The final day of their beach getaway dawned bright and clear, the waves lapping gently at the shore as Kazuki, Shizuka, and Aoi made their way down to the water for one last day of fun. They'd been talking about how to make the most of their last few hours here, determined to soak up every bit of relaxation and joy before returning to their usual routines.
Shizuka led the way, her playful energy infectious as she pulled Kazuki and Aoi along, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Alright, last day means we have to make it unforgettable!" she declared, looking back at them with excitement.
Kazuki chuckled, watching the excitement in her eyes. "You know, I think you're more excited about this trip than anyone else."
Aoi rolled her eyes, nudging Kazuki playfully. "Onii-chan, she's just making sure we have a good time," she teased. "Besides, she knows you'd rather be relaxing."
Kazuki smirked. "I think we all know Shizuka's the one who's kept us moving this whole trip," he said, glancing at Shizuka, who gave him a playful glare in return.
They spent the morning diving into the waves, racing each other along the beach, and building what Aoi deemed "the world's biggest sandcastle." By midday, they were sprawled out on their beach towels, sun-drenched and breathless from laughter.
As they lay there in the warm sand, Kazuki glanced over at Shizuka. He'd been thinking about it for a while now, and with the relaxed atmosphere and a hint of goodbye in the air, it felt like the perfect time.
"Hey, Shizuka," he said, leaning up on one elbow to look at her. "Since we're heading back soon… how about going to a movie together sometime? Just the two of us?"
Shizuka looked at him, a surprised smile spreading across her face. "Are you… asking me on a date, Kazuki?" she teased, though her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Kazuki's face warmed as he glanced away, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, yeah," he replied, trying to act casual. "I thought it could be nice to spend some time together… without our little shadow here."
He nodded in Aoi's direction, who was too busy digging her feet into the sand to notice. But Shizuka's smile grew, and she gently nudged him, a glint of happiness in her eyes.
"I'd love that," she said softly. "But you know, Aoi's going to get suspicious if you're suddenly gone for a whole day."
"We'll just tell her it's something boring, like homework," Kazuki replied with a mischievous grin. "Trust me, she won't argue if she thinks it involves school."
Shizuka laughed, her laughter echoing over the waves. "Alright, then. It's a date."
They shared a smile, a secret moment just for them, before Aoi caught on and crawled over, clearly ready to interrupt whatever mysterious conversation they'd been having.
"What are you two whispering about?" Aoi demanded, looking back and forth between them.
Kazuki and Shizuka exchanged glances, and Shizuka shrugged, looking at Aoi with an innocent smile. "Oh, just talking about how we're going to miss this beach. Right, Kazuki?"
Kazuki nodded, ruffling Aoi's hair. "Yup. But we've still got the rest of the day to make it count, don't we?"
Aoi brightened, satisfied with that answer, and launched into a list of last activities she wanted to do before they left. She made Kazuki promise to try surfing (even though he knew he'd probably wipe out), insisted on a final game of beach volleyball, and convinced Shizuka to join her in collecting seashells along the shore.
Kazuki found himself watching Shizuka and Aoi as they combed through the sand, feeling a strange mix of emotions. He loved spending time with both of them, sharing these simple moments of laughter and closeness. But as much as he enjoyed Aoi's energy and endless enthusiasm, he couldn't help but look forward to his time alone with Shizuka.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the three of them gathered for one last walk along the beach. Shizuka and Aoi walked ahead, chatting and laughing as the waves lapped at their feet, while Kazuki trailed just behind, watching them with a smile.
"Hey, Kazuki!" Shizuka called, looking back at him with a teasing grin. "Come on, don't fall behind! It's our last day here, remember?"
Kazuki shook his head, catching up with them as they made their way along the shore. For a moment, they all fell quiet, the sound of the waves and the soft crunch of sand underfoot filling the silence.
Finally, Shizuka spoke, her voice soft. "I'm really glad we did this," she said, looking at Kazuki with a small smile. "It's been… perfect."
Kazuki nodded, feeling the warmth of her words. "Yeah," he agreed. "Me too."
Aoi sighed dramatically, looking between them. "You two are acting weird again," she teased, sticking out her tongue. "But I guess I'm glad I came too."
They all laughed, and as the last rays of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, they turned back toward the cabin, leaving behind a trail of footprints in the sand. Kazuki felt a deep sense of contentment—a quiet, lasting happiness that stayed with him as they packed up, said their goodbyes to the beach, and prepared to return to the world waiting for them.
---
As they left, Kazuki couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. Their private beach days were over, but soon he'd have the chance to make new memories with Shizuka—just the two of them. The idea of a movie date felt like the start of something even more exciting, and he couldn't wait to see where it would lead.