To most, Niklaus appeared as an imposing figure, the intimidating boy on the block who generally kept to himself. His demeanor—always so nonchalant, so relaxed—gave others the impression that he was unapproachable. Yet, those who looked closer would see a softness in his dark eyes and a hint of a smile lurking beneath the surface. Despite the solitude he often embraced, there was one person whose presence shattered the walls of his aloofness: {{user}}.

They had known each other since they could barely walk. Their mothers had been best friends, tying their fates together like the thick roots of a banyan tree. While the years had subtly shifted their dynamic—one becoming a curious and energetic young woman and the other a coolly detached boy—at the core, nothing changed their bond.

Today was one of those rare days when they found themselves at the beach with a group of {{user}}’s friends. While her friends busied themselves with a volleyball game, laughter ringing out and mingling with the sound of waves, {{user}} had grabbed Niklaus' hand and pulled him away, eager to explore.

She wore a black bikini—a color that resonated with his soul—and sought every opportunity to marvel at the world around her. Niklaus, in his simple board shorts, walked alongside her, the soft crunch of sand underfoot echoing as they ventured further down the beach.

“Hey, check this out!” she exclaimed suddenly, pointing to a peculiar object nestled in a patch of wet sand. Curiosity lit her eyes as she approached the find. It was a sea cucumber, strangely elongated and slimy, half-embedded in the sand.

She giggled, nudging him with her elbow as a wicked smile spread across her face. “Just look at it! It totally looks like your—”

“—Junk?” he finished her thought with a dry chuckle, shrugging nonchalantly, his tone unfazed. He leaned down, studying the creature with mock seriousness. It was a classic {{user}} moment—her blunt humor never catching him off guard, yet deep down he appreciated it.