it’s already 11 PM…” I muttered to myself, rubbing the back of my neck. Time had slipped by without me even noticing. I turned to Aya, who had been sitting beside me, still lost in her own thoughts, her pale, ghostly figure blending into the shadows of the night.

“We should head home,” I said, more out of habit than necessity. I had no idea if Aya even needed to sleep or rest, but for some reason, it felt right to say. After all, even ghosts needed a place to go, didn’t they?

Aya nodded silently, standing up beside me, her movements almost weightless, like the wind could carry her away at any moment. She didn’t need to speak—there was a kind of understanding between us now, a bond formed from the shared silence and the heaviness of both our lives.

I pocketed my phone and started to walk, feeling the familiar crunch of gravel beneath my shoes. My legs felt heavy, like they were carrying more than just my body—like they were carrying the weight of my past, the uncertainty of my future, and the strange, newfound

responsibility I had for Aya. Each step felt like a question I couldn’t answer.

I thought back to everything. To the accident, to Rikka. To the lies. To the betrayal that shattered everything I thought I knew. The world had been one way, and then it just... changed.

People you trusted, people you loved—they weren’t always what they seemed. And the cruelest part was that I hadn’t even seen it coming. I’d been blind. Blind to the fact that I was chasing an image of perfection that didn’t exist. Blind to the fact that Rikka—who I thought I could trust, who I thought cared about me—could lie like that.

I glanced over at Aya. Her presence was comforting in its own way, even if she was a ghost. She didn’t judge. She didn’t expect me to be anything other than who I was in that moment. And in her silence, I felt understood in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. Maybe it was because she had her own pain—her own brokenness, just like me.

I wondered what her story was. What had happened to her? Who had she been before she

became… this?

"Hey, Aya," I said, my voice quieter than I expected. "Do you ever wonder who you were before?"

She looked up at me, her expression thoughtful but tinged with sadness. “Sometimes... I get flashes,” she said softly, her voice carried by the cool breeze. “But they’re never clear. Just

feelings. A glimpse of a room… the sound of someone’s laughter. It’s like looking through fog.” She wrapped her arms around herself as though she was trying to hold onto those fleeting memories. "But it always slips away before I can grasp it."

I nodded, the heaviness of her words sinking in. How cruel, I thought. To exist but not really exist. To know you had a life, but not be able to remember any of it. It was a kind of prison, wasn’t it?

“I’ll help you,” I said suddenly, surprising even myself with the intensity of my words. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”

She glanced at me, her expression softening, though her eyes still carried that ghostly sadness.

“Thank you,” she whispered, and though her voice was barely audible, I felt it. Like a promise.

“Where do you want to go from here?” I asked Aya, more to break the silence than anything

else. She looked up at me, her eyes reflecting the distant stars.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “But… as long as I’m not alone, I think I’ll be okay.” I smiled, a small, tired smile. “Yeah. Me too.”

Aya and I were sitting on the couch, with her engrossed in some TV show while I lazily scrolled through my phone, looking for new games to kill time. It was a lazy afternoon, nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly, Aya spoke up, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Hey, look at this," she said, pointing at the TV.

I glanced up, half interested. "Yeah? What about it?"

The screen showed a vibrant scene of people at the beach, kids running through the surf, families enjoying a picnic, and teens playing volleyball. The sun was glistening over the ocean waves. The usual stuff.

"Duh, it's the beach… the sea, you know?" Aya said, rolling her eyes as if it was the most

obvious thing in the world.

"Yeah, I see it," I replied, trying to act casual. Beaches had never really been my thing. Crowds,

noise, sand getting everywhere… not my idea of a good time.

"Can we go?" she asked suddenly, her tone hopeful, almost childlike.

I froze for a second, not expecting that. "Uh…"

"Pretty please?" She clasped her hands together in front of her like she was praying, looking at me with wide eyes.

I scratched the back of my head, feeling a little cornered. "I’d look like a lunatic going to the beach all by myself, you know. Talking to the air. People would think I’ve lost it."

She pouted. "Why not invite Yumi and Kenjie? You know, make it a group thing."

I hesitated. "I don’t know about that. They’ve been busy lately, especially Yumi. She’s always

swamped with work."

"Just try! Please? Maybe we can find some clues there." Aya’s puppy dog eyes intensified, and

it was almost too much to handle.

I sighed, defeated. "Fine. I’ll send them a message. No promises though." I grabbed my phone,

tapping away a quick text.

Hey, you free next week on my day off? Thinking of hitting the beach, wanna join?

I hit send and leaned back, waiting. A part of me didn’t expect much, thinking they’d be busy

like usual.

My phone buzzed almost immediately.

"Oh, this is new! I’m definitely in!" Yumi’s reply popped up first, which surprised me. She’s

usually the first to back out of stuff like this.

Kenjie’s message came in right after. "If Yumi’s going, then count me in."

I raised my eyebrows. "Well, would you look at that."

Aya was already leaning over my shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "See? I told you!"

I chuckled a little, shaking my head. "Yeah, yeah. You win this round." It wasn’t often that I let Aya push me into these things, but her excitement was hard to resist. Besides, maybe she had a point. Perhaps something at the beach might jog her memory.

As much as I didn’t want to admit it, it felt good to have something to look forward to. Even if it

was the beach.

My phone buzzed again. "Hey, can I bring a girlfriend?" Yumi texted back.

I stared at the screen for a moment, hesitating. It shouldn’t be a big deal, right? What harm

could it do if another person tagged along? The more, the merrier… or something like that. "Okay, no problem," I typed and hit send. After all, it’s not like I could say no at this point.

Aya’s face lit up instantly. "Yay!" she squealed, bouncing a little on the couch like an excited kid. "I’m going to eat sooo much beach parfait," she added with a dreamy look in her eyes.

I chuckled. "I guess that means I’ll be inhaling sweets all day, huh?"

Aya just grinned. "Hey, you promised! You let me taste food. Besides, it’s not like I get to do

much else."

That’s when it hit me. For her, just being outside, enjoying the atmosphere, touching people to enjoy whatever food they eat, was probably as close to normal as she could get. No friends to interact with (except me), no real memories to hold onto—just these small, fleeting moments. I felt a pang of sympathy, realizing how much these little things must mean to her.

"Alright, alright. I’ll eat the parfait you wanted," I said.

As I leaned back, I found myself wondering who Yumi’s "girlfriend" was. Not that it mattered much, but it made me a bit nervous thinking about introducing new people to this strange dynamic I had with Aya. Most days, I could pretend everything was normal, but adding

someone else into the mix… well, that could complicate things.

Still, if this made Aya happy, I could deal with it. The beach trip was set, and I had a feeling it would be an interesting day, to say the least.

The day of the beach trip came, and I found myself yawning, barely awake as we made our way to the station. It was 6 a.m., way too early for my usual routine, and I could already feel the weight of the day pressing down on me. Next to me, Aya walked calmly, looking much more composed than I expected. I thought ghosts might float around effortlessly all the time, but it looked like she was tired of that endless floating, choosing to walk like a regular person instead.

Do ghosts even get tired? I wondered, sneaking a glance at her as we moved along.

Aya was wearing the same summer dress she had on the first time we met, but in a different color—bright and flowy, perfect for the beach. I had learned recently that she could switch outfits at will, copying them perfectly from anything she had seen and remembered. Like some kind of mystical copy-paste ability. Not bad at all, I thought. It was one of those small perks of being a ghost that she seemed to enjoy.

We arrived at the station five minutes early. The streets were already bustling with people, the city alive even this early in the morning. I spotted Kenjie walking toward us, his backpack slung over his shoulder and a grin plastered across his face.

"Yo! Morning," Kenjie greeted, raising a hand in casual acknowledgment.

"Yeah, morning," I replied, trying to shake off the grogginess as we stood together, waiting for the others to arrive. Aya stood nearby, quiet but attentive.

As we stood there watching people pass by, the silence between Kenjie and I stretched on for a bit, but then he spoke up.

"So, uh... can I ask you a favor?" Kenjie said, his voice dropping a bit, almost like he was unsure how to approach it.

I blinked, feeling a bit more awake. "Yeah? What is it?"

Kenjie shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck before looking me in the eye. "Could you... maybe give Yumi and me some time alone today?"

I stared at him for a second, realizing what he meant. Oh, so he’s planning to make a move

today, huh? I thought, feeling a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips.

"Oh. Right. I guess I could... but how?" I asked, genuinely puzzled about how I'd manage to create some alone time for them. The idea of ditching them at the beach felt a bit too... forced.

"Could you maybe invite Yumi’s girlfriend somewhere, like to buy something?" Kenjie

suggested, clearly nervous but hopeful.

I stared at him, the realization hitting me hard. "That’s... that’s a big favor, man," I admitted. "I mean, I don’t even know her. It’s been five years since I’ve had a proper conversation with a girl I just met."

Kenjie looked at me with pleading eyes. "Please, man. I’m counting on you. I don’t get a lot of chances like this, and I think I’ve got a shot with Yumi today."

I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Alright, alright. I’ll see what I can do."

Aya, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, stifled a giggle. "Looks like

someone’s playing matchmaker today," she teased, her voice light but amused. I shot her a

quick look, but she just smiled sweetly back.

Great. Just what I needed—a ghost and a beach day turning into an awkward wingman mission. But I couldn’t exactly say no to Kenjie, if he was serious about Yumi, then maybe this was the push he needed.

I just hoped I wouldn’t mess up the whole plan.

"Hey, you two!" Yumi called out, waving enthusiastically as she approached with someone by her side.

I turned and felt myself pause for a moment, a little surprised at how cute Yumi looked today. She was wearing a yellow summer dress, almost matching Aya’s, along with a nipa hat that sat perfectly atop her wavy hair. Her dress swayed with each step, and the sight made it obvious she was planning to enjoy this trip thoroughly. She even had a rolling suitcase with her, which made me wonder if she intended to stay longer at the beach than just for the day.

Walking beside her was her friend, a shorter girl who looked just as cute, though in a more subtle way. She wasn’t too short, but the contrast next to Yumi made it noticeable. There was something striking about her too—maybe the sharpness in her eyes or how composed she

seemed. However, I couldn’t help but notice that she was eyeing both me and Kenjie from head to toe, like she was sizing us up. It made me feel... uncomfortable, as if I was being silently judged.

"This is Eri," Yumi introduced, smiling brightly. "Eri, these are the guys I told you about—Kenjie and him."

“Nice to meet you,” I said, trying to shake off the awkwardness.

“Pleased to meet you,” Kenjie followed, a little more cheerfully than I could manage.

“Likewise,” Eri responded coolly, her voice calm but a little distant. She glanced at Kenjie, and then at me again. That gaze—sharp, yet unreadable—didn't leave much room for guessing what was going on in her head.

Well, this is going to be fun, I thought sarcastically, already feeling the tension in the air. I could almost hear Aya snickering behind me, sensing my discomfort, though she stayed silent for now.

Kenjie cleared his throat, trying to keep the mood light. “So, everyone ready for the beach? Got everything packed?”

“Of course!” Yumi beamed, her excitement filling the air as she adjusted her hat. “I’ve been looking forward to this. Eri and I packed extra just in case.”

I nodded and smiled, though the weight of the favor Kenjie had asked hung over me. How in the world am I supposed to get Eri away from Yumi for long enough? I wasn’t exactly great at dealing with strangers, especially girls I barely knew. Still, a promise was a promise.

Aya floated near me, casting a curious glance at Eri. "Well, this will be interesting," she whispered teasingly, only for me to hear. Great, I thought. Even the ghost was enjoying watching me squirm.

The four of us stood there, making small talk, waiting for the train. As the morning commuters shuffled by, I could feel the day unfolding with layers of uncertainty. Whatever happened next at the beach, I just hoped I wouldn't mess things up for Kenjie.

The train finally arrived, and to my surprise, it wasn't that crowded. I had half-expected it to be packed with weekend travelers, but then I remembered—it was Saturday morning. People probably wouldn’t be rushing anywhere just yet.

The beach was about ten stations away, roughly a 90-kilometer journey. It felt a bit far, but it was the closest beach we had in the area. Not much choice unless you wanted to make it a whole weekend trip to somewhere more remote.

We settled into our seats, with Yumi and Eri chatting on one side, Kenjie beside them, and me on the opposite side of the aisle, with Aya right next to me. Not that anyone else could see her, of course. She sat beside me like it was the most normal thing in the world. I couldn’t help but steal a glance at her from time to time, her expression intrigued as she watched the people on the train—observing a world she could no longer touch.

During the journey, Yumi handed out some snacks, trying to keep everyone energized for the trip. I nodded my thanks and absentmindedly nibbled at what she gave me, but after a while, the hum of the train and the motion began to lull me into a sleepy haze. I leaned back in my seat, closed my eyes, and drifted off.

The next thing I knew, I felt Kenjie nudging me with his elbow. “Hey, man. We’re near the station.”

I blinked a few times, groggy. “Uh. Okay, right,” I muttered, shaking off the sleep as I straightened up in my seat. The station's announcements echoed in the background, signaling that we were almost there.

We all stood and shuffled out of the train when it finally came to a stop. It was only 8:30 a.m.— earlier than I expected, considering the distance. The fresh coastal air hit me as we stepped onto the platform, and the soft murmur of the waves could be faintly heard in the distance. It was refreshing, but my stomach growled as a reminder that I hadn’t eaten much during the ride.

Yumi spoke up first. “Hey, can we stop by a restaurant first? I’m starving already.” “Yeah, sure,” I nodded, feeling the hunger myself.

We found a small restaurant near the station. It was one of those cozy, seaside diners with wide-open windows that let in the salty sea breeze. Everyone took their seats, and I let Aya decide what I’d be having. She sat close to me, leaning over my shoulder as she pointed at the menu with interest. I ordered what she suggested—a simple meal of grilled fish and rice.

As we ate, Aya remained close, her presence warm and almost palpable as she touched me lightly. She seemed satisfied, her mood elevated as she took in the atmosphere, even though she couldn’t physically enjoy the food. I couldn’t help but smile slightly to myself, realizing how much I’d grown used to her company—used to having her around in a way no one else could understand.

Eri was surprisingly quiet throughout the meal, only engaging with Yumi or nodding politely when Kenjie spoke. There was something about her that made me feel... distant. As though she was keeping a wall up, even in the midst of casual conversation. Kenjie, on the other hand, was trying his best to stay casual, but I could tell he was still nervous about whatever plan he had to spend time alone with Yumi.

I couldn’t help but glance at Aya. She was smiling softly, her gaze far off, probably thinking

about how she convinced me to come here in the first place. With everyone else none the

wiser, we headed towards the sandy shores, and I couldn’t shake the growing sense of unease about how I’d manage to pull off Kenjie’s favor. But for now, I focused on the sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, and the looming clouds of uncertainty that followed me wherever I went.

The walk to the beach was short, just ten minutes, but as we neared the coast, the salty breeze hit me with a fresh, cooling embrace. I could already hear the distant rush of waves and the occasional cry of seagulls, and I could feel Aya's excitement as she strolled beside me, her energy almost infectious.

Yumi led the way with Eri beside her, chatting about plans for the day. I found myself glancing at Eri from time to time, still trying to wrap my head around her status. Yumi had casually mentioned we’d stop by Eri's beach house, but I hadn't expected much—until I saw it.

When we reached the beach house, it was more than just a house. It was a cozy, well- maintained resort-like home, nestled just a short distance from the beach. It wasn't too grand, but it had an air of understated luxury. The kind of place you’d only see in vacation magazines. I raised my eyebrows when we entered, glancing at Kenjie who was equally impressed.

The interior was immaculate. It was decorated with modern yet comfortable furniture, the colors of white and light blue mimicking the serene vibe of the beach outside. Large windows allowed natural light to pour in, and the view from the balcony? Breathtaking. The sea stretched out like a vast blue canvas, and for a moment, I just stood there, mesmerized by it. Even Aya seemed captivated, her usual playfulness replaced with a quiet awe.

"You live here?" I blurted out, turning toward Eri.

She chuckled softly. "My family owns it. We don’t come here often, so it's mostly empty.

Figured we could make use of it today." Kenjie whistled under his breath. "Lucky you."

We unpacked, taking only what we needed for the day. I grabbed my towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The others did the same, each of us moving with an eager anticipation. Aya didn't need to pack, of course. She leaned over my shoulder, looking at the towel I chose.

"You know," she said, her voice teasing, "you should’ve picked the striped one. It’s more fun." I chuckled, folding the towel. "It’s just a towel, Aya."

"Yeah, but the little things count," she grinned.

As Kenjie and I sat on the plush sofa in the living room, we waited for the girls to finish changing. I could hear the occasional giggle from the direction of the bedrooms, and every now and then, Aya would pop back into the room, her face brimming with excitement, only to disappear back through the walls to where Yumi and Eri were getting ready. What on earth was she up to? I wondered but didn’t dwell on it too much. Aya always had her little quirks.

Kenjie cracked open a soda can, leaning back against the cushions and taking a long sip. I raised my eyebrow at him. "So, when exactly am I supposed to help you two get some time alone?

And how do you plan on pulling this off?"

Kenjie gave me a confident grin. "Simple. After we swim for a bit, I'll ask you to go buy some cold sweets, like ice cream or something. That should give us a window of time."

I nodded, trying to picture it. "Yeah, I guess that could work. Not too bad for a plan."

Before I could say anything else, I heard a loud "Tada!" coming from Yumi. She stood in the doorway, striking a playful pose. Kenjie and I both turned our heads toward her, and I could tell by his expression that he was completely mesmerized.

Yumi was wearing a two-piece yellow swimsuit, not overly flashy but bold in its own way. The bright color suited her perfectly, enhancing her cheerful and lively personality. I couldn’t help but think that yellow must be her favorite color—it was a consistent theme with her. Her smile was infectious, and I had to admit, she looked great.

But what really caught me off guard was Eri, who stepped out just behind Yumi. She was wearing a swimsuit with delicate ruffles along the edges. It wasn’t as bold as Yumi’s but rather gave off an air of quiet elegance. It suited her perfectly, complementing her more reserved demeanor. I could see why Yumi and Eri clicked so well—there was a balance between them, a sort of harmony.

And then Aya.

I hadn’t expected to see her in anything different, but there she was, standing just behind the girls, wearing a two-piece swimsuit of her own. Her appearance was... breathtaking. I felt my pulse quicken for just a moment, seeing her in something so different from the usual casual outfits she’d shown me before. She wore a simple yet stylish swimsuit, but it wasn’t the swimsuit itself that made my heart skip a beat. It was how perfectly it fit her—how effortlessly it matched her aura. Aya, with her playful personality and graceful presence, looked stunning.

For a second, I just stared, completely caught off guard. It wasn’t that I hadn’t noticed her beauty before, but something about this moment hit different. My thoughts raced a little, and I quickly tried to compose myself.

"Well, what do you think?" Yumi asked, doing a little twirl as she laughed, clearly proud of her look.

Kenjie swallowed, looking like he was struggling to find words. "Uh... you look... I mean, both of you look... fantastic." His voice cracked just slightly, making me suppress a chuckle.

"Yeah, you guys look great," I added, trying to sound casual, though my mind was still half- focused on Aya. Of course, no one could see her but me.

Aya floated beside me, pretending to strike poses as if she were on a runway. "You like what you see?" she teased with a mischievous smile, knowing full well I was stunned.

I cleared my throat and muttered under my breath, "You know you look amazing, Aya."

She giggled softly. "Aww, thanks! But too bad I’m not visible to everyone else. They’re missing out." She winked, and I felt a pang of something, though I couldn’t quite place what it was.

We headed out after that, everyone in high spirits as we made our way toward the beach. The sun was warm but not oppressive, and the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore grew louder as we got closer. The salty breeze hit our faces, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of ease wash over me.

As we approached the beach, I noticed Aya glancing around with childlike wonder. She couldn’t

interact with the world the same way we could, but she still seemed to revel in the moment. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, even as she floated just a little bit off the ground, her toes occasionally grazing the sand.

"Let’s make this a fun day," she said, her voice full of hope. "I mean, who knows what might

happen?"

I gave her a small smile. "Yeah, let’s make it a good one."

Aya flashed a grin at me before floating toward the water, making playful splashes with her hand, though she didn’t move the water. She twirled in place, her joy infectious as she spun around in the sunlight.

Meanwhile, Kenjie and I walked behind Yumi and Eri, who were chatting animatedly, Yumi occasionally glancing back with a grin. Kenjie was clearly trying to keep his cool, but I could tell he was thinking about how to make his move later. All I could do was mentally prepare myself for the awkward task of distracting Eri when the time came.

We reached the shoreline, and without hesitation, Yumi and Eri ran ahead, laughing as they kicked up sand and dashed toward the water. Kenjie and I stood back for a moment, watching them.

"Now or never, huh?" I muttered, glancing over at Kenjie. He smiled nervously. "Yeah... wish me luck."

I gave him a nod before following them into the cool, clear water, the waves washing over my legs as I stepped in.

After a while, I decided to get up and set up the umbrella. The sun was starting to climb higher in the sky, and its heat was beginning to make the sand under my feet uncomfortably warm.

Yumi, Eri, and Kenjie were still in the water, splashing around and enjoying themselves. The sound of their laughter echoed faintly over the rhythmic crashing of the waves. Aya, meanwhile, wandered closer to the shore, bending down occasionally to examine the sea shells scattered on the wet sand. She seemed content in her own little world.

I carefully unfolded the large beach umbrella, making sure it was firmly anchored into the sand before laying out the colorful towel-like cloth beneath it. As I sat down on the soft fabric, I surveyed the beach around us. There were a fair number of people — families with kids building sandcastles, couples strolling hand in hand, and groups of friends playing beach volleyball — but it wasn't overwhelmingly crowded. It was busy, yes, but in a way that still felt manageable, almost relaxing.

I reached over to the cooler beside me and grabbed a cold soda can. As the metal touched my skin, a wave of cool relief washed over me. I popped the top, the satisfying hiss of carbonation escaping as I took a sip. The cold drink was refreshing, cutting through the heat of the day. I leaned back, put on my sunglasses, and stretched out on the towel, letting my body sink into the warm, grainy sand. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, not a single cloud in sight. The sound of distant laughter and the crash of the ocean waves blended together into a soothing melody.

For a while, I just lay there, eyes closed, feeling the sun gently warming my skin. Despite the activity around me, this moment of stillness felt peaceful. The weight of everything — the noise, the people, the heat — seemed to drift away. It was rare for me to find this kind of quiet, especially in a crowded place like this, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the solitude.

After a while, I heard the shuffle of feet on the sand and the sound of Kenjie's voice. "Hey man, we could buy us some ice cream," he said, nudging me out of my relaxed daze. I cracked one eye open and saw him standing over me, looking expectant. Right. This was the signal. I knew what this was about.

"Oh yeah, sure," I said, sitting up and brushing sand off my legs. Then, trying to keep my tone casual, I added, "Uh… hey, Eri, wanna tag along? You know this place, so it’ll be a great help if you could guide me."

The words left my mouth with a hint of awkwardness, my pulse quickening slightly from the embarrassment of asking her. Socializing with people I barely knew was still nerve-wracking, especially under these circumstances.

Eri, who had been toweling off after her time in the water, glanced at me with a raised eyebrow, clearly surprised by the invitation. But she shrugged and said, "Sure, I know the place." Her tone was neutral, but at least she didn’t seem bothered by the suggestion.

Before I could breathe a sigh of relief, Yumi chimed in with an exaggerated pout. "Hey! Let us go too!" she protested, clearly not wanting to be left behind.

I quickly waved her off, trying not to make things more complicated. "Nah, you and Kenjie just stay here to watch our things," I said, hoping she’d drop it. I didn’t need her tagging along and ruining Kenjie's carefully planned moment.

Suddenly, to my surprise, Kenjie chimed in, "Can I go too?"

I stared at him in disbelief. Are you serious? I thought. You’re the one who wanted alone time

with Yumi, and now you're backing out?

"Nope," I replied quickly, trying to salvage the situation. "If we leave Yumi here by herself,

there’ll be guys coming for her all over the place. So, you stay here and guard her, man."

Kenjie hesitated for a second, then sighed in agreement. "Okay." Crisis averted. At least, for now.

We left Yumi and Kenjie behind, walking down the sandy path that led back to the town. It was just me, Eri, and Aya — though of course, only I knew Aya was with us. The silence hung in the air awkwardly, broken only by the soft sound of our footsteps on the path. I felt a little out of place, my mind drifting between wanting to get this errand done and the fact that Eri wasn’t exactly the most approachable person. Aya, now back in her favorite summer dress, was walking quietly beside me, as if lost in her own little world, but every so often I could feel her

gaze flicker my way, as if observing the entire situation like it was some kind of scene in a show.

I cleared my throat, desperate to break the silence. “Uh... how far’s the store?” I asked, keeping

my tone casual.

“Hmm, just around the corner,” Eri replied, glancing at me briefly before looking ahead again.

“Ah... okay,” I muttered, feeling the awkwardness linger even after the exchange. I kept my eyes straight ahead, but I could see Aya, out of the corner of my eye, strolling by the sea, her steps slow and deliberate. The light breeze played with her dress, and her attention was entirely on the shimmering waves. She seemed so carefree in contrast to the tension I felt between Eri and me.

Then, out of nowhere, Eri broke the silence again with a surprising suggestion. “Wanna take a detour?” she asked, her tone light but direct.

I blinked in confusion, caught off guard by her sudden offer. A detour? Why? I hesitated,

fumbling for words. “Uh...”

Eri didn’t miss a beat, as if she could sense my confusion — or maybe my real thoughts. “I mean, you want Yumi and Kenjie to have some time alone together, right?” she said, her voice calm but with an almost knowing edge to it. Her words hit me like a lightning bolt. How did she know? My mind raced. Was she some kind of secret mind reader? Or had Kenjie been that obvious?

“Uh... ye-yeah... maybe?” I stammered, feeling my face heat up. Great, now I sounded like an

idiot.

Eri gave a small, almost smug smile. “Lying gets you nowhere, you know.” She glanced at me again, then nodded toward a small, quaint building up ahead. "Why don’t we stop by that café for a bit? Kill some time. Let them have their moment."

She wasn’t wrong. Kenjie needed all the help he could get right now, and honestly, the idea of buying a bit of time didn’t sound too bad. But I was still processing how easily Eri seemed to be reading the situation. Maybe she was just sharp. Or maybe Yumi had already told her everything.