Back at the mansion of Sakura, where the sun was setting, casting a warm, orange glow over the luxurious estate of Himura family. The centerpiece of this grandeur was a large and opulent swimming pool, shimmering like a jewel in the summer. Around the pool, Reina and her friends were lounging on comfortable sunbeds, the sound of their soft talks blending with the soft ripple of the water.
Reina, a vision of both beauty and strength, reclined on a plush chaise lounge. Her short, blonde hair, cut in a stylish features. She wore a black bikini that highlighted her toned and muscled physique, a testament to her dedication at the gym. Despite her tomboyish look, her beauty was undeniable, a captivating mix of grace and power.
Her friends, three girls and two boys, after meeting with Sakura Himura ealier, were happy and relaxed.
"Damn, it's been a while since we all hung out like this." Yumi said, one of Reina's friends, as she dipped her toes into the cool water.
"You all always forgetting that we still are friends since high school." She added, reminiscing their memories in high school.
"Yeah, we should do this more often." Hiro agreed, one the boys, as he floated on a inflatable raft with a sunglasses shielding his eyes from the sun.
"So, One-chan? How's everything going with you, girl?" Sora asked Reina, one of the girls.
"You've been pretty busy lately, huh? I assume it because of Ray?" She added.
Reina smiled at her, a soft yet enigmatic smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Oh, you know, the usual. Workouts, my family, chores, my Okasan businesses, and other....things." Reina answered truthfully.
"Other things, huh?" Kaito teased, the second boy, as he swam to the edge of the pool.
"Sounds mysterious, ain't it?" He teased again.
The group chuckled, but Hiro's attention was elsewhere. His eyes were fixed on Reina, tracing the contours of her toned arms and legs, admiring the way her muscles flexed subtly as she moved. He was deeply in love with her, a fact he kept hidden from everyone, especially Reina, since their high school days. He admired her strength, cool, laid-back, friendly, and warm personality, her determination, and the effortlessly beauty she carried with her tomboyish charm.
Hiro, tall and lean with a quiet demeanor, had always been the introverted one in their group. His dark hair fell over his forehead, partially covering his intention, thoughtful eyes. While his friends often saw him as the calm, steady, quiet presence among them, they had no idea of the turmoil that lay beneath his composed exterior.
Hiro's feelings for Reina had grown over the years, evolving from a simple crush into something far more profound and complex.
He remembered the first time he had realized his feelings for her. It was during a particularly grueling workout session at the gym. Reina had pushed herself to the limit, her face set in determined expression that both intimidated and fascinated him.
She was unlike anyone he has ever met, strong, disciplined, resilient, and unwavering in her pursuits. Watching her had ignited something within him, a desire not only to be with her but to protect her, to be the she should rely on.
As the group continued their light-headed conversation, Hiro couldn't help but steal glances at Reina. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, admiration, longing, and a bittersweet acceptance of his situation. He knew that Reina's heart already belonged to someone else.
The conversation around them continued, but Hiro's mind was lost in thoughts of Reina. He wondered if she noticed the way he looked at her, if she felt the same spark he did. But for now, he was content to simply be near her, savoring every moment in her presence.
Meanwhile, Reina's mind was also elsewhere. The conversation around her faded into the background as she reached for her phone, a device encased in custom-made cover. She unlocked it with a passcode and navigated to her photo gallery. There, among countless pictures, was the one that had captured her heart.
It was a candid shot of Ray, taken during their gym date earling in the morning. In the photo, Ray was mid-punch, his muscles taut and focused, sweat glistening on his skin.
Reina had taken the picture hurriedly, but it was perfect. It captured his intensity, his strength, and the very essence of what drew her to him.