The morning air is cool, a promise of the warmth to come. I wake early, the sun barely brushing the horizon. The sky stretches in soft lavender, fading into peach and gold as the world begins to stir.
I stretch and yawn, the scent of tatami and ocean salt wrapping around me like a memory I didn't realize I missed. It's a strange comfort—unexpected, but welcome. I slip on my shoes quietly, careful not to wake Grandma or Mum, both still asleep upstairs.
Today feels different. Lighter. Maybe it's because I survived the first day of the inn reopening. Or maybe it's the way the sun feels just a little warmer, the breeze a little softer.
I step outside. The world is hushed, save for the steady rhythm of waves crashing on the shore.
The sound grounds me.
Then—footsteps. Light, familiar.
"Ayu-chan!"
I turn, and there he is—Kaito, looking like he just rolled out of bed. His hair is a mess, he's wearing a loose T-shirt and board shorts, and his feet are bare against the cool stone path.
I can't help but smile.
"What's up?" he asks, grinning. "You going for a walk?"
I nod, tugging at my sleeves. "Yeah… Haven't seen the ocean in a while."
He stretches, rubbing his eyes like he's still half-asleep. "You're lucky. Three months from now, you'll be so used to it, you'll get sick of it."
"I don't think so," I say with a soft smile.
"Sure, sure." He waves a hand, then suddenly grabs my wrist, his grip warm and familiar. "Let's head to the cliffs again."
Before I can reply, he's already tugging me along, breaking into a light jog.
The path is quiet—just our footsteps, the seabirds calling above, and the distant sigh of waves.
Kaito bumps my shoulder playfully. "So, what's on the agenda today? More work at the inn?"
"Yeah, I guess," I say, though the thought doesn't feel as overwhelming anymore. It's starting to feel like something I can actually do. "We've got more guests coming in. I think Grandma's planning a tea ceremony this afternoon."
"A tea ceremony?" Kaito raises a brow. "Are you sure you're up for that? It's super precise, all about steps and movements and spirit and—"
"I'm fine," I say quickly, glancing at him. "I've been learning."
"Learning, huh?" He grins. "I'll have to stop by and judge your 'perfect tea ceremony' myself."
I roll my eyes, though there's a warmth blooming in my chest. "We'll see if I can even pull it off first."
We continue walking. The cliffs come into view—sharp edges and crashing waves, familiar and yet different now. It doesn't feel like a lonely place anymore.
We reach the edge, where the rocks meet the sea, and I take a deep breath. The salt in the air fills my lungs, cool and sharp, calming something inside me.
"You know," Kaito says, his voice quieter now, "I've always loved this spot. It's like everything just… stops here. The world's so loud, but this? It's just the sea, the sky, and us."
I glance at him, surprised by how serious he sounds. He's not smiling—his face is calm, thoughtful.
"Yeah," I murmur. "It feels peaceful here."
He leans on the railing beside me, watching the waves. The silence isn't awkward—it settles between us like an old friend.
After a moment, he nudges me lightly. "Just don't fall in, okay? I'd hate to have to rescue you."
I laugh, shaking my head. "You wouldn't be able to. You'd probably trip and fall in first."
He snorts. "That's… probably true."
We both turn our attention back to the sea, the rising sun casting a golden glow across the water. The world feels brighter somehow. Less heavy.
Maybe because, for once, it doesn't feel so lonely.
After a beat, Kaito bumps me again. "So, you want to grab breakfast before the madness begins?"
I nod. "Sounds good."
"I'll race you back to the inn," he says, that mischievous spark returning to his eyes.
"Not a chance," I say, stepping back in warning.
"Oh, we'll see about that." And then he's off, sprinting down the path.
I laugh and chase after him, the sound of our footsteps echoing on the stone, his laughter ringing in the air as the morning light grows warmer on our backs.