The sun blazed over the southern coast of Kirina.
Waves crashed gently against the golden sand, and the salty breeze carried with it a warm, comforting air.
Kaen was already running barefoot along the shoreline, laughing like a child, splashing water toward Tobias, who walked calmly behind him.
— Come on, move a little! Kaen shouted, grinning. You look pathetic with that serious face of yours.
— … Serious? Tobias arched an eyebrow. Need I remind you that you're the one bouncing around like you've never seen the ocean before?
— Exactly! I'm enjoying it! You never enjoy anything!
Kaen leapt into the water, sending a wave straight at Tobias. But Tobias dodged effortlessly, his hands still tucked into his pockets.
As they played, two feminine silhouettes approached from farther down the beach. Their light summer dresses fluttered in the sea breeze.
— Look, Astou, said the first, a tall brunette with striking light eyes. The one walking over there… he's really cute.
— Huh?! I saw him first! protested the other, a redhead with a mischievous smile.
— No way! You take the other one, the one smiling like an idiot while splashing around.
— Fine… Astou admitted with a laugh. But admit it—they don't look like the other boys around here.
The two girls walked up, a little nervous but determined. When they reached them, the brunette spoke up with confidence:
— Hi. We've never seen you around before. I'm Sasha, and this is my friend Astou. We're from Harfield.
Kaen, caught off guard, froze for a moment before breaking into a wide grin.
— Nice to meet you! I'm Kaen… and this is Tobias.
— … Yo, Tobias replied coolly, his hands still in his pockets.
Sasha and Astou exchanged amused glances.
The contrast between Kaen's enthusiasm and Tobias's quiet charisma brought a knowing smile to their faces.
— You're not from here, are you? Astou asked. We would've noticed you before.
— We're from Kirina, Kaen explained. We just came to enjoy the sun and the sea.
— And you? Tobias added, his dark gaze briefly resting on them.
Sasha hesitated, then straightened proudly:
— We're Senshi from Harfield. Noble families. But right now… we're just two girls on vacation.
Kaen whistled, clearly impressed.
— Senshi, huh? That's amazing!
Tobias simply gave a small nod, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
Astou, meanwhile, couldn't take her eyes off Tobias. He's too charismatic… and that gaze… she thought, her cheeks warming.
The four of them continued walking along the beach, talking and laughing as waves lapped at their feet.
Time seemed to slow—suspended between laughter, splashes, and lighthearted confessions.
For a brief moment, Kaen and Tobias could forget the weight of their powers, the organizations hunting them, and the destiny pressing heavily on their shoulders.
But that respite would not last long.