We got off the train at the station closest to the ocean.
As we watched other passengers file out the doors, Sousuke said, “Kinda crazy to think all these people are going to the beach, huh?” and I agreed.
As it happened, this was the same station Kaoru and I had gotten off at when we went to the beach together several weeks ago. But we’d arrived at night, and there had hardly been any people around. Today, it was still early, and the station was bustling. It felt like a completely different place.
As we made our way down the platform stairs and walked through the gate, my earlier nervousness began to creep back.
Sousuke scanned our surroundings and made a sound of recognition. I followed his gaze and found Ai and Kaoru standing next to a pillar.
“You’re already here! That was fast!” Sousuke waved and ran toward them. I was feeling a bit too self-conscious to run, so I just walked behind him.
Ai waved back energetically, then turned to me and smiled, waving again. I returned the gesture, then looked over at Kaoru, who abruptly turned away.
“We were so excited we showed up early!” Ai said with her usual bright smile. “I thought I was way ahead of schedule, but Kaoru got here even earlier than— Mmph!”
“I-I just caught an earlier train and made good time, that’s all,” Kaoru explained, her hand over Ai’s mouth.
I didn’t think she needed to explain herself, but Kaoru had on a nasty scowl, so it probably mattered to her… Ai continued to struggle against Kaoru’s hand, saying, “Mmph! Mmph!” Kaoru glared at her for a few seconds and then let her go.
“Looks like Odajima’s ready to party!” Sousuke said, and Kaoru glared at him. I pretended not to notice and looked away.
Despite my best efforts, Ai’s outfit caught my attention. She was dressed in a lightweight, white knee-length dress with a round neckline that exposed her collarbone. On her feet, she wore white sandals, and a large straw hat adorned her head. She held the hat down with her left hand to keep it from blowing away in the sea breeze as the hem of her dress fluttered softly in the wind.
I thought she looked adorable.
“Mizuno, that dress looks really good on you!” said Sousuke, making my heart jump in my chest.
“Really? Thanks! The weather’s so nice I thought white would be perfect.” She smiled happily and twirled around while Sousuke cheered and clapped.
His natural ability to compliment others was one of his charms. There was no way I could ever be like him. I felt a mixture of envy and frustration as I clapped weakly, attempting to join in.
“But Kaoru is in all black!” Smiling, Ai hopped over to stand behind Kaoru and playfully peeked over her shoulder. “Isn’t that funny? It’s like we planned it or something!”
After Ai made a fuss behind her, Kaoru mumbled something like, “It’s not anything special,” and crossed her right arm in front of herself to hide her body. Not that she was really covering anything.
Kaoru was wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and capris with a white and dark gray plaid pattern. The pattern was so fine that the pants almost looked black from afar. Black-heeled sandals completed the outfit. She looked sleek and sophisticated, and somehow taller.