After indulging in the beachside barbecue, I decided to take a well-deserved rest. The others had left, probably off enjoying themselves somewhere.
"Urg... I had way too much meat," I groaned, clutching my stomach.
Toyama-san and Hanazono-san keep pressing the barbecue on me, Toyama-san's face is also hard to resist...
Ahhh...
"Oh? Are you alright?"
I recognized the voice instantly. It was Yamabuki-san.
Turning slowly to face her, I replied, "Hello there..."
"Yeah, Hello."
"As you can see... I had too much on me."
Saaya chuckled and covered her mouth. "Sorry about them, especially Kasumi."
"I-It's okay, I actually had fun here... Thank you for taking me with you."
"Haha, No worries. Plus, you're helping us create a song for summer, right? We should be the ones thanking you."
"O-oh..."
"For starters... Let's get you some water?"
"E-Erm... No, I already drank enough."
Saaya tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Ahh, I know! How about we take a walk?"
"N-Not a bad idea."
I walked toward Yamabuki, and together we left the beach house, entering the scorching summer sun.
"Uwah~ It's so hot... As expected of summer, right?" She looked at me while fanning herself with her hand.
"You're right..."
A comfortable silence fell between us, the only sounds being the gentle waves, the rustling wind, the soft crunch of sand beneath our feet, and the distant laughter of people having fun.
"By the way, Nakasone-san."
"Yes, Yamabuki-san?"
"Why do you want to help us?"
I glanced at her before returning my gaze forward. "Why the sudden question?"
"I mean... Anyone would ask why, right?" She smirked. "Is it because of Kasumi?"
"Hmm... No."
"Oh? So It's not because of her? Then what about O'Tae?"
"Not her too."
"Eh? Really?"
"You can guess all you want, but the only reason I want to help is because I want to... I mean, isn't it normal for people to help each other?"
Saaya looked at me with a surprised expression and then nodded. "You're right. Sorry about that."
"No problem."
Another silence stretched between us, and I began to feel a bit awkward.
how could I break this silence? Ah, I had an idea!
"Yamabuki-san, I know this might be a bit strange to ask, given common sense, but... do you work for Yamabuki Bakery?"
"Hmm? Of course, it's our family's bakery."
"I see... So, it's quite obvious, then."
"Well, yeah," she chuckled. "It's in the name, after all."
Once again, silence hung in the air as we continued our stroll along the beach.
Crap... I'm such an idiot!!
In that sunlit moment on the beach, a small cry reached our ears, and we turned our attention to a little girl, tears streaming down her face as she clutched an ice cream cone.
"Yamabuki-san," I called, drawing Saaya's focus towards the distressed child. She promptly knelt beside the girl, her voice laced with concern.
"Why are you crying? Did you hurt yourself?"
"M-MAMA!" the little girl sobbed in response.
Saaya's gentle reassurance followed, "Oh... I-I see you got separated from your mama, huh..."
As Saaya comforted the child, I joined them, crouching down to her eye level. In a soft, reassuring tone, I asked, "Say... What's your name? My name is Nakasone Kyo."
Ui, still sniffling, managed to reply, "U-Ui..."
"Ui-chan, huh... That's a pretty name," I said, my hand gently patting her head. "Don't worry... We'll help you find your mama."
"R-Really?" Ui looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with hope.
"Right? Yamabuki-onee-chan?" I glanced at Saaya, flashing a warm smile.
Saaya's cheeks tinged with surprise as I affectionately used that name. She nodded in agreement and whispered to me, "You're surprisingly good with children, huh..."
I replied in a hushed tone, "I guess I am."
Ui, curious about our secret conversation, inquired, "Onee-chan, Onii-chan... What are you whispering?"
Swiftly, I turned my attention back to her, responding with a grin, "We're talking about what is the best flavor to buy at that ice cream stand over there." Then, a playful idea struck me. "Oh! I know Ui-chan. Do you mind recommending the best flavor of ice cream?"
Ui's eyes brightened as she considered the question, "H-Hmm... Chocolate and Strawberry!"
"Really? Well then, I and Yamabuki-Onee-chan will go buy some. Do you want to come with us?"
"Yeah!"
"Great! Let's go!"
Ui's radiant smile matched the sunny day as I held her small hand, and Saaya followed, watching us with a gentle flush on her face.
"Onee-chan... huh... It's kinda embarrassing," she murmured as she joined our merry little procession to the ice cream stand.
As we approached the ice cream stand with Ui in tow, the friendly vendor greeted us.
"Hello there! What can I get for you folks?"
I looked down at Ui and asked, "Ui-chan, what flavor do you recommend again?"
Umm... Chocolate and Strawberry!"
"Great choice! I'll have the same," I said, placing an order for the ice cream.
Saaya ordered the same flavors as well, and soon we each had a double-scoop cone in hand. Ui's eyes sparkled with delight as she received her ice cream.
"Yay!~ Another! Thank you, Onii-chan! Thank you, Onee-chan!"
You're welcome, Ui-chan," I said with a smile, ruffling her hair gently.
We made our way back to where we had found Ui, hoping her mother would return soon.
As we walked, Ui happily enjoyed her ice cream, her tears from earlier replaced by a wide grin. Saaya and I exchanged glances and smiles.
Revised version:
Just then, a woman with a worried expression approached us, calling out, "Ui?"
"Mama!!" Ui rushed to her mother, and they embraced tightly.
"Ui! I'm sorry...!"
"I-It's okay, Mama! Onee-chan and Onii-chan were looking after me!"
She then looked at both Saaya and me, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, both of you."
"No worries!" Saaya crouched down, her smile warm. "You did great, Ui-chan!"
"Yeah! Thank you, Onee-chan!"
"Hehe, just promise not to get lost again, alright?"
"I won't!"
"Good girl!"
With that, Ui and her mother waved goodbye, leaving us with a heartwarming feeling.
I glanced at Saaya, who appeared somewhat subdued.
"So, you like kids?" I inquired.
"I do... It kind of reminds me of my little brother and little sister."
"Oh? You have siblings, huh..."
"Yeah."
I flashed a friendly smile and turned toward the beach house. "Let's get going now, O-n-e-e-chan~" I teased, grinning.
"What? Seriously?" Saaya blushed slightly.
I chuckled. "What's wrong? I thought it would make you happy."
"Well, why did you have to say it like that!?"
And so, our playful banter continued as we strolled back to the beach house, the easy camaraderie between us making the day even more enjoyable.
"Welcome back, you two!" Kasumi greeted us cheerfully.
"Hey, Nakasone-san, did you have fun with Saaya?" Tae asked.
"We did, right, Onee-chan?" I playfully nudged Saaya.
"Wait... Onee-chan?" Arisa asked with a confused expression.