Part4
Haruto stood blindfolded while Kizuna floated in front of him, arms crossed, determined to make sure he didn't cheat. He could only hear footsteps, muffled laughter, and whispered giggles.
—Kizuna, you may remove the blindfold now —Melodía announced, her voice dripping with mischief.
—At your command, Kizu! —the little one responded enthusiastically, whipping off the blindfold with dramatic flair.
Haruto blinked at the sudden light… and what he saw left him speechless.
A makeshift wooden stage rose from the sand, decorated with a red curtain swaying gently in the breeze. It looked like the set of a summer festival.
In the center of the stage stood Melodía, poised in her long dress, striking the pose of a professional host.
—Gentlemen, welcome to the Paradise Runway. —she proclaimed theatrically. —The first outfits were chosen by me, thanks to my flawless fashion sense. But this time… each of us picked the outfit we liked best.
She gestured toward the stage with elegance, as if unveiling a masterpiece.
—So feel honored to witness this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
—A beach event. Fantastic. This day just keeps getting better —Kai said eagerly, leaning forward.
Melodía cleared her throat, delighted by the attention.
—Our first contestant is fiery in every sense of the word! Strong, determined, and with hands of flame! A round of applause for our favorite artisan: Thalindra!
The dwarf stepped forward with confident strides, wearing a one-piece red swimsuit with subtle ruffles.
—You're going to pay for this, and you know it —she muttered through clenched teeth, glaring at Melodía. Her face—and even her ears—were completely red.
—A big hand for her! —Melodía clapped enthusiastically, barely hiding her amusement.
—Next up is a true surf soul, a gem born of the sea. Let's welcome the one and only... Naia!
Naia appeared with natural grace, wearing a blue bikini adorned with wave motifs. Tiny sea-themed ornaments in her hair completed the look, and her smile was as radiant as the sun.
—How do I look, darling? —she asked, winking playfully at Kai.
—Stunning, as always! —Kai exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.
Laughter and applause filled the air, contagious and full of joy.
—And now... the youngest of the group! Mysterious, elegant, and surprisingly adorable… the little British lady: Simmone!
Simmone stepped out at her usual calm pace, wearing a yellow duck-themed one-piece. Frilly sleeves and a tiny skirt gave it a charming touch, while a white parasol shielded her skin. Hanging from her arm was a duck-shaped purse.
—Ta-da. Behold the crown jewel —she announced flatly, as if reciting a recipe.
Haruto let out a nervous chuckle. But the one truly left speechless was Nero.
—She looks… amazing —he said, eyes sparkling, clearly in awe.
Kizuna, floating beside him, wasted no time poking at the moment.
—Oh! Looks like we've got a new admirer, Kizu~!
The group burst out laughing, while Simmone, unfazed, simply adjusted her parasol with the same composed seriousness as always.
—Let's continue with our next contestant —Melodía declared, resuming her theatrical tone. —She moves with the grace of leaves in the wind. Her presence is warm and soft, like a spring breeze. Please welcome our leader... Yuna!
The elf emerged from behind the curtain, wearing a light blue pareo that revealed her slender legs. Her matching bikini complemented her figure with effortless elegance. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, giving her a fresh, youthful look—like the ocean itself had sculpted her image.
Haruto's breath caught in his throat.
It wasn't just her beauty—it was the harmony she radiated, as if everything about her flowed with nature.
—This pareo is gorgeous! —Yuna said with a bright smile, giving a gentle twirl.
As she reached the group, she gracefully took over the hosting role.
—And last but certainly not least… —Melodía announced with playful solemnity. —Our fashion expert, whose very presence radiates light wherever she goes… the dazzling star herself, Melodía!
The light elf appeared with a grace that instantly drew every gaze.
She wore a beach dress white as sea foam, tied at the waist with an emerald green ribbon fluttering in the breeze.
Her golden hair fell like a veil of sunlight, shimmering under the sun, and her silver accessories with blue gems completed the look with elegance.
For a moment, she looked like a goddess walking across the sand.
—What do you think? —she asked, spreading her arms with a confident smile.
—Stunning —Haruto said without thinking.
Melodía blushed slightly, quickly recovering her regal demeanor.
—Of course. I chose this outfit myself, after all —she said, placing a hand over her chest.
Laughter and applause filled the air, celebrating the fashion show with the kind of camaraderie that had been growing naturally between them.
And then… as if the universe couldn't leave them in peace, a giant crab emerged from the sea, dramatically waving its claws.
—Foolish beings! Tremble before the almighty Kirgan! —it bellowed in a deep voice.
Haruto stared at it with a flat, annoyed expression. Then he glanced over at Olivia and Kizuna, still sculpting the sand, entirely unbothered by the situation.
—Probably a weakling... —he muttered with a sigh.
The crab recoiled, deeply offended.
—How dare you?! I am the pinnacle of evolution!
Haruto sighed again, summoning his red gun with a casual flick.
—Nobody interrupts my beach day. This is my filler episode.
Before the crab could finish its dramatic speech...
—Hunter Shoot!
One shot. Kirgan vanished into a cloud of golden dust.
Haruto spun the gun with an exaggerated flourish and let it vanish into thin air.
—I said… this is my filler episode.
The group stared at him in silence for a moment—
Until Melodía broke it.
—You really need to work on your sense of drama.
—I think Haruto-kyun takes filler episodes way too seriously, Kizu —added Kizuna, still focused on her sandcastle.
Laughter bloomed once again, effortlessly.
As night fell, a bonfire glowed in the center of their makeshift camp.
The full moon rose over the sea, casting silver reflections on the water's surface.
—What a day —Melodía said, sitting beside Haruto with a relaxed sigh.
—I don't think I've ever had this much fun —Thalindra added, surprisingly sincere.
—We should do this again next year —Yuna suggested, watching the flames.
—What if we make it a festival? —Naia proposed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
—I love that idea. Next year we could invite the locals too. What do you all think? —Kai said, clearly enthused.
Haruto smiled, relieved that his crazy ideas had been so well received.
—I'm glad you all enjoyed it. So… if we can, let's do this again —he said, warmth in his voice as he looked around at everyone.
But before anyone could answer, Haruto stood up and pulled out a couple of packages from his magic bag.
—Though, I've got one last surprise —he announced with a mischievous grin.
—What is it? —Simmone asked, eyeing the items with curiosity.
—Fireworks. You'll see —Haruto replied, walking to a nearby spot to set them up carefully.
A short while later, he returned, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
—Everyone, look over there!
At that moment, the night sky exploded with color.
Fireworks painted the heavens with bursts of gold, blue, and red.
Each explosion lit up the beach and shimmered on the water's surface, as if the stars themselves had come down for just a moment.
Laughter and gasps of awe quickly filled the air. Even some nearby townsfolk, drawn by the colorful display, gathered at a distance to watch.
Haruto remained near the bonfire, watching his friends enjoy the moment. The shadows danced across their faces, lit by the sky above… and for the first time in years, he no longer felt alone.
That old loneliness that had always clung to him seemed to melt away—dispelled by every laugh, every glance, and the warmth of this moment shared.
—I wish this day could last forever —Melodía whispered.
Haruto was sitting by the edge of the sea, gazing at the moon reflected on the waves. Melodía silently approached and sat beside him. Behind them, the group continued roasting fish and swapping stories under the glow of the fire.
—It's a beautiful view, don't you think? —Melodía asked softly, breaking the silence.
—It is. I've never really stopped to look at the moon like this. I guess this view... only exists here.
Melodía stayed quiet for a few seconds, as if carefully choosing her words.
—I wanted to apologize... for what happened in Stonehollow.
Haruto shook his head and turned slightly toward her.
—You don't have to. Actually, I should be the one apologizing. I never took the time to understand how you felt. I just kept going with the flow… without thinking.
He paused for a moment, then looked up at the sky.
—I realized I was acting just like the kind of people I hate. And you were right—it's not how you treat a lady.
Melodía looked at him, surprised by his honesty.
—Don't beat yourself up. I know I'm not the best at getting along with others. Maybe I know a lot of things... but I never meant to make anyone feel lesser.
Haruto gave a faint smile, something calm and new behind his eyes.
—Yuna helped me see things more clearly. And... I want to keep traveling with you all —she said.
—I hope so. I might not be on your level, but I'm part of the team. And if you're ever in trouble… I'll be there.
Haruto looked at her, his words carrying a warmth she hadn't expected.
—So if I were in trouble, you'd come rescue me? —Melodía asked, a hint of melancholy on her face.
—Of course. I'm sure all of you would do the same for me.
Without another word, Haruto extended his pinky toward her, wearing a quiet smile.
—It's a promise.
Melodía stared at him, surprised. But without hesitation, she linked her finger with his.
—It's a promise —she echoed, her voice calm but filled with quiet resolve.
They shared a soft laugh.
A small moment—
But one full of meaning.
—The skewers are ready —came Simmone's flat voice, cutting in just as only she could.
—Let's go —Haruto said, standing up. He offered his hand to Melodía, but she gently shook her head.
—Go ahead. I want to stay a little longer.
Haruto respected her choice and walked away without insisting.
Left alone for a moment, Melodía let the sea breeze brush across her face.
The waves kissed the shore in a slow, hypnotic rhythm, and for the first time in a long while,
she didn't feel the need to say anything—
to pretend anything—
just be.
The moon's reflection danced across the water, as if sharing a secret only with her.
And in that moment, in silence...
Melodía simply existed.