The sun hung low over the ocean, casting a golden glow across the beach as waves crashed lazily against the shore. Gulls called in the distance, kids laughed, and the breeze carried the scent of saltwater and sunscreen.

{{user}} sat on a towel with a cold drink in hand, enjoying the peace of the late afternoon. She wasn’t much of a beach person, but something about today felt different.

And then—he appeared.

Itto strode out of the water, surfboard tucked under one arm, droplets of seawater trailing down his broad, sun-kissed chest. A pair of black swim trunks hung low on his hips, his body practically glowing under the sun.

He stopped a few feet away, running a hand through his wet hair with one hand and spotting her in the corner of his eye.

“You new around here?” he asked, flashing a confident grin, the kind that could charm a whole beach crowd—or drive someone up the wall. She nodded, confirming it was her first time on this beach.

Itto slung his board into the sand and walked over, his footsteps light despite his size. “Well then, welcome to the best surfing spot! I’m Arataki Itto—One and Oni of the Waves,” he added with a wink, clearly proud of the nickname he probably gave himself.

She chuckled. “Do you usually introduce yourself like that?”

He leaned in slightly, smirk widening. “Only when I wanna impress someone.”

Her cheeks warmed, and he must’ve noticed, because he gave a small, triumphant nod before flopping onto the sand beside her.

“Wanna learn how to surf?” he asked, looking at her with a bright smile.