It was a warm, lazy afternoon when Kazuki's phone suddenly rang. Seeing Shizuka's name flash on the screen, he picked up immediately.
"Hey, Shizuka!" he greeted, a smile spreading across his face.
"Hi, Kazuki!" Shizuka's cheerful voice chimed through the phone, excitement bubbling beneath her usual calm tone. "Guess what! I just got permission from my mom for us to go to our family's private beach this weekend!"
Kazuki's eyes widened in surprise. He knew Shizuka's family was wealthy, but the idea of having an entire beach to themselves was beyond anything he'd imagined. "A private beach…? That sounds amazing!"
"It's not that big or anything," she said modestly, though Kazuki could sense the thrill in her voice. "But it's secluded, and we'll have it all to ourselves. I thought it would be a perfect way to cool off from this summer heat."
"That sounds awesome, Shizuka. Just the two of us on a private beach…" he trailed off, already imagining the waves crashing, the sound of seagulls, and the refreshing breeze. A peaceful getaway with Shizuka sounded like a dream come true.
"Oh, about that!" Shizuka added quickly, almost as if she'd forgotten something important. "I also want you to invite Aoi along. I think it'll be fun to have her join us, and besides, she and I can keep each other company if you decide to go for a swim."
Kazuki chuckled, knowing that Aoi would be absolutely thrilled at the idea. "Aoi's going to flip when she hears this."
Shizuka's laughter echoed over the phone, her lightheartedness contagious. "That's the plan! The more, the merrier, right?"
He nodded even though she couldn't see him. "Yeah, she'll be super excited. And thanks for inviting her—it'll mean a lot to her."
There was a brief pause on the line before Shizuka spoke again, this time in a more playful tone. "Oh, and Kazuki… I'm going to need to go shopping tomorrow for a few things."
Kazuki raised an eyebrow, wondering where this was going. "Shopping?"
"Mhm," she confirmed. "For a swimsuit… a bikini, actually." Her voice dropped to a whisper, as though she was sharing a mischievous secret.
Kazuki's face instantly went red at the mention of a bikini. The image of Shizuka in a swimsuit flooded his mind, leaving him momentarily speechless. "A b-bikini…?"
She giggled at his reaction, clearly amused. "Yep! And since I need an honest opinion, I'd like you to come along and help me pick one out."
Kazuki stammered, trying to find the right words. "S-sure, I can… uh… I mean, I'll try to be helpful."
"Good," she replied, the playful edge returning to her voice. "And I think Aoi should come along too. It can be a fun day out with the three of us!"
Kazuki tried to keep his composure, though the thought of being with Shizuka as she tried on bikinis was enough to make his mind spin. "Alright. I'll tell Aoi, and we'll meet you tomorrow."
"Perfect! It's a date!" Shizuka said with a laugh, before ending the call with a cheerful, "See you tomorrow, Kazuki!"
As he set his phone down, Kazuki took a deep breath, trying to collect himself. He could hardly believe what he'd just agreed to. Shopping for a bikini with Shizuka was sure to be a unique—and potentially embarrassing—experience.
With a smile, he made his way to Aoi's room to tell her the news. He knocked on her door, and she called out, "Come in!"
Kazuki stepped inside, and Aoi looked up from her desk, where she'd been working on some notes. "What's up, Onii-chan?"
Kazuki grinned, excitement twinkling in his eyes. "Guess what, Aoi? We've been invited to go to Shizuka's family's private beach this weekend!"
Aoi's eyes widened, and her face lit up with pure excitement. "A private beach?! Are you serious?!"
Kazuki laughed, nodding. "Yep, she just called and invited both of us. She thought it would be fun if we all went together to beat the summer heat."
Aoi practically jumped up from her chair, her hands clasped in front of her in excitement. "That sounds amazing! I've never been to a private beach before! It'll be like our own little summer getaway!"
"And there's more," Kazuki continued, trying to keep his tone casual. "Shizuka also invited us to go shopping with her tomorrow… she wants to buy a swimsuit."
Aoi's eyes sparkled mischievously, picking up on his slightly flustered expression. "Oh, I see. You're going to help her pick out a bikini, aren't you?" she teased, nudging him with her elbow.
Kazuki's face flushed. "It's not like that! She just wants a friend's opinion, that's all."
Aoi giggled, clearly enjoying the moment. "Right, right. Don't worry, Onii-chan. I'll be there to make sure you don't faint from embarrassment."
Kazuki groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Thanks, Aoi. I'm glad you'll be there to keep me in check."
The two shared a laugh, and Aoi's eyes gleamed with excitement as she added, "I can't wait to see what kind of bikini Shizuka picks! I bet it'll be super cute."
Kazuki tried to imagine it, but quickly pushed the thought away, feeling his cheeks heat up again. "Let's just… focus on having fun tomorrow."
Aoi beamed. "Don't worry, Onii-chan! Tomorrow's going to be awesome, and this beach trip is going to be the best summer memory ever!"
Kazuki smiled, relieved to see Aoi so happy. Spending time together as a trio was sure to bring its share of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments. And with summer just beginning, he could already tell it was going to be a season filled with excitement, relaxation, and memories they'd cherish forever.