...
Just as a wave washed ashore, leaving behind wet patches on the sand.
"Hachimi~ Hachimi~ Hachimi~"
Tokai Teio carried a bag of drinks, humming a tune as she retraced her steps along the shoreline.
When she spotted Lucian and Special Week, she raised her hand, ready to greet them.
But seeing the two standing so close, seemingly taking a photo together, her raised hand froze mid-air, and her voice got lost in her throat.
"Don't write your full name, just use initials."
"Fine~ But make sure to draw the heart nicely."
...
A young couple squatting on the sand, using sticks to write in the mud, caught Tokai Teio's attention.
First, they wrote each other's names on the wet sand. Then, the girl drew a big heart, encircling both names.
Tokai Teio silently lowered her hand, staring blankly at the heart.
How much it resembled a cage—built from love, trapping two souls in affection.
"Teio~" Special Week's voice called out to her.
Tokai Teio snapped out of her daze, frowning as she shook off the strange thought that had crossed her mind.
When she refocused, Lucian and Special Week were already standing right in front of her.
"Teio, why were you just standing there earlier?" Special Week asked.
She couldn't have seen anything, right...?
Special Week felt guilty. When she had secretly held Lucian's hand earlier, her eyes had darted around like a patrolling guard, constantly watching for Tokai Teio's return.
Though she had said, "I don't want to let go of Trainer's hand," the moment Tokai Teio appeared, she immediately pulled away, pretending she and Lucian were just taking photos together.
"Nothing much, just watching someone draw in the sand." Tokai Teio pulled out drinks from her bag and handed them to the two. "Spe-chan, Trainer, what were you two doing earlier?"
"Taking pictures. I asked Trainer-san to take a few photos of me, and we took some together too."
"Eh~ Taking secret photos without waiting for me?"
"It's not too late now. Let's take one together?"
"How about I take one of you two first?" Lucian suggested.
Lucian guided them into different poses, capturing quite a few nice shots.
Tokai Teio found the experience rather enjoyable—after all, it gave her a legitimate reason to gaze at Lucian behind the camera.
"Trainer, come take a group photo with us~"
"Sure." Lucian casually flagged down a passerby, then stood between Tokai Teio and Special Week.
Click—
The moment the shutter sounded, both girls' eyes unconsciously flickered toward Lucian in the center.
...
As evening approached, the sea grew rougher.
The three walked along the beach when a man in a life jacket approached them.
"Want to try jet skiing? It's a rare chance to visit the beach—why not give it a shot?"
Lucian had ridden these almost daily during training camp.
Just as he was about to decline, Tokai Teio asked, "How much for one ride?"
"3,600 yen."
The steep price made Tokai Teio hesitate, but Lucian spoke up, "Let's give it a try."
"Trainer?"
"It's a rare opportunity, and I did say I'd treat you." Lucian figured since they were already here, they might as well enjoy themselves. The price was worth it if it made Tokai Teio happy.
Tokai Teio: "You're treating, but Spe-chan's paying?"
"Huh?" Special Week blinked in confusion.
"Ahem—boss, lead the way."
...
The jet ski was fairly large. Originally, the operator was supposed to ride with Tokai Teio, but she insisted on having Lucian join her instead.
"It's not safe to let customers ride alone," the operator expressed concern.
"It's fine. Trainer knows how to operate a jet ski, and he can swim too. Even if something happens, I'll bring him back safely." Tokai Teio puffed out her chest confidently.
Listening to her, it almost seemed like riding the jet ski wasn't a spur-of-the-moment idea.
"Is it not allowed? If not, forget it." Tokai Teio applied a bit more pressure.
"Alright..." Seeing that Tokai Teio was a racehorse girl, the operator hesitated but eventually agreed. "But young man, you really know how to handle this?"
Lucian nodded. "I do."
"Fine, then put on the life jacket and hop on."
Lucian complied, though he felt bad about leaving Special Week behind. "Spe-chan, why don't you go with Teio instead?"
"Trainer-san, I don't know how to ride this," Special Week admitted honestly. "It's fine. Today's trip is Teio's reward. I'll just wait here for a bit."
Though a little jealous inside, Special Week sensibly conceded.
If only this were a trip with just Trainer-san and me...
"Alright then." Seeing that it was getting late, Lucian stopped hesitating and guided Tokai Teio onto the jet ski. "I'll take Teio for a quick spin and be right back."
"Trainer, why does 'taking me for a spin' make me sound like a pet?"
"Haha, you're overthinking it."
...
"Woo—!" Tokai Teio undid her hair tie, letting her loose strands dance wildly in the sea breeze.
"Having that much fun?" Lucian smiled slightly at the sound behind him. "You'd think you've never seen the world before."
"Trainer doesn't get it! Watching and experiencing it firsthand are completely different!" Just as she finished speaking, Tokai Teio suddenly shuddered and instinctively grabbed Lucian's waist. "That was close!"
Lucian immediately slowed down. "Teio, if you don't mind, hold onto my waist. It's safer that way."
"Can I?" Tokai Teio stared at Lucian's broad back.
If only I could press myself against it completely. I'm so light—Trainer could easily carry me.
"Of course. Otherwise, I'll have to keep this speed the whole time to make sure you don't fall off."
"At this speed, it's no fun at all. We're not even making waves."
That was true—Tokai Teio's hair wasn't fluttering as wildly as before.
"So if you're fine with it, just hold onto me."
"Well, if Trainer insists, then I'll reluctantly oblige~"
"Hold tight—I'm speeding up!"
"Trainer, not too fast!"
...
In a corner Lucian couldn't see, Tokai Teio's lips curled into a sly smile.
Even before getting on the jet ski, she had known Lucian would agree to let her ride.
And just like now, she had known he'd let her hold onto his waist.
Trainer, I understand you so well...
If this is love, then being a little selfish isn't so bad, right?
Lucian remained focused on driving, but Tokai Teio's mind had long drifted away from the thrill of the ride.
At first, she only held onto his waist. Then, her grip turned into an embrace. Finally, with a faux gasp, she wrapped her arms fully around him.
Tokai Teio pressed her cheek against Lucian's back.
The wind howled, and the setting sun's glow was almost blinding—yet she closed her eyes, savoring this moment of tranquility.
A tranquility that nourished the storm brewing in her heart.
...