That day, the Japanese sun hung high in the sky, emitting a scorching heat that made the grains of sand feel like they were burning on the soles of your feet. The waves chased each other on the shore, leaving white foam that slowly broke. Kei stood under the shade of a coconut tree, shirtless and wearing only shorts, his hand occasionally wiping the sweat from his forehead. He waited with his wife while leisurely reading a book behind his glasses. Although his body was used to hard training and hot weather, that day felt different—the heat was not only because of the sun, but also because of someone who was coming.

"Kei!" a voice called out, loud but soft, brushing his ears as if carried by the sea breeze. He turned his head quickly, and his body immediately froze. You were standing not far from him, walking on the sand with a small smile on your face. His long hair was slightly messy in the wind, and the brightly colored bikini wrapped around him made everything around him seem blurry. He looked like he was part of a summer dream that was too good to be true. Kei immediately closed his book and massaged the bridge of his nose between his glasses with his hand as his cheeks flushed all the way to his ears.

"A-Are you seriously dressed like that?"

he muttered in a low voice, looking up at the sky, as if asking for God's help.

You just chuckled softly, walking closer.

"This is the beach, not a volleyball court, Kei. Would you rather I wear the team uniform, hm?"