Summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to the beach.
Or at least, that's what Mika declared with sparkling eyes and her usual unstoppable energy.
Yui wasn't so sure.
She stood awkwardly in front of the mirror, fiddling with the hem of her swimsuit cover-up, face flushed.
The light blue swimsuit underneath was simple and modest, but somehow, it felt too much with Mika involved.
What if Mika teases me? What if she... stares...?
The thought made Yui want to curl up in a ball.
---
Outside, Mika honked the scooter's little horn impatiently.
"Come on, kitten! You're wasting beach time!"
Yui squeaked and hurried out, clutching her beach bag like a lifeline.
As she reached the sidewalk, Mika's jaw practically dropped.
She was dressed casually too — board shorts and a loose tank top — but her eyes shone as she took in Yui's shy appearance.
"...You're unfair," Mika muttered under her breath, visibly struggling to keep her cool.
Yui blinked. "Huh?"
"Nothing!" Mika said hastily, ruffling Yui's hair before she could protest. "Let's go!"
---
The beach was already alive with summer energy.
Children shrieked as they ran in and out of the surf, vendors called out about cold drinks and ice creams, and bright umbrellas dotted the sand like candy-colored mushrooms.
Mika dragged Yui toward a spot near the shoreline, throwing down their towels.
"I claim this land in the name of us!" Mika declared dramatically, planting their umbrella like a flag.
Yui giggled, the tension in her chest easing a little.
Mika's antics always made her feel lighter.
---
Just as they settled in, a familiar voice called out:
"Yo, Mika! Yui!"
They turned to see Aoi and Riku approaching — two of Mika's classmates.
Aoi was a cheerful, athletic girl with a perpetual sunburn, and Riku was the laid-back guy who always had a lollipop in his mouth.
Yui shrank a little, suddenly aware of how exposed she felt in her swimsuit.
Mika, on the other hand, waved enthusiastically.
"Hey! Come join us!"
Yui shot her a betrayed look.
---
Before Yui could retreat, Aoi plopped down beside her, grinning.
"You're so cute, Yui-chan! That swimsuit totally suits you!"
Yui mumbled a shy "thank you," feeling her face catch fire.
Meanwhile, Riku flopped on the other side, stretching lazily.
Mika sat between them, casually draping an arm around Yui's shoulders like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Yui stiffened at the contact but didn't pull away.
Her heart thudded so loudly she was sure the others could hear.
---
The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, games, and chaos.
They built a lopsided sandcastle (mostly sabotaged by Riku), played beach volleyball (where Mika showed off way too much), and even dared each other into splashing into the cold ocean waves.
At one point, Aoi sneakily pushed Yui into the water, laughing as she flailed.
Mika immediately jumped in after her, scooping Yui up bridal-style without warning.
"W-wha—! Put me down!" Yui squealed, pounding lightly on Mika's chest.
"Nope," Mika said smugly, carrying her back to shore like a prize.
Everyone cheered and whistled, causing Yui to curl into herself in embarrassment.
Mika just laughed, utterly unfazed.
---
Later, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the group sat around a small portable grill, roasting marshmallows.
Yui hugged her knees to her chest, feeling warm and sleepy.
Mika, sitting close, kept sneaking glances at her when she thought Yui wasn't looking.
There was something about Yui tonight — hair damp and messy from the sea, cheeks flushed from the sun, eyes soft with contentment — that made Mika's chest ache strangely.
---
"You okay?" Mika asked, nudging her lightly.
Yui nodded, a shy smile tugging at her lips.
"I'm... really happy."
Mika swallowed hard.
Without thinking, she brushed a strand of hair from Yui's face, fingers lingering for a heartbeat too long.
Yui's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't move away.
In the fading light, it felt like the rest of the world melted away — just the two of them, breathing the same warm, salty air.
---
Aoi broke the moment, tossing a marshmallow at Mika.
"Oi! Quit flirting and help cook!"
Mika caught the marshmallow expertly and shot a lazy grin at Yui, who was already burying her face in her knees again to hide her blush.
---
By the time they packed up and left, the stars were beginning to prick the sky.
Yui rode on the back of Mika's scooter, arms wrapped timidly around Mika's waist.
She could feel Mika's warmth even through the fabric of her shirt.
As they sped down the empty road, Yui closed her eyes, smiling against Mika's back.
This summer was turning out very, very different than she had ever expected.
And maybe... just maybe... that wasn't a bad thing at all.