The next morning, Riku woke up with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Today was the day he would finally join the diving club for real. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, and the distant sounds of the sea gave him a strange feeling: this is where it all begins…
Downstairs, Haruto was already rehearsing absurd gestures in front of the hall mirror.
"Hey, Riku! Ready to take your first plunge into chaos?" Haruto called out, pretending to fall into an invisible puddle.
Riku sighed. "I just hope I don't break anything…"
Yuki suddenly appeared, camera in hand. "Oh no… I have a feeling I'm going to capture YOUR ridiculous moment today!"
Sena shook her head. "We'll never survive if you keep panicking at every step."
When Riku arrived, he saw Aoi adjusting everyone's gear. Her seriousness stood out sharply against the chaotic atmosphere around her. She looked up and smiled slightly when she saw him.
"You're finally here. Ready to learn how not to drown?"
Riku felt his face heat up. "Y-yeah… I mean… I hope I can manage."
Haruto, standing behind him, burst out laughing. "Already panicking! Perfect!"
The first task was simple: put on the diving suit correctly. Simple… except for Riku. He wore it backward and got tangled with his fins.
"It's… it's like becoming a ninja underwater, right?" he stammered, trying to hide his clumsiness.
Yuki laughed out loud. "Riku the Ninja! Seriously, you deserve a medal for originality!"
Aoi, slightly amused, held out her hand.
"Here, let me help. If you keep this up, you'll turn into a human octopus."
Riku took her hand, surprised by the contact. A strange warmth ran through his arm, and he felt his heart beat faster. Okay… breathe… it's just the beginning
As the group walked toward the water, Riku tripped again, slipping on the wet sand. This time, he fell flat on his stomach with a loud thud.
"Magnificent!" Haruto shouted, applauding.
"Seriously… you're a danger to yourself!" Sena groaned.
Yuki burst out laughing, snapping multiple photos for the "Clumsy Riku Archives."
Riku got up, his face bright red. He caught Aoi's gaze. She was smiling softly, but not mockingly this time. Just a gentle smile…
As they neared the water, Aoi leaned over to adjust Riku's mask. Their hands brushed briefly.
Riku felt a shiver run through him. He muttered almost to himself,
"This… is… weird…"
Aoi smiled softly.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it."
Riku nodded, unable to look away. The sound of the waves and his friends' laughter made the moment almost surreal.