The sun was slowly sinking, casting orange reflections across the ocean.
Kaen was laughing out loud after managing to knock Tobias into the water, splashing Sasha and Astou despite themselves.
— You're crazy! Sasha shouted, wiping her wet hair.
— Sorry! Kaen replied, laughing, not sorry at all.
Astou, however, kept her eyes on Tobias as he calmly stepped out of the water, his clothes clinging to his dark skin, his expression still impassive.
How can he be so cold and charismatic at the same time? she thought, flustered.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang out behind them:
— Heeeey!
Three figures approached quickly across the sand.
The twins, Samto and Panto, tall boys with provocative grins, flanked a third, more composed figure walking behind them with hands in his pockets: Harald.
— Sasha! Astou! What are you doing with these two guys? Samto demanded, visibly annoyed.
— Aren't you ashamed?! Panto added. We step away for two minutes and you're already hanging out with strangers!
— Pfff… Harald sighed. Always playing the watchdogs, those two…
Kaen frowned, confused.
— Hey, easy. We're just talking. No need to shout.
— Talking?! Samto shouted. We'll kick your butts, you'll see!
Before Kaen could reply, Samto and Panto charged at him and Tobias.
Sasha stepped in, arms wide:
— Stop! These are our friends!
— Friends?! Panto sneered. You just met them!
Kaen gripped his ethereal katana, a wide grin spreading across his face.
— You want to fight? Fine! I'll give you a proper beating!
— Tss, still so excited… murmured Tobias, drawing his spirit gun from his belt.
The battle erupted on the hot sand.
Samto attacked Kaen head-on, his fist enveloped in spiritual energy. Kaen blocked it with his ethereal blade, the impact sending a spray of sand around them.
— Not bad for a beginner! Samto jeered.
Panto charged Tobias. But the young man moved calmly, each motion precise and calculated.
A shot from his spirit gun sent sand flying between them, forcing Panto to retreat.
— He's too fast… Panto thought, frustrated.
Astou watched Tobias with admiration. That silence… that calm… he's even more impressive than I imagined.
The duel heated up, when suddenly Sasha and Astou stepped between the fighters.
— Stop! Sasha shouted. Enough, you idiots!
— We came here to relax, not to fight! Astou added, her cheeks flushed.
Samto and Panto stopped, still frustrated.
Kaen and Tobias lowered their weapons.
Harald, who had been observing the whole time, sighed as he approached.
— Seriously… you two are always fighting over nothing. But…
His gaze fell on Tobias, who silently put away his weapon.
— …That guy isn't like the others.
The contrast between impulsive Kaen and silent, charismatic Tobias.
Sasha and Astou assert themselves, protecting Kaen and Tobias.
Harald notices the unusual aura around Tobias, hinting at his mystery.