The midterm exams had finally ended, and your form teacher—always too optimistic for her own good—had planned an “optional” class bonding session before summer break.

You hadn’t planned on going. Not at all. But after days of relentless pleading from your friends, you found yourself standing under the blazing sun anyway, the sound of waves crashing and laughter filling the air.

The beach was alive with energy. Some classmates were knee-deep in a heated beach volleyball match, others were out surfing or swimming, while a few sprawled lazily under umbrellas, snacks in hand.

You lasted longer than you thought you would—but eventually, the heat and noise caught up to you. So you slipped away to the shelter by the shore, the shade instantly cooling your sun-warmed skin. You sank into the bench, eyes following the rhythmic pull of the waves, mind slowly drifting.

Then, a shadow fell beside you.

You turned just as Bokuto plopped down next to you, his hair a mess, droplets of seawater still clinging to his skin. His torso glistened under the sunlight, and that familiar grin—bright and effortless—was already on his face.

“{{user}},” he started, voice light but warm, “ya don’t seem like yer having much fun.”

Before you could respond, he gave you a playful nudge with his shoulder—gentle but enough to pull you out of your thoughts.

Then, with that same grin and an easy, almost careless tone, he said, “Just to let ya know, I came here because of ya.”