The day had already begun.
Sunlight slipped through the window curtains, greeting my face that was still reluctant to get up from bed. I yawned wide, forcing myself to stand and walk to the bathroom.
"So sleepy today," I mumbled while looking at the mirror.
I washed my face, then prepared a simple breakfast—toast and a glass of warm milk. As usual, the morning atmosphere at home felt quiet, but I was already used to it.
After saying goodbye to my mother's photo, I stepped outside toward school. The air was still fresh, birds chirped along the way, and the sun began to rise high.
When I arrived in class, I immediately saw Takahiro already sitting neatly at his desk.
He looked serious, staring at his notebook, occasionally writing something with a focused expression.
"Morning, Takahiro," I greeted while putting down my bag.
"Morning too, Takamine. Eh, you look really sleepy today," he said teasingly with a small smile.
I just sighed a little. "Eh yeah, weird, you're studying this early. Is there a test or something?"
"Ah, this is just for preparation for tomorrow's test," he answered casually.
"Hmm, tomorrow huh… Wait. Tomorrow!?" I exclaimed in surprise.
He turned with an amused expression. "Yeah, why are you so shocked?"
I looked at him with a panicked face. "Because I… forgot to study."
Takahiro chuckled softly. "I see. In that case, how about we study together later? Maybe in the library?"
I smiled in relief. "Sure, you can help me understand the hard parts too."
"Alright, Miss Forgetful," he teased again while holding back laughter.
I glared at him annoyed, but ended up laughing too.
Moments like this… somehow always made an ordinary morning feel a little warmer.
---
That afternoon, after studying together in the library, Takahiro closed his book and leaned back on his chair.
"Eh, Takamine, next week after the exam it's summer vacation," he suddenly said.
I turned to him. "Yeah, why?"
"How about we go to the beach? A little refreshing after the test."
I was a bit surprised. "The beach? Are you sure? That's kind of far, you know."
"Sure. I need some fresh air, and I'm sure you do too," he said with a smile.
I thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. The beach, huh. But you're buying the ice cream."
Takahiro laughed. "Deal."
---
The Next Day — Exam Day
The test papers were handed out.
The classroom suddenly turned silent, only the sound of pencils dancing on paper filled the air.
I stared at the sheet and took a deep breath.
"Come on, Rena… you studied last night."
Sometimes I glanced toward Takahiro. He looked focused, his expression calm as always.
That calmness of his somehow made me feel a bit calmer too.
Two hours later, the bell signaling the end of the test rang.
I leaned back in my chair, sighing in relief.
"How was it, Takamine?" Takahiro asked as he stood up from his seat.
"Not bad. I'm not sure the score will be great, but… I didn't give up."
He smiled proudly. "Now that's the Takamine I know."
---
A Week Later — Summer Vacation
The exams were over.
School was off for a week, and the weather was very bright.
That morning, I received a message from Takahiro:
> "Come on, let's go today. The beach looks really bright."
I smiled reading his message, then quickly got ready.
---
At the Beach
The blue sky stretched wide, waves chased each other along the sand.
The sea breeze blew through my hair as I stood near the water, enjoying the calming sound of the waves.
"It feels so peaceful here…" I said softly.
Takahiro, standing beside me, also looked out at the sea.
"Yeah. A place like this… makes you forget everything for a while."
I glanced at him. The afternoon sunlight reflected in his light brown eyes—warm, yet distant.
"Takahiro," I called. "You seem strange today."
He smiled faintly. "No, not really. Just… happy to be here."
I stayed quiet, watching the sea with him.
The sound of seagulls echoed above us, and time seemed to stop.
---
We sat on the sand, enjoying ice cream that had started to melt.
"I'm glad you invited me here," I said softly. "I needed this. After all the exams and stress."
"If you're happy, then I'm happy too," he replied shortly.
But his tone… there was a quiet calmness that felt a little strange.
I looked at him again, and this time he looked back at me.
"Takamine," he said quietly. "If someday you come to this beach alone… will you still remember today?"
That question made my chest tighten for some reason.
"Of course. Today… is a special day," I answered.
Takahiro smiled softly, looking at the horizon.
"In that case, I'm at ease."
---
The sky began to turn orange. The waves shimmered in gold, and the evening breeze carried a soothing salty scent.
I looked at Takahiro, and for a moment… I felt like time would stop here, with him.
But behind that calmness, there was something I didn't know.
A faint feeling—as if he was hiding something that would change everything.
- To Be Continued