Chapter 45 – Shadow on the Island
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long golden rays that danced on the restless waves. Aoi struggled to keep his balance, wobbling on the surfboard as Mirko laughed beside him, her amusement filling the salty air. Each time he tried to ride a wave, he ended up tumbling off into the chilly water, splashing and sputtering, but he refused to give up.
Mirko's laughter was infectious, bright and lively. She teased him with a mischievous smile, her eyes sparkling under the fading sunlight.
— Looks like our genius here isn't good at everything — she said, stepping closer. — Let me show you how it's really done.
Without hesitation, she slipped behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist, steadying him with a firm yet gentle grip. The warmth of her body pressed against his back sent a surprising rush through Aoi's chest. His breath hitched slightly as he felt the rhythm of her heartbeat and the steady pressure of her hands, guiding him toward balance.
In that moment, a flood of thoughts rushed through Aoi's mind.
"This is why I don't want to say I've already learned… Losing this warmth, this closeness? No way. I'm going to savor every second I have."
On the shore, the soft crunch of sand underfoot was mingled with the distant crash of waves. Meia-Noite lounged comfortably in her beach chair, the sunlight glinting off her dark sunglasses. She watched the scene unfold with a sly, knowing smile curling her lips.
— Well... looks like our genius isn't only good at inventing things, huh, Ryuko? — she said, her tone playful as she crossed one leg over the other, adjusting her glasses with a delicate finger.
Ryuko, reclining beside her and sipping a cool drink, gave a relaxed chuckle.
— They're having fun, and that's all that really matters. No point in stressing over it.
A short distance away, Rei and Fuyumi were seated beneath a tall palm tree, the gentle rustle of leaves providing a soothing soundtrack. They too watched Aoi and Mirko, sharing the quiet moment as they drank fresh coconut water, the sweet liquid dripping down their chins.
— Mom, do you think they'll end up together? — Fuyumi asked softly, her eyes reflecting the sparkling ocean.
Rei smiled gently, her gaze warm and patient.
— We'll see… There's still plenty of time before Aoi can even think about dating her. Let's not rush it.
Back in the water, Aoi was starting to feel more confident. His laughter joined Mirko's, their voices blending into the breeze. But suddenly, his expression shifted. His eyes narrowed, scanning the horizon, a faint tension creeping into his posture.
"My haki just picked up... a strong energy signature coming from that side of the island. It's strange... It doesn't feel exactly human. I'll have to check it out when it gets dark."
Before he could dwell further on the unsettling feeling, Mirko playfully pushed him off the board, her laughter ringing out as he splashed into the water.
— What's with the serious face? It's time to have fun! — she exclaimed, eyes gleaming with joy.
Aoi took a deep breath, the cool water lapping against his skin. He looked up at her bright smile and decided not to let his worries ruin the moment.
— You're right — he said, grinning before pulling her in and knocking her into the water as well.
The sound of their laughter mingled with the crashing waves, creating a carefree symphony. But just beyond where the sun's light reached, the other side of the island lay cloaked in shadows and silence, a stark contrast to the joy near the shore.
Two men emerged from a small boat, their movements cautious and deliberate as they stepped onto the rocky beach. The first man struggled under the weight of a large, bulky object, his companion steadying him.
They set down a massive iron cage, its rusted bars hidden beneath a coarse, heavy cloth that fluttered slightly in the ocean breeze. The air around them seemed to thicken, the atmosphere growing heavier with each passing second.
— Now we just wait for nightfall... Then we open it, and get the hell out of here — the first man panted, wiping sweat from his brow despite the cool evening air.
The second man glanced nervously toward the darkening jungle.
— I don't want to be anywhere near this island when that thing comes out — he said quietly, his voice edged with fear.
— Relax. As soon as it's dark, we free it and disappear. No one has to get hurt. — The first man's tone was firm but carried an unmistakable hint of unease.
Tension rippled through the air like an invisible current. Something dangerous was waiting to be unleashed, and the island held its breath.
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