The salty breeze from the beach mingled with the chatter of the crowd, but Sonoko's voice cut through it all, tinged with exasperation. "I stayed in that rundown inn on purpose, you know—to make those guys feel comfortable approaching me!"
Her face twisted into a wry grimace as she recalled the inn's peeling wallpaper and creaky floors.
Tsuneo let out a long breath, his mind reeling from Sonoko's bizarre strategy. Truly… something else, he thought, half-impressed, half-bewildered.
Conan's expression mirrored Tsuneo's almost perfectly, their faces a synchronized blend of awe and disbelief. Whatever others might think, the two of them were staring at Sonoko like she was some kind of mythical creature.
Then, Sonoko's bravado faltered, her shoulders slumping. A shadow of disappointment crossed her face. "But honestly, I didn't expect that on the way here, at the fireworks festival yesterday, and now at this beach…" She thrust both hands out, pointing accusingly at Ran and Tsuneo. "It's always you two getting hit on!"
Tsuneo glanced at Conan, raising an eyebrow. "She's okay, right?"
Why was he being dragged into this?
"Probably…" Conan muttered, shaking his oversized head.
Sonoko, ignored by every guy who only had eyes for Ran, decided it was time for a little "revenge." Her eyes gleamed mischievously. "I'm gonna show that photo I secretly took last night—you in your underwear—to Kudo!"
Conan's face froze. Thanks a lot, Sonoko.
Tsuneo, meanwhile, figured a certain someone had probably seen enough already to stay unfazed.
"Sonoko, if you dare do that, I'll never forgive you!" Ran's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her voice a mix of panic and embarrassment.
Sonoko burst into laughter, waving a hand dismissively. "Relax, I'm kidding! I didn't take any photos."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Conan's face, gone as quickly as it came.
"You wanted to see it, didn't you?" Tsuneo whispered, smirking.
"What are you talking about?!" Conan grabbed a slice of watermelon and shoved it into Tsuneo's mouth, glancing nervously at the two girls chatting nearby. Keep your mouth shut, or you'll get me killed!
"Hey, ladies," a voice interrupted. A tall guy in an orange shirt, decent-looking enough, sauntered over to Sonoko and Ran. "You free right now? How about lunch? My treat."
Tsuneo's lips curled into an amused smirk.
"Sure, I'm in!" Sonoko chirped, agreeing without a second thought. But then she turned to Ran, her expression souring. "Let me guess, you're here for her, right?"
No way he came over to hit on Tsuneo… right? Sonoko shot him a strange, fleeting glance.
"Forget it, just take her," Sonoko sighed, pushing Ran forward. She planted her hands on her hips. "But don't get any funny ideas—she's already spoken for."
The guy, Masahiko Dowake, stepped closer to Sonoko, his expression earnest. "Actually, the one I really want to invite… is you."
Conan's jaw dropped, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the guy. No way. There's no way someone's actually into Sonoko. There's gotta be something fishy here.
Conan's mind raced, halfway through a mental storm of suspicion, before he tilted his head and let out a dry chuckle. Why am I even worrying about her?
Tsuneo, on the other hand, could sort of understand Conan's skepticism. Sonoko had countless good qualities, sure, but her flaws were hard to miss. Maybe because she'd never been in a real relationship, some of her gestures and expressions could come off like she was possessed by some lovesick middle-aged uncle. As a friend, her bold, carefree nature was endearing—even charming. But to a random guy? Who knows what they'd think.
"Let's go!" Masahiko said, moving to put an arm around Sonoko's slightly flushed shoulders.
"Hold it!" Tsuneo stood up, stepping beside Sonoko and ruffling her short hair. "If you're taking my little sister out to eat, you're not leaving me behind, are you?"
"Huh?" Sonoko blinked at Tsuneo, confused. Is he testing this guy for me?
"Y-Yeah, of course…" Masahiko managed a strained smile, nodding as he led the group to a small beachside diner.
"So, Mr. Dowake, you're a student at Mihua University?" Sonoko smiled at the polite, refined-looking guy across the table.
Conan glanced at Tsuneo, who was sipping juice with a faint, amused smile. Why are we stuck here playing wingman instead of swimming?
"By the way, Mr. Dowake, what brought you to this beach?" Sonoko asked, leaning forward with curiosity, her hands propped on the table.
Masahiko lit a cigarette and began his story. "I got dumped by my girlfriend—brutally. So I decided to travel, clear my head. While I was moping by the sea, I saw… an angel." He grinned, pointing at Sonoko. "And if my gut's right, you're the goddess who's gonna save me."
Sonoko's hands flew to her cheeks, which were now burning. "M-Me? I can't possibly live up to that!"
Tsuneo's eyes drifted to another young man approaching—a tanned guy with glasses, holding a mug of draft beer. Is it just me, or is there a whiff of jealousy in the air?
Bam!
A short-haired waiter slammed the mug onto the table. He glanced at Tsuneo, who was sitting with the kid, then spoke to Masahiko with a flat, icy tone. "Here's your beer. And, sir, try not to get cigarette ash on the floor. It's a pain to clean."
Tsuneo smirked at the bewildered Masahiko, adding fuel to the fire. "If I were you, I'd flip the table and deck him! What kinda attitude is that?"
Go on, flip it. I'll be out the door before you blink.
Masahiko's fist clenched, his face twitching as he wrestled with his temper.
"It's fine, really!" Sonoko shot Tsuneo a look, unsure what he was playing at. Another test for this guy? But fighting? That was too much! What if they both got hurt? Would she have to nurse Masahiko in the hospital?
"Doesn't that waiter look kinda familiar?" Ran mused, frowning as she tried to place him.
Tsuneo chuckled, rubbing his left arm absently. Oh, I've seen that guy before, alright.
(Chapter End)
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