There are no other people around so the only thing that really can be heard while we walk is the world at peace. In those moments as the sun beamed down and the seagulls squawked, I feel like I should be thinking about something. Something... I just don’t know what. The more I think the harder it gets for me to know why I’m even trying in the first place. We continue and the waves crashing onto the shoreline can be heard. A light gust of wind is pushed giving a slight chill. The sand under my feet was warm, but not enough for me to jump in pain. A pure white and fluffy experience. It’s a feeling I wish I knew more often.

The ocean was a similar feeling. The distinct smell of it gave me a sense of relief I didn’t know I wanted until that very moment. The ocean gleamed reflecting the sun giving some spots a white glint and making it almost mesmerizing. The waves coming over one another seemingly trying to outdo the last, some successful, others not so much. It was something that I didn’t want to forget. It feels like I shouldn’t forget such a wonderful feeling, but...

I don’t remember the last time I came here.

I know I’ve been, but it’s been all too long since I first became infatuated with my manga at this point to remember my social outings with anyone. Most of the time I only really talked to people at school. It’s not like I couldn’t make friends nor that I didn’t want any. It just happened that I was always kind of by myself for a while. I never really did anything nor did I know how to do anything. It’s almost as if I was just alive. That was until them, The Whites, that’s when I felt as if my life truly began. I never had done so much stuff and felt so accepted. Of course, that all crumbled when Karaka broke up with me, but I’m more appreciative of the time I had with them rather than trying to dwell on my pains of the past. As my mind goes over what led to this point, I slowly begin to hear a familiar voice.

“YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!”

Eva no matter where we are, cheerfully waves to me. Alongside her were Yume, Karaka, and... Uh Sara? As we close the gap, Milk Boy’s “Keen Eye” Activates.

“Ah so Eva is wearing a two-piece with a long skirt. Frills, and an overall dark purple color scheme. Though it doesn’t match her hair or eyes, it still works pretty well.

Karawase is going with a simpler, but effective frills pattern also in a two piece. The top having more than the bottom. A light blue, similar to her hair color and most likely trying to appeal to someone rather than actual style.

As for Yume, she has the most basic out of all the two-piece, just a red top and black bottom. With her golden hair it’s a definite color clash to a degree, but it works. Even if it is a bit of a show off. Either way it’s a nice way to round them all out.

The coveted beach episode brings so many wonders and joys along with it does it not?”

“Please stop doing that...”

“Only when my eyes stop working will I not use them to look at this great world!”

“Yea... Yea...”

We finally head over to them and greet. Of course, with Eva being on the offensive towards Aron... And to some capacity all three of us.

“Aw... All you brought was a pair of swim trunks?! Look how much effort I put into my clothes!”

Aron doesn’t seem to want it as his entire body is turned the other way facing Eva. He’s also bright red.

“Yes, but logistically we don’t have much else to wear if we plan on going into the water making it much harder for us to choose out proper clothes for such an occasion...”

He begins to barrage Eva with his fearful logistics. Next Karaka comes up to me with a smirk on her face.

“Do you like what you see?”

Clearly trying to push herself onto me. Though I have no interest in it.

“It’s fine.”

I don’t have much to say on it. She’s clearly trying to go for something I would love in the past. That isn’t the case much now.

“Ah... Cold reception as usual.”

Disparaged she seemingly gives up faster than normal. Yume gives her feedback on my cold shoulder.

“Don’t treat a lady so rude!”

Karaka hides behind Yume nodding, and agreeing.

“She did it to me first.”

“Ha.... You really must not know how we work.”

I thought I used to, but I think I’ve been proven wrong.

“No matter. I have something to show you!”

“Hm? Now that you mention it... Where did Sara go?”

“Eh?”

“She was right behind you until Karaka hid.”

“Now that you mention it...”

Yume has some type of fire in her eye. I’m unsure how, but she dashes off and brings back Sara in hand.

“Pleaaaaase I’m begging you Yume this is too much for me!”

“Come on Sara it’s all part of the plan!”

Compared to everyone else, No. Just on her own. It was a one piece with frills at the bottom. It’s a nice shade of bright orange popping out from the rest. I can’t help, but stare...

“What are you looking at?!”

“Ah! Sorry it’s just...”

I look away from her. Sara lightens her tone.

“I don’t mind it that much.”

Yume has a crude smile on her face. She puts sunglasses on.

“It’s all going to plan. Now let’s have fun!”

She's right. We're here so why not make advantage of it! I run to the water and jump in head first. The water crashes into my face leaving me with the taste of heavy salt. Along with a sudden jolt. The water was cold... I rush to get up out to the surface. It's...too cold! I rush back to the sand seeing as it's warm enough to help me. I hop out of the water onto the sand. Ah...

Much-

Too hot!

The skin on my body begins to feel like it's cooking. I rush back into the water... starting the process over and over again. I look to escape this loop of insanity. I see Aron reading under an umbrella. I dash over the increasingly hot sand and dive onto his towel. He moves his book out of the way.

"Ah... much better."

"Was that really necessary?"

"Yes. It was in God's will."

Aron fixes his glasses and gets back to reading.

"Whatever you say..."

I get up and look at everyone. They're all having such fun. Just a few ago I would've thought this as impossible, but here I am. Aron inquires,

"Why do you look so content?"

"Is there a reason not to be...?"

He asks like he's never experienced such an emotion before.

"I wouldn't say that, but it's usually provoked by something isn't it?"

"You sound like you don't understand emotions at all..."

"You're one to talk."

It seems like Aron didn't like that comment.

"Anyways.... What is it?"

Huh I wonder why he's so curious.

"It's our friends! Aren't they having fun?"

"I suppose so, but that doesn't affect you?"

Huh...? What's Aron talking about all of a sudden?

"Well of course it does!"

"How?"

"Just seeing these group of people... I never thought I would be noticed, but here I am. Just being around them reminds me how lucky I can be!"

"Lucky huh...?"

Aron puts himself into a fetal position. He really must be lost in thought. I can only speculate what's eating away at him.

"Is something bothering you?"

"I don't know..."

Well that wasn't much help. Maybe if I try and take his mind off of it?

"Instead of looking at the others, let's go hang out with them!"

He gives me that stare again as if I just said something stupid. Ah- He must have saw me jumping between the extremes. I really don't want to, but maybe it's for the best if I just...

"Yuyu! What are you doing over there?! You should be staring at me!"

Karaka strikes a pose trying to divert my attention towards her.

"Huh? Like I want to do that!"

Out from the sand in front of me immerses Milk Boy.

"What the-?!"

"Staying strong and diligent as ever master! Now if you would excuse me, I must get all of this sand out of my mouth."

He opens his mouth wider and a water fall of sand comes pouring out non-stop.

"Ok... I think I'm just going to look the other way-"

Behind me is Sara and Yume. Yume having a devilish smirk akin to something that Eva would bear.

"I'm sorry Yuta... Yume told me to do it."

"Wait hang on what are you doing?!"

They grab my arms and legs and carry me back to the sea.

"Aron! Save meeeeee!"

Aron puts his book up. Oh god. I'm going to die of hypothermia. I'm tossed back in and forced to suffer the cold.

“Hang on tight master, I’ll save you!”

Milk boy tries to get out the sand as the waterfall continues to fall from his mouth.

“Never-mind! I’m fine!”

Out of fear of drowning in sand, I decide it’s better to try and live through the Arctic. Though, it doesn’t take long before I get used to the water and we play around.

After a bit, Eva decided to show off one of her new inventions. A full-size portable volleyball net.

We’re split into teams and we begin playing a ball Yume just happen to have on hand. It was pretty tame until he made a comment...

Karaka serves the ball.

“Try and hit this one!”

“I won’t let that happen you demon!”

Milk Boy gears up and prepares to hit the ball. He aims for the ball. And it hits him right in the face. I could barely hold in my laughter. For someone who has such well-defined abs, he’s much worse than you could imagine. As for everyone else... They went silent. An aura could be felt. One that I never thought I would feel again. It was just like the time at the amusement park.

“Huh? You think I’m a demon? Hehehe...”

Karaka has a wide smile it’s highly unnatural. Milk Boy begins to shiver.

“Such aura... It only proves my point more!”

“This? It’s just a fraction of my power. If you want to see a demon...”

Her head begins to tilt.

?!

It becomes strong. So much so that it’s almost overwhelming. It feels like the clouds are becoming darker and the sea more violent. I want to get away, but it’s so alluring, yet so dangerous.

“Come at me.”

Her hair beings to flow in all directions, whatever she has released, there’s no coming back from it.

“Hmph. With all that Master has taught me, this should be a walk in the park.”

I have never taught him anything.

“Hand me some sand.”

“Alrighty!”

Eva comes up to him and slaps some sand in his hand. It consumes his entire hand?! Not just that, he becomes fully made of sand! His abs become even more pristine! How can this be possible?!

“Karawase. I must defeat you in the name of the holy land! [Also known as Yu’s personal space.]”

What’s with those brackets?! Hey you can’t just say that in brackets!

“Test my power if you dare. You won’t get far.”

She begins to float and grabs the ball with one of the strands of her many hairs. She lifts it and then launches the ball towards Milk Boy... I should say Milk Man. With the power of a thousand suns and a rpm around 780. All heading straight for him.

He turns. What is he doing?! It’s aiming for the back of his head! He’s surely going to hit again.

Right before it hits him, he calmly puts his arm up and grabs it! It continues to spin so fast that the palm of his sand hand begins to turn into glass! Yet... he doesn’t get scared not even a single flinch. The ball finally slows down in his hand. He turns back around.

“What did I tell you? This should be a walk in the park.”

So cool... Is what I would say if I were impressed hahahah! Heh...

“Fine. You are worthy of showing me your powers. I will show you what the holy land truly is truly capable of! [Also known as YuYu’s love and affection]

What is up with you two and using brackets?!

“Let’s see what you’re made of demon!”

He tosses the ball up into the air and strikes. A gust of air flows past everyone. It flies so fast that it creates a sandstorm. Just as soon as it came, it left. The ball is heard to be caught. The sand falls to the ground. It was caught by Karaka’s hair! What a twist of events!

Without a moment’s notice they begin once again launching the ball at one another. At this point it’s more like an anime fight to the death. And by the looks of it... Neither of them has any intention of stopping soon. So the rest of us are left on the sidelines.

I guess it’s fine if I just sit down and watch the show...

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Jeez! What did I do to deserve this...? I was trying to follow Yume’s instructions, but I just couldn’t go through with most of them... Am I wrong for that? Maybe I’m not just cut out for this.

I feel someone tap on my shoulder.

“Don’t tell me you’re moping again?”

I sink my head into my knees.

“Why wouldn’t I? I just messed it up as usual...”

Yume gets annoyed at how I’m handling my faliure.

“And that’s it?! You’re just going to give up...? After all you’ve done!”

“It’s not like it ever worked out... I make a fool of myself and end up apologizing.”

She hits me on the head.

“Ow! What was that for?!”

“That’s for being so willing to give up!”

Then she hugs me.

“And this is because I believe in you. Don’t give up.”

She’s right... Even if he didn’t notice me then... I’ll make him notice me!

I hug Yume back.

“Thank you.”

I get up and begin my march over to Yuta! I’m not going to let this day be a full waste! I get closer and closer. I lose my balance for a moment, tripping over one of my slippers. I regain it before I fall.

“Yuta.”

“Hm?”

He turns around and I feel a spike of energy go through me.

“Would you... Like...”

No! I’m too close to stop now! I can’t give in. I force the words out of my system.

“Would you like to come on a walk with me?!”

Ah!!!!!! He’s stunned... Did I come off too strong?! Or maybe I wasn’t strong enough... It’s so hard to tell when he’s not answering!

“Ah- Sure.”

Huh?

He gets up and dusts his butt off.

Huh? Huh?

“So, where do you want to walk to?”

Huh? Huh? Huh??????

“Well... Uh...”

I didn’t think he would actually say yes! What am I supposed to do now?! I quickly try and glance over at Yume. She’s not helping. She’s giving me a thumbs up while mouthing “You got this!”

“Let’s just walk until the sun goes down and then head back!”

“Alright sounds like a plan!”

I’m shaking for my life as I say each word. Unlike Yuta who seems to be more relaxed than usual. Uuuuuuu! How annoying! We get up an leave everyone behind. As we walk by the sea the sounds of my sister and Sojiro fighting become more distant. Now we can properly listen to the sea. It puts my mind at ease as I try to gather my thoughts and plan out my actions once again.

...

We just walk.

And walk.

And walk...

What’s going on?! Why aren’t either of us saying anything? It can’t be that hard to say something right? ...Right? It’s not like it’s not relaxing or anything! It’s just... I came here to make him fall for me! What do I do... I close my eyes and try to push something out of my mouth.

*Inhales*

“A-”

I try and talk, but my vocal cords won’t move like they’re supposed to! What am I going to do?!

“A? Don’t tell me you’re learning another language again!”

Yet Yuta can talk so naturally, I’m jealous.

“A...A....”

It is really that hard to talk! I feel like even if I did try to calm down it just wouldn’t work... There’s got to be something I can do.

“Sara.”

“Fweh?!”

“Ah! I didn’t mean to startle you it’s just... You look like you’ve been having so much fun all day! It’s really nice to see you laid back.”

“Ah- Wkaaka”

I stop myself. Am I trying too hard again...? What if I just, talk?

“Hehehe... I just haven’t been out to the beach in a while. So I guess I just was trying to make the best of it!”

“I can’t even believe that Eva can drive. I felt like I was going to die!”

“Heh. It’s surprising, but she’s an amazing driver and I would trust her with my life despite how crazy she drives.”

“No way! How could you even think that?!”

“After everything else she does to me ‘In the name of science’ her driving seems less insane.”

“I guess you’re right about that...”

We laugh together. I’m actually doing it! I’m talking to him!

“It’s barely even been the first day and I’m already tired...”

“Dealing with all the chaos has gotten to me especially since I left all my manga in the Villa...”

“Yea!”

This is actually pretty fun!

“What really is a surprise for me is how much energy Karaka has!”

“Huh...?”

Wait...

“No really! For some reason today she’s really energetic! Probably because Milk Boy is getting on her nerves... Still, I’ve never seen her have such vigor!”

“...”

What am I supposed to reply to that? I can’t even begin to think why that worries me. She’s, my sister! I can’t see any reason why I could get angry at her. Well...

“She’s usually complaining about something or wanting to go sit down and eat sweets. Which I never really had an issue with, but still is a far cry from today!”

Nope, Nope, Nope. She may be my sister, but just hearing her name come out of Yuta’s mouth pisses me off.

“Ah, almost every time we went to go eat somewhere she would pick-”

“Jeez!”

I stop in front of him and turn around. I can’t take this.

“Would you stop talking about my sister?! You’re not with her anymore. You’re with me right now!”

What the hell did I just say?! I couldn’t have just said that, could I? There’s no way... judging by Yuta’s reaction though, I just said that. He’s stunned.

“I mean she’s not here with us! So, it’s just kind of odd for you to be talking about her out of nowhere... And you’re on a walk with me so you know...!”

He still stands there staring at me. Moments later, he snaps back.

“Oh! Sorry, I didn’t even notice! Thank you for pointing it out haha...”

I just made it really awkward, didn’t I? He’s really quiet now. But... It would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit proud of myself.

“We should walk back now, shouldn’t we?”

“You’re right...”

And so, we did exactly that. Just like when we walked here it was silent. The waves crash by the sea side. Helping at least somewhat clear the dead air. It wasn’t enough to fix the air around us. Though, just having a walk is still nice. We reach back to everyone else.

“Sara, Yu!”

Eva enthusiastically waves to us. She’s always greeting everyone. I look over and see my sister and Sojiro lying on ground next to one another.

“Sojiro, you are a worthy opponent. I’m glad I could finally meet someone that can combat my own powers.”

“Ah, likewise I’ve never felt so alive, thank you.”

They try and shake hands only to pass out right then and there. Eva comes rushing up to us.

“You guys missed it! It was so cool! Sojiro was all like ‘Heaven’s got no place for you’ and like BAM.”

A rumbling of the clouds could be heard in the distance. Eva pays no mind to it and continues.

“And then Karawase was all like ‘There’s no heaven without me!’ and then went foooowsh!”

Yu takes notice as the sun goes down.

“Yea... I’m sure we missed a lot! But we should probably help these two inside because it might rain soon.”

A strong gust of wind swiftly blows through.

“That’s odd... But I suppose you’re correct! Let’s help these two and get back in!”

Eva, Yume, and I all help carry my sister back inside.

“Wait huh?! What about me? Milk boy is super heavy! I can’t do this all aloneeeeeee!!!”

I’m sure he can. It doesn’t take very long for the three of us to put Karawase in her room. I go back to my own and drop into it. I didn’t think today would be this tiring... I could fall asleep at any second! Just knowing the fact...

There’s a knock at my door, and Yume came in.

“How did it go?”

I wouldn’t say it went particularly well, but...

“It went fine.”

I stuff my face into the bed trying to hide my embarrassment.

“So it went great?!”

“Huh? I never said that!”

“Your body language shows more than what you say.”

“Stop looking at me like that! Jeez.”

Is my body language that strong? Not like it really matters. I’m just glad Yuta and I finally got to talk. And I also...

I grab the pillow and shove into my face. Yelling into it.

“What am I thinking about?!”

“You tell me!”

I really am a mess.