Chapter 26: Swimsuits, Ah, Swimsuits
Following the smooth conclusion of the MV shoot, the crew members began packing away the cinematography equipment. The massive camera rigs were loaded into protective cases, the reflector boards and lighting gear were returned to their designated places, and the once-bustling shoot location gradually settled back into tranquility. The ocean waves continued to lap gently against the shore, and the setting sun dipped below the horizon, painting the entire beach in a brilliant golden hue.
Staring out at the distant ocean view, Ichigo Saitou suddenly suggested, "Since the weather is so nice, why don't we relax by the sea for a bit before heading back?"
"Great idea!" Hikaru Hoshino was the first to chime in. "It's a rare treat to come out to the beach; it would be a shame to head back so quickly."
Ai nodded in agreement, the stars in her purple eyes sparkling. "That's very true. The scenery here is beautiful."
Aqua and Ruby exchanged a glance. Though they didn't speak, it was obvious from their expressions that they fully supported the idea.
Thus, everyone unanimously agreed to stay behind and enjoy this rare seaside getaway. They booked three rooms at a local hotel in town—one for the Saitou couple, one for Ai and the twins, and a private room for Hikaru.
The next morning, the group met up as planned to explore the town.
Early autumn in rural Japan carried a leisurely, slow-paced atmosphere. Traditional wooden houses stood in a neat, staggered arrangement along the sides of the stone-paved path, with wind chimes hanging beneath the eaves swaying gently in the breeze. Being the countryside, the area was sparsely populated; the streets were almost entirely empty, and the air carried the salty tang of seawater.
Walking ahead of the group, Hikaru felt as though he had been transported directly into a *galgame*. *Imagine this: I'm actually a young master from Tokyo whose family has fallen from grace, transferring to a remote countryside school where I encounter all kinds of beautiful girls, about to spend a wonderful summer...*
But in reality, summer was already over.
Even so, looking at Ai beside him, Hikaru felt incredibly relaxed. Today, she wore a white long-sleeved T-shirt and light blue jeans, her long hair drifting softly in the gentle breeze.
For him, this world was not a single bit inferior to a *galgame*.
Hikaru asked a passerby for directions to a shop that sold swimwear, and then led the group in that direction.
"Since we're already here, let's go swim in the ocean!" he said high-spiritedly. "Let's buy a few swimsuits; we'll end up using them in the future anyway."
Ichigo furrowed his brows. "Autumn has already started. Aren't you getting your wires crossed by buying swimsuits now?"
"A woman can never have too many clothes. What's the matter, Ichigo? Do you think I'm getting old and withered, to the point that you don't even want to buy me a swimsuit?" Miyako narrowed her eyes, a dangerous edge creeping into her tone.
Ichigo immediately threw his hands up in surrender. "No, no, no! Of course that's not what I meant! We'll buy them, we'll buy them! Buy as many as you want!"
As they walked, Hikaru continued, "We'll have plenty of chances to use them next year, right? Too many things happened this year, so we barely got a chance to unwind. For next year, how about we travel abroad?"
"Go abroad?" Ai tilted her head. "That feels like a very distant concept to me. I've never even considered it."
"It's actually very simple," Hikaru waved his hand dismissively. "In this day and age, even if there's a language barrier, you can communicate perfectly fine using a smartphone. Hmm, let's go to Hawaii and the Maldives next year, and Hainan Island in China would be pretty great too."
Hearing these exotic, foreign destinations, both Aqua and Ruby felt their interest piqued.
The group arrived at a swimwear shop.
This place wasn't just a basic swimsuit boutique; it was an all-in-one establishment that rented out all kinds of beach gear, commonly referred to as a "Beach House."
The shop was massive. The moment they stepped through the entrance, an array of beach paraphernalia greeted them—colorful swim rings hung upon the walls, folding tables and chairs were neatly stacked in the corner, and beach umbrellas bloomed like vibrant flowers. The store also featured lounge chairs, beach balls, kickboards, and much more, truly stocking everything one could possibly need. The swimwear section was cordoned off independently, with men's, women's, and children's apparel displayed on separate shelves.
"Does Ai need my help picking out a swimsuit?" Hikaru asked half-jokingly.
"Eh?!!" Ai's face instantly flushed crimson, and she frantically waved her hands. "I-I'll pick one out myself!"
The group agreed to make their selections individually and meet back at the entrance once they had changed. Hikaru casually grabbed a pair of loose, solid-black swim trunks and walked out. Arriving first, he sat down on a chair by the entrance and mindlessly scrolled through his phone.
Opening his inbox, several new work emails popped up, including one from the music coordinator for the television drama *Unnatural*. Just as Hikaru was about to click open the details, Aqua stepped out.
Aqua wore a pair of minimalist, deep blue swim trunks, exposing his flat little tummy. Though his body was only that of a four-year-old, his frame possessed a fine contour without a shred of baby fat, his skin fair and smooth.
"So tiny, how cute," Hikaru couldn't resist teasing him, a mischievous smirk breaking across his face. "You actually have such an adorable side to you."
Aqua's face darkened, but he had no way to shoot back—even he felt that the reflection in the mirror was entirely that of a cute little shota.
Next, Ruby stepped out. Young children truly changed clothing quickly, wrapping it up in just a few minutes.
Ruby had originally wanted to be a bit daring and go straight for a bikini, but upon reaching the children's section, she realized such things didn't exist at all, forcing her to settle for a pink, one-piece swimsuit adorned with ruffles. The ruffles formed cute accents around her shoulders and waist, making the entire swimsuit look both lively and elegant.
Ruby stood off to the side with her arms crossed. Remaining silent, she exuded an aura completely different from her usual self. When she wasn't speaking, she felt remarkably cool and aloof, sparkling like a brilliant ruby, carrying a sense of mystery that transcended her actual age.
"This is my first time wearing a swimsuit," Ruby murmured softly.
Whether it was her past life or her present one, this was her absolute first time.
As Sarina, she had been born with an incredibly frail constitution, and by the time she reached the age of four, she was diagnosed with a severe illness and admitted to the hospital, leaving her unable to experience swimming.
Come to think of it, she was currently four years old in this life as well. Yet, she was perfectly capable of running and jumping.
Ruby offered her heartfelt gratitude to the gods for granting her this reincarnation. Yet, she couldn't help but crave more.
*If only the Doctor could have a new life too...*
Noticing Ruby's slightly melancholic expression, Aqua roasted her without a single shred of mercy, "Ruby really is just a child after all, her moods fluctuate constantly. Have you finally come to terms with the fact that you possess zero charm?"
"Idiot brother!" Ruby instantly blew her top, planting her hands on her hips as she glared at Aqua. "I'm only four years old! I will definitely inherit Mama's beauty in the future!"
As they bickered, Ai stepped out rather bashfully. She wore a pale purple bikini; the top featured a minimalist triangle design, paired with side-tie bikini bottoms that beautifully traced her gorgeous physical curves. A vast expanse of her snowy skin was exposed to the open air, radiating a pearl-like luster under the sunlight that instantly locked Hikaru's gaze in place. She wore simple flip-flops on her feet, her nervous toes curling slightly inward, appearing exceptionally endearing.
Hikaru stared a bit blankly, and by the time he snapped out of his daze, a full half-minute had already ticked by. He hurriedly said, "It suits you very well, Ai."
Ai replied in a soft murmur, "Thank you."
Finally, Ichigo Saitou stepped out alongside Miyako. Miyako held onto Ichigo's arm, wearing a figure-flattering black bikini that showcased her well-maintained silhouette, brimming with the charm of a mature woman. Ichigo donned sunglasses, his yellow-green hair gleaming brilliantly under the sun, looking every bit the part of a true winner in life.
"You're completely starstruck, aren't you, kid?" Ichigo said triumphantly. "Well, it can't be helped. Our Ai is just that charming."
Miyako smiled and nodded in agreement. "As a woman, although I hate to admit that I fall short, facts are facts. Ai's beauty is on a level that makes it completely impossible to even feel jealous."
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