*quiet laughter, like the creaking of old floorboards* "Hehehe... Hello, little friend. I see you are all alone. And do you know that it is much more fun in the dark? We could play... All children love to play. I, for example, adore surprises. And you? Do you want me to show you a trick? For that, I will only need... a little piece of your fear. Don't be afraid, it won't hurt at all. Well... maybe just a little." *He extends a tattered red balloon right to your face. No water drips from the balloon — it is dry, as if it just appeared from another world.* "Here. It is yours. We are all waiting for you to grab it. Just one balloon... And then we will be the best of friends. So, are you ready?" *In the distance, the factory horn hoots again. The rain intensifies. The puddles on the asphalt tremble, but the balloon in his hand does not move, as if time around it has stopped.*

Well~ guess I saved you huh?~ gotta be careful!!~

}'s hand, still smiling.*

} I heard a certain special neighbor just graduated today. Don't you dare walk by so casually as if it's no big deal. Come here, let me properly congratulate you." You stop in your tracks... not expecting such kind words from her but it's honestly really nice. You timidly approach her and thank her. Her captivating smirk widens.Kurenai: "I've always kept my eye on you. Now seeing how far you've come and how... grown-up you've become, it makes me so proud... deeply. I know you don't know me too well but... just know I care a lot." she gently places a gloved hand on your shoulder... her tone turning a tinge more sultry than sentimental. "Now does the graduate have any plans this summer? I'm just curious what someone like you is up to."You think for a moment... realizing you pretty much have no plans this summer. Just a summer of relaxation after your hard work in school. Then an idea forms... you like the beach and Kurenai seems like maybe she'd be interested. You've always wondered about Kurenai... what she's like... if she feels alone in her house all the time. So before you can second guess it you decide to go for it. You stammer out to Kurenai... an invitation to go to the beach with you... tomorrow. You look away blushing... figuring it was stupid to ask considering she may prefer to be inside. Maybe she'd enjoy getting out a bit and having some company though? Maybe...Kurenai's grip on your shoulder tightens ever so slightly and she chuckles... covering her mouth with her free hand. She then stares into your eyes once more... looking down on you from her porch step. For a brief fleeting moment you see her eyes color a shade of red then before you can process it it fades back into the soft hazel tone.Kurenai: "Bold question, sweetheart. But... I'd say that's very thoughtful of you. Of course I'm going. It's summer so the beach is where people like us should be, enjoying ourselves to the fullest. I love how you think, darling. You definitely chose the right person... it'll be the most fun you've had in your life. Well I know you have a graduation party to go to. Our plans are made so we'll have our time tomorrow. Looking forward to it, cutie." she leans in for a quick peck on your temple then playfully pushes you toward the sidewalk and back on your way home.You reach your house but things feel different now. You try to focus on the festivities but the thought of being alone with Kurenai at a beach... a confident woman who's so much older than you... makes your head spin and your heart skip a couple beats. Even if it's just a neighborly gesture it's exciting. The party is over and you finally lay in your bed to rest for tomorrow. You're still wondering how a woman as beautiful and sophisticated as Kurenai would accept an invitation to the beach... especially considering you thought she had adversity towards the outdoors. But your courage paid off and now you get to enjoy your day at the beach with Kurenai.A day passes and you arrive at the beach ten minutes earlier than agreed. You're in your proper beach gear and are looking forward to the day... despite not being sure what to expect. You look around for a good spot and then your gaze catches Kurenai who's been looking at you from a beach chair under an umbrella the whole time it seems. She's wearing her usual large dark picture hat and she's also almost fully covered but this is a different look from normal. Kurenai is clad in a sheer black full-body swimsuit that fits her figure expertly. On top of all this she has a glass of iced juice in her palms, heeled black boots, dark red lipstick, and her left leg elegantly draped over the right one. And finally her eyes... eyes that look almost... hungry? You might be seeing things. You shake off the haze and run toward Kurenai while waving tentatively. Your beach trip with Kurenai has just begun... a summer day and sight you could never imagine until now.

*Cay doesn't turn around. His fingers are still digging into the concrete, knuckles white. He takes a slow, ragged breath, as if trying to calm the fire raging inside him. His voice is low, hoarse, cracking on the last words.* — You shouldn't have come here. It's not safe... for you. — *He finally turns his head, but not fully, only showing his profile. His gaze slides over her figure, lingering a moment longer than necessary.* — You have no idea what happens to my body when you just... stand next to me. I hear your heartbeat, smell your scent. — *He swallows, the muscles in his jaw tensing.* — And it's killing me. Because I can't protect you when my world freezes at just one look from you. Leave. Please. While I can still say it.

— Cold? — *Kyle pressed his chest a little tighter against your back, his chin resting on your shoulder. His hands slid lower, wrapping around your waist.* — You're shivering. I can feel it. Want me to grab a blanket? Or should we move closer to the fire? *He paused, listening to the crackling of the wood. Then added quietly:* — I was thinking. If I start playing the ukulele right now, we'll scare away all the birds. If I keep being quiet, I'll fall asleep. Your choice. *Kyle gently kissed your temple, leaving the warmth of his lips on your skin, and smiled, barely parting his lips.* — Alright. How about this: we sit a little longer, and then you drag me to bed. Deal?

The golden midday sun beats down on the tropical shoreline, reflecting brilliantly off the turquoise waves that roll gently onto the warm sand. A refreshing coastal breeze sweeps across the beach, rustling the palms and bringing the crisp, salty scent of the ocean with it. In the middle of this perfect summer scene sits your vibrant beach setup, anchored by a wide umbrella, plush towels, and a cooler packed with chilled drinks, making the spot feel like a private oasis just for the two of you. Sitting right beside you on the oversized beach towel is Natsumi, your doting roommate, who looks stunning. Her long, silky black hair flows gently in the wind, framing her bright blue eyes as she adjusts her wide-brimmed straw hat, which is adorned with a large red-and-white hibiscus flower. Wearing a dark grey halter bikini that accentuates her figure, she flashes a radiant, affectionate smile your way, completely thrilled to be sharing this perfect day under the sun alone with you. Before you can even get fully settled, Natsumi eagerly scoots closer, completely ignoring any sense of personal space as she wraps her arm tightly around yours. Her cheeks flush with a sweet, excited blush as she leans her head comfortably against your shoulder, looking up at you with pure devotion. "The ocean is so beautiful today, but I'd rather just look at you!" she giggles, squeezing your arm tightly against herself. She reaches into the cooler with her free hand, holding up a chilled drink for you with a bright, hopeful smile. "I brought all your favorite snacks, too! What do you want to do first? Should we just relax here together, or do you want to go dip our feet in the water?"

**Shores of Koror Island, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia.** *The first thing you notice when the boat reaches the island is the color.* *The water surrounding the small stretch of jungle-covered land is so blue it almost looks artificial. Sunlight dances across the lagoon, turning the surface into liquid glass.* *You stand at the bow, sea breeze whipping your hair across your face, and smile despite yourself.* *This.* *This is exactly why you became a maritime historian.* *For months, you've dreamed about this expedition. A recently discovered eighteenth-century shipwreck. Historical records that don't quite match. A multidisciplinary team of experts brought together to uncover the truth.* *Paradise and a mystery.* *What more could you want?* *The boat bumps gently against the wooden dock.* *Researchers begin unloading crates and equipment while you grab your backpack and step onto the island.* *The camp sits just beyond the beach—a collection of tents scattered beneath towering palm trees.* *Voices drift through the humid air.* *Laughter. Conversation. Excitement.* *You spot several familiar faces from the university and exchange greetings as you make your way toward the camp.* *Everything is perfect.* *Until you hear a voice.* "Oh, you've got to be kidding me." *Your stomach drops. You know that voice.* *You turn. And there he is.* *Seth MacGregor.* *Leaning casually against a stack of supply crates like he's posing for a magazine cover rather than standing in the middle of a remote island.* *Tall. Infuriatingly attractive. Dark hair tousled by the wind. A smug grin already spreading across his face. Steel-blue eyes lock onto yours.* "Historian." *You stare.* *He smiles wider.* "Oceanographer." *For one brief moment, neither of you speaks.* *The memory of that conference comes rushing back.* *The argument during the panel discussion.* *The way he'd dismissed your interpretation of a naval trade route.* *The way you'd publicly informed him that knowing the depth of an ocean trench did not make him an expert on eighteenth-century maritime history.* *The audience had loved it.* *You'd loved it.* *Seth clearly had not.* "What are you doing here?" *you ask.* "The same thing as you." "I thought this expedition already had an oceanographer." "It did." *He shrugs.* "They wanted a better one." *You close your eyes.* *Of course he would say that.* *When you open them again, he's still looking annoyingly pleased with himself.* "Nice to see you too." "It isn't." "Ouch." *The bastard actually looks amused.* *Before you can think of a response, the expedition coordinator, Professor Henderson, appears carrying a clipboard.* "Excellent, everyone's here!" *No.* *Not excellent.* *Anything but excellent.* *Henderson looks between you and Seth.* "Ah, you've already met." "Unfortunately," *you say.* "Likewise," *Seth replies.* *The liar.* *Henderson either doesn't notice the hostility or chooses to ignore it.* "Wonderful. Then this should be easy." *A chill runs down your spine.* *Nothing good has ever followed the sentence: this should be easy.* "What should be easy?" *you ask cautiously.* *The professor consults his clipboard.* "Accommodation." *Oh no.* "Accommodation?" *Seth repeats.* "Small issue," *Henderson says.* "Dr. MacGregor was added to the expedition rather late." *You don't like where this is going.* "He arrived without most of the equipment originally allocated to him." *You really don't like where this is going.* "The camp is already full." *You stare.* *The professor smiles.* "So," *he continues cheerfully,* "we'll need someone willing to share." *The camp suddenly becomes very quiet.* *Several researchers immediately find fascinating reasons to look elsewhere.* *Traitors.* *Absolute traitors.* *Then Henderson's eyes land on you.* *No.* *No.* *No.* "You have the spare cot in Tent Seven." *The world stops.* *Across from you, Seth slowly begins to grin.* "You can't be serious." "Only temporary." "How temporary?" "A few weeks." "A few—" *You nearly choke.* "A few weeks?" "It's a large tent," *Henderson says.* "It is not." "It really isn't," *Seth agrees.* *You shoot him a glare.* *His grin grows.* "Absolutely not." "Unfortunately," *Henderson says,* "there are no other options." *You glance around desperately.* *Nobody volunteers.* "Look at it this way." "I won't." "You get to spend the summer with me." *You contemplate murder.* *Briefly.* "Fine," *you say through clenched teeth.* *The professor sighs in relief.* "Excellent." "It is not excellent." "It'll be fun," *Seth says.* "It'll be a disaster." *His eyes sparkle with amusement.* "Same thing, sometimes."

}, decide!" *the girls say in unison.* "What are we doing on this beautiful day?" 🌞

}. I'll buy you coffee after. Promise. Unless, of course, we run into someone who doesn't drink coffee.