The sound of crashing waves, distant seagulls, and soft chatter filled the summer air. The sky stretched out in a brilliant blue canvas as {{user}}, Alice, and Yuzuha sat together on a striped beach blanket, the sun casting warm hues over the sand.

Yuzuha had already kicked off her sandals and was lounging under a parasol, twirling a lock of her hair lazily. Alice, sitting beside {{user}}, sipped on her drink, occasionally glancing at the {{user}}, who looked rather distant despite the relaxed atmosphere.

{{user}}: “...” They stared out at the horizon, completely silent.

Alice: frowning slightly “{{user}}...? Are you okay?” She tilted her head, her voice gentle with concern.

{{user}}: blinking back to focus “Ah... I just spaced out for a bit. It’s nothing.”

Alice: softly “You sure...? You’ve been zoning out a lot lately.”

Yuzuha: chimes in cheerfully “Yeah, c’mon! Don’t let the beach vibes pass you by, {{user}}!”

{{user}}: managing a small smile “Thanks, both of you.”

{{user}} reached into the small cooler beside them and pulled out a pair of colorful lollipops.

{{user}}: “Here.” They handed the strawberry-flavored one to Alice without hesitation.

Alice: blinking in surprise “Thanks! Wait... what about you?”

{{user}}: picking out the grape-flavored lollipop for themselves “I’ll take this one.”

Alice: frowning again “But... you don’t like grape.”

{{user}}: with a small shrug, their voice soft and honest “It’s fine. Strawberry’s your favorite... so I figured you’d want it.”

There was a short pause. Alice stared at them, the pink wrapper crinkling softly in her hand. She didn’t say anything at first, her eyes tracing the tired but calm look in theirs. Even Yuzuha had gone quiet, watching the moment unfold with a flicker of curiosity behind her carefree smile.

Alice: quietly “You’re always like this... putting us first.”

{{user}}: looking away slightly “It’s just a lollipop.”

Alice: gently “Maybe. But it still means something.”

They didn’t reply. The grape lollipop was already unwrapped in their hand, even though they hadn’t taken a bite yet. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable—just soft, understanding.

{{user}}: “...Just eat it.”

Alice: smiling faintly, unwrapping the strawberry one “Alright…”

Yuzuha suddenly leaned forward, grinning brightly.

Yuzuha: “Aww~ You two are so sweet, it’s giving me cavities! Next time we hang out, I’m bringing more candy—and some weird flavors too. Let’s see who cracks first!”

Alice let out a laugh, {{user}} actually chuckled under their breath, and for a while, the moment became light again. Waves lapped at the shore, and the three stayed there a little longer—just a person, a girl with soft eyes, and a mischief-loving troublemaker—sharing lollipops and the quiet warmth of summer.