Part 2
White sand stretched as far as the eye could see, and the sound of the waves filled the air with a soothing melody.
Haruto, dressed in his new summer outfit inspired by his favorite manga hero, couldn't help feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
He wore a wide-brimmed straw hat, an open red shirt, and dark shorts that gave him a relaxed, breezy look.
When he reached the beach, his eyes went straight to the group. The girls were chatting near the shore with Kai and Naia, the couple from the bar.
Kai held a surfboard, showing it off to Melodía, who examined it with clear curiosity.
Haruto approached, feeling the laid-back energy that hung in the air.
—What's going on here? —he asked, adjusting his hat.
—I was showing them my surfboard. Ever seen one before? —Kai said, lifting it like it was a prized relic.
Haruto nodded.
—Sure, they're common where I'm from… though I never learned how to use one.
—Then now's the perfect time. We'll teach you, won't we? —Kai said with a wink, while Naia nodded with a warm smile.
Melodía turned toward him, amused.
—So, messy-haired boy... can you see yourself riding the waves, or are you already thinking of giving up?
Haruto chuckled softly.
—Was that a challenge? Because if it was... I accept.
Laughter erupted around them as the sea breeze brushed their faces.
Kai gave him a once-over.
—You're a little low on tan, my friend. But don't worry—this beach works miracles.
—Didn't realize local comedy was on the menu too —Haruto replied, his grin never fading.
—Oh, come on, don't be so sensitive —Naia added sweetly, her blue hair dancing in the wind.
A few meters away, Simmone was collecting seashells with her usual calm, accompanied by Thalindra, who was inspecting coral formations with a curious look.
Meanwhile, Yuna was setting up a shaded area beneath a few palm trees.
After a few more jokes, Haruto turned toward the couple.
—I've been meaning to ask. Why did you choose this place? I thought this was a dwarf city.
Kai crossed his arms, thoughtful.
—Good question. You're right—it is. But Port Jade isn't like other dwarven cities. There's room for everyone here.
Naia chimed in with her serene tone.
—And it's perfect for us. Peaceful, coastal, full of trade and kind people. It's our little paradise.
Kai nodded, pointing toward the horizon.
—And waking up to that view every morning... priceless.
Haruto remained silent for a moment, letting their words sink in.
Maybe this place wasn't just their refuge.
Maybe anyone trying to escape the chaos could find something special here.
—Haruto! Naia! Kai! Come over! —Yuna called from under the shade she'd set up, waving with a radiant smile.
Kai elbowed Haruto.
—Your girlfriend's calling, buddy. You better not keep her waiting.
Haruto turned as red as his shirt, stumbling over his words.
—N-No, no! It's not like that! We're not in that kind of relationship! —he said, waving his hands frantically—. She's my mentor and teacher, that's all.
Naia gave him a curious, playful look, tilting her head slightly.
—Oh, really? Well, if you ask me... it doesn't look that way —she said with a mischievous smile—. I'd even say you treat her differently from the others.
She paused, glancing toward Melodía and Thalindra, who were closer to the water.
—Or maybe it's the blonde elf... or the dwarf —Naia added thoughtfully, before a spark of mischief flickered in her eyes—. Don't tell me you prefer... the younger ones —she finished, shooting a playful glance at Simmone.
Haruto opened his mouth, but the words got stuck in his throat. His face turned an even deeper shade of red as he struggled to process the comment.
Kai burst out laughing and gave him a hearty pat on the back.
—Come on, man. No need for excuses with us. But remember—your heart doesn't always follow the rules you try to set.
Haruto let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair.
—Unbelievable how you guys manage to complicate even the most peaceful day... —he muttered—. I wish I were in my room reading some manga right now.
The thought made him smile faintly. Then, his mind drifted to Akihabara.
—I wonder how much new stuff I'm missing...
For a brief moment, the flashing lights and busy streets of the shops filled his mind, stirring a soft wave of nostalgia. But it faded as he looked ahead.
The scene was simple—but warm.
Everyone was smiling, chatting between bursts of laughter as the sea breeze tousled their hair.
Haruto couldn't help but feel lucky, even if Kai and Naia's teasing still echoed in his head.
With a resigned smile, he picked up the pace and rejoined the group.
—Just realized we're the only ones on this beach —he said, sitting beside Yuna with a sigh.
—Is that strange? —she asked, glancing toward Simmone and Thalindra, who were building sandcastles.
Haruto shrugged.
—It's just... you're all so beautiful, I'm surprised this place isn't packed with people.
Yuna nodded slowly, her gaze drifting to the horizon.
—I think you're right. Now I understand Kai and Naia more. This place... it feels like the forest to me.
There was a quiet pause. Then Yuna turned to him with a soft smile.
—I want to thank you, Haruto. Because of you, I got to see this beautiful place... to live an adventure.
Her words lingered in the air, and suddenly, a memory stirred deep within her.
Years ago...
—The sea? What's that? —a young Yuna had asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Her mother gently stroked her hair, smiling warmly.
—It's a wonderful place. Like our rivers... but vast. Wild. Filled with amazing creatures.
—Wow... it sounds incredible —Yuna said, wide-eyed.
—When I was an adventurer, I traveled across all of Eldoria. The world beyond Mythara's forest is amazing.
—I want to see it too when I grow up!
Her mother laughed gently, her eyes gleaming with affection.
—You can be whatever you want. You know what... next year, we'll go together to see the beaches beyond the mountains.
The little girl held up her pinky.
—It's a promise, mommy!
—It's a promise. But don't tell your father... I want it to be a surprise —her mother whispered with a wink.
Back in the present...
The sound of the waves pulled her back. Yuna smiled at the sea, as if she could see right through it.
—A promise fulfilled... —she whispered.
—Did you say something? —Haruto asked, leaning toward her slightly.
—Nothing important —Yuna replied, gently tucking the memory into the warmest corner of her heart.
—So tell me, what do people usually do at the beach in your world?
—I was waiting for you to ask that —Haruto said, placing a hand on his chin like he was about to reveal some ancient secret.
—Well, some people play with the sand, like Simmone's doing —Haruto said, pointing at the little girl who was completely focused on her sandcastle—. Come to think of it, it's the first time I've seen her doing something age-appropriate.
—But those of us who are a bit more... teenaged... —he added with a mysterious tone— we've got other kinds of activities.
—Like searching for seashells, like Melodía's doing? —Yuna asked, raising a curious eyebrow.
Haruto grinned and, with dramatic flair, adjusted a pair of imaginary glasses.
—The time has come... the moment every manga must include… the beach episode.
Yuna blinked, not fully grasping it.
—Huh?
—I can see you're not following —Haruto said gravely—. This is the classic filler chapter where... teenagers have fun at the beach. Hehe.
—You and your weird obsessions again —Yuna sighed.
—I admit it, I got a little carried away. But don't worry, I've prepared a few activities inspired by popular anime.
With a triumphant smile, Haruto pulled a wooden stick from his magic bag... along with a watermelon.
—First up: we're smashing this watermelon blindfolded!
—We're doing what now? —Yuna asked, eyeing the fruit suspiciously.
Haruto let out a little chuckle, like he'd been waiting his whole life for this.
—It's a classic. I promise it'll be fun.
As he looked for a good spot on the sand, Thalindra approached with a curious expression.
—I'll be direct… what exactly are you plotting?
—A game. Wanna join?
Melodía, watching from a distance with her arms crossed, came over.
—Another one of your strange customs, I assume?
—Just give it a minute.
Simmone raised her hand, calm but determined.
—I want to play. It looks interesting.
Haruto patted her head with a smile.
—Of course, little sis. I brought a watermelon for each of us.
He pulled out two smaller ones from his bag and placed them beside the big one.
—I even brought mini versions for Kizuna and Olivia.
—Haruto-Kyun! You're the best! No one's ever cared this much about me, Kizu~ —Kizuna cried, dramatically pretending to wipe away tears.
Melodía watched him with a half-smile.
—You really think this is going to work?
—That's the fun part! —Haruto replied, handing out blindfolds—. We won't know until we try!
He tied his blindfold and grabbed the stick with enthusiasm.
—Three spins, then swing. The others can give you hints... or mislead you. Miss and it's the next person's turn.
He stood tall like a hero.
—Now then... let the Watermelon Festival begin!
—Seems pretty straightforward —Yuna said, tilting her head as she eyed the watermelon.
—Watch and learn. I'll show you how it's done —Haruto said, confidently tying his blindfold and starting to spin.
After three full turns, he was wobbling, clearly dizzy.
—Any hints? Where's the watermelon?
—Two steps to your right —Yuna said seriously.
—Don't listen to her. It's three steps forward —Melodía chimed in.
Haruto chose to trust Yuna.
—Alright, must be here —he said, raising the stick and swinging hard.
Nothing.
When he took off the blindfold, he saw he'd completely missed.
Yuna smiled at him sweetly, while Melodía stuck her tongue out and tugged down her eyelid.
—Now it's my turn. I'll show you why I'm the best at everything —declared Melodía, gripping the stick with confidence.
She spun three times… and ended up facing the wrong way.
—Turn around and take five steps —Thalindra instructed in a neutral tone.
—No, no, just take two steps forward —Haruto added, clearly sarcastic.
Melodía chose to trust Thalindra. She raised the stick confidently… and swung.
The hit was so soft, it barely shifted the sand.
A heavy silence fell.
—What? It didn't break? But… I still won, right?
—Sorry to break it to you, but the goal was to crack it open —Haruto said, barely holding in his laughter.
Melodía crossed her arms, cheeks flushed.
—Humph! It's not my fault that watermelon was stubborn.
—Yeah, sure. Let me give it a try —Thalindra cut in, grabbing the stick with a level of determination that was almost dangerous.
—I have a bad feeling about this… —Haruto muttered.
Thalindra spun and followed Kizuna's voice.
—Two steps to the left —the tiny fairy chimed cheerfully.
—It's here. I can feel it —the dwarf affirmed.
The blow was devastating.
The watermelon exploded into a thousand pieces, pulp and seeds flying everywhere like a crime scene.
—Did I win?
—If the goal was total annihilation… yes. But if it was splitting it in half… well, yeah, still a win —Haruto said with arms crossed.
Thalindra's ears drooped as she huffed.
—Aw, come on. That was still amazing —Yuna encouraged, smiling as she got ready for her turn.
Yuna spun, staggered, took a step… and toppled sideways into the sand.
The group burst into laughter as Haruto helped her up.
—Way harder than it looks —Melodía chuckled.
Before they could reset the game, Simmone silently picked up the stick, blindfolded herself, and started spinning.
To everyone's surprise, she ended up perfectly lined up with the watermelon.
She calmly walked forward, stopped in front of it.
—I'm sorry, Lady Watermelon, but it's tea time —she said in her usual flat tone, and brought the stick down with surgical precision.
Nothing happened.
The group exchanged confused glances.
—I win. Yay me —Simmone declared, as neutral as ever.
—But… it's still whole —Melodía pointed out, raising a brow.
And then, in perfect slow motion, the watermelon split cleanly into two perfect halves.
—I didn't want to overdo it like Sister Thalindra —Simmone added matter-of-factly.
Everyone froze… and then cheered.
They lifted Simmone into the air, chanting her name between fits of laughter.
—Simmone! Simmone! Simmone!
—I am the best —she declared in her usual monotone, as one of her teeth sparkled with unshakable confidence.
Her face barely changed—but for a split second, did she… smile?
Finally, they all sat in a circle and began slicing the watermelon.
The sweetness of the fruit, the rhythm of the waves, and the laughter they shared sealed the moment as one of those simple, unforgettable memories.