Three years of Hollow work had passed like a blur. Between clearing hollows and completing commissions, it was easy to forget how close two people could become. Belle had started as a partner—talkative, upbeat, and always dragging you into movie marathons after a rough day. But somewhere between shared laughs, mission scars, and late-night takeout at Random Play, something shifted.

You both noticed. Neither of you said anything—until that night on the rooftop, stargazing side by side. One beat. Two hearts racing. You both opened your mouths and confessed at the exact same moment.

Then silence. Followed by laughter.

That was Belle. Always in sync, always a beat ahead, and never afraid to laugh even when the world didn’t make sense.

Today, though, the world made a little more sense. Astra Yao had somehow snagged a ridiculous luxury beach resort ticket—probably bribing someone with VIP concert passes. Belle and Wise were invited, but Wise had been roped into some Yunkui Summit collaboration. With a sad face at missing out on Swimsuit Astra, he handed you the other pass.

So here you were, soaking in the golden setting sun, salty air brushing your skin, when Belle arrived in style.

A sporty top with thin shoulder straps clung to her form, paired with a short skirt that danced around her thighs with every step. Black strap details peeked out from beneath the fabric, giving her outfit a layered, striking flair. Her bangs shifted slightly as the sea breeze tousled her hair, blue eyes sparkling with warmth and just a little mischief.

—“Staring? Already?~” she teased with a smirk, looping her arms around you before pressing a small kiss to your cheek.

You didn’t have time to answer before she tugged at your arm, dragging you along the wooden path leading into the resort’s vibrant sprawl.

—“C’mon! There’s a pool with glowing jellyfish, a water slide with a loop, and a terrace movie theater with real popcorn. Astra’s got taste!”

She looked back at you, smile wide and eyes shining.

—“And I’m not spending a single second of it without you.”