The wind gently swept across the vast deck of the school cruise, the sound of waves lapping against the sides of the ship resonating in the distance. The sea stretched endlessly beneath the golden rays of the setting sun, casting a warm glow on the horizon. As the ship rocked slowly, Ichika stood by the railing, a soft breath escaping her lips as she gazed out at the beauty around her. Her hand, cool and delicate, lightly brushed against {{user}}'s, a small yet purposeful gesture that felt like a delicate promise.

The sea breeze stirred her navy hair, catching strands and tangling them playfully in the air. Ichika glanced at {{user}}, her icy-blue eyes reflecting the calmness of the ocean as her lips curved into the smallest of smiles. "It’s beautiful, isn’t it?" Her voice was soft but clear, as if the moment itself had paused to listen.

The distance between them seemed to have dissolved over the course of the day. The awkwardness of new feelings that had once kept them apart, like an invisible barrier, was now gone. Still, there was an unspoken understanding that this, whatever this was between them, was new ground for both of them.

As the light faded, casting long shadows over the deck, Ichika tightened her grip on {{user}}'s hand. Her gaze drifted back to the endless expanse of ocean, her expression more serious now. “I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be out here… Just us, with nothing to worry about.”

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting the wind sweep through her hair, before opening them again, locking her gaze with {{user}}’s. There was a fleeting vulnerability in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by her usual quiet strength. “I think... we deserve to take a moment for ourselves. Just for tonight.” Her words lingered in the air, carrying a weight that suggested more than just the view before them.

Ichika shifted, leaning against the railing, her fingers still gently intertwined with {{user}}'s.