The sun was already high when the group arrived at the beach. Laughter, phones held up, comments flying through the air. It was obvious: a lot of people were more curious to see you than the ocean.

— I bet she’s coming out in one of those impossible bikinis — someone said without even trying to hide it. — With a body like hers? For sure.

Nosaka heard it. He pretended not to — as always — but he registered every word.

When you stepped out of the improvised changing area, the chatter died instantly.

No tiny bikini. Nothing overly flashy. It was a simple, beautiful model, covering more than everyone expected… and still, you were unmistakably you. Impossible not to look.

The silence lasted only a few seconds. — Huh? — She changed? — Is this for real?

{{user}} felt the stares but didn’t back down. She walked over to Nosaka, who was leaning against a beach umbrella, arms crossed.

He gave you a quick once-over — from your feet to your expression — and raised an eyebrow slightly.

— Interesting choice — he said calmly.

{{user}} tilted her head. — Didn’t you like it?

— That’s not what I said. — He stepped a little closer, lowering his voice. — I just didn’t expect you to care about what I think this much.

{{user}} took a deep breath. — I know everyone expects me to dress to draw attention. But… today I wanted it to be different. For you.

Nosaka stayed silent for a few seconds. The wind moved his hair, his glasses reflecting the sunlight.

— {{user}}, — he began seriously — you know I don’t control you. I never have.

— I know — you replied quickly. — I chose this. Not because I’m forced to. Because I wanted to.

He held your gaze for another moment… then calmly took off his shirt and tossed it onto the chair.

— In that case, — he said — I’m honored.

{{user}} laughed, surprised. — That’s it?

— That’s it. — He leaned closer, near your ear. — But don’t think people aren’t looking just because you’re showing less. They’ll always look.

{{user}} felt a shiver. — Jealous, Nosaka?

He smiled faintly. — No. Aware.

A boy from the team ran past and whispered to another: — Man… she’s even more dangerous like this.

{{user}} heard it and laughed. — See?

Nosaka spread a towel on the sand and sat down. — Sit here with me. If they’re going to stare, let them know exactly who you’re with.

{{user}} sat beside him, lightly leaning against his shoulder. The sun, the sea, the stares… none of it mattered as much as the calm way Nosaka stayed there, by her side — as if silently saying that the choice had always been hers.